A.N. I'm feeling a lot better about this chapter. (Kind of.) I hadn't posted this before because I completely wanted to remove and add sections. (And to be completely honest, I am traumatized by the fact that due to a recent predicament, I went from shoulder-length hair to…well hair that's seven or so inches shorter. Not to mention the fact that I caught a cold…again) Unfortunately there will not be any real fluff in this chapter. But I have a sweet scene written in another chapter that'll make up for this slow development. Thank you for reviewing though and a huge thanks to my musical muse. Normally, when I have a music muse, I would have suggestions of song supplements for which segments, but I always second guess most if not all of the 'creative' decisions I make when I'm this sick.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Simply Business

(Tsuki)

Chapter Twenty-Five

-

(Tsuki)

Inuyasha scowled and grumbled to himself, "How the fuck did I end up cooking?! Do I look like a domestic servant?" With a pout firmly in place he flipped a set of fluffy, albeit gooey, chocolate chip pancakes on a large skillet.

Gooey fell into the description due to the fact that the chocolate chips were less the perfect traditional cone shapes than they were fragments of Hershey bars. Apparently the semi-sweet morsels were too good for the likes of Sesshoumaru's pantry and a substitute had had to be put into place.

Shippou, seated cheerfully on the countertop near the irate male, swung his legs in a slight rhythm. "Whenever I ask the old man to make pancakes, he just gives me cereal!" The red haired boy said, in lieu of an explanation. In a slightly demurred tone, he said, "I haven't had pancakes since mommy was here."

Two sneaker clad feet slowly stopped swinging.

Inuyasha winced and awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. That girl never should have separated herself from her son…Not seeing the kid probably was hindering her health more than the cancer. And from what he heard, Shippou was suffering too. He tried to paste on a smile, "Well, I always did make better stuff than Sara, so these'll be the best pancakes you've ever tasted."

The silver haired man ruffled the child's hair with a cocky wink. Shippou grinned in response and crossed his arms, "They'd better! They're taking forever!"

Inuyasha tweaked his nose, "Perfection takes time munchkin." Inuyasha lifted Shippou and set him down on the floor. "Now go call Rin down here while you wait." He snorted, "I might as well feed you two in one shot."

Shippou scrunched up his nose as he looked up at the taller male, "She wasn't in her room when I got up though."

The silver haired man rolled his eyes, "She's camping out on the floor of mine. She wanted stories, and I'm guessing Sesshoumaru makes a godawful storyteller." He glanced at the time and suddenly mused to himself, "We were up kinda late though, so maybe I should let her sleep…"

Before he could open his mouth to cancel his request to Shippou, Inu Taisho entered the kitchen, the brunette in question sitting upon his shoulders. Shippou let out an awed exclaim, "You're up so high! Can I get a turn?!"

Inu Taisho chuckled a bit and picked Rin from her position and carefully put her down. Rin squealed, "Good morning, Shippou-chan! Good morning, Uncle!"

Inuyasha raised a brow as Inu Taisho picked up the red head next. As he said a quick good morning to Rin, he thought with a roll of his eyes, 'I wonder how many grandpas pull off playing with their grandkids decked in Armani…'

—Tsuki—

Sesshoumaru shuddered as he heard various voices and squeals resonate to the second level of the house. Saturday morning was rarely ever this active. Apparently everyone was up and active, though.

The man was in his office and had been for the past two hours, working on whatever could keep him preoccupied. A 'day off' had done nothing for him save double his workload.

He tapped his pen, in a bit off an uncharacteristic move, in rhythm against the hardwood surfaced desk.

Thinking…

For once, not about work or the somewhat unwelcomed guests in his home.

His thoughts could not even stay on Sara that long. Despite Inuyasha's relatively negative report.

They swirled oddly enough around raven locks and faraway days in June.

That is, until a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, "Oi, I know you're anti-food and all, but I thought it'd be rude not to at least offer you something to eat." The door swung open, and Inuyasha, juggling a tray, entered.

Sesshoumaru did not even feel the urge to make a quip at the fact that his half brother had stated that he had misgivings about rudeness.

All he could think of was that girl's words.

