Something had changed in the Boss. Many of the men could see it as the silver-haired man walked among them. The cold authority had not changed, nor had he made any outlandish demands. But there was something different in his eyes as he sat at the front of the room and looked out at all of his underlings.

Sesshomaru saw that the men had gotten soft. He cursed his distracted state and reminded himself that the boys were attending the first day of school today. And that freed up several hours during the day he was not currently using. That time would now channel towards their men's conditioning.

Hakkaku came over with the hot spot crew. Working as their getaway driver he had set some impressive records for their group. Bonkatsu was with him. The man greeted him with respect but Sesshomaru could see evident pride. They had executed several heists that were being blamed on the spiders thanks to Miroku's loyalty. Not only were the government officials looking closer at the symbol of the spider. The gang itself had begun to get desperate.

Everywhere they looked shops and public spaces bore their insignia on a sign that said 'We do not serve members of this group.'

If they wanted attention, Sesshomaru would see that they got it, while his men carried out strategic missions securing his place in the higher circles of the syndicate groups.

His father had ruled them. After his death, his heir did not do the job. He had focused on revenge and allowed his name to fall to the wayside. That day they had secured guns from the mainland, the head of the Neko had contacted him and they had opened negotiations for the sale of these items.

Sesshomaru looked at the crates now and then dismissed the groups that lingered in the warehouse. No one has seen the head of the Neko. She was particularly secretive and he could not blame her knowing what happened to his own father.

It was an hour before he heard the rhythmic tapping on the outer door and using the automatic buzzer opened the door and heard as she and her two bodyguards entered the warehouse. Koga nearly squirmed, it had been too long since they had seen her face, and knowing their history Sesshomaru didn't doubt his enforcer's nerves.

"Hello Sesshomaru," she said and Sesshomaru locked eyes on Yuna. She wore her hair in a short bob and her clothes as always were business only. She donned a formal-looking dress and heels that would have turned heads if Sesshomaru wasn't already distracted by Kagome.

"Yuna, so glad you reached out. As you can see everything is to our agreement and the product is ready to be transferred." He gestured to the boxes and she signaled one of her minions to check out the goods

One skeletal man approached the crate and used a crowbar to open it. He uncovered the sleek metal and Yuna went over and withdrew one.

"You will have to tell me how you got your hands on these," she said and Sesshomaru smirked and shook his head but came over to admire the weapons too.

"They're a good stock, I couldn't reveal my contact. You never know when a spider will move in on my territory," he said and she looked up at him then.

"They are drawing enough attention right now for all of us. Have you seen the government reports?" She asked and he nodded hiding his amusement. She signaled for the briefcase of cash and Sesshomaru beckoned Koga to take it. Koga brought him the briefcase and opened it for him to look at. Sesshomaru nodded.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you," he said and Yuna had the two goons go get the crates and start packing them into the truck.

"Hey, Sesshomaru, you haven't heard about all of the killings in my territory have you?" She asked and he shook his head. "There are a lot of girls turning up between 24-28" They all have mid-length hair and are medical students-"

"Yes I have a contact who is keeping a close eye on the murders," Sesshomaru interjected and Yuna nodded. "I have a feeling that it's a member of one of the other two gangs."

"It's not the fox, I have dealt with them many times in the last few months. But the spiders have become treacherous, biting the hands that once fed them," she said and Sesshomaru knew where she was going with this

"And yet it's been so long since we spoke last, if you hadn't reached out yesterday I would think we had fallen out of good terms," he observed her behavior and was not surprised to see the woman blanch under the implications but turn cunning eyes on him.

"We had to see if you could do it until we saw you begin to assert your own clan, we could not trust your power," she did not blink as she gave him her honest motivation.

"What changed your mind?" He asked and she smiled

"The last several weeks it has appeared that you have awakened to your role as leader," she said and he was a little surprised to see some pride in her eyes. He blushed and looked away not wanting to talk about it.

