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Chapter 15 - Secret's in the Sauce

Earlier that day….

The fan was blowing on high in the small bedroom that Kagome and Rin shared battling against the summer heat. Rin's body was tucked wildly underneath Kagome's. Rin's tiny hand rested over Kagome's face and her feet somehow spread themselves in different directions claiming most of the bed. Her purple sleeping gown had risen over the night showing her white pull-up and her little navel. The morning sun fully peeked through the curtains along the windows brightly warming the room. Kagome had her hand resting over Rin's belly pulling her closely to her scantily clothed body. It was too hot to wear pajamas so Kagome just slept in her underwear and a tank top. Her own head rested heavily on her other arm and her thighs pressed together spooning Rin's little body comfortingly. The white covers were scattered with sheets hanging over various limbs and claiming the edge of the small bed. Their hair blew wildly from the wind produced by the turning fan cooling off the small room. Kagome moaned and pulled Rin's body protectively into her and kissed her on the crown of her head feeling her short hair stick to her lips. She let out a blow of air and frowned in her sleep. Her eyes moved behind her lids for a moment before she suddenly sat up abruptly looking towards the door. Her head whipped to the side to reach for her phone so she could see the time.

8:01 am

"You can't be serious!" She murmured while carefully trying her best to untangle herself from Rin's body so she would stay asleep. She shoved a pillow next to Rin's body to give her something hold on to.

"That jerk!" She whispered frantically searching on the floor for sweat shorts. "Who does this!" She groaned while reaching for a pair of white ones and yanking her long legs through them. Immediately, she straightened her pink spaghetti strap tank top and made her way towards the door. She looked down making sure her breasts didn't spill out over her top. Her top row of teeth pulled on her bottom lip angrily. Her aura stretched and collided with powerful dense demonic energy. Bare feet walked heavily against the wood as she made her way down the hall towards the entrance with a scorn. She passed the bathroom and backed up deciding to at least brush her teeth to save herself some dignity. She managed to finger comb her hair and pull her long tresses into a knotted bun on the top of her head. Quickly she performed the task while cleansing her face to wake up fully and get her head out of the clouds. After finishing, she quickly rushed towards the door and gathered herself before turning the knob. With a speedy pull she tossed her door open and scowled heatedly at the demon before her.

"You could have told me you would be here this early." She fired blocking the entrance with her body. She knew he would see her that day but she hadn't expected that he would literally rise with the sun. Her eyes took him in and she felt embarrassingly underdressed standing next to his immaculately clad body wrapped in a crisp black silk dress shirt and pants with his hair tied neatly behind his back. A black jacket hung over his forearm at his side.

"Beggars can't be choosers, miko." He growled out with piercing golden eyes staring down at her amid the orange glow of the hallway outside her door. He smirked at her petite form clearly having just risen from bed. Her tank top hung low on her body showing the tops of full cups and clung to her slim middle. White shorts cover her bottom and left her long legs bare to his gaze. His nose smelled the fresh scent of mint and some kind of floral face soap. He looked beyond her hearing a thumping noise in the background of her apartment.

On cue, Rin's tiny clawed feet was heard mimicking that of a rabbit's foot rushing along the wooden floor boards towards the door too. Her purple sleeping gown twirled about her little body was testament to her excitement and curiosity. Kagome turned with her heart beating frantically unsure of the situation. She wasn't sure she could take anymore setbacks as this would break her heart and she would kick the demon's ass. A silent prayer left her lips hoping for the best. Rin stopped in front of Kagome's back, looking towards the door with big wide eyes. Her nose twitched and she shifted onto her tippy toes trying to see beyond her mother's body. Kagome took a calming breath and simply moved aside to watch Rin literally latch onto Sesshomaru's leg tightly. Kagome stood with a clenched fist ready to intervene should he push her daughter away and do something fowl to upset her again. To her surprise, Sesshomaru simply bent down and picked Rin up into his arms. Kagome held her hand to her mouth breathing a sigh of relief before she allowed him entry into her small apartment. Sesshomaru stepped forward holding onto an excited pup wiggling in his embrace. Kagome closed the door behind them and moved out of the way.

"Say Good Morning, Rin."Kagome reminded gently while looking around the living room hoping it wasn't too messy from Rin's toys and crayons placed everywhere.

Rin pulled back and moved her hands excitedly downward from her mouth in a gesture and then extended her arm upwards before latching onto his neck to stare into his eyes. Sesshomaru nipped at her chin and Rin simply smiled brightly from his attention. Kagome beamed seeing Rin happily look to her to translate. Kagome laughed and mimicked her motions. "Rin says to show you this. Good." Kagome slowly did the hand motion from her lips upwards. "Morning." She finished moving her hand by her elbow and her other hand upwards. "Good Morning."

Sesshomaru nodded to her in understanding and walked further into the small home holding Rin's back securely in his grasp. Rin's light weight felt like holding a pillow that smelled of flowers. Her wild floral scent filled his nose along with the miko's in the apartment. Their home was concentrated of their scents surrounding and welcoming him into their world. His eyes took in the many framed photos along the walls and stacked on the shelves around them in various colorful frames. Friends and obviously relatives were everywhere around them. Majority of the pictures were of his comrade Hoshiyomi and mate Tsukiyomi. A small wooden dining table sat in the corner near the window with crayons and scribbled paper covering its surface. His eyes could see the small kitchen where copper pots and pans hung along the wall ready to be used. Dolls, bears, toys, flowers, and beaded necklaces were scattered and stacked everywhere. He admitted he expected a more…luxurious abode but found instead a small cramped apartment speaking of the lives of these two little females.

