It's been 2 weeks since the party and carnival. Sesshomaru could not be anymore annoyed. Not only was he making little progress with Kagome but she and Bankotsu have gotten even closer.

Too close fore his liking.

She blushes when he's near.

She squirms cutely under his gaze.

She becomes flustered when he whispers softly in her ear, bring her close into him, and compliments on her beauty.

He was beyond pissed.

He used to get those same reactions from her when he made advances on her, but now he was lucky to get his special smile out of her.

"They make quite the couple"

It was the last class of the day before school lets out for 3 week Thanksgiving vacation.

"I believe they are good for each other. They compliment each other quite well don't you think"

Bankotsu wasn't so much of an ass just a little rough around the edges. He is very possessive and protective of what's his. He is beyond loyal to his brothers as well as to Naraku. Kagome being Narakus' sister just motivates him more to always treat her right and protect her. If time comes for him to have to fight for her, he will.

And he rarely ever lose.

Naraku was all to aware of the feelings the two had for Kagome. Truth be told he would be fine with either one by Kagomes' side. They share many attributes he finds worthy. Even if they were both ignorant bastards.

Both are strong, loyal, fierce, determined warriors. They come from adequate homes with a bright future. His favorite quality they share is the quality they have to test his sister.

Kagome really is a sweet kind generous person but often have trouble speaking up for herself. They bring out the side of Kagome that isn't scared to disagree and argue.

She wasn't going around scowling and yelling and getting loud or anything like that but they just have civil simple little arguments from time to time. With each one, he sees her becoming stronger.

"I have never seen her so happy and free with someone outside our family"

He has noticed how she reacts with both males.

With Sesshomaru she's happy, shy and timid.

With Bankotsu she's happy, carefree and laughs a lot more.

"After the divorce the light in her eyes dimmed until it became completely dark. She rarely ate or slept. She would cry herself to sleep wishing I was there to tuck her in. Not to long after there was an incident. I will not go into detail but the result was her locking herself away completely. She cried out for me to protect her , to save her. She became a hollow figure and haven't spoken for 5 years until she turned 15"

He said darkly. He could only imagine the look on her face begging for his protection. Even as a child no one dared look at him the wrong way. He may not have been their but Sonya and Itachi never failed in letting him know what was going on.

If he knows Sesshomaru the way he think he does, this will not be happy ending. Unlike Sesshomaru, he doesn't go around demanding anything. He gets what is necessary, if you give him no trouble everything will go smoothly but should you make the mistake of ordering him around and demanding he gives up any of his possessions than all hell breaks loose.

The only victim in the brawl would be Kagome. Should it come to that, they would both find themselves in the ICU for weeks to come.

"Why do you tell this Sesshomaru such things"

Sesshomaru was his best friend but the bastard had a major superiority complex.

"It is a warning. Should I see even the smallest sign of a relapse from her, it will be you that will pay"

~XXX*XXX~

Phase 1: Just Be Friends

"Oh hello Sesshomaru"

Its was a warm Saturday afternoon and Sesshomaru was not one to waste precious time. He had 2 weeks to try and get Kagome back before Bankotsus' return from his family vacation.

"What are you doing here" she asked a little curiously.

"The others have planned a picnic today at the park, I was wondering if you would like to attend"

In other words he forced them to be apart of his plan.

"I would love too" she said with a low sigh "but I have to watch my little brother while my mother and grandfather run errands"

"Why not let him attend as well" he suggested nonchalantly "Sango has a younger sibling who will also be joining us as well. Maybe they could keep each other company"

He nearly smirked seeing her think about it before smiling.

"We would love to" she said standing aside "please come in while we get ready"

He walked in and nearly choked on the site before him. It was definitely not what he expected at all. He did not take Kagomes' family to be poor or in poverty. He thought she was just part of another average income family.

They stood in the middle of the living room, which was rather large. Directly in front the entrance was a LG2 72' plasma with a built in camera, LG Cinema 3D and Cinema built into the wall. The walls were painted white with black furniture. To the far right of the television pushed against the was a Bergamo Black Sectional Extended Leather Sofa. To the far left pushed into the corner was a black/white Christina Two Tone Leather sofa with a matching love seat pushed into the opposite corner.

