Simply Business Chapter 27, an inuyasha fanfic

A.N. Mikazuki here with one of my absolute favorite part of Simply Business! We've arrived at the Halloween chapters (finally) that I've had planned for like a year now, haha. Once Sesshoumaru gets home, it's the 28th of October 2006 and the gang is getting ready for Onigumo week which is going to have like uber KxS fluff! (And it's basically already written meaning quick updates!) Thanks again to everyone who reads and especially everyone who reviews! You all rock hard especially MewmewInuSailorHeart, an SB lifer. Unfortunately there was nothing I could do with Kags in America, but I totally might run with your checks idea. Every single person who reviewed is a sweetie, in my book, so enough of this note and happy readings!

Dedicated: I dedicate this chapter to the King of Pop. Rest in Peace.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Inuyasha and never claimed ownership at any point during this story.

(Tsuki)

Simply Business

Chapter Twenty Eight

(Tsuki)

"I just have to get through this week and I'm home free," Kagome grinned. Monday morning greeted the raven haired girl with a positive air. She had officially entered the home stretch of the countdown to the Taisho's return. They would be returning sometime Saturday evening, if Sesshoumaru had informed her correctly. So between work and school, it would easier to keep preoccupied. It was only Saturday that she would need something to do.

She sighed, "This really is sad, though." Suddenly finding herself back in her old life was odd. She never realized how much free time she really had had.

Back then, she had always felt strapped for time. And then once she switched vocations, it was the same thing, only worse, considering all those nights that she had to do 'overtime' because of Shippou or pull all nighters on essays.

In the back of her mind, Kagome joking thought, 'I wonder how I'll deal without them, this time next year.'

She didn't stop to seriously reflect on that thought though.

It was fleeting and potentially devious thought. Perhaps that was all for the better that it did not make its way to the surface of her consciousness.

After all she had class in less than an hour and she had not even sat up from her bed yet. Kagome let out a yawn and pulled her comforter off her oversized tee adorning form. With languid steps, she moved towards her closet and pulled out a black top and a pair of blue shinny jeans. She tossed the articles of clothing behind her and continued her walk out of the room towards the bathroom.

There was nothing she wanted more than to just crawl back in bed and fast forward it to Saturday night. Or at least Sunday.

As she made her way to the bathroom, she stretched her arms and rotated her neck. She wasn't positive that she would see them on Saturday, because they'd be jetlagged and whatnot.

But Sunday?

She let an evil grin tint her face as she stepped into the shower.

She definitely had something very fun planned for Sunday.

(Tsuki)

Sango slammed down on her buzzing alarm clock with one hurried smack and she prepped her self to get out of bed. It was two hours and forty-five minutes before she had to wake up for classes. A part of her was tempted to head out before school, catch Ryuu early and plead for Mirouku to somehow get the evening off.

She groaned, "Is that illogical or what?"

Not only would she have to drive to his house before dawn, but she also would have to do some serious convincing.

For a minute she just lay there.

Why was she putting so much effort into this? The whole Kouga-Kagome thing was happening. However, it seemed too slow for her tastes.

Kouga had so much work ethic and Kagome?

Well that girl just had so many damn distractions…

Helping her along was like an unspoken requirement of a life long best friend.

But it was such an ungodly hour…

"Oh, fuck it."

And then she went back to sleep.

(Tsuki)

"Old man! Guess what I'm gonna do as soon as we get to Uncle Inu's house!"

Sesshoumaru's eye twitched, "The same thing you've said you would for about the hundredth time: see you mother."

Shippou giggled mischievously and poked the silver haired man, "Nooo! I'm gonna walk through the door, silly! I can't see momma if I'm not in the house."

From across the aisle Takeda snorted, "He's got you there, Sesshoumaru."

Clearly four nights of 'bonding' in the same hotel room had done nothing to spark a serious bromance.

Inu Taisho held up a finger, "Look, I want to get as much sleep as I can on this flight—and I'd actually recommend that you all do the same. Don't make me change your seats again," he grumbled as he fluffed a pillow in his lap.

They were flying first class with Takeda and Rin, Sesshoumaru and Shippou, and Inu Taisho and Inuyasha together in respective pairs. The Takeda/Rin and Sesshoumaru/Shippou seats composed one spacious row and Inu Taisho was directly in front of Sesshoumaru with Inuyasha.

The initial seating had been slightly different, with Inuyasha with Takeda sitting together and Shippou with Inu Taisho and so forth. However, the farther away from Europe they flew, the grumpier Takeda became. And a grumpy Takeda meant an argument with Inuyasha—which was quite similar, if not exactly the same as the one that occurred in the United Kingdom—was unavoidable.

As for Shippou and Inu Taisho…

Well there was a simple explanation for that. Shippou is merely the spawn of Satan, is all.

Sesshoumaru looked at his watch. It was Monday morning in Tokyo. In America, though, that was another story. He closed his eyes and tried to take his father advice.

Only six more days of this nonsense and then he could finally go home.

But it was these days that he had been anticipating the most during the trip.

Sara had delayed their appearance in North America for a reason. And a part of him deeply feared the grounds behind that reason.

That girl through and through was and had always been a fool.

And fools, of course, could not help but do foolish things….

(Tsuki)

Kikyou peeked into Sara's bedroom. When she saw that the woman was awake, she stepped fully into the room. "Here's lunch, Sara. I made you tomato soup and garlic bread. It's light, so I expect all of it gone this time."

"If I eat any more tomatoes, I'm convinced I'll turn into one," Sara joked lightly before thanking the girl.

Despite the overload of the latest 'super-foods' and lycopene in the meals, she knew that Kikyou put in a lot of effort to make everything from scratch. And she also knew that she was only doing it for her benefit.

Kikyou sighed, "I suppose I have been overdoing it since Inuyasha left. He was the only one impolite enough to not stop complaining about my cooking around here, after all."

