A.N. October 28, 2011 at 9:30 in the morning (Mountain Time for those in diffferent time zones). I cannot guarantee much from this chapter. I appologize for the confusion within the last chapter, would not put in my breaks that I had added SIX times. I will be trying something new for the breaks in this chapter and see how that works. Enjoy, or don't. Doesn't really matter to me.
*8*8*8
"Well Sesshoumaru," Kagome started with a huge grin. "Dinner was fabulous."
"Remember," he pointed out. "Dinner was Rin's idea. Dessert is mine."
"I forgot!" Kagome exclaimed, jumping out of her seat to pick the little girl up. "Rin you chose a very yummy dinner. I say you should do it more often!"
"OKAY!" the child exclaimed, bouncing in the older girls arms.
"What's for dessert?" Kagome finally asked. She was worried about the strange way Rin and Sesshoumaru kept smiling at eachother. It bothered her enough that he was smiling more than for a reason to be mean, but now it had intent behind it.
"It is a surprise," he told her. "I shall go get it. Rin, cover Kagome's eyes."
The little girl nodded and with a giggle placed her tiny hands over Kagome's eyes. She was very excited, and hoped that her and Sesshoumaru's plan would work. They had been planning for weeks to tell Kagome this was her final opportunity to move in, or she would lose them both forever. Rin only understood that if she didn't say her lines right, she would lose her chances at getting Kagome to eventually be her mother. Sesshoumaru told her that he was planning on asking the girl to live with them. She didn't understand why it was important, until he had informed her that mommy's and daddy's live together with their child(ren).
"Rin," Kagome said with a smile. "What is my surprise?"
"Sesshoumaru told me I can't tell you," Rin said with a grin that Kagome couldn't see.
"I promise I won't tell him you told..." Kagome sing songed. But just as she was considering giving in, just because she didn't want Kagome to get upset with her, Sesshoumaru walked in the room with their dessert.
"Rin," he said quietly. "You can allow Kagome to see now."
Rin quickly pulled her hands away from the older girls eyes, hoping she would be happy with dessert. Sesshoumaru had gone to a bakery nearby and picked up one of Kagome's favorite treats. "RASPBERRY STREUDEL!"
"We know it's your favorite!" Rin exclaimed. "We wanted it to be perfect!"
"Well this is deffinately perfect," Kagome said warmly; snuggling the little girl closer to her, staring intently at Sesshoumaru. "Thank you for this."
"We are pleased you are happy with the meal," he said softly; putting a small slice of streudel on a plate for Rin before serving Kagome and himself.
"Very happy," Kagome replied. She knew this was probably when she should tell Sesshoumaru and Rin that she had moved her stuff in, but she decided to wait a little longer. "I hope you know that soda and juice are not satisfactory drinks for this type of dessert."
"Of course," Sesshoumaru replied. He walked back into the kitchen for only a moment, returning with a copper kettle, two coffee cups, and a cup of milk. "I assume this is much more appropriate?"
"Yes it is," Kagome replied with a smile. "Much better."
For the next 20 minutes, they ate their dessert, talked about their days and discussed Rin's future schooling. Sesshoumaru had set up a appointment with a headstart right between both their businesses for the following week, and was hoping Kagome would accompany them for the interview. Rin had wholeheartedly agreed that Kagome needed to be there. Naturally she consented.
8*8*8*
"When are we collecting the girl," she asked. "Besides tomorrow?"
"I will be calling her shortly," he said. "I will ask her to accompany me to brunch, and then to do some shopping for my companion. I wish to purchase her a gift, and she and Kagome have similar tastes. We shall go from there."
"I see. And if she refuses?"
"She will not."
"You're certain?"
"This is her final chance to see me," he said with a smile. "I will be leaving the country again, this time to not return."
"How do you plan on diverting Takahashi?" she wondered aloud.
"That is your job," he said. "Tomorrow, just before Kagome is to meet me, you are to show up at his office. It does not matter what plan you have, improvise for all I care. Just keep him detained."
She nodded, leaving the room. It would take some planning, and she only had 16 hours to come up with a plan.
8*8*8*
After dinner and dessert, Kagome had talked Sesshoumaru and Rin into relaxing in the living room while she cleaned up their mess.
"It's only fair," she argued. "You did a wonderful job with dinner, and Rin set the table all on her own. It is my responsibility to clean the mess."
