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Chapter 16: Mysterious Ingredient

Kagome sighed in relief watching Rin run around Inutashi's large office happily searching for the great demon's office keys that he had hidden somewhere around the room. A single handcrafted wooden desk sat in the far right corner with a large computer screen on top. A plant was plotted in the opposite serving as decoration. The blue crescent moon of his royal house and ancestry were found on his double doors and on the walls within the design of the white crown molding that wrapped along the ceiling. One beige chair sat in front of his desk and the other was pulled to stand before a soft beige couch sitting against the wall adjacent to his desk. The entire wall to his left was made of glass letting in the afternoon sun and giving a view of downtown Paris. Old buildings mixed with the new showing how far time had transitioned from the old architecture. Kagome looked to see the great father of the Tashio siblings sitting in a crisp grey suit with his hair tied behind him. The guy looked like he modeled and definitely didn't look like he had fathered two sons and a daughter that were well into adulthood. His golden eyes were bright following after Rin with humor in them. Rin was on her hands and knees in a purple jean jumpsuit and a pink t-shirt, bare-footed; running around the white carpet with her nose pushed against it and her eyes closed. Kagome laughed to see her butt in the air as she moved around on the hunt for his keys. Kagome looked to her lap holding a page of notes about behavioral games and tricks that he, Izayoi, and Inukimi used on their pups. She thumbed through the notepad reading over his handwriting with interest. Many of the actions prescribed were for the development of her senses.

Inutashio sat on the edge of the couch watching Rin move with humor in his bright golden eyes. The pup moved chaotically having never done something like this. It took some negotiation for Kagome to let Rin do this despite her qualms about it being unsanitary. He laughed to see Rin now running in circles clearly on to his scent instead of his keys. Prior to her search, he let her sniff his keys for as long as she wanted first before hiding them away. It was easy to find his keys as there was very little furniture in the room to hide them but to do so with eyes closed and following the scent alone was difficult for a newborn pup. Also, the deep white carpet made it challenging as it was filled with different scents from the few that came in and out his office.

They had been talking and sharing information for well over two hours. Kagome felt awkward at first walking into the building with everyone looking at her curiously. She knew she must have looked quite a sight going into a professional building in the financial district, holding a pup and a large purse with her and Rin's things. Inutashio was waiting for her in the lobby and he quickly guided her to the top floor of the building speaking with her kindly. She apologized profusely for Sesshomaru's untimely scheduling but the older demon waved her off. Now, she had an idea of where the two Inu brothers got their nonchalant attitude from especially in regards to other people. In a matter of minutes, she found herself calm and spilling everything to the Inu about Rin's recent behavior including her responses to both of his Inu sons.

"She is going to be just fine." Inutashio said watching Rin wiggle eagerly before pouncing in his black leather seat near his desk happily grasping for his car keys that she was looking for. They watched her open her eyes and smile brightly. Both of them clapped as Rin jingled them proudly in the air before sliding down out of the seat onto the carpet. She trotted over to Inutashio and ran into his lap speedily showing him his own keys. He bent down to her ear and nuzzled the space there causing her to yip. "You like this game?"

Rin nodded and bounced on the ball of her feet. She made noises and turned to Kagome pausing for a minute. She lifted her hand and began to sign the word. 'more'.

"Definitely, later" She responded as she looked up to see the clock move on the wall. Time was chugging along and she would be needed at her restaurant in a few hours. "I think it's time we go soon." Kagome spoke and signed back at Rin.

Rin whined and turned her head to Inutashio shaking her head in denial, pleading up at him with her big brown eyes to continue playing. Inutashio watched the two communicate and he found it rather enjoyable to watch two people sign. Despite Kagome's lack of knowledge on Rin's species, she proved to be a great mother to the pup. She was trying her best to raise Rin the way her biological parents would have and had found ways to break through barriers with Rin including communication. He was impressed at the pup's ability to learn sign so early as well as her aptitude to apply it to communicate with others. It was a lot to ask from a demon infant but Rin had adapted beautifully. Both females were incredibly strong in his opinion especially after he just spoke to Kagome learning more about their cryptic backgrounds. He felt a bit melancholy to conclude that both females were forced into this and had no choice but to be strong in the cruel world they found themselves in. If only his pack had been there for them sooner.

