Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha (Rumiko Takahashi-san and Viz Media do). I may or may not be a little sad about that...

A/N: Hello! I am so excited to have as many views, favorites, follows, and reviews as I do - thank you all so much! (But even more would make me even happier, not gonna lie.) This is a continuation from Day 6 (Sesshōmaru + Co). In looking over that, I realized that I used an o instead of and ō for his name - oops! This story began with the idea of a Karen going up against Sesshōmaru and the thought that while society is crummy to single moms, it likes to pretend that single dads don't exist outside of Hallmark movies (in the US, it is not a requirement to have baby changing tables in the men's restrooms, but it is to have them in the women's restrooms). So, this is what my brain came up with. Please enjoy (or let me know if you don't)!

DAY 17

Sesshōmaru ships

Sesshōmaru/Kagura: "Matchmaker Rin, Part 2"

The cherry blossoms came and went several weeks ago. Everything was green and bright and warm as the mid-May sunshine beamed down. Like it did on most Saturday mornings, the park buzzed with life and activity. People enjoyed the wide sidewalks, walking their dogs, jogging, and riding bicycles. Families spread out picnic blankets on the grass, a group of teenagers played frisbee, and children ran around the playground. A man with long silver hair sat on a bench near the playground and his two-headed dragon lay at his feet. A girl with a brightness to rival the sun played on the swings.

"Excuse me," an unpleasant voice demanded, "but which child is yours?"

"The girl in pink," Sesshōmaru said, pointing to the swings.

The woman pursed her lips, eyeing his silver hair and demonic markings. "Are you sure about that?"

"Positive," he replied, opening his book and pretending to read.

"Well," the woman huffed, "she seems to be human."

"And?" he egged her on. If he couldn't dissuade this harpy, then he would settle for a fight.

"And, maybe you've been untruthful with me, sir," she sneered at him. "You know, I don't believe that any of these children are yours."

"I assure you, ma'am, that I am her legal guardian." Sesshōmaru idly flipped a page.

"Oh really? I think that you have other reasons for being here."

"Like enjoying the weather or walking my dragon?" he asked blandly. The woman continued to glare at him. "Or are you implying that I am here to meet a drug dealer?" He knew full well what she was implying and it had nothing to do with the purchase of illegal substances.

"Oh, well played, well played," she mocked, "but don't think I don't see you - looking up from your book every five minutes at the children, especially at that little girl. I know what you're doing, and let me tell you one thing: that sort of depravity is not welcome here, or anywhere else for that matter!" her voice rose with the last accusation, attracting the attention of a few onlookers.

Kagura raced along the path. Here, on the ground, she moved with the power of her own body, heart pounding as she pushed herself. Flying was exhilarating in its own right; she felt truly free soaring high above the earth. But it was not the same as running - flying was easy. She never had to exert herself to fly, it was effortless. Sometimes there was just too much time to think while flying. When she ran, Kagura could focus on the sound of her feet on the pavement, the rhythm of her heart, and the burning in her lungs. In addition, running - unlike flying - was a form of exercise.

She slowed to a brisk walk, catching her breath, when the wind carried Sesshhōmaru's voice to her - 'And?' A woman's voice accused him of being a creep. Kagura estimated that she was a quarter of a mile away from them and picked up her pace.

"... that sort of depravity is not welcome here, or anywhere else for that matter!"

"Depravity, ma'am? I don't believe I know what you're talking about. I am simply here, as a responsible parent, supervising my child on the playground. Did the rules change since last week? Is that not allowed anymore?"

Goddamn king of sass. Of course he's egging her on. Kagura sped up, sprinting at demonic speeds to reach Sesshōmaru.

"You know full well what I'm talking about, sir! Maybe you are her legal guardian, but something else is afoot - I know you yōkai can pick your mates awfully young!" the woman nearly shrieked, pointing wildly at Rin, who had abandoned the swings and stood ten feet away from the confrontation, unsure of what to do.

"And, pray tell, just what idiot did you hear that from?" Incensed, Sesshōmaru stood up from the bench, towering over the woman.

"Why, I never -"

"Yo," Kagura said, greeting Sesshōmaru. The wind swirled around her feet, lifting her up to kiss his cheek. She addressed the woman. "Are you harassing my husband?"

Husband? Sesshōmaru's expression remained blank beneath his stone cold poker face as his thoughts raced. Not that I'm complaining, but…

"I believe she was just leaving," Sesshōmaru replied. "Did you have a nice run, honey?" Two could play at this game. He wound an arm around Kagura's waist and glared at the rude woman.

"Well," she huffed. "Don't think I won't be keeping an eye on you!"

