This story is AU, I don't own the characters, just the plot and original characters in this story. This story will have LGBTQIA+ characters, mating, and is rated for MATURE CONTENT!

"italics" means inner thoughts

"bold italics" means inner demon thoughts

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Inuyasha, all credits for story and characters belong to the creator.

Rated M: for mature language, and adult content throughout story

This is my first time writing a KAG/SESS parring! I hope you like it, take a look at my other stories as well.

Chapter 5: Can I Trust You?

Kagome slumped into the wooden chair and sighed as her aching joints protested her movements. She had worked another busy night at the bar and although the tips were rewarding, after about two months of consistently being on her feet, they were angry with her new found schedule. She smiled tiredly as she watched her co-workers bicker; after two months she felt officially assimilated into their rag tag group of misfits, she gained two new girl friends in Ayame and Rin. She loved spending time with two feisty women who took her under their wing, and after many shopping trips she'd effectively changed her wardrobe from suburban housewife to single hot city mom.

Luckily for her, she gained a new babysitter in Kimi; the quiet strong woman had supported her in trying to discipline the little fox demon. She was a constant shadow for her little son, and although the tantrums hadn't ceased; she was happy for support. The older demoness showed her how to be a single mom, how to be strong and steadfast; the stoic woman certainly intimidated her but she loved the silent banter the two dog demons seemed to have. She'd catch herself watching them communicate through glances, and nudges; she longed for a connection like theirs with her own mother; the old fashioned woman didn't even know about her divorce.

Out of everyone at the bar, Sesshomaru had become her closest friend. After the party a few weeks ago, and the intimate conversation they had a couple of nights before,they'd somehow broken the barrier in their friendship and became incredibly close. She'd gotten to know more about him, including his past as a exotic dancer as he called it;she chuckled at the thought. Apparently he started dancing in high school, to help his mom with rent and bills; and it shifted their lives. He confided in her that the career choice caused a rift between him and his mother, he had hid it from her for years until she caught him sneaking back into the house at four in the morning. Apparently the demoness disapproved of her only son taking his clothes off for strangers, and they went months without speaking; not because she was angry at him for stripping but because he lied.

He never lied to her again after that!

With his exotic looks, and incredible body he had become a popular dancer, drawing in men and women who happily paid hundreds for a twenty minute lap dance. The money he made through dancing paid for college, where he studied business management and after many grant applications and money from dancing he bought the Up & Up. She was in awe of his reliance, and found herself admiring the normally stoic demon!

She shook her head, forcing her thoughts into the present and watched the silver haired demon wipe his brow, he smiled as he caught her gaze. Her face warmed as he walked towards her, she looked up at him, willing herself to train her eyes onto his face instead of his god-like psyche.

"That was certainly a shit show" he exclaimed, pulling out the chair in front of her, and slumping into the creaking wooden chair.

She nodded her head, and untied her small apron "Fuck, it was insane"

He laughed quietly "It's unexpected for a Tuesday night' he said shrugging, rolling his shoulders.

"Thank god I'm off tomorrow, I need a hot bubble bath"

He smiled softly, and said "As am I"

"In need of a hot bath?" she joked

He rolled his eyes, mirth dancing in his golden eyes, he said "No, I'm off tomorrow"

She laughed, and nodded "Any plans?" she asked her sapphire eyes, finding wandering nonchalantly, as she slid her shoes off.

He shook his head as he adjusted his legs, he motioned for her to place them on his lap.

She smiled at the gesture and tucked them onto his thighs, she moaned slightly as he skillfully worked out the knots in her feet that plagued her.

"Oh I swear Sesshomaru you are incredible! How you're not married with 2 kids and a house is beyond me" she said, her head dipping back as she enjoyed his handy work.

He chuckled and said "No plans, I will most likely spend the day cleaning and the evening sketching"

She hummed, her blue eyes hidden behind her plan lids; she wiggled her toes as he dragged his thumb down the base of her foot.

"I was thinking of letting Shippou play hookey and take off to the beach"

He hummed and continued to roll her ankle softly

Her eyes shot open suddenly as an idea crept into her mind, her eyes darted as she tried to lean forward, sliding one leg onto the floor, she looked at him with a look of excitement.

