MUST READ BEFORE GOING ONWARDS: NOT JOKING

1. Wow! So many of you got so emotional from that last chapter which I take as a great compliment to my writing skills. Everything that you are reading, I personally have dealt with and speak from experience. Many of you have read my other works where I told you about my life in the south and traveling abroad. This fanfic seems so real to many of you because it actually happened to me and/or loved ones in my life. I have seen people do things and have questioned why they do it without judgement because I've been there. So thank you all for your praises as well as for sharing your thoughts/pasts with me. For many this resonated deeply and to anyone that is going through anything like this/have gone through it…you have my deepest support and condolences. Keep fighting and keep pushing forward. Thank you for taking the time out to share your stories. (Got me burning sage in my home reading all this and typing responses)

2. ONLY 2 of you found my Easter Egg in that last chapter! WolfGal327 and Superchick084 Gold Star to you two! The whole argument between Izayoi and Kimi came from your reviews. I took everything that everyone said about who they wanted to be with and why…and put it all into the dialogue between the two mothers. If you go back in the chapters, I asked for everyone to tell me their choices for pairings and to explain why. So all of you that reviewed wrote that last chapter. I literally copied and pasted your arguments and created two sides so…be mad at yourselves for the things that were said. Muahahaha! Also I have 9 adopted cousins. (My aunt is a foster mom who adopted every child she had in her house) It takes several months to yeaaaaarrrrssss for a court system in the states to approve custody of a child regardless of 'living will'. The child stays with the foster parent while under investigation and the court investigators moves slowly to approve the right to custody. So hope that clears some things up for people.

3. When reading this fanfic REMEMBER there are 2 sides to every story. I think I said this before. Don't judge so quickly. This is not a Disney fanfic and this was written on some real-shit.

4. Also, I will be gone for 2 weeks starting 9/16/2016 and away from my writing laptop. But the next chapter is already written since this one was broken up into two parts. So I will still be checking for reviews and whatnot so the rules still apply. If you want the review on Friday...review.

Chapter 23 has been brought to you by...

Thank you Chapter 22 Reviewers!

Guest 1 – First thing's first…wow…thank you for your review. That was a lot you shared and I wish you had an account/name so I could respond to this in my messenger privately out of respect for you because it was really…deep. But here we go…

Kimi just like Izayoi and anyone else for that matter can only look from the outside. They don't really TRULY know everything including emotions and feelings that get caught into these kind of situations. So for Kimi especially she is detached so she will say things that may upset others just like ppl do in real life. People do that all the time and even I am guilty of giving advice without understanding the raw emotions that play into it.

As for the running thing, yes to all that you said and as we go forward more and more is going to come out about everyone's past as well as how they deal with the present. And I purposely have not written when Kikyo's alcoholism started. i'm keeping it ambiguous. So you won't get an answer there.

Both Kagome and Kikyo from the story this far, had to make sacrifices and do a lot to uphold the family so no sister/sibling is better than the other. Abandonment can be defined in many ways among people. Both sisters have their own demons chasing them and sins committed which we will learn more about in future chapters. Everyone deals with things in their own way and you cannot tell people how they should feel about something. Just like in the court system, everyone has their right to "Due Process" and that includes going through emotions and reacting. Now how they react are a different matter that can cause severe damages to relationships. Remember this is fanfiction updated weekly…this story is still going and there are many chapters ahead.

Thank you for sharing your story. You sounded very put out and crushed. I hope you get resolve on whatever is going on here because you responded with a lot of emotion. My love and support goes to you and I hope to hear things get better or at least this story continues to resonate with you. Don't worry this isn't a flame btw. Thank you for this. Keep your head up love. Deep hugs.

Danielle596 – You go girl! Thank you so much for the praise. Kaguya is planning something dirtyyyyy….and Kimi sees beyond everyones bullshit but her own lol. But that's mothers for you. My mom does it all the time to my younger brothers still in college. She hates every girl they bring home that isn't someone she picked out. It's hilarious. She gave up on me when I moved to Korea a few years back.