If something happens to you…

And with a rub of his temples, Sesshoumaru could not help but utter a short, "Thank you."

It was a miracle in itself that Inuyasha hadn't dropped the tray in shock.

-

-

(Tsuki)

-

-

Jidai Matsuri… No Kyoto born Japanese person could not be moved by this intricate show of history. Held around Heian Shrine, it was one of the three major festivals in Kyoto after Aoi Matsuri, held in May, and Gion Matsuri, in July.

The history behind the location in the eastern part of the city and the date paralleled to when Emperor Kanmu moved the nation's capital to Kyoto in 794 and named the city Heiankyo.

Heian Shrine, dedicated to said emperor, was a more recent construction. It was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the establishment of Heiankyo. Jidai Matsuri was one of the commemorative events then, yet it has been held almost every year since. Jidai was launched by an association, set up to maintain and preserve the shrine as well as the population of Kyoto. Local residents feared that their city would gradually decline, since people were migrating to Tokyo in favor of historic Kyoto. To revive the city, the plan was to organize a procession that recreated Kyoto's customs and manners from the first days of Heiankyo to the end of the Edo period.

In modern Jidai, there are eighteen processions representing various historical eras, and participants number in the two thousands.

—Tsuki—

"There's nothing more inspiring that the procession," Sango murmured as she leaned against a railing in the court yard of the shrine as a mass of people in lines drew ever nearer. She, Souta, Kagome, and Kohaku had simply gone ahead to the Heian Shrine since that afternoon had turned out to be colder than expected.

Although the costumed procession was gorgeous, since they had seen it before, they did not mind just spending time at the shrine.

Nothing beat out a shrine at the time of a festival.

Vendors selling charms, roasted sweet potatoes, various dango and rice cakes, noodles, and of course, Okonomiyaki, were the highlight of any occasion.

Kagome had downed as much aspirin as health factors would allow just so she would be able to enjoy it all. After all, a day of food, family, and national pride, was something that she wanted to enjoy to the fullest.

Souta held a freshly roasted, newspaper wrapped sweet potato with a contented sigh, "Life is good, guys…life is good."

Kohaku simply nodded and took an unenthused bite out a sweet bean paste composed confection. Kagome and Sango could not help but notice the boy's dismal mood.

Being more into culture than Souta, Kohaku usually loved Jidai Matsuri, but today, he was all sighs and one word responses.

Souta seemed to be aware of his friend's mood, but even his energetic and upbeat persona did little to rub off on the freckled teen.

Eventually the four had drifted with their various snacks and purchased trinkets to a quiet corner of the shrine, away from the crowds. They found a secluded seating area and made camp there.

Sango spoke first, "Are you alright, Kohaku? You're not sick are you?" She pressed her forehead against his, "You feel fine, but say the word and I'll get the car."

The boy smiled slightly as his sister broke contact, "I'm fine nee-chan. I apologize for worrying you all."

Souta rolled his eyes, "B.S., man!" He wrapped up his sweet potato and set it down with crossed arms, "Who'd buy that when you look like someone just died!"

Kagome put a hand on Souta's shoulder to calm the both. He angrily removed it as he heard what his sister had to say. "If you'd just like to speak with Sango alone, Souta and I will go find something to do. Jii-chan asked us to get something creepy for him, anyway."

Kohaku blushed, "If you don't mind…"

Souta looked about to protest, but Kagome took a firm hold of his shoulder, "Come on, Souta."

The cinnamon haired boy gave frustrated grunt and got up, a bit put off. Kagome quickly followed him as he trudged off.

As soon as the two were out of ear shot, her brother fumed, "We're friends! There shouldn't be something that he can't even tell me!"

Kagome slipped an arm around the boy and smiled a bit, "Don't take it to heart, Souta… You know there are things I tell you first, before I can even think of going to Sango. You're the same way…"

The frown ebbed away slowly, though in a last act of hurt, he kicked his foot into the ground, "But good friends shouldn't have secrets, right?"

Kagome squatted down in front of him and cupped his face, "Well, it takes a great friend to accept the fact that people need to have their own secrets. Don't worry about this." She laughed a bit and tried to ease the remaining tension, "I'll let you in a little secret to make up for it…This is something I haven't even told Sango or momma."

