A/N: Happy New Year everyone! I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've posted, but Covid has made my job crazy. I haven't forgotten about this story and intend to post more often. Please enjoy the latest chapter below.

Chapter 11:

After a lengthy discussion between him, Koga, and Kagura, Sesshomaru headed home. Opening the door, he saw Rin helping his niece walk around the apartment. He couldn't help but smile softly at the endearing sight. Moroha's chubby fingers wrapped around Rin's hands as she guided the small child around the living room. Upon seeing her uncle, Moroha squealed and made advances toward him.

Supporting the girl, Rin helped her walk to her uncle. She grabbed at his dress pants, so Sesshomaru lifted her up into his arms.

"Thank you for staying with Rin while I was away," Sesshomaru said to his sister-in-law.

"It's no problem at all," Kagome offered with a smile. She was cleaning up the dishes on the kitchen table from lunch. From the looks of it, they had stir fry for lunch.

"Sesshomaru-sama, I left a plate of food for you in the microwave. I'll go get it," Rin added.

He sat at the table with his niece in his lap. She cooed and babbled as she stared intently at the cufflink on his left sleeve. Her tiny fingers grabbed the cool metal and pulled at it.

"Moroha!" her mother admonished. The little girl paused to look at her mother.

"It's alright. She may continue." Sesshomaru patted her head affectionately, and the little girl giggled. Rin laughed and placed a warm plate of stir fry in front of her boyfriend. She took Moroha, so he could eat in peace.

"What happened at the police station?" Rin inquired as she walked around with Moroha on her hip.

"We have discovered who is responsible for defiling your apartment," he explained, "but it has made things more complicated."

The two women wore identical puzzled yet concerned expressions. "How so, and where is Inuyasha?" Kagome asked.

"Inuyasha is back at the office with the flashdrive. He was able to recover the footage, so he's storing it somewhere safe, so he can examine it further." At the mention of her husband's success, Kagome felt a small burst of pride. It was rare that Sesshomaru acknowledged his skills.

"As for the culprit, we don't know who was in the video, but we know that Naraku is involved." He set his chopsticks down as his face became grave.

The women gasped. They knew of the business rivalry between Sesshomaru and Naraku, but they didn't expect it to become so personal.

"Rin," he addressed, "you're staying with me until Naraku is behind bars."

"Hai, but how are you going to catch him? Naraku is very cunning and has covered his tracks pretty well." Her concerned eyes flitted to her boyfriend.

"Kagura has offered to help us catch him. She has access to Naraku and his personal information that the police don't have." Instantly, a knot formed in Rin's stomach. She did not like the idea of one of Sesshomaru's ex-girlfriend's working with him. Even though Sesshomaru was not interested in Kagura, Kagura clearly hadn't gotten over Sesshomaru since she tried to seduce him, in front of Rin no less. Furthermore, she could easily turn on them since she was in league with Naraku. Why would she agree to help her brother's sworn enemy? Something wasn't adding up. Not wanting to get into a serious discussion, she bit her tongue.

There was a knock at the door. "I'll get it,"Sesshomaru said, leaving the girls in the living room.

Noticing her glum demeanor, Kagome gently touched Rin's arm and gave her a knowing look. She knew all too well the difficulty of dealing with a lover's ex. During high school, Inuyasha fell in love with an older classmate named Kikyo, who happened to be a second cousin of Kagome. The pair dated until Kikyo graduated and went to university in another country. They broke it off, but just as Inuyasha had made inroads to mending his broken heart and met Kagome, Kikyo returned to Japan to complete her residency.

Unfortunately, her return had confused Inuyasha's heart. He hoped they could get back together and tried to do so while still maintaining a friendship with Kagome. Kagome was incredibly hurt and became frustrated with his indecisiveness. Kikyo did not have any intention of settling down or having a serious relationship with Inuyasha, but she did not clearly communicate that, effectively stringing him along. Finally, Inuyasha realized this and stopped pursuing Kikyo to focus on Kagome, who stood by his side and supported him no matter what. Soon after, Kikyo ended up joining Doctors without Borders and left the country again. With her departure, Kagome and Inuyasha were able to start a romantic relationship.

