Author's Notes: Okay, I know...This took forever, but to be fair I had to write it twice! Stupid lightening made me lose it the first time. But because it took so long, I made the chapter longer for ya! Oh, and if anyone from Santa Fe is reading this, you guys have to go down to True Believers and by my comic! It's called Inside and it's totally awesome so check it out! This chapter is dedicated to Mirei Nochi, here's your Sesshou!
Disclaimer: Let's see, oh yeah, I don't own it!
Stepping Off the Street
Chapter Four: Midnight Rendezvous
Have you ever had the feeling that the whole world was against you? Like fate was seeing how many curve balls it could throw before beaning you in the head? Okay, so maybe I'm being paranoid but I am absolutely entitled as life is really screwing me over. Argh, I need a vacation.
It had been several days since the merger meeting and Kagome had been burrowed under work trying to make it work. Day in and day out she had been looking through personnel files from both companies to try and decide who was unfortunately going to be let go. Oh, but she hated firing people.
"Hey Kagome, ready to go down to the lab?"
A young man with dark hair walked up to her desk. Jakotsu was one of Takamura's employees that worked in the labs. He was a delightful young man that Kagome had instantly taken a liking to. It was hard not to with his buoyant personality.
"You just want to go flirt with your boy-toy." Kagome smiled knowingly as Jakotsu pouted, his cheeks flushed in an adorable blush.
"Bankotsu is not my boy-toy. He's simply mister right wrapped in a cute butt and tight body."
Kagome laughed out loud as Jakotsu crossed his arms in a decidedly childish way. "Okay, okay. We can go." She giggled again as she took Jakotsu's arm and walked out of the building.
Kagome had been going down to the lab for about two days. That's where she meet Jakotsu. She was glad to have the opportunity to work in the field she had originally been hired in. She had graduated with a Masters in biochemistry with a minor in viral study. She was originally going to be working on the study of new viruses and diseases while trying to engineer new medical advancements. Of course, once she was put under Inuyasha and straightened out his miscreant ways, Inutaisho decided she was more fit and needed in other areas. Thus, her dream of helping the world medically was put on hold.
The two walked through the elevator doors. The strolled down the hall until they came upon the clear glass doors that read "Medical Research". As the stepped in, Kagome caught Jakotsu looking around for a certain somebody. His eyes lit up when they finally landed on the subject of his desire.
Kagome had to admit, Bankotsu was definitely handsome. He was tall and lean with gorgeous black hair that trailed the length pf his back. Bankotsu always kept it in a braid that swished seductively with is every move. Yeah, he was definitely a cutie. But the sexual tension between Jakotsu and Bankotsu was so painfully clear that Kagome sat back and wondered how long it would take them to get together. As they shyly met each other's eyes, one word came to mind; hopeless.
Kagome sighed, rolling her eyes as she dragged Jakotsu over to Bankotsu. "Hey, Ban."
Bankotsu smiled in greeting before returning his attention to Jakotsu. "Hello Jakotsu."
Jakotsu flushed again before shyly saying hi in return. The two continued to stare at one another. Kagome cleared her throat and excused herself, "I'll just leave you two alone." She giggled as both gave her a scandalized look. She gave Jakotsu one last meaningful shove before walking over to her work station.
Currently, she was working on a new strain of pneumonia. It was relatively new but quite severe. While it held similar properties to normal pneumonia, this strain was currently untreatable. It could be contained, yes, and while it wasn't contagious, the symptoms resulted in death. There had already been six casualties of this virus, dozens where in intensive care and many more where diagnosed with the virus everyday. It was becoming a very serious problem.
It was also disheartening to discover that the virus was strictly found amongst children, who's bodies were severely lacking in a defense to it. Hence the reason Kagome was looking through the medical records of affected patients. The current patient was Samantha Cravins. She was a six year old little girl in the second stage of the virus. She had the usual symptoms; lethargy, trouble focusing her eyes, deep chest coughs, and labored breathing. She was on a respirator and needed to be feed through a tube.
If the virus wasn't treated soon, her lungs would become too weak to perform their necessary functions, shutting down and killing Samantha.
The doctors were at their wit's end on this and Kagome was equally frustrated. With a sigh, she tossed the file back onto the pile and stood up. She grabbed her coat and headed to the door.
"Hey 'Gome, where are you headed?"
Kagome turned back to address Bankotsu, "Well, I'm completely stuck on this virus and reading over the notes of others who are equally stuck isn't helping. I need a new look."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
Kagome giggled at the disheartened scowl on Jakotsu's face. Poor guy looked like he lost his puppy. "Nah, that's alright. Besides," Kagome held her fingers up in the shape of a box, squinting to finish the affect, "you two are just too cute! Where's my camera when I need it?"
The other lab technicians laughed at the expense of the couple who heated in embarrassment. Kagome laughed at two before making her getaway through the door and towards the garage.
