AN: Hi everyone. Beat me later ok? But like, with pillows bc I've managed to dislocate/break my pinky, slam into a wall, and just be a damn accident prone person in the last six months. Friends are now threatening me with bubble wrap clothes. I am obv not amused.

That being said, here's a, albeit short, chapter to hopefully let you know I haven't forgotten about this, not with all the chaps I have written. If I had someone to type this stuff out, I'd pass it along in a heartbeat, but then I'm sure I'd be all up in their butt lol. As always, InuYasha et al is owned by Rumiko Takahashi and only this story is my own. Happy Holidays! 3

Kagome stared at the door in almost utter consternation. She shouldn't be surprised with him nor frustrated with herself. This was typical of how he had handled her in the past, she grinned wryly to herself, readying for bed. He really hadn't changed. In an odd way, it was slightly comforting. She sighed softly. She knew it couldn't have been easy for Sesshomaru to tell her everything, and then to put her comfort first…the least she could do, for them both, is try. She slipped under the luxuriously soft sheets, breathing deeply. If one thing convinced her of the truth of everything, it was his scent, she thought, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

On the other side of the suite, Sesshomaru felt Kagome's aura finally slip into a restful rhythm. Running a hand across his face, he thanked any deity listening that she was willing to help. That was always the one flaw in the spell. True, he could have requested that she instead be the anchor, but Nika had been clear. The Miko Kagome was the key to saving them all. He quietly closed the door to his office. Settling into a plush leather executive chair, he flipped a small screen on his desk open, the device automatically powering on. Pushing a button a dial-tone rang softly through the room. It was answered after only a few rings, a rather waifish face filling the screen.

"Hello, Taisho-sama. You're calling rather off schedule. Is everything alright?"

"Hnn, yes it is. Tell me, can you and your second be spared for a week?" he asked.

Brown eyes suddenly took on a shrewd glint. "If necessary, yes. Is the Boss alright?"

"He is fine. Speaking of him, patch him in."

"As you wish, Taisho-sama," was the response, as digital noise caused Sesshomaru to wince slightly. After several moments, the screen split to reveal a rather roguish man in the newly formed division.

"I thought I smelled a dog," came the initial greeting. "You never call us off-schedule. What's up?"

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed dangerously. "This One warned you against the dog references."

"Yea yea, old habits. You know I don't mean it. Tension relief and all that."

"Hnn," he let it pass. "This One has found someone dear that has been lost."

A quartet of gasps could be heard echoing through the dual screens. Scuffling reverberated as faces were replaced with new, all trying to see and be seen.

"When did you find her?" "Is she alright?" "What do you need?" came the chorus.

Sesshomaru held up his hands. "Two days ago. As well as she can be, receiving the information as she did. She is pleased to know you finally mated, wolf."

A short rasping bark of laughter came from the second screen. "Course she'd be. She always knew she wasn't for me," a kiss to the temple of his off-screen counterpart was partially seen. "Ayame's been the best partner, in all things. Sis always knew, even if I didn't. Haku, you and Ginta clear your schedules. I don't care who gets ruffled, call it a family emergency. Try to get the first flights out you can, chartered or not, damn the cost."

"Jaken will prepare your suites, as usual, but advise him of your arrival times so he can schedule pickup. I leave for America in three days, but I expect my business to resolve by the end of the week. You'll have several days to welcome her back into your pack."

A pleased look came across Kouga's face. "Ayame'll enjoy that. I didn't realize how much Kags meant to her until she named one of the pups after her."

A scoffing noise and a slight shove brought Ayame into focus. "He's a ninny. What else do you need from us?"

"Just your presence will soothe her. You can tell her stories that I cannot, to ease her burden for a time," he paused. This One…told her of the chance."

Ayame swore under her breath. "You absolute IDIOT!" Sesshomaru blinked. "You only have two items! And only an inkling of two others!"

All four were shocked to silence when Sesshomaru laid his head in his hands. After a few quiet moments, he raised up. "I could not stand the despair in her eyes, not knowing there was a chance."

Hakakku cleared his throat. "You're in love with nee-san, aren't you Sesshomaru?"

He blinked. Multiple times. Was he THAT damned transparent?

"I KNEW IT! You owe me fifty, Ginta!" Ayame's pleased voice brought wincing from the four males.

"Do not, if you value your lives, breathe one word to her."

"You have our word as pack leader," Kouga's face returned to the screen. "Ayame and I will head down, so we all arrive together. Will you tell her we're coming?"

"Yes, there is no reason not to," Sesshomaru replied, glancing at the clock. "I will leave you now and will expect you in a few days. Safe travels," came the farewell as he logged off.

Sesshomaru rubbed his temples before stretching. Turning to his laptop, he checked his email. Ayame's accusation of only having two of the six items needed rankled him, if he cared enough to admit it. The entire reason he was even going to America was because he finally located the next two items. If he hadn't based their return as items stolen from his family during the occupation of Japan during World War II, he would have the wolves bring the items with them, saving him the trip.

Images of the slayer's mask and the monk shakiyō appeared on the screen. Fortune had smiled on him when he had discovered their sale on a newer auction house's site. Desperate for association with one such as he, to improve their own reputation, they nearly fell over backward to connect him with the seller. He knew beyond all doubt that those were the items he sought. All that was left were items from Kikyo and InuYasha, the most elusive ones of them all, as they had been lost long before the other items. He checked his itinerary one more time before typing out an email to Jaken, advising him of the imminent arrival of the four wolves.

Closing the laptop, Sesshomaru opted to return to the living room. He tidied the treats from earlier, quietly to not wake Kagome, placing the uneaten back in their containers and preparing the coffee pot for the morning. Despite employing Raoul, he did know how to take care of himself. He returned to the living room, stretching out on the sofa. Knowing he would not sleep this night, he chose to listen to the barely audible sound of Kagome sleeping. The next few days would be hectic, so any moment of peace was welcome.