Sesshomaru looked down at the amber liquid in his glass. He slowly swirled it watching the liquid rise up the sides of the cup just like his thoughts pressed against his skull. This had to be ok, just like it had been ok for the last two years. He remained hunched over the bar but looked back over his shoulder to the yard every so often. He had to keep himself turned away or else his eyes would never leave her. When he looked, he noted that many of the children ran about playing tag while Rin sat off to the side making flower crowns with a few of the girls. Based off the variety of flowers at her side he ventured Kagome indulged in Rins silly whim.

"Another drink I see." Sesshomaru didn't even glance in the voice's direction. "Come now, I hope there are no hard feelings. It has been a while but we were once friends, yes?"

"Hn" his eyes cut to the male and a tick in his jaw appeared from clenching of his teeth. He could smell her on him. Her scent cloaked him thick and heavy. Clearly, he had no qualms making it apparent to him who he was close with. Coming over with false pleasantries while throwing down the first gauntlet. He was no fool.

"Did you enjoy the food?"

"Is there something you required Haruki?" Sesshomaru curtly replied. He hoped it would relay his wishes to be left alone.

Haruki smirked and turned from the bar to look out over the yard. "Not particularly, just trying to partake in civil conversations. We will be seeing much of each other."

"Hn."

"You never have been much of a talker," Haruki chuckled "I guess some things never change."

Sesshomaru turned to fully address the man and followed his gaze. Kagome was sitting with her back to a tree while combing her fingers through Heros hair putting it back in order while the boys dog lounged beside the two.

"I know what you're thinking, why a dog? A dog demon with a dog. Well sometimes you pick your battles my friend. In the end the pup's happiness is all that matters."

"Tell me, what would your mate think if she saw that." He indicated with his head towards the display.

Haruki chuckled "I guess it's true what they are saying… what a pity." Haruki leaned back against the bar to rest on his elbows. "If you must know for one, I think she would be most pleased. She is actually really good friends with Kagome. They have bonded a lot over her pregnancy." Haruki turned his head to look at Sesshomaru and noticed his posture went more ridged than it already was. "And two, she was not my mate but my wife… an ex-wife that is quite happy with her mate right about now. I would not carelessly toss a mate aside for another." He knew what Sesshomaru was implying. As if his son being with the Miko was shameful. If anything, he felt pride. Kagome was far from perfect but she was a wonderful and caring person. To him she was as close as it got.

"Is that so." Sesshomaru looked away and downed his drink in one gulp. In that moment he knew perfectly well that Kagome had shared personal details about them. It took everything in him not to crumble the glass in his hands. But this was not the time nor place, he had to keep up and play into the lie he told. In the end he sat the glass down with more force than necessary and motioned for another drink from the bartender.

"Yes, we both enjoy seeing her with him. Due to her current state, she's not traveling and it has relieved her greatly knowing Kagome would care for her pup the way a mother would or well, as she herself would care for him in her place." He said this pointedly not skipping a beat. "Tell me Sesshomaru, do you find it shameful? Because I do not."

Sesshomaru could only blink in response, his biting response was tossed back in his face. In allowing his jealously to seep out he had yet again easily played into the roll he had built for himself. The roll of bigotry. When in fact what he felt at seeing the pup in Kagome's arm was pure envy not disgust. He had witnessed her with many children throughout the years but this was the only one who brought such brisling feelings out in him. And it was only due to the man standing beside him now. The man who currently was patiently trying to win the regards of the one thing he desired most.

Was this what she felt seeing him that day? Or at every mention of demonesses from his mother? Sesshomaru's lips curled up in a sinical crooked grin at the irony of It all. He could not help the words that tumbled out of his mouth. "Did you come here just to gloat?"

Haruki's looked curiously at him again the smile Kagome brought out in him fading. "No, I did not. I simply came to talk. It was not I who became hostile. Nor did I bring up this particular topic. As I said we will be seeing a lot of one another now, with me taking over for my father. I want… to have a working relationship between our clans. We were once friends and I hope that can happen again."

"Hnn." he turned to take a sip of his drink at the bar.

