***I DO NOT OWN INUYASHA OR SAILOR MOON***

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Chapter Three: Family Night

Sesshomaru sighed, after a very long day catching up on emails and paperwork that had piled up on his desk he couldn't wait to go home. He had a hard time focusing, however, as his mind kept drifting to the woman in the office next to his. All-day he watched her interact with others in the office, people loved her. Serena was kind and spent the time listening to how their days were going, the problems they had which he would find insignificant but she listened, offering support. He had watched her meet with parents and potential students, the children instantly becoming enamoured with her and parents gushing over her ability to pair with their little ones. The males in the office also quite enjoyed her presence as he had to endure watching them drool as she watched past or flirted with her shamelessly. She was completely oblivious to it.

Earlier he was returning from a meeting when he noticed Jaxon an eager wolf demon hogging her attention at the reception desk located on their floor. He was standing a little too close to her for his liking not to mention Jaxon kept finding reasons to touch her hand or shoulder. Sesshomaru watched with a disgusted expression on his face.

"I'm telling you, Serena, you would love this place," said Jaxon resting his hand on her arm "the food is killer! You can't beat wood fire ovens"

She laughed "I'm sure you are right Jaxon, I'll have to try it sometime"

The wolf demon quickly saw his chance and jumped at it "well maybe we can go for lunch there sometime"

"Oh, that sounds wonderful!" Sesshomaru felt himself tense, his hands curling in and digging his claws into the palm of his hands. She was actually considering going to go on a date with this loser? That would not stand, not while he was standing there. Before he could make this move, Serena called out to Inuyasha.

"Inu!" she waved him over "Want to join Jaxon and me for lunch sometime at that new pizza place? He says they have wood fire ovens." Jaxon stuttered looking wide-eyed between Serena and Inuyasha who just smirked. He chuckled watching Jaxon's face fall, clearly she had not picked up on his hint. Inuyasha strolled over, "well you know I won't turn down pizza so sure why not."

Serena smiled and thanked Jaxon walking back to her office. Once her door was shut, Inuyasha laughed and slapped him on the back "oh man Jaxon that was just sad to watch. She is never going to go for you no matter how hard you try but by all means, keep trying. It means more entertainment for me."

You could almost see him tuck his tail between his legs whimpering back down to his floor. Inuyasha couldn't help but continue to chuckle at this pathetic attempt, poking fun with their receptionist Anna.

"Inuyasha" Sesshomaru called out, Inuyasha turned to face him.

"Hmm?"

"Why did she not agree?" he questioned. But the better question was why did he care so much? Normally he would go to his father about why his beast was reacting in such a way, however, he knew his father would blow it way out of proportion.

Inuyasha smirked oh man did he have it bad. "She never does, she is completely oblivious to the fact that she is sex walking in heels" Sesshomaru growled in response. "Don't growl at me dude. She never comes out and says no but somehow turns it into a "oh hey you want to be friends" thing. It's sweet but pathetic cause they try so hard. I think she is looking for the one, you know how women are."

Sesshomaru smirked at the memory. He stood, gathering his coat and left to retire for the night noticing the light off in her office, 'she must have left already' he thought noting her scent lingered. The light in her office being off left a slight feeling of disappointment, he had hoped to see her smiling face once more. He arrived home to find everyone already there, he was hoping to spend the evening with Rin, take a long hot shower and sleep. When he walked through the door, he immediately knew that wasn't happening, he hung his head. Kagome had the karaoke machine out again, this was going to be a long night. 'That woman and her karaoke will be the death of me' he thought.

"DADDY'S HOME!" a small voice yelled as Rin came barrelling around the corner. He dropped his stuff just in time to catch the small child in his arms. He threw her up in the air and caught her causing her to laugh as he peppered her face in kisses. Sesshomaru adopted Rin was she was an infant, he had been at the hospital doing press for the new wing when he saw her. She had been abandoned at a firehouse, the moment his eyes landed on her she was his. He didn't inform his family about what he was doing, he called his lawyers and started the process immediately. Within a week she was home. Taisho was an influential name so the courts had no issues with him adopting the tiny infant. Toga almost cried the first time he held her and Shippo; who had been adopted two years prior, was stuck to her side. She was adored and loved by all members of the pack but she was a Daddy's girl.