Hope the kids are well and your job is bountiful! Get lots of rest ok!

angeleyes20876 – Right! And everyone who reviewed wrote the arguments that they had regarding who would be with who. I hope you enjoy this next chapter and review so that I can send the next one hopefully before Friday because I'll be out and I really want you guys to read it!

AllyRose4129 – We will see….I don't think the powerhouse thing would work out though….

Benin – LoL Read this chapter hun. You will like it for sure if you are rooting for that couple pairing.

OrihimeKurosakiInoue – Right! The square is just out of control. And Kaguya is going to make a comeback soon….

Guest 2 – No promises…Not going to lie…I'm leaning towards Sess/Kag right now based on this chapter that I wrote.

Nyghtelf – It's Ok love, no flame taken at all! And you are entitled to express your opinion and reaction. That what reviews are for! It would be petty for me to get mad. I want to be a writer so this comes with the territory. I'm simply telling this story from multiple sides…not everyone is going to like you despite you doing your best as we are seeing with the contrast with Kagome and Kimi. People are going to see what they want to see despite having not all the facts or understanding other people's emotions. Kimi was speaking from a factual almost scientific standpoint which mind you came from the reviews I received. I wasn't bullshitting when I asked for people to tell me their choice in pairings and why in the reviews. If I ask for something, I'm using it. LoL BUT…I wonder, does it bother you that Kimi doesn't favor Kagome over Kikyo? Why is that? Hope to read you soon love! xoxoxo

WolfGal327 – Omg (1) I L.O.V.E. writing Shippo's story arc as much as you love reading it! I think the two are so cute!

(2) Same and completely agree with you. My mom is currently fighting a blood transfusion that her alcoholic behavior has caused. She wasn't abusive or anything...just emotional. She is a recovering recluse. When she would drink, she would lock herself in her room/house and just go to town. But she's doing better and getting married again so life clearly gives zero shits what we think is best. She says the same thing too now that she has weaned from it a bit. She tastes it from time to time and when she's really stressed from family/her job, it's like a battle not to indulge. She's sort of in between…like she has her good days where she can go for a while without a drink and then her bad days will come and she just has to have one. As with Kikyo, you never know…Life happens….can't control everything.

(3) Awesome for you! So glad someone took the time to really dive into this story. I put Easter Eggs all in my fanfics. I have to say it makes me more mindful as a writer and readers seem to really like it. Congrats on making that call. I thought no one would find this one but good job! *high five homie* I got to watch you now though.

NarukoSon – Right! The back and forward banter was fun to choreograph. I'm glad you liked that scene with Miroku and Sango. As for the sisters…it's about to get funkier…really soon and more is going to come out. Everyone has their favorites….

CherroBomb627 – Thank you so much love! I'm blushing! Ahhhh I got to rewrite two of those but it pleases me to see someone that loves what I do. Hope to hear from you soon and thanks for the praise. Love and kisses!

Youkai55 – Right! First she wanted Kagome and Inuyasha to be together but after hearing Kimi's reasonings she may have changed….OR did she really? bum Bum BUM!

Madam Fluffy – Thank you for your awesome feedback! Congrats for catching onto that love! Kimi and Izayoi have butt heads before and Izayoi has obviously proven she could box with the best of them. Now which mommy will win…I don't know. All your questions will be answered in the future love. Happy reading and great job!

kagomeLove2 – Very interesting conclusions! And Kimi hates Kaguya. And Izayoi is very close to Kimi as I have mentioned before. She values her opinion and support. Also pack means everything to the Tashio family so keeping Kimi up to date and having that extra feedback is important to her. Also, this involved their children so it means everything to have parents around and supporting their children. And no both are strong in their own right. Kikyo maybe physically stronger than her sister but Kagome is stronger emotionally. If you watch the walking dead, Carol's character is very intricate. She makes the hard decisions that others may not be able to make and I want that same quality to come out in both sisters. Both are strong in their own way and both have had to make decisions that were very hard but that proves strength can be measured in different ways.