"It is not necessary though," Sesshoumaru claimed; attempting to pull her in the living room with them. "We have maids for that."
"Oh I guess I forgot to tell you," Kagome said with a grin. "I sent the maids home. I felt we wouldn't need them tonight."
"What made you think that?" he asked darkly.
Kagome smiled, "It's family night. They have families of their own. I let them go because they weren't needed."
"I do not feel like arguing," Sesshoumaru grumbled. "Come along Rin. Let us find something to do while Kagome slaves away in the kitchen."
Kagome grinned and walked into the kitchen with a stack of plates. It did not take her half as long as Sesshoumaru had probably expected to get the mess cleaned up. She rinsed the plates and cookware, sanitized the counters and stove and then cleaned the crumbs off the dining room table and floor. She was in a great mood, and it was obvious when she dropped herself into Sesshoumaru's lap. "20 minutes and that includes sweeping YOUR crumbs from the floor."
"I do not leave crumbs," Sesshoumaru said hotly.
"Then they must have been the ghost that sat on your side of the table," Kagome said with a laugh, patting his chest. "I appologize greatly."
"I would appreciate it if you would not do that again," Sesshoumaru started. "But I will take your appologies in favors instead."
Kagome was about to say something to him about innuendo in front of Rin, but the little girl interrupted her. "Kagome what's that?"
Looking at what the child was talking about, Kagome smiled. "That, Rin, is a Playstation 3. You can watch movies, play video games, and go on the internet on it."
"Where'd it come from?"
"Yes Kagome," Sesshoumaru questioned, tightening his grip on her thigh when she tried to get up. "Where did that come from?"
"Well it came from my house," Kagome said brightly.
"Did you bring the new pictures too?" Rin squealed, taking in pictures that she had only seen at Kagome's apartment before.
"Yes I did."
"This one is my favorite!" Rin quickly pulled a photo she hadn't seen before at Kagome's, and it hadn't been with her and Sesshoumaru before either. Kagome and Sesshoumaru were both in shock when looking at that particular photo. It was taken at their engagement party, the one Sesshoumaru and Kagome had tried very hard to ruin. They were staring intently into eachothers eyes while dancing. Kagome figured it was during one of their staged incidents, but she couldn't be certain.
"I like this one as well," Sesshoumaru said.
"It is nice," Kagome said. "Although that night was definitely a disaster."
"I think it was quite eventful," Sesshoumaru said softly.
"Yes," Kagome replied sarcastically. "What with our not accomplishing our goal, your brother taking his part a little too far, and in total almost completely ruining my relationship with my cousin. Eventful is a understatement, Sesshoumaru."
"Do you regret our failure?"
"Not in the slightest," she smiled; kissing him lightly, smiling as Rin continued to look at the new things that had magically shown up in her house.
"Kagome did you bring all these new things?"
"Yes I did, do you like them?"
"I do!" Rin exclaimed. "I like the pictures!"
Kagome knew she would, and had opted to re-frame many of the photo's she had of her and Sesshoumaru, her and Rin, as well as the three of them, and even several she had of Sesshoumaru and Rin. A good amount of the photo's were candids that their friends had taken, and later had given to Kagome as gifts. Most had decorated her walls at the apartment she had shared with Sango, and many others had taken up pages in photo albums. She was now happy to find that she could put them up, knowing all to well that Sesshoumaru wasn't much for making a house appear to be a home. She just assumed that would have to be her job.
"Shall we watch a movie?" Sesshoumaru asked Rin.
"YEA!" the little girl cried, getting ready to race to her room when Kagome spoke up.
"We can watch movies on the Playstation," she said. "If you have wireless internet, we can watch them online."
"We have internet," Sesshoumaru said. "Do you know how to set up for the movie?"
"I do," Kagome said with a smile. "Rin why don't you go put on your pajamas and we'll set up the internet so you can pick the movie." Rin nodded, smiling, and raced upstairs to her room.
"Kagome," Sesshoumaru started. "Why did you bring these things?"
"I thought it was time to have more than my clothes here," she answered, resting her head on his chest. "So I brought over a few things."
"What else have you brought over?"
"You'll just have to see," she said with a big smile before turning on the TV and Playstation to get Rin's movie ready.
