Mikazuki Tsuki is back once again with an update! I'm sorry I made you all wait so long, but there were certain circumstances that caused the wait. I made this chapter kinda long for all you guys who were saddened by the hiatus that lasted about three months.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Disclaimer: Not mine, never was mine, never will be mine

Chapter Sixteen:

Truth or Dare Part Two

"Truth or Dare?" The words came out with a confused waver, as Kagome repeated them. Had she really heard right? The nod Sesshoumaru gave her assured her that her ears were in proper function and that what she thought she had heard...was actually what was said.

Oddly enough she smiled, though a shiver ran through her spine at a sudden spark of lightning illuminated the room. The booming of thunder followed the flash.

She was then able to see Sesshoumaru in a new light. Kagome almost snorted, 'Literally.' He had to care for her in some way if he wanted to take her mind off of the current storm-not to mention her discomfort at her almost-but not quite nude, nudity.

"...Truth"

Sesshoumaru looked straight at her. His amber eyes seemed to pierce her soul, "Why are you so afraid of storms?"

That one question made her almost sigh.

So maybe she gave the present company a bit too much credit.

Sesshoumaru continued to stare and Kagome bit her bottom lip. 'Right,' she thought. He had asked her a question. She thought back to what it had been.

Why are you so afraid of storms?

Kagome groaned. Why did it have to be that question? "I lost my father on a night like this. I love the rain but hate the thunder and stuff. It just brings back bad memories."

The youkai nodded in understanding. There was really no need or reason to prod further. She would tell the rest when she felt she could. There was a small pause.

"I'm sorry." Sesshoumaru was the one to shatter the silence. But the sound of his voice was smooth and welcomed.

Kagome broke out of her thoughts, "For what?"

Sesshoumaru almost rolled his eyes at the question and her memory laspe, "For your loss."

Kagome oh'ed then smiled, "Thanks Sesshoumaru." She gave him a poke in his side, "Now. Same question."

"Truth."

Kagome thought a bit, "Does the Shikkon no Tama ever go away?" She blushed, "I've been thinking about that for awhile now."

Sesshoumaru sighed, "It depends. If a 'pure and selfless' wish is made the jewel will disappear for good. If an opposite wish is made, however, than the jewel will be reincarnated after several centuries, in someone with relations to the jewel in a past life."

Kagome blinked, "Wow...Has anyone ever wished on it?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head, "No one had the chance. Truth or Dare?"

Kagome shrugged, "Truth."

"Why do you keep picking Truth?"

"Because hell would freeze over before I ever do a dare again. Lest I end up completely nude, tied to another completely nude person."

Her companion snorted, "I fail to see anything wrong with a dare such as that." He teased, knowing that simple comment would get her going.

"You're such a pervert you know that? A giant perv."

He snorted and Kagome continued on with the game, "T o D, Taisho?"

Sesshoumaru shrugged, "Truth, I suppose."

Kagome cup a hand to her ear, "What was that? Dare you say? Alright!" Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes at her antics, "You are aware that that I chose the other option?"

Kagome rolled her eyes, "Yea, but I don't know what I could ask you since you answered my question and I now know you wear boxers."

Sesshoumaru quirked a brow and Kagome blushed crimson realizing that she had said that aloud, and she cleared her throat quickly.

"Um... I dare you to sneak off with me and forget this sick-ish dare, before I catch a cold from sitting in this room that's getting colder by the second."

Sesshoumaru nodded, "I accept your dare." Kagome giggled as he helped her up and they silently snuck out of the room and made their way to Kagome's room. Sesshoumaru guided her through the darkened halls with his acute eyesight.

Kagome could have only guess how many times she would have klutzed out had he not have been there.

When they finally reached the door, and Kagome thanked him, there was an awkward pause.

Kagome broke it with a cheery, 'good night.' One which Sesshoumaru returned softly as he walked away.

With a sigh she opened the door, pulled on a sweater and a pair of shorts and flopped into bed.

It hadn't even been a fill ten minutes, before the door creaked open and someone crept into her room.

She tensed, as they came nearer to her bed, and peeked over the covers. She gasped softly with surprise, "What are you doing here?"

(Tsuki)

Sango nervously poked her to index fingers together, "Um what would you like to know?"

Mirouku shrugged, "Anything. Why don't you tell me about your family?" His voice was husky with exhaustion as he sat back against the couch. Sango shivered slightly then blushed, though it was thankfully unnoticed in the dim room. She bit her bottom lip- a habit she had unfortunately picked up from Kagome.