"Daddy I missed you this much," she said holding out her arms as far as they would go.

"That is a lot little one" he replied "I hope you behaved while I was away"

"She was a perfect angel" came a voice as Izayoi walked around the corner. She put her hand on his shoulder "I'm glad you are home"

"I am as well"

They didn't even have to say much between them. Their relationship was unique but filled with love and mutual respect for one another. Izayoi may have been Sesshomaru's stepmother but she cared for him as if she birthed him herself. It had taken many years to break down his walls but they shared a special relationship that few saw. At first, he had hated her, feeling as though she was trying to take the place of his mother. After a few years, he realized she just wanted to love him and could never replace Rumiko.

"Be warned Kagome took out the karaoke machine"

Sesshomaru grimaced in response "Yes, I hear, what are the chances of me sneaking past with Rin?"

"0" came a voice. They looked over to see Kagome standing with her hands on her hips.

"You have been gone for two months big brother so family night? you have no choice" Kagome argued "And since you got to pick last time, it's my turn. Plus I know Rin wants to sing with her Auntie Kagome don't you sweetheart?" Kagome smiled lovingly at Rin before turning her evil gaze on Sesshomaru.

He glared at her in return, it was dirty play bringing his daughter into it. She knew he couldn't say no to her.

"Please Daddy?" Rin said giving him puppy dog eyes.

He groaned "fine"

He put Rin down when there was a knock at the door, he opened it to find Serena standing on the porch with a bottle of wine and a bag containing presents for the kids. She was always spoiling the kids. Her slim figure was wrapped in a dark green dress with a jean jacket covering it. She took his breath away. Her blue eyes met his and for a moment it felt like time stood still.

"Oh hi, Sesshomaru" she smiled. He stared at her, what was she doing here? Not that he was complaining, his thoughts had been centred on her for the majority of the day and now here she was.

"Well don't just stand there you big dope, let her in," said Kagome, pushing him to the side.

"Hi Serena, come in. I'm glad you came tonight" she said inviting her in.

Serena laughed handing her the bottle of wine "have you ever given me a choice when it comes to family night?"

"Hi, Sere!" Rin said jumping up and down in excitement. She reached up for a hug and Serena swooped her up in her arms kissing her. Sesshomaru heart lurched at the sight of the pair together. Rin had asked Sesshomaru if she would have a mother one day but he always dodged the question as he didn't want to break her heart hearing that he didn't want a mate. Maybe that would change.

"Hello sweet girl, how are you?" Serena asked, her sole focus now on Rin.

"Rin is good, is that a present for Rin?" her little fingers prying open the bag to look inside.

"Rin, be polite" Sesshomaru said softly. Serena smiled at him

"It's okay Sesshomaru," she said softly looking at him before turning her attention back to Rin "it is a gift for you but only if your Daddy says you can have it"

Both girls turned to look at him and he knew instantly there was another female he would never be able to say no to. She had him hooked.

"Yes of course" he nodded "Say thank you Rin"

"Thank Sere! I love it. Can I bring Shippo's to him?"

Serena nodded handing over the bag. Rin ran off to show Shippo their new gifts. Kagome shook her head at Serena crossing her arms.

"You spoil them"

Squaring her shoulders, Serena turned her head away "I do not"

Kagome scoffed "please you lie like a cheap rug" causing Serena to giggle lightly before shrugging, she couldn't help it. Rin had her heart and she probably could never say no to her.

"It is nice to see you again Serena" Izayoi interrupting wrapping her in a hug

"Thank you, it is nice to have somewhere to go sometimes." There was an undertone of sadness in her statement causing Sesshomaru to furrow his brow, did she not have family close by? As much as his family irritated him to no end, he would not like the idea of living so far from them or not seeing them.

Serena felt awkward suddenly like she was intruding on a private night meant only for family. She cleared her throat "I hope I am not intruding tonight, Kagome invited me and she doesn't like when you say no"

Sesshomaru chuckled scratching the back of his head "yes Kagome can be as stubborn as a mule"

"HEY! I heard that, you shit" said Kagome "I'm standing right here. No, you aren't intruding now come on everyone will happy to see you" pulling her in by her arm.

