Okay great news! When I wrote out my first chapter, I didn't know what direction I wanted this story to go in, but now I've mapped out my whole story with the exceptions of a few chapters. I will warn you now, this fic will get kind of dark. The first half will have fluff and sweet moments and become darker when the mad man is introduced. Heads up, it will probably be a couple weeks before I update again because I am moving. Okay on with the story.
Tease
Ch. 4
"Open up! I brought pizza," Sango called.
Kagome bolted for the door, hitting her knee on her coffee table. She limped to the door.
"Hey Sango," Kagome said shakily.
"Hey, what's wrong?" asked Sango, stepping in.
"I hit my leg. I'm fine; come sit down."
Kagome led Sango into her living room and settled back in her spot. She moved some books and papers she'd been grading. Sango sat next to her and picked up a slice of pizza.
"Hard at work?" Sango asked, eyeing the many papers.
"Ugh, yes. I have my parent/teacher conference in a couple days so I want to get these tests graded in time," answered Kagome, scrambling to organize her pile, "I'm sorry, I'm a little stressed. There's a girl in my class, the cutest little thing named Rin, who is just not getting the material. I've had to test her separately because she doesn't read well so I'm a little behind in grading. Then Shippo is still acting the same. I called the police to investigate, but I think because Hiten makes him cover his bruises, they don't have evidence to charge him and-"
"Woah, woah, woah. Okay take a deep breath and then a big bite of pizza. Then you can tell me one at a time what's going on," stated Sango.
Sango passed Kagome a slice, "Look I even got your favorite combo: ham and pineapple. It's awful, but anything for you."
Kagome laughed at her jesting. She took a bite, savoring the taste, "What would I do without you?"
"Run yourself crazy," Sango laughed, "Okay, start over."
Kagome took a breath, "Okay well first I have a new student. Her name is Rin and she is one of the sweetest girls ever. I read her case file at the school and apparently, she came from a pretty bad home life and wasn't in school a lot. Now she's playing catch up. She's such a smart kid, but her reading is behind a grade level. I didn't want to fail her so I've been giving her separate tests, but it's cutting into my free time. I don't think I'm helping my other students enough either.
Sango nodded, "Is she still with her family? Is her life better?"
Kagome smiled, "She was adopted out not too long ago. She seems really happy. I'm hoping to get her new parents on board so she can catch up. Then my other issue is Shippo. Remember when I told you about him?"
Sango thought a second, "Oh yes the little fox kit?"
"Yes him. His grades have been slipping the last couple of weeks. I think his stepfather, Hiten, is abusing him. I got a call from him and he was terrified, but when I went to check on him, Hiten was watching over Shippo like a hawk and it seemed his mom was covering for him too. I called the police, but they couldn't find anything so I sent Shippo's mom a note."
"What did the note say?"
"Just that I cared for Shippo and I was worried about him so if she needed help to contact me. She hasn't sent anything back."
Sango massaged her eyes and leaned back. "That's awful. That poor boy. You can call child protective services. Maybe they can do something, but don't get discouraged. Sometimes justice takes time."
Kagome sighed, but agreed. Sango smiled a little.
"So have you got any good news for me?"
"Well I met a guy."
Sango's eyes lit up, "Oh at school?"
Kagome shook her head, "No, at my other job."
"Oh no, what kind of creep is he?"
Kagome giggled, "He was actually a standup guy, really cute too. Get this Sango. He was there because his friends wanted him to celebrate the formal adoption of a little girl he saved. He was a police officer and she was being abused so he adopted her."
"Huh, he doesn't seem like the strip club type at all," observed Sango.
"He really wasn't. One of his friends actually thought they could pay me for a lap dance and you know I don't do that. So I told him that and he kind of threw a little hissy fit. Turns out he didn't even want the dance; he just wanted to talk."
"Wow, Kagome you're gushing! I haven't even heard you talk about a guy in two or three years now. So what's this guys name? When are you seeing him again?"
Kagome's smile faded, "It's Sesshoumaru, but he hasn't exactly called me yet. I was a little mean to him at first, but I thought we were past that."
"Well, he has a daughter now. He's probably busy," Sango comforted her, "Focus on helping your students. I'm sure Sesshoumaru will call and if he doesn't, it's his loss."
"Daddy, we're going to be late!" Rin called, pulling on his hand.
The young girl ran down the hall, excited for her first parent/teacher conference. They were checked in and asked to seat outside Kagome's classroom. Rin waved to a couple other students exiting the classroom when she recognized Shippo approaching.
"Shippo! Shippo!" she shouted.
"Lower your voice, Rin," Sesshoumaru reprimanded.
"Oh sorry, Daddy."
Shippo smiled lightly, "Hi Rin." Hiten nudged the boy. Shippo flinched, "Sorry Hiten. This is Rin and her Dad. This is my stepdad and my mom."
"That's not why I'm pushing you along kid. We're already late to see this teacher of yours. Hurry up!"
Hiten shuffled the kit in with Sachi in tow. Sesshoumaru watched the trio leave. He wasn't certain, but it looked like the boy was limping.
