Disclaimer: InuYasha, and all its characters, including the hotness that is Sesshoumaru, all belong to Rumiko Takahashi. At least until I'm older and she's dead and I buy the royalties off whoever inherits them. Oh, and I don't own Toyota, American Movie Corporation, Disney, or Alice in Wonderland.

FAMILY MATTERS: DAMAGES AND PROBLEMS

Kagome grinned as she ran up the path through the center of the Tokyo Conservational Park. There at the top of the hill was the very familiar figure of Ao, dressed up in her neon pink running suit. She'd missed seeing the older woman, despite the disastrous consequences of her last visit home, and she was hoping to talk to her now.

But just as Kagome was about to call out to her, Ao turned away. She smiled and waved at someone who was following her up the path. Kagome paused, watching until she saw for sure who Ao was with. Her smile waned a bit when she saw a young woman run up to stand beside her. They talked for a moment, then started running again. Kagome debated going up to them, but then decided not to interrupt them. She'd just have to see Ao some other time.

"Kagome!"

Kagome stopped and turned around. "Hey Ao!" She called back. She waited for Ao to catch up. "I didn't mean to bother you two. If you'd rather, I'll just see you another time, Ao."

"Oh, don't be silly, Kagome." Ao assured her. "You're practically family. Especially after that awful business luncheon you saved me from." She turned to the younger woman besides her. "Allow me to make the introductions. Kagome, this is Chairo, Kin's daughter. Chairo, this is the lovely young woman your father told you about, Kagome."

Chairo's smile was easy as she bowed to Kagome. "It's nice to put a face to the name I've been hearing for the past few days."

"Likewise." Kagome returned. She was curious about the phrase "Kin's daughter," but thought it best not to comment.

An awkward silence developed, until Ao stepped in. "Well, I don't know about you two, but I'm finished running for the day. I promised Kin I wouldn't push myself too much. He's still a bit paranoid about my health. Why don't we take a break and get something to eat?"

"Sounds like a plan." Kagome answered with a grin. "You know, that café you like is nearby. We could get-"

"Gingerbread Cookie Lattes, no foam, and Choco Lavas." Ao answered with a grin. "You read my mind." She turned to Chairo. "And of course, we'll get you a Chocolate Mocha Espresso and a coffee cake."

"That would be appreciated." Chairo answered with a grin.

Kagome could swear that there was a light of sadness in Ao's eyes, but it was gone before she could be sure. But just in case, she took Ao's arm and squeezed it lightly. "Well, let's go. It's a perfect plan. I've been craving that Gingerbread Latte!"

Chairo shook her head and muttered something that Kagome didn't catch. If Ao heard, she blissfully ignored it. "Well, let's get going!" Ao announced. "It's a Girl's Day Out, and we're going to enjoy it."

Sesshoumaru stared at the paperwork in front of him. He had decided that while Kagome was in her time, he would return to his fortress and deal with any problems that had come up while he had been gone. He'd been gone for several months now, and while his lands really ran themselves, the paperwork did tend to accumulate.

There was a knock at Sesshoumaru's door, and Sesshoumaru took a sniff. His expression softened as he recognized Rin's unique scent. "Enter." He called out.

Rin entered quietly and went right up to his desk. She waited patiently for Sesshoumaru to finish with his current letter. When he finished, he looked up at Rin and nodded. With a grin, she raced around the desk and hugged Sesshoumaru's legs. "Welcome back, Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Sesshoumaru placed a hand on Rin's head, the closest he came to returning the embrace. "Rin." He said quietly when Rin held on for a bit too long.

Rin obediently released Sesshoumaru, albeit reluctantly. "I was worried, Sesshoumaru-sama." Rin told him cheerily. "I thought you had forgotten about me. But then you came back! I'm really happy!"

Sesshoumaru felt a twinge of guilt. Although the girl wasn't technically pack, since he had never given her his blood, she was his ward. He had a duty to see to all her needs, including her needs of companionship. Perhaps. . . Kagome had her own ward. The fox kit would make an excellent companion for Rin. If circumstances were agreeable, than perhaps she could rejoin InuYasha's group with them.

"Sesshoumaru-sama?"

Sesshoumaru refocused his attention on Rin, who was looking up at him hopefully. "I will be here for a few days Rin." He said. "I will speak with you more tomorrow. It is late."