"Yes, well I have to do things as I would lead, not how I believe my father would lead. I simply made a new plan," he said and Yuna nodded and folded her arms as her goons returned.

"Hey Koga, I see your phone is not broken after all," she said and Koga turned pale and he stumbled over any words to be said when Sesshoamru held up his hand.

"Have your personal discussions on our own time, I have limited time to stay here," he said and she looked at him.

"It's the first day of school. Is it perhaps your brother that makes you so anxious? I'd heard that you took possession of the youngest heir. Maybe that's what's changed but I suspect something else." she observed and Sesshomaru folded his arms not giving anything away.

"You have the cargo. I look forward to our next interaction," he said and she nodded, snapping her fingers and taking her goons with her as she left. Koga let go of the breath he was holding.

"Whew- boss I thought she was going to skin me alive," he said and Sesshomaru shook his head.

" you should have done better by her," he sighed and Koga gasped.

At noon Kagome stood in the back yard. She was clutching her knife in hand. With the day filled with studying and homework, she needed to stretch her legs after making herself a modest lunch. She balanced the blade in hand before clutching the hilt and throwing it expertly into the bark of the small tree. It stuck with a ping and she walked over to withdraw it.

She had gotten rusty. Taking her apple from the tray sitting beside her on the porch and tossed it, making three cuts and watching the apple spread out into three pieces. She caught one in hand and took a bite. "I have let myself go," she whispered and walked through her combination cuts and resheathed the blade after wiping it.

Stretching her arms and shoulders, Kagome closed her eyes and imagined the last time she had used this blade in any serious way. She recalled the training and practice through her teen years to adulthood to reach the level of Regional blade throwing champion. At the moment she had one of the three blades she used. If she returned to her parent's home she might be able to recover the other remaining blade but the last had broken when she had escaped Onigumo.

The memory made her clutch the hilt of her knife. It had been too close, his hands had nearly taken her life when she had left him with the injury that had become the scar she saw on his left arm.

Kagome let go of that train of thought. She didn't need those memories anymore. Glancing down at her watch Kagome saw it was nearly time for the boys to return and turned to go inside as she heard her phone ring.

"Kagome," he said.

"Sesshomaru, how's work going?" She smiled.

"Very productive, I wanted to let you know we will be having a guest. I wanted to apologize for how last minute this is-" he continued and Kagome stopped him.

"No don't be, I will head out now, is there anything special you want for dinner?" She asked and listened to his description and started a shopping list.

"This means a lot. I will properly show my appreciation," his voice was heated and Kagome blushed and nodded.

"Alright. I'm happy to do it, this is the first time we are having guests," she observed.

"Hmm, it is. Yes she is from work," he said and Kagome raised an eyebrow

"She?" Kagome did not miss that

"Should I come home early and remind you that you're the one I want?" He asked and she scoffed.

"Later is perfectly acceptable," she said and he snorted.

"Very well, I'll be home at five," he said and Kagome looked at the clock again before hanging up and went to the door to collect her shoes and open the closet to get her bag. Pulling her jacket closed she went outside locking the door behind her. She heard a sharp bark from Taeko and sighed but opened the door again to grab his leash and take him with her.

She tied him to the bike rack outside of the store and double-checked her shopping list.

"Hi Kagome," she heard Keade's voice and turned to say hello.

"Kaede, so nice to see you here." She said and picked up a shopping basket. The two shopped together. Kagome bought the things they would need and walked with the older woman as far as the park Inuyasha and Souta liked to play before saying goodbye. Takeo looked at the park with some excitement but she pulled him past it and told herself that she needed to let him run a little during the day.

Kagome worked at a modest pace to get the meat cut and marinating for dinner. She chopped vegetables and pulled out the nice dishes from the high shelf. This was the first time she was playing host to one of his business partners. The meal had to be perfect.

She looked down and sighed, she needed to shop for some nicer clothes. Her normal clothes would have to do. She wore a casual dress under her apron and had a light pink cardigan.