"Miss Kagome, we're here," Shippo announced.
Kagome turned to greet them with a smile, "Hey there Shippo and welcome. Take a seat."
Shippo sat between Kagome and Sachi with Hiten taking the closest spot to Kagome. Kagome resisted a frown at his proximity.
"Thank you both for coming. I won't keep you long. Shippo is a splendid boy and a true friend to everyone here. He goes out of his way to help and protect others."
Shippo blushed at the compliments and his mother ruffled his hair, lovingly. Hiten rolled his eyes, but didn't speak out. Kagome continued.
"The only issue I've had with Shippo have been a couple tests this past week. Something seems to be bothering him or distracting him from his work."
Hiten grinned devilishly, causing Kagome to clarify. "Shippo is very smart so he will still move on to the next grade with honors. I'm only bringing it to your attention because something very recent is affecting his quality of life."
Kagome looked directly at Hiten. He frowned, "Did you think it was you barging in our home?"
Kagome ignored him and brought over a few of Shippo's papers.
"I just want to reiterate how having a nurturing environment impacts a child for years to come; that's all. Finally, I do want to congratulate Shippo in front of you two. A few weeks ago, everyone in our class submitted a picture that would be the class crest for our grade. Shippo's picture was chosen out of all the students in the 2nd grade."
Shippo's eyes lit up, "Really, I won?"
Kagome nodded with a smile, handing him a certificate, "You sure did. You're very talented."
Sachi's emerald eyes crinkled in pride, "I'm so proud of you, Shippo."
Sachi turned to Hiten, "Isn't that impressive, Hiten?"
Hiten glanced at the picture, "It ain't bad I guess."
Shippo beamed. Kagome smiled at him, "That was all I wanted to say. I wanted to end this meeting on a high note. If you don't have any more questions, we can conclude our conference."
"Great, then let's go," Hiten said standing.
He headed to the door, expecting Sachi and Shippo to follow. Sachi bowed to Kagome and ushered out Shippo. Just as they reached the door, Sachi stopped.
"Oh I forgot your picture, Shippo. Head to the car while I retrieve it."
Shippo agreed and Sachi knocked on the door of the classroom.
"Oh yes?" Kagome called. She was at her desk, preparing for the next student.
"I forgot Shippo's work."
Kagome rounded the table to hand Sachi the picture. She dropped the picture.
"Oh, I seem to have butterfingers lately," laughed Sachi lightly.
She and Kagome knelt to pick up the work.
"Help him," Sachi whispered.
Kagome locked eyes with the woman, understanding immediately. The two women stood and Kagome handed her the picture. As the picture passed hands, Kagome felt Sachi slip her a paper. Neither spoke, but Kagome nodded nearly imperceptibly. Sachi gave her a watery smile.
"I need to get back," Sachi finally said.
"Of course, have a good night Sachi."
When the woman left, Kagome opened the paper.
Miss Kagome,
Thank you for your letter. I love Shippo and I'm afraid for him. Hiten gets so angry and Shippo is so small. I have filed paperwork to put him in foster care. I want him safe. Please, if you can, foster him until I can make home safe again.
Sachi
Kagome crumpled the paper, almost afraid that Hiten would show up again and see the note. Sachi had taken a big gamble, Kagome knew. She knew nothing really about fostering a child, but this may be her clearest shot to help Shippo. She made a mental note to learn all she could once she got home and tucked the paper away.
"Rin Taisho," she called once she gathered her thoughts.
Rin hopped off the chair she was sitting on. Sesshoumaru stood when Rin stopped him.
"Wait, I have to talk to Miss Kagome a second."
Rin darted in the room. "Miss Kagome," she whispered.
"Yes, Rin? Where are your parents?"
Rin ran to the older woman, "I just have a Daddy and he's outside, but I have to ask you a favor."
Kagome smiled at the serious disposition of the normally chipper girl. "What is it?"
"My Daddy said that he would think about getting me a dog if I got good marks here. Could you tell him how responsible I am and how I always do my homework, even if I don't understand it?"
Kagome laughed and knelt down to Rin, "I may be able to put in a good word. You don't have anything to worry about, Rin; bring your dad in."
Rin called him in. Kagome turned to the door with another smile in place.
"Good evening and welcome-"
Kagome froze. Walking in was the man that had occupied her thoughts the past few weeks; the man she's given up hope of seeing again. Sesshoumaru. His eyes widened fractionally as he took a seat, but Kagome couldn't tell if he recognized her. Her hair was pinned up and she was wearing a blouse and skirt as opposed to a tight dress, but all in all she looked the same.
Rin broke the silence in the room, "This is my Daddy, Miss Kagome."
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Kagome," Sesshoumaru practically purred her name.
Kagome could feel her face heating up, "Um, yes. Nice to see-MEET, nice to meet you for the first time."
One elegant eyebrow lifted at her oddity, but his tawny eyes sparkled in humor.
"Okay," Kagome cleared her throat and began, "First I want to say Rin is a brilliant young girl. She's only been here about three weeks now but-"
Kagome reached over to show Sesshoumaru Rin's work when the sheets toppled over the desk.