Knowing a dismissal when she heard one, Rin bowed. "Yes Sesshoumaru-sama." Sesshoumaru could hear a trace of annoyance in her voice, and his alpha instincts tried to rush to the surface. He reminded himself that she was a pup, and a human at that. She was allowed a bit of leniency.

Rin left quickly, knowing that if she tried to fight with Sesshoumaru-sama, she'd just lose. After all, he was Sesshoumaru-sama, and he was always right. But it just didn't seem fair. He had been gone for so long, and now that he was back, he had only seen her for a few moments. What was so important that her lord couldn't be with her?

Disgruntled, Rin entered her rooms and went up to her maid so she could prepare her for bed. Whatever was keeping Sesshoumaru-sama away, it wouldn't last very long. Rin knew that Sesshoumaru-sama cared for her, even if he didn't show it much. He was like the father she'd never had, and she was the daughter he didn't have. It all fit perfectly.

As Rin was tucked in, she smiled contentedly. I will always be with Sesshoumaru-sama. He said so himself.

Kagome entered the café with a smile. "Oh, I can just taste that latte!" She exclaimed. "I can't wait."

Ao laughed. "I know the feeling. Why don't you two grab us a table, and I'll get us our things." She turned to Chairo. "Anything new to try?"

"No thank you." Chairo answered. "Just my usual." She started to reach for her purse, but Ao quickly waved her away.

"Chairo, I refuse to allow you to pay." Ao insisted. "Go with Kagome and get a seat. I'll see you in a few." With that she headed to the counter, leaving Kagome and Chairo alone.

"Well, why don't we get ourselves a table?" Kagome asked.

Chairo nodded and surveyed the area. "Why don't we take that one in the corner?"

Kagome frowned. "Actually, if you don't mind, why don't we take the one by the window? Ao seems a bit down, and she likes being able to see outside."

Chairo looked at Kagome and slowly nodded. "Very well then." She walked over to the table, and Kagome watched her. She was growing more and more curious about Chairo. Why didn't Chairo know more about Ao? Why was she Kin's daughter, and not Ao's?

Kagome took a seat across from Chairo. "So Chairo, do you live nearby?"

"Actually, I live in America." Chairo answered. "My mate and I run two of my father's companies there."

Kagome's eyes widened. "That's impressive. Kin must trust you a lot."

Chairo raised an eyebrow, and Kagome was struck at how much the action looked like Kin. "Oh? What makes you say that?"

"Well, even if you are Kin and Ao's daughter, they don't seem like the type of people to just give their relatives jobs. Most likely you had to earn the position just like any other employee." Kagome answered. "Which is what makes your position so impressive."

Chairo smiled. "You have a very good sense of the two of them." She complimented Kagome. "You're right, my father did have my mate and I earn our positions. Ao was very proud of my mate when he finally earned his own company."

Once again, Kagome noticed the odd wordings. Part of her was insisting that she not pry, but her curiosity was quickly overtaking that part of her. As Chairo continued to stare, Kagome finally broke. "I don't want to seem rude-"

"But you want to know why Ao refers to me as 'Kin's daughter' and I have not called her my mother." Chairo interrupted. Kagome nodded gratefully, and Chairo shrugged. "The answer is no big deal. Ao is not my mother."

"Oh." Kagome didn't push, but inside she was fuming. That didn't answer my question at all! She was half-tempted to break her no pry rule when Ao returned, carrying two trays and three boxes.

"Alright, we have one Chocolate Mocha Espresso, two Gingerbread Lattes, one coffee cake, and two Choco Lavas." Ao's set down each as she spoke, then took a seat between Kagome and Chairo. "So, find anything interesting to talk about?"

"I was just telling Kagome here about my job in America." Chairo answered easily.

Ao grinned. "Oh yes, I was so proud when Kin gave Chairo and Orenji their own companies. They certainly earned them."

Chairo nodded. "Yes, well I received the American Movie Corporation, and Orenji received Toyota."

"No way!" Kagome exclaimed. "You mean your family owns them?"

Ao chuckled. "Yes, well Kin likes to keep a hand in every aspect of the business world. There's very little areas that Kin doesn't have some input in." She took a sip of her coffee, and when no one else spoke, she continued. "Well anyway, Chairo and Orenji have both done a wonderful job building up their respective businesses. They do us both proud."

