Wow. You guys must have thought that I had abandoned this story.

Let me apologise, things were rough this semester along with social problems. With all that going on I lost the passion to write, and also where to take the story after the last chapter. Now that the semester is over, and I'm feeling like writing again here is a chapter I think you guys will find interesting.

One thing with this chapter I do hope that it is not confusing, to be completely honest I didn't know where the story was heading and how it would all work out, but if it is confusing, just voice your confusion in the reviews, and if everyone has the same concerns then I will explain in the next author rant in the next chapter. Separate concerns would be Pm.

Since I have been gone so long, I want to wish a Late Happy Easter (those who celebrate), Happy Mother's day, hope everyone had an enjoyable spring break or Easter break depending where you are. Hope those who had exams that everything went well, and those who had prom had a lovely time. Those graduating congrats

P.s. Those who have read my bio, I think I have expressed my dislike for Kikyo, so with that I shall issue a warning.

Warning: Discretion of Kikyo's character :)

She take my money when I'm in need
Yeah she's a trifling friend indeed
Oh she's a gold digger way over town
That digs on me

Kanye West ft Jamie Foxx - Gold Digger

Chapter 26: Secrets Uncovered

The weather was a mixture of grey and gusty currents, blowing through the city's territory. The mid morning's pale greyness was an eerie but a calming sway along the towering steel structured skyscrapers and hovering clouds dampened their cloaks along the high land window panels. It was an unusually quiet and eerily tamed in the Taisho's realm. Things were a bit chill at the work place, not as stressful on the employees as it normally was.

Employees were calm and cool, whilst maintaining proper professionalism as they would. Deadlines were steadily being met with the occasional slip up here and there but nothing out of pocket.

This was the environment Sesshomaru expected…despite the added attention received because of the media.

Yes, he had received word that a certain dark-haired miko had assaulted a reporter after being harassed for information concerning their relationship. He could not say that he was surprised about the media wanting answers about the nature of his and Kagome's connection nor was he sorry for the reporter who received the onset of Kagome's wrath. Whoever they were deserved that and more. They were fortunate it was Kagome's anger and not his.

Alas, it was not only Kagome being pestered by those vermin. No, Sesshomaru had his fair share of paparazzi, possibly double the attention. For two whole days his phone was ringing non-stop asking questions if he really enjoyed being with a ningen onna, especially a miko, to that of a full youkai. They also inquired about how the relationship affected his work environment, concerns about it damaging possible deals or mergers with other companies, why he would pick a commoner like Kagome over others etc.

Throughout his entire life, Sesshomaru had dealt with the same tiring scenarios and had learned to handle such situations with care without so much as batting an eye. The temptation to reassure the community that he was still a strong leader was never an issue on his part because the people knew that he never mixed his personal life with his work etiquettes. He knew all this attention would soon die down.

However, this morning was not one of his in control mornings. There was a moment when Sesshomaru lost his uncaring demeanour. Earlier this morning, during his small walk from the front door to his car with a sleepy Rin tucked in his neck, outside the door near the coverage of several scrubs Sesshomaru bypassed, there were 14 camera crewmembers, waiting for him to appear to bombard him. Rin quickly woke up stunned and terrified from the sudden appearance of strangers, whimpering helplessly into her father's chest. Flashing cameras, loud bombing voices, large round lens being shoved in her face were becoming too much of a fearful trauma and before Sesshomaru knew it the tears - the first in a very, very long time were coming forth like a waterfall.

It took everything in Sesshomaru's control not to unleash his beast on these pests. Rin was quietly distressed and regardless of how much she stayed quiet, Sesshomaru still was able to both smell and hear her distress. She was scared and her ningen fingers were strangling the life out of his shirt as she buried her face as far as she could away from the annoying clicks and shouts.

To avoid any psychological damage, Sesshomaru had tucked Rin inside his long sleeved trench coat and growled over the crowd to vacate his premises before they found themselves both homeless and jobless.