This brought him to the thought of both of his son's interactions with Rin. He was sure now that there was a connection with his family and Rin's biological one but he always stayed out of the way not wanting to dive into the miko's business. If Kagome wanted to keep private information to herself, she had every right to. Rin's extreme behavior to his sons however was a safety concern. He listened to Kagome explain the sounds Rin made and he recognized them to be primal cries of a pup genuinely afraid to be separated from those she thought were her male pack mates. This made sense if she was around them during her newborn stages of life. It could also have been a possibility that Rin had never been around male demons close to her species teaching her acceptable demonic behaviors similar to what a father or uncle would do of a pup within pack. Rin was showing a deep fear of losing these figures clearly showing the trauma it caused her emotionally. Unfortunately, it was bound to happen again. His family traveled often and there were going to be long spells of time where they all went back home or away for business. He did not like leaving the two females now that he made these starling conclusions. He would need to talk to his sons to hear from their perspectives.

He could see signs of exhaustion in the miko's face. He knew the long hours and uncertainty of the health of her pup was taking its toll. No mother and child needed to suffer in such a way regardless of the nature of their relationship. If things were how they were back in the old days, he would simply command Kagome and Rin to move in on his pack compound where they would always be within arm's reach. Also, Rin would spend every day learning and growing her demonic senses while safely surrounded by her pack mates. Kagome would have the constant 24/7 support of two mothers, one Alpha of the Inu clan and the other the Beta but honorable mate and Empress of various territories. They would also have the protection of three strong Inu males, a powerful elder miko and her extremely knowledgeable mate (despite the old coot's frequent and convenient forgetfulness), the large Inu Clan, and…Shiori. He humored himself not knowing how Shiori would contribute but he had no doubt that she would. Despite his instincts desiring to care for the two females, he kept his thoughts to himself. For today, he would help where he could and make a long term plan later.

"I have just one last thing to teach you. I bet this will help tremendously." He spoke while picking Rin up off the floor and moving to lay her on the couch. "Most Inu mothers do this the day their pups are birthed immediately as it connects mother and pups for life."

Kagome nodded excitedly and watched curiously as Rin lay on her back looking up at Inutashio. He laid his large hand over Rin's stomach and lightly dragged his claws in soothing circles to calm her down. He smiled to see Rin mewl now showing signs that she was ready to feed and take an afternoon nap. He looked to Kagome and motioned for her get comfortable. "I'm not sure how this is supposed to feel on your end as obviously I am a male but from the familiarity retellings of both the mothers of my pups, they have expressed the importance that you do this bonding experience today."

Kagome nodded and blew out a heavy breath. Inutashio looked down at Rin who had her eyes half-mast from his gentle rub along her belly. "Everyone has an aura. Yours is entwined with your spiritual powers so you must be careful as not to harm Rin. If Rin was of your blood, this wouldn't be an issue but since she isn't we don't want to take any chances." He explained before slowly pulling back his hand watching Rin lay calm yet still awake. "Focus on extracting your aura or spiritual powers."

Kagome nodded and closed her eyes to concentrate. She always used her powers rather for the protection of her establishment or for Rin's safety. Easily, she called forth her powers and felt the warm sensation coating her body. "Ok."

Inutashio moved back away from Rin slowly finding Kagome's spiritual nature to be overwhelming to his senses. Her body lit up in a bright pink glow that stung his sensitive nose. She was a formidable miko from what he could tell and he was curious as to her ancestry line. Very few spiritual men and women held the ancient power she had. His own aura responded protectively against it. With control, he kept a lid over his powers, not wanting to scare Rin and ruin the opportunity. "Stretch your aura to lightly lie upon the pup's skin. Move slowly, you do not want to fry us all."

Kagome slowly did as she was told. As if she was checking on a crew member in the dining room of her restaurant, she stretched her aura from her body. "You need to make the layer thicker so it also carries your scent. And focus on the intent of your actions." Inutashio's voice lightly explained. Kagome nodded and held her hands out to the side of her pulling on more power. Her muscles were tense focusing on pulling forth additional strength while trying not to make her aura lethal to purify. She could hear her heart beating in her chest afraid she would harm someone. Kagome prayed inwardly for safety as she moved slowly until she made it to the couch where Rin lay in silence. She covered Rin in a blanket of pink energy sending soothing vibes from her body and outwards to her aura, mindful not to hurt her pup.

"I know the nature of a miko's powers is to defend against foreign energies and attacks but this will require the opposite. Focus your aura on accepting her identity as a demon and recognizing her response to your aura. Maybe if it helps, focus on the small amount of spiritual energy inside of her to ease the process. And listen as well. Use all your senses to communicate with Rin."

