"Miss Higurashi, nice to see you again. I believe Toga has given me the gist of what is going on and that you want to talk about a transfer? We had planned to meeting next week I believe."

Kagome stood and shook his hand. "Yes, it is good to see you again. As you know this regards Soten."

"Yes, the remaining member of the Thunder demon tribe."

"Yes, well I was the one representing Soten in the settling of the estate. No living relatives could be found on the mother's side but Soten is still young and therefore not of age to live her own. Currently she is cared for vetted council approve care takers and are paid out of the trust fund left behind. I was also able to secure for her to remain in her home there in England. As I am sure you know due to the social and financial standing, she has and the estate; placing her is not like other typical orphans. I have placed numerus request for placement, temporary and permanent, for the child while I was there. Yet all have been denied for one reason or another. They refuse to put it on paper but they once verbally said the denial was largely due to the child going to a mixed heritage family and not pure bloods. As we know that is not allowed. When I filed a motion for such reasonings they quickly changed their tune, spouting other reasons. At first, we were very positive, we even had a few council members in favor but when the day of the hearing came it was a unanimous denial. I believe our next and only option is to file for a transfer to bring her back here to Japan. It seems everything I do I am hitting a dead end, which is why we are now seeking your help among the others."

"I see. This seems personal, am I correct?"

"It's not what you think, I am passionate about my job but it's not about winning. My sole concern is for Soten, but yes, it is personal. I knew her family… her brothers where friends. That is how I became involved with the situation."

"No one is questioning your ethics, I just wanted all possible angles."

"Someone has to be in their pocket." InuYasha grumbled. "Because what else would explain this."

"Agreed, we know they are more…" Toga mulled over how to word is next statement. "Traditional, not as progressive as we are attempting here."

"Hmm, yes, I agree as well. But even so, believing in more traditional and segregated homes, this is different. The circumstances are different. Normally responses like these are received when it is an attempted to place the child in a human only family. But, as Kagome pointed out, the child is being placed in a mixed home. Which we all accept here. In fact, the majority of the child's would be support system is demons. Which is why this is odd."

"They would rather her have no one then?" Kagome said.

"Indeed, my dear, it still seems like extremes are being taken though. Considering how much trouble you are getting every step of the way. I will personally submit a transfer request to have the thunder demon brought here. This is where the tribe is from and where her ancestral home is. I think this is a good start. Can you get me a list of all the assets? She has more ties here in her homeland and we will try to argue it was just unfortunate the events took place there."

"This honestly makes me scared of exactly how many children are in a similar situation. Couples being denied adoption of a full-blooded demons because their family is mixed heritage. I find it hard to believe this is an isolated incident."

"True, how have your previous interactions been with the counsel over there?"

Toga came up to rub his hand on Kagome shoulder. "Fine as far as I could tell. I haven't had to deal with them to much but as long as I remembered my place everything was always smooth with the interactions I've had. They always seemed pleased with my work."

"That's exactly the problem, you're not in their perfect little box anymore, you're challenging them." Toga said.

"Lord Toga is right my dear."

InuYasha was oddly quiet throughout the back-and-forth conversation. "K'Gome? You mentioned you knew about Sesshomaru's proposal. How did you know about it?"

"Well... while I was living there. I heard murmurings of it. And I came in on Haruki's father heatedly discussing it one day. I know I didn't have a place doing so but I asked Haruki about it."

"Lord Sesshomaru has a proposal he's trying to initiate? That must be why he requested a meeting from me today. What exactly does it pertain?"

All eyes swung to Kagome she gulped and took a deep breath. "Something about purity… he essentially favoring segregation of the demon and human communities. Not on all levels just that, well… mixed families would be frowned upon. That the demon community has lost its way and how they should get back to their roots so to say. There is obviously more to it but you get the general idea. From what I've heard its coming from his mother, she has quite a backing there. But rumor has it he is backing her."

"What has that woman done to my son… This is all her work." Toga looked at Kagome and clarity finally hit him on what happened between them and why she didn't want him involved. But what he didn't get was why it was suddenly an issue the two was together for years, something else was clearly missing.

"Hmm yes, does not surprise me but I am surprised Sesshomaru is tied into the mix."

"She has always had a heavy influence on him, I mean she is his mother so I guess I wasn't so surprised by this." Kagome returned not meeting anyone's eyes.

"No, I mean all of it. I'm not surprised the European council has favored this but I believe she is the reason you are having such push back of placing Soten in a home. She has a heavy influence and old alliances with a lot of the members there." Toga stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Come on Dad, you really don't..." InuYasha stop mid-sentence at the three pairs of eyes looking back at him. Each reflected their own emotion; furry, surprise and sadness.

"Toga, Kagome, InuYasha… I believe I need to go gather a few other members that I know will favor your next move for the child. I'll be in touch with a plan shortly, we may need to go about this another way. But we will start on a transfer request from the Counsil."