"Where's the little rascal?" a loud voice asked. On queue, Moroha squealed and reached for her father. Rin handed the excited baby to Inuyasha.

"She didn't give you too much trouble?" Inuyasha asked as Moroha tugged on a strand of his hair. Moroha was a sweet child, but she had a habit of getting into things she shouldn't and creating messes.

"Nope. She was perfectly behaved," Rin beamed. Inuyasha arched an eyebrow.

"Unlike her father, she has some manners," Sesshomaru added. The younger brother growled and opened his mouth to start arguing.

"Inuyasha," Kagome reminded him with glare. Pouting, he turned away from Sesshomaru and played with Moroha. Rin heard him mumble something about a stupid doctor.

"The doctor said it's very important for children to grow up in stable environments. A high conflict environment can mess with their development and expose them to unnecessary stress," Kagome explained.

"Interesting. I suppose it makes sense. Children are extremely sensitive to their environment since that's how they learn," Sesshomaru reflected. He hadn't given much thought to children before his niece came along. Seeing Rin and his cute niece together stirred a strong primal urge in him to procreate with Rin. Of course, on a logical level, he recognized that they were not ready for children having just started their relationship, and the fact that he and Rin have never discussed it. Still, it didn't stop him from imagining her holding their child. A child that was half him and half her, a true symbol of their union. Would the child have Rin's smile or his eyes? For now, he was content to practice baby making with her. That was quite an enjoyable process.

"Anyways, we need to get going Kagome. It's getting late," Inuyahsa spoke.

Kagome checked her phone and gasped. "You're right! We have Moroha's baby yoga class in an hour!"

Amber eyes rolled, and her husband let out a sigh. "Yes...that."

Sesshomaru shot him a mocking smirk. "Just you wait till you two have kids," his brother replied. Rin flushed a pretty pink, and Sesshomaru's smirk turned into a glare.

"Inuyasha, let's go," the black haired beauty commanded, pulling her husband by the collar towards the door.

"Ouch woman!" The family of three left quickly leaving the pair together.

"Um, Sesshomaru-sama?" Rin asked quietly as she turned to face him.

"Yes?"

"I know I asked before, but do you want children and not just because I want them? You gave me a vaguely affirmative answer last time."

Her boyfriend's eyes widened a fraction. "I've been thinking about it more." Rin's looked up at him expectantly to continue. Slender ivory fingers tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

"I've thought about it recently because of Moroha and you. Seeing you with her, I know you're meant to be a mother. You're a natural with her. Kind, nurturing, and patient." He brushed her cheek affectionately. " Some children are ok too. I've grown quite fond of Moroha despite half of her lineage."

Rin giggled. "Dear, he is your brother, so you do share some genes."

"Half," he retorted with a huff. It only made Rin laugh more. "What brought on this subject?"

"You know I want children, but I want to make sure you do. I couldn't help but think about it since you've been spending more time with Moroha lately." Sesshomaru pulled Rin close to him by the waist. Startled by the sudden closeness, she felt her cheeks redden. His forehead was nearly touching hers.

"I do. There have been some reservations, but if Inuyasha can manage to be an adequate father, there's no reason I can't as well," he stated. The last few months he had opened up to Rin about his concern about having children since he lacked a close relationship with his father. He wanted a family with Rin, but he didn't know if he should be a parent. How could he make a good father when he merely tolerated his own? After spending more time with his niece, he felt more comfortable and prepared. If he put in the effort, he could make a good father.

"Sesshomaru- sama, I know you'll make a great husband and father someday. Loving but firm when needed"

His lips brushed against hers softly. "We don't need to rush though."

"I know." She smiled. "We will need to get married too. Poor Kaede is already unhappy that we're living together unmarried. I think she'd have a heart attack if I had a child out of wedlock." Rin's guardian was extremely displeased with her living situation and had made it known. However, given the recent break-in at Rin's apartment, she reluctantly accepted it.

