My Note: So I enjoyed all of your responses and have taken notes. So many of you are Pro Sess/Kag pairing like by far! I was honestly surprised. But your reasons gave my lovely little ways I could twist this story and have emotions flying all over the place. :D

Also, I have to say I love stories that really pull upon character growth. There has been one story that I can honestly say was hands down the best at this! This author needs a physical reward for the brilliant shit she did! I highly recommend you read Paper Cranes by Midori Haru. This is a brilliant example of really going for gold in character growth in my opinion and it was not full of fluff. It was real and well developed. (Someone should message her to read this story. hehehe *Cough*Danielle596 *Cough*) I highly recommend this slow burn for those that really appreciate proper character development.

Anyway...Thank you to everyone who enjoy my take on Inukimi. I do not think she is mean! In the series she had dark humor but she wasn't malicious! But I'm happy that many of you expressed this is the first time that you're reading Inukimi in a positive role and many thanks to those praising my style of interpretation of her. Thank you so much loves. I based her loosely (let me express that word LOOSELY) off the character Miranda from Devil Wears Prada. (One of my fav movies!)

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Diafthora – Thank you so much for the compliment! I believe everything can be solved within character development. :D Hope you enjoy this fluff while I work on the other part of this update!

Saiyajin Princess Chichi – Thank you for the love! Xoxoxo I do agree with you that the whole power couple thing is appealing but I also enjoy understated relationships. But we will see!

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WolfGal327 – Xoxoxo - Not many people on this site appreciate those notions you pointed out. I do hope you enjoy the rest of this fic and look forward to your future reviews love!

Madam Fluffy – You bring up some pretty good/deep points. But remember life waits for no one. Hehehe. Your vote is noted! Hope you enjoy these next few chapters.

emmydebby123 – Right! Can you imagine being in a room and having so many secrets about everyone floating around between specific ppl! So juicy! As to your question…Why did kimi recognize rin immediately when all the other inus took so long?...I explained in the chapter she served on that board and helped make the decision based on Kikyo's influence at the time Rin was up for adoption…so she would know. Hope that clears up everything.

OrihimeKurosakiInoue – Lmao! Yes my evil plan has worked. *laughs like a mad woman* Im so glad you're hooked and now 19 chapters in! Soon to be 20! I look forward to a future review from you.

hani-licious – Right. Kagome is clueless right now to things going on around her. Quite dangerous….And you are fine! Everyone has their preferences. Hope you enjoy this!

Zaacna – Thank you my love! Omg you gave me so much extra food for thought and brought up things I know I need to build upon. Muahahaha! I was saying earlier to someone else's comment that character development is everything. Kikyo and Kimi get bad raps and poorly portrayed many times. I didn't want to do that with this one. But thank you so much for your thoughts. I'm def going to keep them in mind when I flesh out things.

Danielle596 – Poor babies! I hope they are doing better. Xoxox Also Kikyo is a product of her environment like many people are. She had problems about herself before Naraku came. He just gave her an outlet. And once again, Kimi is a boss bitch literally. (excuse my creole) lol Enjoy this little bit of fluff love.

angeleyes20876 – Thanks! You're the only one it seems that feel this way. Lol Thank you for having an open mind though. Love love love your comment! And no one smelled it because no one couldn't. I pointed out that Inus have a strong smell and Sess knows this…as he is one. So he knows how to manipulate this element.

kagomeLove2 – Right! In the anime she wasn't mean at all! Just dark humored at times. Hope you enjoy these next couple of chapters.

Nyght elf – Lol yesssss and also everyones comments gave me little easter eggs to twist this fic some more. So it worked out beautifully for me.

And nope I have no idea how long. I'm just going for what feels good and that I feel I can stand by it. I feel you with really developing the relationship. I want this to feel as realistic as possible when it comes to emotions. Your commentary was superb! xoxoxox

Youkai55 – So many things are up my sleeve. Im having a hard time picking one to pull out. And we will see if Shiori needs help or not…. Thanks for your review.

NarukoSon – Thank you so much! Everything will be revealed in due time…maybe not but there is hope. Thank you so much for your review love! I'm really digging seeing your name every chapter. *applauds loudly and wipes tears on sleeves*

SkittlesKitty – Me too! I loved the other interactions as well. I think you're really going to enjoy these chapters coming up love. Thanks again so much for your review!

