**I Don't Own Inuyasha or Sailor Moon**

Please leave reviews, I would love to know your input.

Chapter Two: A Meal Together

The pair stood at the elevators laughing over the last family night and Koga being well Koga. Kagome looked to Serena, happy at how quickly she had become so close to everyone in the family. She practically pack now. 'But not too close' she thought 'it is like she is afraid to have anyone too close. I wish she would let us in.'

"So how did your meeting with Sesshomaru and Dad go?" she asked. Desperate to know how their initial meeting had gone and whether they had hit it off. A light blush drifted across her cheeks at the mere mention of Sesshmaru causing Kagome to cock an eyebrow and snicker.

Before Serena could answer a brash voice interrupted "Feh! Was the bastard a total dick? Or just a bit of a dick?"

Serena turned to find Kagome's husband and mate standing behind her. Kagome glared at her husband and mate for a moment.

"Inuyasha! Be nice" she chided him

"What?" he responded as he made his way to her wrapping his arm around her waist and nuzzled her neck. Inuyasha loved Kagome more than words could express, the looks he gave her said all he couldn't. He would run to the ends of the world for a smile on Kagome's face. 'I wish for that' Serena thought as she glanced away to give the couple a moment. But she knew that she would never be able to fulfill that part of her soul. Love. Serena hadn't thought about the prospect of being in love for many years, had given up hope for any semblance of normalcy.

The action did not go unnoticed. Kagome and Inuyasha shared a knowing look. They had discussed the young woman at length with each other, they knew she had suffered some terrible losses. That she was scared of something yet not for herself but everyone around her. The way she interacted with Shippo and Rin, they knew she would give her last breath to protect them from whatever was hunting her. They had seen her determined gaze scanning the area for danger. She was good at masking her real feelings. Like another certain member of their pack. She had only been around for a couple of months but they couldn't imagine their pack without her. She was family. They just wished she would fully let them in.

"So did he bite your head off?" Inuyasha asked.

"No half breed. This one would never harm a woman" a cold voice brought Serena back to reality. She looked over to Sesshomaru who was looking at her like he was trying to solve a puzzle. She could melt under his gaze like he was piercing right to her soul.

Inuyasha growled at his brother, they still knew how to pick at each other to get a rise out of them. "Hey! You said you wouldn't call me that anymore"

"Well when you act like a gentleman than this one won't address you as an animal" Sesshomaru retorted. His gaze quickly retuning to Serena's face. She was beautiful in a way he couldn't describe.

"Inuyasha, your brother was extremely welcoming and open to my ideas," she said flicking her eyes up to him "maybe if you were a tad nicer when talking about him he would be kinder to you"

Inuyasha gapped as Kagome chuckled and Sesshomaru smirked.

"She is not wrong little brother" he reasoned moving a little closer to Serena.

"I am fucking nice! Stop ganging up on me" Inuyasha argued, "I helped you move into your tiny ass apartment did I not?"

Serena looked thoughtful for a moment, tapping her finger on her chin "does it count if you moved the couch then proceeded to watch TV as Miroku, Koga and I did the rest?" teasing him. Inuyasha stayed silent and pouted. "That's what I thought. Now are you going to sulk all day or come to lunch?" she asked. His ears twitched at the mention of lunch but continued to pout and grumbled "Feh fine but I'm mad at you. You are mean."

"Oh Inu" she laughed, her eyes sparkling as she wrapped her arms around him like a sister would. Inuyasha wrapped his arms around the petite woman. He could never stay mad at her, he felt an instinct to protect her like an older brother would.

Kagome quickly looked to see Sesshomaru's reaction. His expression went from neutral to shock to rage. His fists clenched at the sight of the two wrapped in an embrace. Friendly as it may have been. 'Isn't this interesting' she thought.

"You know I love you Inu" Serena said pulling back and giving him her best puppy dog eyes "please don't be mad at me."

He relaxed and sighed "Fine! But only because you make the best ramen and I want some."

"Hey! You said I did" Kagome said. She tapped her foot on the ground and scrunched her face up.

Inuyasha wrapped an arm around each woman "you both do" he stated "now can we go for lunch? I'm fucking starving"

Serena glanced at Sesshomaru "will you join us?" hopefully he would say yes. She liked having him near even if she couldn't ever actually have him. It would be too dangerous.

"Yes" he replied automatically. Sesshomaru found he liked be in close vicinity to her and wished to know her better. Why, he wasn't quite sure yet.

