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Chapter 22: Leftovers

"What a tangled web we weave..." Kimi spoke waving her lace fan in her hand about her face as she sipped her wine glass ever so lavishly. Izayoi had changed into a longer white and red floral dress with a wide red brim hat that blocked the sunlight shining above. They sat in a private white terrace among the high-end shopping district that marketed foreign labels and beautiful boutiques. It was a cozy place and it was a place they enjoyed a great deal especially for their catch-ups. Kimi spoke in low whimsical tones, never raising her voice ever. Izayoi was her opposite which had tones that sounded like she was singing when she spoke. Both had spent a good time sharing and scrutinizing the growing story before them.

Izayoi sighed heavily finally free of one of the burdens she carried. She leaned back into her white chair watching the steam off the top of her latte in her hands blow upwards to the heavens. "Kikyo wants to debut her new art collection and surprise her sister with her success. Kikyo came to me requesting my help in planning her debut art party. Of course I adored Kikyo and her work since they very beginning. She is so talented and I feel sorry for what happened to her. People make mistakes…" Izayoi stated squinting her eyes trying to gather the correct words to say. "But, she's bouncing back so beautifully. She's all over the news and I did some research on her artwork. The prices that her paintings are going for are incredible!" She exclaimed reaching for her phone to look it up again.

"Indeed." Inukimi stated as Izayoi showed her a sample of her work being reported selling for a couple of thousand francs. "But by that girl's hesitation in your kitchen in regards to Kikyo, she doesn't seem too thrilled about her sister's success. I bet that she doesn't even know anything going on in her sister's life at the moment. I'm not even sure Kikyo's recent success is going to be enough to repair whatever has come between them." Kimi placed her drink down on the table with a grimace.

"Kagome doesn't know Kikyo is here." Izayoi explained looking into her cup. "It's all so confusing." Izayoi blew the wisps of steam away from the tip of her coffee cup. "But they were quite close before from what I remember. I'm not sure what happened but-"

"I can tell you that much." Kimi spoke waving her fan faster upon her face to beat the heat. "Their pack died in that deadly tsunami that nearly destroyed the Japanese coastline a few years back. You know the one that put Tokyo in a blackout. Only the two sisters and their younger brother survived the ordeal. Also, that is when Rin was given custody onto Kikyo."

"Kikyo?!" Izayoi sputtered nearly spitting out her drink. "But Kagome is-"

Kimi waved her hand blowing away her sentence physically. "Yes, Kagome was written in the Yomi Will as the parent but do you really think the Youkai Council would have allowed that?" She asked Izayoi with a look of dramatic annoyance. "Rin is of royal blood, as well as half human and half demon. The courts would have never given her to a run-of-the-mill human to raise….well not just any human. Lady Kikyo's name had weight given her powerful skill set and her bearings on the political demon world. The only reason Kagome has that child currently is because of her older sister's name. Without Kikyo, that child would be back with those bottom-feeding curds."

Izayoi sat in shock with questions running wild in her head. She knew Kimi served on that Youkai Council and this was why she knew so much about everything. Kimi served well for years and was one of the longest sitting members holding her title. Inutashio was called upon when extreme cases were being presented that could potentially cause war or greatly concerned the demon community. He didn't like getting involved with political nonsense unless it was to stop a global meltdown. Kimi was positioned well in the world with more power in her hand than people realized. She ran over Kimi's speech in her mind and she came across an important fact. "Rin…you said she's royalty?"

"Of the most scandalous kind!" Kimi spoke clearly enjoying herself at the story unfolding in front of her as she accounted the Higurashi history as she knew it. "Rin Yoshi is the child of Japanese Royalty and Youkai-Human Peace Activists Lady Tsuki and Lord Hoshi Yomi." She spoke slowly allowing each word to fall onto her Beta's ears like weights.

"Dear God." Izayoi spoke before a series of French prayers fell from her lips and she crossed her heart in religious manner. "Hoshi, God bless him. He was such a good boy." Then her mind went to another thought. "Our sons..."