Souta leaned in closer, "…What is it?"

Kagome lowered her voice as she whispered conspiringly, "I convinced Sesshoumaru to let me take Rin and Shippou along, for Onigumo." Well, she had not really gotten any true verbal consent; however, she was sure that the man would not deny either child the trip. But at least it was true that it was something that no one else knew about it.

Souta's eyes widened, "Really?"

Kagome nodded with a grin, "Really… So remember to pack your game systems for when we you up next week, okay?"

He gave a laugh, "Yeah!"

"Our little secret?" Souta nodded and grinned. The raven haired girl stood, "Great, now, let's go find that mummified whatever, that jii-chan wanted…"

-

-

(Tsuki)

-

-

"Forbid me to drive my own car? That ingrate of a son!" Amber eyes narrowed, "It was one ticket! And I was pardoned for it anyway once they realized who I was…"

Sesshoumaru inwardly rolled his eyes willing to over look the fact that his father was speaking about him while he was two feet away in the driver's seat. What he couldn't over look though was...basically the rest of the comment. "I do believe that Ferrari is a rental. You do not own it, therefore anything you do to it, will simply be a nuisance. So you may cease acting like a child, father."

A brow rose and Inu Taisho murmured coldly, "A child you say, Sesshoumaru? Well, then my advice to you would be to cease driving like an antiquated woman."

Sesshoumaru hand gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary and had two children not been in the back, he was certain he would have careened the car off of something cliff-like.

Inuyasha banged his head against his head rest, "Christ! You should just let the old man drive by himself, Sesshoumaru! I refuse to hear this until we leave! At least in the Ferrari, he has a chance of killing himself…"

Rin gasped, "Does Uncle really want jii-chan to die?"

Inuyasha scoffed, "Yes!"

The girl looked horrified and Inu Taisho quickly interjected, "He's joking, child. Or at least, I would hope so if he wishes to remain in my will…"

Shippou, strapped into a booster seat, par Inuyasha's request, looked awe at the mention of a will, "I thought only—"

"I have no qualms with removing you either," came an eerily calm warning from the passenger seat. Shippou slowly closed his mouth.

Sesshoumaru scowled, "I prefer a quiet car when I drop off Rin and Shippou at school."

Another scoff let his half brother's throat, "With Satan in the car?" He grinned, "Good luck."

Though it may not have appeared like it on the surface…this was their way of male bonding.

-

-

(Tsuki)

-

-

A raven haired woman with somber brown eyes and naturally straight hair rubbed her temples. "Regardless of how you look, Shippou will just be glad to see you again, you know, Sara-san."

Sara rolled her eyes and murmured hoarsely, "I don't mean to be irritable, but being scolded about looks by a model, while I look like a female version of Freddie Kreuger—I think even a saint would be borderline pissed."

The woman looked a bit rueful, "I know that this must be—"

"Do not try to sympathize with me Kikyou!" Sara snapped before she winced and covered her mouth, "Sorry… I'm just…" She closed her eyes, "Being nauseous every second of the day… in and out of treatment…all the medication… the fact that I even need to wear a wig—!" Her voice cracked a bit and she suddenly burst into hysterics, "I can't let my son see me like this! It'll be worse than not seeing me at all!"

Kikyou put an arm around the older woman and cradled her head, "I'm requesting that Inu Taisho just stay in Europe instead of transferring onto their flight back here. That will buy you a few days' time, Sara. So you have that long to get it together before you see your son."

"But—"

"I want you to look that child in the eyes and make up your mind on what you want to do." Kikyou looked coolly at the woman, "If you're giving up, then I want to you to stare that boy in the face and say that."

Sara looked sadly at the other woman and in an odd tone, questioned, "…How do you think he would take that, Kikyou?"

Was she meeting her threat?

Kikyou swallowed a bit, unsure of what to say next. She felt uncontrollably cold. The woman moved away from the bed, suddenly wishing Inuyasha was there.

In a voice, that she had to force from quavering she murmured, "I am going to get your lunch. Please eat all of it when I return."

"Of course…"

-

-

(Tsuki)

-

-

"Do you think that I did something wrong, sis? I haven't heard back from her though it's been awhile since then."