The lawn was cleared in less than 2 minutes, however the damage was already done, and Rin had not stopped shaking. When Sesshomaru arrived to work, his pup refused to leave his presence. This left Sesshomaru with the only option of allowing Rin to spend the day with him.

No one was allowed to enter his office unless it was of absolute importance in order to keep his pup's anxiety to a minimum. The idea was working out well, though during the first dew hours that they had been there, the black haired toddler had a few demands of her father that the day-care tutors would usually handle.

Such as her waddling over to Sesshomaru's desk and with her a little ningen strength, tugged herself up until she was seated in Sesshomaru's lap and staring at the computer screen. It was an annoying interruption but Sesshomaru allowed the interruption to proceed, while he typed and looked over the company's networking files. A little sooner than expected Rin grew bored with that and crawled down, waddling back to her corner to play with the toys littered around. Later, she came back to her father and patted his knee, and then she pointed to her tummy to indicate she was hungry.

That results in Sesshomaru carrying the child out with him for a lunch break to find something edible within the safety of his building, in case those vermin were brave enough to hound him again. The short trip downstairs to the cafeteria had been an interesting venture. Employees were staring from all around at Sesshomaru's stoic expression and Rin's wide-eyed at every little thing. A to-go meal was ordered ahead of time for a small order of fish sticks, French fries, apple slices, and a box of apple juice; Sesshomaru were not in any need of nourishment, however a cup of green tea was ordered.

The meal was graciously taken upstairs for them by a no name employee - a secret admirer of Sesshomaru - until they reached the top floor and Sesshomaru took over. When he got back to his office, he first fixed Rin's meal, placing a napkin under her chin and seated the pup on the office leather sofa, next to him.

Rin happily munched on her fish sticks, even offering a half-eaten piece to her father. "Mmm." Sesshomaru blinked, a soft expression took over Sesshomaru's face as he took the stubby fingers and nimble on them and the fish stick, ringing cushioning giggles from the little girl. This soon became a little game where Sesshomaru was able to get his daughter to eat most of her lunch by pretending to eat it and then offering it to Rin to finish off.

This is where they were, taking their time eating their meals when the desk phone range and Sango's voice pierced the silent family bonding.

'Sesshomaru-sama, you have a call on line 1.' Her voice came through the speaker with a tone Sesshomaru deciphered as weary concern.

Wiping the corner of his lips with a napkin, Sesshomaru stood, bending down to kiss his daughter's cheek and made his way to the desk. "Who is it?" His deep voice casually demanded.

Sango's hesitation to reply back had Sesshomaru pressing the button again to jog her out of whatever daze she was in. "Sango."

'S-Sorry sir,' Sango murmured. 'It's Yoshio-sama.'

Sesshomaru frowned. Whatever it was his grandfather wanted would have to wait. "Take a message."

"But sir -"

The words barely her lips before Sesshomaru's office door, jarred softly swaying across the plush carpet and Naraku's head peaked in first before the rest of his body joined in. He didn't once make eye contact or muttered a word as he entered, gliding across the threshold until reaching the unused television tucked away in the corner. Sesshomaru's eyes followed his muted partner, narrowing his gaze in wonder at the unusual behaviour of Naraku.

"You need to see this," Naraku softly ordered, reaching for the remote nestled on top, clicked on the television, waiting patiently for the device to turn on and he switched through the channels until landing on the closest information station.

On the front screen dressed in the uniformed tailored garments fitted for reporters were the two heads of Channel 10, stacking their documents and turning to smile at the screen, prepared for today's newest headline.

"Good Afternoon people of Tokyo," The bald headed reporter with tattoos on his face with stood for Deception. "I'm Renkotsu Kasai, reporting from the station about the latest news taking place as we speak."

The reporter on the right, who could easily be mistaken for a woman, gave a dazzling smile as he introduced himself. "And I'm Jakotsu Jakotsuto reporting alongside my partner Renkotsu, about a rumoured development that is no longer a rumour."