Kagome moved some things quickly out of the way and motioned for him to sit on the small couch. Sesshomaru placed Rin down on the ground watching her kick her little legs obviously upset that he did so. Kagome could hear Rin trying to make sounds but nothing came forward other than a whine. A deep sound came through and Rin's noises stopped. Her hands reached out for him and held onto his legs clearly afraid to let go out of fear that he would leave again.

Sesshomaru stood for the longest rumbling to Rin in a deep baritone voice. Kagome watched not wanting to disrupt whatever was going on but curious to know his angle. "I'll make us some tea." Kagome wrung her hands while fighting the need to see to her pup and hold her. Her aura reached protectively over Rin out of habit as well as motherly instinct before pulling back. Rin's confusing emotions were causing her anxiety. To keep herself occupied, she went to kitchen and got the water going on the stove. Kagome mechanically went through the motions of preparing tea as she calmed her nerves from worrying so much. Kagome didn't know what to expect from the meeting and she felt foolish for getting Sesshomaru involved in her responsibility. But, he and his brother had managed to do things that Kagome could never do even with the advice of many specialists. Inuyasha had done a bit to get Rin to open up. Maybe Sesshomaru could offer help as well seeing how he had some connection with Rin. As a parent, her main priority was Rin's health and safety. So if she had to put up with Sesshomaru's arrogance and cold demeanor than she would for the sake of her pup. Her fingers reached for the heating controls on her stove turning on one. She pulled down two ceramic cups from the shelves. She looked back into the living room watching Sesshomaru sniff Rin heavily for a few minutes.

"Explain her behavior." He stated leaning back away from Rin.

Kagome turned her body and tilted her head to the side recalling Rin's activities. She strolled back into the living room thoughtfully. "Rin's appetite has decreased. She wants to be held even more now and will cry nonstop until I hold her. She won't speak at all and she even gives up on signing with her hands after a long day." Kagome explained watching Rin climb on the couch right into Sesshomaru's lap like she would with Inuyasha. "She has started waiting by the door now though. Inuyasha is able to calm her down when she gets upset like she did when you came over." Kagome explained coming closer and rubbing her fingers through Rin's wild brown hair. "But he has to leave behind something for her to hold on to and sniff otherwise it's difficult for her to even take a nap."

Sesshomaru mumbled something to Rin lowly that left vibration patterns in the room. Kagome shivered from the sensation feeling her miko powers react but quickly got control over her body again. Rin didn't respond at all to his noises but simply laid her head down on his shoulder and played with his hair. He continued speaking to her with a sharp expression while holding her back delicately. His claws ran over her tender skin of her back. After a while, Sesshomaru placed Rin down and captured her full attention with a rather loud bark that made Kagome jump. He spoke to Rin in low tones watching carefully as Rin nodded. He let go of her tiny arms and Rin took off down the hallway to their shared bedroom in the back.

Kagome sat on a chair across from her small couch which seemed even tinier now that someone as tall as the Inu Prince was occupying it. He took his jacket and laid it around the arm of the sofa gently. She curiously waited watching Sesshomaru sit nonchalantly on her sofa looking around the place with a critical eye. "So what is she doing?"

Sesshomaru turned his golden gaze towards her and looked down the hall after Rin. She watched him take a sniff of the air before tilting his head slightly keeping his stoic expression. "I have sent her to perform a small task that will explain some of Rin's odd behavior. She is hunting."

Kagome tilted her head and turned to see Rin running up the hall. Her brown eyes watched her daughter hold her yellow cotton cardigans tightly in her hand proud that she retrieved the soft warm material. Rin stopped in front of Sesshomaru holding up the article of clothing. She held the sweater tightly to her little nose yipping her excitement in flurries of random garbled yips and grunts that sounded harsh to Kagome's ears. Sesshomaru's deep voice responded and Rin nodded happily. Tears sprang to her eyes and she had to fight herself not to get emotional. The sound of her tea kettle was singing in the kitchen and she stood to take care of it using it as an excuse to gather herself.

Salt reached his nose and his piercing eyes followed the young miko's retreat. Love, relief, and fear radiated from her aura and wrapped around her body like a cloak as she fought to suppress her emotions from filling the room. Kagome genuinely cared for the little one as if she had come from her own womb which was interesting but not shocking as he was reminded of her prowess when she approached him inside his restaurant with pathetic ultimatums. Sesshomaru looked to Rin who used her tiny claws to grip onto the couch and pull body up it excitedly. Sesshomaru watched Rin struggle to hold the yellow cloth that smelled of Kagome and shove it towards her nose and face after she reached the top.