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Chapter 23: A Mother's Kitchen

Kagome sat quietly in the passenger's seat staring at the night time bar scenery as Paris went by through the dark tint of the black luxury car window. She sighed in relief to be done with the work day. She was so close to the new bright future she would have with her little one that she felt empowered. She turned in the seat she occupied, mindful of the seatbelt and looked to see her pup fast asleep with her mouth open. In her little claws grasped tightly was the yellow cardigan she loved so dearly and took everywhere with her now. Kagome finally felt at ease now that her little girl was in arms reach again after the long day apart. It felt especially long due to the burning warning she felt that afternoon that had her on pins and needles throughout the early dinner crowd. Rin's tiny face was red and Kagome felt herself getting upset all over again at the thought. Kagome tried her best to ignore her cell phone that buzzed from a no doubt worried Inuyasha and Tashio family. But she didn't want to talk to anyone at the moment. She just wanted to digest the day and lay in her bed that she paid for with her pup.

She was in the middle of cooking a pan of fresh scallops when her belly began to quiver and her ears rung loudly. An ear splitting whistle blew through her ears that had her cringing. Everything in the kitchen began to shift and the sounds of gas burners hummed. She had to put down her spatula on the counter and asked for Shippo to take over. She took slow steps and focused on her breathing. She took a few tentative steps and leaned against the countertop behind her to get her bearings hoping that she wasn't getting ill or having a strange panic attack. The last thing she needed was to get sick at this moment. She could feel something pulling inside of her. Worry began to build and bubble to the surface. Her heart rate fastened and she had to take large soothing breaths. She imagined that the feeling of having a heart attack would be similar except there weren't any chest pains. The heat in the kitchen was rather high. Sweat covered her forehead and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. Her spiritual aura flared and she could feel her fingers tingling with miko energy in defense. She closed her eyes to meditate and self-heal when Rin's name came to her mind. Then just as quickly as it came, it stopped.

She was left standing in the middle of her kitchen looking like a deer in headlights as everyone moved around her. Steam rose in the air heating her cheeks from the pot of freshly made noodles boiling behind her. Ingredients moved about in pots and pans with orders coming in and food going out. She looked over to see Sango staring at her and mouthing if she was alright with a small blow torch in her hand ironically. She nodded observing as Sango frowned clearly not buying it but went back to finishing the final touches of her iconic crème brulee. She saw the subtle glances from her staff and took note of Miroku's genius methods of getting everyone to focus on what they were doing by asking questions about what was coming along. Rin's name was there on her tongue and she quickly stepped away to her office to find her phone.

She called Inuyasha and he immediately answered already explaining the situation. She felt sort of like a therapist by the end of their chat as she was the one trying to talk Inuyasha down from panicking as well as calm down her daughter. Her instincts and the bond were connected and she realized fully what had happened. After a short video chat with her pup, she had learned from Rin that she felt scared earlier and wanted to them both to go home. Tiredness flooded her and an overwhelming sense of sadness followed. Kagome now felt the tiring blows of the fragile bond they shared pulling on her soul because Rin was upset and reaching out to her in the middle of her breakdown. It broke her heart to tell her daughter that she couldn't which resulted in more tears in which Kagome couldn't handle and had to hang up if she wanted to finish the work day. She was already going to take off a lot of time. She needed to finish strong and give Miroku everything he needed to be successful while she was out of the kitchen. But her maternal instincts were winning over her ability to rationalize. Every hour, on the hour after their conversation she called to check up on Rin wanting so badly to hold her baby girl.