Chairo's eyes narrowed slightly, but just as she was about to speak again, her cell phone rang. She grabbed at it with a look that looked suspiciously like relief. When she spoke, Kagome recognized the language she spoke as English. "Hello?" She suddenly stood. "What do you mean Disney won't release Alice and Wonderland? That's impossible, I just confirmed it last week." She sighed heavily. "Fine. I'll call you back." Chairo hung up her phone and shoved it in her bag. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I'm afraid there's some business that just can't wait."

Ao smiled softly. "I understand. You're a busy woman. Go do your thing."

Chairo turned and bowed to Kagome. "It was nice to meet you Kagome."

"You as well, Chairo." Kagome answered. She watched, and she was absolutely positive that Chairo raced out of the café. She really was going to keep her mouth shut, though. Until Ao sighed, and a sad look crossed her face. Then, the words just shot out of her mouth. "What's up with you and Chairo?"

Ao looked at Kagome with a surprised look on her face. "What do you mean?"

"She said that you aren't her mother." Kagome answered. "And you call her 'Kin's daughter.' And she seems very distant from you."

Ao sighed. "It's my fault." She answered. "You see, Chairo was adopted by Kin before I met him. Our relationship has been. . . strained."

Kagome stared at Ao, her eyes widening. Ao returned to her snack and drink, pretending it didn't bother her. Kagome felt her eyes tear, and she lunged over to hug Ao. "I'm sorry." She whispered.

Ao couldn't help the small tears the welled in her own eyes. "So am I." She nudged at her hot chocolate, seeming to lose interest in it. "It's one of the few things Kin and I argue about. The fact that I also had adopted a child before we met, and the two of them mated, doesn't make things any easier. I would give anything to be able to have one giant, happy family."

"Why would you and Kin fight about it?" Kagome asked quietly.

Ao sighed. "He insists that I should make up with her, but I can't do that. It's not that I don't want to, but I've already done everything I can. Chairo is the one who insists on maintaining the distance between us. But I can't blame her."

"Why not? It certainly sounds like she's to blame for all this!" Kagome protested.

"Because when I finally had her trust, I let her down." Ao answered. "I hurt her very badly. I wouldn't blame her if she never forgave me for that."

Kagome didn't know what to say to that. So she scooted over until she could wrap Ao into another hug.

Rin knew she was going to be in trouble. She'd never defied Sesshoumaru-sama to this extent before. But she missed her Sesshoumaru-sama. And really, if she used her special I'm just an innocent human child face, she could probably avoid the worst of punishments. She'd probably be told off and sent back to the fortress.

It had taken forever to get Ah-Un to take her. But after spoiling him with a few treats, the two headed dragon was ready to do anything. So now she was flying, using Ah-Un's instincts to follow after Sesshoumaru like they'd done before. The closer they got, the more upbeat Ah-Un became. Finally, Rin saw Sesshoumaru in a clearing with a well. With a grin, Rin directed Ah-Un to land.

As soon as they hit the ground, Rin knew Sesshoumaru knew they were there. But he didn't acknowledge their presence at all. With a frown, Rin ran straight up to Sesshoumaru and stood just to his right. She waited for Sesshoumaru to make the first move.

"I am disappointed, Rin."

Rin flinched. She hadn't expected that. "I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru-sama." Rin answered. "But I-"

"I told you to remain at the fortress." Sesshoumaru answered. "You disobeyed me."

"But Sesshoumaru-sama, I-"

"Return to the fortress immediately." Sesshoumaru ordered.

Rin glared at Sesshoumaru's back and was about to say something when suddenly the well in the center of the clearing began to glow. Rin stared at it in shock, but Sesshoumaru was completely unmoved. After a moment, the glow died away, and Rin heard someone inside.

". . . impossible! I'm going to grow old and be a hunchback from all the junk in this stupid bag!" A head popped out of the well, and Rin stumbled back in surprise. Sesshoumaru moved forward, and a few moments later, he was pulling a woman out from the well. She grinned up at him. "Thanks a million! I hate lugging this stupid backpack out of the well."

Sesshoumaru merely nodded and started to walk away. "The half breed and your companions are in the village below. They have learned nothing useful."

The woman frowned and started to say something, when she noticed Rin standing off to the side. "Hello." She came over to Rin, a smile spreading over her face. "How are you Rin? It's been a while since I've seen you."

Rin's training from her time with Sesshoumaru kicked in, and so she bowed. "I am well, Kagome. It is nice to see you too."

"Rin, return to the fortress." Sesshoumaru growled. "I will not repeat it again."