Her face was near his again giving him a clear view of the little person his friend created. He stared at Rin's face and saw the mixture of the miko and his childhood friend in her expression. Hoshiyomi's laughing lines were reflected onto Rin's face. How his friend's life was taken in such a random act of nature baffled him. He suspected more to the situation than just a natural disaster. His friend was exceptionally powerful and the idea that he died from drowning was absurd to him having seen the demon clear the battlefield with a stroke of his Naginata. When he was deep in thought he could feel in his bones that his friend and mate's deaths were no accident. He laid a gentle hand on Rin's head smoothing out her rough brown hair as she yipped to him unable to say much. Sesshomaru simply grumbled and growled lowly while releasing his powerful aura to wrap around the small pup. Her eyebrows drew inward confused to his behavior. Her fingers moved making hand motions but she grew frustrated dropping the cardigan in her lap. Sesshomaru watched her curiously try to express herself using human techniques that he couldn't understand. Despair and anguish corroded her gentle floral scent instantly. His aura pressed heavily on her body threateningly. Her infant bubble gum aura lashed out angrily demanding to understand and be understood. Three purple stripes like that of her father appeared on her cheeks and forehead. Brown eyes shifted colors reflecting a sea green mist in them before switching back to their brown hue. Rin cried out making no sound now and moved to sit on his lap. Her mouth opened releasing a croaking noise that she immediately bit back.

Crocodile tears welled in her eyes and her aura stretched for Kagome but was blocked by his powerful aura from reaching her. Sesshomaru felt her fear coat him like a cold wet rag. It clawed at his instincts annoyingly. The feel of her growing pain and sadness push against his aura made him slightly uneasy. Her rapidly beating tiny heart pulsed in his ears and tears rolled down her face. His large hands reached for her body protectively and nuzzled her neck in final understanding. Rin nodded rubbing her head against his feeling his aura wrap around her securely. Rin slammed her nose into his chest and whined again this time letting out muffled sounds. Sesshomaru dropped his aura allowing her to reach out to Kagome unsure now of how to console the pup without overstepping boundaries.

Immediately, Kagome walked back into the living room wiping her hand on a dish rag. "I don't know if you're hungry but I have-" Kagome dragged stopping in her tracks feeling her pup's emotions slam into her like a moving vehicle. Kagome dropped the dish rag on the floor and briskly came over to the pair. She bent down and Rin turned reaching for Kagome with full tears running down her striped face. Both auras of mother and daughter clashed with Kagome's warm nature soothing over Rin's melancholy spirit and pulling all of her into her embrace. She lifted Rin in her arms paying little attention to her cardigan that fell in the Inu's lap. Kagome moved to step away but Sesshomaru caught her by her wrist and pulled her down onto the sofa beside him. Off balance, she sunk down right into Sesshomaru's supportive hold that guided her securely at his side.

"What? What happened?" She mouthed to him angrily while rubbing Rin's back tenderly.

Rin's aura was wild now but lacked power and direction. It reached for her desperately and fear laced within it speaking of things that frightened her. Rin's little nose twisted and her brown eyes closed as she shoved her nose into her chest. Snot marred her top creating wet stains. Her body jerked from obvious hysteria and hiccups going. Her tiny clawed hands scrunched the fabric of her tank top in her grip as she rocked her back and forth. Rin's legs moved to support her small body and hold on tightly to Kagome's body. Her fingers kneaded Kagome's skin and shirt as her nose moved around her sniffing heavily. Kagome simply rubbed her gently in soothing circles and whispering words of security and love into her ears unashamedly. She could feel Sesshomaru wrapping them both with his aura pressing lightly but not in an angry fashion. It felt safe and secure. Kagome kissed Rin's forehead and rocked gently feeling Rin's aura calm down considerably. It was silent now with Kagome still holding Rin and rocking her gently while sitting intimately close to Sesshomaru at his side. A low guttural sound similar to Inuyasha's moved from his chest, through her body and onto Rin's ears. Rin's hand balled into and fist gripping her shirt tightly. The vibration she felt moved along her spine and made her feel like jelly. Rin's body slouched in her hold considerably before finally relaxing. The trio sat quietly on the couch unmoving until Kagome realized Rin had fallen back to sleep.

"Rin is more demon than she is human." Sesshomaru said breaking the silence of the room. He stood up abruptly to put space between them as Rin's dried tears prickled at his senses. His eyes were rimmed in red circles. For once he desired his brother to be here to see to the small family that needed a male's presence rather they agreed or not. He looked to his shirt seeing small traces of Rin's tears left behind. He adjusted his designer cuff links before moving towards a window to look out at the position of the sun. "I sense a small bit of spiritual residue from her mother in her but mostly her father's demonic blood runs through her veins." He responded gathering his thoughts and conclusions. "Demon pups of her species share very similar traits to Inu pups. They are blind at birth and their other senses are still developing which is why it is extremely important for a mother to stay always with her pups for the next five years. When Rin was turned into your care, I do believe she was just getting her sight. In other words, miko…this Sesshomaru believes she was taken too soon from her birth parents and lacks the ability to fully communicate with anyone including you for her needs."

Kagome sat stunned holding Rin's body closer to her in fear. "But I-"

"You are human. Rin in demon terms as I'm sure you are aware…is an infant. I asked her to find the scent she loves the most and she returned with your sweater." Sesshomaru stated pointing to the abandoned yellow material lying on the sofa. "Rin needs to be surrounded constantly with your scent as she is learning to separate them in her environment which is needed for her self-preservation and survival." Sesshomaru's eyes shined under the sunlight shining through the curtains of the windows as she looked upon Kagome with wisdom. "Rin will require more time to grow than an average demon or human. Her senses are still dull and damaged from trauma she may have suffered which will take time to heal or maybe will require additional assistance. Now that she is around demons close in species to that of her own kind, my family can help guide her to communicate effectively as a demon until she is able to communicate in words using human languages. You are wise miko to have chosen sign language but even her knowledge of self-expression using that method goes only so far which causes her grief. Naturally her biological mother would simply hear her whines or read her aura for information."