"My family? Well my parents are an eccentric bunch, but I love them with all my heart," she smiled in memory, "My father used to teach martial arts and went crazy making sure me and my brother knew at least five forms of defense. As a just in case thing you know. He also loved to study demon extermination methods."

She giggled, "I remember he bought me this huge boomerang. It was almost as tall as I am and more than heavy." Mirouku chuckled, "But my mother kept us soft by teaching us how to cook, clean, sew, and everything. They were total opposites, but they love each other so much." Mirouku smiled with her.

"They're in the states now, but Sesshoumaru-sama said they can bunk here for the summer, when they visit here."

Mirouku nodded, "You mentioned a brother. What's his name?"

Sango stretched, "Kohaku. He's the most gently boy, I've ever meet. Smart too. He wants to be a doctor when he grows up- only so he can help people. I try and call him at least few days to check on him. He's going to make his dreams come true... I know it."

Mirouku met her eyes, "You sound so close to him. How old is he?"

Sango giggles, "He'll be eleven soon, but he tried to act so grown up some times." She rolled her eyes playfully and Mirouku chuckled, "Well maybe if we stick around long enough, I'll meet your family."

Sango smiled, "I hope so... Tell me about yours? What is your family like?"

Mirouku sighed, "Well I have no siblings, Inuyasha is closest thing to a brother. Sesshoumaru is like an older brother in a way."

He paused, choosing to look into the crackling fire instead of at Sango. The aforementioned didn't say anything to interrupt but listened attentively, "My mother was the life of anything from what I remember. She was never serious and always laughing. She loved Father and me with everything she had."

Sango inched closer to Mirouku as his eyes dulled with sadness.

"Father was like my mom, but he was a bit more somber and a complete genius." Mirouku chuckled. "He was always researching in our home lab though his real job was managing. He loved mysteries and thinking. That's why he loved Mother. She was unpredictable and challenged him to think. Both passed in a car crash around January while I was at school. I was about twelve I think."

A sad chuckle escaped his lips, "That had to be the worst moment of my life when the principal told me that. Sesshoumaru took me in since I was the son his brother's manger." He sighed as he looked at his hands, "And then I took over my father's job once I got older."

Sango gasped and reached out to hug Mirouku. He closed his eyes as Sango gently cradles his head to her shoulder, "God, Mirouku! I'm so sorry."

Mirouku hugged her back a wry smile on his face, and no temptation to do anything perverted for possibly once in his life. "Thanks Sango. Really."

Sango suddenly blushed as she slowly broke away, "No problem, Mirouku. No problem at all. I never would have guessed, you know." She said softly, "You're always laughing and smiling."

Mirouku smiled sheepishly, "Well I get that from my mother in a way. Her philosophy was literally laughter is the best medicine."

Her grin gave way to a loud yawn, "Oh...Excuse me..."

Mirouku chuckled, "Come on. You're tired. Let's get you into bed." Sango giggled softly and joked, "Alright mom."

He grabbed a lit candle from the table and shook his head, amusedly. They both made their way to Sango's bedroom.

She cursed under her breath as she tried the door, "It's not opening!"

Mirouku gave her the candle as he tried the knob himself, "Did you lock it or something?" he grunted.

Sango shook her head, "I never do." She groaned.

Mirouku looked nervous for the first time since he had gotten there, "Um...well you can sleep in my room. You take the bed and I'll make-shift bed it on the floor."

Sango shook her head, "I don't want to kick you out of your bed!"

Mirouku just smiled, "It's alright. Unless you wanna share." His smile let her know that he was kidding.

Sango smiled back at Mirouku and in that moment, she knew he wasn't just some perverted manager; he was a caring and sweet man that always smiled and made others smile. And what she also knew, and what scared her the most, was that she knew she loved him.

(Tsuki)

Kikyou watched as Mirouku and Sango gingerly went into his room. She let out a squeal before closing her slightly cracked door. She whispered happily, "Inu-kun! It worked! It worked! It worked!"

Inuyasha gave her a blank look, "What worked?"

Kikyou went into detail about her little plots to pair up Sango and Mirouku and the recent door locking.

Inuyasha chuckled, "So that's why you needed that key. Kiki-chan, you're a genuine cupid, a little crazy, but a cupid none the less." Kikyou slapped Inuyasha playfully. Finally she twirled around, uncharacteristically loose, "It's good to see Mirouku in such wonderful hands. I'm so happy for him."

Inuyasha chuckled, "Yeah, me too. He and Sango balance each other out well you know. Mirouku keeps Sango in shape and Sango keeps Mirouku in line."

Kikyou laughed.

"Now all they need to do is tell each other and they'll be set." She sat next to Inuyasha on their bed. He wrapped an arm around her and kissed her forehead.