Kagome took a deep breath as she stood outside the intensive care unit. She steeled herself before stepping through the doors. She walked past several beds before she found the cluster she was looking for. A young nurse with shockingly red hair was taking the vitals of three young children. There were two boys and a girl laying in the sterile white hospital beds, there tiny frame dwarfed by the large beds.
Kagome cleared her throat to get the nurse's attention, "Hello. My name is Kagome Higurashi, I'm with Taisho Industries."
The woman nodded her head in understanding, offering her hand to Kagome, "Of course. My name is Ayame." Ayame turned towards the children. "Kids, this is Ms. Higurashi. She came to see you all so be nice." Ayame nodded to Kagome before walking away to see to her other patients.
Kagome quickly looked back to the children, smiling reassuringly. The youngest boy suddenly walked over to Kagome and wrapped himself around her legs. "I'm Hoshi. I'm this many years old." The boy held up four pudgy fingers for Kagome's inspection.
Kagome gave him a shocked look before crouching down to his height, "Really? You're that many!" Hoshi nodded his head enthusiastically.
The little girl crawled to the end of her bed, curiously looking at Kagome. "My name is Sylia."
Kagome looked at the little girl who returned the look shyly. "It's nice to meet you. And how old might you be Sylia?"
"I'm eight."
Kagome gave Sylia a gentle smile, "You know, my son is about your age."
Sylia's eyes lightened at the statement. "Really? You have a son?"
"Yep, and I love the brat to death." Sylia giggled before coughing lightly behind her hand.
"What's his name?"
Kagome turned towards the oldest of the three. The boy was looking at her with a wary gaze. He remained in his bed trying to act uninterested in her despite his question.
"His name is Shippou. And who might you be?"
Kagome watched as the boys chest puffed out slightly with pride, "My name is Akira. My father named me. And before you ask, I'm eleven."
Kagome laughed lightly, the child reminded her a lot of Inuyasha. Stubborn to the very end. "Well, that is a very strong name." Kagome gave the boy a gentle smile, before looking back to Hoshi, who was still tightly clinging to her pant leg. She placed her hand on his head lightly as she stroked his downy blonde hair.
"If you guys don't mind, I'd like to stay here and talk to you for a while."
Sesshomaru walked through the front door of his home, raising an elegant silver brow at the chaos littering his once clean and tidy floor. He walked to the desk in his study and place his briefcase on the gleaming mahogany top as he heard the thundering of his daughter's foot steps as she flew down the stair case. He turned to her when she squealed her delight at seeing him home. He glanced at his underlings who were currently panting at the top of the stairs.
The two were twins and although they had been under his employ for several years, he was still unable to tell the difference between the two. Both stood at a height just shy of 6 and a half feet. Their hair was a dark burgundy with a shock of rich green hanging in front of their face. Their eyes were a honey brown framed by the dark slash of their eyebrows.
"Sesshomaru-sama! Rin is happy you are home!"
Rin stood before Sesshomaru as she shifted from foot to foot in her excitement. "Rin picked these for you!"
She eagerly thrust the make-shift bouquet of flowers from behind her back, grinning at the splashes of blue, yellow and red that littered through the flowers.
Sesshomaru excepted the gift, nodding his head in thanks. "Rin, it is time for dinner. Go with Ah and Un and clean yourself."
"Yes Sesshomaru-sama!" Rin turned on her heel and raced up the stairs, tugging on the twins respective hands. "Hurry, hurry! Rin is hungry."
Sesshomaru smirked inwardly at the girl's antics. Children. He walked into his study and let shrugged his jacket off, placing it on the back of the chair behind his desk. He quickly loosened his tie and tossed it into the corner. Wearily, he slumped into his leather chair and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Work had been a nightmare. It had already been over a week since Taisho Industries and Nakamura Inc. had officially merged. And while the general merge had been relatively smooth, it was the dealing of the new employees that was the cause of his current migraine. The incompetence of the Nakamura's PR division was quickly becoming a pain in the ass. He was impressed the idiots had become as illustrious as they had.
And of course, it seemed that ever since the meeting, Sesshomaru was ineffective of riding that Kagome woman from his thoughts. It didn't help that Rin constantly asked when she was going to be able to meet the "pretty lady" again.
After discovering that she was an employee held in such high esteem by his father, he had been researching her. He had to admit, the woman was smart and efficient. She was capable of working in many factions with in the company and did so. She was well liked, as well as known, through out the company and he was hard pressed to find a single individual that disliked her.
Damn the woman for being so intriguing!
"Sesshomaru-sama, dinner is ready."
Sesshomaru nodded to Jaken, dismissing the toad. He set up his laptop before leaving his study and heading for the dinning room. Rin was already seated as were Ah and Un. Jaken was scrambling around the table placing food down. Sesshomaru walked to the head of the table and sat down with a grand flourish.