Kimi nodded and lifted her drink again to her lips. "Yes, and you know our pups were great friends with Hoshi in their youth growing up with the sword. Of course Hoshi's course for social justice put a small rift between him and our eldest son. Our kind doesn't particularly care that much for humans or anyone outside of pack with the exception of you of course my dear." When she finished, she took a light sip and placed it back onto the table.

Izayoi sighed and nodded knowing she couldn't win every battle with the Inus especially when it came to the human species. "I'll take a win where I can get one." She responded smiling brightly.

Kimi reached over and patted her gently on the hands warmly. "Once again, you are a very lucky human my precious Izayoi. You survived not only my claws but also the French Revolution. Your God that you pray too must love you above all others." She mocked playfully.

Izayoi smiled and nodded choosing not to engage in a religious debate with the Inu royal. She had learned her lesson the last time not to do so. "I'm truly blessed."

Kimi laughed at this before pulling back and picking up her wine glass again. "Tell me. Does our love know about all of this?" Kimi asked taking a sip from her glass.

Izayoi touched her mating mark on her neck and rubbed it gently sending her mate her love and affection. They had been staying up later than usual not just because of Rin but because of their late night talks as well as other things. Her mate was always attentive to her but lately he seemed really on the job. "Touga hasn't said anything to me about any of this and I haven't asked him. I've been keeping things to myself as always." Izayoi explained. "Do you think our pups know about all of this?"

Kimi shrugged her delicate shoulders. "I know Inuyasha is unaware as his question he posted in the kitchen clearly stated that much. Shiori doesn't know anything that's going on. However, Sesshomaru will always be a mystery. So it looks like only you and I know everything that it going on at the moment. Speaking of Sesshomaru, I think our pup has gotten himself in a fix."

Izayoi nodded in agreement thinking about Sesshomaru. "I'm worried about him too. He claims everything is fine and his relationship with Kaguya is going well but…you should just see how she behaves. It's so…strange."

Kimi's eyes went into a harsh glare under the shade of the white awning above them on the terrace. "Were you hurt at all during that incident?" She asked lowly.

"No!" Izayoi spoke lifting her hands up to calm Kimi down before she got herself upset. She knew that the demoness's temper could easily be set off by the mention of threatened pack members. Inus were extremely territorial and pack health was above everything. "Just a little frightened…m-maybe I jumped the gun. I'm so glad you answered right away though!"

Kimi growled at this knowing Izayoi could be dramatic on occasion but she never called her if it wasn't about something serious. She knew this was Izayoi's way of keeping the peace in the pack. Kimi relaxed slightly but not too much in her seat looking over her Beta for injuries even though Tashio's blood would have healed anything she suffered from especially give the long amount of time that had passed. "Has she tried to come near you since then?"

"Only to apologize for her actions." Izayoi answered quickly with a wide smile hoping Kimi wouldn't do anything too abrasive. She had Sesshomaru to protect and she knew the last thing he would want is for his pack mothers to interfere in his affairs. This was a harsh lesson they learned eons ago about their son during one of his conquests for strength. He was opening up more to her now and she didn't want to jeopardize their growing relationship.

"And? How did you deal with this? How did Touga handle it?" Kimi asked with her eyes narrowing.

"Well our pups came to investigate since they were closer. Touga of course came home and checked me over. I think Touga ay know more than we give him credit for. He hasn't spoken about it unless I bring it up and when he came home, it was the check on my health." Izayoi picked up her cup and held it to her lips. "As for how I handled it…I'm afraid I haven't been too easily to get ahold of recently to find out..." She spoke quickly and sipped from her cup while avoiding eye contact.

"The great peacemaker…Princess Maria Izayoi Philippe Tashio. You! Avoiding someone! Now this is a first." Kimi laughed lightly leaning back in her chair a bit.