"Kagome we're home!" Souta and Inuyasha called together. She expected to just see the boys when they rounded the corner and found herself face to face with Sesshomaru as well.

"Hello!" She received hugs from both boys and bent down to kiss their foreheads before Sesshomaru got his. He pulled her into a long kiss before reaching behind him to present her with a parcel. "I thought you were going to be home at 5," she said a little flustered.

"I was, then I decided to pick the boys up from school and bought you this," he said and couldn't wait for her to open the box and lift the lid. She gasped and he felt proud of himself

Kagome lifted the dark green dress from the box and felt the satin material. "Beautiful," she breathed.

"Can I see you in it before dinner?" He asked. She blushed as his eyes absorbed her. She reached to the stove and turned the fire down low and set a timer.

"We have about 10 minutes before this has to come off the stove," she said and he nodded and grasped her hand to drag her back to the bedroom.

He did not waste any time. His hands helped her to rid her of the day's clothes and then slipped the dress over her head and pulled it into place. She gasped at the abruptness of his actions but when he zipped the back and she turned it was his turn to gasp.

"Stunning," he breathed and then went to her. He descended, taking her body against his and devouring her mouth. She gasped at the intensity of his kiss and she knew even without seeing the dress on her that she looked perfect.

"I thought we agreed to do this later," she teased him and she saw his excited smile.

"I couldn't wait, also I know these things can be stressful." He said and Kagome saw a hint of nervousness in his eyes. He was never nervous about work. Frustrated, yes. Contemplative, sure. But nervousness was new.

Kagome didn't know who was coming over but work associate was not the word to describe whoever it was. "You know it's strange. I've lived here almost three months and you have never had any work associates over," she said.

"I-" he didn't know what to say. He didn't have them over because he didn't want them in his home. But this particular guest was not someone he could say no to.

"Who's this 'she' that's coming over?" She asked with a coy smile. Leaning forward Kagome knew his weaknesses. Reaching to unbutton the top button of his shirt she revealed the neck tattoo and leaned to it.

"I-uh" he started and she grasped his collar to lift up to his jawline.

"No lying or I will have to punish you," she teased and he nearly growled.

"My mother," he said and she let go of him.

"You want me to meet your mother wearing this?!" She said and he sighed.

"Don't change!" He said following her to the pile of clothes he had just made.

"Why not," she asked and he looked away.

"She will expect you to wear something like this…" he trailed off seeing her offended expression.

"What about the way I dress," she asked, crossing her arms now.

"My mother is a bit eccentric, she will expect you to-," he trailed off again and Kagome heard the timer go off

"You are so lucky," she pointed at him and walked into the other room. She put her apron on over the nice dress and ignored him when he entered the space watching her heatedly. "You have never been bothered by my clothes before," she turned on him after a while.

"I'm not, you're cute," he said and she let some of the irritation go. "You will just have to meet her to understand. Also, she doesn't speak for me," he said and Kagome started to understand what she was dealing with. She scared him.

Kagome didn't know what kind of a person could scare a mob Boss, but she was sure that in an hour she would.

Sesshomaru was in his office when he heard the knock on the door. He stood ready to answer when Inuyasha ran past him and got it.

"Ah, Inuyasha. It's nice to see you so dressed up," he heard her voice before he saw her but he recognized the tone of voice and wondered if the boy was underdressed. "Oh, Sesshomaru!" She swept past the boy and went to him, kissing him in the cheek before motioning for her attendant. "Jakken, will you hurry with those bags," she said and sighed as the little man carried them behind her.

Sesshomaru smiled nervously, she looked well. Her dress and heels were white. She wore her silver hair down. The length nearly reached her waist and her bangs were cut sharply across her forehead. Her sharp eyes scanned the room and he held his breath as he heard Kagome enter the room. She was wearing the dress he had gotten her and he sighed a breath of relief seeing that hers was comparable to his mother's.

"You must be-" She looked at Sesshomaru for her name and he cleared his throat for the introduction.

