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((Meeting))

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Curiosity had often been what got her into trouble, Kagome realized as she backed away from the men that were giving harsh and smug smiles. She backed into a wall and pressed herself against it, quietly cursing herself. Hadn't she learned better than to go anywhere alone the day before, when the strange demon man had taken her and Shippo? Apparently not.

"Don't go anywhere without me or your mother," Inuyasha had said warningly when he'd dropped her off. He'd been called on by Fenikkusu to help with a demon, and had only agreed when Kagome had promised to go stay with her family for the time being.

She should have listened to him. Instead, she had gone with Sota, who had told her to stay somewhere before running off. Something about buying something.

"Come on," cooed one of the men surrounding her. Kagome stiffened, raising her chin proudly. If she was going down, she was definitely going down with a fight. She moved into a stance, ready to flee at the first able chance.

But apparently, she didn't have to.

"Oi! What the hell are you doing, bothering a young lady like this?" Her eyes flickered up, nervous, and she was startled to see a furious looking man in an expensive...what had Sota called them? "Suit," Toga supplied. She merely whimpered. The man in the suit crossed his arms, his violet eyes full of anger.

"Why don't you leave and we'll pretend you never showed up," one of the men gritted out, glaring at him without a hint of fear. But that soon changed when a thunderous rumbling echoed through the air, and Kagome's eyes widened with astonishment when the men went running.

"Are you alright?"

Kagome jumped, looking startled. She flushed in embarassment, looking away. "Yes," she whispered, not wanting to embarass herself as she spoke and choosing her words carefully. "Thank you."

The man gave a kind smile, offering a hand to her. She hesitated before accepting it, grasping his warm strong hand in hers with a grateful look. "Of course," he replied softly, his eyes flashing with amusement. "You should be more careful, it can be dangerous at this time of night."

Kagome bit her lip nervously. "Safe," Toga reassured. So she smiled at him, urged to do so by Toga, though she was still wary of the man before her.

"My..." she paused, struggling for the word. When Toga supplied it, she began again. "My brother ran off. I alone." No, she scolded herself. "I am alone. We...I am waiting."

The man studied her, his eyes gentle. She smiled nervously, her look apologetic. "Troubles talking, hm?"

Kagome flushed, nodding with an embarassed look. "Yes," she replied, then smiled proudly. "Getting...better."

He chuckled, rocking back no his heels with a thoughtful look. "Were you waiting here for your brother, miss?"

She shook her head, pointing down the street. "He told me wait there," she said with a huff. What had been that word that Inuyasha called Shippo...? "Brat," she snorted.

The man threw his head back and laughed, grinning. A twinge of familiarity filled her. She'd seen that grin before, she was sure. But she knew for sure that she didn't recognize the man before her, so how would she know it? She shook her head to clear it as he began to speak again, tone amused. "Well then, let's go there and wait for him. I'll stay with you until he comes back, if that's alright with you?"

Kagome gave a grateful nod, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you," she told him honestly. "Don't want them to come back. They..." she struggled for a few seconds and he waited patiently for her to finish what she was saying. "They cruel."

"And they're evil bastards," he agreed, then ducked his head with an apologetic look. She was immediately reminded of a kicked puppy, something she had seen a few days ago near her home with Inuyasha. The children had been torturing the poor thing until she'd come to its rescue. "Uh, sorry 'bout my language. The ma-" he cut off with wide eyes, quickly correcting himself. "The wife does't like it, but I can't help myself. It's how my father raised me."

Kagome giggled at the blaming he placed before asking softly, "What about your...mother?" She had once again struggled to find a word.

His eyes saddened. "Err, Mom...when I was small. I don't know if she died...or if she just vanished, my father won't tell me." He shook his head. "I don't remember her one bit. He misses her though. He thinks she'll maybe come back eventually though, so." He smiled broadly.

Kagome patted his arm gently, her eyes softening. "Sorry," she apologized, then said, tapping her head, "Lost memories. My friend who...who cares for me," she choked on her words, irritated that she couldn't find the ones she needed.

"The one who takes care of you?" the man supplied.

She nodded gratefully. "Yes. Him. Forgot him and all my other friends." She gave a saddened smile. "Hurt him bad."

The man gave a gentle smile, eyes soft with affection for the woman he had known for less than ten minutes. "Ah. I am sure he has forgiven you."

She nodded. She smiled brightly, replying, "Brother said he loves me. I love him back." She cleared her throat. "He gone now though. He will be back..." She huffed impatiently when she couldn't remember the word, which was quickly supplied by a patient Toga. "Tomorrow."

"That's good," the man replied. "I hope he doesn't hear about what happened, it wouldn't do well for him to worry more than he has to."

Kagome nodded her agreement, falling silent for a few moments. Then, suddenly, she said firmly, "What your name?"

He glanced at her in surprise, then looked away, startled. "Err...guess that would've been helpful to know a while ago, hm?" he said with a grin. He laughed. "I'm Shiro." He glanced over at her. "What's your name?"

"Ka-"

"Sis! There you are, I was looking all over the place for you!" Kagome glanced up, startled by her brother's sudden appearance. Sota skidded to a stop beside her, eyeing Shiro warily. "Who are you?"

"A new friend of your sister's," Shiro replied with a chuckle. "I apologize, she looked like she needed someone to talk to while she waited. I suppose I'll take my leave." He turned back to Kagome. "Perhaps we'll see each other around, huh?"

Kagome smiled broadly at him. "Bye, Shiro," she replied, taking her brother's hand and allowing him to drag her away.

Shiro chuckled when he heard the boy begin to scold his sister about talking to strangers. He turned away. He had no doubt that his son would question the strange scent on him, resulting in his mate demanding answers, but he had no regrets in helping the poor strange woman.

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The next morning, Kagome woke to familiar claws running through her hair, a quiet rumble of happiness escaping the owner of them. She grinned, turning to smile brightly up at Inuyasha, who rolled his eyes. "...awake, huh, wench?" he mumbled, then grunted in surprise when she threw her arms around his neck in a hug. He breathed in her scent happily, frowning at the scent he encountered. A strange male scent that had his demon side roaring angrily at.

Kagome whimpered quietly in response, burying her face against his shoulder. "Inuyasha," she mumbled happily, then pulled back, her eyes gleaming with happiness. "Missed you," she told him.

He snorted softly in response, allowing her to get comfortable in his lap. "Huh. Good to know. Who's the strange guy on you?"

Kagome blinked then grinned, patting his cheek reassuringly. "Shiro," she replied cheerfully. "New friend I have..." What was that damn word... "You said it all wrong," Toga said bluntly. So she corrected herself. "I made new friend."

"Good for you," Inuyasha muttered, then said firmly, "No more going to see him. C'mon, we're gonna go see Sango now. Her runts were screaming their heads off when I passed by."

Kagome smiled and kissed his cheek before getting off of the bed. He grinned in response and it was only then that Kagome realized where she'd seen that look.

Inuyasha and Shiro had the same heart-melting grin.

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A/N: And input my precious baby Shiro! :D Hope you enjoyed! Thanks for the reviews, they make me seriously happy!