Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Inuyasha.
A/N: Thank you guys for the reviews! I have finally succeeded in getting this chapter out after my finals! Now it is summer and I will attempt to get this story done! I'm sorry it took so long. Honestly, I didn't really enjoy writing the first half, but it was necessary. As for the second half... more fluff stuff- YES! So please, read on!
The News
"Another death has taken place in between the buildings of Strings and The Opera. The poor man appeared to be brutally mauled to death and eaten. That makes the death toll of this type five in the last six weeks. Reports say that the police are trying to catch the animal responsible, but many civilians believe that it is the work of an actual person. The sto-"
The screen Kagome had her eyes on went black. She turned to her left to see Sesshoumaru holding the remote in his hand with his normal blank expression firmly in place. The slightly indiscernible muscle twitches on his face indicated far more of what he was actually feeling.
"You should not watch what upsets you," his smooth voice instantly calmed her mood.
The young woman's lips upturned into a wary smile before she replied, "Thank you…for everything, Sesshoumaru. You really don't have to be so nice to me. It hasn't really bothered me since that incident in the hospital."
"It matters not. I cannot afford to have one of my best workers upset by listening to the prattle of those uninvolved with the case." He turned away dismissively lest she see the true worry behind etched into his eyes.
She followed his retreating form with a happy shake of her head before training her eyes on the screen in front of her. It wasn't even 9am and she could already feel the stress of the day building behind her eyes. With nimble fingers, the young lady pinched the bridge of her nose in an effort to ease the headache.
Lounging back in her chair, she recounted the events since her hospitalization. Every day after her traumatizing experience became a step closer to her recovery from hell. It was an agonizingly painful process, every shimmer of light in the dark corners of her room reminded her of that violent smile and the frighteningly beautiful face that caused her pain. Though the haunting decreased in both number and intensity, Kagome came to realize that Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru couldn't always see the monster.
She had spent many hours during her three-week absence in Sesshoumaru's home, wondering if it was some supernatural phenomenon or some mean practical joke the killer was playing on her. Kagome had even entertained ideas of ghosts, voodoo, boogiemen, demons, hallucinations or that fact that she might be entering the realm of insanity.
However, she didn't want the others to know that sometimes when the light dissipated and she was left alone in her bed (Inuyasha was always there, but he slept like he consumed too much alcohol) that the killer visited her, allowing only its face and smile to gleam under the vestiges of the streetlights outside her window. And all it did was look at her and grin, unwavering and unblinking.
The first night it occurred was after her departure from the hospital-and it scared the hell out of her. Kagome screamed so loudly that when Inuyasha awoke and turned on the light, the creature vanished and Kagome was clinging to the lamp. It visited her every night for two weeks before its visits became more infrequent and it stayed less and less.
Before long, the face appearing in her room stopped all together, allowing Kagome to truly recover and return to work. She couldn't be more thankful for her boyfriend and his brother, because without them she was sure she would have been placed in a straightjacket. When Inuyasha was too busy at work, Sesshoumaru kept her company and gave her the "gentle" push she needed to escape from her delusions and hysteria. During her entire recovery, she and Inuyasha found salvation in Sesshoumaru's massive apartment and afterwards, Inuyasha insisted that they leave since there was no indication of the creature coming again.
Needless to say, Sesshoumaru unwillingly allowed them to debark from his home at the price of having some lackies patrol Inuyasha and Kagome's house. Kagome never thought that Sesshoumaru would take so much interest in helping her. After all, they had barely interacted before the first homicide. So what was the change?
With all these thoughts pounding at her skull, she felt her headache intensify. Kagome began the arduous task of alleviating her headache and became so immersed in it that the wringing of her desk phone startled her. Heart beating too fast, Kagome lifted the phone to her ears.
Kagome's voice answered the murmuring on the other side, "Oh, why is she here? Wasn't she supposed to be placed in some sort of foster care?"
She paused as the person she was talking to replied. "Well I did meet her, and she was such a sweet girl. I have no problem talking to her again. All right. I'll be right down."
Placing the phone back on the receiver, she glanced through the glass windows of her boss's office, seeing he was immersed in his work. She then glanced at her watch and concluded, "I guess a little break wouldn't hurt. Besides, Sesshoumaru shouldn't notice my absence."