Sesshomaru was not the type of man to have bastard children. "Our children will have a stable and healthy upbringing. The marriage is the foundation of the family. A structure cannot be sound if it has a crack in the foundation." Nodding, Rin gave an affirmative noise. From what she could remember, her parents had a loving marriage and she had a happy family. If nothing else, she would do that to her children. Given Sesshomaru's parents' disaster of a marriage, he was also determined not to repeat history.

"First and foremost, I need to take care of this Naraku business." Reminded of Naraku, her playful expression became grim.

"Speaking of that, is it absolutely necessary for you to work with Kagura?"

He sighed and rubbed her back. "I'm not thrilled with the idea of working with her, but she's the only lead we have right now. Given Naraku's resources, he's been able to cover his tracks extremely well. The only way we can find evidence connecting him to the break-in is from the inside."

She pulled away slightly. "I understand." Before she could fully escape his embrace, he gripped her still.

Steely amber eyes pierced her. "I have no feelings for that woman. Do you not trust me?"

"Sesshomaru-sama, I trust you completely. I don't trust her! What if she tries to seduce you again or double crosses you?!" She was a bit offended by his question but resolute in her beliefs. Kagura's true intentions were a mystery to her.

Sesshomaru nearly laughed. "I don't trust her either. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she tries to double cross me." At his revelation, Rin became puzzled and frowned. Why would he work with Kagura if she was a potential liability?

"Even if she betrays us, she still has her uses."

"Just promise me you'll be careful?" Rin laid her head against his firm chest.

"Certainly." He had considered telling her more about the recovered footage, but she was already worried enough. He would handle this matter alone. His sweet Rin had already been too affected.

He cupped her chin so she would look at him. "You also never need to worry about me being interested in anyone else. I am completely devoted to you." She nearly shivered at the look he was giving her. His deep velvety voice and clear honey eyes had a devastating effect on her, and he knew it.

"Hai," she uttered softly.

"Perhaps, I need to remind you." Roughly, he plunged into her lips and picked her up. Slim ivory legs wrapped around his waist tightly, encouraging him to take them to the bedroom.

X

The police instructed her to carry on with her normal routine until further notice. She had never been so happy to return to her apartment. Five hours in a stuffy holding cell with piercing fluorescent lights and back to back interrogations were exhausting.

She dialed in a code on her computerized lock and let herself in. She growled at the sight in front of her. Her wretched older brother was casually lounging on her couch.

"What are you doing here?" she ground out as she forcefully shut the door.

"Can't a concerned older brother check on his little sister?" he responded with a fake sincerity. He chuckled when she growled.

"I only wanted to make sure you didn't tell the police anything important."

Scoffing, she crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Of course not. I'm not an idiot." She didn't like having to help her ex, but she couldn't stand her brother even more. It wasn't a complete lie, just a twist of the truth. She hadn't told the police everything important. After all, spinning stories to support her cause was her job.

"Good. I'd hate to have to punish you." He stood up and approached Kagura. She didn't move a muscle.

"I have a task for you. You will volunteer to work with the police to bring me down under the guise of taking over the company from me. Your real objective will be to ensure they find nothing incriminating on me or the company."

"And why would I do that? Especially since you nearly pinned that break in on me," she retorted.

"One of the top corporate lawyers in the world would be able to talk herself out of an outlandish charge." It made sense now why he had involved her. He intentionally made Kagura look responsible because she had a good alibi and was able to talk her way out of sticky situations. She wasn't the top of her field for nothing.

" Must I remind you that I will pay a visit to Kanna if you don't?" At the mention of her sister, her resolve broke. Her precious sister had to be protected from her brother. "Besides, you remember our little agreement a few months ago. I've been generous since I gave you more than two months to deal with Sesshomaru which you still haven't taken care of. Think of this as a tactical shift"

"Fine. I'll do what you want, but the deal is off if you contact her."

Naraku nodded. "I'm glad we have come to an understanding." He let himself out, leaving Kagura to her frustrations. Helping Sesshomaru while convincing Naraku that she was helping him was going to be trying. Why did she get stuck with a psychotic older brother and temperamental ex? With a burgeoning headache, she popped open a bottle of wine and headed to her home office for some strategizing. She had a long night ahead of her.