The table was a traditional Japanese table, placed low to the ground. The pillows that surrounded it were large and comfortable with intricate embroideries crossing the fabric. The table was adorned with several flower vases along its middle, courtesy of Rin.
Jaken finished placing the food around the table and took a seat himself. Sesshomaru took a look at everyone, "Itadakimasu." Several more were heard before everyone reached to grab food.
When everyone had the respective plate filled before them, Rin began the evening conversation. "Today Rin made a new friend at school." She reached for her bowl of Yakisoba before returning to her story, "He is in Rin's class and has a cute fluffy tale like Sesshomaru-sama!"
Sesshomaru rose an inquisitive eyebrow but remained silent.
"He has pretty orange hair and he's really nice! Sesshomaru, can we go to the park?"
"If you have completed all your homework."
"It's all done!"
"Then we shall go to the park."
Rin giggled happily before returning to her meal. Dinner was finished on relative silence after that. Soon the meal was finished and Rin raced to the front door.
"Do not forget your jacket Rin"
"Yes Sesshomaru-sama!" She quickly grabbed a copper jacket before following Sesshomaru to his silver Tiburon. They arrived at the park quickly a Rin rushed to the swing set. As the neared the play ground Rin suddenly shouted, "Shippou!"
Sesshomaru turned his gaze to a rather small kit that was swinging from the monkey bars. Rin rushed up to the boy as he greeted her in turn. Sesshomaru hung back to watch the children's interaction while listening to their conversation.
"Hey Rin-chan! What are you doing here?"
Rin smiled, "Sesshomaru-sama brought me here to play. What are you doing here?"
"Kagome-kaa-san brought me! We come all the time." Shippou gestured back to Kagome who was sitting in the sand.
Kagome waved as she stood and walked over to the two, "Hi Rin. It's nice to see you again."
Rin's eyes lit up as she realized whom the lady was, "Pretty lady is Shippou's mommy?" At Kagome's nod, Rin rushed to wrap her arms around Kagome's waist. Kagome gave a soft 'umpf' as Rin's body slammed into her middle. "Rin has wanted to see pretty lady again!"
Rather put off at all the attention Rin was getting from his okaasan, Shippou went to join in Rin's grip of Kagome. Kagome laughed at the two before she suggested that they go play on the swings.
Sesshomaru had been watching the trio from the shadows of a near by tree. He was surprised when the kitsune introduced Kagome as his mother. She seemed rather young. This bit of information also led him to wonder if she was married. He quickly dispelled the thought.
He watched as the two children hugged Kagome and she smiled gently down at the pair. She seemed to radiate maternal instinct and it surprised him how quickly Rin took to her. Rin disliked most woman and it was very rare for her to warm up to anyone so fast.
The tiny group soon moved to the swings and Kagome alternated between pushing Shippou and Rin. They both laughed and continued to demand, "Higher!" Kagome laughed warmly as she did as commanded.
Something in Sesshomaru tightened at the sound of her joyous laughter, her voice soft and warm. He watched Kagome's blue eyes twinkle happily as she indulged in the kids antics. The fading light reflected gently of her raven hair, making glints of yellow and orange shine around her face. Her cheeks were flushed from the cooling breeze, giving her a delightful look.
Kagome soon grew tired, slumping onto the swing next to Rin. "You two are slave drivers! I'm pooped." She leaned dramatically against the swing's chain as she made as if she couldn't move a muscle.
The children chorused their disappointment before Rin remembered her silent guardian. "I know, Sesshomaru-sama can push us!"
Sesshomaru watched as Kagome tensed and quickly swung her gaze to him. He inwardly smirked at her look of surprise. Honestly, hadn't the girl made the connection? Did she really think he would let Rin roam around at night alone? Seeing as he was discovered, he quietly stepped from beneath the tree and walked over to the trio.
Kagome quickly wiped the shocked look from her face as he walked over. He gave her an intense look that made her fidget before turning his attention to Rin and Shippou.
"Can you push us Sesshomaru-sama?"
Sesshomaru simply moved behind the two, placed a hand on each child's back and pushed, careful of how much force he used. The children squealed as he pushed them both higher than Kagome did with little effort. Kagome sulked on her swing, 'Stupid youkai.'
Sesshomaru smirked at Kagome's putt off look. He gave the children one last heave before stepping behind Kagome. He gripped the chains as he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Now now, pouting doesn't suit you." As she made to retort, he pushed her swing forward, making her squeal as she gripped the chains. Rin and Shippou laughed at her as he pushed her again.
He was unsure what it was about this girl that made him so relaxed but at the moment he didn't care, he merely stored that bit of information for later pondering. At the moment, he was content.
Not once during the remainder of the time at the park did Sesshomaru question the strange happiness he was feeling. Indeed, he was quite unaware of it. Too bad for Sesshomaru his youkai was very aware.
Alright, another chapter down! If you guys have any questions -about the Japanese or whatever- feel free to ask! And don't forget to review!