"The newly announced Lord of the Northern Lands Lord Haruki was seen with one Kagome Higurashi at the Tashio's (Lord Toga) annual Cherry Blossom Charity Gala. Though the pair did not arrive together they was seen by each other's side for majority of the night. This is the same Kagome Higurashi that was featured in London Vouge recently for Lord Haruki and Ex-wife now Mei Tanaka's fashion line. Sources say she is the same woman who was seen out around London with Haruki and often times with his son. The two could be described as the sun and the moon, the night to his day as he whisked her around the dance floor throughout the evening in a magnificent gown that looked like the night sky itself. Not much is known about Miss Higurashi other than she was the longtime girlfriend and once assumed mate of Lord Sesshomaru. The two kept a very private life throughout their relationship so it is unknown on why the couple made the split. But it is a known fact the two have known each other majority of their lives hence why they are still heavily involved with each other's family's. But after recent events is it safe to assume miss Higurashi may indeed be the next Lady of the North? Will the pairing of Lord Haruki and Miss Kagome cause mention between the clans? I guess we will have to wait and see. When Lord Haruki was question on this he replied with a simple "no comment"; but the smirk on his face was not an outright denial. I hate to report this but, sorry ladies I think it's safe to say Lori Haruki is already off the market."

Rin read aloud one of the various online articles about last night's events at the breakfast table the next morning. "EEEKKKKKKKKK! OMG! Mom I am so jealous." Izayoi couldn't help but chuckled over the rim of her cup of tea. While Toga cringed at the sheer volume back in the kitchen. Rin practically had hearts in her eyes over the articles out and the photos captured.

"Rin dear maybe tone it down a bit. At least for your poor fathers' ears."

Rins cheeks lightly tinted "Opps, sorry Daddy. I forgot, but mother look at them. I love my brother but... Just look at them."

Toga chose to toss in his two cents at that remark. "Pictures are not everything little one. There are things you just don't understand." Izayoi wisely chose to stay out of this one. The poor man should learn to choose his battles especially this early in the morning. When Toga sat down at the table was met with a stone-cold deadpan look from Rin. Coffee cup mid-way to his mouth he turned a confused look to his mate. "What?" Izayoi did not answer only raising her eye brows while continuing to sip from her tea.

"Daddy I am not a child anymore. I know way more than you think I do; I am not stupid." Toga gaped like a fish but she continued on. "And I know Haruki and Kagome a great deal more than you do! I have spent my fair share of time with them together. It's true she doesn't look at him or act like she did with Sesshomaru but- but it ok for it to be different and doesn't make it any less valid. In some ways she's different it's a good way. Shes been so happy and he's so good to her."

"I know I never-"

"And in my opinion if my brother wants to keep being the biggest idiot on this planet then let him. She disserves to be happy. And- and if anyone should be being treated like a child it is HIM, NOT ME! Whether you like it or not I am growing

"Rin, I know but you are still young."

"I am 16 almost 17. Inuyahsa was 15 when him and Kikyo started dated and who the heck knows when Sesshomaru and Kagome even started but she was 17 when they were at last at a solid official status. But we all know something was going on before then. You didn't tell them they were too young, if anything you encouraged them." Rin huffed and jetted her chin out in a defiant angle. "You know what they call that hypocritical and sexist!"

"Young lady..."

"Don't worry I am already on my way to my room and FYI DAD... If I had been there last night, I could have distracted Kagome away from Haruki at least half the night, now think of that."

Toga watched Rins retreating back out of the kitchen, hearing a few muffled sneezes from the hall. He was stunned silent to say the least. After a few moments of blinking owlishly he turned to his mate to question what in the world just happened only to have her chair empty.

Rinsing her cup out at the sink she turned to Toga, "You did it to yourself. Pick your battles, just pick your battles." and she walked out of the Kitchen. Being left to his own thoughts, he tried to puzzle the events that just unfolded. And all that he could come up with was; Women, these women will be the death of me. Toga picked up his forgotten coffee and flared out the Sunday paper. Correction, my children.