Sara chuckled a bit hoarsely, "You're a fulltime model, not a fulltime chef yet you still make a pretty good meal. Besides, you're just trying to help, and I truly appreciate it. This is just about the healthiest I've eaten since my husband died—so again, thank you."

Her smile became softer, "It's funny though, I always make sure Shippou 'eats right,' but at work, I had just about every food place in a five mile radius on speed dial. It's no wonder that digestive system went to hell." She took a bitter bite of the garlic bread.

Kikyou, not sure how to respond, after a moment's pause murmured something with forced cheer, "I made a pomegranate lime sherbet earlier. Tell me when you're ready for that. Izayoi is on her way over, so if you need anything…just call either of us."

The mention of Shippou though caused a genuine smile to form on her face, "Speaking of Shippou, Sara, I forgot to tell you—I'm picking him up from the airport in," she glanced at her watch, "…two hours."

Sara felt her heart flutter as she was in the middle of chewing the same piece of the bread, "Time sure has flown by, hasn't it?" She swallowed nervously, "Kikyou…" she waited for the girl to respond, "When Shippou gets here, please don't let him in immediately. I want to speak with Sesshoumaru first before I deal with my son."

The word, 'deal' when attached to how she would speak to Shippou struck Kikyou hard. She stared at the older woman and asked in a low tone, "May I ask why, Sesshoumaru is more of a priority than your son, Sara?"

"I think you know Kikyou…. Please don't make me say it anymore than I have to."

"You disappoint me Sara," the raven haired girl said finally. "You really do." With that she left.

Sara stared blankly at the door for a minute before she took a spoon full of soup.

(Tsuki)

When Kikyou reached the airport, she looked around for Izayoi. Izayoi had driven one of Inu Taisho's less ostentatious vehicles to assist in picking up the Taishos and Takeda and followed behind her on the drive. Apparently Inu Taisho had called up, whining to his wife about having to navigate a minivan, so using two cars, solved all problems… except when it came to parking.

American airports, or more specifically, most streets in Boston, were as crowded as any city in Japan. But soon the raven haired woman located Inuyasha's mother. She was parked two rows over, a few spaces closer to the airport than her own car. The two women made their way into the building and towards the international flight's arrival gates. While they were walking, Kikyou struck up conversation with the woman.

"I really commend you on how you handle this trip of theirs each year. I don't know how you can deal with the alone time. Honestly I've nearly gone insane with all this time to myself even with a job and Sara here."

Izayoi smiled, "Inu needs this time to himself and I respect that. After all—some years, so do I. Meitsuki's anniversary is approaching. "

Kikyou looked at the other woman, "What happened to her, Izayoi-san?"

"Heart disease—she always had a bad heart." Izayoi let a soft smile slip onto her face, "We were friends, you know. From diapers to college. Then we lost touch and the next thing I knew, she was gone. Sesshoumaru never believed that I could have ever loved or respected Meitsuki since I married his father—but that's far from the truth. I've never cherished any friendship more than hers and I feel as if… she'd be happy we found love because of her."

Kikyou smiled, "Agreed, Izayoi-san." She sighed, "It's sad, though, that Sesshoumaru had to lose his mother so early. It clearly burdens him."

Izayoi mused, "According to Inu Taisho… that may not be the case anymore…."

(Tsuki)

"Momma!!"

Sara looked up with pure shock from her sherbet. She resisted the urge to contort her face with the fury that she felt.

The woman slowly pasted on a grin, "How's my baby boy been?" On the surface she seemed tranquil but beneath that, her mind was racing.

Shippou climbed up next to her and threw his arms as far around her as they could go. He didn't even want to correct her use of baby boy. Instead he tearfully said, "He's missed his momma."

Sara stroked his head, chilled to her core. She couldn't deal with this yet. 'Kikyou, what have you done?'

She tried to calm her panic. She looked away from her son's face. "I've missed you as well, Shippou. Tell me what you've been up to."

As her rage and uncertainty subsided she was left with a bit of guilt and true longing for her son.

She felt guilt because she had been focused on her anger when her son was finally back in her arms—she felt longing because she could already see him leaving her.

Or more correctly: her leaving him.

A teasing voice in the back of her mind sneered, "Loss is something painful isn't it?"

Sara pushed voice back and listened intently as Shippou spoke of Europe and Tokyo, Sesshoumaru and Rin…and Kagome.

Her name, more than the others came up numerous times.

She held the boy tighter to her—as tight as her strength could allow. His voice was no longer reaching her from hundreds of miles away over a phone. She could feel him breathing, his warmth… she could clearly hear his laughter. They simply sat there in each other's arms.

How much time passed? Neither knew nor cared.

When Sara finally released him, she murmured, "Promise, you'll see me everyday you're here, okay Ship-chan?" He nodded furiously and asked sheepishly, "Can I sleep in your room too?"

Sara smiled, "Of course, sweetie. I wouldn't be able to fall asleep knowing you were in the same house and out of reach."

Shippou beamed and his mother ran a hand through his thick locks, "Send in Sesshoumaru for me please, Shippou."

Before he could crawl off the bed though Sara grabbed his hand and whispered, "I love you, Shippou…"

He smiled, "I love you too momma."

(Tsuki)

"I had wanted to speak to you first you know. I want to believe, it's just because that boy inherited my stubbornness—I don't blame him for wanting to see me mind you—after all I missed his myself. But I really just wanted to see you first and I know Kikyou, didn't even attempt to give you that message."

Sesshoumaru tried to follow the girl's statements to know avail. Seeing his confusion, Sara decided to cut to the chase.

"I want to die, Sesshoumaru." She laughed at the expression on his face, "But I won't." She sighed, "I wanted to see you first because if I had been able to convince you of all people that I was an entitled to that one last selfish desire, then I could look Shippou in the face and tell him goodbye."

