Thanks to everyone who reviewed and add the fic to their favorites you guys are the greatest. This chapter is for Nobodies Perfect- Not Even You for her great ideal. R&R everyone contiune to tell me what you think or give some ideals.

Chapter 3

From Happy News ? to Laughter

Dinner on the weekend had turned out better than he ever expected, Kagome had finally give him her number they talked every afternoon and night when he couldn't make it to the club. Not a day went by that he didn't compliment her or make her laugh, and every day he fell deeper in love with her. Never had he known that such a feeling was possible, it was all encompassing and soothing after a long time of feeling nothing but lust for any female. Even than they were just a one-time fling for a day or two until he got tired of them. It was just something about Kagome made him want more, need more. Never had he believed in loved at sight until he laid eyes on the dark haired Miko that was Kagome. He never tried of speaking to her even if it was about something simple like the weather.

It took some doing but he finally convinced Kagome to have lunch with him. All his paperwork done he simply could not get her off his mind. He quickly left the office not even stopping to tell his father he was leaving. Sesshoumaru left everyone in shock though he never noticed. The younger West never left the office for any reason other than business.

88

Kagome was already there when he arrived. He couldn't stop himself from staring for once she wasn't dressed in a kimono nor had an elaborate hairstyle. In their place was an expensive business suit, her hair pulled up into a bun that seemed to be coming undone. He had to admit she looked every bit the professional as she sipped her wine reading over something in a folder. Sesshoumaru kissed her cheek and took a seat across from her.

"You're not supposed to be doing any work Kagome. We're having lunch remember," Sesshoumaru said pulling the folder from her hands. He stopped as the handwriting caught his attention; it was his father's writing. No one wrote like his father. But it couldn't be why Kagome would have papers written by his father.

"Sesshoumaru I need those (sigh) I swear this guy is persistent about this merger," Kagome sighed again sipping her wine. She stopped and looked at him; his expression was that of shock and mild angry. "What is wrong Sesshoumaru?"

"Who are you?" he questioned flipping through the papers.

"Sesshoumaru what's wrong with you? You know who I am."

"I thought you were a piano player at the Carnal Innocence but I am guess from this I was wrong," He spat.

"Some nights that is who I am Sesshoumaru. And for the record you never asked me what I did for a living. Like I never asked you what you did for a living so don't take that tone of voice with me," she spoke snatching the folder from his hands. He watched through narrowed eyes as she grabs the suit jacket on the back of her chair ready to leave. Clearing his throat she stopped and sat down again. 'She is right we never did discuss what we did for a living. I just assumed that was her job. I guess it's time to change that.'

"I am Sesshoumaru West, president and part CEO of Western land Inc," He held out his hand. Kagome looked strangely at him than smiled and shook his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Sesshoumaru West, I am Kagome Higurashi CEO of Miko corp. and part-time piano player," she giggled at the look on his face.

"Miko Corp. My father has been trying to set up a meeting with you for months."

"Inu Tashio West is your father? Now this is interesting. . . I don't know what to say."

"Say you won't let this come between us," he smiled still holding her small hand in his.

"Us?" she questioned confused.

"Yes us 'Inu's and their rituals are by far my favorite' remember?" he quoted her hand written message.

"How can I not remember you told me 'let me take you away from here' in a very sexual manner I might add," Kagome smiled.

"One ritual you should be familiar with is courting?"

"So we are courting than very traditional. But I am sure the male is supposed to ask," Kagome tapped her chin in thought. Sesshoumaru who still had not released her hand gave it a little squeeze to bring her attention back on him. When her eyes met his he kissed her hand and smiled at the way her heart sped up a little.

"Well then I guess I should go with tradition," He paused for a moment. "I Sesshoumaru West ask you Kagome Higurashi for permission to court you?"

"Are you sure about this Sesshoumaru we haven't known each other a whole month yet?" Kagome questioned worried.

"There is nothing I want more then you Kagome nothing. Besides how can I resist a female that is as much a stickler for tradition as I am? Give us a chance Kagome."