Kagome nodded merely hovering over Rin's body trying to gently lay her energy upon her so that she could complete the task. Perspiration coated her forehead in concentration and her hands started to shake from the strain it was putting on her control. She was never taught to use her miko powers in a way to identify with demon emotions. Always, it was taught that her powers were used for strictly aggressive and defensive tactics. So having her aura so close to Inutashio's powerful white aura while trying to remain calm to extract information from Rin's subtle one was taking a toll. She focused on her child pouring love and hope onto her searching for something she didn't know.

Rin rolled to her side, blinking at her mother with a growing smile on her face. Kagome smiled back supportively while holding her powers tightly around Rin's body. Suddenly her hands stabilized and her powers relaxed a touch. She looked to Rin's body in confusion feeling a soft press against her aura. It was warming and tender like Rin was physically reaching out to hold her hands. Happiness and love reflected back towards her in soft purple waves that pushed from her little body. Kagome's eyes widened physically seeing soft curls of purple energy push from Rin against her pink aura. Somehow she literally felt Rin's happiness spill from her pores and push through her aura to resonate deep inside of her own body to her core. A pulse of life was felt that nearly made her jump from her seat in shock. Acceptance and love followed the trail and Kagome immediately dropped her hands to rest against her stomach as if she was expecting. Tears swelled in her eyes at the foreign sensation in her womb and heart. Rin's tiny heartbeat flowed inside of her veins and pumped pieces of information through her body that her mind was registering.

Happiness

Love

Concern

Hunger

Everything was coming in from Rin's tiny body so fast that she could barely process it all. A tiny voice like that of bells could be heard in her ears. Happy tears slid down her face and she reached towards her lips with her hand to cover the sob that almost escaped her mouth at the overwhelming sensation of being connected to her pup so intimately. Rin pushed herself up from the couch and walked towards Kagome still wrapped in her pink energetic layers. Rin continued to push back with her little purple one. Kagome watched her purple aura mingle and mix with her own lovingly until they formed a darker shade of pink. Rin's small arms hugged her around the middle of her stomach and she whimpered trying to climb onto her lap.

"Oh!" Kagome gasped in shock while reaching to pick up her pup. She smiled through her tears and kissed Rin's head repeatedly, rocking her close to her body. She looked at Inutashio and pointed to her own ears. Her mouth opened several times to speak but nothing came out. She laughed at herself and tried again. "I hear her."

"What did she say?" He asked already knowing the answer but wanting to make sure she really did it right. He pulled out his blue handkerchief from his vest pocket and handed it to her to dry her tears.

"She's worried because I'm crying. She wants me to be happy. And she's hungry." Kagome explained before kissing Rin's head again. She smiled and mouthed a 'thank you', taking the silk cloth and carefully wiping her eyes trying her best not to ruin the expensive article. She folded it neatly and handed it back to him.

"Good. There is more to this technique but I think Inukimi and Izayoi can help you with that as this is the end of what I can show you." He said taking his handkerchief and stuffing it into his back pocket.

Kagome hugged her with her aura and pushed her thoughts to Rin. Rin climbed down and bounced on the balls of her feet elated to feel for herself that her mother was ok. Rin suddenly started yipping enthusiastically clearly speaking but making odd sounds that wasn't recognizable to both Kagome and Inutashio. Kagome sniffled and nodded still shocked that she could understand Rin in her body this way and vice versa. Rin may never speak again but at least she could help her better now because she could connect with her spirit to understand her needs.

Inutashio stood up allowing them time to enjoy their new bond just as a mother would be given the time after giving birth to hold her child. He watched their interaction and he could feel the fresh bond they shared swelling in the room, feeding on the oxygen and expanding. Understanding flowed through them that mixed with yips, words, sign language, and the melding of auras. It reminded him of the births of his pups and how they all bonded with their mothers. To be in the room and to experience that one moment in time, where his pups took their first deep breaths surrounded by their protective scents and auras was priceless. Inutashio thought about his mate's expression and activities regarding Rin. Having Rin around reminded them much of Shiori's younger days running about the house climbing on everything and getting into trouble. Something about having girls that just changes things in a house. Having Rin around was also a nice introduction to the "what if" of having grand-pups. But the way Izayoi was going on about it, he knew the subject was a little deeper than that to her. She was giving silent hints of her longing for another pup. He watched Kagome and Rin interact and he found himself sighing in defeat. Maybe he would at least open the conversation. He turned his attention back on the pair.