"I think they'll do that soon enough. My main concern is my brother. He's rather complicated."

Kikyou shrugged, "Yeah, but I'm sure I'll get him and Kagome-chan on the right track before she goes home."

Inuyasha smiled and kissed her again, "I'm sure too, love. Now come on let's get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be busy."

(Tsuki)

Kagome gestured for the person to come closer, "Is something wrong, Rin-chan?" The girl nodded, "Rin is afraid of the loud noises."

Kagome scooted over, "Come on Rin. You can sleep with me tonight." Rin gratefully climbed into bed.

She sniffed, "Do you think Rin is a scardy-cat?" Kagome hugged the girl, "Of course not, honey! You know... I also don't like the loud noises."

Rin looked up at her, "Really?"

Kagome nodded, "Really."

For a moment it was really quiet, "I guess the thunder stopped." She was about to laugh when a loud boom of thunder erupted in the background.

Rin clutched Kagome for dear life, and started to cry.

Kagome picked her up and scrambled out of the room and into the familiar hallway she knew to be where Sesshoumaru slept.

She found his room with ease and opened it- Rin still crying on her shoulder. Kagome smoothed the girl's hair calmingly, as she stepping into the room.

"Sesshoumaru?"

There was a ruffle of fabric. "What is it?"

Kagome sniffed along with Rin from the effects of the room shaking thunder, "C-can me and Rin sleep with you? Please"

Had it been any other time Sesshoumaru would have made a joke about her grammar or about her request.

But since it wasn't any other time, he swiftly crossed the room and with an inaudible sigh swept the two crying girls and placed them in his bed. The scent of their fear swirled about the room almost suffocating him with the intensity.

Inaudibly speaking words he hadn't heard since his mother passed, immediately any sounds of the outside storm were blocked out and a calming blanket of warm was placed over the two. Born yawned simultaneously.

Rin hugged Sesshoumaru, "Thank you btou-sama. My tenchi." She mumbled before falling into a peaceful slumber, her fear receding.

Kagome slipped into a pleasant sleep against Sesshoumaru's side, her small hand fisting in his clothing. "Goodnight Sesshou..." she yawned and before she could finish her good night, she fell asleep.

Sesshoumaru smiled at the two. Honestly he had not been able to sleep knowing that it was still storming and both Rin and Kagome were without comfort.

He sighed. "Really. I am just too soft."

(Tsuki)

The next morning was busy.

Very busy.

For one, Sugio Repairs was finishing the last touches on Sesshoumaru's office, so they were bustling about the area there. Two, the party was tomorrow and nothing had been put together because of the rain. Three, the Booth rental company was to arrive with the booths.

Inuyasha-whom had heard about the gruesome half hour spent with the salesman from hell, had remarked teasingly, "Aren't they like breaking regulation? The party's tomorrow and you said they have that two day thingy."

Sango had grinned, "We told 'em that the party was a day after it was really supposed to be, because had they arrived yesterday, they'd have been rained on and the boss would've had to pay double the rental price." She had leaned back smugly, "Smart of us, huh?"

Inuyasha had snorted, "Not really."

And thus we find ourselves at the present, two hours after breakfast and a lot of yelling later.

Inuyasha groaned as he welded together a metal platform that stood at least a foot off of ground level, but didn't sink into the sand, "I don't see why I'm stuck breakin' my freakin' back out here!" He adjusted his goggles. "Sesshoumaru could do this in like five fucking minutes. With his claws too."

Mirouku glared at his head, "Well maybe if you shut your mouth once in a while, you'd keep yourself and the people around you out of back breaking labor."

Inuyasha sniffed haughtily, "Well that's what you get for laughing at me while Kikyou's present, so quit bitching."

Mirouku kicked sand at him, "Bastard." He arched his back before setting up another of the booths up on the platform. Sesshoumaru had brought them down half an hour before like they were mere sheets of paper. This one for some catch a fish, win a fish game. This party was meant to be like a mini festival, for children and adults alike.

Mirouku smirked- that of course was his idea to make it into a festival fundraiser for all ages. He knew from experience, that where kids were, money was definitely going to be spent.

Inuyasha threw a pebble at Mirouku, "Get back to work you slacker!"

Mirouku huffed and flipped him off before continuing to bring up another wooden booth.

They made a wonderful, wonderful team.

(Tsuki)

Kikyou, Kagome, and Sango trudged down the stone stepping to the beach area below, carrying boxes. Each box varied in size and all were somewhat heavy. This was their seventh and last trip down.