She had called a final time but Inuyasha's phone had died. So, she called the Tashio's direct house line and that was when Sesshomaru had answered her call. She immediately panicked when she didn't hear Inuyasha or Izayoi pick up. Sesshomaru told her he had taken care of the situation and that he would drop them off at home. Kagome turned in her seat to face the front again. Her head moved to the side to see said demon stare straight ahead while navigating the streets smoothly among the darkness of the night and the stars in the sky. His hand allowed the dark wheel to shift under his palms while his seemingly glowing golden eyes took in everything around him. Her eyes roamed the interior of his car taking note of the luxury black leather details with the Tashio crest in the center of the wheel. Beautiful fine wood lines the technology in the front of the dashboard. His silver hair was pulled up into a high messy bun and his clothes were casual for once. She didn't quite get his motives for interfering but she couldn't deny that some part of her was relieved that it was him that had Rin.

"Thank you Sesshomaru for this. I appreciate it." She muttered breaking the silence in the car.

Sesshomaru nodded but he didn't see why she was thanking him. He had done what was necessary. He had come back to his family's home after dragging Shiori with him. He had been told by his father to get her so she would at least be present for dinner for once when he heard the whines of Rin. He had never heard such a sound since the days of war that ravished his birth country. Rin's cries were broken and sounded painful due to the strain on her damaged vocal chords. The sound was that of a wounded animal calling out for her mother as loudly as she could. Her aura felt heavy and flared violently which wasn't a good thing. The scent of salty tears was heavy and he walked quickly with Shiori towards the one of the gardens where Rin's scent was coming from. He came to a full stop to see Rin holding the yellow dirty cardigan to her nose while crying desperately for her mother in a bed of roses. Inuyasha, Izayoi and the staff stood at a distance away from her at Izayoi's request. Her hands were out serving as a barrier fully understanding the severity of the situation. He knew then that today Rin needed her mother and that the separation they shared would have to be done away with until the bond they created was at optimal health and fully complete.

He inhaled knowing Kagome was going to argue with what he had to say. Sesshomaru tried to stay out of it originally but hearing Rin's cries struck him. Looking into the pup's face was like seeing a ghost from his past. Hoshi's face was there and the memories of some of their last conversations echoed in his mind that didn't end on a good note. Sesshomaru tightened his hands on the wheel in aggravation wishing the past would stay where it was. Everything was under control until his old friend came beyond the grave to haunt him in this life. The irony could be found in his use of mikos and his hanyou pup that managed to find him halfway around the world. Sesshomaru focused on the pathway ahead of him with predatory slits as his mind went to a dark place. Right now everything was under his control…except for his instincts. It was sickening and he needed to do something about all of it before anymore entities got involved in his life. He would fix one problem at a time. He had already bought time with Kaguya and now he needed to see to Rin's health. Hoshi Yomi was probably somewhere in the afterlife laughing at what had become of him.

Kagome sighed and turned around in the black leather seat again to look at her child. She just wanted to get home and hug her baby. She could hardly focus or anticipate anything else. She reached in the back to brush Rin's bangs gently with her fingers feeling her warm soft skin. Her mouth moved from the contact before falling open again. Kagome grinned lovingly before looking to the right of her car seat. She saw a shopping bag of things she didn't recognize. She pulled the opening near her and she saw all kinds of things from cloths, toys, notes, and books. "What is all this?" She whispered and pulled out a letter addressed to her.

Sesshomaru glanced quickly to his side before making the turn that would pull them up to her residence. "Things for Rin's development. You are to start your bonding now Miko." He stated pulling up to the curb slowly.

"What?" Kagome whispered harshly snapping her head up to him as they came to a stop. She placed the letter in her purse hurriedly to look at Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru didn't answer but simply parked the vehicle and unbuckled himself already prepared to ignore her should she start a confrontation. He couldn't handle her right now. He had too much to do before the night was completely done. Also, she needed to focus her energy on the pup. Rin was priority. Her getting upset would wake Rin and cause the cycle to repeat itself all over again. He pulled the keys out of the car and opened his door with fluid motions. He stepped out into the summer air and inhaled before closing his door gently. Kagome unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the car door racing to get out. Sesshomaru moved around the car to catch her door so he could open it the rest of the way before going to the car door on Rin's side. Kagome stood in his way blocking him from reaching for Rin.