— —

"No comment..." Clink.

All that could be heard was the clatter of the remote that was haphazardly tossed to the coffee table and then silence. The silence was almost defining in the apartment. A quick glance around the vast area one could only describe it as modern, empty, sterile, lonely; it in fact reflected its sole inhabitant quite accurately. This was no home, it was not lived in. It lacked warmth, love, memories of good times past, it lacked laughter; no this was not a home. But it was befitting, this is what he wanted; what people expected him to want and have. But when he closed his eyes, he could not help but imaged dark wood floor, a floor to ceiling book case packed full of book and a crackling fire on a far wall. He could hear birds chirping from the window at the back of the desk. Taking a deep breath, he could almost taste the memories of the smell of cooked food wafting into the plush living room with a multitude of throws tossed here and there. In the sanctuary of his domain, he would allow a true smile to grace his face. With his eyes still closed he could almost feel the warmth of her body pressed against his. But then like always he would remember her tear-stained face.

Slowly he opened his eyes. Yes, this is exactly what he deserved and chose. It was for the best, but that did not stop the longing he felt. Releasing a breath, he got up and walked over to the floor to ceiling window that covered one side of the living room. Gazing out over the city he wondered what she would think of the view. Not that she would ever want to step foot in his hom- domain. But maybe it wasn't such a ludicrous notation, she did invite him back to their home, well now her home. Was he really ready for this? Just knowing she was back in the same city took every fiber of his being to not rush to her last night. It was hard before not jumping on a plane to fly half way across the world and beg for her back, but now she was within his reach.

Sesshomaru chuckled to himself, without a doubt he is going to be making every excuse possible to be in her vicinity. Hence why he didn't dare turn down her invitation. The thought of bringing her a bouquet of her favorite flowers to the party came and swiftly passed. He shook his head, he had to keep strong in his resolve. Yet he knew he would revel in her reaction to the gesture. His inner beast purred at the idea of getting back in her good graces. The sound of his front door bursting open aroused him back to reality. Soon the scent that reached him caused him to internally groan.

"SESSHOMARU DEAR!... oh, there you are. Come greet me properly."

"Mother, what brings you here?"

Akimi Tashio is a lean, delicate and poised women. She practically dripped with elegance and wealth. Which could be seen clearly by the designer 6-inch heels, tailored silk suit and the pearls she was draped in for the day. The womans long silvery main that normally flowed free was gathered in a neat chignon at the back of her head indicated she was attending to business.

"I know I taught you better manors than that, but I'll make this quick. One, we need to discuss clan matters; we need to be a united with my initiative for this to work. And two," Her yes narrowed "I see that pesky human of yours is back. I entrust there won't be any issues on your part?"

"Her name is Kagome and she is not my "human" as you phrased it. You made sure of that, didn't you."

"Hn, very well. I did see she sank her teeth into Haruki. The little minx, when she couldn't get you, she jumped right on to the next Lord. I knew-"

"Mother I tire of this conversation. Whatever she does isn't any of their business. I have court early tomorrow morning let's move on to your pressing matters."

"Hn, she is causing quite the uproar with the European council." He could see his mother assessing gaze baiting him for a reaction. "Alas, yes, we are not having as much backing from the fellow lords or council members for the purity decree as I expected. That damned father of yours I feel has corrupted them against their own race. Just this whole integration nonsense, we can live peaceful together but remaining our own entity. We are losing our culture, our heritage by the day and with more interracial marriages... we will be extinct before we know it."

"Mother, all will be well and go as they should. No need to work yourself up."

"Yes, I know. At least I have peace of mind about your fate. My dear son came to his senses. You will be a pillar of guidance, an example to the younger generations." Sesshomaru turned away to gaze out over the city once more. The feeling of being trap further pressing in, the feeling of these four walls, the mold his mother wanted him to fit, the labels and views how the community saw and expected him. He knew what was coming next. "Speaking of... I would like to see the next generation from you. I am not getting any younger. How's my little pet Kagura fairing?"