"Now she is truly yours." Inutashio spoke watching the mother and pup bond before him in a new way. "Mothers bond with their inu-pups immediately after birth in this manner. It helps with the survival of our offspring to feel their mother's protection and love. They are blind and their senses are dull so the first two years of life are critical. Rin I assume hasn't felt this sort of intimate feeling for a long time. She could have denied you the connection thus telling you how she feels with you being her parent."

"What?" Kagome said rubbing her fingers through Rin's hair. "She could have been telling me this whole time that s-she hated me?"

Inutashio looked out of the window. "Not hate per se, but simply that she didn't see you as her mother figure. I'm sure she did this bond with her biological mother but the connection has been broken obviously leaving the space open. Acceptance is the key word here. Say if you weren't close to Rin, she would have started crying like a siren for her real mother. But she didn't. She accepts you and your role to her. Tell me…and I know this may be a bit painful for you but, does Rin know about her birth parents and their departure?"

Kagome shifted in her seat. "Rin does remember the incident. She has fears of large pools of water as you know and she cries if I'm gone for too long and she doesn't hear my voice. As for her parents, I do my best to keep their memory alive. We have photos, a few of their things, but that's all. I don't think she's ready to go further though." Kagome stated pulling Rin closer to her body.

Inutashio could practically feel her defenses come up resembling that of an electric bob wired fence. Indeed there was pain there and her aura began to shrink back into her body also serving as a physical shield to hide her emotions. Something more was happening here. He could sense a fear on this subject that was sensitive to the mother. Her body went slightly forward and curved around Rin almost shielding her now. This was a protective mother and he smirked to himself. She would be a perfect mother to one of his son's pups. Maybe for his youngest?

The phone in his pocket rung and he looked at the caller Id with raised eyebrows. He walked further towards the back of his office to lean against the glass before answering it. "Yes mate." He greeted already planning on how to bring the subject up to her later.

"Toga! She's got to go!" She spoke calling him by his family pack name.

"What's wrong?" He growled rubbing his clawed hand down his face feeling the positive vibes inside of him go cold. His wife's voice had raised a pitch clearly upset and began ranting on the other end. He could hear strange noises in the background but they were too quiet to hear.

"Is that glass?" Izayoi exclaimed as she grew quiet clearly straining her hearing to listen.

"Izayoi calm down and talk to me. What's going on?" He growled lowly not liking the chaos unfolding on the other line. He breathed through his nose to calm his growing temper and searched through their bond to feel for himself her state of health.

"She's out of control! That's what's wrong! I have a guest over and Kaguya just rips into them and starts making trouble. She has no morals! You have got to do something! Talk to our son." Izayoi whispered on the phone angrily into his ears.

"He knows what he's doing." He responded cringing on the inside. Sesshomaru always had his head firm on his shoulders. He never was one to do something without reason or ulterior motives. Izayoi was fine physically but her distress was burning through their connection that they shared as mates.

"No that damned council know what they are doing. Using our son! I'm calling InuKimi!" She exclaimed frantically.

"I'll be there shortly. Kagome is here with Rin and-."

"Don't bring them over!" Izayoi panicked on the other side of the line. "I don't feel comfortable with Kaguya around especially given their history. I particularly don't want little Rin around all this crazy right now…Oh my god! She's breaking glass! She's lost her rabid mind! Look, take care of Kagome and Rin but come home soon! I got to do something before she destroys my house! But I'm still calling Inukimi."

"I'll call the boys. They should reach you faster. I'll be there soon." He responded already walking over to his desk and packing up his things. The line went dead and he hung up muttering underneath his breath. He flared his aura and connected with his pups communicating to them the urgency. Just in case, he quickly found the numbers he was looking for in his phone and sent out a group text to his pups to go to their mother now.

Kagome could see his aura flaring and she looked at him with concern as it flared protectively in wisps of white. "Is everything ok?" Kagome asked placing Rin down on the floor gently.

"I'm afraid we must cut our visit short. I'm needed at my home for an emergency." He responded locking his leather briefcase. His phone buzzed and he looked to see his pups responded immediately to his text. "Read my notes they should help you more with nurturing your bond as well as building Rin's social skills. Be sure to document her reactions and things you notice about her growth in some form of a journal. Should something come up, myself or one of my mates can assist you with information that can help. Also, my youngest son has told me of your interest in our family doctor in the states that was Inuyasha and Shiori's pediatrician."

