Inuyasha covered his face with his hands. He had stormed out of their apartment and collapsed on the train's plastic bench out of steam. There was a resonating ding throughout the cabin calling for any last takers on getting off before it jolted into motion. Inuyasha didn't know where to go after leaving Kikyo in the living room. She hadn't called after him and he was kind of glad. Inuyasha had no clue what he would have done, maybe he would have stayed and that certainly would have only made things worse. His temper was well known and probably would have gotten the better of him, not for the first time either. He'd say things he didn't mean and some he meant all too well then feel guilty for them later. Kikyo wasn't one to rationalize her own personal guilt onto another, but it would only serve to make Inuyasha feel like shit for his words to hit close to home.

He did love her and having her so uncomfortable in front of him was hard. He didn't want her to be upset or guilty, but she had selfishly condemned Kagome to what could have been a painful experience. Jealousy and selfishness wasn't a crime, but that wasn't how Kikyo saw it, only could understand. It was probably similar to Sesshoumaru as a child. His half-brother never made a mistake and everyone knew it. He was the perfect son, the perfect heir. Inuyasha, for one, was glad he wasn't the first born because then he might feel obligated to act well-mannered and not himself. Was that it? Did Kikyo want to appear perfect so that her father, and probably him, would love her? Or was it just a pride thing? Whatever it was, Kikyo had pushed beyond logical understanding and too deep into the realm of emotional reign. She hadn't been thinking, but Naraku had forced her with blackmail after she started having doubts. Kikyo wasn't a bad person, but misguided.

Inuyasha frowned. That didn't sound right, but he couldn't think of a better way to put it either. He glanced out the window. It was dark out, night had fallen without his notice and the city lights were far behind him now. Kikyo was in their apartment and he wasn't going to Sesshoumaru's or his father's. No peace of mind would be found there, only questions. The only place left where peace could rebuild his sanity, and frayed nerves, was this cabin he'd purchased with his inheritance money. It sat on a hundred acre piece of property in the foothills of a nearby mountain ridge. There was a natural lake nearby and the scenery was filled with white-capped peaks.

Inuyasha sat back in his seat, leaning his head back against the glass. Fields were passing quickly. This place had certainly changed in the past few years. The last time he'd come here was with Kagome when they had dated just over a year ago. A year ago he'd had to change lines at least twice to come even close to where he wanted to go. Then either walk or catch a lift from someone, but a lot could happen in three hundred and sixty-five days. A major train line went from Tokyo all the way out. Then he'd switch once onto a local train that went right into town. From there it was a few miles to his property.

Inuyasha sighed, Kikyo's eyes filling his mind. Sometimes love really was not worth the trouble it always caused. Inuyasha knew he loved Kikyo though because even now he wanted to see her. After everything was said and done, he wanted to here her voice. Love wasn't holding hands walking through the park or kissing in the rain. It was being dragged through the mud, but still somehow feeling like you're floating on air. How this was at all possible, he didn't know and hell if he ever would. Humans weren't supposed to know. It was the cosmic joke. The gods above them watching all the thousands of couples flounder about not sure what to do or those single people who don't know where to turn.

Inuyasha stood grabbing hold of the nearby rail. The train lurched forward, then back and finally to a full stop. He let go of his hand hold and exited the car. Inuyasha turned back and waited for the ding before the doors shut. The train was like a quick moving snake curving back out of the underground terminal continuing on throughout of Japan. Inuyasha licked his lips and wished he'd at least packed some clothes to bring with him. Of course he had some at his cabin, but they'd all have to be washed first otherwise he'd smell delightfully like cedar and mothballs.

Inuyasha approached the nearest ticket booth. In Tokyo there were machines to put in your money and then punch in for the ticket you wanted. Here in the country though, things weren't so technology based. The man behind the glass, no doubt bullet proof, was half asleep. Inuyasha scoffed through his nose, an airy sound, not like anyone would actually want to be in such a run-down place nonetheless rob it. Inuyasha tapped the glass and watched, bored as the man came back to the here and now.