"You are hardly wasting away; you have time to spare. You and father waited hundreds of years before having me. And as for that Women, I have no interest in her. Stop encouraging the wench."

His mother defiantly juts her chin up and out with a sniff. "Well, I wouldn't have to meddle if you would get the job done already. As for me and your father... there where extenuating circumstances..." her keen hearing picking up on his slight snort. Before continuing her delicate wrist flicked out a silk fan. "It's no secret we hated each other, or at least I was indifferent to him. We were arranged by our parents. Plus, it seemed there was always a battle here and there, therefore always time apart. But we eventually did our duty to the clan, as your mere existence is proofs of that fact."

"Hn"

If looks could kill, hers was just about there. With an agitated snap of her fan, she continued while picking imaginary lint form her suit. "I am serious, you are the only lord with no heir, no lineage. The southern lady is due any day, and that viper of a mother won't let me forget it. And as for the east, Kouga hasn't even taken over and they produced their first two years ago... Are you even listening to me?"

Rolling his eyes knowing she could not see him. "Yes mother, I hear you. Would you like to proceed on my lack of offspring or get back to the business you wanted to discuss."

"I am not going to let up on this Sesshomaru. It is my propagative as your mother to want to see you settled and happy. But yes, I believe you have a summit meeting with the other lords coming up soon do you not?"

"Yes, the beginning of next month."

"Perfect, it will be an opportunity to bring up our proposal. With all the Cardinal lords and the Counsil-men in one place we may just gain more backing. I know a few are on board as it stands. So, they will be there to back you and aid." At this point Sesshomaru began to block her out. It's always the same thing over and over. Did he even believe in what she is trying to push? Short answer no. One may ask, why go along albite reluctantly and minimally? Because it was his duty and his respect for his mother. "- we have to be a united front on this. Our district is the largest and has the most pull in maters due to also the population we house. We are the perfect house to present this. It's also helps you are among the strongest, the alpha of the Lords. Everyone always gravitates to power."

All but one... Kagome. He would not dare voice that opinion. The rant that would for sure come after was not worth it. Replaying her words about wanting him happy and settled he nearly chuckled at the notion of her being genuine about that. He also knew it was a lost cause to remind his mother that things are not how they use to be, times have changed. A quick glance over his shoulder showed him she was now fussing over some piece of art work on the wall. Turning to face in his mother's direction he called out, "Mother, I will take that into consideration." he made a show of glancing at his watch. "Now if you will let yourself out, I need to get some more work done for the evening." Without waiting for a reply Sesshomaru headed down the hall to his office hearing the front door click closed a few mins later.

Releasing a breath, he didn't realize he was holding Sesshomaru slumped back into his chair. Slowly his eyes raked over the papers neatly stacked on his desk, lifting to the bare white walls devote of any photos then out of the rooms only window. There were no trees or chirping birds. No birds. He couldn't help but think what an odd thing to miss. Things he uses to not spare a second thought about or even notice he now randomly thinks about at odd times. Like the tea she always made time to serve him in the evenings while he worked late. Kagome never would tell him she would get it from.

"God... I've got to get out of here." bolting out of his chair. He went straight for his car keys and was out the door.

Authors Notes: Sorry guys for taking so long to update, I know it's a lame excuse but I was participating in a readathon from Feb-mid March then I recently transitioned to working back in the office (I was remote). So, it's been an adjustment period. I'd also like to thank the few who have taken the time to interact and review this story. I'm new to all of this and it was just a crazy idea I couldn't get out of my head so I am pleased to see others enjoying my work. I'd like to make a special shout out to One2Handcuff for being my first review on this piece across all my platforms. But now that I am back in the swing of things, I promise not to keep you guys waiting too long. I already have the next chapter almost finished and few chapters after that panned. Again, thank you guys!

XOXO Madam CocoNut