Kagome nodded and watched as Inutashio wrote a note quickly on his desk. "I'll get Doctor Shah on the phone in the morning and book an appointment." He stated looking at the clock on the wall noticing that more time had passed than he realized.

Kagome looked down at the list he had given her and she smiled holding it to her like it was the Holy Bible. "Thank you." She stood up and reached for her purse making notes of things she needed to change and buy from the store to support Rin.

Inutashio nodded and reached out his hand. Rin immediately let go of Kagome and rushed to him yapping away happily. "You little pup…remember to be good to your mom and take care of her ok."

Rin spoke something garbled that had Inutashio straining to understand what she was saying. He flexed his aura and listened before nodding in understanding. He nuzzled Rin along her throat and dragged his nose onto the side of her little nose. "Maybe tomorrow night, we can have you over for dinner while your mother is working."

Kagome nodded in agreement pulling her purse straps securely on her shoulders. "Of course. Your family…" She sighed gathering the proper words. "Can watch her anytime. You've done so much-"

"Little miko, you are pack now." He responded before moving towards his desk holding Rin in his arms. He pulled his keys from his pocket that held his phone and pressed a button on the intercom.

"I'm gone for the day." He spoke as a man on the other line responded back. He locked his desk and shut down his computer. His phone buzzed again and he pulled it out. He looked to the screen sighing at the device. If there was one thing he hated about the modern era, it was the means of communication. It was quick but it was annoying many times when it notified him of calls and messages. He read the message and shook his head in exasperation.

"Well looks like everything is under control. Allow me to drop you off home." He stated walking towards the door with Kagome right behind him. He held Rin out for her to grab. Rin reached for her mom and Kagome pulled her to her chest keeping a strand of her aura connected to Rin. "I would like that very much." She thought about dropping Rin off to Kaede's for their preplanned time together. But now, she didn't want to be separated from her. She didn't want to break their connection or be too far away from her. but, she just couldn't bring her pup to work. Rin didn't deserve that and she needed to be supportive to her crew like a head chef should always be. Maybe, Inuyasha would help her out.

"He's not here." Shiori pouted in her seat in the nice booths of Sesshomaru's restaurant. The golden view of the Eiffel Tower stood outside the large window into the afternoon sun. She exchanged her peach colored dress for a pastel blue one that was form-fitting and asymmetrical in design. She pulled out her phone and immediately began texting away intent on getting her oldest brother to meet with them.

"Who?" Kikyo asked sipping her glass of water while enjoying the posh view of the restaurant. She found it quite stylish and liked it even though she could strangle the owner with every fiber of her body at what his fiancé Kaguya had done to Kagome. It was a tough pill to swallow that Sesshomaru had nothing to do with it. But it would explain why just a few weeks later, the entire Tashio family was seen cozying around a table at her sister's restaurant.

"That prick of a brother of ours." Shiori spoke cussing under her breath trying her best to not get angry at the technologic device in her hand for not forcing her brother to respond to her messages. Shiori ordered a glass of wine to calm herself down and Inuyasha sat at her side across from Kikyo putting in his order for cognac. Shiori huffed before looking across from her at the successful woman ahead of her. Here she had a beautiful woman that would put Kaguya under the table in the looks department and had this sophistication and noble essence about her that gave her the aura of royalty. This woman was perfect but the big bad dog wasn't even there.

"I don't know why you're surprised. He's probably finally dealing with that psycho bitch at the house." Inuyasha stated watching as the waiter came back with their drinks.

"Inuyasha…" Kikyo dragged careful to not pay attention to the drinks given around her. She looked at Inuyasha shaking her head a little. She didn't like name calling as she once was on the other end of those vicious names people whispered and printed in the tabloids.

Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders and drank from his glass relaxing in his seat. He looked at the woman in front of him curiously amazed at how she seemed to glide into any hour of the day with her black dress and sleek hair. She sat upwards with her hand holding her glass clearly enjoying her time. Yet, something about her was off. He couldn't place it but he felt as though she was wound up a bit.

