Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha… and sadly, Sesshomaru ii
Chapter Two: Welcome Home
Author's notes: SessKik FOREVER!!!! I TOTALLY HATE SESSKAG PAIRING!!!! I just read the summary of a story of that particular pairing and I absolutely wanted to flame!!! But I didn't coz' I am such a good girl and I don't want to receive flames. Sorry for the long delay. I meant for Kikyo to go to France and meet Sesshie and Rin there but I thought Hokkaido would fit my plot better.
Thank you to Thief Rikku, VoodooPrincess, Kikyo53 & Sweet Ruby Moon!!! Thank you for the reviews!!! Y'all made me happy!!!
P.S.> Do any of you know of any shrine/website dedicated or supports SessKik? I only found one, sadly. Hidden hearts is a great site if you're a fan of SessKik. lol.
Add'l info: Mochidzuki means 'full moon'. I thought of making it his last name from a pic of Sesshie with a full moon in the background. -baasan means 'grandmother' according to a website I found.
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Kikyo sat at in the back of a red Ferrari with Rin. Her laptop was at her other side. The little girl kept looking at her with a smile on her face. Kikyo felt at ease by that small gesture. She had long ago stopped her crying.
"We're going to have lots of fun when we get home, Kikyo-san!" she said gleefully. Kikyo couldn't help but smile at this. Rin certainly had the kindness of an angel. Kikyo was grateful for the girl. After all, if it hadn't been for her, she would've still been sitting in the bench, crying her eyes out.
"I'm sure we will." she joked. Rin giggled. Kikyo smiled. Her first smile since she set foot in Hokkaido.
"You look much prettier with a smile, Kikyo-neechan! Right, Papa?" Sesshoumaru glanced at the rearview mirror to look at the two in the back.
"You're right, Rin. A smile suits you much better, Kikyo-san." the compliment caused Kikyo to turn slightly pink.
"Please call me Kikyo. 'Kikyo-san' makes me feel so old."
"Can I call you Kikyo-neechan?" she nodded at the cheerful girl's request. Rin's exuberance was contagious and it was rubbing on Kikyo. So why was she getting a nagging feeling about something?
"Only if I can call you 'Rin-chan'." Rin giggled and nodded. They started to talk animatedly. Sesshoumaru quietly observed as Rin and Kikyo conversed. Rin had obviously taken a liking for Kikyo. He was glad Kikyo was feeling comfortable in Rin's company. It was quite surprising that the two were able to connect so easily. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips to which Kikyo was unaware but did not escape Rin's watchful eyes.
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"We're home, Kikyo-neechan!" Rin cheerfully exclaimed. Sesshoumaru pulled up beside the house. All of them got out of the car with Sesshoumaru carrying the grocery. Suddenly, she figured out what was nagging her earlier.
"Ano... are you sure it's alright for me to... stay? My presence might, uhm..."
'How do I say this?!?' Kikyo's mind screamed as she thought of the appropriate words to express herself as they walked to the front door.
"W-well, my presence might... GET in the way--"
"He's not married." Rin cut in, getting her point. Kikyo's mind went blank at the revelation.
"I'm not married." he stated as he turned to her when they reached the entrance to the house. Sure enough, Kikyo saw his left ring finger being ring less, affirming his single status.
"Oh." It was the only sensible reply she could think of at that moment. Sesshoumaru was attempting to get the house keys with difficulty while trying not to drop the grocery.
"Let me help." Kikyo offered, seeing the position he was in. While he was handing her a few bags, Rin took the house keys in his pocket and handed it to her father.
"Thank you, Rin." putting the designated key in the keyhole, he managed to open the door and went in first followed by Rin and lastly, Kikyo. Sesshoumaru and Rin took off their shoes and neatly placed it aside. Kikyo followed suit. She stepped up the slightly elevated floor and looked around her.
On the outside, the house looked just like every traditional Japanese style home but it was a different case inside. Although it had no second floor, it was very spacious. A small and narrow hallway from the front door led to a huge room with other rooms at both sides. Like all traditional Japanese homes, the floor at the entrance would be a bit lower meant for taking off shoes. The decorations seemed to be chosen carefully to complement the homely atmosphere. The house gave off a warm and friendly aura that would make you want to take a nap in the summer.
"Welcome home, Kikyo-neechan!" Rin greeted. Kikyo smiled down at her.
"With a house as neat as this, I don't think you need a housekeeper." Kikyo commented, obviously impressed.
"That's because our old housekeeper made sure it stays that way." Sesshoumaru replied. Kikyo followed him to the kitchen where Sesshoumaru was already putting the groceries in their designated places. Kikyo set down the bags on the table in the middle of the kitchen and started taking out the bought items. Sesshoumaru told her where this and that should be put. She found it easy to remember since it was just like the format at home.
"This is also our dining room so you make and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner here." he explained. Kikyo nodded in understanding, absorbing the new knowledge she had gained. She looked down when Rin held her hand.