"Yes sir?" He said, with clearly an American accent.

"The Blue two." Inuyasha said simply.

The man rummaged around the short space of desk he had in front of him before hopping on his obviously uncomfortable stool with a groan. He kneeled down and disappeared below. A soft 'ah hah' followed by a loud thud and jerk of the counter, the man resurfaced rubbing the back of his noggin. A new supply of tickets rested in the pudgy palm in his hand. The mousy ticket agent, with his light brown hair and overgrown whiskers, pulled one out from underneath the rubber band and punched out the day of the week and time it was on the ticket. He left everything blank except for the destination to which was reserved for the conductor. Inuyasha slipped a bill out of his wallet sliding it down into the metal dip. The mouse man pushed his change into it and Inuyasha grabbed it scarping his hand a little on the edge of the Plexiglas barrier.

Inuyasha walked away shoving the change into the front pocket of his worn jeans. He rubbed the top of his hand absently. His long hair was left loose as usual and his bangs hung down heavily over his eyes. He needed a haircut and normally the strands would be beyond aggravating, but now Inuyasha was a little grateful for them. He had a half hour wait and what an eternity it would seem, but he would be happier once he could fall into bed, after making it of course. Hopefully the sheets in the closet wouldn't be too dusty. They probably would be though because it had been a year after all. Before he'd gone at least twice a month, but time had escaped him recently.

Inuyasha sat down on one of the red plastic seats waiting for his train to arrive. There weren't many people there and rightfully so at eleven o'clock at night. Two men were in seats, commuters from the city, as well as one teenage girl in torn jeans and pink streaks in her hair. She looked like she'd just come from a rave and was still lit, but Inuyasha could tell by the faraway look in her eye and the frown on her lips that she was tripping downwards too fast for her liking. As she whipped out a cigarette he looked away remembering that he was very similar at that age. Inuyasha closed his eyes feeling the weary strain in them when he did. He sighed again and let the empty atmosphere of the train station wash over him like cold, damp clothes. This was certainly a strange Thursday, he'd have to call Sesshoumaru otherwise the prick would think he'd skipped town or something.

…Two days later…

"Moshi moshi." Kagome spoke into the cordless.

Shippou grabbed hold of her pants leg and reached up to tickle her. Kagome giggled and swatted his hands away with a smile. She sobered though and gave him a look that clearly asked him to behave. He pouted and squatted down on the floor drawing circles in the small rug with his finger. Shippou spread his hand on the bath mat smoothing the grain over one side then the opposite direction watching the tone darken one way and lighten the other. They had just went to 'Bed, Bath, and Beyond' searching for one, while off doing their normal Saturday morning routine, which was errands and breakfast. Kagome's last bath mat had had a nasty spill with a can of soda because she'd tripped again on her untied shoe laces. Its light color damaged irreparably. Now the pale blue carpet was being petted by the little kid. In his head, judging by his facial expressions, Shippou was obviously saying 'oh' and 'ah.'

"Kagome…I need a favor."

Kagome froze at the voice. She wasn't scared or something of that sort just surprised, but the sudden silence caught Shippou's attention. His bright green eyes peered up at her. The concern enveloped her in a sea of comfort. Kagome relaxed and sent the tiny angel a smile.

"Yes, what is it?" She asked cautiously.

Their relationship was still a little awkward.

"I need to see you."

"Why? Is something wrong?"

"No…well yes…just please can you come? The usual place…"

His voice was shaky and Kagome was instantly worried. All feelings of herself were hastily set aside as Kagome began to ready herself. She knew where he was. It was where he always went when he had problems to sort out. Inuyasha would be at his cabin in the foothills. It was his favorite place. Kagome was still uneasy in his presence and that was one thing she didn't like. They had agreed to be friends and she had decided to finally put it behind her, he had after all. There was no point dwelling on it.

