AUTHOR'S NOTE: Just so all ya'll understand, I write this for my own enjoyment. You don't like how it's written? Don't read it :)
"Sesshou!" Kagome gasped, realizing she had an audience.
"I approve of this selection." He nodded from across the room, amused by startling her.
"We'll need to hem the bottom a little, and possibly an inch off the waist, but it looks like I got your size just about right!" Genko clasped her hands together, proud of her work. "I'll have some pieces picked out for your accessories, and I'll keep your preferences in mind."
"It's perfect," Kagome fanned the skirt out with her hands, peering down at herself. "And breathable too. Those other dresses were a death trap."
"A human priestess in a room full of the strongest full blooded demons?" Genko was careful with her words, choosing wisely, "Well, I'm glad times have changed. Us demons live amongst you humans, so we've no choice but to accept your kind." She paused, if only for a second, "Many of us have taken human mates, you know."
"Really?" Kagome looked to Sesshou for an answer.
"Some. Many full blooded demons of old lordship or royal blood still rely on arranged matings to maintain pure bloodlines." He approach the pair. Genko slid down the couch to make room for Sesshou, who accepted the seat. Unbuttoning his blazer, he sat back and crossed an ankle over one knee. Kagome turned back into the bathroom to change out of the dress, but knew the pair outside would still hear her just fine.
"That's interesting," She undid the slip knot around her waist, sliding out of the dress easily, "Do you think we could immerse more humans into mating?"
"A handful might agree to it," Sesshou spoke up for her to hear through the bathroom door, "But too many would water down the demon population."
"I have a question." Kagome exited the bathroom in her school uniform, "How many half demons are out there?"
"Oh, more than you think!" Genko beamed, thinking of the many she services with concealments. Both Shippou and herself had become masters in concealment anchors and have been in the business of selling them since humans started overwhelming the population. "That's why I'm always so busy these days. I had to spend a few weeks in France alone just to get a few families and newborns covered."
"That many?" Kagome's eyes were hopeful, thinking of all the half demons who didn't have to grow up like Inuyasha did. She soured instantly, both demons looking her way to discover why. "How long has it been since half demons were unwanted?"
"They still are, Kagome." Sesshou uncrossed his legs, trying to recall the last time he'd seen a half demons tormented or starving somewhere. Before he could get a word out, her eyes hardened.
"When was the last time one was killed just for being half demon?" She asked, her fists closed so tightly that her fingernails, however blunt, dug into her palms.
"They still are." This time it was Genko who spoke, "We have demon doctors, you know, for every biological need, just like humans do."
"Are you saying…" Tears pooled in Kagome's eyes as she backpedaled until she hit the bathroom door. She held a hand over her mouth, remembering the island of half demon children. They were discarded and orphaned, but how many more had been sliced through while they still housed their mother's womb? How many had been drowned or throats slit upon birth?
"It is not uncommon for humans to do the same where it concerns a child's race." Sesshou stated, but he wanted to provide comfort. He added, "However, part of YANA is in regards to orphans, specialized medical care, and adoption." Kagome's teary eyes looked to his with hope, "We have protected demons of every bloodline, but we cannot and will not take the female's right to choose. There are some circumstances in which the female did not follow her family's rules and ended up pregnant with a half demon. We respect her wishes, and provide protection from her less understanding family."
"That's amazing, Sesshou," a single tear dripped down her cheek. Kagome sat herself on the arm of the couch and took his hand in hers. The action did not go unnoticed by Genko. "I'm so proud of you."
"And grateful, my Lord," Genko patted his shoulder, "You started that branch of YANA on the anniversary of Shippou's wife's death."
"She was murdered just for being pregnant with a half demon?" Kagome hadn't put two and two together. She figured their loyalty to the West was enough for the new Eastern rulers to attempt murder.
"They went for her first, so Shippou wouldn't have someone to protect." Sesshou nodded, affirming Kagome's question. "In honor of Hana and Akito, YANA began a branch for women and children, of any lineage."
"Hana," Kagome whispered, "And Akito."
"The name is fitting, isn't it?" Genko smiled bittersweetly, "Bright. Person."
"I wish half demons had always been considered persons." Kagome's own grief was palpable in the air. Sesshou couldn't do much else besides clasp her hand more tightly in his own.
"Come," Sesshou stood, their hands still clasped, "I actually entered this atrociously designed office to take you somewhere."
"Hm?" Kagome tilted her head, "Where to?"
"Atrociously designed, my ass!" Genko crossed her arms, "But fine! Take my new friend and rob me of the perfect girl time we were having."
"You foxes don't understand what it means to have sensitive hearing." He cringed, leading Kagome away.
"Thanks for coming today Kagome! I hope to see you soon!" Genko shouted over Sesshou, waving enthusiastically from the couch.
After the door shut behind the pair, Genko grinned mischievously. Taking a few short strides to her desk, she picked up the phone and dialed.
"Shippou! You would not believe what just happened." Her eyes sparkled, "I think," She hesitated, wondering what this would mean in the long run. "I think Sesshoumaru is in love."
Behind the other side of the door, Sesshou had dragged Kagome into the elevator swiftly, eager to escape his office.
"So where is it you're taking me?" Kagome asked, shouldering her bag.
"You've never been to the Western castle." Sesshou leaned towards her, whispering, "Would you like to see?"