Izayoi just stared at Sesshomaru with that telling look in her eye. Sesshomaru put his cold mask on

"What?" he said curtly stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"Oh, my dear, you are in trouble," she said laughing patting his arm "you have it bad"

"This one does not get it bad" he argued trailing after her

Sesshomaru found his family all piled into the living room with Miroku's arms around Serena. He didn't like it one bit. He found it difficult not to rip her out of his arms and keep her solely in his lap all night. 'That monk had his hands on our mate' his beast growled.

"I'm just saying we should have another dance night, the last time we tangoed was heavenly my dear" dipping Serena low with Sango cheering and Koga wolf-whistling. Her body looked so inviting, he wanted to be the one holding and spinning her around the room.

"Ah, son! Glad you joined us on this family night" boomed Toga jolting him from his thoughts.

"Not like Kagome gave me much of a choice" he grumbled slumping on the couch

"Oh cheer up my boy, it will be fun" handing him a glass of single malt scotch. Thank Kami for the small joys in life, at least it would be tolerable with scotch. As he sipped on his drink, he kept his gaze trained on Serena.

Serena wiggled out of Miroku's arms "uh uh it is Kagome's turn to pick plus I don't think my feet have recovered from Koga stomping on them" she teased. Koga yelled back "Hey!" She instinctively chose to sit next to Sesshomaru, her thigh brushing his. She felt her heart quicken, even a touch from this man sent her in a tizzy.

"I'll have you know I did pretty well at the waltz didn't I baby?" he asked looking down at his mate. Ayame began to look anywhere else and fiddled with her hands. Koga's face morphed to shock and betrayal/

"Oh come on really?!"

"Koga, my poor foot still has a bruise see?" Serena answer stretching out her leg to show the small bruise but all Sesshomaru could do was stare her soft creamy skin. He wanted to reach out and brush his fingers along it up to her…Inuyasha coughed loudly staring at him with a look that said "we can smell that."

Serena put her leg back laughing at Koga unaware of the silent conversation between brothers.

"Alright people" Kagome clapped her hands "It's my pick and I want to sing karaoke so let's drink and sing"

Serena sipped the wine that was handed to her, side glancing at Sesshomaru nursing his scotch. She leaned over and whispered, "do you not like family night?"

He turned noting how close her face was to his, her scent surrounding him.

"No, I just do not enjoy when Kagome picks what we to partake in" he answered

Serena laughed lightly "well if it helps, last time when we were dancing Inuyasha dropped her"

He smiled "That does make me feel better." He felt himself getting lost in the depths of her eyes, they held the whole world in them. He opened his mouth to ask her something when he felt a pillow smacking the side of his head.

"Hey! Stop making faces, we are picking pairs to sing" Kagome exclaimed, Sango giggling on the floor. Serena pulled away blushing staring into her wine glass. The whole family was staring at them and Toga just smirked at his son. She turned away embarrassed, she just met the guy for goodness sake. Her mother did warn her of the effect of a soul match. She knew the pull would be strong but she didn't realize it was that strong. The girls picked a few songs dancing and singing. Kagome even got Koga and Inuyasha to attempt a rap together but they failed miserably being incredibly off-key that Kagome banished them from the "stage."

Serena could feel Sesshomaru's eyes on her. His stare was intense and made her body heat up, how did one man have such power over her with just his gaze? She would do anything he asked of her when he stared at her like that. He opened his mouth to speak. Serena gulped down her wine in one go and jumped up.

"Okay Kagome, you and me let's go" feeling the need to escape his intense gaze, she would not survive the night if he kept looking at her like that.

Kagome cheered pulling her up, they started to flip through the book when Serena stopped pointing to a song. Kagome bobbed her head yes and input the song. The tune for Bragger by Kelsea Ballerini started to play as the girls each grabbed a mic. The girls began to sway their hips to the music as Serena opened her mouth singing. Koga wolf-whistled as Ayame cheered them on. Serena raked her fingers through her long blonde hair tilting her head back.