Sesshomaru arched his eyebrow at the sudden movement

"You should come with me! We can make a day of it!"

He coughed, and asked "You, me and Shippou?"

"Yeah, I think it would be fun," she said, chewing her lip nervously. She hadn't thought the plan through but she had jumped at the opportunity to spend a moment alone with the dog demon. She couldn't stop thinking about how his arms felt wrapped around her, and how she felt when she awoke to find him asleep behind her. He had been an incredible friend, but she couldn't deny her attraction to the demon and they certainly have flirted often enough.

He smiled slightly, and nodded.

"Sure, what time would you like to go?"

She beamed, and said "Early in the morning would be best, it's an hour drive no?"

"Yes but luckily since we are going during the week. We can avoid traffic"

He sat quietly as he continued to work the knots from her tired feet, he smiled at him quietly elated at her request. He had been secretly wanting to spend a moment alone with her for a few days but thought it best to wait. He wasn't entirely sure what would come of their excursion but he was more than willing to go and feel things out.

He hadn't thought about dating much, not since the Kyora and Naraku debacle but he couldn't hide the feelings he felt whenever the blue eyed beauty was around. She made him smile, and laugh; two things most couldn't do! Over the last two months, he had enjoyed their banter and witty flirting but found himself longing to touch her, whether it was her cheek or her hand. His eyes constantly dragged down her petite frame, enjoying her curves and how her ass juggled and bounced as she walked. He wasn't sure if it was a huge mistake but he figured he would at least give it a shot before he sequested himself to a life of solitude with buckets of ice cream and ol righty.

He looked up, and watched his mother blitz past him. The demoness's heels clacking against the floor, his eyebrow arched as a frown marred his face.

"Hold it!" he bellowed, shocking the petite raven haired cerulean eyes following his gaze, she looked over at the demoness and whistled lowly. The middle aged woman had a slicked back ponytail that framed her face perfectly, her pouty lips were coated in a burgundy red lipstick that caused her pale skin to pop against the dark room; smokey black eyeshadow adorned her lids giving her a whole badass vibe. She wore high waisted black jeans, and a tight black tank top with a push bra that caused her breast to sit up and say HELLO!

"Where are you going looking like that?" he said pointing towards the ruby red heels on his mothers feet

Kimi rolled her eyes, and said "Out"

He huffed and pressed "Out where and with whom"

Kimi cocked her hip, and said "I believe I am the mother"

It was his turn to roll his eyes, as he said "Oh please, that hasn't worked since junior high mom! Where are you going dressed like that, and with whom"

She crossed her arms and battled "Dressed like what?' her glared scaring the small human, as she scowled at her son

He smirked, and said cockly "Like you'll be seeing a man tonight"

Kagome chuckled as Kimi shook her head at her son.

"Are you saying I look like a whore?" Kimi asked

Sesshomaru said "Mother you know more than anyone, that I wouldn't ever use such a crass word. Sex is fine, as long as its between two consenting adults"

Kimi rolled her eyes, and huffed "Mhm you take one ethics class and suddenly you're the patron saint of sex and relationships"

Sesshomaru laughed "One of us has too be"

Kimi sighed, and turned towards the door as she said "As much as I'm enjoying this banter, I do not wish to be late"

"Mom," Sesshomaru said, craning his head, earning a sigh from the older demoness. Kimi turned around and cocked an eyebrow.

He smiled softly, and said "You look beautiful, have fun"

She smiled, and continued towards the door.

"I have my phone, I will be home later tonight" she said, as she opened the door

He shouted after her "Wear a condom, I quite like being an only child" earning a giggle from the raven haired woman sitting in front of him.

Kimi walked calmly towards the Irish pub that was exactly three blocks from the up & up; on the outside she was the picture of cool and collected. Unbeknownst to the outside world, inside she was a complete mess, after trying on six different outfits, she finally settled on sexy casual. Which was her go to whenever she felt remotely uncomfortable, and ever since a certain red haired demon walked back into her life; was all the time. Seeing him again had brought back a storm of emotions and memories that she had buried years ago, and she knew she should've told him to kick rocks and leave her alone but she always had a soft spot for those soft eyes and calming demeanor. She had met Kirinmaru at the bar she worked at, fresh out of culinary arts school; back then he had been this lanky nerd studying tech and medicine at the University of New Orleans.