They set down the boxes on the platform, before stepping up onto it. The platform was about ten feet in length and width wise was yet unknown since Inuyasha had a few more boards to place and weld.

Using a knife cutter, Sango opened each box. At the last box, she gasped, "Aw, little fishie!"

Kagome giggled and Kikyou smiled, "Chinese Fighting Fish if I'm not mistaken." Mirouku nodded, "You're right... That's probably why they're in separate containers."

Inuyasha suddenly laughed, "I remember when I was younger, I made Sesshy buy me fish. I was kinda surprised that he'd even consent 'cause I made him get like ten different types of the,. So anyway we had 'em for less than a weeks cause each day, you'd see some fish on the floor 'cause this one bitch of a fish threw them all out..."

Sango blinked, "You've just wasted a minute of my life. Thanks a bunch Inuyasha."

Sand ended up finding its way to Sango's face, "INUYASHA! I'M GOING TO KILL YOUR ASS!"

There were three simultaneous sighs as the two chased each other around the beach. They were almost evenly matched. Kikyou groaned and chased after the two, "We don't have time for this! It's nine already and we've yet to finish the set up! You guys know we still have shopping to do to make up for yesterday, set up electricity in this area, set up the games, and burners, bake for tomorrow, clean—"

Kagome sighed, "Come on Mirouku, I guess it's just you and meEEE! Ahh you PERVERT! Hands off my behind!"

Mirouku paled as Kagome advanced on him, "There was a sand crab on your ass! I was just trying to get it off for you!"

Before they could say anymore they were interrupted by the two figures that descended the steps.

"Tsk, ye children need to get ye selves together. Now!"

All movement stopped as Kaede and Totousai walked towards them. Sango and Inuyasha had stopped their chase abruptly.

Totousai rubbed his chin, "You kids need some discipline if anything is to get done. Inuyasha- finish the platform. You have thirty minutes. Mirouku- get the rest of the booths onto the stand. You have twenty. Sango-set up the fishing game, but keep the fish in the jars, in the tank. Then feed them. I want that done in five minutes."

Kaede turned to Kagome, "The box with the stuffed animals, I want you to place on their respective booth. Here's the list," she handed her two sheets of paper, "Ten minutes. And ye have a sand crab on your pants." Mirouku cleared his throat loudly, grumbling, "I told you so."

Kaede continued, "Lastly Kikyou, you have the other prizes. Here are your lists," she handed her three sheets, "15 minutes. Who ever does not finish in their given time is stuck baking duty today."

Smirking both said in unison, "And go.."

...5 minutes and 1 second later...

Sango wiped her hands on her shirt and let out a breath, "Finished."

Totousai grinned, "And we have our first baker!"

Sango gaped, "But I did it in five minutes!"

Kaede shook her head, "Ye were over by one second, child." Sango huffed, "The food instructions were in German!"

Totousai smirked as he shook a finger at her, "And that girly, is the attitude that got you baking in the first place. Now be a good little girl and prepare the food booths."

Sango stomped away, "Urgh!"

Inuyasha laughed at her from his working area. "Touch luck!"

Kaede sighed, "Ye now have five minutes subtracted from your time, Inuyasha."

The hanyou quickly quieted. He could barely do this in that half hour.

...4 minutes and 58 second later...

Kagome cheered, "Whoo! My five minutes are up and I am done!"

Kaede nodded, "And a second to spare too... We have our next baker."

Kagome's mood deflated, "Are you serious! I finished before my time was up."

Totousai nodded, "Exactly."

Kagome was about to argue, but Sango wrapped an arm around her, "Let's not even bother to question, Kagome ole girl. Let's not even bother."

...4 minutes, 2 second, and1 millisecond later...

Kikyou stretched, "I'm finished."

Totousai grinned, "Alright! Our third baker. Too bad though...just a millisecond off." Kikyou just shook her head, "I'm not going to bother. Sango! Need a hand with that?"

...5 minutes and 03 second later...

Mirouku plopped down on the sand, "Yeah, yeah...Fourth baker."

Some time passed before Kaede looked at her timer as Inuyasha called, "Finished! Ha!" The old woman's eye twitched as it had stopped exactly on 25: 00:00. 'Darn!'

Whistling an innocent's tune, she called, "What do ye know? Baker number five."

Inuyasha groaned, "No way! Lemme see that timer shit of yours!" Kaede cleared it's time, "Oops. I must be getting clumsy in my old age. But anyway... I expect ye five in the kitchen in one hour, or there will be hell to be paid."

...exactly one hour later...

The unlucky five who were trapped by the two elderly slave drivers were placed in jean aprons. (When they asked why jean aprons, the reason was: just because.)

