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Yes, Kagome has taken on that maternal role in her life and Im glad you're picking up that this is her role regardless of whomever she meets/ ends with. As for Kikyo addiction is not an overnight fix and I want that to be known as well. Its going to take time and it doesn't help when you have stress factors. You never know what ppl are dealing with you know.

The contract thing is a real thing by the way. It actually exists among rich people in some countries. It use to exist in the US but of course that was wayyyyyyyyy back in the day. And you're right…either she does 1 unlawful thing for him to get out or Kikyo works with his mother behind his back and attempt to counter the contract.

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Chapter 31: Lunch Lessons

"I can't believe…they are doing…That!" Kagome spoke trying to mentally fight off the growing darkening of her face from embarrassment. Kagome stood holding onto her forehead with her right hand trying to avoid eye contact with Sesshomaru. The menu he proposed was gripped underneath her arm. She tugged on her jacket that she managed to grab happy that she had something to fight the chill of the fall air. Her cheeks were still red as she digested what was happening inside the manner. She had just rushed out with Sesshomaru barely paying attention to much as her mind was just focusing on not thinking about what she had walked in on. They didn't get far as Rin had wiggled her way out of Sesshomaru's grip to sniff the grounds further and further away from the building.

Sesshomaru was focused on keeping his attention away from the house where his ears could hear the sounds of pleasure and his mind would wonder to the aftermath of his Apex and the effects he had to currently live with. Even at a distance his father's scent ladled heavily deep within the house. He kept his gaze forward knowing his mind would betray him if he looked at Kagome. His brain would reach for lucid dreams and unconventional fantasies that he found were as helpful as they were a dreaded curse. He could not lay with Kaguya now without feeling the need to roll her over so he did not see her face as he fought for a release that would only conclude as half assed; leaving his frustrated and highly annoyed the following day. He couldn't even dare seek the company of another female as it was too risky and could lead to disastrous fallouts if caught. His body craved another despite his mind reasoning against it. His instincts would rattle against the carefully designed thick chains he had locked recently to keep his control solid. He didn't know when his Apex would begin anew but by all means, oil did not need to be added to the fire.

Kagome looked over to Sesshomaru watching him walk alongside of Rin with almost a look of intrigue. Rin would take a sniff before running towards Sesshomaru and moving away again to the imaginary line that reached along the high walls and black metal gates of Izayoi's ancestry property. Rin's nose was practically in the soft dirt sniffing and crawling slowly around the property. Sesshomaru would spike his aura to direct the young pup when she got too far causing her to run back and beginning anew. Kagome looked onwards puzzled after she allowed a few long minutes to put space between her present and the recent past of Izayoi and Inutashio's escapades. Kagome opened her mouth to chastise Rin when she saw that her little girl was getting dirt and grass stains in her little dress. She inwardly cringed to see Rin take her hands and wipe them right down the center. "What is she doing?" Kagome asked not bothering to interfere in Rin's obviously enjoyment.

"Rin needs space." Sesshomaru spoke while walking with his hands in his pockets. The scent of roses and flowers filled him that drifted off the skin of the mother and pup. He watched Rin carefully as the pup sniffed and gripped the grass with her tiny claws pulling up stalks occasionally as she caught onto a scent. "Rin has found my sire's scent barrier. It is custom for our kind to create scent barriers that separate claimed or protected property." He pointed to wide space of grass stretched before them on the side of the mansion and moved his index finger along the front walls leading out. "She picking up scent trails where we have marked as safe territory. She is starting to understand this land is hers and she will now not cross these barriers without an adult pack mate."

Kagome continued to walk and watch Rin who was engulfed in her own little world underneath the high sun and spacious cloudless sky. A cold breeze blew through and lifted her hair off her shoulders before picking up a few dancing leaves and taking them with it. His words seemed to carry on with it and twirled putting her thoughts in disarray. Kagome watched Rin move in a well identified pattern and never getting too far away from them. "How is it you know, Sesshomaru? You seem to know more about her than I do at times." Kagome spoke watching Rin stay on the path in front of them. "I've paid top dollar for doctors to tell me anything but all I got were prescription right-offs and clicked tongues."

