Hunted Chapter 6, an inuyasha fanfic

Thank you for the reviews, my lovelies! Makes me happy. Here's chapter six, I hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the nose on my face

Just a warning…Inuyasha has a potty mouth. Don't like? Don't flame. K?

Chapter Six

"Hi, Kaede. Hi, Miroku." Kagome bent down to give Rin a hug. "Hi, Rin. Guess who's here."

Rin looked up and her eyes widened before her whole face lit up. She ran to Sesshomaru, whom kneeled and Rin squeezed him tightly.

"Oh, Sesshomaru! Rin was so worried! I missed you so much!"

"I am sorry, Rin. Are you all right? Did anything happen?"

Kagome was touched by this scene and the worry she could read in Sesshomaru's eyes. She had been around him for a few days now and this was the first sign of tenderness or any great emotion she'd yet seen from him.

"Rin is fine now."

"Sesshomaru," Kaede said cautiously. "After your capture…your house was seized after its location became known and it was turned into a headquarters for Naraku's forces. It's out of our power to regain it at the moment."

He got a blank look on his face and Kagome could almost read the 'oh'.

"You can go to one of our safe houses but I'm afraid you'll be separated from Rin; no safe houses available are able to take in two people."

At this Rin had relaunched herself at Sesshomaru, crying. Sesshomaru patted her gently on the head and murmured something to her, speaking so softly that Kagome could not hear him, even with her demon hearing.

"Rin doesn't want to leave Sesshomaru!"

"Then why don't they stay here? If they don't mind the living room," Kagome suggested.

Sesshomaru looked at Rin. "Rin?" he asked.

"Thank you, Kagome!" Rin said with a toothy smile, running to give her a hug.

Kagome woke up early the next morning, just before it was light. She glanced over and saw that Sango was still asleep, her long hair falling over her face. Kagome quietly got up, changed, and brushed out her long silver hair.

Kagome took a quick peek into the living room and smiled. She'd fixed up a bed for Rin on the floor and blanket for Sesshomaru on the couch but she could see that he'd placed the little girl on the couch and had taken the floor for himself. Rin lay with her arm thrown out and her mouth open. Sesshomaru lay on his back with his arms crossed under his head, his chest rising and falling gently. It was a rather sweet scene. Sesshomaru obviously cared a great deal for Rin.

She went softly into the kitchen. It gave her a kind of peace to see everyone asleep under one roof; life had been difficult for them all recently but in sleep they were all innocents. All untouched by the world, free from pain and content. Seeing them all asleep and comfortable made Kagome happy and she felt a certain protectiveness and desire to keep them that way, keep everyone free from the troubles of the world. They were almost like a family.

Kagome put coffee grounds and water into the coffee pot and clicked it on. As the machine softly bubbled, Kagome went to the dinning room and pushed the curtain back a fraction. The sky was at the bright color between day and night, when the sun was not yet visible. All was quiet except the occasional car and she could hear birds somewhere. Where had they picked to live in this completely industrialized area? Funny how life adapts. As she watched, the sun began to creep up, turning the sky pink and gold.

Kagome suddenly became aware of Sesshomaru standing next to her. She'd been so intent on the view that she had not heard him. His hair was slightly mussed from sleep but, besides that, he looked rather as he always did. Him coming in with bed-head further gave Kagome the feeling that they were all becoming a family, comfortable with one another.

"Good morning," she said softly.

"Good morning."

Kagome could her Rin stirring in the living room, murmuring softly. The coffee pot was silent.

"I made coffee. Would you like some?"

He nodded.

Kagome poured two cups and set them on the table where Sesshomaru now sat. She got the sugar and cream and sat them down as well before sitting.

They sat in silence for awhile before Kagome spoke. She had noticed that though Sesshomaru had cleaned he was wearing the same clothes; clothes which, even clean, were the worse for wear. And Kagome realized practically that bed-had on his part might simply result from having no possessions, including a hair-brush. Though it had been nice to imagine him simply being comfortable looking that way.

"I was gong to go shopping today to get clothes for everyone. Would you and Rin like to go? My father left me enough."

Sesshomaru glanced at her for a moment before looking away. He was quiet for so long that Kagome thought he wasn't going to answer her.

"I have no money," he said in a completely flat voice.

"That's okay. But would you like to go?"