Izayoi swallowed her coffee and set her cup back down on the table. "I'm trying my best! I'm trying really hard to give the girl a chance and to like her for Sesshomaru's sake. If his heart is set on bringing this girl into the family then I would like peace among us. But it seems to be getting worst. I tried inviting her to dinners and brunch with me but Kaguya declines and only seems to come when it's the entire pack or if it's a public function. She can be sweet one moment and so…rudely abrasive the next. I don't know what it is. But I feel it in my womb that something about her isn't right. Touga is staying out of it but even he worries what this could bring upon our legacy and pack. I know Sesshomaru is a big boy and can take care of himself but I can't help it. I don't trust her."

Kimi sat forward swiftly and leaned towards Izayoi. "That my dear Beta is instinct." She tapped the table with her clawed index finger loudly. "Trust your instincts always. If this is how you feel, then seek out why." Kimi leaned back again a bit slowly. "Anyways, don't worry. This foolish young demoness will be dealt with soon enough."

"What are you up to?" Izayoi asked as a waiter came out with a tray of savory charcuterie and fresh fruit. An assistant followed carrying two glasses and a bottle of robust Gamay wine. They watched silently as the staff placed the items down along with condiments on the table. Izayoi looked at Kimi's face and knew something had been done. Then she posed a different question. "What did you do?" She whispered harshly watching the young servers go back inside the restaurant making sure that they were far from earshot. The doors closed behind them with a loud click.

"I hired Kikyo."

"Kimi!" Izayoi exclaimed gripping her cup tightly. "For what!?" Izayoi's heart beat wildly for her friend hoping the girl didn't get involved in something she couldn't handle. Kimi was known for pulling many strings behind the scenes. When someone thought she didn't know something, usually it was the opposite.

"Do you smell freesias?" Kimi asked sniffing the air, her attention being diverted for a minute.

"Kimi!" Izayoi exclaimed.

Kimi waved her hands about. "Izayoi calm down! The girl is multi-tasking for me. Kikyo is a superb designer as well as a powerful force to say the least. She can also be very lethal when pushed…" She spoke slowly with a gleam in her eyes. "Shiori needs guidance and I cannot be there all the time to help her as she takes this new role. You know Shiori hasn't exactly been out into the world. They will eat her alive. Kikyo has seen the darkest side of this world and has an acute eye for catching bullshit. So I hired her as creative director for Vogue Paris. I also have learned that she and our eldest pup had a nice little chit-chat about something in private. She is protecting him by keeping her mouth quiet even to me about the subject. Which is why I am keeping her very close to me. I also have bigger plans for her should she stay in my good graces of course." Kimi reached for her napkin and placed it in her lap while looking at the plate before her.

"What kind of plans?" Izayoi asked holding her breath hoping it wasn't anything regrettable. Kimi meant well and had a very good head on her shoulders. However, she was above all ruthless when she had her mind set on something.

"Molding her for our oldest son of course and pushing this random demoness out of the picture." Kimi stated looking over the meats and cheeses provided on the table. Her clawed fingers reached for one and placed it on her tongue humming at the rich flavors and salty texture it presented her.

Izayoi sat and blinked in disbelief. "What!?" She exclaimed again. "I'm so confused by your thinking."

Kimi shrugged and wiped her fingers on a napkin at her side. "It's quite easy. I hate this girl and I prefer Kikyo so I'm going to put the two together."

"Kimi! You can't!" Izayoi expressed knowing that if Sesshomaru were to find out they were meddling this would be horrific. "If he cares for Kaguya, this could ruin him and any relationship they hope to have."

"Please Izayoi." Kimi expressed rolling her eyes dramatically. "You know as well as I do, our pup does not like nor love that whore mongrel. Besides, he won't be ruined because he will be forming a relationship with Kikyo in no time." Kimi explained picking up a piece of cheese and eating it slowly savoring the spices and the blend as she chewed slowly. "The truth is…no one is good for our pups these days. Demons are not like how they use to be. These new aged demons are weak, spoiled, and dimwitted. The closest female I have met that has strength of our kind from the old days can be found in Kikyo Higurashi. Such power hasn't been seen since Midoriko was alive. She has been called upon to vanquish quite a few rogue youkai and had always been present for the Peace Summits. The woman is quick witted, strong willed, and above all protective. Despite her past transgressions, have you noticed her alcoholic behavior did not affect Rin or Kagome?"