"Right you are Jakotsu," The bald headed man agreed. "As of late there had been suspicious activities going about the city between an unknown woman, and that of our very well-known Lord Sesshomaru Taisho, the next in line for the Western Lord title."

"And also the most eligible bachelor or at least he was." Jakotsu murmured as though he was disappointed at the news himself. "About a few weeks back leaked news of his availability had surfaced from a very reliable source, that Sesshomaru-sama can have whoever he wanted and what he wants is Kagome Higurashi."

"Yes, a rather beautiful girl barely coming into her adulthood is being pursued by our own Lord Sesshomaru. Here we have scenes of the two supposedly having a fun filled outing with children." Several boxed pictures displaying Sesshomaru and Kagome sharing quiet and intimate moments during the firework surprise showed on the screen, pictures Naraku had never seen and other images of the pair some that he had to avert his gaze.

"Do you think this could be a possible fairy tale between these two Renkotsu? Rumours have it that she is a miko as well." Jakutso shrugged as the camera pictures shut off from behind them. "I mean it looks like this could be serious, even though this Kagome looks a lot like her." His face taking on a sneaky look. "I can't help but that since Kagome looks a lot like her, that his could just be another 'Sesshomaru Help Project'?"

"I see what you mean Jakutso," Renkotsu laughed strongly. "She does share a lot of resemblance to her, but I wonder if she feels any type of way since she is engaged to Lord Inuyasha, Lord Sesshomaru's half-brother…?"

"Yes, Kikyo Hidaka," Jakutso giggled. "What a scandal that was. Now she has he claws sunk into Inuyasha."

"Do you remember what happened when they started dating? That stunned the city when we all learned that Kikyo Hidaka was not only a miko let alone a ningen, but also was a struggling college grad looking for work and no one found her up to par."

"But sure enough Sesshomaru-sama saw something. In more ways than one, apparently both in the bedroom and at work." Jakutso flipped through several sheets of paper until finding the information sheet he had been looking for and gestured to the side for the old pictures to be shown. "Here we have pictures of the pair during their 'fling' years back, walking through the parks and sharing loving moments during car rides."

"Yes, they were a fascinating couple, Kikyo herself was rather fascinating," Renkotsu nodded, and then frowned. "She left a bad taste in Sesshomaru's mouth I can assure you. Not only Sesshomaru's but Naraku's."

"Oh yes, Naraku Onigumo, was also trapped in her love spell." Jakutso nodded his head. "Of all the people or youkais I think Naraku would have the most dislike for Kikyo, I would too if the mother of my off-springs walked out just to be with another Taisho."

"Didn't Kikyo have to leave the Western company?" Renkotsu asked.

"Yes she did. Sources stated that tension was running high between Sesshomaru-sama and his partner Naraku. We can also assume that the already tense relationship between Sesshomaru-sama and Inuyasha-chan are beyond repairs right now. Since Inuyasha not only offered her a place as his Conservative Advisor, but also as his girlfriend/fiancée. An offer I feel she did not think twice about. Either way, Sesshomaru and Naraku dropped her like a hot potato.

"What a messed up triangle or should I say square. I wonder if this Kagome who only looks alike, would follow in those steps of Sesshomaru taking care of her then in a way passing her on."

"Who knows Renkotsu, but let's just hope that she can handle the pressure because it's sure to be coming to her doorstep soon."

Jakutso smiled widely at the screen, as did Renkotsu just as the display clicked off, Sesshomaru knew without a doubt something was up when he saw Jakutso winked.

"Kuso," he hissed, slamming his fist down on top of desk, leaving a distinct dent in the mahogany desk and shattering all materials to the floor. "Yoshio," he growled. "I knew he was up to something." His bastard of a grandfather would never rest until Sesshomaru was up to his neck in mental torment. Curse the very air the senile bastard breathed. "This Sesshomaru is sick of him and his twisted games. Why would he stoop so damn low?"