=-Half a Hour Later-=
Rin had fallen asleep in Kagome's lap. Kagome, who had never moved from Sesshoumaru's lap, had also fallen asleep. Sesshoumaru was the only one who remained awake. He was unsure of how he was to get both females to their respective beds.
"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome was starting to wake up a bit. "What time is it?"
"It is 10:30," he replied softly.
"At night?" she asked, surprised.
"Yes," he replied. "You and Rin both fell asleep, and unfortunately so have my legs."
"Oh I am so sorry!" she squealed, gripping Rin tightly and getting up off Sesshoumaru's lap. "I'll go put Rin to bed and be right back down."
"Meet me in our room," he whispered when Rin stirred. Kagome nodded, not realizing that Sesshoumaru had noticed she was finally moved in with them, and took the little girl to her room to tuck her into bed.
"Kagome?" Rin asked when the older girl had her settled in the covers.
"Yea?"
"Are you going to stay?"
"Of course I am," Kagome said with a grin. "I'll be here when you get up in the morning. And I'll be here for dinner again, tomorrow."
"Are you going to live with us?" Rin asked. Kagome couldn't help but smile, and sat down on the small girls bed.
"Yes, Rin," Kagome sighed. "I am going to live with you. But don't tell your father. I want it to be a surprise."
"I promise!" Rin said with a smile.
"Good night Rin," Kagome smiled; kissing the small girl on the forehead.
"Night."
8*8*8*
As Kagome made her way down the hall to Sesshoumaru's room, she couldn't help but wonder how he would take things. She knew he would be pleased she finally came to a decision. She herself was finally glad of her choice. He had made it very clear if she didn't make up her mind, she was risking losing not just him; but Rin as well. Kagome knew she couldn't live without either of them.
"How long will you be staying this time?" Sesshoumaru asked when she entered the room.
"Oh until you get sick of me, I guess!" she sang, plopping down on the bed he was already lounging on.
"I do not see that happening," Sesshoumaru said with a smug gleam in his eyes. "So it would appear you will not be leaving."
"Guess it's a good thing I finally got all of my stuff over here then," Kagome said. "Huh?"
"It would appear so," he replied; leaning over her for a deep kiss. "But you do realize, now that you have your things here, I should warn you. I will not let you go so easily."
"I believe I can deal with that," she said with a smile; pulling him down to get another kiss.
*8*8*8
"KAGOME! SESSHOUMARU! GET UP!" Rin squealed, barging into the room, disregarding the fact that it was six oh clock in the morning and they wanted to sleep.
"Must you be so loud?" Sesshoumaru asked, rolling away from Rin, who was bouncing on Kagome's side of the bed. "Go back to sleep Rin."
"It's cold in my room," the child complained.
"That's why you have blankets," he griped.
"Oh Sesshoumaru shut up and scoot over," Kagome said in her half sleep. "Rin you may sleep with us. We have nothing to do today."
"You have brunch with Naraku," Sesshoumaru growled. "Or did your forget your excitement to see your old love?"
"I swear Sesshoumaru," she scoweled. "How the hell was I supposed to know he'd call in the middle of the night? Besides, it's just brunch. He's moving out of the country, and he wants help picking out a gift for his girlfriend. He plans on asking her to marry him."
"I don't trust him," Sesshoumaru snarled. "And we should not discuss this in front of Rin."
"You brought it up," Kagome sniffed; hugging the child close to her. Rin had managed to fall back asleep the second she climbed into bed with them. "Now you get to deal with Rin. I'm going to shower and go to the office for a bit before I meet Naraku."
"I thought you were taking the day off to be with us," he sounded deffensive.
"I was," she said. "But if you aren't going to be understanding that I should meet my friend, then why should I worry about sticking around this morning?"
Before she could aknowledge what was happening, Sesshoumaru had jumped out of bed, raced to Kagome and pulled her back down with him, "because I was going to put Rin back to bed and appologize properly."
Kagome smiled and nodded, "that sounds like a good idea."
Sesshoumaru smirked, picked the child up and took her back to her own room. When he returned to his, Kagome was not in bed where he had left her. He could hear her in the closet, and was trying to figure out what she was doing. He settled for waiting, assuming she was changing, for what reason he didn't know. He had no plans on allowing her to be dressed at the moment.