She scoffed, "That Kikyou is secretly a bitch, you know. I confided all of that to her, but she went in and threw Shippou in there anyway." She looked up into veiled amber eyes. "I know I'll thank her one day…genuinely thank her… But right now, I wish I had enough energy to slap her across the face."

Her eyes filled with tears and she gave him a tearful smile, "Now that I've spilled my guts out are you disgusted with me, Sesshoumaru?"

The man strolled over to her side and patted her on the head, "You spoke of entitlement, Sara. For what I know you have gone through, no matter how suicidal you become, as long as you overcome this, you will have my eternal deference."

Sara laughed a bit hoarsely, "Eternally, huh? And all I needed to do was get cancer. Jeeze, I feel like I'm cheating you…" She continued to laugh even though Sesshoumaru saw no humor in any of the situation, "The messed up part is, I'm not even exaggerating, Sess." Her eyes filled with tears, "It feels like ever since I lost my husband that everyone has been looking down on me. Like it was my fault." She narrowed her eyes, "Or if they find out that I raise Shippou by myself all of a sudden people think I can't possibly be a good mom and I'm a tramp. People I've only just met, Sesshoumaru. I've been looked down upon and gossiped about. I hate it. So thank you, Sesshoumaru, because that meant more than you'll ever know.

Sesshoumaru took a seat on the bed next to her, mindful though of her IV drip. He leaned her onto his shoulder with his left hand and kept it on her shoulder.

Sara abruptly groaned, "I'm sorry. I must smell like a hospital. I still got that hospital-y smell I was trying to avoid by being home treated. But everything makes me nauseous nowadays, except my medicines, so I have nothing to cover the smell up with. Before Kikyou would buy me perfumes to make me feel better. They smelled great—but the nausea was ridiculous, so I'm down to nearly scentless everything."

Sesshoumaru one handedly rubbed his temples, "You are perhaps the person who can leave me speechless, Sara."

The girl beamed. "And I'm proud of that feat. Second to having Ship-chan, it's my greatest accomplishment."

The platinum blond looked at the top of her head, "When you are better, I insist you move to this county permanently. You deserve a fresh start and Hokkaido was never truly a suitable place for you from the start. Here you have Inuyasha in addition to your doctors."

Sara raised a brow and Sesshoumaru had to wonder who had acquired that trait from whom. "Why not suggest Tokyo, Sesshoumaru? Shippou had nothing but good things to say about you and Rin and that girl, Kagome. I don't want to tear him away from that."

Sesshoumaru snorted, "It's more the latter two that hold his attention, Sara. That I can assure you of. In all honesty, though, he would quickly get over the loss of both once you are in the equation."

"Not true! I'm almost jealous of this Kagome, in fact," her voice was light but something hinted at a bit of seriousness. "He loves her almost as much as me and he loves you almost as much as his father. It's undeniable."

"Yet there will always be that 'almost', Sara, will there not?" Being with you and you alone would not make the boy almost anything. Stay where you can get treated. Kagome has plans to move to this country and Rin and I will make trips to check up on you two. End of story: You stay here."

Sara looked up at him, "You promise to visit?"

Sesshoumaru nodded, "As long as you promise to get better. Additionally, I don't want to hear any talks of mercy killings or whatever have you."

Sara closed her eyes, "You know, Kikyou said, if I could look Shippou in the eyes and tell him that his mother wanted to die then I'd have the right to. But since I can't even do that and never will, I'll get over this," she smiled. "Maybe write a book, try and get on that Oprah show…whatever cancer survivors do in this country."

Sesshoumaru scoffed, "Quite…ambitious." He was tempted to make a mental reminder to remove the television from her room.

But instead, he merely listened to her speak.

He leaned back against the headboard of the bed. No matter what happened now, he was able to go home at ease.

Nothing else mattered now that he had spoken to his Sara.

From that moment on, his time in America passed like a blur. Whether it was arguing with Sara or inspecting Inuyasha's corporate management. Before he knew it, he Shippou and Rin were boarding a plane back to Tokyo.

Inu Taisho lived in Japan but his permanent address was in Shikoku, with Izayoi. He had four other homes globally, in addition to his Japanese dwelling, but his Shikoku home was his favorite. He would be in America, though until the rainy season ended in Japan. He loved the winter, but hated the rain—an odd combination of weather preferences.

As for Takeda his flight was the following evening.

Rin abruptly addressed Sesshoumaru. "Do you think Kagome-nee-chan left us a surprise like she promised?"

Sesshoumaru scoffed, "Unfortunately Rin yes I do."

Despite his words, though, he found himself anticipating.

He was insatiably curious about that surprise that Kagome had planned now that Rin brought it up. That girl was filled with surprises—some tolerable, but others, not so much.

It was perhaps that anticipation that made him not even mind that he, Sesshoumaru Taisho was seated in coach.

Yes, for the first time ever, he, Sesshoumaru 'I am Holier than Thou' Taisho was wedged between Rin and Shippou in non-luxury seats…in coach.

He inwardly cringed. Takeda and Inuyasha had probably planned this and were laughing about it now.Honestly, how were there conveniently no available seats for Takeda to book on this flight, even though the two booked on the same day? Hell, Sesshoumaru had chosen it since they were stopping at a British airport to refuel.

His half brother and Kuranosuke were undoubtedly laughing it up over his plight. One thing Sesshoumaru could be trusted with possessing: responsibility. And there was no seating combination between him, Rin and Shippou that he found acceptable without the presence of another adult. He refused to leave either unaccompanied though, and since he lacked that other adult and first class lacked a three-person seating arrangement, coach was the only alternative.

Rin leaned against her father's arms once again snapping him back to reality. She smiled to herself. "Rin missed her nee-chan," she murmured in a drowsy tone.

Sesshoumaru looked at the brunette at his side and then his gaze fell on the sleeping redhead at his right.

