In the kitchen, the air was fraught with tension. Kagome was balancing Rin on her hip while putting away the clean dishes.

Gramps was huffing and grunting as he scrubbed. He hadn't said a word to her since Mama and Sesshomaru walked out. Kagome knew he was upset. Her return came with new faces and some startling changes.

"Kagome, this demon you're seeing..."

"Gramps, he isn't just some demon. He's Sesshomaru. You can call him by his name," Kagome insisted gently.

"...are you sure that you can trust him?" he asked.

"What makes a person trustworthy?" Kagome questioned.

"They are reliable, honorable, faithful, and disciplined." Her grandfather held up a finger for each attribute he listed.

"Sesshomaru is all those things," she told him.

"I doubt that," Gramps scoffed.

"He found Rin, alone, and abandoned. It was his choice to save her— a human child who had been left to a terrible fate. Sesshomaru came to me, requesting my help so he could raise her. He understood his limitations and was willing to ask for assistance."

"And you didn't think he had ulterior motives?" her grandfather prompted.

"No," Kagome answered. "Sesshomaru vowed to help me with my quest in return for my help. He's upheld every single promise he has made me and even more. He took Shippo in, protected my friends, and he has been supporting me with my schoolwork. Sesshomaru's a good guy, Gramps. Give him a chance."

Rin made a happy coping sound as if to urge Kagome's grandfather to reconsider.

He sighed. "I have never known a demon to prioritize a human life over their own but if what you say is true, this dem— Sesshomaru has. If you think he is an honorable companion, Kagome, then I believe you."

"Thank you." She gave her grandfather a one-armed hug while Rin blew a string of spit bubbles.

They both laughed. Kagome grabbed a clean washcloth to clean off Rin's face.

"She is cute," he admitted. "Reminds me a bit of you when you were younger. You had those same big eyes, always looking around. Even back then, you were adventurous."

"I was?"

Her grandfather nodded. "I remember once when your grandmother and I were watching you— oh, you must have been about two or three —you went off on your own. We called for you, looked all over the shrine."

"Where was I?" Kagome asked.

"That's the strange thing," Gramps said, stroking his beard, "we found you curled up in the well house. You must have gotten locked in there and fell asleep. You never cried or got upset. The well house never scared you the way it did Souta. Funny, now that I think of it."

Kagome smiled, thinking of all the opportunities the well had introduced. "Yeah, funny," she mused.

"I don't suppose you let this one get away from you?" Gramps questioned, tickling Rin under her chin.

The infant cooed and reached out for Kagome's grandfather.

"Do you want to hold her?"

"May I?"

Kagome placed Rin in Gramp's arms, grinning at how quickly his face softened. That was the magic of babies. Even the surliest people couldn't help but love them.

Arisu included.

She made a mental note to resume tea with Sesshomaru's mother when they returned. If Kagome could convince Gramps to give Sesshomaru a chance, she could persuade Arisu to accept her.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway. Kagome turned to see Souta and Shippo ducking into the living room. Mama and Sesshomaru trailed behind them.

"How was the tour?" Kagome asked.

"Enlightening," Sesshomaru replied cryptically. "Would you like assistance?"

"No, we're all done," she returned. "I was planning to go to the store. I need to get more formula for Rin."

"I will escort you," Sesshomaru offered.

"Alright, let me just grab my wallet and tell Shippo."

"The children can stay here," Mama said. "You two enjoy going out by yourselves. I'm sure Sesshomaru will want to explore the neighborhood."

"Will you be alright with Rin and Shippo?" Kagome asked.

"I did raise you and Souta," her mother reminded her teasingly.

"We do not wish to inconvenience you," Sesshomaru added.

"It's no problem," Mama reassured him. "Between Kagome's grandfather and I, we can handle it. Besides, I'm sure Shippo and Souta will be at it for hours. I heard him start up Sonic."'

Sesshomaru's brow furrowed. "Sonic?"

"It's a video game," Kagome provided.

His expression remained unchanged.

"I'll explain on the way to the store," she promised. Leaning over to Rin, Kagome kissed the baby's forehead. "Be good for Gramps."

Sesshomaru approached them, bending slowly at the waist to echo her gesture. "Behave," he instructed.

Rin grabbed into his hair, giving it a firm tug.

"None of that," he responded, gently prying her fingers free. As Sesshomaru straightened up, he spoke to Kagome's grandfather, "I appreciate you watching over her while we gather supplies."

"You're welcome," Gramps said.

Kagome shot her mother a pleased grin.

"Come on," she coaxed, taking Sesshomaru by the hand. "I think we still have some of Papa's things upstairs."

He followed her out of the kitchen and up to the second floor.