"Yeah, Inuyasha. Watch that mouth of yours."Shiori snickered as her brother pushed her playfully to the side. Shiori turned her attention towards Kikyo noting how fabulous she looked. Shiori knew the woman from the social scene around Japan. Poor thing had suffered a lot but she was hands down a creative genius. She had a few of her paintings in her penthouse in Japan and went to several galas where Kikyo designed the floor space. Kikyo had an eye for color and design. They had spoken in her mother's sun room and on the way to the restaurant. She had learned that her mother was helping Kikyo with a project for her art collection debut. Shiori took a sip from the elegant glass flute before setting it down on the table. "Well I guess I can tell you my little secret as to why I have been so busy lately."

"I didn't ask." Inuyasha shot down playfully knowing Shiori was going to take them all down a winding road of a long retelling of one of her grand lavish adventures.

Shiori rolled her eyes and elbowed him in the ribs. She turned her attention to Kikyo who seemed at least more interested than her brothers were in her life. "Vogue France is losing one of its chief editors to Harper's Bazaar in the US. Guess who's been approached to possibly take the position." She spoke smugly reaching for her flute again.

Kikyo's eyes widened. "That's incredible! Congrats!"

Inuyasha smirked picking up his glass followed by Kikyo as they chimed them together. "Yea, lil sis, that's amazing. Then again who else were they going to call?" He stated smugly showing off the Tashio confidence.

Shiori shook her head and drank from her glass along with everyone else. "Wait till mom hears about this."

"I want this to be a surprise! For both mommy and daddy!" She exclaimed. "I was thinking of possibly doing collaboration with you Kikyo." She said a bit shyly unsure of how the conversation would go.

Kikyo nearly choked on her water. She coughed a bit unexpectedly but very smoothly recovered placing a hand over her chest before setting her glass of water down. "Really?"

"Way to go Shiori. You almost made her choke." Inuyasha said sitting up to make sure Kikyo was ok.

"Well Kikyo, you coming back into the limelight is going to be one of the biggest events of the year. And you're fantastic at designing spaces for art and fashion so…I thought that maybe I could do a fashion show with you at your event." Shiori explained nearly bouncing in her seat at the sudden inspiration coming to her. "I mean you, designed the runways and events for Rei Kawakubo and Christian Dior. Then you disappeared! All that talent gone from the world." She stated throwing her hands up dramatically. She couldn't remember why at the moment Kikyo left but she knew she had vanished. "I think this would be a great opportunity for you to explode onto the scene!"

Inuyasha face palmed himself because of his sister's crass. She had just re-met the woman only a few hours ago and seemingly reunited over the bonds they once shared among the bold and the bumptious of high society. This woman worked her way into the stars and he knew there was a level to that Shiori wouldn't understand as she was born into it. That wasn't to say that Shiori didn't work hard for what she had. Their father made sure they worked, sweated, and sometimes bled for everything they wanted. But some people needed a break from the hard battles fought to get somewhere. And from what he gathered from the conversation, Kikyo was one of those people.

Kikyo massaged her drink in her hand in thought. She steeled herself in case they started to question her about…past discretions regarding her addiction and behavior. But neither one said anything about it which was relieving and also nerve-wracking. Then her mind thought of the deal Shiori was proposing. It sounded like it could be incredible but then it also sounded dangerous. She wasn't sure if she was ready for such a big explosion. Before, she just wanted to cause a few ripples in the water. Now Shiori was offering her a way to make waves. She went over the resources that would require as well as the secrecy methods that would take to keep it hidden from Izayoi who she was going to work with for the next couple of weeks. "That's going to take a lot of money, models, and contractors to build the platforms…" Kikyo shook her head. "This is a lot to take in right now. I don't know…"

"Don't worry! I plan on being like my mom…two hundred percent on the job. Just think about it. Please!"Shiori begged reaching over the table to grab Kikyo's hands pleadingly. Suddenly, her phone buzzed and she looked down at the screen. A smile grew on her lips and she immediately unlocked her phone. Inuyasha eyed her. "Who is that? That better be Sesshomaru and not another ass-wipe we have to handle?"

Shiori glared at him before looking back down at her phone. Her fingers moved like the hands of a professional piano player on the digital keyboard. "No! Just some business I have to take care of." She stated calmly typing away.

Inuyasha didn't buy it. For one, she raised both her eyebrows. This was usually an indicator that not everything she was saying was the whole truth. He leaned over to try and see over her shoulder but she shifted away from him. Kikyo just looked between the two siblings in confusion.