"Don't get too attached to her," is what he knew he should warn in a stern voice.

"I am ceasing her services eventually," should have been the next line.

But a surprisingly selfish part of him was reluctant.

He had no idea as to why it was reluctant but it was a strong, un-ignorable feeling.

So instead he mused, "Your reasons for that are almost comprehensible."

(Tsuki)

It was nearing nine when they returned. During the flight they had gained and lost hours but his mind was too lagged from the frequent flying to do the math.

But they certainly arrived earlier than he expected considering their hour of departure from the New England area.

Rin had fallen asleep somewhere along the trip while Shippou was the one barely awake this time around. Sesshoumaru left the two in the car as he went to unlock the front door. He moved to the back of the car and lifted Rin up and out of the backseat. Shippou came next as he coaxed the young boy to unbuckle his seatbelt and latch on to his arm. He wanted to get the two inside and park the car in his rarely used garage. He wasn't up to dealing with luggage right now. After all unpacking merely meant fining out how much he'd lose towards shipping costs.

With the two in arm, Sesshoumaru made his way back to the front door and into the house. He navigated in the dark through the foyer and towards the couch. Light was unnecessary for the task due to how familiar with his house he was. After the two were carefully placed on the plush furniture, he went back outside. He slipped back into the car and carefully coasted into his garage. After locking the doors, he pressed the button to close the garage doors and worked his way into the kitchen through the garage entry. With brisk steps, he went back towards the living room.

A twinge of disappointment struck when he realized that a certain raven haired girl was not there with any 'surprises.' With what almost sounded like a sigh, Sesshoumaru flicked on the living room lights.

He had been about to lock the front door. He had been about to call it a night.

However the lights revealed something that flung all those 'had been's out the window.

They revealed the colorful helium balloons that screamed welcome back in equally colorful lettering. There were rows of streamers than had been hung in addition to a giant hand painted banner that said, 'Welcome Back!'. There were balloons on the floor and a slip of paper on the coffee table—a letter.

With quick steps, he moved to the table and picked up the letter. It was on pale lavender stationary and Kagome's curly handwriting filled the page in large letters.

'How's this for a surprise, Taisho? I hope Rin and Shippou like the balloons. By the way. I, no lie, like nearly passed out on your living room floor from blowing up all of them. But anyhoo, that's neither here nor now, so let me get to the point, because I swear I have one! (You can put that damned brow of yours down at any time, Sesshoumaru,' said person schooled his eyebrows back into place before he continued reading with amusement. He snorted and for the remainder of the stationary kept his eyes immobile, 'I have trouble with writing letters, for you information.) So…my point. Well my point is, welcome home! Don't underestimate my next words: I missed the hell out of being in your lives and I am so glad you're all back safe and sound! The real surprise though-isn't the balloons and the streamers, though. Check the kitchen."

Sesshoumaru let a smile slip onto his face before he turned his attention at the two sleeping forms on the couch. He gently woke both.

"We are home." The two children stirred reluctantly before they both, in a humorous bout of unison, seemed to come to a realization of what being home truly meant.

Their eyes snapped open simultaneously and they looked about themselves and squealed. They were instantly drawn to the dozens of balloons that decorated the room.

While the two played among the balloons, Sesshoumaru worked his way to the kitchen. There he flicked on the lights and looked for a surprise. The room was empty. But there was one thing out of place.

The same fridge that the girl almost never seemed capable of checking, was littered with post its.

He raised a brow and with lengthy steps, he reached the appliance and had peeled off the first note.

It read,

'Dear Home Ec Dropout,

Since I know you've been on a long flight, surprise one is in the oven.

-Kagome'

Sesshoumaru put the note down on the counter as he moved to the oven. He pulled open the door and found three foil covered plates. He took one out and it was surprisingly hot—as if the girl had made them not long before they had arrived.

He straightened up and moved back to the fridge. Again he pulled off a note and read it.

"The menu for tonight: Homemade and very authentic Japanese food. Appropriate right? Surprise two though, is the dessert in the fridge."

Sesshoumaru opened the door to reveal a three tier cake iced with fondant with colorful fondant dots pressed on the surface. It read, 'Welcome Back,' in a gel-like wording.

But that was not the only occupying his fridge. It was fully stocked with all the essentials that had been used up prior to their leave.

He closed the door again and read the next note.

'Surprise three, I'm guessing you saw…So move onto the next post it.'

He did as told and read:

'Surprise four: I'm taking Rin and Shippou costume shopping in the morning after I drop off Gome.

Surprise!'

Sesshoumaru did not know how to process any of what was confronted him. There seemed to be sirens going off in his head.

And it did not take any major deciphering to understand why they were going off.

He was growing attached to this girl…

(Tsuki)

I can't believe you actually convinced Sesshoumaru to go costume shopping, Kago-chan." Sango snorted as they arrived at the only costume store in Tokyo that sold more than otaku or Lolicon costumes. She kept her tone low, since Sesshoumaru was within hearing range (a.k.a. in the driver's seat.).

Kagome pouted and whispered back, "Well whenever I say that I'm driving he always changes his mind about making an appearance. I never know whether to be insulted or thrilled."

The morning had started off with the girls' arrangement of their apartment to occupy Souta and Kohaku's approaching visit. At ten, though, they made their way to Sango's car to Sesshoumaru's house to drop off Gome. It would have been nice to have the pup stay over while the boys were home, but that plan had way too many flaws in it to enact.

So now they were in the back seat of Sesshoumaru's car and even though Shippou was napping in between them, they were still able to keep up what they hoped was a discreet conversation.

Sango inwardly rolled her eyes at her friend and moved to unbuckle Shippou. "Wake up, Shippou-chan. We're here." She helped the groggy redhead out of the car and Sesshoumaru proceeded to lock it.

"We will only stay here for half an hour. Any longer than that would be a considerable waste of our lives."