While she rummaged through the closet, he questioned, "Are you certain it is alright for me to wear your father's garments? I do not wish to be disrespectful."

"Mama saved them for Souta, in case he ever wanted them. He had the least amount of time with Papa. This was the best we could give him, you know?" Kagome shared. "But I don't think it will upset her. Mama's always been understanding. Besides, we can't have you going out dressed like that."

"What is wrong with my attire?"

"Nothing...if you're from five hundred years ago. In this time, you'll look out of place and attract attention. I can use foundation to cover up your markings but as far as clothes go, you're going to need to update your wardrobe."

Kagome held out a few sets of folded items.

Sesshomaru stared at her.

"Try them on. Pick whichever ones you like best," she suggested.

He stood silently for a moment, unmoving as he considered the options. Then, with a frown, Sesshomaru collected the garments and went to Kagome's room to change.

"How did you know that one was mine?" she asked.

"It bears your scent. No other smells of camellia and honey the way you do," he answered and shut the door.

Kagome blushed. His compliments always made her feel giddy. A rush of warmth washed over her, making her skin prickle with goosebumps. She felt a bit silly getting worked up over his words, especially after hearing he loved her, but Kagome was still getting used to hearing his praise.

The door slid open. "Is this adequate?"

Sesshomaru stood in front of her wearing a simple pair of jeans and a black turtle neck sweater. The jeans were a bit short on him but, with his boots, it wasn't as noticeable.

"Wow," Kagome breathed. "You look like a model."

He tilted his head, not understanding.

"Never mind. Go sit by the window so I can cover up your markings," she directed.

Sesshomaru caught her by the chin, guiding her face to his. "You will leave this marking," he ordered.

Kagome's eyes fell to the necklace she had given him.

"You don't need to wear it until we leave," she clarified.

"It was a gift from my mate. I will wear it always," he replied. Sesshomaru brushed his thumb across her lower lip. He closed the distance between them, kissing her.

As he straightened up, Kagome felt her face burning.

"We aren't mated yet," she reminded him softly.

"Perhaps not somatically," he agreed, "but a mating bond extends beyond the physical elements. It is a binding of souls. It requires that both parties are reliable, honorable, faithful, and disciplined."

Kagome's eyes widened. She let out an indignant gasp. "You were listening!"

"My hearing is far superior to a human's," Sesshomaru pointed out with a smirk.

She elbowed him as she walked past him into her room. "I just convinced Gramps that you are a good guy and now I find out you were eavesdropping."

"My intention was not to overhear but I will not deny that it pleased me to hear you defend me to your grandfather," he returned.

"He means well," Kagome said.

"Your family is protective of you. I understand," Sesshomaru replied.

Kagome gestured for him to sit in her desk chair which she had placed by the window.

Eri had taught her that natural light was helpful when applying makeup. Kagome rarely used her cosmetics but she was glad for concealer. Sesshomaru markings, while beautiful, would surely prompt questions. She needed to cover them up.

"I should have thought of a back story," Kagome commented as she dabbed the liquid onto her pointer finger.

"For what?"

"For you," she answered. "I've been in and out of school this semester. Gramps has been telling everyone that I'm ill to explain my absence. I don't know how I'm going to explain you."

"I am your mate," Sesshomaru stated.

She smiled, flushing slightly. "Yeah, but people don't use words like that nowadays. We typically call our partners husband and wife, or boyfriend and girlfriend. So...since we aren't married, I guess boyfriend will have to do."

"Hn."

"You don't like it?" Kagome asked as she applied the concealer to the top stripe on his left cheek.

"It sounds informal," Sesshomaru remarked.

"Well, yeah," she agreed, moving onto the next stripe. "Unmarried couples have a higher chance of separating, but married people still split. Divorce isn't unheard of."

"Divorce?"

"When a married couple ends their relationship and separates," Kagome explained.

He made a humming sound. "I suppose by human standards, my parents are divorced."

"I guess," she replied.

Kagome shifted to stand between his knees, carefully covering up the crescent moon on his forehead. Sesshomaru sat patiently, allowing her to work. Her fingertips were coated in a thin layer of the cosmetic liquid. She was glad to see the color blending into Sesshomaru's porcelain skin. It took a couple of extra dabs to hide the deep purple hues of his markings but when she was done, he was almost unrecognizable.

She had never seen him without his demon markings before. Even with his silver-white hair and golden eyes, he could pass for human— just as long as she kept his ears covered.

"Done," Kagome announced.

She put away the concealer and went to the bathroom to scrubs her hands clean. Sesshomaru followed.

"Your brother showed me the kanji above the well house. You never mentioned it to me," he said.

"Is it important?" Kagome questioned, unsure why he seemed bothered by the symbol.