Sesshomaru continued following behind Rin this time flexing his aura out and into the earth lining the boundary. Rin tried to copy him however her demonic aura wasn't as aggressive to do such a thing. But she happily tried regardless understanding that this new land was also her land. "They don't live with your pup. You do." Was all he said as he continued to encourage Rin to get dirty, stretch her aura, and sniff about. Her body shifted towards the gates some but then she waddled back over in line again.

Kagome didn't find his response to be enough. "It is their job to know these things! I mean this is why I was even paying money seeking help! Everything Rin has done has been so simple and I have noticed subtle changes in her behavior." Kagome was getting irritated at her own ignorance in regards to Rin's behavioral health but there was absolutely nothing else to be gained. "I'm starting to wonder if I should even put faith in anymore doctors."

Sesshomaru stopped but stayed focus on Rin. Both stood side by side now watching as Rin ran about the grass. She lost her balance and Rin fell to her knees in the soft manicured browning grass. Kagome took a step to go to her but Sesshomaru held his hands out blocking her approach. Kagome hesitated and watched as Rin smiled and stood up on her own. Her big brown eyes looked up at the pair before she bent down and continued on the trek.

"Tell me onna, do you know why Doctor Barkley is renowned for being a hanyou specialist? Even a respected pediatrician among all licensing she has acquired?" He suddenly asked continuing his languid pace forward keeping his gaze on Rin who ran back to her mother and buried her nose in her legs.

Kagome leaned forward towards him. "Kagome..." She corrected. "And I looked her up. She has gone through years and years of training and has conducted her own research on hanyou behavior. She even has her own clinic specializing in hanyou development." Kagome smiled down at Rin and bent to adjust Rin's dirty sweater. Once it was back in place, Rin took off again. "I suppose her three hundred years of experience is worth the hefty price tag." she mumbled.

Rin got distracted from her task and proceeded to jump into a pile of leaves that were being collected by the grounds keeper near the tall gates. Her aura was bright and warm as it still entwined with her own. Kagome smiled watching Rin toss up the colored leaves and catch them excitedly. She let out a growling noise that she supposed was meant to sound like a squeal of excitement. She stood up again and jumped in from the other side before tossing more leaves up into the air and scattering the pile about.

"But do you know why she does this? What's her purpose?" He spoke coming to a stop to look down at the woman who frowned up at him. Seeing her confused expression, he tried a different route. "What exactly do you know of hanyou children?"

Kagome walked forward feeling sorry for whoever had to clean the pile up. She looked to Sesshomaru and began to reply his inquiry. "Only the basics from my training briefly as a priestess at my family's shrine as well as the little I picked up from books and Rin's doctor visits. Hanyou children can sometimes be half and half or an uneven split of DNA between their parents with physical attributes and abilities varying. No two hanyou are the same even if they come from the same mother and born in litters if the pup is lucky enough to survive." She looked to her brown boots and dug the tip in the grass before looking over to Rin. "Also from the doctors I spoke to, they said it is rare for a hanyou pup to reach their fifth birthday as they die from either growth complications or environmental factors. But I have been told I am lucky. Rin is strong and much more independent than a human or demon child. Her immune system is fine and shes been healthy as a horse. Plus I make sure she eats well and gets a lot of her daily nutrients. I do aura therapy with her and she gets biannual checkups every year."

Sesshomaru watched as Rin humorously spun around and landed on her butt in the pile disbursing a large quantity of them all about. Her nose still twitched and her hands were covered in dirt marks and leaves were now in her hair. A smile was on her lips as she chose to just fall over into the pile and lay on her back taking in the scents of the world around her. It was quiet until Rin wiggled out of the pile and kicked her way to a standing pose. The little girl ran back to her mother who welcomed her with open arms despite how dirty she had gotten. Kagome handed him back the portfolio which he took. She naturally picked Rin up and bounced her in her arms while checking her pamper for a change. Sesshomaru could tell Rin was comforted by this greatly. Rin proceeded to shove her nose against Kagome's neck and rest her palms on her shoulders. His ears could pick up on the soft rumbles of her belly indicating her growing hunger. The pup was tiring and would be ready for a nap soon. Sesshomaru looked to Kagome who looked at him waiting to hear what else he had to tell her.