Different colored hair bandanas (When they asked why-rather Inuyasha asked why because he had gotten a pink one-, the reason: because no one wanted three foot long hair in their baked goods.)

Gloves: (When Inuyasha asked why to be an ass the reason was: shut up)

Kaede smiled, "Now get to work, Sango is in charge of anything that has to do with food. Likewise, Kikyou with wrapping this stuff up. All your supplies are in the pantry. Pick your teams, and get to work. Totousai and I shall be cleaning outside."

Kikyou groaned, "This is ridiculous."

Sango nodded and said dryly, "Agreed." She stretched her arms, "Mirouku and Kagome you two are with me since you both have had some experience cooking. Inuyasha and Kikyou can both package and put on the price stickers."

Kagome adjusted her blue bandana and grinned, "Alright, guys hands in. If we do this right we'll be free in no more than three hours."

Sango giggled and put her hand slightly over Kagome's, everyone else following suit. Inuyasha commented first on how outlandish the action was, but smiled none the less.

"Ready... Break!"

(Tsuki)

Rin and Sesshoumaru were in the property gardens. Sun streamed down into the ground with a blue like hue to them. It was hidden by a strong barrier that only would only lift with Sesshoumaru's possibly death.

This was the location of the Shikkon no Tama... it needed protection.

Flowers of all kind flourished in the large garden. Red, pink, white, and yellow roses, forget-me-nots, cornflowers, tiger lilies, sweet peas, tulips, iris, larkspurs, canarations, snapdragons, violets, and daffodils- you name it.

No matter the season they bloomed beautiful, never fully withering. They just seemed to glow when their months of favor came around.

Rin twirled around the rows of flowers, "Sesshoumaru-sama! They're so gorgeous!" She picked up a lily and entwined it into a lock of her hair.

She spun again with a giggle.

"Rin loves your garden, tensh—Sesshoumaru-sama!" She caught herself in time. Rin was not quite sure how Sesshoumaru would react to being called an angel of all things.

She breathed in relief when he seemed not to have noticed.

The girl wrung her hands nervously though, when Sesshoumaru addressed her.

Now would be a perfect time to tell her.

"Rin?"

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"How would you feel about this Sesshoumaru adopting you?"

Tears sprung to the little girl's eyes, "Adopt Rin?" Sesshoumaru nodded, as Rin hugged his leg, "And Rin can play in the gardens everyday? And stay wit Sesshoumaru-sama."

Sesshoumaru patted her head, "Of course."

Rin sniffed, "Rin would be...honored, Sesshoumaru-sama."

Sesshoumaru almost chuckled. Almost. Until Rin continued, "And Kagome-sama too?" He tensed. He thought back to his previous conversation. Sesshoumaru was still a bit unnerved by what Inuyasha had spoken to him about.

Sesshoumaru awoke at five that morning. Fully relaxed, resting...and oddly warm? He looked down to see Rin and Kagome sleeping peacefully. He sighed.

He was so attached to these girls-human girls no less.

It was almost disgraceful.

Almost.

If this had been a different time and place then it possibly would be but now—

With a frown he decided not to dwell anymore on it and carefully switched Rin with himself in a blink of an eye so as neither would wake from the missing body heat.

As soon as he exited his room, Inuyasha was waiting for him.

The hanyou ran a hand through his silver locks, "I have a feeling that this is it, bro. This is the last year we'll have to worry about Naraku. Either we're dead or he is. But incase someone up there is on our side, I want you to adopt Rin. If or when this shit blow over. She'll be much happier with you."

Sesshoumaru nodded, his still sleep clouded mind agreeing. Yes, adopting Rin would be a rather good idea. Inuyasha and Kikyou were part of a world were moving was natural and that was not good for a child. Sesshoumaru was allowed some time to breathe every now and then before starting work. Inuyasha smiled, "She's a great kid and you'll be a great dad when you're not being a prick. But every girl will need a mom Sess.."

(Tsuki)

End! (of chapter)

Yay for me for an early super prolonged update! It's probably an OCC mess and grammatical. With Sesshoumaru's character especially, there is definite OCC stuff going down. And this seemed totally rushed. Next Chapter: the long awaited party and Scheming galore. It's bound to be a blast.

By the way—the fish story was completely true. Mom bought us like seven fish and we only have them for two days before we lost one...

Its name was Brownie lol.

Once again I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

If you're feeling as supped as I am and in the mood to be corny- post what you're thankful for in your reviews.

There are no reviewer responses, but if you truly want a response then say that in your review and I'll get an answer up before Saturday )

Have a good one,

Mikazuki Tsuki