Sango snorted, "What is wrong with you? Were you not hugged as a child?" To Kagome, she muttered, "He's a keeper, this one."

Kagome nudged her and Sesshoumaru gave the brunette a look before advancing to the store. Rin skipped up at his side, exuding excitement.

As soon as they walked into the store, there were greeted by two women. One was a long haired woman scantily clad in an angel costume. The other woman, though had donned a more childish and pinker poufy costume of a low budget anime called Chibi Nezumi Shoujo, also known simply as CN Shoujo, that elementary school kids loved to watch.

"Welcome to our costume shop! Feel free to look around!" Came a greeting spoken by both. There was a noticeably lack of enthusiasm in the woman dressed as the pink fluffy looking mouse, though it was made up for by the bubbly angel who was wearing a tad too much make up.

Kagome and Sesshoumaru simultaneously raised their brows as they stared at the women and with sudden realization they turned to each other and Kagome cringed, grabbing her brow, "Oh no! It's caught the disease!"

The angel abruptly looked as if she was about to engulf her and Sango in a hug. The princess held her back and smiled tightly, "If you need any help we will be around."

Sango shuddered, "That was a bit weird."

Kagome nodded, stilling holding her brow with a pout.

(Tsuki)

The first section they went to was the children's section. Shippou spoke up first, "Can I be something scary? Like a monster or Sesshoumaru!"

Kagome and Sango stifled laughs and Sesshoumaru glared at them.

Rin hugged Sesshoumaru's legs, "Rin doesn't think Papa is scary…" His expression softened and he patted her on the head. Kagome could not help but murmur an 'aww' at the moment and Sango took it in with a calculating gaze.

Shippou moved to look at the wall of cataloging their costumes. Suddenly he saw one, "Can I be vampire? Those are super scary!"

Kagome suddenly squealed as she took note of one of the pictures, "You should be a cowboy! You'd look so cute in your little boots and hat!"

Sango took in on the fun, "No way! A pirate would be way cuter! I mean imagine him with a little eye patch and—oh my gosh—the costume has a little parrot attached to it too!"

Shippou stuck out his tongue, "No cute! I want to be a vampire!"

Rin giggled, "Papa look! It's Wolverine—that's scary like the Stranger-san that wanted to rip nee-chan's pants!"

Kagome blushed as she found the cowboy costume on a series of hooks on a wall across from the catalog.

Sesshoumaru smirked, "How similar they look…"

Her blush increased, "Shut up! Kouga looks nothing like a wolf!"

Sango grinned. Placed in good humor by the fact that Kagome was sticking up for Kouga, she added, "Now that you guys mention it, he does bare some resemblance to a wolf."

Shippou suddenly let out a victorious squeal as he grasped the vampire costume he had been desperately searching for.

Sango too was able to find the costume of her choice. "Just try these on too, Shippou. I'm sure they won't look at all cute on you." She giggled at Shippou's elated expression. "Now all we have to do is find the dressing rooms."

"I'll show you to the dressing rooms, if you'd like…" The angel suddenly purred, appearing out of no where. She was trailed by the female mouse. The angel smiled, "Just come with me," she commanded with a wink.

Sango glanced back at Kagome and Sesshoumaru, "I'll go with Shippou to the dressing rooms and you two take Rin to find her costume, since we do have to watch our time."

Kagome handed Sango the costume she had picked out and Sango followed the angel to the dressing rooms.

Kagome, Sesshoumaru and Rin were then left with the despondent looking mouse. The raven haired girl took that moment to really observe her. She was actually extremely pretty...beautiful even.

And now that she truly noticed her, she saw how well she was actually pulling off that pink mass of fabric that was being sold as a dress. Even though it came down to mid thigh in an even frillier version of a ballerina outfit, the fact that it exposed her thin lengthy legs was to her benefit. The top of the outfit was a turtle-necked sleeveless affair. A gray cape was attached to the shoulders and it was backless. A pair of gray and pink ears was attached to her head by a headband. Finally, on her nose was pressed a small pink ball of cotton with whiskers sticking out of it.

She had a sophisticated air to her and unlike her 'angelic' coworker, she was very tastefully made up. Her lips had been coated with ruby red lipstick and she had a streak of red eyeliner over her thick eyelashes. In keeping with the Chibi Nezumi Shoujo motif, she had adorned pink contacts. Her hair was also down in deep emerald waves and behind her bangs was an elaborate crown. The costume was finished off by her pink and gray calve high boots and dozens of sparkling pink bangles.

She addressed them, "The female costumes are a little further down." Her voice was an alluring combination of velvet and ice and a hint of a bit of cynicism.

Sesshoumaru nodded and soon the male themes were replaced by more feminine options. The mouse turned and left.

Kagome nudged Sesshoumaru, "I'm expecting you to pick out at least one costume for your daughter."

He sniffed, "I refuse to partake in such insipid activities."

Rin's eyes watered, "Does that mean Sesshoumaru-Papa will not play Halloween with Rin and Shippou?"

The raven haired girl poked him in the arm, "You're making Rin cry you big jerk! Just humor us and pick out something."

Sesshoumaru scowled. He rubbed his forehead as he grasped a random costume with a free hand. A brow rose as he scanned his choice. He suppressed a shudder, "Is this the only costume they make for your gender?"

Kagome looked over his shoulder at the costume. She laughed, "Rin would look cute as an angel. Costumes are always cute on kids. It's only when they take the same costume, change the label to 'adult large' and resell it. Then it gets kind of creepy."

Rin twirled, "I want to be a bunny, nee-chan! Or a witch…or ohhh! Could I be Little Red Riding Hood-san from the story sensei read us?"

Kagome smiled at Sesshoumaru, "See how excited she is, try to not be so emotional constipated okay?"

Sesshoumaru raised a brow at her phrasing but merely found the different costumes Rin had been gushing over. "Try these on and we will purchase your favorite."