"Kagome," he called innocently. "The bed seems to be getting colder without your presence."
"Oh hush!" she laughed, exiting the closet, still in her pajamas. "I was just looking for something." Sesshoumaru was going to argue some more, but Kagome had a suspicous smile on her lips and he could do nothing but stare as she crawled her way back up to him.
"Now Mr. Takahashi," she whispered against his lips. "I believe you owe me a appology."
8*8*8*
"Sorry I'm late!" Kagome squealed, plopping into a seat across from her friend. "I've been moving, lost track of time."
"Of course," Naraku said with a knowing smile. "You finally moved in with your boyfriend?"
Kagome blushed, but nodded. "Yes. He finally wore me down a bit."
"Usually," he started; pausing only for them to place their drink orders. "It is the girlfriend who is pressuring to move in together."
"True," Kagome laughed. "But I have been getting double teamed for weeks. He turned his daughter into a weapon and used her to help his case. In the end it was my decision, but she had a huge impact on it."
"I heard rumors that you and he were planning on starting a family. Are they true?" he asked.
Kagome blushed again, "Currently we aren't. Somehow, somebody found out that we had... slipped, a few months back and had a scare. The current rumors are that we planned it as a publicity stunt."
"Well if I know you, Kagome," Naraku said. "It was a pure... accident."
"It was. We're stronger now because of it."
"That is wonderful," Naraku said.
Kagome nodded, and that is pretty much how their meal went. They enjoyed light conversation concerning current affairs, and also their respective businesses. Kagome was having a good time, when it finally dawned on her that she was there to help Naraku go find a present for his girlfriend.
"So tell me about your girlfriend," she decided to finally ask.
"I was wondering when you were going to ask about her."
"I was waiting for you to start gushing. But I was stupid to assume you would gush," Kagome said.
"Yes well... I doubt I would be very good at gushing," Naraku told her.
Kagome nodded. "What is her name? What kind of gift would you like to purchase for her?"
"Her name is Fleur," he started. "I am unsure of the gift I would like to purchase. That is why you are here. You have similar personalities. I assumed you would be the voice of reason in my confusion."
Kagome smiled, "I am honored you thought of me. In a situation such as this most men would go to their sisters for assistance, not their ex girlfriends."
"Kagura refuses to assist me," he said. "I have no friends in the area, aside from you Kagome. Also, I wished to see you outside of meetings before I go to Fleur."
Kagome smiled. She was happy to be able to be around Naraku and no longer worry about him persuing her for a relationship again. 'It's good he found someone. Everybody deserves something perfect.' Needless to say, Kagome was in total oblivion. She had no clue her 'friend' was having her help shop for herself. Naraku already had a long day planned for them, all ending in his kidnapping of Kagome.
8*8*8*
After lunch, Kagome was very satisfied with her meal, had held wonderful conversations with Naraku, and was now ready to help her friend find the perfect gift for his girlfriend. "So where are we going to find Fleur a gift?"
"I believe we shall find what will be perfect at the local mall," he informed her. Kagome nodded, and followed him out of the restaurant after a lengthy argument over who would pay for their meals. Naraku won and Kagome wound up waiting by the door for her friend.
"You say your girlfriend and I are similar? Do you mean in tastes? I assume she is foreign?" Kagome asked.
Naraku nodded, "You assume correct. Fleur is French. And yes. Your tastes are similar. The music she listens to is similar to yours, as well as the books she reads. Although I cannot guarantee I would pick anything good up for her."
"Have you picked a engagement ring?" Kagome asked. "If you plan on asking her to marry you, then you will need a ring."
"I do not know her size," he said.
"That you cannot base upon anything," Kagome said with a smile. "What you can do is get them to show you a sizer, you pick the size you find the closest to her, and then if it is not the right size you can return it and they can either give you the right one, or if its just barely wrong; it can be re-sized."
"Well then we should do that first," Naraku told her with a smile.
*8*8*8
Sesshoumaru was starting to worry. Kagome said they'd be back by four in the afternoon, and it was much later than that. He knew she'd be upset if he got angry at her being gone longer than necissary, but he had heard some interesting rumors about Naraku recently and he wanted to be sure Kagome was still safe. 'I shall call her, just to see if we are expecting her for dinner...' he said to himself. That seemed like a plausable excuse.
"Sesshoumaru," Rin called from the living room. "I need help!"