Kagome soaked this all in while feeling Rin's relaxed body slump in her arms. Her hands continued rubbing soothing circles and rocking her little body protectively against her bosom. She knew Rin was an infant despite her size and growth patterns. However to hear that the trauma she suffered from the earthquake and being ripped from her parents may have caused stunted growth brought tears to her eyes. Also, that Rin was constantly fearful of not communicating just pierced her heart. Carefully she made to stand holding Rin tightly to her chest. She moved but Sesshomaru stopped her and reached for the yellow cardigan. He motioned for her to take it with a sharp gaze reflecting the light of the sun pouring into her window. Kagome looked at him and reached for it graciously. Kagome walked down the hallway towards the back room and laid Rin down gently on the cool sheets and tucked her back into bed with a kiss. Her fingers rubbed the markings gently entranced with them. She could see Tsukiyomi in the little girl now more than ever. She placed her cardigan around Rin's body and pulled the long sleeve to rest by Rin's nose. To her amazement, Rin nuzzled the material and sighed blissfully.

Sesshomaru watched Kagome return to the room. Her eyes seemed more tired now than before. Her breasts bounced in her tank top as she walked back towards the couch and sat heavily on its cushion. His nose smelt the earl grey tea steeping and forgotten in the kitchen. Her hands came up to cup her face before crossing her arms over herself into a hug. She rubbed her arms while looking around the room until they rested on the portrait of Hoshi and Tsuki smiling brightly together. Her aura was heavy with worry now sucking the oxygen from the room. He watched her swallow hard before looking up at him with a firm gaze.

"So I need to start treating Rin more like an Inu demon baby. I also need to try to learn to communicate with her more in ways close to her nature but signing is fine." Kagome stated trying to form solutions to her concerns instead of allowing the stress to build and consume her. She mulled over his words for a while conquering each of them with an answer and a plan. She shifted her gaze from the grain in the wood of her floor to his passive gaze when another question came to her. "Now what was that about in the hallway? That doesn't explain her reaction to you. She knows you. I'm positive." She stated strongly.

Sesshomaru looked away hoping to avoid this topic. His eyes went towards the sunrise feeling its warmth on his skin through her window pane. "It matters not."

"It matters, Sesshomaru!" She countered calling him by his first name with authority that snapped his head towards her warningly. Golden eyes turned into slits and his aura spiked warningly out at her but Kagome did not back down. "She is under my care!" Kagome nearly growled scooting up on the cushion to look at him. Her brown eyes stared him in his face challenging. "For her protection and wellbeing, I need to know how you and Rin are related. I know Rin is important to you. You wouldn't be here if she wasn't."

He glowered harshly at her and snarled not liking her tone that she had taken with him. Her words rang truth back onto him. His sharp talons stretched and reflexively his right hand went to his hip reaching for something that had been missing for years. The desire to reach into her throat and rip out her vertebrae from her body bubbled deep within him at her informal address to him. "Rin is of royal blood and as such we have crossed paths many times since her birth. Her parents were also activists and have been over to my clan's ancestral home several times to speak of things our legacy reigns over. " He explained calming himself and watching her deflate after having received the answer she had gotten.

Kagome understood and swallowed hard calculating his words into her head. It all made sense and added up. She wasn't there every day in Rin's life from the time she was born up until the tragic accident. Clearly, Sesshomaru was around Rin more than she realized. Kagome during that time was working on establishing her first restaurant and wasn't with them at all hours of the day. She didn't really know who all was involved in Rin's life except that her parents felt strongly about Rin being in her care and away from the money grubbing relatives. Rin had more connections in her short lifetime than she had simply because of her status as a royal. A silent fear welled inside of her of the ramifications for seeking help from an outside source. Another royal family had been with her child and had seen for themselves Rin's development.

What if she was something wrong and hurting Rin?

What if they thought she couldn't handle it?

What if the Tashio's reported to a court to have Rin taken from her?

Very recently were demons and humans in Japan on the same page and coexisting peacefully with laws that both barely abided by. Surely, the court system had some residual qualms about the life of a half demon royal in the hands of a human/miko chef. If Rin expressed unhappiness, they would take her in a heartbeat. Kagome's chest thumped painfully at the thought. Rin had become her anchor in the world and brought so much love with her. If Rin was to be taken, she would be crushed. Kagome nodded her head and looked to Sesshomaru with a final question. "But why didn't Rin react to you before? She saw you many times before you came to my apartment that night." She whispered staring into her empty hands.

"Rin's demonic abilities weren't as strong as they are now that she has been around my clan. The air is filled with scents and auras that she has yet to learn to decipher especially because she hasn't been trained to. Why she happens to now recount this one's presence is a mystery and I do recommend you speak with a male who has pups or knowledge of birthing-"

"Don't go there! I've spoken to every professional and friend about the matter." Kagome cut in defensively. "Everyone says the same thing. Halfling pups are different and do not respond to stimuli as full blooded demons. Also, each half demon is different and with the territory comes different illnesses, different reactions, etc." Kagome stated pointing to a shelf behind him that held tons of professional written works on demon and human child rearing. Kagome stood up and started pacing the floor frustratingly. Her aura rose dangerously as well as her emotions. "We have seen doctors, psychiatrists, specialists…" She gripped her forehead feeling the weight now rest fully upon her until her eyes cut upon him dangerously. "I've done everything I can think of to help my baby girl."