What could she say she agreed and lunch turned out to be the better than either imaged? They talked about their lives and he talked about his family. And nothing was the same after that his feelings for her rose to a whole other level. The only thing holding him back was not knowing how she felt about him. But he would find out in due time for now he had to find a certain old youkai about a courting gift.

88

No matter the time of day Sesshoumaru found her couldn't stop thinking about the small woman that captured his heart. He found himself day dreaming about what life would be like if they were mated. Sesshoumaru found out during lunch days ago that Kagome worked more hours than he did. And after work most nights she was playing at the Carnal Innocence. He had to wonder where she got the energy to do all that she did in a single day.

But that would change when they were mated, she would have to slow down.

Since nothing was happening at work Sesshoumaru took it upon himself to end his day early. He decided to visit Kagome and see how she was doing. Entering the lobby he asked where her office was, after the receptionist tried to chat him up she told him to take the elevator to the top floor. He did and found Kagomes office was the only one on that floor. When he stepped off the elevator he was greeted by a human male who looked at him over wire framed glasses.

"I am Miss Higurashi personal assistant Hojo how may I help you?"

"I am here to see Miss. Higurashi"

"Do you have an appointment?"

"Just tell her Mr. West is here to see her," before Hojo could reply the door to Kagome's office opened and three females came running out crying.

"We are sorry Miss H. No one told us about that."

"What am I paying you fools for...YOU AND YOUR TWITS ARE FIRED," came Kagomes yell from inside the office.

"But Miss. H don't be so hasty. The girl apologized isn't that enough?"

"Enough...enough no it's not enough that little twit came on to my most valuable client insulting him. For Kami sake the Youkai is gay...I am not running a prostitution ring here Yura I am running a business," Kagome spoke existing the office advancing on the cowering females.

"Miss H the girl said she was sorry. She just lost her head seeing such a beautiful creature."

"Yeah if you weren't such a frigid ass bitch you would know what its like to get laid by a real man," the dark- haired youkai Yuma snarled.

Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome walked away from the three females and over to Hojo's desk picking up the phone. She dialed a number and spoke.

"Yes Bankotsu, I need you and whoever is there to escort three twits off the premises. Now if you can. Yes thank you," not five minutes later the elevator dinged and three creatures existed. One about 5'4 with black hair, one looked almost female taller than the first also with black hair, third was bald 6ft in height with green eyes. They all looked very angry as they scanned the room their eyes narrowing on Sesshoumaru then moved to Kagome.

Kagome waved them over to her, and pointed to the cowering females.

"Wow Boss what did you do to them?" one questioned.

"Fired them, Bankotsu, Jakotsu, Renkotsu meet the three twits Yura, Yuma and Tia. Gentleman they are only allowed to collect their coats than throw the trash out." she growled.

"Right away Boss. You heard the lady," Bankotsu spoke the three nodded to her and hauled the females to their feet and drag them kicking the screaming to the elevator. The door closed Kagome leaned over the desk looking tried.

"Hojo, be a dear and get me a glass of water will you," she rubbed her head.

"Right away Miss H. Would you like for me to hold your calls as well?"

"What would I do without you Hojo?" she spoke still looking at the desk.

"I am sure you would get along without me. Oh there's a Mr. West here to see you," He pointed behind her and went to get her water.

"Can you see me today Miss H or do I have to make an appointment?" Sesshoumaru spoke worried at her sudden state.

"Hmm, this time I'll let you get away with it but next time you'll have to make an appointment Mr. West. I am a busy woman you know," she giggled and waved him after her into her office. Hojo entered quietly placed the glass of water on her desk and quickly left closing the door. It was something about that youkai that made him fearful.

"So what can I do for you?" She spoke softly reaching into her drawer and pulled out a bottle. She shook three pills into her hand and tossed them into her mouth.

"What is that for?" he questioned.

"Migraines"

"Are they that bad?"

"You don't know. Don't worry about it Sesshoumaru these babies are guaranteed to take it away pain in no time" she smiled. "Playing hooky from work?"

