Sequel to Chapter 32 (KimiKagu, Saleswoman, Puce)

"Is that the best you have?"

Kagome turned around, surprised to find a youkai of such high calibre sitting at the bar. Her usual patrons consisted of college students on their way to or from a party, hellbent on prolonging their night. They didn't usually care about the quality of their liquor—or walk around in thousand-dollar pink business suits on a weeknight, either.

"Are you looking for sake or something harder?" she asked, motioning to the top shelf behind the bar.

"Something dry," the youkai said, sliding painted claws along the fur around her shoulders.

"Daiginjo it is," Kagome said, placing a glass in front of her and leaving the bottle on the bar after pouring her drink. The woman took a sip, nodding in approval.

Kagome gave her a slight smile, one hand on her hip. "Is this the part where we pretend not to know each other while you try to pump me for information about my boyfriend?"

Fangs flashed as Kimiko rested her chin on her hands. "You have been talking to Kagura."

Kagome shrugged. "She is my best friend. I talk to her about everything." Her expression softened. "Especially when she's upset about something."

Kimiko pursed her lips. Since she'd run into her ex-girlfriend while shopping for Rin's ballet uniform, Kagura had been pestering her to speak to the young woman who had stolen her son's heart. "She is persistent like that."

"One of the things you love about her, I'm sure."

"Indeed."

Kagome was flagged down by a couple at the other end of the bar, giving Kimiko time to finish her drink, pouring herself another one before Kagome returned.

"He doesn't hate you, you know."

Kimiko started, eyes widening as she stared at her glass. "He should."

The bartender reached out, laying her hand over Kimiko's. "You've raised him well, Hizuki-san. He understands why you said what you did. And even if he doesn't, I'm sure if you explain it to him—"

"What would that accomplish?" Kimiko asked, wondering if the woman's compassion was part of the reason her son was so taken with her.

"Well, aside from fixing the problem between you and Sesshoumaru, you'd be able to see Kagura more often." Kimiko pursed her lips again, drumming her claws on the bar. "She still wants to yell at you for the cold bed thing."

Golden eyes narrowed, and she tapped the bottle of sake. Kagome grinned and poured her another glass with her free hand. "I was not aware she was the type to wear her heart on her sleeve,"

Kagome chuckled. "No, that would be me. Kagura's the type to bury everything until she explodes."

"That I am aware of."

"Are you also aware of how much she loves you?"

Kimiko leaned her chin in her free hand again. "Do you moonlight as a therapist on your days off?"

Kagome laughed. "It kind of comes with the job description." She motioned to the other people sitting at the bar. "People spend more money when they've got someone to listen to their problems."

"So you are merely looking for a tip?"

Kagome snorted. "Not a chance. Your advice comes free of charge. Personal interest and all."

Letting out a resigned sigh, Kimiko flicked her silver hair over her shoulder. "If you think he will listen, I will speak to my son."

Kagome's eyes lit up, and she leaned across the bar, kissing her cheek, blushing when she pulled back. "Sorry. Kagura told me to give that to you if you agreed."

A smirk tugged at her lips. "I can see why he likes you."