He was silent again. Kagome knew by now that Sesshomaru was prideful and she had a feeling that accepting help or money didn't do much for this pride. Kagome could sympathize but the practicalities must be attended to.

"Look, if it really bothers you, you can pay me back when you're able but I'd still like to get you and Rin some things."

He was quiet for a moment before saying, "Very well."

Kagome felt a little guilty for throwing Rin into that sentence but Kagome had a feeling that Sesshomaru wouldn't have agreed otherwise. Kagome rose to cook breakfast and she heard Sesshomaru go into the living room and speak to Rin. Sango and Shippo soon appeared. Sango helped Kagome cook while Kagome had Shippo, then Rin, when she appeared, set the table. It was a little crowded but cozy. Sesshomaru came in and Kagome shooed him to sit down with the kids. Sango and Kagome finished cooking and set the breakfast on the table. Kagome was surprised to see the place settings in order and not scattered haphazardly, like you'd expect with two little kids setting the table. She snuck a glance at Sesshomaru. Had he'd pushed everything in place? But he was just sitting there. Would he even? She supposed it didn't matter but it was a cute thought. Though she had a feeling that Sesshomaru would not like being called cut. Inuyasha then came in and everyone began to eat, some more enthusiastically than others.

"Sango. Inuyasha. I was going to take Sesshomaru, Rin, and Shippo to get clothes. I'm going to get some things for you too, Sango. I'm sorry you can't go as well."

"That's okay. It's dangerous with people knowing me. I'll be fine. And thank you."

Once they'd finished eating Sango began to clear the dishes. Kagome made to help her but Sango held up a hand, shooing her gently away.

"No. You guys go. Inuyasha! Help me!"

"Feh."

"You eat. You help!"

"Whatever, bitch."

Sesshomaru growled and rose slightly from his chair, with the intention of correcting the foul language used in front of Rin. But Kagome beat him to it.

"Watch your language! Sit!"

There was a sickening crack as Inuyasha met linoleum. Rin and Shippo giggled.

"Help Sango. If you don't, I'll sit you when I get back!"

Kagome herded the two kids to use the restroom and put their shoes on, ignoring Inuyasha's second encounter with the floor. She then went to her own room and pulled on shoes and socks. She grabbed her money and stuffed it in her pocket. She headed into the living room where Rin sat on the couch, kicking her heels together. Sesshomaru, she saw, had already placed his subduing charm on himself. It seemed odd, somehow, seeing him with black hair, brown eyes, and no markings. Shippo then came running in, his own subduing charm in place (Kagome and Kaede had been working on it with him, to strengthen his ability).

"Kagome?" Shippo asked. "Aren't you going to cast your subduing charm?"

Kagome glanced toward the kitchen. "Yes, Shippo. But I'm going to do it in the doorway."

"Why?"

"I don't want Inuyasha to see. He gets upset."

"Why?"

She hesitated. "I remind him of someone he used to know."

The foursome headed out; the children running and skipping about while she and Sesshomaru followed at a more leisurely pace. Kagome kept a close eye on the kids as they chattered and laughed like they'd been friends forever. She spoke to occasionally call them back when they ran too far ahead.

'Poor kids. They've been inside too long.'

After a time they reached a department store and, after being told to walk by the adults, entered. They went to the kids department first.

"Do you have anything in particular you'd like Rin to wear?" Kagome asked Sesshomaru.

He shook his head.

"Do you mind if I get things for her?"

He shook his head again. Kagome had the kid's try clothes on before they selected a few outfits. Shippo favored blue and green while Rin seemed to like orange. Kagome also got them a pair each of tennis shoes, a sweater, and socks. Kagome was drawing out how long she helped the kids, feeling slightly awkward about what came next; it would seem odd to ask a grown man if he needed help getting clothes. She glanced at Sesshomaru questioningly. He only looked at her blankly.

'Big help,' 'Kagome huffed to herself.

"I'm going to go get some clothes for Sango," Kagome told him. "Do you want to go get a few outfits for yourself? I'll take the kids with me since I don't have to try anything on."

He nodded and, without a word, headed off to the men's department. Kagome glared after him for a moment before going with Shippo and Rin to the woman's department. Girls talked about how great the strong silent types were…well, she had a living breathing one and the silent part got tedious sometimes. She had just found a pair of shoes for her when Sesshomaru reappeared, clothes in hand.

"Did you get shoes?" Kagome asked.

He shook his head.