"Yeah, I'll be there by tonight."

Kagome hung up the phone after listening to his relieved sigh. Was she a masochist or just stupid? Inuyasha wasn't her first love, but Kagome had thought he was the one, the one for her. So naturally her feelings were still strong, but regardless she would be friends with him. The last lingering traces of emotion would be useful. Kagome could always love Inuyasha, as a friend, brother, and a person whom you'd least expect to protect you. Somewhere deep down Kagome knew that if she was ever in trouble Inuyasha would come for her, no questions asked. Of course she'd probably get a good scolding for getting herself into said trouble, more like yelling, especially if it was potentially dangerous. One way or another, this could work out. You never knew, maybe he felt the same way.

Kagome bit her lip, suspicion growing in the pit of her stomach. Why did he call all of sudden anyway? Did he find out about Sesshoumaru and her relationship? This is what you might call it, though he certainly wouldn't. Or was it something else?

Kagome sighed and sat down on the couch. She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and Shippou crawled over to sit at her feet. Kagome reached down and patted his cheek softly.

"Shippou-chan…"

"Who do you have to go see?"

"Inuyasha."

Shippou's eyes instantly widened before he scrunched his nose in obvious distaste.

"But why? He treated you atrociously!"

Kagome stopped what she was going to say and looked at him strangely.

"Atrociously? Is that one of the 'words of the week' in your vocabulary class?"

He nodded with a slight blush. He was embarrassed and she didn't know why. Kagome laughed lightly and took hold of his hand.

"We're friends…" At his skeptical look Kagome amended the statement, "at least trying to be. He sounded kind of…upset."

"For Inuyasha you mean."

"No…I mean…he really sounded upset. Look I know you don't like him much especially after what he did, but he has a good heart. Besides he was only following said heart back to the one he loved…"

"Who coincidentally looked just like you." Shippou pulled his hand back and folded his arms.

"Shippou…"

"Be careful, okaa. I don't like seeing you get hurt."

"I know. I know baby."

Kagome cuddled him to her chest and he responded by nuzzling her neck. She was reminded of Sesshoumaru just then. Should she tell him she was going to visit his half-brother? Kagome felt kind of like she as betraying Sesshoumaru, just a tad. He deeply disapproved of his younger brother and now she, who could be known as his somewhat girlfriend, was gallivanting up to his mountain property? Kagome sighed and stood up to go call him. At least then her conscience would be clear, even if he didn't care.

Shippou glanced at his watch, suddenly frantic he called, "Kagome-chan? I have to go!"

Kagome rushed back into the room, "What? Oh- you're thing, right! Have fun, okay? Don't be out too late and be safe!"

Kagome hugged him then ran over to get his bag as Shippou put on his shoes.

"Will you be alright on the train by yourself?"

Shippou rolled his yes, "Yes mom…"

Kagome looked over at him. His comment was sarcastic, but she smiled anyways. It felt kind of nice hearing him say it. Usually it was 'Kagome-chan,' but when his emotions clouded his brain or he just wasn't thinking 'mom' slipped out. He probably held back from saying it for her sake trying not to add any pressure or freak her out.

Kagome stilled, groaned, and then slapped her forehead. How could she have forgotten that? Of all things why did she have to forget that?

"Are you okay Kagome?"

"Yeah, I'm fine I just forgot something. Go on or you'll be late."

She kissed him quickly on the forehead to which he immediately wiped off with a scowl. Kagome just laughed as he ran out. She walked over to the couch and collapsed down. The hurry of getting Shippou out the door was tiring. Kagome sighed. She was definitely feeling her age at that moment.

"How could I forget about Shippou's adoption papers…?"

Kagome pinched the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger. The phone rang, making her jump. Kagome was about to rush into the kitchen to grab it until her eyes fell onto the cordless sitting on the coffee table right in front of her. With one hand to her heart she answered.

"Moshi moshi." Things were certainly busy today.

"Kagome."

Kagome smirked. Speak of the devil.

