AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey everyone, just a little FYI if you didn't catch my mistake. I accidentally posted panic before swings, so if you're confused by anything (like YANA) then go back and read swings. Anyways, here's another one. Thanks for all the views, follows, comments, and the good vibes y'all :)

Kagome woke with a pounding headache and her throat raw. Sitting up from the black leather couch, she noticed the dirty sleeves of her cardigan, and after further inspection, discovered her leggings and skirt were dirty too.

She remembered all that Sesshou had told her. Grief welled inside her belly, but it did not overcome her senses this time. The sounds of foot falls approaching brought her attention to the hallway across the room.

"You're awake," Sesshou stood barefoot in the same jeans and burgundy sweater. However, his human appearance was gone. In the comfort of what she assumed was his home, Sesshou was entirely Sesshomaru, the great Western Lord. Minus the cold demeanor, she noted. She hadn't realized how much she preferred his demonic features until this moment. She had missed facial markings and inhuman coloring. It validated her sanity. The one thing missing was the length of his hair. He still wore it short, and she had a funny feeling he had to cut it entirely to blend in. "I would have accommodated you more with a bed, but your clothing is dirty, and my female housekeeper is gone for the evening."

"Thank you," Kagome blushed, averting her gaze from his, "But I'm alright. However," She was nervous to ask, "Is there any chance I could use the bathroom to get cleaned up a bit?"

"Second door on the right," He nodded, looking over his shoulder to gesture to the hall, "You may use whatever you like. I shall launder your clothing while we get more acquainted."

Kagome rose to her feet and noted that he had removed her boots, leaving her in her mismatched socks. How childish, she chided herself. Walking past Sesshou, she peered at his elegant features once more, taking advantage of their closeness to admire his otherworldly appearance.

"Is there something on my face?" He raised a single brow in question, and she squeaked in surprise. She would have missed it if she had looked away a second sooner, but he smiled. First she sees him pretending to be her secret date to get her out of a strange situation, then he casually swings besides her, stands barefoot in his home with his hands in his pockets, and now he smiles. He was so human now, and yet, not.

Darting down the hall, she entered the bathroom and saw that he had arranged for her some items he assumed she might need. On the sink there was towels, a bathrobe, a button up nightshirt, and a pair of mens socks. Kagome almost blushed at the idea of wearing his night clothes, but reminded herself he probably never had women over. Actually, she realized, he might have a mate, and she had never thought to ask. Then again, if he did, then shouldn't she be borrowing her clothes instead?

Kagome showered quickly once she saw the dirt in her hair and across her face. How embarrassing. Not only did she look like a little ragamuffin, but he saw her cry herself into hysterics. Dressing into the button up, she was pleased to see it fell to her knees. The socks were soft and sagged around her ankles due to the size difference, but she didn't mind. She was clean and comfortable. Who knew Sesshou's home could be so comforting?

"Kagome, when you're through, come to the kitchen past the living room. I'll have tea ready." He startled her through the doorway. She nearly jumped at his voice, and held a hand to her heart. "My apologies." He noted her spike in heart rate. She had nearly forgotten what being near someone with such sensitive hearing was like.

"I'll be right out." She called to him in a soft voice. Normally a human would need to raise their voice to speak through a closed door, but she knew better.

Sesshou retreated from the doorway and went back to the kitchen. He had already started the tea pot and leaned back against the island counter to watch the pot. He contemplated whether or not he should contact her mother. It was only ten at night, but he assumed due to her juvenile status, that she might have a curfew. However, one certainly couldn't place a curfew over a time traveling teenager, could they? He would give it an hour. Maybe Kagome would prefer to call her mother herself.

"Sesshou?" Kagome called from behind him. He was aware of her approaching steps and turned when she called. "Thank you. For letting me get cleaned up." She stood blushing in the doorway, fiddling with the nightshirt he lent her, "And for everything else."

"You needn't be embarrassed." He eyed the counter stool across the island. She took the hint and approached, situating herself there. "In truth, Inuyasha asked me to seek you out. This is a favor to him."

"Oh." Kagome bowed her head, disappointed.

"He asked that I inform you of their lives." Sesshou felt the need to clarify. "You are here so that I can do much more for you."

"What?" Kagome's head shot up in question, surprise evident on her face. Her wet bangs flopped against her forehead she had jerked upright so quickly.

"YANA would cover you as well, Kagome." The teapot began to scream, so he turned to retrieve it before the noise grew to insufferable levels. He prepared two cups of tea while she thought on what he said. Handing her a steaming mug, he continued, "You're a highschool senior. Would you like a scholarship to any college of your choice? How about a grant in which your family could use for the shrine? Perhaps a familiar assigned to your home to assist your mother and grandfather?"

"You could do all this?" Kagome was flabbergasted.

"That," Sesshou nodded, "And so much more."

"Why?" She still didn't understand.

"Think of it as good karma." He said around his own steaming mug.

"But you hate humans." Kagome replied, relying on her memory of him. She recalled the way his hands glowed with the poison his claws could seep, the smirk he wore when he brought the un-mother to Inuyasha, and even the feel of his claws at her throat, lifting her by her dainty neck to hold high above his head while he threatened her life.

"Do I?" He asked sarcastically, giving her a dead stare.

No, she thought, remembering the fond way he stroked Rin's forehead in greeting, handed her tetsusaiga when Inuyasha was indisposed, and even carried her on his pelt when stuck inside the body of Naraku.

"I wasn't the founder of YANA, as you might have already guessed. It began with Myoga, who knew humans would one day take over, thanks to you." Sesshou paused to sip his tea, "When Myoga passed, he handed the company to me. I was wandering the earth to avoid humanity, so adamant that I should never align myself to mortals again."

Because of Rin, she rationalized.

"Myoga knew I could do more. I am the last surviving Lord of the directional regions. The turtles reign ended with the war. The wolves stepped down and migrated to America over time. Koga's son is their leader now, actually." He noted, knowing Kagome would be happy for her lost friend. Her brilliant smile was his reward, and he hid his mouth behind his mug to keep her from seeing his satisfaction. "And the Southern bears reign ended when the lord's last surviving son turned out to be gay, and those he adopted could not claim lordship."

"So the entire demon population defers to you?" Kagome asked, setting her mug down. The warmth of the drink kept her toasty and she noted that her headache had significantly decreased, as did her sore throat.

"Yes." Sesshou nodded, setting his mug down as well. "Now, did you need to call your mother? I assume you have a curfew."

"Crap! My mom!" Kagome jumped to her feet and raced back to the bathroom, where she left her cell phone.