Rin bounced up and down, "Really?!"

The silver haired man looked amused and nodded.

Kagome looked around for the other store employee. "I wonder where she went. I have no clue where we'd find the dressing rooms…"

"Dressing rooms are in this direction."

Kagome jumped and turned around to find the CN Shoujo employee. She was carrying a box filled with packs of costumes.

'They really have a way of sneaking up on people,' Kagome thought, pressing her hand to her racing heart.

The emerald hair woman took the lead never looking back to see if she was being followed. When she stopped, they were all able to see a row of dressing rooms. There were four in total. Two were allotted to females and two were for the males.

They were not elaborately designed with closing doors and such because no major undressing was expected while in them. The costumes were intended to go over whatever the person was wearing when they were trying them on.

Sesshoumaru handed Rin the costumes and she ran ahead with them as soon as she caught sight of the dressing room.

When the rest caught up, they found Sango was already there and she was on her last costume with Shippou, "Honestly Kagome, the cowboy and pirate things pale in comparison to how scary he looks as a vampire," she grinned as Shippou walked out. She had Shippou's coat draped over her arm and she adjusted it to give a thumbs up, "This is definitely what you should go as, Ship."

The second, more vivacious employee nodded enthusiastically, "I agree one hundred percent!"

Shippou cheered and rushed back in to change. Kagome covered her mouth to suppress a squeal. He had looked nothing short of adorable in the white poufy shirt over which had been tied to a red lined black cape that had a high collar on it. A set of miniature black wings were attached to the cape and the pants had been the same color only with red pinstripes.

She gave her friend a thumbs up. If they spray painted his hair black for the night, gelled it back, and popped in a set of fake fangs, it would be perfect!

Sango suddenly perused the angel, "Hey, what's your name? Why is it that you look so familiar? Have we met before?"

In one deft movement the angel placed 'her' hair in a very familiar loose ponytail.

Kagome and Sango's jaw both dropped in unison and Sesshoumaru had a familiar feeling of dread settle itself within his stomach as the college students moved to embrace the employee.

"Jakotsu!", We barely recognized you!", "Just how many jobs do you have??" filled the area and Jakotsu grinned, "I got this job thanks to Kagura or rather Chibi-chan…" He pointed to the annoyed looking mouse. "We were old classmates back in the day. Her father owns this store as well as the mock Western farm that's in the Momiji area, so she hooked me up with no problems."

Kagura gave Jakotsu a cool look, "I do recall one of the terms of your employment here, being your masquerade as a female. In the future, try not to publicize your gender please."

Jakotsu rolled his eyes, "Yes, Kagura."

Shippou abruptly could be heard grunting and with a frustrated sigh he called, "Uh oh… I think I need help…" Sango giggled and entered the stall, "Here, I'll give you a hand, Shippou."

Jakotsu strolled up to Sesshoumaru and wagged his brows, "No hello, Sesshou-chan? I thought we were so close!" He didn't wait for a response before he gushed, "How do you like the costume? I'd love to be your guardian angel any day."

There was a visible cringe from the aforementioned person and a dangerous, possibly homicidal glint entered his eyes.

Kagura scowled and coolly reprimanded the angel, "Could you be any ruder, Jakotsu? Flirting with customers is not permitted…And in front of his wife no less."

Kagome blinked and looked around, "His wife? Where?"

Kagura furrowed her delicate brows, "Aren't you two married?"

Sesshoumaru was overcome by another shudder. The idea of that marriage was probably more disturbing than anything that could ever have been uttered by Jakotsu.

Kagome cringed, "To him?! God no…"

The outrageously costumed woman raised both brows in disbelief. "I see. I merely assumed that the nature of your relationship was close since you both seemed to know each other so well."

Jakotsu suddenly perused the two, trying to convince Kagura that they were not involved. He had quietly started giggling at Kagura's suggestion that Kouga's Kagome and his Sesshou-chan were married. Did they really seem like they knew each that well? He thought back to his impression of them when they first met.

But with a frown, Jakotsu realized he had had that impression too. He looked between Sesshoumaru and Kagome again in the way that Sango had been looking numerous times that day…

"Rin is not hers, either, I might add," Sesshoumaru added, seeing the woman's eyes dart from the dressing room where Rin had disappeared to, to Kagome who seemed to be visualizing what marriage would be like between her and Sesshoumaru. Said person was not sure whether or not he should have felt insulted by the grimace on her face.

Kagome snapped back abruptly to the present with a devastated frown. "Do I really look old enough to have a kid?"

The CN Shoujo imitator gave the two another look over and her disbelief diminished. On a second look, yes, it did seem less and less like a romantic relationship. "Hm," she paused and a smile graced her lips as she murmured, "I am very glad that I am mistaken." With a look a look at Sesshoumaru she left the area with an extra swagger to her step.

Rin exited the dressing room then, having gone with Little Red Riding Hood. By the look on her face, it was instantly determined that she was disappointed with the costume.

She went in to change into the next one as Sango stepped out with Shippou. He was holding the vampire costume and she had helped him into his coat. The discarded costumes were currently held by Sango. Jakotsu took them from her hands and commenced to put them back. "I'll give you guys a hand in picking out costumes! I have such a flair for that stuff!"

He clasped and then pointed at Sango, "I could so see you and Mirouku-kun doing a whole Gi Joe / Gi Jane thing that would look so adorable!"

Sango rolled her eyes playfully, "I already told you, Jakotsu, Ryuu and Mirouku are doing some bonding trip and are leaving for France that night. He's not dressing up since he can only stay for an hour—if that."

"Well tell his cute little behind that he needs to trade in his flight for something that leaves in the a.m.!"

Sango rolled her eyes, "I'm not making him pass up any more time with his father to dress up with me."

Jakotsu looked aghast, "And why not? How many times a year will Mirouku be able to see you in some scandalous costume in public?! Do not pass this up!"