Sesshomaru sighed inwardly but maintained his aloof composure. Her aura spiked towards him aggressively and it took centuries of restraint not to have his own power crush her futile attempt to threaten him. "I was not questioning your maternal instincts or ability to nurture the pup. This Sesshomaru was simply stating maybe you should speak to my sire about Rin's condition. Of course others would diagnose Rin wrong as the studies of half-lings are relatively new and everything is theoretical. I wouldn't have wasted my money on their pitiful explanations in the first place. Also, Rin's current kinfolk are nonexistent in her life so it would be exceptionally difficult for you to get information unless you address them directly. "

Kagome shook her head and backed away. "Absolutely, not! You-"

"Do not fret miko. My family and I have no interest to see Rin in the hands of fortune seekers." Sesshomaru cut in walking away from the window. He brushed himself off of the imaginary dust and walked by her towards the door. He pulled out his phone and began to move his fingers as he walked. A grimace appeared on his face before sliding his thumb across the screen obviously displeased at seeing something. The screen lit up in his hand catching his glare and reflecting it. "Miko you will meet with father later today at noon. Heed his advice." He looked up and shrugged from his jacket and handed it to her. "When Rin awakens give this to her immediately, it will calm her. In the meantime, think about moving out of this fox hole." He turned and opened the door.

Kagome took the rather heavy jacket and frowned at it. His words caused her ears to burn and she fumed. Her eyes went after his back and her feet pushed her forward. "Listen you arrogant jerk!" She called after him briskly slightly caught off guard as he turned around to stand over her small form. The sound of the door closing behind him sounded off. Both nearly collided but managed to keep an inch of space between them. Kagome threw his jacket on the couch so her hands were free to rest on the curves of her hips. Her head was tilted back to look him in the eyes. "I don't know where you get the balls, but don't worry about my house. You should worry about your own and that simple minded skank you keep in it that nobody likes." She ruefully threw back at him.

Sesshomaru smirked not saying anything to defend the woman she was referring to. Her words meant nothing to him as he had as much affection for Kaguya as he Inuyasha did for textbooks. He continued on his way as if she hadn't said anything worth his time. Kagome blew frustratingly and followed after him. "Your kind is often late little miko. So I suggest you leave by eleven to make it on time." He opened the door and was quickly out of it just like the last time. He moved like the wind down the stairs silently. Kagome fumed and ran to the black metal banister to look down at his departure.

"Asshole!" She yelled after him. A few people in the hall leaving for work were seen stilling to look at the pair. She slammed her palms on the metal frustratingly before rushing back inside of her apartment and closing the door doing her best not to slam it. She snatched her bun down from her head and ran her fingers through her hair. Quickly, she jogged to her phone and immediately began texting the one person she knew that would understand the tumultuous session she had with Sesshomaru. Her fingers moved heatedly creating the longest paragraph ever. Her eyes saw the time and realized the morning had progressed rather quickly during their discussion. Her fingers beat against the screen quickly before pausing to watch her message send. She let out a sigh and went to the kitchen seeing the tea she had made had gotten cold. She poured the cups out and reheated her kettle. The sound of her phone buzzing on vibrate was heard. Quickly her phone answered it and she cringed apologetically hearing the groggy voice of the male on the other end hoping she didn't disturb him.

"Be there in 30 minutes. Hope you making breakfast." Inuyasha yawned on the other end without prompting.

Kagome bit her lip and smiled. "Are all the Tashio men so arrogant?" But she went unanswered as her ears connected with the dial tone.

Shiori smiled walking briskly down the sidewalk towards the restaurant where she knew she would find Kagome. The sun was bright lighting up the silver highlights in her hair. Her beige pumps led her down the sidewalk as the people parted for her. In her left hand were a few bags of things she had picked up and in the other was the newest addition of Vogue Paris. Her peach colored flare mini dress moved with her as she walked with confidence through the streets of Paris. Her powder blue Belkin purse swung around at her side. She crossed the street seeing her destination in front of her and went up to the door flexing her aura. The windows were dark and none of the lights were on inside. She knew the place wasn't open but Kagome was always there early preparing for the day. She waited for a few but didn't hear anything. She looked down at her bags thinking to use her phone when she saw the door was opened a bit. Curiously, she pressed on the door finding it unlocked and she let herself in.

The chime didn't go off and nobody came to greet her which was unusual. She closed the door and pulled it tightly behind her hearing it lock securely. Chairs were stacked on tables still and no light was seen in the main dining area. A warm aroma hugged her nose smelling of basil, meats, and sauces. She hummed wantonly from the scent wanting to taste what rested on her palate. It coated her throat promising a good meal and a full belly. Pots and pans banging in the kitchen were heard along with the shuffle of feet. She smiled hoping to catch the miko or Miroku off guard and maybe get a sneak peak at the menu. She smiled brightly in delight at her fortune. She had been awfully busy modeling and designing for the new season. She hadn't had time to come and visit for quite some time or play with Rin. She set her bags down near the front and gently placed her issue on the top. Slowly she walked to the back where the kitchen lay following her nose. Carefully she pushed open the door and crept inside with a smile.