Shiori looked up to see his skeptical look. "I told you I've been super busy and have a lot of work to do! September is the biggest month in fashion which means I have to worry about my fashion line debuting during Paris Fashion Week, submitting to the world as Creative Director maybe even as Chief Editor the ultimate Vogue France September issue, and hopefully having this lovely collaboration with Kikyo to kick it all off!" Shiori stated locking her phone and drinking the rest of her wine. She placed her glass down heavily on the table and quickly moved out of the booth, grabbing her purse behind her.

"Where are you going so fast?" Inuyasha asked finishing off his cognac.

"I got to go. I'll give them my card, and you guys can get whatever you want. I'll pick it up tomorrow. See you guys later." Shiori dug into her purse and took out a business card. She bent down and handed it to Kikyo and waved. "See you guys! Please think about it Kikyo! Please!"

"Wow." Kikyo muttered watching her almost gallop away towards the exit. Shiori gave the host her card and pointed to the table. They watched her sign something before she ran towards the elevators to exit.

"It's definitely a boy." Inuyasha gruffly responded calling the waiter over so he could order another drink and at least an appetizer. "Work my ass."

"Don't be so harsh on the poor girl." Kikyo stated before the waiter came over. They placed their orders and Kikyo ordered a fruity nonalcoholic beverage which Inuyasha questioned in his mind.

"I have you know, that I happen to be the one to save her from many douchebags." He growled out thinking of the last one especially. For some reason he found himself sharing the story of Shiori's most recent heartbreak about two years ago. Shiori found herself in love with another designer that he suspected was using his sister for fame and prestige to launch his own endeavors. But, he caught the guy making out at one of her shows in the changing rooms with a model that was wearing Shiori's designs. Inuyasha clutched his hand into a fist just thinking about the beating he put on him. Then Shiori found out and started to cry because she really liked the guy. And when Sesshomaru smelt her tears…things got really ugly. By the end of his story, Kikyo didn't seem too impressed as if she had seen worst. Their drinks had come and little appetizers were laid out on the table. It all smelled heavenly. Fresh raw oysters with lemon, shore mussels cooked in white wine, garlic, butter, and thyme, steak frites in red wine jus, and beet terrine.

"You still have to let her make her choices. She's got to learn unfortunately from trial and error." Kikyo stated speaking from experience. Her fork immediately dived into the mussels. "Don't worry. She'll pull through. We girls are stronger than you think."

He dived into the oysters while mumbling underneath his breath about dicks and assholes. Kikyo laughed genuinely. Inuyasha smiled and began diving into more humorous stories about his female friends and how he and his old buddy Miroku had to save the day. Of course, that led to stories about how Miroku many times was the one to get them into the messes in the first place. Her laugh was infectious and he began telling more to hear it. It had a sound to it that reminded him of Kagome's laugh. The two sounded almost the same. He looked at Kikyo and shook his head swearing the two shared similar attributes. Kagome never said she had a sister, but if she did he would bet money that he was looking at her. But that was impossible…right?

For once Kikyo was seeing what it was like to have a possible older brother to look out for a younger sister. It was refreshing especially given the rough year she had that landed with her in the hospital because of her actions and the 'douchebaggery' of the wrong choices she selected. Kagome was lucky to have this guy. "It's good that you're so protective." She said reaching for beet terrine making sure she had a nice bite of arugula inside.

"Yeah?" He asked tearing through the steak frites.

Kikyo nodded placing her fork down. "It's nice to have that you know. Let your sister do her thing but don't abandon her. Even when it hurts." She advised looking down at her plate solemnly.

Inuyasha looked at her then. He swallowed the food in his mouth unsure of what to make of her last statement. No one says things like that unless they had been through something. He watched her slowly pick up her fork again and begin eating. This woman was the biggest mystery to him. Inuyasha reached for his drink and took another sip. She was like some mystical fairy that he found her in Paris at night with a bag and a box looking for a place to stay and wondering around in the middle of the city. Then he runs into her at his mother's palace and hanging out with his mom talking about shows and designs as if she's been around forever. THEN he had learned from Shiori's excitement that this woman that he heled find a place to stay for the night happens to be one of the biggest and prominent artists in the world. Who was this woman?

Inuyasha leaned forward and continued eating. "After a statement like that…you definitely need a drink."

Kikyo shook her head and smiled dabbing her mouth with her napkin. "I'm afraid I don't do so well with alcohol."

"Feh." Inuyasha responded looking out of the big glass window. Then his nose twitched and he looked back at her. "And why are you hiding your scent for?"