He was brought form his thoughts by a sweet soft voice.

"Please make yourself at home Sesshomaru- sama. . . I will go and get myself as well as my little brother ready and to leave a note for my mother" before she could take another step he stopped her by gently grabbing her hand.

"Yes" she asked a little confused of his actions.

"When and why do you address me as if you are inferior to me"

He didn't like his honorifics going past her sweet little pink lips.

"When I found out who you truly were at your fathers' gathering. I must apologize for my ignorance, I had absolutely no idea you came from the royal Inu bloodline of the West" she explained softly.

Before he could get another word in she freed herself from his grasp and excused herself before leaving to the second floor.

'This will not do'

"Thank you once again for allowing me to tag along Mr. Sesshomaru-Sama" the boy said before buckling up.

Souta was 14 years old with black hair and brown eyes and came to Kagomes elbow. He wore black gym shorts with blue stripes going down on both sides and black muscle shirt.

"If you wish to repay this Sesshomaru for his generosity than I forbid you and your sister from ever using my honorifics" he said with a light chuckle "I do not care for them when they come from people I consider close companions"

It was short relaxing drive to the park. Souta would sometime come up with questions to ask Sesshomaru such as if he had any cool powers, about his transformation, weapons. . .etc.

Sesshomaru did not mind easing the boys curiosity. In fact he found this as an advantage. From what Naraku says, Kagome is truly big on family, especially her brothers. If Souta is comfortable enough around him, than maybe that could come in his favor in the long run.

"Hey guys" Kagome said with a smile walking up to the others.

They were on top of a hill that overlooked the park below with a beautiful Sakura tree in the middle.

"Oh hey Kagome" Ayame said giving her a hug.

"Hi Kagz. . . who's the little cutie" Sango giggled seeing his blush before averting his eyes somewhere else.

"Oh this is Souta my little brother" she introduced pulling her in front of her "Souta this is Ayame, Sango, Miroku, Kouga, and Inuyasha" she said pointing to each individual.

"What's up" the guys said

"Hey"

"Oh my brother is here as well" Sango said looking around before heading towards the tree "KOHAKU" she yelled seeing him up on the tallest branch "COME DOWN HERE I HAVE SOME PEOPLE I WANT YOU TO MEET"

He didn't respond as he jumped down landing gracefully on the grass.

He was a little taller than Souta but looked around the same eyes. He too had brown eyes but brown hair that was in a mid high ponytail. The two boys were about the same age.

"Kohaku this is Kagome and her little brother Souta. . . Kagome Souta this is Kohaku"

"Hello Kohaku" Kagome said with a small smile offering her hand.

"Hello Miss Kagome" he said with a familiar smirk before taking her hand and kissing it softly "I must say you truly are a rare beauty to behold" he said smoothly making her blush.

"HEY PISS OFF. . . GET OFF MY SISTER" Souta growled pulling Kagome behind him.

"KOHAKU"

"SOUTA" The sisters' growled.

"I'm sorry Kagome but much to my DISPLEASURE Kohaku and Miroku have become close since I started dating him" she said glaring at her boyfriend.

"It's fine Sango and I apologize for Souta, after the divorce and everything he took on the responsibility of protecting me" she said softly with her hands on his shoulders.

"Awe" Ayame cooed "That's so sweet"

"HEY" Kouga growled "but when I do it you're ready to beat me to a pulp"

"Because when he does it it's cute and endearing, when you do it it's possessive and annoying"

They just laughed at the sulking wolf.

"Are you enjoying yourself"

Everyone was a little spread out. Kohaku and Souta left to go play football with some of the other teens. Sango sat on a swing attached to the tree with Miroku pushing her. Kouga and Ayame were somewhere in the tree in each others arms relaxing.

Sesshomaru got Kagome to join him on the picnic blanket a little away from the others.