"To test you," Naraku said from his end of the room, having been unusually quiet during the entire news report. "Also to examine Kagome's ability to handle this much pressure." Naraku's ruby eyes connecting to Sesshomaru's amber. "What will happen this time, would you turn Kagome into another Kikyo? Kikyo only became what she is today because of you. Will you bid your time until Kagome is fully compensated and toss her aside as you have done before?"

"Don't turn her out to be a cheap whore Naraku. I do not need to pay her to be by my side. Besides there is no need for you to play the superhero in this relationship Onigumo."

"Then what do you call paying for the twin's school tuition?" Naraku snapped irritated. "Not to mention the increase in pay for a beginning non-specialised employee? Her pay is 5% higher than most specialised employees after their two months probation."

"This Sesshomaru was looking out for her best interest."

"…Just like Kikyo." Naraku whispered the salted admission like the disdained truth this it was.

The pent up anger, slowly dissipated in Sesshomaru's chest as he shook his head. "Do not blame me Naraku; I was not the one that hurt you."

"Don't act naïve now Sesshomaru, that is not a quality suited for you." Placing the remote back on top of the flat screen, Naraku folded his arms, bracing his back against the far wall, in deep thought. "I haven't held a grudge against you since my children's birth. I knew my naivety got me in that situation in the first place. I thought maybe I could change her, but I slowly came to realise that, that was just how Kikyo operated you simply made her realise that. I am grateful for my children just not the situation. My disdain for your half-brother is something entirely different." He closed his eyes as a long-winded sigh passed through his lips. "Kagome no doubt will learn of this soon. You best come up with a plan."

A silver brow lifted over Sesshomaru's left eye. "Why are you helping this Sesshomaru? This Sesshomaru thought you were also interested in Kagome."

"Make no mistake Sesshomaru, I know what I want and I will never deny my love for her." Another loosened breath escaped Naraku's throat. "But as we said before," he lowly murmured. "Kagome knows what she wants. And…it's not me." To hear those words pass through his lips pained Naraku in a way he never imagined. Kagome's effect had ruled over him to the highest degree.

In addition, it was with a heavy heart, he had to learn to love her from a distance or watch Kagome crumble, hurt and bruised from the same ache he was suffering now.

"Interesting…before you would have taken such opportunities," Sesshomaru finally spoke after the stretched silence.

"I have matured from out petty rivalry. Besides I know when you love…you love hard, that is why you close yourself off from others." Naraku opened his eyes, a small glimmer of warmth shone through the ruby stones. "When you open your heart Sesshomaru, you are not the callous daiyoukai. However when you close it you hurt people. I cannot allow the same for Kagome."

"What if Kagome…" The thoughts of rejection plagued Sesshomaru's mind. He would not know how to handle it. It would be too much of a strain to imagine. Kami, he never assumed the miko would mean this much to him, until the thought of losing her and the twins actually settled in.

Never to see that smile, never…never to see those beautiful blue eyes sparkle…or taste her lips again…"Kuso," Sesshomaru whispered, running his hands over the sudden pain between his eyes.

He had it bad.

"I could lose her," was his final worded confession that for some reason made him nervous to thing. "I can't lose her Naraku…she means too much to me." Nevertheless, Sesshomaru never fathomed she could mean this much to him.

"She deserves to know," Sesshomaru head and felt Naraku's voice getting closer until he felt a large hand on his person.

"She might fall for you out of spite…"

Naraku shook his head. "Nit she would never love me as she loves you; I cannot have another artificial romance Sesshomaru. Kikyo did that to me once, I'm not dealing with that again."

'Love?' Sesshomaru pondered weakly. 'Could Kagome love?'

"You'll never know by sitting here, Sesshomaru," Naraku said in a robotic tone, unable or unwilling to voice another encouraging word. He had done his part by coming to help with what he could. This was a battle he had lost, but came to the conclusion had not hurt as much until now. There was this small sense of sacrifice, pegged him sourly but it too would pass. Maybe one day he himself would find a life mate.