"Come on. I'm done. You should have some shoes."

He looked at her before seeming to sigh. As Sesshomaru found a pair of shoes, Kagome sat with Rin and Shippo. She couldn't figure Sesshomaru out. He was so unresponsive and uncommunicative and sometimes seemed to border on disdainful. But he obviously cared for Rin and had thanked her once. Did he dislike her? Or did he act like that all the time? But then, if he was always that way, would Rin really love him so much? Maybe it was just that Sesshomaru disliked her, but for what reason, she couldn't imagine. Kagome wasn't even sure exactly what she thought of him. She respected him for his behavior to Rin and his strength. But other than that, she didn't know.

He came from wealth and power and had a lot of pride. Kagome didn't begrudge pride but she wondered if his pride bordered on inappropriate. But, despite the fact they didn't talk, there were times when they felt almost like friends. She felt comfortable around him, despite some of her misgivings. She felt like she could trust him, even though she didn't always know what she thought of him.

She shook her head. She didn't get it. She looked up and saw Sesshomaru standing there, a shoe box in hand.

"Ready?" Kagome asked.

He nodded. They gathered up the clothing and Kagome bought them. As the cahier bagged their purchases, Kagome privately counted her money. She hadn't brought all of it of course but she wanted to make sure she had enough on her for the remaining purchases she intended to buy. Kagome then took the bags from the woman, and nearly dropped them. They were heavier than expected. Not too heavy to hold but she hadn't been prepared. To her surprise, Sesshomaru took half the bags from her in an effortless manner, slinging them over his shoulder.

"Thank you," Kagome said.

He nodded. They left the store and walked until they reached one where Kagome stopped.

"Wait here," she said.

Sesshomaru looked slightly displeased to be waiting on the sidewalk with shopping bags and two hyper kids but he said nothing. Kagome soon re-emerged with a bag in hand but ignored the questions directed at her. The kids by now were complaining of hunger so Kagome led them to a hot dog vendor.

"Do you want one?" Kagome asked Sesshomaru.

He looked suspiciously at the food. "I don't each such things."

Kagome was annoyed. "Fine. Go hungry then," she said shortly.

Now Sesshomaru was annoyed. Who did this woman think she was? He was in her debt, yes, but that didn't give her the right to show such disrespect.

"Watch your tone," he said coldly.

She ignored him.

"Woman," he growled.

Kagome ignored him for a moment before turning. "Where I come from, one uses someone's name when addressing them," she said coldly, then turned back to the vendor.

She led the children to a bench to eat. Sesshomaru stood where he was for a moment before joining them with a low growl of frustration. The kids immediately began to eat with more enthusiasm than politeness.

"Rin," Sesshomaru said.

The little girl looked at him. "Yes, father?"

Kagome noticed Sesshomaru's eyes widen at this title that Rin used so innocently and in so off-hand a manner. Kagome herself had only heard her call him by his name. Kagome supposed his absence had made Rin all the more attached to him. He simply stared at his ward for several moments, seeming at a loss. Kagome wondered if he was shocked, irritated, or confused. Or if he was even okay with this title. Would he correct Rin? He seemed to recover himself and handed her a napkin.

"Thank you," she said happily.

The little girl wiped her face. Kagome stole a sidelong glance at Sesshomaru. What was with this guy? She couldn't figure him out.

The kids were still full of energy and Kagome would have felt guilty confining them back into the apartment.

"Do you mind if we take them to the park before we go back to the apartment?"

"No."

Sighing she picked up some of the bags and led the way to a small park that was nearby. Rin and Shippo immediately ran off to the swing set. Kagome sank down on a bench with a small sigh. After a moment, Sesshomaru followed. The kids ran around for several hours, trying out every piece of equipment while Kagome and Sesshomaru sat silently next to each other. Kagome was feeling very tired, otherwise she might have joined Shippo and Rin.

Kagome felt Sesshomaru's gaze on her and she turned to look at him.

"What is it?" she asked.

He looked away.

"Sesshomaru?"

Without looking at her he said tonelessly, "do you always speak so?"

"How is that?"

"So bluntly."

"Oh…you're talking about earlier. Yes, I do. And I'm sorry if I offended you but I can't say I'm sorry for my meaning.

"I see."

There was a long silence.

"Are you offended?" Kagome asked.

She wanted to know. For some reason, she didn't want him to be. He still didn't look at her.

"No. I am not."