Kikyo reached for her beverage before his question could finish to buy her some time to think of an answer. She needed to hide her intentions behind the truth. The last thing she needed was for Inuyasha to know about her connection with Kagome and then he runs back to tell her she was here. She probably told him all kinds of things. Or worst, nothing at all. "I'm a highly paid and sought after artist. I'm working on new projects that I will reveal and I don't want anyone to get in the way of my creative process. I want to work in peace and enjoy these last few weeks of calmness before my life goes public again."

Inuyasha frowned not liking how depressing her life sounded. But he knew fame and fortune could ruin people and relationships. His family had been around for centuries and he personally fought in many wars and battles that were started because of it. "So you hide yourself and move halfway across the world? That doesn't sound stupid at all." He stated sarcastically. Anything could have happened to her. What if he was a jerk before? She couldn't have gotten abducted! "What about your family? Friends?"

"I don't have much these days." She placed her glass back on the table. "Besides, I've been told that tragedy has been a real muse for me by a few wealthy art buyers. Apparently, this is how I created some of my best work." She said a bit bitterly. "Sold in the hundred thousands."

Inuyasha stilled not knowing what else to say. The conversation was taking on a heavy tone with both of them putting in duel meanings to their words. It was sick that someone would tell her that. People…both human and demons could be so cruel, this he knew very well. There was still those in the world that hated demons and humans mixing. And even more so they hated the offspring they had calling him many names namely an abomination. He watched Kikyo noticing how she pushed her shoulders back and lifted her chin slightly. This was a strong woman that had been through hell too. Her mannerisms and behavior spoke volumes even if she didn't. He opened his mouth to say something but his phone buzzed in his pocket catching his attention. He pulled the device out of his pocket and looked to the screen to see who it was. He frowned and texted back quickly practically muttering his message underneath his breath. He looked at the table and then to Kikyo. He pointed to his phone unsure of what he should do.

Kikyo nodded and smiled knowingly. It also helped that she could clearly see Kagome's name on the screen that he flashed to her. "It's ok. You do what you need to do. Remember, I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."

That struck him. He didn't know why but her words…all of them that spilled that evening were piercing. No one should have to take care of themselves all the time. She sat calm, cool, and collected reminding him of his second mom Inukimi who bravely shouldered many things alone in her lifetime but with dignity and class. He hesitated, unsure of what to do. He didn't want to leave her by herself here but Kagome desperately needed him for a favor with Rin. Thinking quickly he asked for her phone. Kikyo curiously gave it to him unlocked and watched as he typed something in before handing it to her. It buzzed and she looked to see that her phone was calling him thus placing his number into her phone and vice versa.

"I'll call my driver to come get you and take you home." He stated feeling better about her safety. He thought about her situation. Maybe it would do her some good to meet a few laidback people that he knew would have her back. He should introduce her to Kagome and her crew. "I'll switch my card with Shiori's. You can get anything. Make sure you get stuff to take home. It's all on me. I'll call you or you call me when you get home. Don't forget. I swear I'll hunt you down!" He glared.

Kikyo raised an eyebrow seriously doubting his ability to do so. Her miko powers last that she checked was unmatched. He couldn't find her unless she wanted him to. But she appreciated the sentiment. Kagome had found her a good egg. She waved her hand and smirked. "Thank you. Now…go."

Inuyasha nodded his head and raced towards the exit performing the same action that his sister did. Clearly this was normal for them to run out during a meal. They seemed to know effortlessly what to say to the waiter without thought or hesitation. This also was their brother's restaurant which made things easier. Kikyo smiled having enjoyed the meal despite its rocky moments. She drank her swill and sat looking out the window into the night now that sun had fallen onto Paris. The bright glow of the Eiffel Tower warmed her insides. So many good things had happened in one day that she couldn't help but be suspicious. Maybe this was cosmic law at work that several years of devastation would be followed by several years of luck. She looked on the table to her side to see Shiori's business card. She picked it up and stared at it in contemplation. Kikyo slowly reached for her fork and began picking at her food thinking over all that she had to lose and everything she had to gain. She was so in thought that she didn't realize the man that came and approached the table.

"Lady Kikyo."

Kikyo immediately looked up with wide eyes caught off guard by the man saying her name. A slow smirk played on her lips and her body shifted confidently upon seeing who it was. She placed her hands in her lap throwing on her infamous formidable expression with eyes that could read anyone down. With the years of experience in dealing with various characters of the social scene, she pushed back her shoulders preparing for an epic verbal dance. "Sesshomaru Tashio…we finally meet."

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