"Whooo damn girl you get it!" she yelled. The pair danced with each other, Kagome grabbing onto her hips providing back up vocals for her. Serena swayed to the music with Sesshomaru unable to pull his eyes from her. As the chorus played, the other two girls were pulled up by Kagome as Serena got lost in singing directly to Sesshomaru. Her gaze boring directly into his. He leaned back, crossing his legs and spreading his arms across the back of the sofa sipping on his scotch. Now, this was entertainment he could get behind. He watched her intently as she hit every high note and her dancing coordinating perfectly in tune with the music. The sway of her hips, the way her eyes sparkled and her perfect lips singing almost entrancing him. By the end of it, she was panting and laughing.

Toga clapped "Encore encore!"

Rin laughed from her Papa's laugh "more, more!"

Miroku jumped from his spot grabbing Serena around the waist "alright ladies, you have had your fun with her, now it is my turn"

"Miroku! I just sang" Serena pouted

"Yea it was awesome, we demand more" Inuyasha interjected jumping to his feet "I want to pick the song"

Inuyasha leaned into Miroku's ear telling which song he wanted them to sing, a more intimate song to see Sesshomaru's reaction. He knew Miroku got into the lyrics mainly because Sango loved to watch her husband put out all his moves. Miroku smirked quickly glancing at Sesshomaru "oh that I can do my friend, come Serena my darling we shall sing"

She shook her head and argued back "but I just went!"

Miroku turned giving his most devastated look "you wound me! Are you saying you will not indulge me?"

She signed "fine but then I'm done, someone else can embarrass themselves"

Dusk till Dawn by Zayn and Sia came over the speaker and Sesshomaru felt himself instantly tense. This was a very intimate song. Miroku ran his finger up Serena's arm singing the first verse, staring directly into her eyes. He pulled her close, his hand splayed across the small of her back. Miroku swayed with Serena slightly when they got to the chorus sharing a mic. Sango clapped "yea baby! You get it" she enjoyed watching her husband perform, though he would never actually try anything with another woman. Miroku intertwined her fingers with his, spinning her out before pulling her back into his arms. Sesshomaru growled low in his chest, his eyes narrowing at the sight. Inuyasha struggled not to burst out laughing, he knew it. He knew that his brother had it bad for the small blonde but clearly he was going to need a push.

Meanwhile, Sesshomaru was seething, that monk had his hands all over her and they were singing so close they were practically kissing! Even Toga had his hand over Shippo and Rin's eyes as they struggled, wanting to watch. Miroku grabbed her around the waist yanking her flush to his body as they finished the song. By the end Sesshomaru was panting he was so angry, clutching his drink so hard he left a crack alongside the side of the glass. Inuyasha nudged Koga who just shook his head smirking. His best friend was being stupid, if he would just admit to what he wanted then it wouldn't be an issue. Sesshomaru was stubborn though and needed to figure it out for himself.

Serena pulled away blushing. "Miroku you are too much sometimes"

He slung his arm around her "yes but you love it, my dear." She just shook her head smiling before going to sit beside Sesshomaru, he was happy to see that out of anywhere she could go she continually chose to sit next to him. He wanted to wrap his arm around her and remind Serena that she belonged with him and only him. Sesshomaru shook off the notion, what was going on with him?

"I'm surprised your wife is okay with you acting that way monk," Sesshomaru said through clenched teeth turning to Sango. She shrugged "pfft Miroku will always be Miroku plus he is all words no actions, he knows I would have his head if he did"

Miroku handed the mic back to Kagome before plopping down beside Sango. "My love why go anywhere else but I have everything I need in you," he said leaning in to kiss her. The pair soon became engrossed in each other's lips.

"And that's our cue, my dear," said Toga standing up offering his hand to Izayoi "come on little one's Papa and grandmamma will tuck you in"

Rin and Shippo groaned wanting to stay up longer, Sesshomaru kissed Rin's head promising to come to check on her a little later. Rin hugged Serena whispering something in her ear causing her to laugh lightly and reply "that's not really up to you sweet girl but I would be lucky if you were." She kissed the tip of her nose, sending her off to bed.

Rin pouted following her grandparents. Sesshomaru turned to Serena confused "what did she say?"

Serena blushed and fiddled with her hands "she asked me if I would be her mom…silly I know"

Sesshomaru's lip turned up slightly on one side as he sipped his scotch "you don't wish to be a mother?" He had to admit he liked the idea of the blonde tucking in his daughter, sleeping in his bed and snuggling up to him.