The hit it off instantly, she had been so used to men simply trying to get into her pants but not Kirinmaru, he introduced her to a life of poetry, art and music. Enriching her with tales of Asia, and the world past her southern border, he was a kind and gentle soul, who quickly became her best friend. She shared her dreams with him and he had always listened attentively. Guiding her, encouraging her to soar; they had spent many nights wondering the quarter talking about their big life plans, back then they had just been two stupid kids.

But everything went to shit when she met Kirinmaru's roommate, and childhood friend; mischievous golden eyes sat proudly on a smug handsome tan face, framed by ashen coloured hair. If that wasn't enough to tug on her heat strings, the gladiator body and gargantuan frame certainly was enough to kick her over the edge. She met a charming demon named Toga Takashi, one hot summer's night after a long day of exploring the bayou with Kirinmaru. The moment their eyes met, she had felt a static shockwave run through her body and instantly she was his.

She fell deeply, passionately and irrevocably in love with Toga; they were polar opposites. Toga was the flame, and she was the ice but regardless of their difference, whether it was class, personality or dreams. She loved him, and did they ever have a passionate love affair; if they weren't ripping each other's clothes off, then they were basking in the glow of hours they had spent making love. She spent days walking around in his shirts, watching him run through his essays and whatever homework he had and he would impatiently watch while she cooked and toyed around with new recipes.

She remembered the day Toga fell to his knees and-

"Don't go down that road girl! It just leads to tears, and bad wine" she thought, shaking her head free of the thoughts that plagued her mind.

It's why she was having such a hard time being around Kirinmaru

"Because wherever Kiri goes, he's surely just a step behind"

She pulled open the pub's door, and was acoasted by the sound of cheerful laughter and loud music. She scanned the room, and quickly found striking crimson hair that stood out against the darkness, her heels clacking against the stick floor as she pushed through the crowd of people.

She sighed as she stood in front of the table, her eyes dragged down his large frame. He sat comfortably against the booth; a tight white coloured shirt hugged his frame, she squinted as she tried to make out the fine black lines that hide beneath the shirt. He sat there, so confidently, bulging out of his clothing. She gulped at the sight of him, he looked incredible and she couldn't help the luid thoughts that stumbled into her mind.

"You look uncomfortable" she blurted out, trying to shake free the gutter her mind managed to fall into

He chuckled and said "Do I?"He rolled his shoulders, and she watched his muscles flex.

She cleared her through and shrugged off her leather jacket.

"You normally wear things so tight? Aren't you like 50" she chastised

He laughed, and said "46 exactly, you forget I'm younger than the both of you"

She rolled her eyes and scoffed "Whatever, your peacocking" She slid into the booth and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

He raised an eyebrow, and asked "Peacocking?"

"Mhm you know when men put on something sexy to attract other women"

Kirinmaru leaned forward, and smirked as he said "You think I look sexy" he laughed as her eyes widened.

"Oh shut up, you look like Tommy Lee" she said, blush creeping onto her face as she gestured to his tattoos that wrapped around his hands, forearms and biceps.

He smiled, and said "Yeah, let's just say I have an addictive personality"

Kimi smiled softly, and said quietly "Sesshomaru has so many tattoos"

Kirinmaru leaned closely,resting his forearms on the table and listened attentively. Watching her face light up as she mentioned her son.

"He came home one night when he was 18 with this big serpent tattoo on his shoulder, he barged into my room and just said: LOOK!" she laughed as she remembered the look on his face

He smiled, and said "I'm surprised he didn't hide it from you! 18, sheesh. My mom would've tanned my hide"

She shook her head, and said "Nope, Sesshomaru's never lied to me! For better or for worse, we always tell each other the truth"

"Sounds like you two have a beautiful bond Kimi, what's he look like now?" He asked

Her head shot up, a dark expression shrouding her face.