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Chapter 20: Can Openers

Shiori stood in front of the Shikon waiting patiently for the man of the hour to arrive. She was thankful Kimi had left so early from the office and even more grateful that Kikyo fell right into place starting immediately on tasks that needed to be done. This allowed her to leave early enjoy the rest of the day outside of the havoc at the office. The sky was beautiful and free of clouds. People were walking about casually enjoying the day all around her. She pulled at her long ponytail and rubbed her glossed lips together while begging her heart to stay calm. She looked up at the Shikon sign verifying that she was where they agreed to meet. Nervousness flooded her and she didn't know really why. She dug into her pocketbook and reached for her smartphone quickly checking her messages. Several from her family showed but one importantly shined through the cloister of messages stating that said person was on his way. She had arrived early it seemed to the destination but she couldn't help it. She was excited.

Suddenly the spicy scent of magic and foreign spices struck her nose. She immediately looked up to see Shippo walking down the street with his wild long red-orange hair pulled into a low ponytail. His hair blew in the wind freely as if pushed by some imaginary gust that only catered to him. He wore a pair of faded jeans and a blue V-neck shirt looking very handsome and understated. The lean muscles in his arms stood out making him quite masculine and wild. He carried a black book bag that hung on one shoulder on his back as he made has way towards her. She watched his bright green eyes scan the street for cars before looking across the street at her directly. Shiori's breath caught at this and witnessed the side smile rise upon his face. She clutched her purse in her hands and waited for him to reach her. The walk that he had taken seemed to take hours. She released a breath of fresh air when he finally made it to stand in front of her with a genuine shy smile.

"Hi" Shippo responded anxiously rubbing his fingers in a thick patch of hair at the base of his head with a bright smile unsure of what to do with his hands or his body. Her soft scent filled his nose and the urge to tuck her away in his flat on the other side of town blossomed. She was amazingly beautiful and he found himself unable to look beyond her face at the moment truly captivated by her being.

"Hi." Shiori greeted bashfully looking up at him as he towered over her. Even for a demon he was quite tall. The way he was built was foreign to her and Shippo reminded her of a wild thing. Now that she knew a little bit more about him, she found him out of place in Paris as the city was stifling at times. He needed to be in the countryside being his free organic self. Her fingers came up to push her ponytail behind her so it fell down her back gracefully.

"Thanks for meeting me today." He started. "I'm sorry for last night. Just things got heavy and I was needed on all fronts." He spoke hurriedly trying his best to apologize for what happened last night. After their heated moment in the kitchen, it was hard for him to focus. He was nervous all evening and thanks to Jac's persistent side remarks for him to follow up, he contacted her. He texted her thinking that he would have time to take her out for a late meal or drink. However, fate seemed to have other plans for him. The restaurant got insanely busy as more orders came in due to a large party that had reserved for the garden space. She had arrived before he could call her and so he took an early break to meet with her. It wasn't enough for him and he didn't want them to start off like that. But then things got a little foggy as somehow they wound up pressed together and lips locked against the back brick wall in the alleyway behind the Shikon. He looked down at her, watching as she tilted her head slightly. The sun light reflected off of her shiny silver tresses and lit up her eyes. "B-But I promise, it won't happen again!" He nearly shouted afraid that his actions may have ruined something potentially good. "That is if it happens again. If you want to that is. I want to. N-Not just because I think you're pretty but you seem cool."

Shiori laughed watching him stumble his way through an awkward apology. It was refreshing to see someone just go off the dome and say what they felt. Seeing him look away in embarrassment and mumble underneath his breath, she boldly reached for his clawed hand and patted it affectionately. "Thank you Shippo. You're very sweet." She responded brightly. Shiori stood on her tippy toes and greeted him appropriately on the cheek with a light kiss feeling reassured about their meeting. "Let's start with that coffee you offered."

Shippo visibly relaxed and smiled as the nerves that ate at him left his body. Her pink lips were soft upon his cheek and he couldn't fight the red tint that he knew was coloring his skin. His mind focused on something he could do that was offered.

Food.

He knew food and he studied all the local eateries in the district. He could do this. He could find her a nice spot that would put coffee lovers into euphoria. Shippo offered her his arm in a gentlemanly fashion and held his book bag tightly with the other hand. He watched as she quickly took it but stopped to look back at his book bag.

"What's in the bag?" She asked looking at it with the desire for him to be free from its burden.

Shippo smiled and ushered her towards the restaurant. He dug into his pocket and pulled out his key. "Its got my uniform, books, cooking stuff, and other random things inside. I can't go back home to change or anything so I bring all my things here." He explained unlocking the door and spiking his aura to notify the charms Kagome placed on the place of his presence so he wouldn't be attacked by her extra security.