"Come on, Kikyo-neechan! That's enough. I'll show you around the garden!" Rin enthusiastically tugged her hand. Kikyo looked at Sesshoumaru, asking his permission. He nodded to show his approval. She let Rin lead her away.
The garden was absolutely breathtaking. There were laundry lines by the house in which several clothes were hung out to dry. There was a small pond with water lilies and lotus blossoms and fallen petals of a Sakura tree beside it floating upon the water's surface. The scent of jasmines by the side of the patio lingered in the air. A green, lush forest was near. Being a nature person, she appreciated the beautiful surroundings. She and Rin played and fed the fishes in the pond. Not until Sesshoumaru called them that they went inside. Kikyo, by this time, was beaming, all of her problems before seemed to have left her.
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"Are you telling me that we have to eat take-out for lunch?!?" Sesshoumaru sheepishly scratched his head and nodded.
"Take-out is alright for dinner but for lunch, it's unheard of!"
"He doesn't know how to cook. Kaede-baasan always cooked the meals." Rin explained.
"Kaede-baasan?"
"Our old housekeeper." Rin said
"When did your old housekeeper move out?"
"A week ago." Rin answered simply.
"What did you eat this past week?"
"Microwave meals mostly and sometimes, take-out." Sesshoumaru just sweat dropped at his daughter's answer. he could never cook even if Rin's or his life depended on it.
"I see." Kikyo said dryly with a reprimanding look at him.
"I might end up poisoning Rin and myself with my cooking even if I tried." Kikyo sighed. Looks like she'll have to take matters in her own hands.
"Well, it's my job to cook so... What would you like to eat, Rin-chan?" she asked with a smile as she bent down a little to the girl's height.
"Anything Kikyo-neechan cooks!" she smiled at Rin's display of enthusiasm.
"Alright then." Kikyo took the apron hanging on a hook by the kitchen entrance and put it on. She proceeded to take out several food items and culinary tools. Father and daughter watched as her adept hands made their lunch. Her hands skillfully cut the vegetables. It was a sight to watch as she went here and there to check upon her masterpieces. Sesshoumaru and Rin set the table. Soon, a mouth-watering aroma filled the kitchen. The two sat down as Kikyo placed the food on the table and sat down with them. The father and daughter looked at it in amazement.
"Sugoi..." they both said in unison.
"Itadakimasu!" the three said in unison. They started to eat.
"This is so good!!!" Rin exclaimed as she dug into her food.
"We haven't had great meals since Kaede-baasan retired." Sesshoumaru said as he ate.
"Arigato." Kikyo said happily, a pale pink blush almost imperceptible in her cheeks.
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After Kikyo washed the dishes with Sesshoumaru, he gave her a tutorial. Rin had retreated to her room right after lunch to do her homework.
"As you know, this is the kitchen-and-dining room. Breakfast should be ready at 7:30 every Monday to Friday. Rin goes to school at 8:00 and I have to be at the office at that time as well. Most of the time, I have to get to work at least 10 minutes before office hours start so I won't be able to take Rin to school so you have to walk her to school. I don't have work on weekends and Rin doesn't have school so you can start breakfast at 9. You have to pick Rin up in school at 2:00. Make her a bento for lunch. I get home at 5:30 or so. Dinner should be ready at 6. Any questions?" Kikyo shook her head.
"Good." he led her out to point to the door in front of the kitchen.
"That is my room, Rin's room and yours. We both have a connecting door to Rin's. Each room has a bathroom. Next to the kitchen is my study." he pointed to the mahogany double doors. He turned to face her.
"Oh, and that little room by the kitchen is the laundry room. Laundry is done every Saturday. Hang them out to dry in the garden. On Sunday, it should be ironed, especially Rin's uniform and my suits. So... that's practically everything. Anything you want me to clarify?"
"I understand completely, Sesshoumaru-san."
"Well then, since you have no chores to do for the afternoon, you can do what you want." he turned to leave but she called out to him.
"Ano... can I use your phone?" she asked timidly.
"Sure. It's right over there." he pointed to an end table with a phone. She bowed to him and he went to his quarters. She picked up the cordless phone and with nimble fingers dialed the number she knew so much. The first ring was cut short as it was answered suddenly.
/Nee-chan, WHERE have you been?!? Do you know how worried we were?!? You just took off without a word where you were going!!! You didn't even leave a word at home!!! You weren't answering your phone either! Inuyasha was planning to call the police but Mama stopped him saying that we should just wait for your call since you can't file a missing person report unless he or she has been missing for 24 hours--/
"I'm alright. My phone was stolen so I couldn't call. I took a leave from work. I'm in vacation right now." Kikyo cut Kagome off. Knowing her younger sis, she would probably yap and yap when distressed. Kikyo fought the urge to giggle.
/Where are you??? We'll pick you up./
"I don't think so..."