"Run that by me again." Kagome challenged crossing her arms over her chest.

Sesshomaru glared down at her with intense eyes. "Miko, you can no longer be separated from Rin without nurturing your bond to full term." He explained with all the patience he could muster. "It is unwise and unhealthy to continue this physical separation."

Kagome exhaled sharply knowing already he was right but the road ahead wasn't going to be easy. She stepped aside to allow him to assist her knowing when right was right. She had been feeling exhausted with everything going on with her business as well as adjusting to the bond she had with Rin who's emotions fluctuated so chaotically at times. Rin needed additional help and she promised she would get it for her. There was her restaurant. So many things needed to be completed and finalized for Paris restaurant week. Also, she had received that morning a big order to cater some fancy art and fashion event that had a serious celebrity roster attached along with allergies to avoid. Then there was her family saga. She needed to talk to her sister and catch up. Something was clearly happening there with her sister. But this all would have to be taken in stride and done with the help of her team while she stepped away partially. Rin needed her and she made a promise to always be there for her. Sesshomaru didn't say anything she didn't know already. She just wished he would take his condescending tone out of his words of wisdom. Didn't he know he would be so much more likeable if he just removed the stick? She thought to herself watching himunbuckle Rin from her car seat.

Sesshomaru carefully plucked Rin from her car seat and pulled her out of his vehicle into his arms. Her head lay heavy upon Sesshomaru's right shoulder. Rin's eyes opened a little before she was handed over to Kagome who took her into her arms readily. Upon initial contact, a warming sensation tingled in her nerves. She embraced Rin tightly to her and kissed her head nearly drawn to hot tears at feeling her little ones skin against hers. The bond inside calmed her and she was able to feel Rin's emotions as she slept. Relief followed like a gentle rain that eased her. She swooped her cardigan around Rin using it as a blanket before turning to walk towards the entrance of her apartment.

She patted Rin on the back gently watching as Sesshomaru bent to grasp Rin's baby bag and items given to him by his mother and Beta. He closed his car door and bounded behind the miko into her building aided by a doorman. Both of them ascended the stairs upwards until they reached her floor. Quickly, Kagome reached in her jacket pocket and took out her keys to her place. Sesshomaru put all the bags into one hand before grabbing her keys with his free hand. Kagome guided him with gentle head nods on the correct key into her abode before he went to open the door. She spoke a few words and he could feel a spiritual barrier drop from the entrance. It swung open and cool air filtered onto their faces from the running air conditioner and fan blowing. Sesshomaru held the door open for Kagome and followed after her inside.

Sesshomaru peered through the darkness with his canine sight watching as Kagome expertly navigated her claustrophobic living room to lay Rin down on the sofa gently. Upon entering the threshold of her apartment, the combined scent of various wild flowers and spices tickled his sensitive nose. Kagome reached for a nearby lamp and pulled the string to provide them with some light. Sesshomaru closed the door behind him and went to set the bags down near her. He stood up to his full height watching as Kagome went back towards the door. She took off her coat and shoes keeping everything neat and tidy. He couldn't understand her. He looked around the small apartment in wonder as to why she chose to live like this when he knew she could afford better. He looked over at Rin again lying peacefully on the worn blue sofa. The need to protect her came over him as it always did when he saw the little female that would attach herself to his leg and playfully chase after him in the halls during the few visits he made home.

His instincts reacted inside of him. His apex was getting stronger by the day. His mind entertained wayward thoughts and fantasies that were horrifically irrational. Already his mind had accessed every single female he came in contact searching for a mate. He thought he could wait it out and like the heat demonesses underwent, his would pass too. However, that wasn't the case. It got worst. He had lain with Kaguya and that turned out to be one of the biggest mistakes he could ever make. His skin crawled just thinking about. Soon after, his mind would go off into the vision he had when he took Kaguya to bed. He would have to see her that night and he couldn't fight the shiver that ran down his spine in total revulsion. Sesshomaru looked at Kagome while fighting his instincts down as he calibrated her scent and unwillingly questioned her as a potential mate.