"When Doctor Barkley arrives, it would be wise to ask her about her ambitions. You may learn why exactly she as well as my pack knows so much about hanyou behavior." His voice settled onto Kagome's ears as curiosity bloomed in her chest. "Money I assure you…does not mean everything."

Soon as he finished he heard a louder rumbling noise that didn't sound so small. Another sound followed it, this one he recognized belonging to Rin's grumbling belly. Then both rumbled at the same time earning him a smile from both Higurashi ladies. Well…Rin was smiling…Kagome more so expressed a nervous grin as she filled with embarrassment at the loud sound that even she could hear. Sesshomaru knew the end of the conversation had donned. Rin looked to him and began moving her fingers signing what she wanted followed by a loud distorted growl that held a ton similar to Kagome's and Kikyo's demanding one.

"Hungry. Now."

"Higurashi women." Sesshomaru mumbled as he turned and led the two back across the grass towards the building.

Kagome followed him but was a little hesitant about going anywhere near the large castle despite it being so big and spacious. She could pick up on the heavy demonic aura fluctuating in the house. She felt like they should leave and give the couple privacy but Sesshomaru didn't seem to care about this. They crossed the grass with the house staff bowing in recognition or moving out of their way quickly. She tried to voice her opinion but he didn't respond and continued to walk forward earning him a hard glare to his back. Now, she was reminded of why she didn't like him in the first place. He was a complete arrogant prick wanting to do things his way. Surely he wouldn't go back in the house after he just pulled her outside. Kagome's hands itched to reach up and pull him by his hair so he would listen to her and tell her what the plan was.

"Sesshomaru!" She called out still following behind him but her tone was changing to that of authority. "We can't go back there! We just left them!"

"Relax onna." He finally responded as he opened the door to the side kitchens for her to enter. The staff moved about putting pots and pans on burners as they continued forward. Already the scent of foods being boiled and pan seared was heard. Knives cutting through vegetables on the chopping block mingled with the bubbling noises of broth simmering on the stove. She walked through looking about with interest wanting to know what was being prepared. Sesshomaru closed the door behind them. "We will have lunch in the garden."

"Isn't that infringing a bit?" Kagome asked lifting Rin higher on her hip as she started to slip somewhat. She went to a large sink and asked if she could wash their hands. The servants seemed shocked at her request and she wondered if this wasn't the correct sink to do such a thing in. One woman looked to Sesshomaru barely able to form a sentence. Another woman cut on the faucet and assured her it was fine. Kagome proceeded to wash Rin's hands with soap and wiping quickly against the little girl's face with watery hands earning her a scowl from her pup.

"She's so cute!" One staff member stated boldly earning her bright smile from Kagome. Rin became shy and tried to hide her face from the people causing lots of awes and joyous praises.

Sesshomaru waited at the entrance of the hall watching as Kagome made light conversation with the staff as she cleaned Rin up a bit for lunch. She asked them all kinds of questions and compliments were thrown back and forth. Some recognized her and the excitement in their auras had grown. He watched how easily the woman had become sidetracked as she held Rin in her arms and scoped the preparations voicing her excitement to try what they were preparing. She moved from one pot to the other tasting things and pulling sprigs of ingredients from the shelves. The staff began following behind her like bees to a flower, taking in her advice and tips. They told her of the last minute arrangements which earned him a glare clearly reminding her again of why she was in the kitchen in the first place.

"Sesshomaru…" Kagome dragged darkly.

Sesshomaru didn't reply to her but instead continued walking forward into the hall. Kagome huffed in exasperation but followed onwards with Rin in tow. They cut through a side corridor and went out into another wide hallway lading to more rooms until they made it to a low lying terrace in front of another area of the garden she had seen before. A large wooden white table sat in the middle with wooden chairs situated around it. A large white canopy hung above blocking the sun's rays. One older demoness placed table mats, napkins, and glasses down before pouring ice cold lemon water. Sesshomaru walked forward pulling out two seats waiting for her to come and sit down.