"What do you mean?" Izayoi asked.

"Kagome moved away from Rin's home which definitely did not sit well with us at council and a motion was pushed to rethink Kagome's ability to be a parent to the youkai pup. Rin's family tried to file a claim that Kagome was unfit by taking her away to another country. A valid one still today in the court system. But, Kikyo came to speak to us at court and gave a written statement by top youkai psychiatrists on why this was a good move for Rin." Kimi looked at her nails remembering the day very well. "It was also when Kikyo announced that she wasn't well to help watch Rin as she was suffering from some ailment which she told us to our faces was her drinking habits. She made it seem as if she was the cause for the move. A rather bold move to put oneself on the guillotine to protect another." She muttered.

"Kikyo, you poor thing." Izayoi muttered with her hand over her heart.

"It was through the press we found out about her extreme alcoholism. The council backed down to honor Kikyo's submission and threw out any claims against Kagome's ability to parent. Now it seems Kikyo is using her strength to protect Sesshomaru…for what reasons…I'm not aware of. But I will do a thorough investigation to find out. I'm sure it has something to do with Sesshomaru not leaving Kaguya at the moment. Regardless, Kikyo is my choice for Sesshomaru."

Izayoi sighed heavily picking up her coffee cup. "I was hoping to put him with Kagome…" Izayoi muttered taking a sip of the last remnants of her coffee.

"I beg your pardon?" Kimi responded with eyes turning into slits at Izayoi. Her hand seemingly tightened on her wine glass.

"Well…I thought about Inuyasha and Kagome being together but…I saw Sesshomaru and Kagome together in the kitchen today and I changed my mind. Sesshomaru has been very helpful with Kagome and Rin lately. You should see him with them both. He took time out to teach her about bonding with her pup. It's sweet!" Izayoi explained placing her hand over her heart. "You saw how he was with Rin and Kagome in the kitchen. He's ready to settle down. I think he would be a great father to Rin as they already have a deep connection. And he has shown interests in Kagome. I think with time and a few planned activities, they could be a nice couple. Besides, you know you enjoyed little Rin today."

Kimi nearly growled. "That girl is far from being ready to enter into any relationship as she clearly is running from the ones with her family in front of her. Kikyo has a past but so does everyone. Clearly, she has dealt with it and moved on. Lastly, I wouldn't even put her with Inuyasha. Our son is growing exponentially! He has built from his own hands his million dollar legacy and I will not allow him to be distracted. I will not even entertain these absurd notions you just mentioned. And for you to even consider…." Kimi suddenly paused and closed her mouth when the scent of freesias hit her delicate nose again. It was unfamiliar and coated with a fragrance she recognized by Dior. This brought confusion until it dawned on her what was about to happen. Kimi scowled at her Beta and inhaled sharply placing her drink back onto the table.

"I take it by the look on your face, our guest is about to arrive." Izayoi looked at her with the best pair of pleading round brown eyes she could muster.

"You're a VERY lucky human, Izayoi." She growled lowly as Izayoi simply smiled and nodded her head while muttering a series of 'thank you's'. This was one of the endearing traits Izayoi had that Kimi respected except when it was used against her. The woman could plot with the best of them. If she wanted Sesshomaru to be with Kikyo…she would have a fight on her hands with Izayoi using her tactics to get him to be with Kagome. She should have known this impromptu lunch was more than just a moment to catch up.

It was a set-up.

Suddenly there was a knock on the patio doors behind them and a server came out followed by a rather picturesque demoness in a short beige mini-dress. Black heels clicked on the white floors that seemed louder than the sound actually was, grating on Kimi's ears. Izayoi threw on the best smile she could at the last minute and looked over at Kimi watching the demoness sit up and reach for her lace fan. Kimi's claws seemed to expand and a slight chill ran down Izayoi's spine. The infamous stoic expression perfected by the White Inu Clan came onto her face as she turned around waiting patiently for the woman to arrive at the table.