He held his hands in defense and said "I mean a picture Inukimi, nothing more"

She nodded, and said "Soon, just not right now okay"

Kirinmaru reached over and lightly tapped her finger, and said sternly "I get it, I betrayed your trust and you don't want me to get too close but I'm not going to hurt you Kimi. I'm not the same insecure boy I was back then, and as god as my witness. I will not let anyone hurt you or Sesshomaru, I don't care if I have to stand in between you both and the devil himself!"

Kimi searched his face as she tried to find any sense of deception, she bit her lip and released her shoulders. He was right, he wasn't the same person she once knew; his green eyes swirled with a fierceness she had never associated with Kiri before. He sat firm, back tall as he pledges his new found allegiance and her foolish heart begged to believe him.

"I want to believe you Kiri but you're going to have to do a lot more than pretty little words, and Irish pubs! Sesshomaru is finally in a good place, and I will not have Toga come back and-"

Kirinmaru grabbed Kimi's hand quickly, shocking her.

"I don't care if I have to throw him into the fucking pier, he won't hurt you or Sesshomaru ever again! I swear this"

She nodded, and held his hand tightly; she prayed to the gods that he was right.

"You know you're still his godfather" she said lightly avoiding his gaze, trying to change the subject. Her gut swirled at the sound of her ex husbands name

Kirinmaru smiled, and let go of her small hand, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He held her gaze as he opened the small leather slit and revealed a worn ivory piece of paper. She frowned, as she stared at the back of the old parchment; he chuckled and turned the picture over before setting it onto the wooden tabel.

She stared shockingly at the picture; it was an old photo of her and Sesshomaru when her son had been barely a year old. They were sitting in a park, smiling as the red haired man took the photo.

She looked up at him, and said "You kept that?"

He bit his lip, and nodded "I took you two wherever I went, always close to my heart Kimi"

Tears welled in her eyes, as she tried to breath through the storm of emotions brewing inside of her.

"I've missed you, both of you. More than you will ever know" Kirinmaru said, watching a single tear slide down her cheek.

"Me too Kiri, me too" she thought

They had ordered their meal, and took part in idle chit chat as the night went on. They laughed, and reminisced about the past, remembering what drew them close to one another. Regardless of the time they spent apart; as they sat there in that irish pub, it felt like no time had passed between them. Kimi had missed Kirinmaru's warm smile, and his ability to whole heartily listen; she had forgotten what it had been like to spend time with someone who knew her before her heart had been shattered. She loved that although he looked different, and had an air of confidence around him; he was still that kind hearted boy she met all those years ago.

After paying for the meal, Kirinmaru suggested they take a stroll through burrow, he walked closed beside her and listened as she walked him through the last two decades

"Wait a minute, Sesshomaru was a stripper" he asked as he stopped walking, shooting her a look of bewilderment.

She sighed, and said "Not my finest hour, I knew he was hiding something and when he finally came clean I was livid! Not only was he taking his clothes off for money but he lied to me"

He nodded, and placed his hand on her shoulder "Every mom wants what's best for their child"

She shook her head, and said "I reacted badly Kiri, it was the first and last time I slapped him. I saw red, and it was like -"

"Toga all over again" he stated, understanding her rage.

She nodded, and said "They're nothing alike but in the moment! I-, anyways! Honestly he reminds me a lot of you"

Kirinmaru was taken back, and simply looked over at her, waiting for her to continue.

"He's quiet, and creative; brilliant in ways that make zero sense! He's got this big heart, and when he opens up. It's amazing! He reminds me of you, when we first met"

Kirnmaru smiled, and said chuckling dryly "Well let's just hope he's stay like me back then and not me now"

Kimi frowned, and asked "Are we going to talk about what happened the other day in the car?"

Kirinmaru sighed, he had hoped they could have avoided that topic.

"I got in an argument with Toga, and he still knows what buttons to push"

She chewed her lip, listening attentively

He shoved his hands into his pockets, and looked up at the midnight sky before he said quietly " I've always wanted to settle down, and have a couple of kids but it never happened for me"

She frowned, and said " He made fun of that?"