"Yes and no, what was scene about the three twits?" he watched as she frowned clenching her fist.

"Yura, Yuma and Tia have work for me for six months. And last night when I thought I could trust them the twits come on to one of my biggest clients. I had to spend the last six hours trying to smooth things over with the poor creature. You see the poor creature how can I put this...he's more female then I am Sesshoumaru. The three twits scared the creature to death and then on top of that insulted him when he refused their offers of sex." she growled again rubbing her head.

"So did it work did you smooth it over?" he questioned pulling her from her chair and placing her on his lap as he sat behind her desk. Once settled he rubbed her shoulders and back.

"Yes, it's a good thing I've known the youkai half my life. Can you believe that girl told me I was just jealous of her?"

"And what does she have that you should be jealous of my dear?" he purred as she moaned as he massaged her back. Before she could answer her fax machine beeped and spit out three pieces of paper. Sesshoumaru reached over and collected the papers handing them to Kagome.

"Well this is good news I can't wait to tell father," Kagome cheered waving the papers around.

"And what has you so happy?"

"I just brought another hotel," She sang.

"A hotel is there something I am missing?"

"It's a hobby of mine since I was fifteen. Father asked me what I liked more then flowers. I told him hotels, so when his business took off he brought me one."

"You have strange hobbies my dear. Just how many hotels does this hobby of yours have?" Sesshoumaru questioned as he returned to rubbing her shoulders.

"About twenty five or so . . . Nothing too big," she sighed not noticing as he slipped the diamond necklace onto her neck. 'It would seem my mate-to-be is working harder then I thought' Sesshoumaru sighed inwardly he was brought from his thoughts by Kagomes voice "Not that I am complaining but shouldn't you be at work right now?"

"I am out for lunch," he smiled as she settles back on his chest with a sigh entwining their fingers. 'Life is sooo good' Kagome thought. When she came back she thought everything thing would be work since she took over. Not that she was complaining she loved to work hard and had fun doing it. But this, this was amazing never did she think she would meet someone like this Inu youkai. Instead of speeding through life like she had always done he made her slow down and enjoy simple quite moments of nothingness. For days she had been doubting if she had done the right thing about starting something with him. Now she was glad this once she was wrong ' I can't wait to tell father.'

Present:

Miroku, Sango and Inu Tashio were sitting in the waiting room again it would seem waiting for news. After two long weeks they had arrived at the hospital only to be told they had to sit in the one place they dreaded. In the second hour of waiting they looked up only to sigh in irritation as it was only Inu Yasha to join them again. So Miroku settled with glaring at the half youkai as Sango worried the edge of her shirt. Inu Tashio did nothing but stare off into nothingness as he waited.

It was Sango's gasped during the third hour that drew everyone from there self-appointed tasks. She jumped from her seat and flew into the arms of the tall, dark haired youkai.

"I am so . . . glad. .you're. .h-ere ompapa," she sobbed and held him tight. Everyone looked on as said youkai wrapped his arms around her rubbing her back.

"I came is soon as I heard dear child," he cooed and sat down pulling the sobbing woman on his lap.

"Now Miroku tell me what happened?" he spoke again after shaking Miroku's hand. Inu Tashio growled at the strange youkai who had just asked about business not his own, and the youkai growled in return; telling him to back off.

"Oh, Ompapa this is Inu Tashio West," Miroku spoke up.

"I know who he is Miroku, what I asked about is my girl pup. How is she?"

"We don't. . . don't know ompapa. .no one had told us," Sango sobbed. "You . . . You have do something, anything," she cried. Before he could answer the door opened again and in stumbled a very tried, very subdued, very bloody Sesshoumaru, who fell into a chair heavily.

"Sesshoumaru man what's happening we were told-" Miroku stared but was cut off by a wave of Sesshoumaru's hand. All eyes fell on him as he sighed and rubbed his face.

"She wake up Miroku," he started.

"That's great news. But if-" Miroku was interrupted again by the look in his friend's eyes. "What happened?" he whispered. Everything was silent.