However, for now, he could improvise with this possible companionship. If he could not have his chance to love, then at the very least he could help with the togetherness of two people who cared for other more than anyone.

For his friends.

With one more squeeze on a rekindling friendship, Naraku lifted his hand off Sesshomaru's shoulder and proceeded to flick Sesshomaru's elf-like ears, like he use to do when they were mere pups and graced Sesshomaru with the first honest smile he had had in days. He did not wait to see Sesshomaru's reaction.

Naraku's figure grew smaller, and further away until his hand gripped the doorknob and turned it. He paused, then whatever he was about to say, he kept to himself and pulled the door back to step out -

Only just as he was about to step out, he was met face to face with a crown of stern, stoic and frozen glares, all directed toward him and that of Sesshomaru Taisho.

However, the cruellest and coldest glare of them all came from the head of the Taisho clan and also the present Western Lord…

The voice demand of Touga Taisho sent a jolt through the spines of both Naraku and Sesshomaru, as he levelled them both with a stare and the rise of his youkai, was heavy enough to make them lower their eyes out of respect. "Sesshomaru Taisho. Naraku Onigumo. Boardroom. Now."

Baring his teeth, Sesshomaru sat back in his chair and reached up to squeeze the potential headache threatening to swell. With every single board member there, including that of the half-breed and his sire…"Kuso."

Sesshomaru knew this would not vote well for him…

…Or for Kagome Higurashi

XXX

The ginger kit's knee had been steadily recovering but it was at an agonizingly slow pace since his throat was a stubborn of work.

Eating was an extremely difficult and even had gotten to the point when the kit refused to eat out of fear his throat would be harmed as before.

Eventually it had gotten to the point Kagome could not convince the kit to eat at all. The once small nibbles of food became nonexistent and refused, often weakly protested with the turn of Shippo's head or his pitiful whimpering that worked its harsh magic on his mother.

Today was one of those days, Kagome was determined to look past that pleading expression and attempt to get some food down or else what little progress was made, would easily relapse back to where Shippo originally was.

"Please Shippo? For kaa-san? Just a little bit?"

A half-filled spoon of broth, flooded over with bits of tiny noodle stars and pieces of chicken, as light wisps of steam wiggled from the support. Kagome blew over the spoon, ridding it of the high temperature and held it out to Shippo's zipped lips, getting the same results as before. The kit timidly scooted into his pillow, trying to get as far away from the stuff as possible, while weakly shaking his head for added rejection. "No…kaa-san."

Sighing through her nose, Kagome's lips grimly thinned as she retracted the spoon of the coolly denied broth, placing it back into the bowl. "You have to eat, Shippo," She mumbled, using front of her palm to cup over the kit's forehead for the fever that refused to leave. "You are still warm." His forehead, his cheeks and the under curve of his chin were still abnormally warm and the rounded nub of his nose was as red as a cherry.

This would have been so much easier if she had Kagura around to help. With Kagura's gift of convincing and being a natural born authoritarian, she would definitely get Shippo to eat. Unfortunately, Kagura could not get off from work, promising to come by as soon as she could.

That was only a couple days away and knowing Kagura, she was going to be exhausted from working four consecutive late shifts in a row. No, Kagome could not bring herself to ask her friend to come. It would be selfish and too demanding of her time, especially since all she did with helping the Higurashis.

"Mama," A tug on the back of Kagome's blouse drew her attention to the left of her where Kurama had been resting worriedly. "Me wanna play with Ship. He good now?"

Kagome placed the bowl on the middle nightstand, and stood, tucking Shippo in bed and pushing her chair back to pull Kurama into her lap. "No baby, he's not better as yet." She sadly relayed. How she wished she could say he was, just to get the red haired kit's eyes shimmering with mischief as they had before. Even though she was grateful for the mild change in Kurama's wild temperance, it just felt so unnatural to her.