"But isn't it heavy? Why can't you go back?" She asked commenting on its weight upon his back. He was demon and she knew it wasn't a big deal but still…it was a bit much.

"It's nothing I can't handle besides I live pretty far from here." He spoke cryptically. Shippo opened the door and she rushed in so he could cut off the alarm that began ringing rather boisterously. The place was dark yet the smell of lemon permeated the air.

"Oh no we could have met someplace closer!" She offered feeling rude for the circumstance. She stood in the middle of the foyer watching as he cut on all the lights and did minor prep work for whoever came in after him. Shiori watched as Shippo did this before turning to her and reaching for her hand naturally. He led her through the front of the foyer into the dining area and back towards the kitchens. She held on tight as they went to the back.

"It's fine. I picked this meeting place remember." He responded as they walked into the back break room near the kitchens. He immediately placed his bag down on the table in the center and went to open his assigned locker. "Besides, I bring this bag all the time."

Shiori watched him take out his uniform and hang it up safely for later use. He took out his books and placed them inside as well. Books on famous people, foods, and kitchen safety were pulled out and placed inside of his locker. They seemed worn and heavily used with colorful markers hanging from the side and sticky notes crushed between pages. She reached for one before he had a chance to put it away and opened it. His hand writing was everywhere among the book and in the tiniest of spaces. It spoke of hints and tricks next to sectionals about various foods and their individual facts. She ran her finger over his handwriting finding it quite elegant for a man. "You're really studying for this exam of yours." She stated flipping through the pages looking and reading a few things.

Shippo checked his pants pocket for his phone and wallet before placing his backpack in the locker. Her comment made him think about the kitchen incident when she had come in on a rather stressful moment. Of course his mind went onto other activities that they shared that lightened that mood and had him bouncing all over the place for the rest of the night. He smiled up at her as she handed him the book back. "I really need to pass it. I literally can't afford to fail. It's a very expensive school but the best in the world." He responded locking things up and guiding her out of the room. "If I pass it, I'll be a world certified chef and graduated from one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world."

"What is there else for you to learn? You seem pretty awesome to me." She responded not seeing where his fear was. They went into the kitchen and he cut on the lights. He made his way towards the kitchen's notary board where he logged in his arrival time and clocked in on his time card. Shiori looked at all the strange items that were used in the kitchen. "What is this?" She asked holding up something that looked like scissors but with a metal knob in the center.

Shippo blushed at her comment but smiled humorously at what she had in her hand. He walked towards the pantry looking for something that wouldn't be missed by his coworkers. He turned to see her lift the little kitchen utensil in her hand like weight. He reached for a can of condensed milk from the pantry and went to her with it. He politely reached for her hands and placed them correctly on the can. He placed her left on the can and moved the device in her right hand on the can's edge. The device locked onto the edge securely and he motioned for her to turn the top knob. "This is a can opener."

Shiori concentrated on turning the can as he was instructing for her to do. She smiled watching it open and the metal break free from the edges until it came around full circle. She let go and he took over reaching for a metal bowl. He poured the creamy sweet liquid inside until it was empty. She watched fascinated as he went and grabbed a few eggs from the fridge room along with other ingredients from around the room. She took note of his pace as he returned to her side and cracked an egg in the liquid quickly before tossing it to the side. He gave her one to take and crack open as well.

"I don't think you want my help." She responded nervously. "I'm not too good in the kitchen." She explained hesitantly taking the egg that he held closer to her.

"Yet." He countered giving his motivational smile with side dimple included. "Here's a great way to start."

Shiori smiled back and mimicked the way he cracked his egg. She cracked the egg into the bowl successfully. The yellow yolk slid into the white mix free of egg shells much to her glee. Shippo's tall form reached for the sugar and vanilla as she set the shells in the scrap pile he started. He began pouring and mixing without measuring much of anything. He gave her a spoon and he gave her instructions on measuring the vanilla which she followed as best as she could before it went into the bowl. Satisfaction filled her that she was creating something that seemed rather complicated. It was like performing convoluted chemical experiment in a lab. Her mother cooked all the time but the way he moved and did things were completely alien to her. She watched the soft smile stay on his face as he worked making something sweet smelling.

His eyes seemed to shine as he moved whisking it all together quickly and checking the consistency of the mixture. He dipped her spoon into the mixture and tasted it before holding the spoon for her to taste. "It's good right?" His aura was calm yet she could feel his happiness radiate off of him and it was contagious.

Shiori opened her mouth and nearly cleaned the spoon. She couldn't control the smile on her face. "It's really good." She stood closely at his side gripping onto the metal countertop with excitement and curiosity. "I'm still not understanding the problem!" She expressed as he went in search of two ramekins. "Everything you have made has been great. Who cares about time!"