"I was talking to the nurse just . . . just outside the door when all hell broke loose. Kagome the doctor said she woke in a panic. She tried to rip the tube from. . from her throat," he paused and swallowed thickly. "They had to rush her to emergency surgery I had to go to try and calm her down until the meds kicked in. She just went under and now they removing the tube. It will be a while before we can see her again, she rip a few stitches in the struggle." talking seemed to have taken all his strength as he slumped back in the chair clearly exhausted.

"See that's good news dear girl," The demon cooed continuing to rub Sango's back.

(Sigh)"The best new so far ompapa"

"My girl pup is a fighter," The youkai smiled sadly.

"Girl pup," Sesshoumaru parroted and then sat up staring into the blue eyes of the youkai across from him over Sangos head. "Your Kago Higurashi than Kagome's father?"

"That would be me and by Sesshoumaru, you would be Sesshoumaru West than?" Sesshoumaru nodded and took in the Inu Youkai. "My girl pup has spoken highly of you Mr. West"

"She has spoken highly of you as well Mr. Higurashi"

"Good it shows she trusts you if she has even told you of me. I wish we had met under better circumstances Mr. West."

"I don't understand?"

"Kagome never tells anyone about her father man. Sango and I have known Kagome since college and we only found out about Mr. Higurashi when we all graduated."

"Some father you are hiding when Kagome needed you" Inu Yasha snapped looking for a fight.

"Shut your mouth half breed its bad enough that you're here and we have to suffer your presence-" Sesshoumaru's angry was subdued strangely but Kagome's father as he spoke up.

"Being on vacation does not make me a bad father young hanyou. What's bad is young creatures who try to push themselves off on my girl pup when she makes it known she's not interested in them. I should kill you myself for the disrespect you have shown my pup," Kago growled.

"Hold on their Mr. Higurashi you will not harm my pup in anyway," Inu Tashio finally spoke up with a growl.

"From what I gather it is because of you and that lousily excuse of a hanyou behind that caused this. Tell me why I shouldn't take that spoiled brat out back and beat some sense into him," Kago growled red seeping into the corners of his eyes. He was brought out of his rage by a laughing Sesshoumaru.

"How can you laugh at a time like this Sesshoumaru," Inu Tashio growled.

"It would seem I am not the only one who feels the need to beat some sense into your hanyou father," Sesshoumaru snickered. Even the creature within him through worried for Kagome gave a happy huff.

"Bastards," Inu Yasha sneered as he stomped from the room.

"Are you happy now my pup?" Inu Tashio spat taking his seat again.

"He doesn't belong here, you don't belong here father. It's because of his lies and your ignorance that my mate suffers so" Sesshoumaru snapped.

"Mate?" Kago chocked. 'When did this happen?' He looked to Sango and Miroku to explain.

"It was to be a surprise Ompapa. Sesshoumaru and Kagome were to be mated but now," Sango sighed taking her place again by Miroku's side holding his hand.

"Are to be mated," Sesshoumaru spoke up.

"But-"

"Nothing has changed," Sesshoumaru hissed clenching his fist the creature within him growled in agreement. Everyone again fell silent again as they looked to him.

"Well then welcome to the family. I am confident that my girl pup will recover nicely under you keen eye then Mr. West," Kago nodded. Now Sesshoumaru didn't have to worry about where Kagome gained her sunny disposition. For the first time in weeks he finally felt things would get better. This Inu youkai was strong and if Kagome had his blood in her veins she would get better. Youkai adoptions always included a sharing of blood, so he was now hopeful for the future.

Everything was silent as the group listened to the tick of the clock. The silence was broken as the door open again, each turned to the door hoping it was good news. Kago jumped to his feet the room ablaze with his vicious growls. Everyone looked at Kago then the small woman who had entered. She just smiled at his growls her stare icy as she stared at Kago then she spoke.

"No need to get hostel youkai," she spat. "I have simply come to see about my daughter."

"Leave bitch before you find yourself becoming a patient here," Kago spat the others looking on strangely the thought on everyone's mind. 'Kagome has a mother?'