Sango blankly stared at the screen of her MNU laptop. Her conversation with Kohaku kept playing over and over again in her head.

Her thoughts were interrupted though when she heard the sound of a door opening. She looked up in time to see Kouga Aotama slip into the room.

"Kouga!" With a sudden burst of joy, Sango let out a smile, "Hey, stranger, long time no see!" The blue eyed man grinned boyishly as he entered their joint office. Despite Sango's promotion, which had been reinstated once she finished her training, she hadn't had to move locations due to lack of office space.

"I've been meaning to ask you something," The brunette informed him after he greeted her, "but we never seem to be on the same shift anymore."

Kouga frowned, "I know, it sucks, but one of the cases I was working on was one hell of a financial mess. So we were running around different departments like crazy."

"We?"

"Ryuu had me working with Jakotsu and Bankotsu so you know nothing got done at all…"

Sango winced, "Ouch. Did you make him mad or something?"

Kouga chuckled as he started putting down his things and taking off his coat, "Ryuu is a bit oblivious to Jakotsu's… oddities…if you know what I mean."

"Trust Ryuu to be the only person on the planet to see Jakotsu as normal." Sango laughed, "And to not notice Bankotsu-kun's inability to tolerate any of his antics."

Kouga suddenly grinned mischievously as he plopped down onto his chair, "That guy would have my head for saying this, but I think they're perfect for each other—as weird as that sounds."

Sango looked amused by the thought, "I kind of see what you mean. They'd balance each other out, if only Jakotsu was an actual woman…or Bankotsu wasn't straight…"

Kouga nodded, "I'm sure all the sexual harassment charges would start slimming down."

The brunette nodded, "Did he tell you how about the dual restraining order?"

"Yeah… I understand the guy getting one set up, but I didn't fast food chains could get them in place as well."

"I'm just glad he got his phone back…"

Kouga snorted in a sort of agreement before reminding the girl, "You said you wanted to ask me something? You know, before we got stuck on talking about Jakotsu."

Sango giggled, "Oh yeah!" She wheeled around in her chair, "Do you have Halloween plans?"

Kouga blinked, "Hallo-what?"

Sango let out another laugh, "Are you busy the night of the 31st?"

The man opened a drawer located on the top right corner of his desk. Sango crossed her fingers as he pulled out an electronic PDA and looked through it. "According to this thing, I should be free for the night. Why do you asked," he inquired as he slipped the device back into its previous location.

Sango grinned, "Well…I was considering setting up a double date…."

-

-

(Tsuki)

-

-

When Wednesday arrived, Kagome, clutching her things, rushed out of her last morning class with a fervent attempt to try and be on time to see the Taishos and Shippou depart. The girl burst into a run as soon as she was outdoors. She was heading straight to her car and then the airport. She had worn sneakers just for that and although her ankle still smarted, she pushed on.

Sango looked with confusion as Kagome rushed past her with only a rushed greeting when they happened to meet outside of one of the campus buildings.

The brunette watched the raven haired girl run off and suddenly a grin seeped onto her face, "They must be leaving soon."

She giggled and yelled, "Run, Gome, run!" Several students gave her a look but she ignored them as she saw the disappearing form of her friend wave.

—Tsuki—

The running continued until Kagome was in the airport. After that, it had to cease. The reason being that it was too crowded to even consider the idea. "Shit," she panted and readjusted the straps of her backpack.

She ran a hand through her hair with frustration. She had only boarded on domestic flights and was a bit uncertain as to where the international boarders needed to be. Signs could only help so much and people seemed too preoccupied in their own business to give her directions.

Regardless, she finally oriented herself and pushed through the crowds trying to get where she needed to be. Kagome felt as if time was slipping through her fingers and her heart sank with each passing second.

Was she too late?

Sesshoumaru had said that they would promptly be at the airport some ten minutes ago… Maybe they were past the gate by now.

Suddenly she heard her name…

Or at least she thought she heard her name.

"Kagome-nee-chan!" Kagome whirled around and before she could identify the speaker, she felt two forms vault themselves into her arms.