She smiled "good"

Kagome nudged her husband in the ribs to look at the exchange between the pair. His eyes widened in realization as he leaned down and whispered "you think?" His mate responded with a subtle nod. She knew. Inuyasha watched his brother with keen interest, he recognized the initial signs from when he first met Kagome. He was almost completely sure that Sesshomaru was going to end up with Serena.

A little while later, the group found themselves seated at an Italian restaurant close to the office. They came to this particular restaurant often as Kagome loved Italian food. Unfortunately, the waiter was shamelessly flirting with Serena. He was not getting the hint that she was not interested in him nor did she enjoy the attention he was giving her. It was beginning to make her very uncomfortable. He kept finding reasons to stand super close to her or touch her in some way. Sesshomaru sat breathing deeply thinking of the ways he wanted to kill him. He trying hard to keep his cool and not lose control.

"I swear you remind me of someone" the waiter said as he leaned closer to her face. She grimaced and instinctually moved away, sending a look of HELP ME to Kagome.

"Sorry nope not me umm Kagome what do we want to drink?" Serena asked

"How about a bottle of Cabernet?" Kagome replied trying to take the heat away from Serena. It didn't work. His eyes roamed her body like he was undressing her and Sesshomaru found himself trying hard not to slice through the man's throat with his claws. 'Now is not the time to drop your concealment' he thought. 'Our mate is uncomfortable' his beast growled.

"That is a great choice" the waiter gushed touching Serena's arm "you have excellent taste." It was clear she did not desire his touch. Sesshomaru let out a low growl "thank you, you may leave now."

Serena slumped in her chair when he took his leave. "Does that happen often?" he asked as she turned her head to the questioning gaze of the silver-haired man beside her. She could found herself getting lost in his molten gold eyes.

Kagome laughed and replied for her "all the time! It doesn't matter where we are. Yet she refuses every single one of them, I swear the last guy was going to propose." Sesshomaru fought the urge to grab her and pull her into his lap, laying claim to what was his.

Serena blushed feeling embarrassed "I don't understand why…."

"Uhh, cause you are drop-dead gorgeous that's why. Any man with eyes can see that" reasoned Kagome

"Not really" she replied "you are much more attractive Kagome"

Sesshomaru wanted to argue with her but he felt that may be out of place since they just met that morning.

"You need glasses" a voice interrupted as the rest of their party arrived.

"If I weren't happily married to my beautiful Sango, I would have hit on you," said Miroku as he slipped into his chair with Sango beside him. Koga and Ayame sat across from them. Sango piped up, "Hell I am married to him, but I'd take you in a second."

Miroku's eyes widened "wait now let's discuss this for a moment my dear. I would not be offended if you did, just take pictures and maybe a video"

"Monk" growled Sesshomaru "control your perverted ways"

"You jealous?" inquired Koga smirking at his best friend. Over the years he has come to know Sesshomaru's growls and limited vocabulary, being able to know what he meant by a simple curt nod or grunt. This growl was one of jealously. He had never seen him act that way before, not with any of his conquests. He had heard from Toga that their introduction had gone in a very unexpected direction

'She belongs to us' his beast roared 'we should kill the lowly human for touching what is ours'

"No, I am merely stating that we are in public and should act accordingly" Sesshomaru quickly retorted. Before Koga could give his sarcastic reply, the waiter returned with their wine.

"A beautiful wine for a beautiful woman," he said as he handed out the glasses. He leaned close to Serena brushing his hand across her arm "and what can I get you?" he winked licking his lips. Something else was on the man's mind, all the demons could smell the arousal from him. You could practically see what he wanted to do to the small woman. The smell of Serena's fear rolled off her in waves. Suddenly a hand shot out and snatched his hand from her body. Her figure shadowed by the large form of a very angry Sesshomaru.

"You can remove your pathetic appendage unless you wish for me to detach it from your body and shove it down your throat" Sesshomaru threatened, his eyes bleeding red. The waiter stuttered as he tightened his grip "I-I'm s-s-sorry sir I did-didn't realize she was yours."

Sesshomaru growled when he felt a small hand on his arm, looking down at the soft gaze of Serena. Her blue eyes shining brightly up at him, like they were meant to only ever shine for him.