Kagome set in her mind to prepare a quick warm bath for them before hopping into bed. Kagome cut off the air and bent down to the wooden floor. She pulled her phone out of her purse that she sat on the floor and hooked it to her charger plugged into the wall. Inuyasha's texts along with his mother's popped up on her screen. She knew they meant well and weren't to blame for the result of the day. No one was at fault and in the morning she would reassure everyone and take care of things. She quickly sent a group chat thanking everyone for their support and help before cutting off her phone for the night. She hoped Sesshomaru could maybe pass the message along as well to ease everyone's worries.

Kagome opened her mouth to speak but a yawn ripped from her lips. With the sorry help from the back of her hand she tried to cover it but knew it was futile. She was tired and she could feel her pup was through dealing with the day as well. She stood up and looked to see Sesshomaru looking down at Rin with a peculiar expression, almost pained. He stood in the middle of her living room dressed in dark washed jeans and a white v neck shirt that she knew costed more than her furniture in her apartment. She never found out how he was connected with Rin but she gathered from her gut feeling that it was something deep. She crossed her arms and came to stand closer to him while looking down at her sleeping pup who began to drool on her worn couch. "She's beautiful, isn't she?" She spoke rubbing her arms tenderly.

"Hn." Quickly, he turned away and walked towards the door. The room had become too small for him. His basic instincts spiked curiosity in him creating a mental image of what it would be like to come home to a mate and pups like this. Stacked on top of each other and sleeping soundly in his bed. His mind was going down a pathway that did not need exploring.

"You can come by and see her you know." Kagome spoke softly mindful of her voice so she didn't wake Rin. Kagome watched as Sesshomaru stopped before the door. She looked upon him feeling something heavy in her gut. She didn't understand his ways or reasoning but she wanted to. She wanted to know why he and Rin behaved so familiarly when around each other. But she knew from her own experience that it was best to let people voice their own stories instead of digging for them. Something her mom had taught her while she stood crying in her kitchen because of a loss of a friend.

Her mother's kitchen is where she had learned a lot about the world and the people that made it go round. Over their family's secret recipes and the sizzle of a pan, her mother explained all of life. Everything made since in the kitchen yet the world was always open for reinterpretation. Even now she could feel the old worn wood against her feet as she pushed a chair up to the countertop to climb so she could see what her mother was doing. When she was younger she would be joyous when her other siblings left the house to go somewhere. Her mother would give her one of her aprons and together they would cook everything in the kitchen. She could still see her mother's bright face as the steam from the frying of savory okonomiyaki or the concentration in her gaze as she picked out fresh fish from the market for dinner that night. She was a fantastic cook and therapist that always had something on the stove for everyone and a warm heart to help solve your problems. Her home was open for anyone in need and her food was like medicine for the people, both human and demon. She had always aimed to be just like her. So confident and brave. People just naturally opened up to her.

She hoped one day, they could put everything aside and Sesshomaru would open up to her. She was sure it had something to do with Hoshi Yomi though which was a no brainer. Maybe deep down he was grieving still. Demons lived a long time after all. It must hurt even more to lose someone when you have known them for eons. Then to live so many centuries carrying that sadness sounded unbearable. Grief and tragedy cared not for differences between humans and demons. Pain was felt by all. His stoic mask was sternly in place and she sighed wishing he would be freer in his demeanor…at least with her. At least for Rin's sake. She didn't want anyone to feel they had to be anything but themselves around her.

Kagome took him in seeing things that no one else could see in him at the moment. Under the soft light, he was even handsome to her. His pale skin and bright eyes were an anomaly that was striking and attractive. He stood sturdy and always ready to take on everything. Kagome even enjoyed their occasional banter when they crossed paths from time to time. She remembered seeing him in the kitchen holding Rin and she would be liar if she said it wasn't a pretty picture. In that moment surrounded by all his family, he was happy. They all were happy. She could see it. She also noticed Kaguya wasn't there. She found herself happy she wasn't. That bothered her too. She chastised herself for thinking like that. Despite Kaguya's misgivings, she still was his fiancé and it wasn't her business who he saddled himself to. But that did nothing to stop her feelings which frightened her and confused her.