Rin stepped out of the dressing room and Sango put a hand on Jakotsu's shoulder, "We'll have this conversation later, okay? Now help us find some costumes."

Shippou suddenly exclaimed, "You and Kagome-nee-chan should be witches, so we can be scary together!"

Jakotsu had another look of appall. "Scary on Halloween? What self respecting woman does that?" As Shippou pulled Sango away, Jakotsu scampered after them.

Rin rushed up to Sesshoumaru and Kagome. "Rin doesn't like the bunny costume either, btou-sama. Can you pick out a costume for Rin?"

Kagome grinned, "Maybe you two should do a matching thing! Sesshoumaru you could be," she looked for a random costume name and her eyes lit up, "You should be clowns! That'd be adorable!"

Sesshoumaru gave her a look before addressing Rin, who seemed to be excited at the prospect.

He lifted a costume that he knew didn't have a male equivalent. "This is my suggestion, Rin."

The brunette looked surprised that Sesshoumaru agreed to contribute and she happily took the costume and rushed into the dressing room.

Kagome smiled at him and gave him a playful punch on the arm, "See how happy she is, Sesshoumaru? I know this isn't your thing, but no one's asking you to do something as extreme as be a fairy, so please be more enthused."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, "You asked me to be a clown. I do believe that that counts as extreme."

"I was kidding!" She placed a calming hand on his arm, "You know that I would ne—Oomph!"

Kagura pushed in between the two not too gently and Kagome bumped into a shelf of costumes with a brisk, "Excuse me."

Sesshoumaru's inquiries of concern were interrupted as Kagura placed something in his hands, "I think I have the perfect costume for you."

Kagome rubbed her elbow, which had taken the brunt of injury and stared at the woman, her temper flaring.

Kagura continued to ignore the heated looks directed at the back of her skull as she opened the package, "The Edo Era Aristocrat."

Both Sesshoumaru and Kagome grudgingly had to admit that it was an excellent choice. With white mock hamakas and a haori with a red cherry blossom print, it was a sophisticated costume. In the bag remained the adornments for the costume.

Sesshoumaru took the costume from her hands and absentminded thanked her. "I will go with this one." He turned towards Kagome's to make sure she was alright, but Kagura followed his movements with a smile, "It was my pleasure."

Kagome rolled her eyes and went to Rin's dressing room. "How's it going sweetie?"

Rin sprang out with the angel costume that Sesshoumaru had been eyeing before. And it looked lovely on her.

The body of the costume was a solid white leotard that had clips on the back for wings to attach to. The neck of the leotard was high and covered with feathers at the top. And with translucent sleeves that ended in poufy feathered cuffs and a skirt in a similar fashion. In the bag came slip-ons to put over white shoes to make them look like high boots.

Kagome beamed and picked up Rin, "It's perfect on you! I can curl your hair before we leave and do your make up!"

Kagura looked a bit put out that the attention was now on Rin and no longer on her find.

Rin seemed excited and Sesshoumaru walked over to his daughter and perused the costume. Both girls waited with baited breath. "Yes… I agree, it suffices."

Rin threw her arms around Sesshoumaru, disrupting Kagome's balance a little bit as she had to move closer to the man to accommodate the movement.

Sesshoumaru scooped the girl out of Kagome's arms upon seeing the raven haired girl struggle. She flashed him a grateful smile which he returned with a small one of his one.

Kagome's breath caught in her throat at the rare glimpse of one of his smiles and was glad when Rin changed the subject. "Did papa find a costume, too?"

"He has decided on this, little one," Kagura interjected as she lithely strolled again, between Sesshoumaru and Kagome and showed Rin the nearly empty costume pack that she still held in her hands.

"An aristocrat. Very fitting of your father don't you think?"

Rin shied away from the woman which Sesshoumaru noticed right away. The girl immediately quieted, so he changed the subject, "While I am sure Shippou has taken care of Sango, Kagome," his eyes darted to the raven haired girl and they narrowed, "still has yet to find anything. Which is odd seeing as she is the reason why we are here. Do you have any suggestions, Rin?"

Rin brightened again and gently took the package from Kagura's hands. "An ari-sto-crat is like a lord, right papa?"

Sesshoumaru nodded and Rin grinned, "Then Kagome-nee-chan should be the lady! Then Nee-chan and Papa will match!"

Kagome flushed, "Rin, I don't think—"

"Excellent idea, Rin." Sesshoumaru stared at Kagome and asked innocently, "After all, these costumes are for humoring the children aren't they? So we shall let Rin decide."

"We don't carry any female equivalent of that costume," came a brisk shut down of the idea from a suddenly hostile CN Shoujo.

Sesshoumaru frowned, "Then I suppose Rin, we shall let you peruse the Women's section for whatever."

Kagome looked devastated, "Nothing too tight though. I always gain weight doing exam month because Sango and I always pig out on cookies when we cram and I've barely worked out lately."

Kagura grinned suddenly, "Oh such a shame, then. I was just going to suggest one of the gypsy costumes. The colors would have looked so nice with the Aristocrat costume."

Rin squealed, "Try one on at least nee-chan!"

CN Shoujo's untrustworthy grin increased, "I'll be right back."

Kagome watched her leave, 'Am I the only one sensing this animosity?' She rubbed her temples, 'Maybe I'm just imagining it. I mean I never did anything to her.'

She breathed out a lengthy sigh, 'It's definitely my imagination…'

Sesshoumaru smirked, "Is it that depressing that we will not have matching costumes, Kagome?"

The girl blushed and sputtered, "I wasn't even thinking about anything remotely related to that! Deflate your ego already!"

Sesshoumaru snorted, "My ego is no larger than yours, I'm sure."

Rin exclaimed. "The costume's here!"

Kagura smilingly handed it to Kagome, "Here you go. I must warn you that you probably won't be able to wear the top with that tunic on."