"What is the matter?" Sesshoumaru asked, entering the living room.
"Kagome showed me how to use her game," Rin said. "But I cannot do it now."
Sesshoumaru sighed, taking the controller from the child, he quickly fixed the system and put Rin's game on. "Is that better?"
"Yes," Rin said with a excited smile, taking the control back from her father.
"I will be in the study," he told her. "If you need me. I will be making some important phone calls." Rin nodded, instantly going back to her game.
-In Sesshoumaru's Study-
"I'd like to speak with Detective Yashida," Sesshoumaru said into the phone. A while back, he had hired a private detective to get some information on Naraku, after hearing the rumors. He knew Kagome would be upset, but he thought it was a good idea.
"Yashida," said a stern womans voice.
"This is Sesshoumaru Takahashi," he said into the phone. "We spoke a few weeks ago about Onigumo Naraku."
"Yes," the woman started; he could hear her typing on his end of the line. "I have the information you wanted, although I'm unsure if it'll be any help to you. I can fax it over now, or have a messenger bring it by..."
"Fax please," he said. "I require this information as soon as possible.
"Of course," she replied. "I just need your fax number and it'll be there in a couple of minutes."
Five minutes later, Sesshoumaru was sitting at his desk pouring over the documents that were faxed to him. After summoning to his housekeeper that he would like a tray set up with coffee, sugar, and a tray of crackers; he hunkered down for a long trek over what seemed to be a smal chapterbook.
8*8*8*
"Naraku it's beautiful," Kagome cooed. "Any girl would love to have this!"
Naraku smiled, "You sure?"
Kagome nodded, taking the ring out of his hand. It was white gold with several small diamonds circling the band, and in the center was a 5 carrat diamond. "The diamond does make it a bit heavy, but I assume you want the best for your future fiance."
"Of course," he said. "She deserves nothing but perfection. I wonder, how did Sesshoumaru pick out your ring?"
"He didn't," she said with a smile.
"Oh?" Naraku made it a question. "He took you along to pick it out?"
"No," Kagome said. "It was his mothers from his father."
"I see," Naraku sneered. "He didn't feel the need to purchase you something that could be all yours?"
"He asked once if I would like him to purchase me a ring," Kagome said; not realizing he was insulting her boyfriend. "It was right after we got back together. I told him no, that there was nothing more special to me than the fact that he felt I was special enough to be given his mothers ring. Besides, it is very beautiful."
Naraku just watched the girl as she smiled down at her 'engagement' ring. Truely, it was not your typical engagement ring. Sesshoumaru's father had given it to his mother after they had mated, being as they never had a actual wedding. Sesshoumaru knew how much his mother treasured the trinket, even after his father left her. He had decided that it would be Kagome's engagement ring until he could find her something else.
"So," Kagome said with a bright smile. "Is this the ring you think she'll love?"
"I believe so," he stated. "I think some more jewelry would be a good idea as well. I do not recall seeing her wear anything aside from a small diamond in each ear."
Kagome nodded, "Well. If it's to match the ring, you're going to spend alot. If it is something simple, but elegant you want, we may be able to pick out something else." Naraku nodded, handing the cashier the ring and informing her to wrap it up while they searched some more.
-20 minutes later-
"I think she'll love this," Kagome squealed as they left the jewelry store. Naraku had purchased a simple diamond pendant on a white gold chain, and drop earrings to match.
"Glad you approve," he said with a smirk.
"Will I get to meet her?" Kagome asked. She wanted to meet the woman that made her friend so happy.
"Soon," Naraku said with a smile. "I think we've found exactly what is needed. We spent a bit more time out than necissary, would you care to accompany me for dinner?"
Kagome looked at her cell phone, it was almost six pm. 'Might as well,' she thought to herself. 'I can just call Sesshoumaru and let him know I'll be home as soon as we're done.'
"Why not," she said with a smile.
"Great," Naraku grinned. "There is a nice place just in the parking lot."
"How about we get greasy pizza from the food court!" Kagome said with a smile. "Sesshoumaru seems to think greasy food is bad for you."
"It is," Naraku smirked. "But why not?"
8*8*8*
"Not a damn thing," Sesshoumaru grumbed, finally putting all the pages of his file in a folder and locking it up. Picking up his phone, he did the only thing that he knew wouldd help him out.