Kagome looked around at the beautiful scene before her in awe. Her ire for Sesshomaru's lack of acknowledgment had gone as quickly as it came. She moved to sit and Rin carefully crawled to the other chair and sat down showing her exhaustion on her face. Sesshomaru pushed their seats in gently before moving to his own chair and taking a seat. He could feel the aura's of his Alpha and Beta but he couldn't hear them meaning they had found a way to their rooms. He sat back in his seat placing the portfolio on the table and observed Kagome as she prepared Rin for the meal. She placed Rin's napkin in her shirt serving as a bib while she carefully placed her crisp linen in her lap. She seemed to recognize that Rin's hands and clothes had transferred dirt onto her front. Kagome brushed at it once but let it go with a shrug of her shoulders. She picked up the glass of water and helped Rin sit up to drink it. Rin took healthy sips from her glass before pushing it away. Kagome spoke to her gently and kissed her forehead.

Sesshomaru watched the scene of contented emotion bouncing between mother and pup. It was all in their auras that entwined tightly together like two colors of bright pink and orange ribbons. Kagome spoke softly to Rin and rubbed her cheeks cleaning the spec of dirt that still clung on. Sesshomaru looked off towards the large ever expanding garden. It originally was smaller in size but his father gifted Izayoi's family with floral additions and gifts that he funded. Izayoi loved nature and his father did his best to preserve as much of it as he could from her property here to the Western Territories of his home.

His father had enlightened that everything inside of him lined up and he had no other earthly desire but to tie his lifespan with the human woman. When he was young he couldn't understand it until he got older and spent more time around her. Izayoi was unorthodox to be a woman especially one of her era. She was always involved in the political affairs and sided with the people. Many around her claimed she was a princess of hearts rather than a princess of state. It was by chance that Izayoi snuck out late one night and met Inutashio during times when demon and human relations weren't as they were today.

This made him think of his Apexing nature. Instincts told him to either mate or sire a pup from the womb of a good mother. It was what was expected from all full blooded and above all royal lines to do. It was tradition that had been embedded into him for years. Originally, he thought he chose wisely picking one of great bloodlines like that of his family. He aimed to have a relationship similar to his mother and his sire. They had a mutual agreement to conceive an heir to appease the throne, continue the bloodline, and solidify their dual positions of power. Both were satisfied and walked away equally prosperous while still maintaining a respected pack relationship. Their bond was steeped in custom and Inu heritage that allowed them both to continue the matters of their own agendas. A bond he thought he wanted to continue that only up until recently he realized was a grave mistake.

He had a relationship with Kaguya that went through the intricate motions of courting as she was from a half Chinese, half Japanese royal line. He found her to be strong willed and had the pedigree that paralleled his mother in a sense. She knew how to behave and what to say making everything run smoothly from the visits of the Youkai Council to dealing with the press in his daily life. She had her own lifestyle and concepts that aligned well together with his. He thought her to be an excellent match until they were engaged. Her true nature was exposed little by little to him until she saw for himself the woman she was.

He had heard of her and her parent's rhetoric regarding human and demon relationships at a demon sponsored dinner. Sesshomaru did think to a degree that humans in general were weaker and far prone to emotional distress than demons simply because of their nature. He did not have fond memories of humans growing up which led to his falling out with Hoshi. Sesshomaru had no regrets except for that one. He had thought Yoshi was weak for his choices and insane for completely not caring about his demon heritage and customs. Now that he was older and had become more involved in youkai relations, he understood his deceased friend. He had his own reserves but he did not have hate to where he would gladly wish upon massive genocide of the human race. Kaguya's family and political backers believed that demon species was far more superior to humans across the board…across the continents. They likened them to cows, only seeing their ability to perform menial tasks as their saving grace. Kaguya didn't outright say these things but her silence was equally as loud. Kaguya also loved exposure and he found his name and hers in more articles than he thought he had ever been in. But ultimately, he found she had no drive other than to be his mate.

The food had come and plates were set down before him taking his attention from his mind. Moist seasoned chicken over simmering broth filled with vegetables and herbs was brought to the table with cheesy potato gratin. The recommended spices Kagome added were prevalent and brought out an aroma that enticed his palette. He looked to see Kagome reach over and carefully cut up the grilled chicken and vegetables for Rin to eat. She handed over the fork encouraging Rin to feed herself despite Rin's demands for her to help. This was short lived when Rin dropped her fork on her plate. Kagome kissed Rin's cheek and began alternating between feeding Rin first and herself second. Sesshomaru had never seen Kaguya nurture anything or protect a little one the way the Higurashi women doted on Rin and each other. Kaguya didn't stay around children for too long. He could not picture the demoness holding her pup or a child in her arms the way his own Alpha and Beta did with them growing up. His mother held Inuyasha and Shiori as if they had come from her womb. She scolded and protected them all in the same manner as well. That he recognized took courage and something special that he didn't see in Kaguya.