In a flash of black hair and small arms, Kagome was on the ground, breathless, as the little girl on top of her giggled before squealing, "Kagome-nee-chan!"
The woman pinned on the ground returned the attack by going for the child's stomach and tickling her until she laughed silently and tears were rolling down her face. Sensing the girl's need to breathe, Kagome ceased the tickling onslaught and helped the girl who could pass for her sister to her feet.
"Hey, Rin, I'm so glad you came, but what are you doing here?" Kagome looked into the cheery chocolate eyes ahead of her and wondered if the news sunk in yet.
At her question, a child services man stepped into Kagome's attention. "Hello, my name is Tsukiyomi Daisuke."
"Higurashi Kagome." She bowed, not exactly enjoying the way his happy demeanor affected her. It was as if it was all a ploy to shield everyone else from the ability to see he was capable of much worse.
His voice interrupted her reverie, "I am currently in charge of Miss Rin. Though she is energetic and happy now, she lacks her luster away from you. It appears that any mention of… her father's death deeply affects her and she withdraws from us and will not cooperate in our efforts to place her into a good family."
Slightly appalled that the child reacted so lovingly with herself, Kagome pulled the six-year-old into a firm embrace as she stood up, replying, "That doesn't exactly explain why you brought her to me now, when I am working. I know we met after the fifth…case, but you could have called me ahead of time so I could sufficiently spend time with her, Mr. Tsukiyomi."
The young gentleman with tied hair bowed and said, "For failing to do so, I apologize. Miss Rin insisted on seeing you. But the real reason we needed your presence was because Miss Rin is aware of more of the murder than she is willing to tell us."
Understanding dawned on Kagome as she said lowly, "And you need someone to coax it out of her?"
With that, he nodded vigorously as his kind gaze fell on the child in her arms. He approached the two of them and squatted a little so he was eye-level with Rin. Rin visibly curled more into Kagome's hold as she attempted to avoid his piercing eyes and deceiving smile. Kagome noticed.
"Rin, could you tell Kagome what else you saw last that night? You know the night your father left?"
The small school girl went rigid; her face now turned completely away and into Kagome's chest as she shook her head, her dark hair tickling Kagome's bare skin.
"Is there any way I can just bring her back to your building? I think she will react better if it is a one-on-one thing," Kagome offered, feeling the fear rolling of little Rin in waves.
His pale face morphed from agitation to false jubilance as he bestowed Kagome with that curious smile. "That would be fine, Ms. Higurashi. Here is my card with the address," he pulled out the little paper and handed it to her and continued, "and please return Miss Rin before six." His eyes slid suspiciously over to glance at Rin before resettling on Kagome, the grin returned. "Until six o'clock, Ms. Higurashi."
As abruptly as he had entered her vision, he exited, leaving Rin in the arms of a very unnerved Kagome.
He swore he was about to go crazy. He searched high and low for her. He called her cell phone. He checked in the corners. Nothing! Nowhere to be found!
Just as he was about to set something on fire, the elevator sounded and the said object of his searching stepped out, holding the hand of a little girl whom he recognized. Recomposing himself, he allowed his façade of indifference to slip over his features as he approaching the two females.
With hard voice he questioned, "Where exactly have you been?"
Suddenly equally annoyed at his tone, Kagome retaliated, "I brought her to the ice cream shop, Mother."
His face remained like stone while his eyes narrowed at the offending woman before landing on the sweet thing that clung to his employee's leg. She was small, had long, dark hair, dark brown eyes, and could certainly pass for Kagome's sister or daughter. It then occurred to him that the little girl was the daughter of one of the murder victims.
Sesshoumaru stated, "This is Fujiwara Rin."
At the sound of her name, the Rin beamed at him as her puppy dog eyes worked their way into his heart. She spoke excitedly, "Yes! My name is Rin, and I am six years old!"
Sesshoumaru only stared at the young one a moment, and then turned his attention back to Kagome. "I am aware of your turmoil. However, I will ask you to refrain from mixing work with play."
Kagome only huffed with indignation, gripping Rin's hand tighter. "It may seem like I'm shirking my duties or something, but those ideas are completely off-base. The man responsible for Rin told me that she knows more than she first showed when we saw her and apparently that I am the only one who can get her to tell us the information. That's why I spent so much time with her."
"Were you able to acquire the information?"