Rin bit her lip, but knew that he was being serious. She started to move towards Ah-Un, but Kagome stopped her. "Give me a second." She whispered. Before Rin could respond, Kagome ran up to Sesshoumaru. "Sesshoumaru, can't Rin come with us?"

Sesshoumaru turned on Kagome, giving her a glare. "She will return to the fortress."

Kagome wasn't moved by the glare. "Rin came here for a reason, obviously without your permission. And out of the people in this clearing, the only one she knows is you. And believe me, I know how scary you are when you get angry. But she was willing to risk your anger because she wanted to be with you. Not many people would voluntarily do that. Don't you think that kind of bravery deserves a reward?"

Sesshoumaru's only answer was a continued glare. Kagome sighed. "Besides, Shippou hasn't met a single person his age since that osoyoukai whose father had his head cut off by Hakudoshi. Would it be really terrible for the two of them to meet? For all we know, they could become the best of friends. It would be good for both of them."

Sesshoumaru glared at Kagome a moment longer, then reluctantly nodded. Kagome grinned and turned to Rin. "Looks like you're in luck, Rin. Sesshoumaru doesn't always listen to me."

Rin wasn't sure whether to be happy that she got her way, or upset that it was Kagome that had convinced Sesshoumaru. For now though, she thought it would be better to play along. "Thank you, Kagome." She smiled at the woman, then ran after Sesshoumaru.

Kagome watched Rin run to Sesshoumaru, and she felt a small pang in her chest. The look on Rin's face. . . why did it remind her Chairo?

Kagome entered her mansion, and the feeling normally content feeling she got when she entered her home was absent. She sighed as she opened the front door and took off her shoes. Chihomi ran up to her, a hopeful smile on her face. "Nishinoshu-sama, why don't I take your coat?"

Kagome smiled tiredly and handed over her windbreaker. "Thank you, Chihomi." She said softly. "Did Chairo get back yet?"

Chihomi looked startled for a second at the unexpected answer, then grinned widely. "No, I'm sorry. Chairo hasn't come back yet. But Nishinoshu-sama asked that when you came home, you went to see him."

"Thank you." Kagome whispered again. She started down the hallway, her stomach dropping as she went. The last time Rin had come to call, she hadn't been on good terms with Sesshoumaru for a week. How long was it going to be this time?

Kagome reached Sesshoumaru's study and hesitated in the doorway. She wanted to be strong, but she was afraid. She hated fighting with Sesshoumaru, and Rin was always one topic that put them at odds. She huffed and stared at the door. Why couldn't he see that she had done everything she could?

"Mama?"

Kagome turned, and her face melted into a smile. "Hello, Orenji." She chuckled as the man who was walking towards her made a face. "Well, you're the one who said I couldn't call you Shippou anymore."

"In public Mama." Shippou answered as he pulled Kagome into a hug. "At home, I like to remember that I really am Shippou."

Kagome smiled and pulled Shippou closer. "I really do love it when you visit Shippou." She told him. "I just wish Rin and I saw more eye to eye."

Shippou just squeezed her tight. "I know, Mama. I've always known."

Just then, the door opened, and Sesshoumaru stood in the doorway. Kagome and Shippou released each other, sad smiles on their faces. Shippou turned to Sesshoumaru and gave him a large cocky grin. "Why hello, Sesshoumaru. Terrorize any innocents today?"

"Leave, kit." Sesshoumaru snapped.

Kagome's eyes narrowed. "Sesshoumaru." She scolded quietly. Sesshoumaru turned to glare at her, and Kagome crossed her arms. "I do not put up with that attitude to my children. You know that." When Sesshoumaru continued to glare, Kagome returned it with one of her own. "Nor do I put up with glares that look exactly like the ones you used to give me when I was your enemy."

Sesshoumaru stared at her for a moment, then turned back to his study and stormed inside. Kagome sighed and turned back to Shippou. "I'll see you in a little bit. I need to have a talk with Sesshoumaru."

Shippou grabbed Kagome's arm. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

Kagome laughed and smiled. "Shippou, no matter how upset he might be, he is still my mate. He would rather die than hurt me." Seeing he was still worried, Kagome stood on her tiptoes and kissed Shippou's forehead. "I promise, I'll be fine."

With those final words, Kagome entered her mate and husband's domain.

"Tag!" Shippou shouted. "You're it!"