Strong aromas blasted her in the face advising her to bathe in the comforts they offered. The young demon she had seen upon many occasions was there by himself bent over things that broiled, bubbled, and stewed. His lean torso was covered in a thin cotton V neck shirt with black pants. His tall form moved with precision and his bushy red tail fluffed brightly behind him. Her eyes shined with the desire to stroke it. His long ponytail hung behind his back moving as he did. Pointed ears sat on the sides of his face with a silver hoop pierced at the tip of the right ear. His skin had a slight tan to it that shimmered and reminded her of melted butter. His flaming hair was wild on his head and sloppily pulled into a long ponytail that smelled of spices and some lightly scented shampoo. She caught the heavy kitchen door with her thin heel to keep it from making too much sound behind her.

Her golden eyes watched his back as his clawed hands moved all over the place grabbing ingredients, chopping, stewing, and throwing things everywhere into pots. Chicken sizzled in the pan smelling of some sweet glaze and toasted nuts that coated its skin. Peppers and mango simmered in a pan along with simple syrup creating a reduction. His hand whipped at a pot of rice before leaving it to sit on low. A lamb chop sat on the chopping block kicking its tantalizing rosemary and garlic fumes everywhere. It stared at the potato gratin resting at its side excitingly ready to be paired with it. Noodles were ladled into a cream sauce and mixed with a cheese and salmon mix. She watched his head turn towards a ticking timer to his right with concern for a second. She shifted to the side to look at him curiously. Shiori carefully leaned her body against the countertop enjoying the show. Her nose tingled from the scents around her that the young chef was orchestrating. She moved her body to sit on the counter out of his way watching him stir and toss a few vegetables on the side before returning back to his sauce. Slowly she peeled her purse off of her to rest beside her hand.

Something about him moving was captivating. She could smell the sweat form the heat of the kitchen and the steam of the food pour from his skin. His muscles were tense and his motions were concentrated occasionally turning his head to look at the timer by his side. A growl escaped his lips clearly upset that time was winding down. His movements became frantic and he wiped his forehead of the sweat onto his bare arm. His hands reached for plates and with great care he began plating a sample of the dishes he made onto each one. Steaming white rice went down followed by a small chicken crusted cutlet that was dipped in a honey colored glaze that smelt intoxicating.

Shiori's nose sniffed the air and sighed at the aroma. He worked doing his best to plate everything when suddenly the timer went off and buzzed loudly in her ears making her wince. His clawed hands went to it and turned it off letting out a series of curses as he did so. He dropped his wooden stirring spoon loudly in a pot and moved to back away from the stove and counter frustratingly. Shirori caught the sight of two bright green striking eyes looking downwards at his creations with irritation. His orange hued aura fanned out expressing his lament.

"Fuck!"

He stood to the side and wiped his hand down his face tiredly. The young demon stared at the pots to his left housing a few of the sauces and things that didn't make it to plates. He looked down at his dishes shaking his head. He wiped his hands on his white apron before snatching it off and tossing it frustratingly to the side. Shiori smiled before clapping her hands loudly causing the demon to jump nearly out of his fur. His claws extended and he turned to face her watching as she slid off the counter top. His hand hit his spoon which flew onto his front getting him with cream sauce. "That was amazing!" Shiori said walking towards him as he hurried to safely turn the handles away from the jeopardy of his mood and shaky hands.

"Sorry…I was looking for Kagome." She apologized stepping slowly closer. "I just came by to see how she was doing and the door was open in the front." She explained motioning towards the doors behind her.

"It's ok." Shippo stated grabbing the spoon off the floor and tossing it in the sink across the room. His thumb went to his lips as he licked the white crème off of his skin tasting his own work. "And Kagome's not in yet. Rin had an appointment today." He explained looking down to his white shirt to assess the damage.

Shiori licked her lips and came around the counter. Brazenly her finger reached out and she slid it along the front of his shirt wiping away the sauce using her finger before licking it. Shippo didn't move he was so shocked. His breath caught in his throat at her movement wondering when she got so close. He took in her long hair spilling over her shoulder and her small round face. Her honey comb colored eyes shined up at him ablaze. He knew very well who the demoness was standing so close that he had to take a step back to gain ground. His body was rooted to the spot taking in her pale skin of her chest and arms. Her dress rested against the swell of her thighs dangerously high. Shiori stood before him and took a step forward again putting only a breath of space between them. She smelled of a something sweet like a nectar from an unknown fruit mixed with brown sugar. Her finger disappeared behind her tout lips. He watched her golden eyes roll into her head and a moan escape.

"This is amazing!" She squealed looking at the noodles in the pot he had made. "Why are you upset? This is…wow." She breathed looking for a spoon or a fork to avoid just diving into the hot food with her claws.

"I'm prepping for my test." Shippo responded grabbing a spoon from up high knowing that's what she was looking for. His nerves were shot as he fumbled with it to get it into her hands.

"Culinary school?" She took it gently from him purposely rubbing her fingers against his watching his fur bristle as he nodded unable to answer her. Shiori smirked and dipped the spoon into the noodle cream sauce that didn't get plated with longing. His nervous aura was profoundly present and was taking up all the space in the room available. She pulled the spoon out of the pot making sure it was heavily coated before bringing it to her mouth. She wrapped her lips around the spoon taking her time to clean it well with her tongue. "It's amazing! You definitely got this in the bag."

