J: Hope you are all ready for a massive chapter, because that's what you're getting! This is the beauty of having a rough idea for each chapter, you don't know how long each one will turn out to be until you stop writing XD Now let's see how many people love this story...We are up to 47, this pleases me.
THANKS TO: TheLostPrincessofTheEast (if that stirred your curiosity then this chapter might drive you crazy "evil smirk") BasementKat (thank you!) and Silentmidnightdeath (Heh Miroku's personality is actually the easiest to portray since he is literally the physical representation of that one friend we all have that loves to poke and prod you until you spill everything...Minus the perversion, that's a gimmick in some friends not all XD)
J: I love seeing my follower count increase, but I'm curious about how many of you are still actually reading along. If you could spare one nano-second send a review that says 'HI' or anything you want, hell I'll even accept criticism it would be awesome...Honestly I'm a review whore XD I'm fine if you don't.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY INUYASHA CHARACTERS.
p.s. As always let me know if I'm sticking to the character's personalities, I refuse to go out of character! Keep me on track!
Chapter Four
"Woow! Rin's house is huge!" Shippo exclaimed this after they got out of the taxi. They stood outside a brick wall with a gated entrance. Beyond the wall that protected the property was a three story mansion that was built much like the Victorian homes seen in England in older years. The driveway leading up to the house had a turn about with a simple fountain in the middle.
Kagome had grown up in a large shrine and home that seemed meager in comparison to this castle. "Rin's a lucky girl. But a big house doesn't mean you can skip on your manners right?"
"I know Mama. I'll say my pleases and thank yous." Shippo beamed at the proud smile and nod Kagome gave him.
On the wall on their side of the gate was an intercom. Pressing the white button a 'ding' noise rang out at them. A second late a squawky voice demanded, "Who's there?"
Kagome pushed in the button, "It's Kagome Higurashi, I've brought Shippo over to play with Rin."
They distinctly heard the squawky voice mutter about more work and annoyances before the gates swung open to let them in. Shippo smirked and snickered, "I think that's Jaken, Rin says he pretends to be mean and bossy to look good in front of her Papa. When he watches Rin when her Papa isn't home he gets a little nicer." Kagome giggled along with Shippo. That sounded just like a male to behave in such a way. 'If he's being bitter now then Sesshomaru must be home still.'
The walk through the gate and up the driveway took them close to ten minutes as they often got distracted by a small garden or pond along the way. 'This place is gorgeous! Sango has to come pick Shippo up with me so she can see for herself.' The double mahogany doors at the front of the house opened as they climbed up the steps. A squat balding old man with bulging eyes stood waiting for them, "Took you long enough." Once the door closed behind them the old man faded into a toad demon wearing a brown coat and beige pants.
Kagome didn't appreciate the rude welcome, as they stepped into the foyer Kagome gave the tiny demon a light flicker of her power, "I doubt Mr. Taishou minds us admiring his home and it's gardens."
"SHIPPO!" A streak of black hair flew beneath Kagome's eye level to tackle hug Shippo. Kagome's mood lifted at the sight of the two laughing children.
"You are correct Ms. Higurashi, I do not mind my guests admiring my home." Kagome's breathe whooshed out in a sigh of awe at the sight of an undisguised Sesshoumaru Taishou. Without the illusion his appearance was overwhelming. His hair was a shimmering silver that matched the moon's light, brown eyes were a sharp attentive amber. Adorning his cheeks were magenta stripes that warned of poison, and on his forehead was a deep blue crescent moon that told of his lineage to the House of the Moon. 'Rin is really lucky. She gets to see this side of him every day.'
Regaining herself Kagome bowed, "Thank you for letting Shippo spend the day Mr. Taishou."
"It is not a problem." Sesshoumaru didn't think it necessary to let her know that Shippo's presence ensured that Rin wouldn't be sad or lonely while he worked through most of the day. Looking down at the kit and his daughter he noticed the it continued to wear his disguise, "You may remove your illusion charm while in my home. There are protections placed to prevent outsiders from seeing the truth inside."
Kagome was impressed, "An illusion that covers the whole house? I never thought of that."
"Can I really take off my illusion?" Shippo was nervous. He'd never been himself in front of Rin even though she could see through the illusion with her own protection charm.
Kneeling down to eye level with Shippo Kagome placed a gentle hand on his head, "Mr. Taishou said it was okay and Rin won't mind will you Rin?"
Rin shook her head smiling in anticipation, "If you're scared of losing it you can hang it up here, this is where Papa keeps his magic charm." Rin pointed to a wall hanger that held four pegs. Each peg had a different necklace that Kagome assumed belonged to each member of the household, the fourth peg was available for guests.
Shippo looked from Rin to Kagome and made his decision. Reaching under his shirt he pulled out the leaf pendant and took it off. Shippo's black hair faded to flaming red, brown eyes brightened to green and a puff of fur appeared on his back side. Rin grabbed Shippo in another hug, "Yay! You look so cool Shippo! Do you want to take your shoes off too? Papa doesn't like wearing shoes inside, you can leave them there. Can we go play now?" Kagome covered a giggle as Shippo's head whipped back and forth keeping up with Rin as she pointed out the shoe den then began to tug him towards the hallway. Sesshoumaru gave a, "Hn" letting Rin full out drag Shippo towards the first room she wanted to show him.