/Why?!? Where are you???/
"... Hokkaido."
/NANI?!? HOKKAIDO?!? What are you doing there?!?/
"... Vacation." Kikyo heard the phone being snatched from Kagome's hold.
/Nee-chan...::sniff sniff::/ a tearful voice called out. Kikyo recognized it as Souta's.
"Hello, Souta."
/::sniff:: I was so worried about you.../ Kikyo smiled at Souta's concern.
"Don't worry, Souta, I'm alright. Now put Mama on the phone." she heard the phone being handed and Kagome scolding Souta for taking the phone from her.
/Hello, Kikyo dear. I hear you're in Hokkaido for a vacation. Good for you. It's a beautiful place so be sure to take lots of pictures to bring home./ Kikyo smiled yet again. Her mother was truly a great woman.
"Hai. And please cancel my credit card, my purse was stolen. And my cell too, tell the company it was stolen so they'll cut the line."
/Is that all? No problem I'll take care of it. In the meantime, enjoy yourself! Taa taa!/
"I will, Mama. Bye."
/Take care of yourself, dear./ her mother told her before hanging up. Kikyo shook her head as she put the phone back to its cradle her mom never changed.
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"Ahh. It's been so long since we've had a nice, homemade meal, haven't we?" Sesshoumaru said after dinner. Rin nodded in agreement. Kikyo felt flattered. She washed the dishes with Sesshoumaru's help again.
"I'll take my bedtime bath now!" Rin said before leaving the two in the kitchen.
"I forgot to tell you. Rin always takes a bath before bedtime."
"I'll assist her then." Kikyo went to Rin's room and knocked before coming in.
"Do you need help, Rin?" Rin shook her head.
"No, thank you. But you can choose what pajamas I'll wear over there." Rin pointed the drawer before going inside the bathroom and closed the door. Kikyo looked thru them and chose light yellow pj's. It was a spaghetti-strapped top with the words 'Sweet dreams' at the front and shorts with teddy bears sitting on moons. Rin emerged from the bathroom in a huge towel. Kikyo assisted the seven-year-old to dress.
"How did you know they're my favorite pair?" Rin inquired.
"Well, when I saw them, they became my favorite too." the two giggled together. It had only been a day yet Kikyo felt as if Rin was like a daughter to her.
"Aren't you going to change to your pajamas?" she asked innocently. Kikyo paled as realization hit her.
"I DON"T HAVE ANY CLOTHES!!!"
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"So let me get this straight: you came here with absolutely nothing whatsoever?" Kikyo nodded at Sesshoumaru, her face red in embarrassment.
"We should've shopped for your clothes earlier." Kikyo hung her head.
"Gomenasai. I don't mean to be a burden."
"Papa, you should lend Kikyo-neechan clothes." Rin said. Or rather, commanded her father. This suggestion caused the two adults to stare at the young girl. The two adults blushed crimson.
"Oh, I don't mind sleeping in these clothes." Yeah right. She was still wearing her business suit, which meant tight blouse and hip-hugging skirt. Definitely NOT what one would wear to sleep.
"Uhm, I don't think that's appropriate, Rin." Rin pouted at Sesshoumaru as she stomped her foot with pursed lips.
"Why not? Your clothes could fit Kikyo-neechan even if it's a bit loose! plus, you have enough pajamas so you can lend her just for one night!" Uh-oh. Sesshoumaru knew there would be no arguing this. His daughter was clearly the most stubborn person in the planet. If she wanted something, she would get it no matter what. And if she had a point, she would let others see it too no matter what. 'She would make a good lawyer someday,' he thought. He sighed in defeat.
"Wait here. I'll get you some clothes." Kikyo looked up to see him going to his room.
"Uhm, ano, it's alright, really--" she was cut off as Sesshoumaru came back holding a pair of pajamas.
"I hope it fits you. Now go change and get some good night's sleep." he handed it to her. She received it awkwardly. He went back to his room but not before kissing Rin on her forehead and saying 'goodnight and sweet dreams' which Kikyo found a touching and sweet moment between father and daughter. Kikyo was reminded of her growing up without a father.
Rin took her hand and led Kikyo to her room. She went to the bathroom carrying the pj's. Before putting it on, she did a bit of grooming, like washing her face and brushing her teeth (thank goodness there was already a toothbrush and toothpaste there!) before leaving the bathroom. She was wearing red satin pajamas that although a bigger size, was appropriately loose, making it very comfortable. Rin was sitting in her bed.
"It looks nice on you. Well, goodnight and sweet dreams, Kikyo-neechan." Rin smiled at her before jumping out of bed and going thru the connecting door to get to her room.
"Goodnight and sweet dreams too, Rin-chan."
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Author's notes: I worked to finish this chappie from 11 pm. Now it's 4:30 am. My head is starting to ache. If I have any grammatical errors, it's probably because of it.