Shippo blushed shaking his head. "If I can get it plated on time for it to be judged." He responded looking at the timer as if it was a friend that betrayed him in the worst way.

Remembering her manners she reached between the small space between them and grabbed his free hand. "I'm Shiori Tashio." She addressed shaking it once gently. She pointed to the plate he had made with hope in her eyes. "May I try?" She smiled feeling her small hand dwarf in his lean larger one holding hers lightly now.

"Shippo Chiapwue." He responded with a smile letting her hand go so he could plate the rest of his dishes properly.

"Chiapwue? How did you get that name?" She asked looking down at his hands watching him work with fascination. She found it to be a much better show up close. His emeralds were intense once again as he focused on plating the hot food and making sure everything was perfection.

"I'm a kitsune from the fox clan of the Kiowa tribe in the Colorado Mountains back in the states." He muttered grabbing a few noodles and using it as a bed to place the chicken he had prepared on top. He poured white cream sauce over it and pushed it to the side. He placed another piece of chicken down on a bed of wild rice and mixed it with a few vegetables and peppers from the glaze. Carefully he poured the mango pepper glaze over the chicken slightly before moving on to the lamb. His breath was caught in his throat sniffing Shiori's sweet scent that mixed with the aromas of his dishes. Her head leaned in a bit obviously paying attention to every detail he was doing. His hand worked to cut the lamb gently while praying that he didn't mess this up. He was sure Shiori had eaten at places all around the world and he didn't want to be the one she remembered as being the absolute worst. He shook his head of the negative thought and spooned the cheesy potato gratin onto a plate. Quickly plated the lamb on top and dipped his spoon in a sauce he had created on the side.

Shiori breathed heavily in delight looking at how brightly everything sat and smelled. She watched him pull a few leaves from a mint bush above him and toss it on top of the lamb. She smiled as he cleaned the plate around the rims and pushed them all towards her in a line. She looked up catching his gaze and smiling at the light blush that over took his cheeks obviously not accustomed to the attention. He sighed heavily having finished serving everything and turning to her with anxiety. Shiori didn't like the look on his face and wanted him to be proud of what he had made. Shiori dipped her spoon in the chicken and rice mixture. She made sure to grab a piece of chicken and a few roasted peppers with it onto the spoon. She blew the hot steam away to cool it before taking a whole bite.

Shippo leaned back covering his mouth with his hand unsure of where he stood now. He was always told and even praised for his soups and sauces. But he was applying to enter the prestigious culinary school of France with Kagome's backing. Kagome would kill him if he messed this up. Her spoon had dipped and sampled almost everything in silence now that was driving him insane. He should have pushed her out of the kitchen and sent her on her way. This was not protocol at all and she shouldn't even be back there. He also probably should have asked Shiori if she was allergic to anything. What if she was? Panic set into him. His mouth moved to say something but nothing came out.

"Is this what you are serving?" Shiori asked spooning the lamb and loving how it easily broke away for her and dipped the meat into the potatoes. Before he could say anything she ate it whole and tilted her head to the side to look at him. She was in heaven.

"It's an idea." He stated nervously watching her clean the spoon again but this time she stared at him while doing so.

"And what is this exactly?" She breathed moving closer towards him and pointing towards the dishes. She smirked watching his tail flare apprehensively.

Shiori listened as he stumbled through a long explanation about herb infused meats, peanut crusted coats, salmon butter creams, and reduction glazes. None of it made sense to her except for the taste and smell which was divine. She looked him up and down wishing he would stop talking now and just let his work speak for itself. If she was in his shoes, she would just push the plate on the counter and tell the judges to eat it and get on with her life. He cooked with so much raw passion and the outcome was amazing that words only defiled his creations. His aura bounced all over the place truthfully exposing his raw feelings. He was nervous to say the least. His aura spoke of many things and she found it endearing that he was so open. It was refreshing. She took him in eyeing his six foot and something frame and licked her lips wishing for a glass of water as her mouth now felt dry. Green jeweled eyes fluttered from one dish to the next and his mouth moved explaining each one. Seriously, what he created was amazing and she knew people that would pay his way through culinary school just to eat what she tried. She watched his thin lips move and she placed her spoon back on the plate leaving the food abandoned. His words kept going and she shook her head. Reaching up with both hands she pulled at his elfin shaped face to bring him to eye level with her. His scent was tantalizing and she wanted to yell and scream for him to understand that what he just made should be hash-tagged under 'food porn' and 'orgasmic'. She stood up on her tippy toes and silenced him with her pink lips.

Shippo's eyes grew wide like saucers. His hands stilled feeling her body shift against him and move her hands gently along the sides of his face and into his wild hair. Her lips slanted over his coaxing him into responding to her kiss. She reminded him of a winter wonderland Christmas filled with sweet nutmeg pies and red velvet cakes. Her tongue held traces of his dishes all smashed into one glorious firework finale for him to taste. He sampled her tasting also a hint of something caramel from a drink she had that morning. Carefully he moved against her unsure if this was reality or a bad prank. He felt her lips move over his coaxing him to join her. The brush of her tongue ran against him and he opened allowing her to indulge before he gathered the courage to reciprocate. Cinnamon sugar wafted to his nose as her arousal spiked. His nose was wide open and his mind shut down ceasing to function. The heat of her body warmed him. His own eyes closed at the feel of her against him. His clawed hands found her waist line and pulled her to his body tightly so that her chest crushed against him. He hauled her up along his tall torso causing her dress to rise higher along her thighs.