"Sesshoumaru!" Rin called, running into his study. "Jaken will not allow me to order a pizza for dinner!"
"I tried to tell her, milord," The younger demon cried. "That at her age she requires healthy meals."
"Jaken," Sesshoumaru scolded. "Rin can have pizza. Cheese bread as well if that is what she requires."
Rin smiled triumphantly, hugging Sesshoumaru tightly, while Jaken sighed. "Yes, milord."
"Now do not disturb me," Sesshoumaru commanded. "I still have several important calls. I will join you for dinner."
Rin nodded and skipped out of the study, racing to the living room where the phone she was allowed to use, waited. She loved having a designated phone. Sesshoumaru had bought one that had big buttons, and special ones that all she had to do was press the one and it'd call Sesshoumaru's office, his cell phone, Kagome's office and her cell phone, her grandfather, InuYasha, the hospital, and of course the pizza place. The phone made her feel grown up.
"Kagura," Sesshoumaru snapped onto the phone. "I require your assistance."
"Of course," she purred. "I can be there in ten minutes."
"No," he said. One way that Sesshoumaru had been getting information, was through Kagura. She didn't like that he was with Kagome, but she hated her brother more than anything, and if she could see him miserable, she was willing to go for it. "Do you know of any new plans Naraku has come up with?"
"Only that he has Kagome at the shopping mall searching for a gift for his fiance," she told him. "I hadn't heard of him in any relationship before last night when he called Kagome."
"What else do you know?" he asked.
"He's been conversing with a woman," she told him. "I do not know her name, or even where she came from, but they spend a lot of time together."
"Could it be the fiance?"
"No," Kagura stated. "He is scheming with this woman. I believe it has something to do with Kagome."
"What makes you think that?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"He spoke with her, just before he left to meet Kagome," Kagura explained. "The woman left with a triumphant smile on her face."
"And he trusts you to be around while he schemes like this?" Sesshoumaru questioned.
"Of course not," Kagura said. "He doesn't trust me one bit, but he believes I will not do anything against him."
Just as he was about to say something, the doorbell rang. "I must go, I promised Rin I would have dinner with her."
"If Kagome isn't home within the hour," Kagura warned. "Then call her. If she does not answer, even the once, go find her. Naraku is going to do something big. I just cant put my finger on what."
"I thank you," Sesshoumaru said. Without even a simple goodbye, he hung up and went to answer the door, assuming it was the pizza delivery. When he opened the door, the person he saw did not hold a pizza box.
"I'm sorry to just show up," the woman said. "But I came to appologize..."
"Why?" he asked, getting ready to close the door.
"For stalking you," she said sadly. "For allowing Naraku to do what he plans tonight... for being too late to stop it."
"What are you talking about?" he asked, interest piqued.
"Naraku has plans for Kagome," she said sadly. "I was willing to go along with them, until I learned that he was to come after me once he got what he wanted. I waited longer than necissary to contact you, but I had to ensure that he was detained before coming to get you."
"Where are they?" Sesshoumaru asked, grabbing his keys.
"Still shopping," she explained. "Naraku is planning to take Kagome to dinner, and before 'dropping her off at her car', taking her to meet his 'fiance'."
"You are sure they are still there?" he asked.
She nodded, pulling out a cell phone and showing him a message from Naraku. 'One hour, we will be done and gone.'
Sesshoumaru said only one thing, "I know you have my cell number. Forward me all messages between Naraku and yourself. I want substantial evidence of my beating him to death when he attacks me." He said as he pushed the woman out of the way and walked out of the house. He lived fairly far from the mall, but he hoped a cop followed him. He had little time, the message was sent almost 20 minutes ago.
Pulling out his own cell phone, Sesshoumaru started dialing Kagome's number. He cursed when she didn't pick up, waiting just a moment, he pulled up the number and dialed again. This time, Kagome answered.
"Hi," she started, but he cut her off.
"Do not allow Naraku to know who you are talking to," he said.
"Why are you calling, mom?" she asked, sounding angry.
"I am coming to collect you," he said slowly. "Keep him busy, do not allow him to take you out of the mall. I will call again when I arrive."
"I already told you," Kagome sighed. "You have no reason to call me."
"This is no paranoia," Sesshoumaru scolded. "I have proof."