"Your ancestral guardian is a dog. I am a dog demon— one of the last great daiyoukais. Do you not find that information relevant?" he inquired.

"A lot of families have komainu or shisa guardians at their shrines. It isn't unique to ours." She shrugged. "Besides, I always thought they looked less like dogs and more like lions. They have feline features."

"Artistic renderings are not always accurate," Sesshomaru told her.

"That's fair," Kagome agreed. "What do you think it means?"

"I am uncertain. Once we return, I will explore possibilities in the library archives."

"Do you think there is a connection between my family and yours?" Kagome asked.

"If there is, it would have been forged before Midoriko's final battle. After the Shikon Jewel was created, the world changed," Sesshomaru shared.

"You mean humans and demons got along better before she died?"

"There were still disagreements but our kinds lived harmoniously, at least that is what my father brought me up to believe," he revealed.

"Did he mention what he thought happened? Did he know why all those demons attacked Midoriko?"

"Unrequited love," Sesshomaru divulged.

Kagome gasped. "Like Onigumo."

He arched a brow.

"Naraku. He was a mortal man before he became a hanyou. He was in love with Kikyo and when he couldn't have her, he gave himself over to the demons to have power instead. His jealousy was what made him attack Kikyo and Inuyasha. He pitted them against one another," she disclosed.

Sesshomaru frowned. "Like ripples in a pond, history repeats itself."

"Huh?"

"It is something my father said once. I did not understand at the time," Sesshomaru said.

"Do you think he knew?" Kagome asked.

"That my brother's lover was fated to repeat Midoriko's mistake? No. Though, I suspect he considered the Jewel would play a part in it."

"It's so sad. Neither of them meant for any of this to happen. They were only trying to help people," she mentioned.

"Perhaps they had good intentions but neither were able to overcome the evil they dedicated their lives to defeating," Sesshomaru pointed out. "They were unable to break the cycle."

Kagome sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of his statement. "If they couldn't do it, I doubt I can."

Sesshomaru took her hands in his. "You will succeed where others have failed."

"How can you say that? How can you be so sure?"

"Because you are different from your counterparts. You possess compassion for everyone, whether they are human, demon, or half-breed. And," Sesshomaru paused to lean closer, "you will not go into battle alone. I will be with you every step of the way."

Kagome felt the pressure of her task ease. She blinked against the tears forming in her eyes. "I've told you that I love you, right?"

"Once or twice."

Tokyo was a chaotic entanglement of overcrowded streets and overstimulation. Sesshomaru breathed through his mouth to lessen the impact of the foul stench coming from the pedestrian hoards. If there were any youkai around, he was unable to scent them amidst the overpowering smell of the humans.

"This way." Kagome guided him down the street toward a structure on the corner. He followed her down a set of stone stairs into an underground chamber.

He resisted the urge to growl. Hundreds of echoing sounds had his ears ringing and the enclosed space made the malodor worse.

"Sorry," Kagome apologized, noticing his discomfort. "It's the quickest way to the shopping district."

She squeezed his hand while they took their place on the platform. Sesshomaru heard a rush of air and metal. It was the only warning he received before a great metal beast charged into the station.

Through the windows, he was able to see other humans standing inside. There was a hiss and a pair of doors opened.

Kagome tugged on his hand.

He trailed behind her, studying the technological advancement as he stepped inside.

"The metro connects everyone in the city. You can get to each of the major sectors by riding the train," Kagome explained in a hushed tone.

Sesshomaru nodded in understanding. She had spoken of the changes the world had seen over five hundred years but Sesshomaru had not been prepared to experience it.

He was busy interpreting the metro map when someone called to Kagome across the compartment.

"Hey, Ayumi! Eri, Yuka, how are you?" she asked a trio of girls. Sesshomaru noticed they wore the same uniform she did.

"We should be asking you that," the one named Yuka retorted. "The last we heard, you were out with mono."

"I'm feeling much better," Kagome assured the girls.

"Who's this?" the one wearing a yellow headband inquired. She was looking directly at him.

Kagome flushed. "This is Sesshomaru, my—."

"—boyfriend," he finished for her.

All three girls squealed.

"Your boyfriend!"

"When did this happen? And how?"

"Wait, were you really sick, or were you playing hooky?"

Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome for assistance with their numerous questions. She appeared just as startled as he felt. He considered concocting a plausible explanation but Kagome was already speaking.

"I've known Sesshomaru for a while now. We just recently reconnected. He's been tutoring me privately so I don't fall behind in class due to my health issues," she told them.

He gripped her hand a little tighter, impressed by her ability to tell the truth without giving away any pertinent details. Such a talent would be valuable when they were forced to make an appearance at court.