Kagome sat dejected and slouched back in her seat once Haru left. To say she was exhausted would be an understatement. This has been an uphill battle from the start but she wasn't about to back down. No, determination flowed through her veins, she would see this to the very end. Stewing in her own thoughts she didn't even notice her stomach rumble. Lunch had long been forgotten in the heat of all that was going on.

"Kagome why don't you eat. Nourishment will help you settle down."

"I don't feel like it. My nerves have my stomach in knots." Kagome's stomach chose that moment to grumble again. She promptly covered it with her hand.

"Women stop being difficult and eat ya damn lunch. I don't wanna deal with ya grumpy hangry ass." Inuyasha huffed folding his arms. He knew example how to rile her up.

Kagome's head snapped toward InuYasha , irritation flaring at the tone of voice. But with a lack of energy, she pouted her relent when her stomach voiced its opinion at the sight of Toga laying out the lunch. "Fine since Togas asked so nicely unlike a certain someone."

"Keh whatever. Later."

"Little one?"

"Hm yes?" Kagome said around a bite of food.

"I promise it will work out."

"I know, thanks Toga... thank for always supporting me and what not."

"Always."

"So, tell me about your day? Will things be ready for me to move in next week?"

Toga grinned knowing when it was time to change the subject. Which he gladly did. He revealed she would be able to take over her old office again and it would be ready as soon as Monday. After they finished eating and Kagome tidied up the mess from lunch. She couldn't help but think about how much she missed this. The whole Tashio family has been such a huge part of her life for so many years now she often found herself relying on them. She wasn't afraid to admit that she would truly be lost without them. Izyioa and Toga where like second parents and treasured friends, InuYasha was well Inuyasha, and Ren... sweet Ren, she was like the little sister she never had. Sure, things weren't always perfect but everyone fit. These people have irrevocably changed her and also her whole family.

When things broke down between her and Sesshomaru she prepared herself for not only the loss of him but also his family; but it never came. She understood if it had because there were no children tying the families together. She tried to remove herself from them but they wouldn't budge. When she asked why they didn't distance themselves Toga said "Pack is pack". She knew it wasn't fair to Sesshomaru, she still felt guilty at the continued association. It was one thing to remain in InuYasha life but his whole family was another. But as selfish as she felt as things progressed, she couldn't deny how grateful she was for them and that they were there for her in her time of need. But out of respect for Sesshomaru and his decision, Kagome made sure to keep her distance. To keep the familial association private and not push herself further into his life where she was not wanted. And she did a valiant job till now. But now things are different, time had passed and she believed that they could foster a professional relationship and maybe even a friendship. It was time for her to come back and for once choose herself.

Kagome watch Toga mill about the office chatting with her and it was time like these that made her miss her own father. Toga reminded her of him. It often made her sad knowing everything he didn't get to experience and the people he never got to meet. She knew Toga and him would have gotten a long fantastic.

"Well Toga, I better head out. I'll have my movers bring my office stuff in after hours Monday."

"Sounds good, it was a pleasure having you for lunch; reminded me of old times. Make sure to tell your mother and everyone hello for me tonight."

Kagome brought up her hand in a mock salute, "will do." Then she turned and drifted out the door.

As the door clicked behind her she looked out over the once familiar office. The space was mainly comprised of individual office for each lawyer in the firm. Sesshomaru and Toga was at opposite ends with the biggest offices. Outside of their office was a desk for their assistants and in the middle was cubicles for the interns and paralegals. In the from right outside the elevators was the office receptionist, which she didn't not recognize or know. As she made her way to the exit, she glanced in the direction of Sesshomaru's office and caught the eye of Sakura. A smile bloomed on Kagome's face and she tentatively waved back. She had almost made it to the exit when a hand reached out and pulled her into a darken room. Panic washed in at the abruptness and then quickly fled as she remembered her surroundings. Kagome glanced up to gleaming gold eyes. Then she looked around realized she was in the office supply room.

Kagome blew out a breath and her hand dropped from her chest. "I swear Sesshomaru, you scared the living crap out of me."

"Hn, Indeed I have."

Kagome bit back a giggle but couldn't help the small smile. "You could have just simple asked me to come see you and not lie and wait for your prey to strike."

"I could but the opportunity did present itself."

Kagome rolled her eyes. "What do you want? I'm on a bit of a time crunch."

"Very well, what business do you have with the council?"

"Excuse me?" She didn't know whether to be angry or shocked at his direct invasion of her privacy. Her stance was ridged and gaze razor sharp. Her mind began to race with the possibilities of what all he knew.

"Councilman Haru left my office to join you and my father. Mother has-"

Kagome barked out a laugh causing Sesshomaru's gaze to bore into her. "Your Mother," she spat, "can mind her own damn business, as she rightful should. She got what she wanted, so there is no reason for her to be meddling in my life..."