"You are still in love with her." He heard Sesshomaru scoff. Haruki knew he would not openly admit it and least of all to him. But his intentions must be known. "I must tell you; I came for her. And if she will have me, I will take her as my mate. I well... I wanted to be clear and honest with you Sesshomaru considering the circumstances between all of us. But I am going to do whatever it takes to ensure her happiness."

The threat was clear. Sesshomaru gazed behind his shoulder at Kagome then to Haruki. "Where do you get that idea. It matters not to this one what you or her do."

"Hmm very well." Haruki straighten but lingered still. He couldn't help the nagging feeling in the back of his mind that something was not right. Looking at Sesshomaru all he could see was a broken man despite how hard he tried to hid it. Haruki senses was sharp and he picked up on the little tendrils of longing that would slip when he glanced at Kagome. Something told him this wasn't just a remorseful bitter ex. Without thinking twice, he put a voice to those thoughts.

"Can I be frank here?" When he did not answer he pushed on anyways. "What happened to you? With all the things I have heard and even seen I just still find it hard to believe. You may think you are fooling everyone else and perhaps yourself too, but it just doesn't add up. You were with her for so long and only her, I just don't buy it. And don't try to dishonor her by saying she was merely a passing fancy, a place holder. You and I both know you don't buy that; I can see it."

"People change Haruki or maybe I was pretending the whole time and you bought the lie. Maybe your right, maybe your wrong but it is not your business either way." Sesshomaru turned around to look at Kagome who was now standing and pushing Hero to go and join the other children again. He looked at the silly little grin on Haruki's face, the one he can't seem to keep off his face when looking at her.

"I guess that is true. Maybe I don't really know you or haven't in years that is, but that is just my opinion." Haruki didn't take his eyes off Kagome. She turned noticing both men looking in her direction and smiled with a little wave before her attention snapped elsewhere.

Haruki left without a word silently walking in his target's direction. Haruki did his part, Sesshomaru was correct when stating it wasn't his business. What was his business was the women in front of him.

Sesshomaru watched as Haruki drew nearer. Kagome was laughing at whatever the person said just as Haruki grabbed her from behind, picking her up and twirling her around. A small polite smile and laugh turned into full hysterics and a smile that riveled the sun. She swatted at him playfully to set her down. But he was clearly not ready to relinquish her as he tried to pull her into a dance. "Dancing in the moon light" came on and Kagome finally relented in a fit of giggles for a playful dance.

Sesshomaru took it all in. Was that ever them? No that was never them. They were lazy mornings and quiet afternoon reads in the den. He knew they was happy; that she was happy till she wasn't. But even then, the happiness was there in the shadows, wasn't it? He always thought their relationship was like the warm sun kissed sand that met with the cool calm tides of the ocean. They were opposite that was attracted to each other. Making one another whole and balanced or at least that is what he told himself. But seeing them flow so effortless together, the utter joy he brought out in her had him questioning it all.

He was never the energic one, more subdued and laid back. And at some point, she seemed to stop trying to break him out of his box. Was that her giving up? Because witnessing her twirl bare foot in the grass freely with Haruki and the kids made Sesshomaru think perhaps he had held on longer than he should have. Looking at them was like looking at a life he would never have but the one she always deserved. It was the life he wanted for them in their own way. But seeing her happy, seeing her free to truly be herself was worth his solitude. She was worth it all.

The life she always craved was with in her grasp, it was ripe and for the taking. A life that only held him as a side character if that. Yet watching as she stooped down to pick up Hero and dance around with him on her hip, he could not help but want it for himself. He wanted to take it all, he wanted to be the main focus, him and her together. But was he selfish enough to act on these wants. Was he hopeful enough to take the chance she would listen to his reasoning and forgive. But seeing her lean into the pup and him nuzzle her back halted the steps he hadn't realize he made. His hands fell limply to his sides before turning to leave.

A/N: Sorry I've been M.I.A on this. I was honestly sitting on this a while and forgot to post it. It was originally apart of another chapter but decided to separate it which is why its short. The other half should be up soon. But any who, as you can see I am slowly reveling Kagome's and Sesshomaru's past and why they are no longer together but I promise it will all be out eventually.