"I'm curious." Kagome voiced breaking the silence. "How was it with Inuyasha and Shiori growing up? Did they have medical challenges?" She asked eating a bit of cheese and potato gratin.

Sesshomaru tapped his glass debating on rather or not he should divulge this information. In was the business of his siblings but its nature pertained to Rin and could help the miko in the long run. He knew from her talks with his father she had come in contact with plenty of half-demons but did not associate this with any current discrepancies in hanyou medical behavior. Sesshomaru debated a few before speaking being mindful of the information he was giving out. "Both experienced effects of their half human and half demon blood. Shiori's was less painful than Inuyasha's experience however."

"Painful?" Kagome paused in her meal setting her fork down and wiping her mouth while giving Sesshomaru her full attention.

"Inuyasha experienced a change in his genetics growing up that occurred once a month. It would render him mortal for a full day. His body would make the physical adjustments shrinking away claws, tendons, and appendages…bones would break as well for a few hours until the process was complete leaving him hanyou until the following night when he would regrow these tendons and bones changing back into his normal state."

"Oh my god!" She exclaimed as she looked down at the tilting Rin who was done for the afternoon. Kagome placed her fork down and reached over to grab Rin. Rin reached her arms out and moved until she was seated in Kagome's lap. Rin laid her head against Kagome's chest and held onto her shirt. Her eyes were already closing as Kagome rocked her gently into sleep.

Sesshomaru ate more of his food until he was finished watching as Kagome's face was set in a frown clearly upset about the news she heard. Her hold on Rin was protective. She smoothed out Rin's hair and kissed the top of her head again. The fall breeze rustled through again and Kagome tightened her hold if possible. No one could tell the two weren't mother and child. Their bond overpowered the scent these days. He had to really focus to smell the distinction now that they completed their bond and was developing it more. "Does Rin go through any medical distresses?"

"N-no! Rin doesn't go through anything like that. The only thing Rin suffers from is a weakened immune system because of her blood. A cold is harder for her knock off than even a human child depending on the strand." Kagome explained. "But I'm a miko so I use my healing abilities to aid her body's defense in fighting off viruses and colds otherwise she would need to be hospitalized." Kagome explained thinking of the two times where Rin got sick. She healed her pup to health literally in their bed in less than a few hours. "But why…how? Is he still affected by it?" She asked catching on to the fact that you used past tense words.

"He has grown." He sufficed not giving her a direct answer but one nonetheless. "And every hanyou is different. Our father's blood is a very powerful and is linked to a long line of Inu demon DNA. Too much that it overpowers Inuyasha's body when he experiences excessive anger or stress in relation to pack and self-survival. As a side effect, Inuyasha experienced this change where his demon energy wanes and his humanoid half takes over."

Kagome couldn't fathom what that must be like; to feel the change of your body as you grew and shrunk. Sesshomaru did not answer her question regarding his current state. She knew then it was best to ask Inuyasha about it. She hoped he didn't still experience this and if so there had to have been great leaps in medicine to assist him in the process in where he wouldn't be in so much pain. She couldn't fathom sitting through anything like that and watching Rin suffer. It would surely eat her alive. She reached over Rin's head and slowly ate some of her steamed vegetables left on her plate. She could hardly chew with the concern she felt brewing inside of her. "And Shiori too?" Her heart was in her throat now.

"Shiori's case is different. She did not undergo the same physical changing experience as Inuyasha. Instead she would suffer the loss of her sense of keen eyesight, smell, hearing, and awareness. But she has grown out of that in which her senses become slightly dimmed during the expected period. She claims it is barely noticeable these days. "

Kagome sat in silence only partially relieved. She didn't like to hear things like this. She was reminded of how blessed she was to be in her situation. To hear about how people go through these horrific moments was saddening and gut wrenching. Everyone had the right to long healthy life. It wasn't fair that people all around the world suffered for things beyond their control. She would be in constant state of panic if Rin went through anything like what he described. She couldn't imagine her little baby in a twenty four hours of change and pain. "And you?"