"Oh no! Of course, I do, I would have a whole bunch of kids but that isn't in cards for me" she replied looking sad. He leaned forward resting his arms on his thighs.

"Why not?"

A sad expression came over her face as her eyes glassed over. She was clearly remembering something painful and he wished he could hold her in that moment. With a slight shake of her head, she replied

"That is a longer story then I wish to tell tonight, if you don't mind"

He nodded understanding she may not feel entirely comfortable around him yet, he reached out tucking some hair behind her ear. "You will be a wonderful mother one day, that I know" looking into her eyes.

"Whatcha talking about?" Inuyasha asked plopping down beside Serena "Kagome and Ayame have taken over and I can't watch them sing the same songs again and again"

They looked over to see the pair singing and attempting a spice girl's dance for the third time. Inuyasha shook his head "all mine" while Koga howled with laughter in the background.

Serena laughed and yawned, Inuyasha grabbed her arm pulling her into his side so she could rest her head on his shoulder. He had become very protective of her over the past few weeks, many times referring to her as a little sister. There was something about her from the moment he first met Serena. Inuyasha wanted to protect her like an older brother would, he couldn't explain the feeling. Serena snuggled in wrapping her arm around his waist, unaware of Sesshomaru narrowing his eyes at his brother. He wanted to be the one she snuggled with. He tried to stifle a growl when Inuyasha began to rub his hand up and down her arm.

"Oh nothing Inu"

"Could you be discussing Jaxon? You do realize you crushed that boys dream turning him down like that" he said attempting to get a rise out of Sesshomaru.

"What? What are you talking about? He was just giving me a recommendation for lunch" she said innocently

Both men laughed. "little sister you are too sweet and naïve, the boy was crushing on you hard and I'm pretty sure would have done anything for a date with you" Inuyasha answered.

Serena blushed "Oh don't be ridiculous Inu, no one looks at me like that" he scoffed "it's true! I'm no Kagome or Ayame"

"Anyone would be lucky to have you by their side, you are gorgeous," Sesshomaru said very matter of factly. 'He thinks I'm gorgeous' Serena thought feeling a warmth course through her body. A light blush settling across her cheeks.

"Well either way I'm not one to just date anyone"

Sesshomaru's interest peeked "who would you date?" he asked interested in her type.

"That isn't in the cards right now," she said softly picking at the invisible lint on her dress, Inuyasha tightened his arm around her. He knew she had a troubled past but never brought it up for fear of upsetting her. Life had not been kind to the petite woman in his arms.

Sesshomaru opened his mouth to inquire why when she interrupted.

"Alright, It is getting late and I am tired. I think I may get going home, it is going to be a busy day" she said patting Inuyasha on the knee before turning to Sesshomaru "get ready because it is just you and me the next few days." He liked the sound of that, it would give him a chance to learn more about her and why she was so closed off.

"Why don't you stay the night?" asked Inuyasha "your apartment is tiny and not exactly the most secure building"

Serena rolled her eyes standing up stretching her arms above her head, Inuyasha worried too much. Sesshomaru stared as she stretched watching the hem of her dress rise showing off her creamy thighs, he tightened his hands on his glass to keep himself from reaching out and touching her.

"My building is fine Inuyasha, I may not have a private guard at every entrance but it is perfectly safe." Her building was secure and required a passcode to get in. She had more then enough money as her parents ensured if she didn't want to work then she didn't have to. But she enjoyed working with children. She lived in the building she lived in because it was plausible that a woman her age in her field could afford her residence. She wasn't stupid though, she picked a building she knew would keep her safe.

"Feh"

"Goodnight Inu," she said patting him on the head before turning to the others "Goodnight guys, thanks for inviting me"

Sesshomaru stood "I'll walk you out." Serena nodded waving as the others bid their goodnights.

Standing at the front door she turned to Sesshomaru "I hope that family night wasn't terrible for you, you must be tired from travelling"

He smiled down at her "it was the best one we have had"

She blushed lightly opening the door to leave "goodnight Sesshomaru"

"Goodnight Serena, sleep well."