She couldn't explain it. Something about him called out to her and held her body ransom. Here she was climbing a beautiful stranger like a tree in the kitchen of one of her most respected friend's restaurant with abandon. Seeing this demon so passionately work in his environment and tasting his art was hypnotic. He wasn't a model or a celebrity like the kind of guys she would normal go for. But, she couldn't help herself and didn't care. Shippo was so different from all the men she encountered and experienced. She wanted to learn more about him. She desired to study this demon as he worked in his kitchen to create magic. She wanted to know what he tasted like. He moved unsurely at first against her speaking volumes about his experience. However, that changed as he gained confidence and lifted her higher to rest around his waist. He deepened the kiss and walked with her backwards until her butt rested on the cold steel countertop. One hand was in her thick white hair and the other held her tightly by her small waist making her feel weightless and desired. She pulled him closer and rubbed herself against him feeling the rise of his wood against her core. She moaned against him and lifted her right leg to better hold herself up to him while kissing him hungrily.

Shippo pulled away and trailed her chin and cheekbones with butterfly kisses. Something primal inside of his was awakened reminding him of the days he would join in on a chase with his fellow brothers on the reservation back in the states. Something about her spoke to the fox in him and he wanted to explore her like a cookbook. Her moans were loud in his ears sounding like an echo in the large room. He pulled away to look into her golden eyes that held violet rims now before reconnecting with her reddened lips. His mind and body was warring now. On one end this was very wrong. Yet on the other it felt extremely right. He felt hot in the kitchen much like how would if it was filled with the entire staff and every burner was turned on high boiling hot water to release steam in the air. His hand moved down to cup the underside of the right smooth swell of her creamy thigh in his grasp. He lifted her leg higher and pulled her closer along his waist creating more friction. His claws trailed down over her flesh and rose to grab her safely around her middle afraid to touch her further out of fear that he would lose his mind. Their tongues danced and her left leg had come up to lock itself with the other brushing suggestively along his sensitive tail along the journey. Her fingers tangled in his hair and nearly pulled out his ribbon trying to free the mane. She could feel her shoes barely staying on her feet as she kissed the kitsune furiously. Shiori's straps from her dress fell from her shoulders of their own accord as she sought satisfaction from the kitsune's lips. Her manicured clawed nails pushed at the fabric of his shirt feeling the defined muscle underneath it. Her body was hot despite the thin summer dress she had on. Their heavy breaths and frantic motions were insane with both of them trying to get closer without crossing boundaries.

"Who is here that reads Vogue!" Yelled a loud voice from the front of the restaurant.

Shippo jumped away from Shiori who leaned forward to get down. A gasp flung from her lips having forgotten exactly where she was. Quickly, Shippo helped her down in proper gentlemanly fashion and adjusted his shirt. She pulled up the straps of her peach dress and yanked the hem of her dress down before fanning her face to cool herself down. She leaned against the counter trying to catch her breath and steady her racing heart. She looked at her dress noting there was a small light stain from the transfer of cream from his shirt. Her chest was rising rapidly and she turned to see Shippo finger comb his hair back into place and retie his blue ribbon. She reached up to his face catching him off guard as she cleaned his face using the pad of her thumb affectionately. His aura was sporadic and rippled across her skin but green glowing eyes held her captive.

"Well, well, well…"

Jac came walking through the doors into the kitchen with a black glittered turban and some kind of silk black poncho draped over him. His apron and coat hung on a hanger in his hands as he strolled further into the kitchen with a wide smirk on his face and his nose moving. His eyes danced between the two and stopped to appraise Shippo. He laughed to himself seeing as Shippo looked like a child that just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He could practically see the arousal in the air and kinetic energy bouncing between the two young demons. Jac laid his things down on one of the steel counters and sniffed Shippo's good work on the stove. "You sampled some of Shippo's sauce?" He directed at a slightly pink Shiori who bit her lip not trusting herself to speak just yet. Jac smiled and rolled his eyes. "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me." He supplied moving towards the vents to cut them on so that the air would circulate and cleanse.

Shiori walked over and kissed Jac on the side of his cheek. "Nice to see you too, Jac." Shiori grabbed her purse and walked back to Shippo's disheveled form. His T shirt was hanging slightly to the right and the poor thing didn't look like he knew who he was at the moment. His eyes trailed her like a small puppy and his tail twitched behind him. She searched in her purse and found a black pen. With a quick click she walked over and reached for his arm. Carefully, she wrote her number large for him to read. She wrote her name and clicked the pen back. He looked up at her catching her wink before she turned around. She tossed the pen in her purse and made to move by Jac. "His sauce is everything." She responded with a smirk and skipped out of the kitchen back into the dining room.

Jac walked over to the pot and dipped his finger inside curiously. Quickly, he brought his finger to his lips and tasted it. He clapped loudly scaring the poor kitsune who was barely recovering from his past ordeal. His heart beat like a racehorse and he found himself fumbling in his pockets for his cellphone. Jac pointed to his pot and smiled at the creamy white concoction. "Definitely the sauce. I'm sure of it." With that Jac sashayed away humming a tune and heading to the back to prepare for another day.

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