"Hn, I do not disagree. I am merely asking do you need help? I do not wish to anger you. "His hand reached out to her upper arm, thumb swirling to comfort her, which Kagome's gaze was pinned on. She did not step away but she became stock still not meeting his gaze. "You must know if there is something, if you need anything I will help. I know the European and Japanese councils are involved, just- Kagome, tell me what it is?" his voice depeached her to look at him.

He heard a faint sniffle before she tried to snatch her arm away but his gripped tightened, "Sesshomaru let go of me, please." He did has requested; her hand raised to wipe a tear away. His eye remained begging for her to look at him but she would not. "It is just work left over from when I was in England, it does not concern you."

Finally, she looked at him and he could tell her discomfort with the situation. "Are you sure, there is nothing?"

"Frankly you're the last person who would help in this situation believe me but my problems are not your problems."

His jaw ticked; it was a blow but what did he expect. "Very well. Sorry to have bothered you."

Sesshomaru could tell there was more to it, that something indeed was going on. But he had no right to push her, he said his piece and would stick to it. Looking at her he knew it was more than work. His insides were in knots not knowing what it was. He knew when someone was putting on a brave face, especially her. His finger twitched with the need to pull her into an embrace. He knew it would be unwelcomed and equally sure it would break her. He would not wound her pride further.

Silence stretched between them before Kagome looked away to clear her throat, slightly embarrassed. "God what's wrong with me… sorry I got so heated, it's just… work. I know it's not an excuse but it's just been a long day. Thank you for the offer though it's just knowing your stance on this particular issue it would be a waste of your time. Which I know it a hot commodity these days"

"Hn."

Plastering on a fake smile Kagome tried to lighten the mood turning to other topics. The safest one being their shared friends. She never did like ending on a sour note. Kagome tried to relax knowing it was important to have some form of a functioning relationship with him.

"Uh, well don't forget to stop by the house Saturday. You know, still the same one from before..." her eyes looked away. "Anyways everyone's going to be there besides Koga and his little pack, it'll be nice getting together like old times."

"Yes… he just had a cub, correct?" Despite her sharpness with him, he wanted to prolong being in her presence even if for just a bit longer.

Kagome beamed at this, "Oh yes, they are still in lock down for pack bonding but she is adorable. I'm sure you'll hear all about it at the summit meeting from his father. Be prepared to feast your eyes on baby photo overload. Matter of fact I-"

Warmth filled him listening to her. It was a drastic shift but one he was glad for. Seeing her always light up on this topic he knew without a doubt Kagome would make a wonderful mother one day, giving a taste of how she would be with her own. It was times like this and when he would see her with a pup in her arms that made him envision it was his own. The vision would still pass him to this day at times when he would think of the future. He could see it clearly, her, their pup swaddled in her arms. Sometimes in his dreams the image would change, showing her reading stories to their toddler or napping under a large tree. You would think by now it wouldn't happen but it did. He looked up at her, humming at each photo she showed him and thought could it still be? Was he too far gone? She was standing so close that he unconsciously leaned in and scented her. Claws twitched at her side noting there was no other on her, which pleased him. His mind came to a halt… What in the world was he thinking and as if a bucket of cold water was dumped him, his mind clear bringing him back to reality. Sesshomaru leaned away, Kagome being none the wiser.

"Well, I have to get going, I'm having dinner at mamas. Again, I'm sorry, you know me I can be a hot head."

"It's is alright, I had no right to push in the way I did."

She was at the door, as if she herself was stalling. "So umm, you will be there, right? You'll come?"

As he followed her out, he could not help but wonder why she wanted him there. Did she truly want him there or was this just her being kind and polite? "Yes, six, correct?"

She beamed, "Yes or whenever. Well, I hope you have a good rest of your day; goodbye." Kagome leaned up and lightly kissed his cheek as if it was done without thinking and turned to the elevators.

"Hnn." Sesshomaru watched her go to stunned to noticed their silent Spector.

Once Sesshomaru had entered his office Kagura headed for the next elevator. After witnessing the exchange between Kagome and Sesshomaru , realization dawned on her. The pieces falling to place that nagged at her since the Gala. The two are not just friends, this Kagome and his Kagome are one in the same. Without hesitation she pulled out her phone. First shooting off a text then placing a call.

"We have a problem."

One the other side of town, claws rhythmically tapped on the arm of the couch while listing to Kagura's report of the events.

"I see, I'll take care of it." The call ended at that and a flair of yokai was sent out as a summons. Moments later a servant appeared bowing lowly.

"How can I be of service?"

"Get me everything you can on Kagome Higurashi. Her whereabout and activity currently along with the last 2 years or more. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, I will start right away and a tail will be placed on her immediately."

"Good. You are dismissed."