"Kaguya!" Izayoi greeted trying to summon as much grace and joy as she could. She found something to smile about as she made to move to greet the young demoness properly. She was shocked Kaguya actually showed up to be honest. Finally, Kimi was with her to see for herself the demoness that could be entering their family. Kimi could ease her mind by giving her opinion of Kaguya after she met her. Maybe, she would find that it really was all in her head and that Kaguya wasn't so bad after all. She heavily disbelieved the last thought but she had to find something to keep her hopes up for her son. She motioned the demoness over to Kimi with her dainty hand. "Kaguya Utomi, this is Lady Inukimi Meido, Sesshomaru's birth mother and Alpha of the Tashio Clan." She introduced with warmth and a little nervousness as she wasn't sure how this would go about.

"I'm highly honored to be in the presence of the famed Lady Inukimi." Kaguya spoke bowing her head politely and showing a bright smile. She had been looking forward to this moment for a while. How lucky she was to have been shopping and received an invite to meet her. At first she thought it was another invitation she had to ignore from Izayoi. She had enough of the human filth plaguing around as if she was the head bitch in charge. She was just the woman that opened her legs and gave birth to another son. Izayoi was just another pathetic human. But finally she was in the presence of true power and female royalty. She was also in front of the one relative that actually mattered among the Inu pack besides Lord Inutashio. She felt grand that day in her beige bodycon dress and her hair was just done in a blowout. She also went to the doctors that morning and did something that she hoped would go unnoticed…for now.

"What an accommodating surprise." Kimi responded blandly with her wheels turning rapidly in her head as she planned and plotted right there in her chair while looking over the demoness that her son had chosen to as his fiancé and potential mate. She noticed the fresh shine of her long silky black hair to the designer black pumps on her feet. Kaguya was a beautiful demoness but she had seen plenty of beautiful girls in her lifetime. But gone were the ones of true grit and grandeur. Her aura spoke of physical ability that left much to be desired. Looking upon Kaguya was nearly painful and smelling her was even more so. She could choke her son for this travesty before her. A faint smell came to her delicate nose that had her curious. It smelled like her son but it also mixed with the scent of rubbing alcohol and medicinal herbs. But it was hard to pinpoint with the scent of freesias masking it. Kimi smiled tightly. She hated freesias. "Kagura."

"Kaguya." The young demoness corrected taking a seat in the chair at the table across from her.

"Kagome." She said completely disregarding her name correction and calling her something else. "What have you been up to these days? Izayoi hasn't seen you at the house since your unfortunate actions." She spoke going straight in.

Kaguya became red slightly at the demoness's abrasive nature. "I once again apologize for that moment. It was completely out of character. It was that human's fault! I saw her going to pour herself a drink and I politely advised her not to do it given her background which you all know right…" She asked sweetly. "I certainly do not want any negative behaviors or people around the people I care about especially addicts."

"We are well aware, of Kikyo's background and if that was the case, why didn't you stay to protect Izayoi? Why did you run?" Kimi asked tilting her head in concern trying to scent the lie coming from her but couldn't.

Kaguya sighed and held her hands tightly together allowing her bangs to cover her eyes. "I reacted out of character and was mortified at the damages I caused. I was too embarrassed and I was still angry. I did not want Izayoi to see me in such a state. Also, I thought Kikyo had left as she walked towards the front door."

"Is that so…" Kimi spoke looking to Izayoi not detecting a lie. Could she be telling the truth? But this doesn't sound like something Kikyo would do. She's masking her scent. She must be lying. Who does she think she is?

Izayoi felt bad having not considered Kaguya's feelings before in her living room. She wasn't lying. All of that did happen but she didn't know it was because of Kikyo wanting a drink. She thought it was because Kikyo simply said something to her that set her off. She would put it to the side and bring it up for later thought. "Well it's all water under the bridge now."

Kaguya smiled and placed her hand on her heart. "I promise! I would never do anything to harm anyone of this family. That's why I removed myself. I only want the very best for all of you."

"Is that so, Kelly." Kimi spoke leaning back in her seat.