"I was just going to call you."

"Were you."

Sesshoumaru was holding something back. There was a question he wanted to ask her, she just knew it. It was the pause after his question-like sentence. He held his breath while he thought of the best way to put it. Sesshoumaru was anything, but rash. He could be impulsive though, but mistakes were below him. Sometimes this bugged Kagome, but other times it was nice to know that she wasn't a mistake at least to him. Just a little bit of security in that that made the most curious ghost of a smile appear on her lips.

"You have to ask me something, right?"

Sesshoumaru waited a moment, "How did you know?"

"I have no idea…" Kagome shook her head hoping to clear her thoughts, but only managed to tousle her hair.

She chewed on her bottom lip. It was kind of scary sometimes. Did she really know him that well or was she just a mind reader?

"Naraku is going on trial."

"What…?"

Kagome was speechless. Her first thought about how this conversation was going to go had starting with baby sitting for Rin again. Or maybe something silly like going out to dinner!

"Miasma is verifiably the cause of the epidemic. Documents have been uncovered stating clearly that he knew the potential risks of releasing such chemicals into the air."

Kagome began to pace around her coffee table. Her steps were quick, but getting her nowhere. Her mind registered mildly that Sesshoumaru had just said a mouthful, but the present conversation was more dominant for the meantime.

"Okay…but one question. Will I have to testify?"

"Exactly." He said succinctly.

So that was his question, Kagome caught on without much difficulty. There was one problem though, she couldn't. There was too much buried past, too many tentative areas that would act as landmines any lawyer would yearn to fall on, and she wasn't exactly the best at handling emotions.

"I can't. I'm sorry, but…"

Kagome felt breathless for a moment and paused to collect herself. Just thinking about it was riling her up.

"There's too much history I don't want…public…and all I would be able to think about would be those kids. So I-" She was interrupted.

"That's what I thought."

Kagome was shocked. He had considered her emotions, which would be sweet, but more likely he realized what a mess her testifying could mean for his company. This didn't anger her as much as she thought it might because well- it was common sense. She was an emotional person, she cared, and that wasn't such a bad thing, but lawyers were hawks that destroyed people like her everyday.

"Was that it?" Kagome asked steadily.

"No."

Kagome pursed her lips and walked to the kitchen for a glass of water. She grabbed a glass and filled it from the tap making sure to push down on the 'Brita' water dispenser hooked to her faucet that supposedly purified the liquid.

"Look up."

Kagome's brow furrowed and she did. She lifted her chin and was almost to the ceiling when a flash of silver caught her eye. She looked out her window and there was Sesshoumaru standing across the street. He was leaning back against the brick, one arm across his chest while the other held the phone to his ear.

Kagome bit her lip, "I'll be down in a sec."

She took a slow sip of her water then abandoned it on her sink. She ran a hand through her hair as she grabbed a thin jacket from her closet. It was periwinkle and came down to her knees. It had no buttons and was actually meant to go under trench coats. She tied it at her waist, above her belly button, much like a bathrobe. Her blank tank top was cut square over her chest to the thin spaghetti straps. The material stopped an inch below her naval, but it often rode up to just above it creating a nice, natural gather over her flat stomach. Her jeans flared at the bottom and were medium in color with bleached patches fading down to her knees. Kagome slipped on a pair of black flip flops and jogged out the door with her apartment keys in her hand. She was proud she hadn't forgotten them in her rush to get downstairs.

Kagome glanced quickly both ways before crossing her street. Her mother's smiling face entering her mind. The poor woman probably got several grey hairs because Kagome never remembered to do it and she always had to keep reminding her. Her mom though always said it with a smile and a kiss to her cheek saying that she didn't want to lose her. Kagome smothered the memory, but made a mental note to call her mom and ask about her trip visiting her sister, Kagome's aunt. It was long overdue and also on Monday to talk to Shippou's social worker about adoption.