He was a very strong individual. He had this look that seemed to command the people around him. To a degree she could relate to him. They both found something in cooking and in food that anchored them to this world. Maybe that's why she felt the way she did. He knew her world unlike anyone else. He own an establishment, cooked, had this absurd cosmic relationship with Rin, and knew things others didn't. Maybe because of all this, she wanted to return the favor and be his confidant. He deserved it after everything he had done for her. Even Inuyasha deserved more from her for being the one to take the initial plunge. But, he just didn't seem to relate the way that Sesshomaru did.

She knew he wasn't always like this. Hell, she wasn't always like this. Things happen and it changes you. She just regretted that she allowed others to get to her. Part of her was even envious at how he was able to keep the world at bay. Sesshomaru was like a mountain to her; never bending to the will of others. A stray hair in the back of his head had fallen to hang near the nape of his neck. Her hand reached out to touch him but she quickly snatched it back to drop at her side. "Rin…cares for you a lot. You're more than welcome to be around her. You don't have to run off all the time." She spoke softly.

"This Sesshomaru runs from no one." He responded in offense to her words turning his head slightly to look back at her with striking amber eyes among the low lighting in her small living room. His tall domineering form seemed to swallow the air and leftover space making him a giant among men.

Kagome shook her head in disagreement to his words but she didn't have the energy to argue with him. "Ok Sesshomaru. I see." She responded warmly following behind him towards her door. "Thanks for everything, again." She spoke humbly, standing tiredly on her feet while leaning against her wooden door. "Good luck during restaurant week in case I don't see you by then." She offered as an olive branch.

Sesshomaru walked towards the stairs and nodded. "I'll send you my menu in the morning. I trust that you can scavenge a descent prix-fixe menu to compliment my offerings." His voice came in deep baritones that rumbled through the walls and into Kagome's chest.

Kagome blinked before rushing to the banister to lean over it watching his steady descent down the stairs. She smiled brightly and nearly laughed at her luck. "Are you asking me to partner with you, Sesshomaru?" She called out excitedly knowing how big this would be for the both of them. With his restaurant supporting hers and vice versa, it was sure to set the culinary world a buzz. They both could possibly triple their combined earnings in just a week which meant her staff could get more time off. She could completely give her staff all the same days off like Sundays and Mondays. Also, it would take a lot of weight off her shoulders so that she could focus on her family life.

"Good night, miko." He responded disappearing from sight leaving a widely grinning Kagome.

She leaned back up over the rail and bounced on the balls of her feet. Respite washed over her if what he was implying was going to happen. She hoped so. "See Sesshomaru, just remove the stick." She muttered before walking back into her apartment. She closed the door securely behind her and activated the barrier over her door for the night. She looked at the pink translucent film over the door and sighed. Kikyo had taught her how to do that.

Kikyo could throw up a barrier to wrap around the whole shrine back in the day. Nostalgia and longing ran inside of her at the thought of her sister. It was hard being surrounded by the Tashio's large family. She had always wanted that especially for Rin but she wanted to share it with her loved ones. She turned slowly from the door and made her way to the bathroom to run bath water. However, in mid stride she stopped to look at her phone lying on the floor. Timidly, she walked over to it and grabbed it tightly. Suddenly her smart phone felt heavy in her hands as she weighed her options. She cut it back on and waited patiently for her home screen to come up. Disregarding the messages and notifications on her screen she found the name she was looking for. Biting her lip, she typed away the message she finally was able to send with meaning.

'Hey Yoyo. Sorry I've been busy. Call me when you get the chance. Rin and I miss you.'

'Love you.'

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