Izayoi swallowed thickly seeing her plan slowly backfire. "KA-GU-YA, is quite involved in the fashion industry herself." Izayoi explained trying to put out any fires before they grew.

Kaguya reigned in her temper having already been set off by the older demoness's lack of respect to remember her name. She smiled and nodded her head hoping to find common ground. "I model for quite a few top designers."

Kimi was not going to let this be too easy for Izayoi or for Kaguya. Kaguya was lying or hiding something. Either way she didn't like it or the girl one bit. Izayoi needed to pay for setting her up to meet this girl when she clearly showed no interest in doing so herself. She would of course drop her life to see to her pups happiness and livelihood. However, she knew from her sources that this demoness was nothing to gawk at and she wouldn't bother wasting her time in meeting someone that was just going to be removed anyway. How she could feel her claws itching to wrap around the girl's neck and be done with the whole situation. Times had surely changed with the invention of the police and investigation forces. She inhaled sharply through her nose and swallowed the disgust that bubbled inside. She would bide her time and just get Kikyo to do the job for her. "Joy." She simply stated with lackluster.

Suddenly, Kimi's phone rung and she quickly looked to her companions. "I got to go, love." She stood up and held her phone to her ears listening intensely on some new information she was receiving. Kimi dug into her purse and gave Izayoi cash for their meals. "I told you it was your job to get the Masaba Gupta samples by Thursday." She responded while Izayoi looked as if she was trying to grasp for air and stop her from going. Kimi pulled the phone from her delicate ear. "I'll see you later tonight, darling." She air kissed her on the cheeks and briefly acknowledged Kaguya before making her way out of the terrace doors back into the main one. "I'm on my way. Is there anyone worth their paycheck in that office!"

"I got to go as well! Going out tonight!" Kaguya stated standing up and grabbing her things as well. She did not want to be left alone in the presence of the human. She bowed as politely low as she could stomach before flicking her hair and running behind the heels of Kimi who wished she would slip on the waxed floors and crack her skull.

"But, wait!" Izayoi moved but was too slow as they had already exited. She blew from her lips in frustration before moving to sit back down heavily in her chair. "What just happened?"

That Night at Shikon

"I swear! It went right up his ass. True story!" Miroku came out laughing with the two brothers Bank and Jac about something while throwing on his leather black jacket. He stretched his arms and felt for his keys and phone in his jacket pockets before shoving his fists in the sides to wait for everyone else to leave so that they could safely lock up and get home.

"Young heathen, you have no shame! And in front of ladies!" Myoga commented while putting on his hat and folding his light black jacket over his arm in a gentlemanly fashion. The moon above shined off the top of his bald scalp before he put his black hat on and gave his adieus.

"Awe Myoga. Live a little! Well…what's left anyway!" Miroku responded watching the old demon turn his back to him and proceed down the block to take him to his house which was conveniently located just a few blocks away.

"Bye Monsieur Myoga!" Jac waved happily after him before turning to see his strap his large base guitar to his back. Jac wrapped his sparkling black poncho dramatically around his shoulders and fixed his glittered turban on his head. "Playing late tonight?"

Bank nodded with a smirk on his face as he secured the strap. "My girl is doing a practice performance before she auditions for a gig tomorrow. Want to come?"

"I wouldn't miss it! Esmerelda is the best dancer in all of Paris!" He clapped as he moved to stand alongside his brother. They waited patiently as the others exited the restaurant and either walked with a friend or carpooled away. Hugs and safe travels were given as everyone went their separate ways into the night among the night crowd still hitting up bars down the way.

"This Esmerelda person is still a mystery. When are you going to introduce us to her?" Miroku asked playfully tilting his head to the side and fishing out the keys to close the door to the restaurant.

Bank pulled out a toothpick and put it in his mouth with a low growl coming from his lips. "When you and Myoga learn to keep your traps shut!"

Miroku tossed his hands up and his eyes went wide. "Come on! You still mad about Gretchen!" He exclaimed. "I did not know, that it was a secret to be kept that she works at Satins and I didn't expect Myoga to flip like that! Besides it was Myoga that called her an insalubrious jezebel-!"