"Time is everything in the kitchen." He shouted back before finding what he was looking for. He came out with a pan and two white ramekins. He set them on the table and prepared them for usage. "When I take my test, I will take a written and a performance. The written will take a few hours but the real test is the performance exam." Shippo grabbed the mix and poured the batter into the white ramekins without dripping anything onto the counters. "The examiners will randomly give me ingredients to use and style. Then I will pick two dishes to prepare that I feel encompasses my style and take on cooking. I must do this all under specific time limits too." He motioned with his head for her to follow as he went to the plastic wrap table. He tightly covered the ramekins sealing them shut tight for later use.

Shiori bit her lip. "Ok. So you just need practice." She laughed feeling rather accomplished looking at the prepared ramekins.

Shippo placed the ramekins on the metal pan and took them to the fridge room. He placed them at the bottom so they wouldn't be disturbed by anyone. He came out and quickly cleaned up the mess. He nodded in thanks to Shiori who also went to aid him in his task. "But it gets expensive on the grocery side and I can't practice all the time. Many things I have to make aren't on the menu." He muttered tossing the chaos into the trash and tying up the trash bag tightly.

Shiori weighed his predicament in her mind. He was very talented and she would know. She had traveled and tasted many dishes all over the world. His cooking and style seemed perfect to her. She watched him move as his mouth set into a thin line clearly in deep thought. She felt like he wasn't saying everything. Like he was leaving something out of the conversation. Not one to give up so easily, Shiori immediately came to a solution. She followed him as they went to the sink to wash their hands. "Well my earlier opportunity still stands. Come cook for me." She offered.

Shippo cut off the sink and reached for a hand towel for them both to dry their hands. "What?"

Shiori bounced on the balls of her feet excitedly looking up at him. "Yes! Come cook for me. I wasn't joking before when I made you that offer the first time. It could be good for you. You can practice all you want and I get to have meals to come home and wake up to." She explained. She secretly added…and a hot looking chef in her home…but he didn't need to know that.

Shippo ushered her out of the kitchen and he quickly double checked his pockets making sure he had everything. They walked in the dining area near the foyer with quick speed. A gentle hand stopped him near the door and rested upon his cheek. He turned his head to see Shiori standing there with a warm confident expression illuminated by her bright golden eyes.

"Please." She asked reaching up to brush his bangs back gently from his face. "Besides I would really like this as a date." She suddenly became flustered hearing the truth echo in the large dining room.

Shippo's breath hitched at her words. "Me? Date me? And you? Really?" He couldn't believe it. He didn't really have much to offer her. She was after all a Tashio. She was royalty for crying out loud. How was he supposed to compete with that? He was sure men had taken her on yachts, private jets to exotic locations, fancy shows, etc. He couldn't do that at the moment. He could barely afford his one room flat. All his money was tied up in school so that he wouldn't graduate in debt. His mouth moved to say these things but nothing came out.

Shiori smiled and nodded her head at her own solution. "Yes you. Besides, I never had someone that wasn't family cook for me like this. I enjoy it a lot!" She expressed retracting her hand from his face and wringing both hands in front of her shyly. "Especially coming from you."

Shippo blinked trying to grasp onto the remains of his common sense but finding it all flying out of the window. Right! I can cook! He thought to himself. He dated girls but never did he share cooking with them. She also just said he was the only one to do so for her which definitely was a confidence booster. Plus, she asked for him to do so regularly.

She reached for his hand and swung it coaxing him further into her grand plans. "Come on…I buy the groceries and you create amazing edible dates."

Shippo smiled and nodded his head in agreement. He laughed as suddenly her lips were attacked him and he found himself pulling her in for a hug. Everything was happening rather fast but he felt as if it was right and within reason. It had been only twenty four hours since whatever that exploded between them had yet he felt as if she had always been around. One thing was for sure, he vowed he would not make something cringe worthy that would ruin his good fortune. He let her go and held her small hands inside his large clawed ones. "Tomorrow I have off." He offered already planning for the future meal. He would start with French cooking and work his way east. He set the alarm and they both rushed out of the place. He locked everything up and slid the key into his pocket securely. "Do you have anything in your kitchen?"

"Come check it out and we can get things afterwards!" She exclaimed now pulling him away from the restaurant with surprising force. "But first, coffee!" She declared. Then her stomach rumbled rather loudly causing her to blush in embarrassment. "And maybe a meal."