"Okay."

"And I apologize."

Kagome's gaze flew to him. "What? Why?"

"I should have been more decorous. There was no need for me to neglect calling you by your name…or to act as I did at the hot dog vendor."

Kagome thought that if anyone overheard this conversation, that they would think they were crazy. But she felt…a little overwhelmed by what Sesshomaru was saying, was apologizing for.

"Its okay," Kagome said softly.

"No. you have helped me and Rin though I have contributed nothing. I am grateful to you and I will endeavor to display that gratitude more."

"Sesshomaru, I understand. And its fine. I forgive you."

Sesshomaru nodded and the two once again fell silent. Kagome closed her eyes, pondering the short conversation that had just taken place.

Kagome opened her eyes and checked her watch. 4:12. Time to go. She slid a glance at Sesshomaru, who didn't seem to have moved. He was watching the kids.

"Sesshomaru?"

He turned to look at her.

"We should probably get going," Kagome said.

He nodded and stood. Kagome rounded up the kids and they all headed back to the apartment. The smells of dinner came enticingly from the kitchen. Kagome got settled and then went into the kitchen to help Sango finish cooking; and then everyone sat down to eat.

As soon as everyone had finished eating, Sesshomaru shooed Rin out to take a bath before heading into the living room. Kagome, after a moment of indecision, followed him. Kagome silently helped him make up the two beds.

"How did Rin come into your care?" Kagome asked.

"Her village was slaughtered. She had helped me some time before when I was injured. When she came to me, I took her into my care."

Though he minced his words and gave such a stoic account of Rin, Kagome knew how much Rin meant to him. And she knew how kind he must be to have done what he did. Kagome smiled at him and Sesshomaru's face took on a faint look that Kagome couldn't identify. Kagome couldn't explain exactly what was different. If she had been asked to explain, she probably couldn't have pinpointed it, what made his face not quite as impassive. Kagome did a slight double-take. Was that pink on his face? Nah, couldn't be. Possibly it was the light.

"What?" he asked, sounding ever so slightly puzzled.

"Rin is wonderful. You're a good father."

Sesshomaru looked at her rather blankly for a time before saying, "Thank you."

If Kagome didn't know better, he looked as though he had pink on his face again.

Before Kagome could decide if she was hallucinating or not, Rin came bounding into the room, her hair wet and in disarray and clad in a new orange and white checked nightgown.

"I took my bath!" she announced happily.

"I see, Rin," Sesshomaru said not ungently.

Kagome slid a glance at him and had to smile to herself. Rin held out her hairbrush to Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru took it and sat down on the couch and Rin crawled into his lap. He looked up and caught Kagome's eye.

"Yes?" he asked.

"Nothing," she said with a smile.

Thinking that Sesshomaru might be embarrassed to be seen showing this kind of attention, Kagome left the living room. She caught Shippo and sent him into the bathroom for a bath of his own before going into her room. Sango was already in bed, though not yet asleep.

"Hey, Sango."

"Hi, Kagome. Thanks for the clothes," Sango said, indicating to the pajamas she wore.

"Don't worry about it. I was happy to."

Kagome began to peel off her clothing and put on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt before brushing out her hair. She caught Sango looking at her.

"What is it?"

"Nothing," Sango said. "Well…"

"You can ask, Sango. Whatever it is."

"I was just wondering. How does it feel…I mean, how is it…being a demon?"

"Not all that different from being human."

Sango nodded.

"Are you okay with the fact that I'm a demon?" Kagome asked, trying to hide the anxiety she felt in asking.

"Yes. You're very kind and a good friend. But sometimes…sometimes I find it hard to accept that demons are not as I always thought."

"I understand, Sango. But don't ever think you need to pretend around me. I'm not offended."

"Thank you."

"I'll be right back."

Kagome left to check on Shippo who emerged from the bathroom as she approached. Kagome sent him into her room and then went into the doorway of the living room. Rin was in bed, her hair neatly brushed. Sesshomaru sat on the floor, near Rin and looked up at Kagome.

"Goodnight," Kagome said.

After a brief pause, he said, "Goodnight."

Kagome returned to her room, where she tucked Shippo in, wished Sango goodnight, and eventually drifted off to sleep.

Okay, that's it for chapter six! Don't forget to review! Oh, and if you're good ;) I may play Santa Claus to you all! Tee-hee, I'm not bribing you guys, really…