The girl giggled and she tried to keep her balance. "Rin…Shippou! I'm so glad you found me! I thought I wouldn't make it."

The two started pouring out streams of exclaims, since they hadn't seen the older girl since she had said good bye to them Friday. As they spoke, Kagome reached into her backpack and dug out her gifts. "I brought a little something for the both of you since I won't see you for awhile."

Rin looked devastated, "Then Kagome-nee-chan really isn't coming?"

Kagome placed a gift bag in her hands and ruffled her hair. "I'm afraid not, Rin-chan. But we'll see each other as soon as you get back. Sesshoumaru promised that I could take you costume shopping." She again ignored the voice at the back of her head that attempted to remind her that no such promise had ever been made.

Rin dejectedly nodded and held tightly onto the bag as if it was the raven haired girl, herself.

Shippou's mood also seemed dampened by the prospect of not seeing the girl. He did not quickly snatch the gift out of Kagome's hands like she half expected him to, since it was clearly food.

His gift of four dozen, four variety homemade cookies was placed in a clear plastic container and tied with a blue ribbon. He gestured for her to kneel down and she obliged, ignoring the slight throb of her ankle. The young boy then wrapped his small arms around her neck and murmured quietly, "Thank you, Kagome-chan. I'll miss you."

Rin gave Kagome a hug of her own when Shippou relinquished his hold on her and Kagome felt her eyes moistened. She stood, taking in a deep breath and pasting on a smile she barely felt.

Words seemed unable to form in any of their mouths as they simply stared at each other, wondering what they should say.

"There, they are!" Kagome vaguely registered the voice as belonging to Inu Taisho and looking over her shoulder she saw four men walked up to the small group, then, each sporting a carry-on bag. Three of them, Kagome easily identified as Inuyasha, Inu Taisho, and of course, Sesshoumaru. But the fourth was a man she had never seen before.

He, on the other hand, seemed to know her very well. "Why, if it isn't Sango-chan's friend! How odd to meet once again in an airport."

Sesshoumaru raised a brow, "You know one another?" As soon as Rin saw her father figure, she deflected from the raven haired girl and clasped his form tightly. With an inward sigh, the man moved to pick her up.

Inuyasha snorted, "I would be surprised if there existed a woman that that guy didn't know." The silver haired brother scooped down to pick up Shippou, mindful of the container the boy held.

Kagome furrowed her brows together, though in confusion, "I'm sorry… I don't recall ever making your acquaintance."

The man smiled sheepishly, "Which it was all fault of my own. I had wanted to speak with Sango alone, so I waited until after you had boarded your flight."

"Not creepy at all," Inuyasha muttered in a low tone, before looked at the watch that he sported, "Speaking of flights, though, we don't have that much time until we have to check in our carry-on stuff."

Kagome smiled soberly, "Then I'll shorten this goodbye. I hope you all have a great flight."

Inu Taisho reached for her hand, "Farewell, child. Please take care. It was a pleasure meeting you."

The girl shook his hand, "I enjoyed our meeting as well."

"I do hope our paths cross in the future." Kagome nodded in agreement. Yet, anything she would have said in response, was cut off by Takeda who enthusiastically exclaimed, "When you see Sango, tell her that Takeda sends his love."

Kagome blinked a few times, "All…Alright…" she said slowly.

Inuyasha clapped Sesshoumaru on the back with more force than necessary, "So, Fluff N' Stuff, aren't you going to say your goodbyes too?"

Kagome almost snorted in laughter at the nickname, and probably would have if she hadn't felt so speechless under Sesshoumaru's gaze.

Then man had been occupied with calming the girl in his arms and now his attention was on her. Or at least a good percentage of it was. The small percent that wasn't, was making a mental note to maim his half-brother once they landed.

Kagome smiled a bit and doing the only thing that came to mind, she extended her hand, "Have a good flight, Sesshoumaru."

He smirked and extended his left hand, since he was holding Rin in his right. With a soft giggle, Kagome switched hands and shook his hand with a smirk of her own, "Try not to get sick…"

He raised a brow and said loftily, "Then I should warn you not to break any limbs while I am gone."

"I think I'll manage," she rolled her eyes, trying not to be baited into arguing with him, while he was leaving.