"Yes I am" she said with a smile "thanks again for bringing us"

"It was my pleasure" he said laying on his back using his arms as a pillow.

"So tell me about your family" he said breaking the comfortable silence.

The question startled her a bit.

"You don't have to if-"

"It's okay really, there's not much to tell. I live with my brother, grandfather, our mother and boyou or fat lazy cat" she giggled seeing his disdained expression.

On the outside he looked neutral but inside was rather happy. He got her to laugh.

"What does your mother and grandfather do" he asked.

He couldn't help but to ask, by the way her living room and kitchen were decorated. It peeked his curiosity. By the way most of it was decorated he knew it was done by professionals. He recognized most of the work from when his mother would feel the need to redecorate.

"My grandfather runs the shrine grounds for tourists and stuff and my mother owns her own business"

"What business would that be" he asked sitting up becoming even more curious.

"Fukui Inc." she said softly.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Fukui Inc. as in the worlds number one software company who's product is used through out the world for many businesses"

Even his father used that software at the company. It was named number one due to the high quality virus defense and fire wall protection should they be hacked. Those were only 2 facts from the top of his head.

She nodded her head slowly in confirmation.

"Your mother is Sonya Fukui"

~XXX*XXX~

"Your mother is Sonya Fukui"

"Hai" she said softy looking at the sky.

"I thought your last name was Higurashi"

"It is from my father' side, but my mother started this company before she met my dad. She and her boyfriend at the time started it from scratch. After a year or 2 it became one of the most demanding products amongst the business world. They were going to get married after college but during their sophomore year there was an accident. One of the competing companies did not approve of the fact that they were going bankrupted because people stopped using his product in favor for my mothers. He was asking for a merger so he could save what little he had left but they denied him. His hate and anger took over. The fact that a man such as him who has been born into the business from birth was being bested by 2 college students was too much for him and his pride to take. My mom and her boyfriend were out on a date and he was taking her home. They were on road when they noticed a car speeding up behind them"

The very memory made her sad. Her heart twisted in pain just thinking, 'what if my mom never made it?'

"The car was right behind them so they switched lanes to let them past. When the car got closer they saw the same guy they denied with a gun in his hand aiming at them. My mom panicked and screamed but Hiten remained calm. He slammed the breaks making Menomaru drive past them. He made a "U" turn and gave my mom the phone and told her to call the cops. They said the cops were on the way and to keep going in the same direction so they would meet up in less than 15 minutes but Menomaru would not give up. He followed them again but this time he was shooting at the same time. One of the bullets went through the back window and out windshield. It was only 5 inches away from my moms' face. Hiten told her to keep her head down and to keep talking to the dispatcher. They were up to a 95 miles an hour when he started shooting again. This one took out the side mirror on Hitens' side. Another 5 minutes past when the car couldn't take the speed anymore it got out of control. He grasped the wheel with his foot on the breaks. They could see the cops ahead when the car started to come to a stop. They were armed and ready to fire. Menomaru only had one bullet left and knew it was no use.

BANG

He shot himself in the head. The medics ran over to help my mom and Hiten. My mother was fine with a few minor injuries and a broken fib, but Hiten wasn't so lucky. When the car stopped it hit a tree on Hitens' side where shards of glass shattered all over him. One shard hit a fatal artery and he bled out in less than 2 minutes. My mom was depressed for weeks but finally got her act together and finished college and took over the company solely but kept his last name to represent the company they created together"

That story always got to here. She was grateful to Hiten. Sonya once took her to his grave and told her all kinds of stories about him. He sounded like a really cool dude that could have kept her mother smiling till her face got stuck like that.

From then on, Kagome would pay her respects and stay awhile. She would talk about how her mom was doing and how she made the business even more profitable and it was going well.

She knew she had no right considering she never met the man but anyone who died protecting her mother held her respect.

Sesshomaru had no idea how to respond to that story so he remained quiet.

He was a little startled when he felt weight on his shoulder. He looked down and saw Kagomes' head resting on him.

"Thank You Sesshomaru" she said softly "Thank you for listening and being a great friend"