"Whatever, mom," Kagome growled. "I will talk to you later."
Without another word, Kagome hung up on Sesshoumaru.
*8*8*8
"You still are not speaking with your mother?" Naraku asked, truly believing she was on the phone with her mother. He planned on separating her from her phone the second she looked away, but was thwarted when she stuck the phone in her pants pocket. He was unsure of how to get it away from her, without her knowing.
"No," Kagome sing-songed; taking a big bite out of her pizza. "You would think she'd be happy that I finally agreed to marry Sesshoumaru... it may not go along with the arrangement, but it's happening."
"Maybe she just wishes you would have agreed with her in the first place?" he suggested.
"Probably," Kagome sighed. She was slightly worried, but assumed Sesshoumaru was still being irrational, so she just decided to draw out their mall trip. She ate slowly, finishing well after Naraku had. She was hoping her phone would ring soon, so instead she took the next few minutes to pretend to email Sango about a photo shoot. After she hit send on the email, her phone began to ring.
"Yes?" she asked, smiling at Naraku, who was getting ready to dump their trays in the nearby dumpster.
"Can you get away?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"No," she answered.
"Stay within the mall," he said. "Find a way to tell me where you are, without being obvious."
"Are you ready?" Naraku asked, unsure of why he could not ever hear who she was talking to on the phone.
"Can we go to 'Just Kids'?" Kagome asked, standing up, phone still to her ear. "Since we are here, I decided it's quicker to get Rin a birthday present while we are here, I won't have time to come back and get it later. Sango I'm going to have to call you back."
Naraku nodded, still straining to hear the voice on the other end of her line, "Of course. There is a lot going on with your magazine then?"
"Oh yeah," Kagome said with a grin. "We have done so much for this next issue, I am depressed that we will have so much to cut. How is your work going?"
"Father still will not give me a promotion," he replied. "Something about him not being old enough to retire just yet."
Kagome laughed. Naraku's father was 60 when he had Naraku, and 63 when Kagura came along, "Maybe he's trying to retain his youth?"
"Doubtful," he replied; but continued. "He wants me to finish my degree, which is almost done, and then we will discuss whether he hands over the company."
"Hopefully that'll be soon then," Kagome quipped. She was confused, Sesshoumaru was acting as if she had something to fear, but Naraku was being... normal. And normal was something Naraku definitely isn't.
"So what are you trying to find your stepdaughter?" he asked as they approached the toy store.
"I'm not sure," Kagome said with a small smile. "I don't want to get her anything like a doll, and regular kids 'toys' are just so trivial. She's a very intelligent girl, I want something that matches her."
"Well the store closes in 20 minutes," he told her. "Is that enough time to find what you are looking for?"
"I hope so," she said with a sigh. "Maybe a tablet?"
"That would be in the electronic store," he told her. "And possibly too old for her... How old did you say she was?"
"She's six," Kagome said. "Well she will be this week. She's about to go to school, and I was thinking one of those tablets that help with school things. Reading, math, writing, that sort of stuff!"
"She does not know how to read?"
"She's learning," Kagome remarked as they made their way up to the childrens electronics. "And she's also learning how to write. I figure this will be a fun way for her to do that stuff without getting TOO bored."
"I can see what you mean," he said. Naraku was clearly bored, and Kagome caught him checking his watch for the 5th time in the last several minutes. She couldn't help but wonder what was making him so antsy. Just as she was about to say something, she heard her name being called. Turning around, Kagome smiled; but only because she was convinced she was being paranoid about nothing.
"Sesshoumaru!" She said, feigning surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"I was looking for Rin a birthday present," he lied' wrapping a arm around her waist. "And you?"
"Same," she said with a smile. "We've just gotten everything we had planned for today done when I remembered I needed to get a gift. After all, it is a busy week."
"When do you plan on going home?" he asked, staring at Naraku. "I have a surprise waiting for you... hopefully it is waiting. I left Rin in Jaken's are to ensure it gets done."
"We were going to be leaving in a few minutes," Kagome said with a smile.
"Would you excuse me a moment?" Naraku interrupted, pulling a cell phone from his pocket.
"Of course," Kagome said with a grin. "I just need to pick one of these things out."
Once Naraku was out of earshot, Sesshoumamru rounded on her. "You are not leaving with him."