"Wow," Ayumi fawned. "It sounds like something out of a romance."

"Yeah," Eri agreed. "You're so lucky Kagome. First, you had Hojo following you around and now you landed a boyfriend who looks like a model."

Sesshomaru did not know who Hojo was but he did not appreciate hearing that the boy had shown interest in Kagome. She was his. He would not relinquish her to another, especially not some pitiful human.

"I don't think of Hojo that way. He's a good friend but that's it," Kagome said, shooting a meaningful look at Sesshomaru before turning her attention back to her friends. "Why aren't you three in school?"

"It was a half-day since we are getting ready for the school festival," Ayumi reminded her. "The choir is doing a few numbers for the opening ceremony. Eri is helping with the basket toss and Yuka signed up for the scavenger hunt."

"Yeah, today is our shopping day so we can get all the supplies we need for the booths," Yuka added.

"What about you, Kagome? Where are you two off to?" Eri asked.

"We also require supplies," Sesshomaru replied.

The three girls exchanged a look before Eri cleared her throat. "That's nice."

"You should join us," Yuka offered. "We were going to grab lunch once we finished. It would be great to catch up."

"I do not wish to linger. Kagome and I have much to discuss," Sesshomaru declined.

"Yeah, we better not," she agreed. "Rain check?"

"Sure," Ayumi said with a genuine smile. The other two girls looked less pleased.

There was a chime from overhead.

"Oh, this is us," Kagome announced, wrapping both her arms around his. "It was nice to see you. Good luck with the festival!"

Before the girls could respond, she was maneuvering him through the throng of people toward the exit. It was not until they stepped out onto the station platform and the doors had shut that Kagome released his arm.

"Whew, that was a close one," she mumbled.

"You are displeased I met your friends?"

"No! No, of course not," Kagome hastily replied. "But they ask a lot of questions and I hate lying to them. I hide too much from them already."

"It would be difficult to explain."

"I tell myself that I'm protecting them, keeping them safe from things they either don't believe in or don't care to know about. The truth is though, I'm afraid they'll think I'm crazy," Kagome admitted.

"If you chose to tell them and they rejected you, the fault is theirs, not your own," Sesshomaru consoled her.

"I guess," she said with dismay.

"Do not trouble yourself over what may happen in the future. Focus on the present with a clear mind," he advised.

"Easy for you to say," Kagome muttered.

Her scent was sour, signaling her inner turmoil. Sesshomaru brought her hand to his lips.

"You cannot control others, only yourself. I find it honorable how deeply you care for those in your life. My only concern is you losing sight of yourself. Do not forget you are equally important," he told her.

"I feel selfish," she confessed.

"Why?"

"Because I'm so happy. I have everything I could ever want— you, Rin, Shippo, my family, my friends, decent markings in school —it's all too good to last," Kagome said.

"You have all those things due to your hard work. Do not discount the effort you have put into the relationships you hold dear or the success you have achieved. You have everything you want because you earned it," Sesshomaru encouraged.

"I still left Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango," she pointed out.

"They can not expect you to put yourself at risk over that abomination," he replied.

"Maybe."

"If it will put your mind at ease, I can check in with my brother when we return," Sesshomaru offered.

"What about your mom?" Kagome asked.

"I will have A-Un brought up into our chambers. It is unorthodox but I trust him to protect you and the pups," he explained.

"Thank you, Sesshomaru."

He kissed her hand again. "You are my mate. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure your health and happiness."

"I want to do that for you too," she returned.

"You have already given me everything I desire," Sesshomaru responded.

"Almost," Kagome said, turning scarlet.

Her scent shifted from guilty agitation to anxious arousal. He did not need to ask what she was thinking of.

He found the pants Kagome had provided him with to be increasingly uncomfortable as they left the metro station. His irritation had nothing to do with the coarse fabric and everything to do with her scent. They strolled together, hand in hand, looking to purchase bathing suits for the children. Despite the innocent nature of their task, Sesshomaru's mind was on less noble activities.

Her scent was tempting, sweeter than honey and far more decadent. It filled his lungs, blocking out the stench of pollution and overpopulation. The effect was a heady daze. No other scent had ever affected him as hers did. Sesshomaru wondered if it was more potent now that she had agreed to be his mate or if it simply had always been this alluring.

By the time Kagome found the garments she sought and led him to the next store, Sesshomaru was struggling to keep his inner beast caged.

"All set," she said, holding up the bags she had acquired.

Instantly, Sesshomaru took them from her, internally chiding himself for not noticing sooner. He was behaving like a foolish adolescent. It was disgraceful.

Ours. Make her ours, his inner beast growled restlessly.

Soon, Sesshomaru thought as they returned to the metro station.

Soon.