Shippo surprisingly lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles that had Shiori melting on the inside. "This I can take care of." He stated with affirmation in his eyes as he guided her along down the sidewalk.

"You sure…" Kagome asked as she was being ushered down the hallway. She needed to return home and change so she could get to work. She turned to look up at Inuyasha as he held a dressed and groomed Rin in his arms. He was dressed in a white button up and blue jeans walking barefoot through his home. Rin had her arms tightly around Inuyasha's neck already declaring her will to not leave just yet. Kagome reached up to pat her on the back soothingly and communicating her understanding.

It was awkward being alone for so long and then coming into an environment filled with people. Of course she had her restaurant family but they weren't sleeping in her house and waking up with her to cook breakfast. It was nice to experience the moment. However, the call of her cell rang loudly after breakfast reminding her of the reality outside of the luxurious walls of Izayoi's family castle.

Rin mewled and wrapped her legs around Inuyasha's torso as best as she could to avoid anyone pulling her away from the hanyou.

Inuyasha shifted Rin to climb upon his neck and hold onto his head which she happily obliged. He held her hands so she wouldn't go diving obviously for his ears. "Well I guess there is no stopping her now." Kagome muttered before looking down at the time on her phone. "I'll be back early today to get her. Kaede will be coming to watch her." Kagome walked forward and turned around again to speak. "I left money in her baby bag for anything she needs."

Rin saw her mother leave and she quickly wiggled her body to lean down towards her. Kagome happily took Rin into her arms with a smooth transition on Inuyasha's part. Their bond flowed between them brightly. Inuyasha took note of this feeling it all around him like a warm hug. "You are going to have to take time off to fully develop the bond. You'll get tired again today like you were because of the distance." He muttered remembering how hard she slept in the morning.

Kagome hugged her daughter close to her and kissed her repeatedly while speaking of her love to her little one. His comment rested on her heavily and she knew he was right. Rin kissed her back and rubbed her hair affectionately. Kagome promised her a treat later and handed her over back to Inuyasha who took her willingly. Kagome inhaled sharply gathering the strength for another day to do what she loved. She looked at Inuyasha and without much thought she leaned up and kissed Inuyasha on the cheek affectionately. "Thank you, Yash." She responded. "I'll talk to my crew today before we open. I'm sure Miroku has already told you he's been begging me to take time off anyway."

Inuyasha didn't move or think. He looked to her in shock at her actions. It happened so quick that he almost thought he dreamt it up. Inuyasha held Rin tightly to him feeling as if her little body was anchoring him right now to the world. Slowly her words washed upon him and he nodded knowing that a visit to Miroku's was overdue. "Just don't kill yourself in your own kitchen." Inuyasha smirked bouncing Rin in his arms as she reached for his ears having seen them move.

Kagome rolled her brown eyes as they walked down the hall together. He stopped to put on slip on shoes. "I'll call you before the dinner rush to check up on things. Text me where you go and-" Suddenly her phone vibrated and she dug through her purse in search for it while losing her train of thought. She stopped in the hallway to dig for it while Inuyasha continued on to the door. She pulled out the device quickly and unlocked her phone. She gasped and stopped moving placing her hand on her chest. Her eyes scanned the message on her phone and her thumb retrieved the attached document.

"What's up?" Inuyasha asked worriedly watching her hold the phone close to her eyes as if she was trying to see through the screen.

"The payment has been made for three months and it is held out of escrow back under our name for now." Kagome smiled feeling a warm a tight feeling in her chest. She dropped her hand and moved on autopilot towards the nearby wall. Tears came to her eyes and she leaned against it feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. She pushed all the emotions back as best she could not wanting to be seen so emotional a second time in front of Inuyasha. Guilt and happiness collided inside of her body and she found herself searching for answers and ways to make the world right. Kagome felt her daughter pull onto her aura and she quickly gathered control over herself.

"It?" Inuyasha questioned wondering what in the hell she was emotional about.

Kagome nodded looking down at her phone. "My family's home is a shrine. It has been saved." She lifted the screen so he could see the document. Kagome laughed joyously feeling the need to run to her place now more than anything and make a phone call. "My sister made the payments." Kagome reread the statement of payment and collections from the bank that held her family's property. Kikyo's name was written as the submitter and her signature was beautifully signed at the bottom of the statement. She read further down seeing that a file has been submitted to buy the land and set the shrine as a national historical heritage site. Kagome looked down at the money that was sent and she stilled. Kagome looked up at Inuyasha drawing her eyebrows in confusion. "Where did the money come from?" She asked out loud looking to him for answers she knew he didn't have.

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