Sesshomaru tilted his head at her odd question. "This Sesshomaru is full demon."

"That doesn't mean you don't suffer from something. It could be medical or it could be something else. Are you ok?" She asked no longer able to eat as the mother hen in her came out.

Sesshomaru turned away from her probing gaze choosing to look out towards the vast gardens. "I do not need your concern, onna. I'm fine."

Kagome rolled her eyes while fighting a yawn herself. "I doubt it." She murmured and patted Rin on the back feeling her little hands slacken against her.

Sesshomaru turned and glared at her. "Dare to speak up little miko?"

Kagome shook her head. "K-A-G-O-M-E..." she corrected once again being mindful of her voice. "I'm just making an observation that you are not as 'ok' as you say you are." She said moving Rin's hands out the way so she could grip her better. "Especially, not with that woman." Kagome tossed out there.

"Watch your tongue, onna." He said showing his temperament had changed. His eyes had become rich in color and texture. His posture was stiff as he sat before her.

Kagome heard the gossip in the kitchen about Sesshomaru's…temper and ability to strike out and kill a thousand demons. Feeling the warning in his aura laced dangerously with his power sent chills up her arms and caused the tiny hairs to rise. She didn't move nor did she back down. She felt bad for him. Someone had to say what was being constantly talked about behind his back. "Look, everyone knows that you're not happy especially in your situation." She boldly stated. "If you don't want to talk about it that's fine but just know there's people that care about you and want you to be happy." She finished stating her piece.

"Why do you feel this is of your concern?" He asked looking to her with scrutiny wondering if she was using her child as a shield to be bold with her words.

"Because you're my friend." She said nonchalantly with a shrug. "And Rin is your pack mate now as I've been told by your father and everyone else that has the last name Tashio. He explained to me today that the health of a pack mate is everybody's business. And you're not happy so it's my business twice as much."

Sesshomaru sat back in silence with nothing to say. Her reasoning was simple, true yet odd. 'Friend?' Did he really see her as a friend? Did he consider this human woman/miko a friend who decided that she could speak to him in any fashion? They had spent time together…more time than he would have liked on some occasions as her temper and sly remarks would come pouring out unfiltered. Before he would barely say a word to her and kept their time to a minimum. He admittedly felt guilt for the situation that had become of his friendship with Hoshi and how it trickled to Rin. He believed with every fiber of his body that his friend's death was no accident. He and his mate would have survived that Tsunami but there was no proof to back up these claims. He looked Kagome over noting he was speaking more and even indulging in her random talks she would present to cut through the silence that made her uncomfortable. He could smell no lie from her words and could see her care for him was genuine. "Once again, onna…you Higurashi women are maddening."

"I have a name you know. It's Kagome." Kagome opened her mouth to say something else when suddenly Sesshomaru had gotten stiff and his expression became unreadable. "What's wrong?" She asked sitting up while holding Rin in her arms.

"Nothing." He spoke but moved slightly from the table.

She could tell he felt something by the icy change in his demeanor. Before her eyes he had become the demon she had met the first time. His mask was in place and the expressiveness of his eye color had cooled to sub-level proportions. Kagome spiked her aura and reached out slowly until she pulled back. She held her daughter closer to her body but stayed seated. Her lips went into a fine line but she did not move from her chair. The fatigue she had felt was draining away as the irritation she felt before swelled inside of her. "She's here." She said while lightly rubbing her child's back desiring to go lay her down some place safe and far away. She looked to Sesshomaru and tilted her head. "Why?" She asked softly.

Sesshomaru understood her question but didn't have the time or the energy to relay it. He was even surprised that he even thought about giving her the inclination of an explanation in the first place. But he couldn't deny that Kagome had proved herself to be made up of traits that made her worthy. "Your sister will tell you." He sat and waited patiently for her to arrive while avoiding Kagome's confused expression.

"Kikyo?" Kagome raked her mind for anything Kikyo might have mentioned later but she didn't find anything. She wasn't surprised as Kikyo was similar to a titanium vault when it came to information. 'Kikyo…what's going on and why do you know?'