"Oh, and do try to not kill that dog…Rin would be quite distressed."

And resolve broke, with that utterance. 'That prick!' Kagome put a hand on her hip, "I guess then," she mocked his tone, "that I should warn you to not suck so terribly at making tea."

"Which of course is worse than not being able to stand on one's own two feet properly."

Kagome squashed the urge to flip him off, "I was trying to keep this civil you domestically challenged health hazard!"

"Raising percentage of obesity," he drawled, hiding a smirk when he saw her stomp her uninjured foot.

"Just wait Sesshoumaru! Next time I'll do worse than thongs—!" And then Kagome realized two very apparent things.

The first was that she and Sesshoumaru had become the center of attention for not only everyone in their present company, but at the utterance of the word, 'thong' dozens of heads had turned to look at her.

And the second thing…

Well at no point in that verbal battle had she ever let go of Sesshoumaru's hand.

Her face flamed up and she quickly withdrew her hand as if she had been burned. Her eyes darted to Inuyasha's face, since he was the closest thing, that was not Sesshoumaru or somewhere near it. But she knew the ass probably would be obnoxiously smirking at her.

Unfortunately, neither her efforts nor Inuyasha's face helped to ease her awareness of the situation. He looked torn between utter astonishment and incredulity. Which clear would not at all serve to help ease her embarrassment. She would have gone straight to the red head in his arms for some sort of help, but his face was buried against the older man's chest.

Kagome laughed nervously, trying to compose herself, "Well, like I said, have a good flight." She took a step forward and ran her hand through Shippou's hair, "I'll see you soon, alright Ship-chan. I already have my surprises planned."

The boy still did not turn to look at her. He merely nodded against Inuyasha's shoulder. The other platinum blonde's features suddenly softened and he let out a soft sigh as he patted the child's back.

He was crying.

Kagome had not caught on to the fact and furrowed her brows together, "Is he alright?"

Inuyasha patted Kagome once on the shoulder and gave her a short wave, "Later, kid." With that he turned and started towards customs, a shocked Takeda in his grasp. The silver haired man did turn over his shoulder after a moment to grin boyishly, "Next time, I'll be expecting something mango."

Inu Taisho with only a raised brow, followed suit, for once unsure of what to say. "I suppose we are taking our leave now…"

And suddenly she was alone with Sesshoumaru and Rin.

Rin stared bleakly at the raven haired girl and Kagome smiled at her, "Now, don't give me that look, Rin-chan."

Kagome, ignoring the sadist that was Sesshoumaru, looked up at the girl, "If you leave without showing me one smile, I'll never be able to stop worrying about you."

Rin rubbed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath. After a moment, she flashed Kagome a watery smile and the older girl giggled, "That's my girl." She looked straight at Sesshoumaru, "Be sure to give this guy as much trouble as you can. I know I can count on Shippou, but this guy already expects it from him—from you though? That would be an ultimate attack."

Sesshoumaru scoffed and adjusted Rin in his arms. "Good bye, Higurashi."

And abruptly it all felt so final.

Kagome's smile dampened a bit for reasons she couldn't truly understand. "Good bye, Sesshoumaru…."

And soon the two had disappeared out of her line of sight.

To the very core of her being, Kagome felt a sadness.

-

-

(Tsuki)

-

-

In the sea of people seated within the large airport food court, was a raven haired woman, sitting alone by a window in a small coffee strip.

A sole cup of tea, long since cooled, was sitting in front of her as stared vacantly at the departing airplanes.

When the sole Europe-bound airliner took off, the girl took one final sip of her relatively untouched tea.

And with one last look at the receding plane, she left.

-

-

(Tsuki)

A.N. So glad to be done with this! One step closer to Onigumo! But is it me or does winter just make you feel borderline depressed? I honestly feel as if my life has become a figurative hell. I'm sick again, my slight fever won't subside, and the whole hair thing is pretty annoying. I think I'll never get used to it—I keep having phantom hair episodes since my hair has never been this short. But that a side, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Next one should be posted after I finish my term paper for Anatomy/Figure out my senior project!

Ugh…

R&R (if not out of love, then out of pity lol.)