A knowing look passed over Kagome's face as she answered hesitantly, "No. I tried asking her about it, but she just shut me out."
He stared down the both of them again, contemplating the best course of action. "Get your things. I will be accompanying you two to the park. Afterwards, we shall take you back, and I will bring you home, Higurashi."
The protest died on her lips as he grabbed his things and whisked her away towards the elevator. Before the doors could even close, Rin retreated from Kagome's side and placed herself directly in between the two adults, grabbing both of their hands, eliciting a gasp of surprise from Kagome and an eyebrow raise from Sesshoumaru.
In that instant, Kagome allowed herself some perspective. If she were a stranger looking at this scene, she would think they were a married couple with a bouncing little girl as proof of their love. The thoughts of even loving her boyfriend's brother immediately caused heat to rise to her cheeks, and she suddenly found the dent in the wall on the side of her unoccupied hand to be very interesting.
As the awkward elevator music filtered through his ears, Sesshoumaru wondered at his employee's strange behavior and the ecstatic girl who was beaming between them. The latter was indeed cute, but he wondered why she was so happy when her only parent literally died two weeks ago. She was already six; surely she already understood the concept of death! As for the former, he wondered if their proximity made her uncomfortable.
When the eternity ended with the opening of metal doors, Rin increased her surprisingly strong grip on their hands before making them vault out of the small compartment and onto the sidewalk. Her excitement was endearing to the two chained to her fingers, and Kagome threw Sesshoumaru a sheepish smile and mouthed a small apology.
It wasn't long before the trio reached the park which housed a rather extensive playground. Upon entering the mulched ground, Rin took off, leaving behind two coworkers. Sesshoumaru, spotting an unoccupied bench, took the liberty of grabbing the elbow of the young woman who had a goofy smile on her face from watching the happiness roll off of Rin. He led her to the bench and gestured for her to sit.
Kagome abruptly felt discomfited at their proximity and the lack of words, causing her to fill the emptiness between them with an issue which had been bothering her for months, "You know… me and Inuyasha have been at it for over five years. I'm hoping that he will pop the question soon, but I don't think that's going to happen because of these recent events. I mean, who would want to marry someone who is haunted? It's not my fault this thing is stalking me. Sometimes I wish he would just take action."
Kagome, what the hell are you doing? Her brain screamed at her, but the confessions kept coming up like word-vomit. "We've talked about getting married before. Has he told you about it? No, I bet he hasn't. He isn't like that. I want him to be more forward. It's not like I'm some precious piece of china; I won't break that easily. I would talk to him about it again, but I know that he'd just push it aside. I don't want to push my desires on him. He should have taken some of your more dominating genes and maybe been a little more like you… but I can't have everything, y'know?"
Though he would normally ignore her ramblings and simply give her the "superiority" treatment, he was shocked at her outburst concerning her relationship. However, he chose to retain his façade, only allowing the slight widening of the eyes to indicate his surprise. He honestly did not know why he cared so much for the well-being and even the happiness of Kagome. Sesshoumaru had no clue as to the reason why the idea of having her as his sister-in-law unsettled him.
But, he chose a diplomatic response that would not betray his inner turmoil over said woman, "I assure you that he would not be so foolish as to delay your union over such trivial matters. It is best to assume that he lacks action because of these circumstances-not because of you. Do you really desire him to propose to you when all of us, you especially, are drabbling in chaos?"
She turned teary eyes at him and managed a closed-mouth smile. "You're right, as always. I completely understand your reasoning and possibly his reasoning." With that she turned away from him, staring off into the metal jungle across from them.
It sounded sarcastic coming from Kagome's lips and her sadness only served to become tangible. Sesshoumaru felt the need to rectify his moronic brother's inaction. "If you so desire, I will confront him in person and forcefully suggest your matrimony."
Kagome looked at him then and he watched as the grin spread across her angelic face, melting away the downtrodden expression that was there earlier. He was startled by her suddenly throwing her arms around his shoulders and burying her face into his neck.
She managed to choke out a spirited, "Thank you," and held him in her embrace.
Sesshoumaru felt stiff as a result of not knowing how to react. So, he just settled for relaxing in her supple hold and stroking her long tresses.
It feels so right with her here, he voiced inwardly, but why do I feel so wronged?