Rin laughed and headed after Shippou. Kagome smiled as the two of them ran around the village. "They're so cute!" She exclaimed for perhaps the hundredth time.

InuYasha growled. "Can you stop acting like a girl long enough to help us plan!" He shouted. "And stop squealing! You're making my ears ring."

Kagome looked over at her best friend guiltily. "Sorry, InuYasha." She leaned over and gently grabbed his ears. Then she slowly and gently rubbed her thumbs in a circular motion across the back of his ears. InuYasha's eyes instantly drooped, and he leaned over until he fell into Kagome's lap. She giggled, but continued to rub at his ears. Her giggles became full scale laughter as his left leg began kicking.

Miroku and Sango bit back their laughter at the familiar display. Kagome had discovered this secret power just a few months ago, and the sight of the great blustering hanyou falling over himself for an ear rub was hilarious.

Sesshoumaru, who sat in the corner away from the rest of the group, raised an eyebrow at Kagome. "It would appear the half-breed is more dog than I had believed." He commented coolly.

Kagome smiled and shook her head at his disapproving glare. If she wanted to have fun with InuYasha, she was going to have it. InuYasha growled softly at Sesshoumaru, but it was a half-hearted effort at best. He loved it when Kagome rubbed his ears. Everyone else could just go to hell for all he cared.

After a few minutes though, Kagome eased off. "We really do need to plan, InuYasha."

InuYasha huffed and straightened. "Sure, now you want to plan." After a few moments of grumbling, he was back to himself. "What did you guys find out?"

Kagome grinned. "Not a thing!"

InuYasha whirled, his eyes wide. "Don't say that like you're proud of it!" InuYasha shouted. "What do you mean you didn't find anything?" He smirked and looked over at Sesshoumaru. "So much for being infallible!"

Sesshoumaru pointedly ignored the jibe, which Kagome found oddly refreshing. She turned the glare she had prepared for Sesshoumaru onto InuYasha. "Well it's kind of hard to find information when you don't know exactly what you're looking for." Kagome answered with a shrug. "Besides, according to Sesshoumaru, you didn't do much better. What exactly did you learn?"

"Hah! Shows what you know!" InuYasha snapped back. "We found out loads!"

Kagome raised an eyebrow, and InuYasha sputtered at her. Kagome shook her head and turned to Miroku. "What did you guys find out?"

"We have discovered that the jewel in InuYasha's eye, which once transported you, InuYasha, Sesshoumaru, and Jaken to the World Between Life and Death, can no longer be accessed." Miroku answered. "Since it has served its purpose, it is now a part of his eye."

"I fail to see how that should be a deterrent." Sesshoumaru answered. He stood and started towards InuYasha, claws extended. The others tensed as Sesshoumaru approached, not sure if he was serious or not. Just before he stood directly in front of InuYasha, Kagome stood between them.

"Sesshoumaru, you can't damage InuYasha's eyes." She pointed out. "Think about it logically. He's the only one who can use the Tetsusaiga. You know that. And not to devalue your abilities, but Tetsusaiga is one of the greatest weapons we have against Naraku and his minions." She saw the slight droop of InuYasha's ears, and sighed. "Besides, as much of a brat as he is, he's my best friend. I'll never forgive you if you hurt him." InuYasha's ears shot back up, and Kagome shook her head in amusement.

As Sesshoumaru reluctantly returned to his corner, a thought occurred to Kagome. "Hey, wait a minute! Isn't that pack-bond of yours bugging you about harming your pack-brother?"

"I ain't no pack of that bastard!" InuYasha shouted.

Kagome frowned. "But. . . what about the blue?"

"What blue?"

"The blue! It symbolizes family, and you two definitely have it." Kagome turned to Sesshoumaru. "How can there be blue if you two aren't pack?"

"Kagome?" Sango called. "Could you explain what you mean that they have blue?"

Kagome turned to Sango and blushed as she realized how she must sound. "Sorry. Remember the aura reading thing? Well, one of the bonds that I can see is a family bond, which is blue. These two are connected by one."

"Perhaps it is because they share blood?" Miroku asked.

Kagome frowned. "I suppose that might be it. . ." She wasn't convinced, but she was willing to let it drop. Especially since she saw the tension in Sesshoumaru's shoulders. He knew something, and she was going to get it out of him whether he liked it or not.

Sango cleared her throat. "Getting back to what we've learned, Miyoga was able to tell us the name of the demon who made the jewel in InuYasha's eye. We thought that we could go see him and get one of the jewels."