The children out of sight Kagome laughed, "Something tells me Shippo won't have any problems getting to sleep tonight."
"Hn Rin tends to become energy itself when she's excited."
'I actually got some emotion in that sentence.' He had placed a touch of fondness in his words, a fondness she recognized as a parent's happiness. Kagome silently wished he would talk like that more often, a voice such as his needed to be heard. "It's good to know he'll be in good hands while I'm at work. I'll be back for him close to 7:30."
"MAMA!" Before Kagome could leave Shippo and Rin came rushing back. Knowing what her kit wanted she crouched down and opened her arms to hug him.
Sesshoumaru had often hugged Rin before departing for work but the hug between Shippo and his mother was different. They clung to each other in a way that seemed more of a protective hold than a mother-child embrace. If he had been human he would have missed the whispered exchange, "Promise to come back?"
"Promise to be careful?"
"I promise." They swore at the same time smiling in reassurance at each other.
Pulling apart a sudden look of panic overcame Kagome's expression, "Oh no...I forgot again!" Kagome ran to the door and opened it squinting out into the sunlight. She sighed in defeat, "It's gone."
"You forgot to ask the taxi driver to stay didn't you Mama?" For a young fox demon he was able to give his mother a very adult exasperated expression with a teasing voice. Seeing Rin's confused face and Sesshoumaru's raised eyebrow Shippo shrugged, "Mama forgets things a lot."
Kagome couldn't resist ruffling Shippo's hair and playfully tease him back, "I don't forget to pack your lunch do I?" Remembering that her host was still present she resumed her more polite attitude, "It does happen time to time, but my work isn't far from here so it's okay. Shippo go play with Rin, I'll see you tonight. Thank you again Mr. Taishou." Once Shippo and Rin ran off Kagome set out for the gates.
Sesshoumaru glanced at his watch. It was close to 10:30 now. He had looked into the location of both the places she worked and knew that both were over two hours in walking distance, she would be late no matter which location she was heading to. He had an hour before needing to go to work, it wouldn't take him more than 15 minutes to driver her to work, "Ms. Higurashi."
Kagome paushed on the first step, "Yes?"
"I will drive you to work. Jaken watch the children." Sesshoumaru ignored the surprised wide eyes she was staring at him with as he grabbed his car keys and illusion charm.
Jaken waddled off to follow orders and Sesshoumaru stepped out closing the door behind him. Kagome snapped out of her surprise when he walked past her, "Um...I appreciate the offer but...are you sure? I wouldn't want to inconvenience you."
Sesshoumaru continued down the steps and towards the three door garage detached from the house, "It is not an inconvenience." Seeing no way to decline Kagome followed after him into the garage. Her eyes nearly left their sockets at the sight of his collection of transportation. One third of the garage held all motorcycles, one third held top end model cars and the last third held three limos.'The limos and fancy cars I understand, but Harleys and Suzakis?' She didn't dare to ask out right in fear of offending him.
He lead her to the collection of cars and the black car she had seen him arrive in upon their first meeting. Getting in Kagome immediately wished for this car for Christmas. The seats were the smoothest leather she'd ever touched and the entire vehicle smelt of soothing jasmine. "This car is incredible."
"It is my favorite." This was his only response to the compliment as he started the engine and sped off through the open garage door. As they hit the main street he asked, "Where do you work?" He didn't see any reason to inform her that he knew where she worked but asking in this way allowed him to know which one she needed to get to.
"I'm working at 'One Cup Cafe.' "
"Hn I know where that is." With ease he took the necessary routes to the cafe. At the first red light he glanced over at his passenger.
Kagome's gaze was directed out the window seeming to watch the surroundings but her sight remained focused in one spot telling him her thoughts were foremost on her mind.
The exchange between the miko and kit itched at his curiosity. Something about it compelled him to inquire, "I overheard your words with your kit. Is there a particular meaning behind them?"
Kagome startled at his sudden question having been comfortable with the silence. The question itself bothered her more than the fact of him overhearing her.
He glanced over again at the next red light. Her eyes were turned down to her lap where she clenched her black work skirt with a white knuckled grip. Her voice was soft, if not for his enhanced hearing he wouldn't have heard her answer, "There's a long story behind it...Too long."
The scent of slight fear and anxiety told him that any other questions on the subject were unwelcome. The remainder of the drive passed in a silence that wasn't as comfortable as before.
When he pulled up in front of the cafe Kagome's grip eased and her scent spoke of relief, half smiling she turned to her savior, "Thank you for the ride Mr. Taishou, you saved me from some trouble...And...Maybe I'll tell you that story another time. Have a good day Mr. Taishou." This said as an attempt to mend the awkward feeling between them Kagome got out and went inside.
On the drive back to the house Sesshoumaru pondered the mystery behind Kagome Higurashi and her kit. If there was one thing Sesshoumaru didn't appreciate it was a mystery that he couldn't solve.