"Rin, you've had your fun. Now can you please stay here with me and Sesshoumaru?" Kagome kneeled before the little girl whose face was flushed from hours of play. "You know that I care about you a lot, right?" Rin eagerly nodded. "You like spending time with me, don't you?" Rin nodded again. "Then you need to tell me something, and no one has to hear except for me. It will be our little secret. Do you know what I am talking about?"
Knowing, Rin's face became downcast, as she nodded less enthusiastically. She felt Kagome's lean arms wrap around her frame, and Rin proceeded to do the same to Kagome. She glanced up at the tall man whom she had come to admire and saw that he looked at their spectacle impassively. She pulled away from the woman cradling her and nodded again before cupping her hand, whispering her secrets into Kagome's ear.
The onlooker observed as a myriad of expressions unfolded across his employee's face: surprise, concern, confusion, fear, understanding, sadness, and finally anger. The fire was so strong in her eyes that when Rin finished, Kagome pulled the little girl into a tighter embrace as if she would be able to shield Rin from the terrors of humanity. He watched as Kagome trembled in anger and Rin trembled in deep melancholy and fear. Sesshoumaru wanted to protect them both.
"Listen here, Rin, no one and I mean no one, nobody, and no thing will every lay a finger on you, even if I have to die in the process."
The fierce declaration struck a chord in Sesshoumaru's chest and without even bidding it, the voice in his head declared just as fiercely, And the same will be applied to you, Kagome. The same will always apply to you.
He watched as Kagome gathered the six-year-old into her arms as she stood up. Without her knowing, Kagome's hand latched on to Sesshoumaru's dragging him to the child services building that Rin had to be returned to. Kagome remained oblivious to their contact opting to observe the little girl who now dosed peacefully in her arms.
The same, unfortunately, could not be said for Sesshoumaru. Though seemingly unaffected by their chaste contact, it was wreaking havoc on his mind. After his initial astonishment when those soft, warm hands enveloped his larger one, he began to wonder if she knew what she was doing to him. Is she relying on me for comfort as a result of Inuyasha's lack of attentions? Does she care for me? Is this some sort of signal? Do I really have feelings for this woman? When he saw the carefree determination set in her eyes, Sesshoumaru concluded that she had no clue and therefore the gesture was innocent and not so innocent.
If Inuyasha saw this… his thoughts trailed off, and he allowed himself to revel in his opportunity of their contact. I will accept the consequences when they arise.
They crossed the stairs leading up to a decent looking building. Upon entering the lobby, Sesshoumaru saw a pale, stalky looking man whose long, dark hair was tied behind him. Sesshoumaru felt his hackles rising as the feminine looking man turned towards him and flashed a predatory smile. The display of teeth continued even as he approached the woman who was holding the sleeping girl. Sesshoumaru felt as if the unknown man would pounce and he was about to utilize his jujitsu techniques when Kagome acknowledged the intruder.
"I brought her back by six o'clock. Just like you asked, Mr. Tsukiyomi. I am aware that she is to be placed in another's care, but I was wondering if you could inform me of where she is going and who she is going to be placed with so that I can check on her regularly." Kagome averted her eyes to the cherub face dozing on her shoulder and felt her heart swell with maternal love and protectiveness.
Though Kagome remained ignorant of the eyes that bore down upon her, Sesshoumaru was even more attentive. His jaw clenched in distaste, watching as the so-called Tsukiyomi Daisuke gazed upon Kagome and Rin's exchange with seemingly hostile intentions.
Daisuke's hand reached out and settled on Rin's back, startling Kagome out of her trance. "If you would be so kind, Ms. Higurashi, to wake little Rin?"
For some reason, the mere contact between Rin and Tsukiyomi made Kagome's skin crawl and she immediately felt disgusted that possibly such a sickly creature would dare touch the little angel in her arms. Repulsed, Kagome jerked away from his touch, in turn waking the one in her hold. Rin's eyes fluttered open to meet Kagome's azure, cheerless ones.
"Rin, it's time to go."
She had no desire to follow the scary man in charge of her. But she understood that Kagome couldn't keep her. Her curious, innocent tone broke Kagome's heart a little more, "Will you visit me?"
Breathlessly, in an attempt to restrain her tears, Kagome replied, "Of course! I will visit you as often as your new family will let me."
Unwillingly, Kagome set the child down, still maintaining the intertwinement of her fingers with Sesshoumaru's and unknowingly clutching his hand even tighter.