"To what end?" Sesshoumaru demanded. "Such a jewel would not tell us what it is Naraku is planning."

"But it's a start." Kagome answered. "If we go to the World Between Life and Death, then perhaps we can discover exactly what it is Naraku is looking for there."

Sesshoumaru stared at Kagome for a moment, his irritation growing. Where was the girl he had met on their journey? What had happened to the logical and rational mind? It was as if the second she was around her friends, she became one of them. Could he have misjudged her?

Sesshoumaru shook himself. She is a tool. He reminded himself. There is no reason to get so worked up.

And yet, as he watched her interact with the others, he couldn't help the small part of him that was roaring. What happened to MY Kagome?

Kagome entered Sesshoumaru's study, and saw that he was already behind his desk. She could tell that he was annoyed from the slight furrow of his brow and the tightness of his shoulders. Though she couldn't tell if he was annoyed at her or if he was annoyed at the paper he was glaring at. Though if his reaction outside was any indication, he was definitely annoyed at her.

Kagome took one of the chairs in front of the fireplace on the right side of the room. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and leaned against the back of her armchair. She knew that he had expected her to sit across from him, but she was not one of his subordinates or a client. If they were going to fight, as she suspected they were, then he was going to have to surrender any thoughts of superiority.

Finally, Sesshoumaru put the paper down and came to sit in the chair next to Kagome's. "Where is Rin?"

"I don't know." Kagome answered, firmly keeping her eyes closed despite her wary state. "She got a phone call in the middle of our outing, and had to go."

"I see." Sesshoumaru answered. "Why did you not inquire as to where she was going?"

"Because it was obvious that she didn't enjoy the present company and wanted to get away. I wasn't going to make her more uncomfortable by asking questions she didn't want to answer."

Kagome could feel Sesshoumaru's irritation, but she still didn't open her eyes. She hated seeing Sesshoumaru's face twisted like it would be now. Better to hear his anger than have to see it.

"So now Rin is in Tokyo, alone, and no one knows where she is?"

Kagome shook her head. "I'm sure Shippou knows exactly where she is. He always keeps track of her."

Sesshoumaru growled. "That's not good enough!"

Kagome sighed, getting a bit annoyed at Sesshoumaru's tone. "You're right Sesshoumaru. How could I possibly have allowed her to run around like the adult she is? I should have held her down and forced her to tell me every detail of her life. Or maybe I should have put a GPS chip on her?"

Sesshoumaru grabbed her shoulder. "Do not patronize me, Kagome! She is my daughter, and I have the right to worry. Just because you and her cannot stand the sight of each other does not mean you can ignore her safety!"

Kagome's eyes snapped open. "How dare you!" She stood and marched up to Sesshoumaru, ignoring the fact that she was several inches shorter than her mate. "You know perfectly well I have done everything in my power to reconcile with Rin. What right do you have to even suggest that I don't care about her safety?"

"You have done nothing to show it!" Sesshoumaru snarled, losing his temper at Kagome's defiance. "All you have done is push her away when she is trying to-"

Kagome laughed harshly, a mockery of its usual gentle melody. "You have no idea what you're talking about, Nishinoshu Sesshoumaru. So don't try to lecture me about something you couldn't possibly understand."

"I understand perfectly well that you will not try to get along with my daughter." Sesshoumaru snapped back.

"Hello black kettle*!" Kagome shouted. "When have you ever treated Shippou with the same kind of concern you do with Rin? If you're going to try to guilting me over Rin, then I suggest you look at your own dealings with my son."

"That is an entirely different matter." Sesshoumaru growled, gritting his teeth. "We are focusing on you and Rin."

Kagome felt her holy power rising, and she knew it was close to breaking away from her. She forced herself to take a step back, and then to take a few breaths. "I need to go, Sesshoumaru." She told him softly. "Neither of us is backing down, and this is pointless. I don't have the stamina or the patience to try and fix this right now. And I don't want to lose control."

Sesshoumaru would have argued, but he saw how close Kagome was to losing her temper completely. He nodded stiffly and turned away. There was really nothing more to be said.

Kagome left Kaede's hut that night with a mission: get Rin indoors. She was actually more interested in the first part, since she could ask Sesshoumaru about his pack-bond with InuYasha anytime. But Rin was a child, one who should not be kept outside when she was safer and more comfortable indoors.