Since Shippo's health depletion, Kurama had not once tried to act out of conduct or drag Kagome off to show her a new adventurous idea, or drawing. Nothing seemed productive enough for the kit to present anymore without his sidekick near to help with the project. His personality reclined within himself, leaving a shy and quiet kit, which refused to leave his shared room in care Shippo suddenly jumped out of bed ready to play.

Kurama's hope for Shippo's welfare was as hopeful as Kagome's. Currently the little kit relaxed his back into Kagome's soft and bountiful chest, he slightly pouted and released a saddened breath through his button lips. "Me want Ship good again."

"I know sweetheart, I know." Kagome rested her chin slightly on top of the wild strands of scarlet hair. "Shippo just needs to rest."

"Then we pway?"

"We'll see." For now, only time would tell when Shippo would gain enough strength to concur his fears and swallow a little bit of food. Kagome had tried all sorts of bribes to get the toddler eating; toys, candy, tricks, promises etc; but nothing gave. Just about anything right now would suffice for Kagome if it meant getting her youngest to stomach something.

"Me miss Shippo happy," pouted a down-casted Kurama.

Kagome compressed her long arms around Kurama's body, pulling him closer to her. "I do too." More than anything, did the eldest Higurashi miss that shy smile and those sparkling emerald eyes glowing whenever her kit saw her coming.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Thank you," Kagome whispered to herself, standing up from her seat and placed Kurama in it. This time could not have gone by any slower and Kagome was nearing the end of her rope. At least with their visitor here Shippo might find the motivation to try a taste of the soup.

Sesshomaru had been coming by whenever he had the chance to check on Shippo's condition, gifting the kit with verbal encouragements and reading stories to ease Shippo to sleep. At times even Kurama could not resist, sitting next to the silver haired daiyoukai to listen to the adventures of the imaginary characters, but he was always quick to run off so as not to seem like he cared what they were reading.

As much as the children anticipated Sesshomaru's visits, Kagome found herself anxious to see her - well her boyfriend too.

Their relationship was still shaky and only starting off but Kagome felt something cozy and mildly fiery in her stomach whenever she thought of Sesshomaru. At times, such as when she was busying herself with chores or cooking dinner, Kagome lost herself in countless daydreams of the handsome CEO. Some were innocent, like the two of them on dates or taking turns helping the children get ready for school.

Then there were those that left her blushing profusely - thankfully away from prying eyes.

Though she had only been with one male sexually, who was just as inexperienced as her, Kagome knew Sesshomaru would not hold back in teaching her the ways to correctly pleasure a youkai more precisely a daiyoukai.

If the way they made out in her bathroom was anything to go by, then the first time they make love it was going to be the hottest thing to ever send her mind ablaze.

Just thinking about what awaited this ideal romance, surged an eager step in Kagome's stride and had her sailing down the hall towards her front door, already preparing to leap into Sesshomaru's arms and kiss him senseless - damning all who saw.

She did not care. Let them see. The closer she got to the door, the more impatient she was to see Sesshomaru. The feeling returning with a vengeance. The fast pace beating of her heart made it felt as though the organ had somehow lodged itself into her throat.

It was love. That is what it had to be. The mere emotion was pounding Kagome's brain like a drum.

Yes, she was in love with Sesshomaru Taisho. Yes she was. There was nothing hiding it or anything to shame the beauty of what it was.

Her lips were licked to moisten any possible dryness and her clothes were straightened just as she arrived at the door. Running spread palms to make sure no hair was out of place from the bun, Kagome cleared her throat, full seductive smile in full gear.

Her hand griped the doorknob and twisted its bronze shine, tugging back to greet the daiyoukai she adored with open arms.

However, it was not Sesshomaru's face she found on the other side of the door.

Far from it.

Sadly,…she found it to be no other than Tsubaki, the reporter, and a slew of flashing camera's blinding her sight.

Kagome admits her love. Sesshomaru accepts his love. Naraku is out of the race. I feel so bad for that.

What is going to happen at the board meeting? Is Kagome going to learn about Sesshomaru's past?

TBC