"- birthed from the most wicked brothels of hell." Shippo finished walking with his book bag on his back while rubbing his fingers wildly through his bright red-orange hair. "Don't forget that part." Shippo commented remembering the day well with hilarity.

"Look." Bank started with a glare. "Esmerelda is different ok and she's a good girl. I'll introduce you guys when the time is right!"

"Same time tomorrow girls!" Sango said as she unbuttoned her chef coat happy to be among the cool air blowing against her heated face from the kitchen. Her hair was hanging on for life in the messy bun that had managed to stay put through the night on the back of her head. She bent down slightly to air kiss the twins on their cheeks as they waved goodbye to the entire crew leaving the Shikon. Sango smiled watching them as they departed on their pink and blue scooters down the cobbled street speedily through the dark night. She made her way to stand in the circle with the guys before a black sleek vehicle pulled up.

"Who is that?" Sango asked bending down a bit to try to glimpse pass the black tinted windows.

"See you later guys!" Kagome yelled in a rush holding her purse and two bags filled with leftovers. She stopped to peck Sango and Jac on the cheek affectionately before running to the car that was waiting for her. "Miroku, make sure you lock up tightly and we'll talk tomorrow about setting a day off for the restaurant and my upcoming maternity leave!" She yelled out as the door to the car popped open revealing golden eyes and silver hair of the driver.

"Sesshomaru!" Miroku greeted with a wave of his hand as the door closed and they quickly drove off. Miroku ran up the doors feeling the enchantment activate and he reinforced the blessing on the building. He then followed up by double checking the light switches and locking the doors tightly.

"Maternity leave?" Sango asked in shock while placing her hands on her hips. The day had been great until Kagome started acting funny in prep and kept going out back to make phone calls to whoever had Rin.

"She's riding with the enemy?" Bank asked before his phone vibrated in his pocket. "Traitor!" He pulled it out and looked to see his reminder go off about the event that night. An explicit curse word came from his lips. "We got to go guys!"

"Let's take my car!" Jac offered before waving at everyone. "Well I expect juicy details with brunch tomorrow! See you!" He and his brother ran out of sight.

"See you guys!" Shippo said pulling his book bag tightly on his shoulder and began walking away.

"Let me give you a ride, Shippo!" Sango offered feeling bad for the youngest member who lived a great distance away and would be sitting on the train home for a while. He was such a hard worker and it didn't go unnoticed by anyone. She wanted to do something for the young kit who reminded her of her little brother back home.

"Thanks Sango but I'll take a rain check!" Shippo answered nervously before walking away towards the direction of the subway line.

"But your train is that way!" Sango yelled pointing towards the direction he always took home. She watched as he just waved and yelled he would text her later. She crossed her arms and shook her head. "What is going on with everyone!" She asked reaching up to take her hair out of the bun on her head.

Miroku opened his mouth to say something when he turned from the door but his breath was caught. He watched transfixed as the moon highlighted her brown hair that fell down her back to her waist and the bangs that were free from their confines framed her face. The white tank top she had on hugged her torso and pushed her girls up exposing her femininity. For once she was free of the baggy clothes and the hats that hid her hair from sight but it wasn't to last. She quickly aired her brown baker boy hat and went to put it on and begin tucking her hair inside. Miroku walked briskly to her side and grabbed her hand gently to stop her.

"Huh?" She asked watching him with a cautious gaze as he placed her hand holding her hat on his forearm gently. He took her hat and placed it on his own head.

"Allow me to fill you in on everything over a glass of wine perhaps?" He asked with a soft smile.

Sango's gaze turned into a glare while she thought over his offer. She hadn't had a lot of alone time with Kagome to catch up as they both worked and had a lot of things going on behind the scenes. Conceding she nodded not seeing the hard. "A bottle of beer will do, monk." She responded allowing him to slowly lead her away down the street to the nearby pubs. A thought crossed her and she pointed her finger at him warningly. "Keep your hands to yourself too pervert!"

Miroku sighed dramatically while placing his other hand on top of hers so she could see them. "My hands have a mind of their own."

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