She found Sesshoumaru, Rin, and Ah-Un resting just inside the forest. With a smile, she quickly went up to them. "Good evening."

Sesshoumaru, who leaned against a nearby tree with his eyes closed, cracked an eye open. "Miko, whatever it is you wish, you may inquire about in the morning."

"Actually, this can't wait." Kagome answered. "I wanted to know if you and Rin would like to join us inside Kaede's hut." Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow in disbelief, and Kagome hastened to assure him. "I know that you don't really want to, and the idea of sleeping with a bunch of humans is probably abhorrent to you. And I know that the cold doesn't affect you like it does us humans."

"If you know this, why do you waste your time?" Sesshoumaru demanded.

"All those things are true for you." Kagome replied calmly. "But they aren't true for Rin."

Sesshoumaru's annoyed look hardened, and he turned to look at his ward, who was curling up beside Ah-Un. After a moment, he called to Rin. At the sound of her name, Rin looked up and grinned. She ran forward and stood in front of Sesshoumaru, waiting for him to speak. "Rin, would you like to go inside with the others?"

Rin looked up at Kagome, then looked back at Sesshoumaru. "I want to stay with you, Sesshoumaru-sama."

Sesshoumaru nodded, then turned back to Kagome. "There is the answer to your question, Miko. Now leave."

"Sesshoumaru, please. It's getting colder-"

"You have my answer, Miko." Sesshoumaru growled. "You may not speak about what you do not understand."

Kagome's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that?"

"Ah-Un's underbelly is softer than any human comforts you can offer." Sesshoumaru answered, contempt dripping from his voice. "His body gives off plenty of heat. Rin will be warm, safe, and comfortable without any of your human comforts."

Kagome bit her lip, then nodded. "Alright. I'm sorry. I just thought-"

"That I could not properly care for the members of my pack." Sesshoumaru finished with a growl. "Once again, you prove your own ignorance."

Kagome felt her spine stiffen, and anger at having her efforts thrown back in her face surged through her. Without thinking, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Well, considering how you treat InuYasha, it wouldn't surprise me."

Sesshoumaru stood in front of her in seconds, crimson eyes clearly showing his barely contained rage. "I will remind you only once. Do not speak of what you do not understand." He raised his single hand to Kagome's face, the claws dripping with Sesshoumaru's poison. "Next time, there will be no second chance."

Kagome felt herself pale, and her eyes widened in fear. She forced it down and stood tall in front of him. "If you truly don't think I understand, then maybe your majesty should actually explain instead of expecting me to immediately understand."

Sesshoumaru grabbed the front of Kagome's shirt and pushed her back. "Go back to your humans, Miko. Before I lose what little patience I have left."

Kagome glared at him for a moment longer before turning away. Obviously, she had overestimated her relationship with the daiyoukai. She wouldn't make that mistake again anytime soon.

Behind her, Rin watched Kagome go with a smile. It was nice to know she was the only one who Sesshoumaru-sama really liked. Everyone else was only an annoyance he put up with.

Two Kagomes, separated by time, space, and circumstances, both looked up at the moon. One, in the Feudal Era, saw it surrounded by stars and glowing brightly. The other in Tokyo saw only the moon, the stars hiding in the light of the city.

What happened? They thought. How could it have fallen apart?

12345678900987654321 Author's Rant 12345678900987654321

Sesshoumaru: What happened?

InuYasha: I feel like my brain exploded.

Kagome: Migraine, migraine!

Naraku: I feel disgusting! To think I, the great Naraku, coudl be reduced to a whimpering baby!

Horse Wolves: [bursts into fandom] Where is she? Where is OG? I'm going to murder her!

Obsessive_Goddess: HW! Just the person I want to see. What in the world did you do to my fandom?

Horse Wolves: Your fandom? You abandoned the InuYasha fandom!

Obsessive_Goddess: How dare you!

Horse Wolves: How dare you!

Obsessive_Goddess/Horse Wolves: ! [both jump forward and attack the other]

Kagome: Shouldn't we stop them?

Sesshoumaru: If they kill each other off, the story will cease to exist.

Kagome: Hee hee. Sounds perfect. Who's got the popcorn?

End of Author's Rant 12345678900987654321

*

Chairo: Brown

Orenji: Orange, as in the fruit. The color is "Orenji no iro" or "Daidai iro"

"Hello black kettle": look who's calling the kettle black