Sesshoumaru pushed off from the wall once Kagome was in view and he watched her cross the street. The wind blew her hair to one side revealing the right curve of her neck. His lips itched to touch, but he held back, for the moment anyway. Sesshoumaru did accept her impromptu kiss to his lips though. The palm of her hand was balanced on the upper part of his pectoral and one his hands hand moved to her hip.

"Hi."

He tilted his head to the side, his bangs sliding with the movement.

"We've been through that."

She smacked him on the arm. A smirk touched his lips for a minute, but he bent down and kissed her again. It was soft and inviting. Kagome desperately wanted to answer this call, but she pulled back.

"Your brother called me."

Sesshoumaru's eyebrows lifted as if in curiosity, but his mouth was frowning. They had dated in the past, Sesshoumaru knew and he couldn't help, but wonder why Inuyasha had called. Or perhaps he did this often?

"He calls often?"

Kagome met his gaze and shook her head as she responded, "No that's what is so strange. Did you know he left town?"

"He did…" He paused.

Sesshoumaru wanted to roll his eyes, but refrained.

"To his cabin."

"You've been there then."

Kagome's cheeks were rebellious and after his statement their treachery was known by the pale reddening lacing underneath her eyes. Kagome bit her lip and smiled.

"Yeah- once or twice. He wants me to visit."

Her eyes darkened with worry and she chewed on the side of her tongue. When she looked up at him Kagome obviously wanted his opinion on the matter. Her orbs were questioning whether or not he knew anything. Sesshoumaru stuck out his bottom lip in thought making his chin jut out in the process. He shook his head in the negative, but before he could make sure she was paying attention his poking lips was sucked into her mouth. His cheek twitched in what could have been the beginnings of a smile. His lip was tugged at, caught prey by her teeth. Kagome nibbled gently running a hand up to the base of his neck and under his tied back hair.

He shifted backwards, "You're going."

"Yeah." Kagome rested her head against the column of his neck.

"Give him a message for me."

That was a command, but the 'for me' was progress for Sesshoumaru. Kagome noticed these subtle changes in his speech, at least when he spoke to her as of late.

"He's getting married in a month, on March 19th."

"That's a Saturday, right."

He didn't say anything, but with Sesshoumaru, if he didn't say 'no' then it was usually 'yes.' In her experience of course, which has been collected over a short period of time compared to others like Rin or Inuyasha who'd been with him their whole lives. Kagome shifted backwards wanting to meet his gaze only to find his eyes closed at that particular second. This made a stream of contentment flutter in her stomach, he seemed so at ease. Really she only recognized the difference because she worked with him. Kagome thought his facial expressions never changed, but they did, it was just very faint. His lips were relaxed, not tightened in annoyance, his eyelids loosely closed, not forcibly, and his eyebrows didn't bend in their curve.

"Just in case he asks." Kagome explained.

Kagome sighed. His hand around her waist had begun to roam in small circles up to the center of her back. Sesshoumaru really was such a catch.

"How is it I got stuck with you?" Kagome said jokingly.

Sesshoumaru pursed his lips as if he were really contemplating the question. His eyes opened and peered down at her.

"Mere coincidence."

He quirked a brow and Kagome laughed. It was pleasant to be in his company without a chip on her shoulder. There wasn't any real reason for him to be here or for her to be out here, but it felt right and comfortable. It was so strange that peace could be found with a man who had originally given her attention just to see her sweat under his mocking gaze. It was true. Her humiliation was his entertainment. Now though Kagome found she returned his barbs just as easily and actually discovered the perpetual twitch in his eye humorous. This only happened when she trapped him in a corner, which was rare and even rarer was when Kagome won. Sesshoumaru had the most envious ability to turn the tables on her and weasel his way out of said corner like socks of freshly waxed floors.