"Smooth move, Kagome," she muttered picking up the fallen papers.
Sesshoumaru helped her pick up her papers, sensing the dread she felt seeing him.
"Rin, can you actually wait outside while I speak to your teacher?"
Rin sighed, but scooched out her seat.
"Rin, if you like, you can color in the hallway," Kagome offered.
That lightened Rin's mood and she collected her crayons and paper.
"We have much to discuss I imagine," Sesshoumaru said once Rin exited, "I meant to call."
"Rin is having problems with her reading and language." Kagome continued, ignoring his last line.
She refused to make a fool out of herself over him again. She was determined to keep this meeting professional. Sesshoumaru watched her silently, musing over the woman. She was beautiful, even more so now that he was in a better lit room with her. He didn't know why he hadn't called. It felt like too much time had passed for her offer to still be good. Sesshoumaru had wondered if she even remembered their night, but the look on Mai's- no, Kagome's face revealed she remembered him well.
She hadn't acknowledged his statement. Instead she held out Rin's documents, eyeing him expectantly. Sesshoumaru took the folder.
"She's received As on all her tests so far," Sesshoumaru murmured, looking through the girl's records.
"That is because I administer Rin's tests orally. I'm afraid she'll fall behind otherwise."
"You really do a lot for your students," Sesshoumaru spoke admirably.
Kagome smiled, "I'm quite fond of Rin; I want to see her thrive. She's a smart girl, I can tell, but she stumbles over certain words and phrases that are common for children her age. I fear her progress will be further delayed. Her next teacher may not adopt the same teaching methods I have."
Sesshoumaru nodded in understanding, "So what can be done?"
Kagome walked to her desk and pulled out a binder. She handed it to Sesshoumaru.
"I took the liberty of creating a workbook for Rin. It has her most common spelling mistakes, recommended books for her to read, a couple of practice quizzes, and some online resources. I'd also recommend a tutor."
"Are you available for tutoring?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"Oh, no I'm sorry. My evenings are pretty booked up."
"Another job perhaps?" He responded curtly.
Kagome glared at him. She knew he recognized her, that smirk on his face a good indication.
"I'm unavailable," she said, her voice short.
For a moment, the two didn't speak, stuck in a stalemate.
"Kagome, I meant to call-" Sesshoumaru began.
"Actually its Miss Higurashi and Mr. Taisho, I have no idea to what you are referring."
Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, rubbing his temples. Was she really going to do this?
"My apologies. Can you actually give me a minute?"
Kagome nodded and Sesshoumaru stepped off to the corner of the classroom. Kagome began tidying up her room when she felt her pocket vibrate. Someone was calling her. She looked down at the unknown number and picked up her phone, speaking softly.
"Hello?"
"Should I call you Kagome or Mai?"
Kagome's eyes bolted up. Sesshoumaru watched her. He had his phone to his ear and her note in his hand. Kagome hung up. Why did she stupidly give him her real number?
"Can we speak?" asked Sesshoumaru, sliding his phone in his pocket.
Kagome avoided his eye contact. Her leg tapped anxiously and her mouth was fixed in an angry pout.
Sesshoumaru wanted to laugh at her childish nature, a sharp contrast to the erotic and flirty display she had shown earlier. Even embarrassed, he had to admit she was cute. Finally, she looked up at the man.
"So what did you want to say?" asked the woman, exasperated.
"Go out with me."
"After you didn't speak to me for weeks?"
"Let me make it up to you," Sesshoumaru allured.
Kagome thought about it, "Actually are you still in the police force?"
"No, not anymore, but my friend Naraku was my partner. He still works there."
A small smile spread over Kagome's face, "I'll agree to a date, but I'll need your help with something."
Sesshoumaru nodded, picking up his jacket. "Okay, save that number. I'll contact you again tomorrow."
"Sure it won't be another two weeks?"
Sesshoumaru's lips quirked upward. He walked to the door, waving Rin over. "Anything else?"
Kagome pondered for a moment, tapping her chin. Rin smiled up at her.
"I think Rin deserves a dog."
Sesshoumaru looked between the two females. Kagome gave Rin a wink and Rin tried to wink back, but she couldn't keep one eye closed. 'So they're working together.' Sesshoumaru chuckled lightly. He grabbed Rin's hand.
"Perhaps we'll take a trip to the shelter tomorrow."
"Yay!" Rin exclaimed, jumping up and down.
Sesshoumaru led Rin away to the car. Rin waved down the hallway.
"Thank you, Miss Kagome! See you Monday!"
Yup so I decided to turn the lap dance into a date because it seemed like it would be on fun to write. Don't expect a sweet date though. I read so many fanfics (and write some) where Sesshoumaru is dominant, in control, and so sexually knowledgeable whereas Kagome is the innocent girl who needs to be taught things. I kind of want to flip their roles and show a more awkward Sesshoumaru and flirty Kagome when they have their first date. I'm thinking that my chapters will alternate between smut and fluff with light and serious moments scattered throughout, but I haven't committed. Would you guys prefer more sweet moments or sexual ones? Please review and thanks for reading.