"Why not?" Kagome asked. "I came here with him, my car is at the cafe we ate at. He said he'd take me to retrieve it."
"I'll have my driver take Jaken to get your car," he said. "I have some important information on your 'friend', and I believe you are not safe with him."
"What you have," Kagome said, very angry. "Is a good way to piss me off."
"It is all here," Sesshoumaru growled, thrusting his phone in her face. "All of these text messages are between him and a 'accuaintance'. She came to me tonight to tell me what he has planned. Just read a few of them. I beg of you, Kagome."
"How do I know this is true," she asked; looking out the window, unable to see Naraku.
"The number is blocked," he said. "And it is a attachment, not a message."
Kagome sighed, taking the phone from her boyfriend, "Fine. Grab one of those tablets, I cannot reach."
Sesshoumaru did as she asked, and she sat in a childs chair to read a few of the messages. Watching her carefully, Sesshoumaru could see that she was slightly disturbed, but when Kagome handed him the phone back she looked calm. "I will go with you, but only because I think you're blowing this out of proportion."
"It is better than nothing," he said.
"Well I just recieved a call from Fleur," Naraku said; interrupting them. "And she is free tonight and would love to meet you, Kagome."
"I'd love to," Kagome said. "But I should be getting home, long day tomorrow."
"Well how about you check out and I'll be glad to assist you home," he said; glaring at Sesshoumaru over her shoulder. "That way Sesshoumaru may finish what he needs to do here."
"That will not be necissary," Sesshoumaru interjected. "It will save time, and energy for Kagome to just come home with me. I have already made arrangements for her car to be picked up."
Naraku sighed, looking down-trodden. "Of course, at least allow me to walk you to your car."
Kagome nodded, linking arms with Sesshoumaru and dragging him to the register with her. "We'll put both our names on this gift," she told him. "It'll be easier."
After paying for Rin's present, Naraku escorted Kagome and Sesshoumaru towards his car, "I appreciate your help today. We leave in two days, I do hope you will be able to meet Fleur before we go."
"I hope so as well," Kagome stated. "You will be at the meeting in the morning?"
"I will," he said. "Along with the new partner. He will need to get the hang of things, boy hasn't been with the company long enough to understand anything."
Kagome giggled, wrapping a arm around Sesshoumaru as they talked to Naraku, "Well I guess I'll see you in the morning then!"
"In the morning," Naraku said with a smirk, walking away."
"See," Kagome practically yelled at Sesshoumaru as they drove home. "He was a perfect gentleman. Nothing fishy going on at all!"
"I still do not trust him," Sesshoumaru said, rubbing his eyes for a second. "Would you be greatly opposed to being driven and picked up from work tomorrow?"
"Yes," Kagome screeched. "I can take myself. You can see me off, I will call when I get there, and call when I leave. That is all you'll get, and to be honest I feel like going back to the apartment tonight."
"Kagome," he sighed. "Do not continue with these idle threats. It is childish and I will not stand for it."
"I don't care what you will stand for!" Kagome yelled, her voice shrill echoing in the small vehicle. Sersshoumaru's hearing was far too keen for her to be yelling like that. "I am a adult, Sesshoumaru. And I know you like to play mad dictator, and on occassion I like it myself, but today is not one of those days!"
"I will sleep in the guest room," Sesshoumaru told her. "Tonight we will be apart, but in the morning we must speak."
"No," she told him. Sesshoumaru didn't like the sound of her voice, it sounded as if she was going to end it with him again. "I will sleep in the guest room, and you will stay in yours. In the morning we will send Rin to my mother, she wants to meet her anyway, and we will speak about this. Alone. No maids, no Jaken, just you and I."
Sesshoumaru nodded, and they continued their trek home. He knew Kagome was angry, it didn't surprise him. What he wasn't expecting was that, in the end, she still held his hand.
A.N. Well I bet yall REALLY thought Naraku was finally going to get his way huh! Naw, I want to drag that out just a LITTLE bit longerr! Hope you enjoyed, although I doubt it (I hate this chapter), either way. Review, don't review, I really don't get a rats ass. I'm just happy I could finally finish this chapter up and post it. It's 5:15 in the afternoon; Wednesday, December 21st, 2011. Finish and posted almost two months after started... although I have to admit I haven't had my computer to update, or even internet if I really wanted to do so...