"I will let you know of her wellbeing and whereabouts." With a curt nod to both Kagome and Sesshoumaru, Daisuke placed his hand in between Rin's shoulder blades, gently pushing her away from the couple.
Before Rin entered the elevator, she turned to see the two people whom she adored the most holding hands and called out, "I love you!"
The doors abruptly slid shut over the two. Kagome looked on wistfully and she allowed the whisper to fall from her lips, "I love you too."
In an uncharacteristic act of sympathy, Sesshoumaru gave her a reassuring squeeze. However, it had the opposite effect. Instead of comforting her, Kagome pulled away almost as if she were slapped. The fearful expression that crossed her flushed features made her more precious in Sesshoumaru's eyes. But, as quickly as it came, it disappeared, morphing into one of embarrassment.
In an effort to avoid seeing his overbearing smugness, Kagome twisted away while spitting out nervously, "Take me home, will you?"
They left briskly and walked in silence only with the exception of Kagome's constant, smooth yet solemn clicks from her stilettos. The oppressive warmth of the rising night pushed down upon both of them, increasing Kagome's uneasiness and Sesshoumaru's confusion about the person walking next to him.
Unable to contain herself, Kagome wrung her hands together and piqued up, "I know I forgot to tell you about what Rin said to me earlier."
Having been reminded of that important piece of information, Sesshoumaru momentarily abandoned his previous thoughts and inquired, "Was what she said pertinent to the investigation?"
He watched as her expression immediately grew somber, her words toneless yet betraying all emotion she was feeling, "The…thing… the night Rin's father died, she was there with him, walking in an abandoned alleyway. She said it felt like something was following them for a long time- like more than two weeks. That night, it pounced on him and literally tore into him and feasted on him while he was alive and she was watching.
"Rin remembered how her father's warm blood splattered on her face and clothes as her father screeched in agony. When he stopped struggling, she said the thing was beautiful- angelic and deadly- as it cradled her face and said to her, 'When you commit atrocities, look inside and you will find me there, my love, and in return, I will find you.' And it left her on her own, weeping beside her father.
When Kagome finally realized where they were, the majestic array of red and beams of golden light were piercing the clouds, showering theirs rays upon the couple who were now standing on the front porch. They played across Kagome's face like melodious music, brightening her complexion to one of near jubilance. They contrasted greatly with her earlier mood, but they illuminated her paler, creamy face only leaving Sesshoumaru with the word: ethereal.
Kagome looked back at him, finding his intent gaze to be both adoring and menacing-the possessiveness revealed in the way his jaw was set. She felt the emotions collide in her chest upon seeing his magnificent, flawless, angled features, and she yielded to the temptation to touch his face. Sesshoumaru's skin caressed her hand as she touched him and she felt her eyes folding under some blissful pressure, pressing herself hotly against his body.
He too experienced himself being drawn to her face, the plush pillows waiting to be made more swollen with his attentions. As he drew nearer, her cool breath swept across his face, causing him to yearn for her in more ways than a simple kiss.
The melting woman in his arms tersely became rigid. Her eyes snapped open as realization dawned on her face of what she was about to do. In nothing other than mortification, she jumped away from Sesshoumaru, feeling the red get slapped on her cheeks. Suddenly lacking tact, Kagome found some words, "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." She fumbled for her door keys and hastily attempted to unlock the door. "Thank you for walking me home. See-see you tomorrow!"
With success, she threw open her door and slammed it, locking the man on the other side out. Her heart felt like it had just been electrocuted. Her fingers tentatively traveled up to her untouched lips, wondering what in the world had happened to make her act that way.
"Oye! Kagome! Are you okay? You look like you just got hit with an iceberg." Inuyasha briskly entered the room towards her, placing his strong fingers around her shoulders to steady her.
She managed to fake a smile. "Yeah. Yeah. I'm fine, Inuyasha. Just slipped out there and almost fell on my face."
He rolled his eyes at her and declared, "You're hopeless! Kagome, you seriously need to be more careful." With that he strolled away from her, leaving her by herself.
If I hadn't been any more careful, I would have kissed that iceberg, she thought as she slid down the front door to sit on the floor. God, I wonder if he hates me now.
On the other side of the door stood a stoic detective who stared at the door and wondered, what the hell was that?