"Yes, Mama," Kagome ran her fingers through her hair as she paced back and forth on the phone.
"You're sure you're okay staying the night, Kagome?" He heard her mother ask over the phone. He wanted to chuckle at the thinly veiled question being asked. But then Kagome would know he was actively listening and he was trying to at least pretend to give her privacy.
"Of course, Mama," Kagome chirped automatically, so sure her virtue was safe in his home. He was almost offended. Sure, he didn't have a mate, and he was sure she had guessed as much, but that didn't mean he never took a woman to bed before. "This is Sesshoumaru we're talking about here. I'm more safe here than anywhere else in the world."
He had to be a little flattered at that. Even as recent enemies, she had absolute faith in his strength. That, or she thought he was gay for never seeing him with a woman before. No girlfriend to speak of, now or in the past. His markings were always feminine. His father had always told him so.
"And you'll come home in the morning?" Her mother asked, still nervous.
He had to assume she was anxious for her daughter's mental health. He only saw her from a distance, the constant cloud of depression following her everywhere. He couldn't imagine having to watch a child like that, knowing there was nothing you could do to fix it. He had re-introduced feudal Japan to Kagome's life; the one and only cause for such depression.
"Yes, Mama," Kagome's voice held a soft smile. She could easily read the genuine love and concern in her mother's tone. "This is a good thing. I'll explain everything tomorrow. We'll have so much to talk about, too. I have a feeling you're going to like the news."
"If you say so." Her mother admitted defeat, letting go once again of her daughter to explore the unknown. They shared their goodbyes and Kagome returned to the living room from his study where he directed her to take her call.
"Mama watched me struggle a lot, you know?" Kagome addressed him, leaning on the wall, arms crossed. It was clear mother and daughter were very close. He would have to introduce himself tomorrow morning.
"Of course," Sesshou gestured to the couch with a glance. He was seated diagonally from the couch at the grand piano bench. Once she was comfortable, he continued, "Now since you'll be staying the night, I have a confession to make." He could physically see Kagome tense. "I have no mate or pups to speak of," He felt a nagging in the back of his head and surrendered to it, adding, "Yet." He eyed her pointedly. "On occasion, whenever you are here, you may run into my housekeeper. She is demon, so I may stay out of concealment at home. I also have a partner in my company." He knew this was going to be loud, and braced himself for it, "Think of him as the other side of the coin, handling the human operations for when my specialities are being occupied in demon affairs."
Kagome sat apt in attention, wondering. Whatever clues he was attempting to drop weren't being picked up on.
"His name is Kozima Shippou," Sesshou watched her gasp in surprise, "And he will be here in the morning."