Kagome looked down at her lengthy white sweater tunic before she nodded a bit. She tried to look at the image on the front of the package, but from the way Kagura held the package covered most of it.

So she was herded into a dressing room with the costume.

Sango and Shippou popped back in with Jakotsu, all three laughing and Sesshoumaru noted that they had a second costume. And a broom stick… So Sango indeed had found a costume. And it did not take much guessing as to what character they had decided on.

Rin also noticed too and he placed her down and allowed her to pull him over to where the brunette was.

"What is Sango-nee-chan going to be?"

Shippou clasped Rin's hands, "It's so cool, Rin-chan! She's going to be a witch and she gets broom stick and everything!"

Sango held out the costume in front of her and Rin made an awed sound. It had a lengthy silvery bejeweled train, but the front, from what they could see was slit off to the side and streaked with silver at the split.

The front was a slightly scandalous V neck halter, but Sesshoumaru was certain that Sango would perhaps wear a tank top of some sort. It had intricate silver designs and a high lapel. The center of the halter had silver ribbon weaving up like a laced shoe and it was sleeved with lengthy belled sleeves and a black and silver cape.

Sango blushed and addressed Sesshoumaru, "Clearly Jakotsu insisted on this and I'll have it worthy of a PG rating the night of Halloween."

He graced her with a bit of a smile and a nod. "Understood."

Sango let Rin and Shippou gush over costumes as she hung hers over her arm and walked over to Sesshoumaru. "So where's Kagome."

Suddenly they all heard a dismayed cry and… cackling?

Sango blink and her head whirled in the direction of Kagura, who seemed to be shaking with laughter. Sesshoumaru on the other hand worked his way to the booth.

"A problem?"

There was a fervent motion of curtain and a shriek. "D-don't come in!"

"Are you dressed?"

"Yeah but—I said don't come in!" As soon as she had said yes, he had begun to pull the curtain aside. Kagome seeing that, had tugged on the curtain hurriedly.

Costume shop dressing rooms are fairly flimsy….

The end result, was the ripping of the curtain from the rings on the bar it was on.

Kagome's eyes widened as she no longer held a partitioning devise. Instead all she had in her hands was a certain fallen piece of cloth. Her eyes met slightly surprised amber orbs.

And her eyes widened further when he looked down.

And an eye brow rose.

"Dude, Rin, our nee-chan is hot!"

Any maniacal laughter that still continued turned into an exclaim of, "I thought you said you were fat?!"

Kagome's face flushed as she stood there, in that lying excuse of a costume that barely constituted half of a garment.

The top, constructed of an emerald material tied with crisscrossing thick straps in the back covered only a little more area than her bra but bared an amble amount of her toned stomach. Strings of dark green beads were attached to the sides of the top that linked it with the bottom, a poufy pair of satin like pants that ended over her jeans at her calf. A sash was tied loosely around the waist.

Kagome wrapped her arms around herself, finally getting over initial shock. "Gypsy or prostitute? This clearly can't be meant for being outdoors."

Jakotsu waved a dismissive hand, "Who cares, hunny! You look amazing! Go with that."

Sango who had been staring with an open mouth and started to laugh, "And I thought mine was bad…"

Kagome avoided Sesshoumaru's gaze, mortified. "Excuse me; I'm going to change out of this and then go die of embarrassment in a corner."

Sesshoumaru soundlessly moved aside, his brow not leaving its suspended state. Kagura took Jakotsu's arm and pulled him away, "We have other costumers. Let's go."

Rin tugged Sesshoumaru's arm abruptly, "What's a prostitute, papa?"

(Tsuki)

In the end, Jakotsu ended up returning, and after learning what Sesshoumaru's costume was, found a perfect compliment for it.

The title was Shi Hime, and it was like a female grim reaper equivalent. The body of the dress was a white but the middle had been layered over an apple red layer of fabric. The part of the heart shaped bust over the red was a series of horizontal white spaghetti strings in a descending in a deliberate V shape fashion. The strings tied in knots where the red end.

It was an off the shoulders dress held up by thin red spaghetti straps, the top lining was folded over for one and a half inches so that it looked thick. The sleeves were long and similar to a kimono and the dress fell with sheared and red dyed edged above her knees. A sash was included with a print similar to the cherry blossoms on Sesshoumaru's costume that tied loosely around her waist.

"That's a lot better. Thank you, Jakotsu…"

Kagome was still sporting a red blush even after they picked up accessories and went to the car.

She muttered to Sango, who wrapped an arm around her, "No lie, I am going home, crawling under the bed and never coming out. Never."

Rin looked up at Kagome, "Why is Kagome's face so red, papa?"

Sesshoumaru smirked, "If I were to make a guess—"

Sango quickly interrupted, "It's because she's excited for Halloween Rin-chan!"

Kagome and Sesshoumaru both looked at Sango. Sesshoumaru looked a bit put out that he missed out on a chance to tease Kagome, but said girl smiled. It was a lame excuse but it probably beat the crap out of whatever Sesshoumaru had to say.

But one thing was for certain.

If she never saw that conniving CN Shoujo again, she certainly would die a happy, happy woman.
-

(Tsuki)

Sesshoumaru stepped into his room, a ghost of a smile, still haunting his lips. He had to admit…

Perhaps this was not a bad way to spend his October 29th.

He moved to his closet and from the top shelf he pulled down a sole photo of a platinum blonde with laughing hazel eyes and lips that were always colored the tone of rubies.

His smile faded a bit and he replaced the picture.

"Happy Birthday, Mother."

(Tsuki)

A.N. This (the costume shopping fiasco) was one of what I call my Kodak Moments for Simply Business. It was one of the things that I KNEW I wanted to happen and wrote out like months and months (if not a full year) in advance lol.

So tell me how you enjoyed Halloween Part I!