The woman stomped off with her nose in the air and Rin rushed over. She was happy that Kagura jumped in and pretended to be married to Sesshōmaru, but Rin also felt guilty for standing on the sidelines.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Whatever for?" Sesshōmaru asked, confused.

"I didn't tell that lady that you aren't like that. I'm sorry."

"It is not your responsibility to rid the world of stupidity and prejudice, Rin."

"But she was being so mean to you and making up nasty lies!" Rin started to cry.

"It's alright, you're okay," Sesshōmaru reassured her, kneeling down to Rin's level and hugging her. Kagura joined the embrace, telling herself that it was only because they had an audience and needed to keep their story consistent. A-Un trotted over to lay one of his heads on Rin's shoulder. After her tears ceased, they stood and sat on the bench with Rin in the middle. A-Un sat at their feet, looking up at them.

Rin wiped her eyes and grinned at them. "Why didn't you invite me to the wedding?" she teased.

"Well," Sesshōmaru began, smirking at Kagura, "seeing as how I don't remember any weddings, I think it would be best to ask my lovely wife how it all happened."

What was I thinking? Kagura knew full well what she was thinking: wish fulfillment combined with the honest desire to help a friend. A friend she had feelings for. Rather potent feelings. "Oh, uh…" She usually had more poise than this; a witty retort ready on her tongue. "I was helping out an old friend and one thing led to another…"

"I do believe I recall now - it was rather sudden, wasn't it, dearest?"

"I think I remember now," Rin piped up. "But I thought it was 'you may kiss the bride,' not 'you may kiss the groom'?"

"It was the first thing that came to mind," Kagura protested.

"Marrying yourself to me?" Sesshōmaru clarified. "If I'd known that was all it took for you to say yes, Kagura, I would have orchestrated this situation years ago." His tone was light and teasing, but a blush dusted Kagura's cheeks, ruining her usually stoic expression.

Rin wasn't blind, so she excused herself - "I'm going to go play now, Mom, Dad - have fun!"

Sesshōmaru cleared his throat. "Thank you for intervening, Kagura." He didn't add: And please feel free to do so again. And again. They were friends, that was all.

"Anytime." Desperate much? she reprimanded herself.

"Do you run here often?" he asked. What a pathetic line. This is not going well…

"Yes, most mornings. I just got a late start today." Come on, think of something clever to say! "Do you get accosted by busybodies often?"

"This was the first time and, hopefully, the last." But I don't mind how it turned out.

"Maybe you should get a ring," Kagura said, wiggling her left index finger, "and tell the next asshole that your wife couldn't make it. Of course, that wouldn't be a very good idea if you want to milk the 'single dad' card."

"When have I ever done that?" he asked. "Besides, I thought I wasn't single anymore." As long as I don't push it too far, I can pretend - at least for now.

"How could I forget?" I'll play along with this little game, however long it lasts.

"Truly, how could you? And I thought you loved me, Kagura."

Kagura laughed. Of course she loved him. She couldn't pinpoint when it really began; it seemed like forever ago. Maybe it was a few years ago. Maybe it was somewhere in the middle of the whole mess with Naraku. Maybe she started loving him at eighteen, when they first met.

I've gone too far. She laughs like that when she's uncomfortable. Sesshōmaru lunged at the first safe topic that crossed his mind.

"How has work been?" he asked abruptly.

"Work? It's been good," she replied. That didn't last long. "What about you? Anything interesting?"

"Same as usual." And such is life. Pretending never did anyone any good.

They continued on, chatting about this and that. Everything said out loud was inconsequential. Big feelings hiding behind small talk.

"Do you remember the week we met?"

"Orientation week?" she asked. He nodded. "I don't know why someone thought it was a good idea to have a foam party for a bunch of idiot freshmen!" she laughed. I think I've loved you since the night we met.

"Weren't we among those 'idiot freshmen'?" he teased. I know you never saw me like that, but I still want to pretend.

"Don't remind me!" She shoved him playfully. Could you ever feel the same way about me?

They laughed together and inched closer, knees angled towards the other. Smiling on the outside and longing on the inside. They were almost there. A little more honesty, a slip of the tongue, or the right question asked would bring them together.

A/N 2: Me again, ruining the moment. I know what I'm writing for days 18 and 19, but I'm wondering if anyone has a request for day 21 (free day). I've got a couple ideas kicking around, but I also aim to please (which may or may not be a character flaw) - I could continue a previous story, do a more shippy Sess/Kagura story, do a rare or non-canon ship (anything except Sess/Rin or a Naraku ship), or do a platonic friendship story, etc. So, please, if there's something you'd like to see - whether you're a frequent reviewer, reviewed once or twice, or are a sneaky guest reader - let me know in the comments! Until next time!