Kagome smoothed a hand through his bangs as the wind contemptuously wished to whip them further into his face. She wanted to ask why he was there, but then that would have been pointless. He would say something relevant, but Kagome knew he had come for her. It had been awhile since they'd seen each other. When she babysat Kaede had returned and relieved her of the duty just as Rin was going to sleep at 8:30. Her game had been successful. She'd whooped Toutousai once again. They'd been able to play twice and still she got back earlier then planned by a half hour.

"I'll see you in a few days."

Sesshoumaru stared down at her, holding her there for the moment. It was February 11th. It was this Monday, the day of his forgotten past. Somehow with Kagome in his arms right now the normal ache was less. In a rare display of real emotion on his part, Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around her and buried his nose in her hair. Kagome blushed as a redheaded woman walked by at that moment giving Sesshoumaru the once over. Then she smiled her envy at Kagome, but it wasn't in a negative way. Kagome recognized her then. The woman, Ayame who was now dating Kouga to Kagome's reprieve, lived in her building. She crossed the street, but not before Kagome caught the childish 'thumbs up' gesture and wink.

His arms tightened around her, but it wasn't too constricting. Kagome felt worried, this wasn't like him. Her mind thought a mile a minute. Was something wrong? She tucked her arms through his and clutched at his back. His head was still ducked down and she felt him take a shaky breath. Kagome placed slow, open mouthed kisses on his neck above the collar of his polo. He was wearing all black today and though it made him look sexy, Kagome wondered why because that's the only color he had been wearing for the past week or so. It wasn't just to work either, but everywhere. Was he in mourning?

"Sesshoumaru…?"

His head lifted and he looked at her. His eyes had darkened, but not in the usual lustful way she had begun to associate with. She often caught it when she saw him in her building or the hospital, but in the work situation, there was no fraternizing. It was improper and they stayed strictly within the bounds of decency. Not even a hug until after. Now lunch was different though.

His eyes weren't the same and it was bugging Kagome. Her heart leapt into her throat. She knew it, how could she not recognize it? It had taken her awhile to adjust to it in those golden suns, but she'd seen it for years in her own cerulean eyes. Loneliness was an awful concoction of pain, isolation, and misunderstanding. How long had he felt this way? Those burning pools matched hers for intensity. You don't have to be alone to be lonely.

She touched his cheek, sliding it slowly from beneath his eyes to his chin. Her lips followed this path leaving a trail of warmth. He tipped his forehead onto hers briefly before he completely left her. Kagome watched as he walked unhurried down the sidewalk. Part of her wanted to follow him and hold him as he did for her, but there was that nag in the back of her head. She said she'd go meet Inuyasha and Kagome very rarely broke her word. Kagome swallowed hard. She'd see him when she got back.

Kagome was about to walk into the building feeling very guilty when Sesshoumaru's hand lifted from the depths of his pocket. He flicked his fingers straight up and didn't move his wrist at all. Kagome smiled, it was the 'Sesshoumaru wave.' His hand never actually 'waved,' but it was the closest thing to it. Sesshoumaru basically just lifted his hand in a 'goodbye' like gesture. It was a small bit of reassurance, but he did these things just for her, to show her that she was his. Kagome didn't really agree with this idea of slight ownership that Sesshoumaru had in his head, but then again it wasn't so bad because he was hers too. It wasn't one way and so it was balanced. Kagome was more at ease now. Whatever had been bothering him, maybe it wasn't so horrible.

With Sesshoumaru you had to notice the little things for what they were. He did care, he did have a heart, and he was hurt just like anyone else. Sesshoumaru didn't let it get him down or affect anything else in his life. Most people he was involved with were just too blind or expecting too much from him. Sesshoumaru was a tough cookie to crack. You had to really dig persistently, but his heart was there waiting. Kagome had been stubborn enough to find it. Kagome crossed the street and entered her building, but not before turning her head to watch Sesshoumaru once more. Kagome sighed and shook her head. She hated packing. All her clothes always got wrinkled. She made another mental note to pack her 'Downy' de-wrinkle spray. It was the best thing since nail polish remover.

…pretty good length chapter review!...