He shrugged "In one way or another"

"Prick"

He laughed, and said "Yes, certainly still a prick"

"Was that why you took a sabbatical?" she asked, watching his feet shuffle as he walked.

He chuckled, and teased "Oh with the hard hitting questions tonight huh?"

She shot him a side glance, as she remained silent. They walked slowly through a deserted Brooklyn street illuminated by lanterns, and the silver moon that hung in the midnight sky.

"Well I supposed the whole point of us reconnecting is to tell you the truth, and re introduce myself. So here it goes, my name is Kirinmaru Owa and I'm an addict" he joked, he swung his leg as he chuckled awkwardly. He stopped when he noticed she had; he turned around and looked back at her. She stood in shock on the sidewalk, her jaw slacked and her eyes widened.

"If you keep your mouth open like that, you'll let the devil in" he joked

She shook her head, and said "But we were just in a bar and you look fantastic"

He laughed "Thank you, courtesy of the gym,boxing and a year of rehab"

"Kiri" she said sternly cocking her hip

He sighed "Fine, you want the long winded version or short and sweet"

"I want you tell me what happened to you" she said softly

He walked over to the tree, and leaned against it. He closed his eyes briefly, and said "I was at the top of the world, I had everything I wanted. Money, fame, success! Women fawned over me, men wanted to be me but at the end of the night; when the silence crept in"

He took a deep breath,opened his eyes and looked over to her before he said softly "I realized I was alone and I hated it. What I actually wanted, I let it slip through my fingers and it started to really haunt me. So I drank to numb the pain, and when that didn't help I started using heroin."

He bit his lip, and continued "It got bad Kimi, I was strung out and high all of the time. Partying with people I didn't know and sleeping with women that I'd never met before! One night after a party, I OD'd. Toga found me, and the rest is simpler. I went to rehab, spent the rest of the time traveling"

She stood in front of him, concern marring her face. She looked at him sadly, and approached him quietly. She took his hand into hers, and clapped it between her small dainty hands.

"Kiri, I'm so sorry. I-, I'm here for you! I know a little about regret and believe me it doesn't do anything but fuel the fires of a bitter heart"

He shot her a sad smile, "And what do you regret Kimi"

She shook her head, and said "We can save that for another night"

He laughed and pulled her into a tight embrace. He rested his head against her head, and said "Thank you"

She hummed, and wrapped her arms around his large frame. She felt smothered in his large arms, she blew a raspberry and said "Okay you need to lay off the protein shakes"

He laughed, but his arms never slacked. Instead he closed his eyes, and enjoyed how she felt pressed against his chest and in his arms. For a moment it felt like everything was right in his world, for a singular moment.

Kagome huffed as she shoved a large bag into the back of Sesshomaru's car, the sun had barely begun to peak past the horizon. She watched Sesshomaru carefully place the bags of food behind the drive seat, as she roughly shut the truck door. They had agreed to get an early start, wanting to spend the day in the Hamptons; Sesshomaru convinced her to stretch their day trip to a two day trip, apparently he had a friend who agreed to let him use their place for their out of city excursion.

"Okay overnight bag, check! Toiletries, check! Shippo's backpack, overnight back and toy's check" she muttered as she walked towards the backseat, she opened the car door and looked lovingly at her son who had recently passed out sleeping and drooling on his car seat. She quietly closed the door, and walked over to the passenger side.

"Everything's tucked neatly in the trunk, we're ready to go," Kagome said quietly, peering over the car roof.

He hummed, and ran his hand over his face causing her to chuckle. He shot her a look and she said "Not a morning person huh?"

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, and opened the driver's door before sliding in. He looked over at her as she sat comfortably beside him.

"We're stopping for coffee first" he groaned, earning a quiet chuckle. She nodded, and tilted her head back as the car peeled into the deserted street.

"This is exactly what I need" Kagome thought as she closed her eyes

Wow aren't guys lucky! 2 updates in a week.

I will be really swamped the next couple of weeks, so I hope this will hold you over!

We've got some feelings brewing in Sesshomaru and Kagome, theyre taking a little trip with Shippou. Stay tuned.

I hope you all love what's happening between Kirinmaru and Kimi, definitely answers some questions!

Til next time;

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