It felt like hours before the sound of her heels were heard clicking against the floor. Kagome inhaled deeply trying to keep a tight lid on her temper and her mouth. She looked to Sesshomaru and gave him an encouraging head nod before Kaguya came into sight. Kagome held onto Rin protectively pulling her reiki forward slightly. Sesshomaru looked to her and flexed his aura protectively around her letting her know that she would be safe and protected.

"There you are…" She said as she stepped out onto the terrace. She wore a black mini dress with black pumps. Her long hair was curled and hung down her back. She came to a stop at the door as her eyes settled onto Kagome seated at the table. Her lip went into a scowl as she showed her displeasure of seeing the woman that didn't know her place. "What is she doing here?" Kaguya asked walking closer to their table.

Sesshomaru turned his sharp gaze to Kaguya. "I've just finished cleaning up the mess you made Kaguya, do not put us in position that discredits our honor." He said reminding her of the drama she caused and had got caught in.

Kaguya's chest was rising as she looked appalled at them both but found she could not say anything to counter his statement. She had been caught using his name to send reviews out to the press bent on destroying Kagome's business for her treatment of her as if she was some commoner. Her slit eyes settled on Kagome. "Y-you can't be serious!"

"Good afternoon to you too, Miss Utomi." Kagome said dropping the lady from her title refusing to give her respect that she had yet to earn. Kagome didn't know how someone could allow arrogance to turn them into such a monster that no one liked to be around. No one liked to be around Kaguya and they all have voiced it. She leaned forward looking to Sesshomaru. "Apologies accepted." Kagome said moving to stand from the table not wanting to be around her especially with her pup in her arms. She didn't like the demoness and she certainly didn't trust her. She didn't understand what was going on but she wanted to.

Sesshomaru stood up faster and moved to help Kagome out of her seat. Kaguya watched with a hiss on her tongue at their interaction that spoke of familiarity. Kagome stood up and held Rin close to her while walking around the table towards the double doors. On her way she touched Sesshomaru's hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze. Kagome didn't like any of this and she didn't like seeing people suffer. Life was too short. She kept her hand on Rin's back protectively and let go missing the moment of shock in his eyes at her contact and gesture.

"Kagome."

The woman stopped and turned around to look at Sesshomaru. He nodded towards the hallway. "Your room has been prepared."

Kagome struggled internally with a decision. She didn't want to leave. She wanted to lay Rin down and take a nap herself. But she didn't want to be under the same room of the woman glaring daggers into being. Kagome looked at him and her heart just broke for him. He was standing so strong yet his body language spoke of a man that didn't love the woman standing at his side. She hadn't personally experienced love but, she had seen plenty of exceptional examples of its existence from her parents love for each other, Hoshi and Tsuki, and Izayoi and Inutashio. This sham going on definitely wasn't it. Kagome inhaled and nodded her head. "Thank you Sesshomaru…and I remember the way." She said before turning slowly and walking into the manor.

Sesshomaru watched her leave noticing that she was going towards the correct location. He looked to Kaguya feeling her irritated aura. He spiked his aura and the woman from before began cleaning the table.

"Why is she here!" Kaguya seethed pointing a painted red claw towards the house after the miko. She had come looking to speak with Izayoi when she felt the presence of her fiancé and another inside the manner. She came in and placed her purse down while keeping her cellphone in her hand just in case she had to sit and entertain one of the Tashio's dreadfully dreary visitants that she could care less about. Kaguya was quite surprised and disgusted to see the woman she despised holding her mangy mutt sitting casually at the table sharing a meal with her fiancé. It was horrific. Then she felt Sesshomaru's aura hovering over them slightly that really made her want to gag.

Why was she here?

Was he sleeping with her?

Is that why he defended her?

Was this where he came at night after spilling his seed onto her belly?

Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest and her anger was growing deep within. Her other hand was gripping her cellphone tightly in her hands as she thought about Kagome's last words. "What room is she in?" She growled out with eyes seeping red.

Sesshomaru looked to his fiancé desiring so much to slit her throat that it burned inside of him. His claws extended at the tone she took with him. His own instincts reacted as a protective defense for the miko and her pup seeing Kaguya as a threat to pack. "Pack." Was all he gave her as he walked around towards the doors making a clear statement that stunned Kaguya to her core and had her gripping the chair to sustain herself. She gripped her stomach and rubbed gently before looking down at herself.

"That bitch's days are numbered!"

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