"I'm okay Sesshomaru, you can let him go." His eyes returned to gold liking how his name sounded on her tongue. Sesshomaru turned his gaze to the waiter and growled "apologize to the lady and leave." The rest of the group sat shocked that he of all people reacted this way. He had never lost control like that in public. Yet here was the great Sesshomaru growling over Serena because a man dared to even lay one finger on her.

'What the hell' they all thought looking at each other in shock.

The waiter apologized profusely and fled to the backroom. Sesshomaru sat back down and leaned over Serena concerned for her.

"Are you alright?" he questioned, his gaze never leaving hers. He wanted to run his finger down her cheek and kiss her lips softly and gently. Sesshomaru shook his head swallowing that desire. Serena nodded, smiling softly.

"So act accordingly eh?" mocked Koga. The group laughed.

"Hn"

The manager took over their service, apologizing repeatedly for his employees' actions, assuring he had been fired and even tried to comp their meal. The last thing he needed was the Taisho family no longer wanting to dine at his restaurant. They were an extremely influential family. The group refused and paid anyways. They could afford it, after all, it wasn't the manager's fault. After they finished their meal, the group walked back to the office. Serena and Sesshomaru found themselves walking in step behind the others. They had split into their respective couples.

'I need to get it under control' he thought when a voice broke his focus.

"Thank you," she said softly. He looked down at the petite woman.

"Your welcome" he replied curtly "I apologize if I frightened you"

"You didn't" she replied, her finger brushing against his hand. She pulled her hand away from his quickly.

"No? Why?" Sesshomaru questioned "Most find our demon side still unsettling"

She shrugged "it is your instinct to protect. You are Inu after all"

Her knowledge of the demon race was impressive, most did not realize how possessive an Inu demon could be. They were a passionate, loyal and fiercely protective species.

"Hn"

"Your poor future mate though" she giggled bringing her small hand up to cover her mouth.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes leaning over her small frame.

"Explain" he demanded.

"Well, people think you are protective now over a nobody" Serena explained looking thoughtful tapping her bottom lip "Imagine how you will be when you have a mate and she is pupped."

Sesshomaru suddenly stopped causing Serena to stop as well and give him a confused look. Had she offended him in some way? She hoped not.

"This one does not plan on taking a mate" he stated and Serena's face fell in disappointment. Sesshomaru leaned close, his face mere inches from hers and whispered "and you are not nobody little star." Her heart pounded and her chest heaved. Her lips parted slightly and her eyes clouded over. Sesshomaru smirked, was that arousal he smelt coming off her? Weirdly he hoped it was, he felt himself draw to her. He took another step towards her.

A blush broke across her face as she stared into his eyes.

'Little star?' she thought

'Little star?!' he inwardly groaned 'why did I say that?'

'Because our mate is our star in the darkness' his beast replied.

Serena coughed lightly bringing his attention back. He leaned back smirking, she liked that nickname, and he could smell it. Sesshomaru continued to walk. She composed herself and had to run to catch up to his long strides.

"Why do you do that?" she asked tilting her head up to look at him.

"Do what?" he answered glancing at her.

"Talk in the third-person"

Sesshomaru shrugged "old habits I suppose"

Serena nodded knowingly, she understood that. She had many habits that she brought with her but they were to keep her safe and the crystal secure. Serena wished for a somewhat normal life but as long as Sion existed she would never be safe, which meant she could never have a normal life.

"Tell me about yourself" Sesshomaru's voice interrupted her train of thought.

Her gaze snapped up to his "what about me?"

Sesshomaru shrugged his shoulders and moved a little closer to her. He liked having her close which confused him.

"Well I know nothing about you except your credentials and my family seems to know very little as well" he reasoned.

"I like my privacy, safer that way" she replied squaring her shoulders.

Sesshomaru inclined his head "why is that I wonder"

"Has kept me alive" she automatically replied as her hand went to her chest as if she was protecting something. Her expression held a world of emotions including pain and fierce determination. He found himself waiting to wrap his tall frame around her and protect her. He liked how small she was in comparison, fed into his baser instinct of being a protector and a provider. Serena was so tiny standing next to him, he caught a glimpse of them in a shop window and was pleased how well they looked together.

"Who –" he started

"Hey! Slowpokes are you coming?" yelled Ayame from the office entrance.

Serena's expression changed to happiness quickly as she pulled her mask back up

'Hn so he has a mask too' he thought.

Serena ran to catch up the rest calling back to him "hurry up!" her eyes sparkling bright;y.

Sesshomaru felt a new determination wash over him to know every little thing about the creature capturing his attention.