"Mother this is Kagome, and her brother Souta," he said motioning to the woman and the other boy. Souta looked terrified. Sesshomaru understood the sentiment.

"Hello, it's great to finally meet you," Kagome stepped forward and as if she had done this many times before bowed just enough to show respect and not subservience. He let go of another breath and watched his mother's satisfied expression.

"Likewise, my you are a pretty one. I am his mother, Himori," she said, looking Kagome over. "My son said you prepared dinner yourself. I would have had it catered. I guess I will test your cooking," she handed Jakken her purse. "Oh I got something for you both," she said and snapped her fingers. Jakken and Sesshomaru both stood at attention.

Jakken brought over the package and Inuyasha went over curiously. He and Souta opened the package together and cheered. Kagome leaned forward to see that she had gotten them a new game console. She locked eyes with Sesshomaru who shrugged.

"That is great mom…..You just returned from the United States, how was that?" Sesshomaru asked, not sure how he was going to justify another console. Kagome was looking at him surprised and he had no words. Jakken helped them to take it into the living room and set it up next to the other one.

"Oh I don't want to talk about it, Jakken, you tell him. What I want now is for you to take me through your menu and tell me about my son. God knows he never calls me," she said, grasping Kagome's hand as she walked through the house to the kitchen. Kagome followed her, nearly being dragged behind her and when she came to the kitchen she was surprised. "you did all of this for me?" She asked, dropping her hand and looking around.

"Well I didn't know who was coming but I wanted to make a good impression," she said blushing.

"It smells like my mother's kitchen, back on the family property," she leaned down to an open pot and breathed in deeply. "You really made everything?" She asked and Kagome nodded.

"Yes they are my mother's recipes," she blushed and showed her the other dishes.

"You're close with your mom then?" She asked.

"I was," she said, not able to keep her voice from breaking.

"I see, Sesshomaru was the same with his father, he is a model son really, except for not calling me, you wouldn't mind reminding him every once in a while," she asked and she nodded.

"Of course. He doesn't talk about things like that though," she said and then reached to the cupboard to grab two wine glasses. "White or red?" She asked and Himori smiled.

"White, please," she said and Kagome let herself lean a little on the counter next to the older woman. "How long have you been living together?" She asked.

"Three months,"

"How Long have you been together?" She continued.

"Four months," Kagome said and Himori was surprised.

"That is impossible," she said and Kagome took a sip of wine. "My son would never let a woman move in after three years, even less likely three months," she looked Kagome over wondering what she had done to push him.

"It was one month. I wanted to wait but he insisted, and then with the boys being so close I was completely outvoted," she said and Himori laughed not believing it. The woman had an easy charm. Her appearance was well maintained, the dress was stunning but the elder woman could see something about her that caught her attention. It was that Kagome was not afraid of her.

"I know the feeling, his father was very difficult as well. They always get what they want," it was Himori's turn to drink. "I have always wanted the best for him, it's so hard trying to look out for someone who never doubts their actions. I say wear this. He wears what he wants. I say move home, he buys a house in the suburbs, he never listens to me,"

"He seems to respect you a great deal," Kagome said and Himori glanced at her.

"You think so?" She asked and Kagome nodded.

"Yes, I do. He only speaks about you with reverence and fear." She said and Himari nodded.

"Good boy," she said, chuckling.

"Himori, do you want some of these recipes?" She asked.

Sesshomaru didn't know what to think when they disappeared into the kitchen. He looked at Jakken and the little man bowed low and began to praise him.

"My you have grown into a fine man," he said and Sesshomaru tried not to roll his eyes.

"Jakken, wouldn't you be more comfortable attending Mother?" He asked and Jakken shook his head and looked around

"It's been such a long time since anyone asked me what I want. Ugh, our trip to the United States was awful. We went to two fashion shows. One in New York and the other in Florida. Florida was humid and there were beasts in the water. Then she went on a shopping spree in California and I drove her around those insane drivers. No one uses a turning signal; they all just jerk the wheel and hope no one is in their blind spot. After that, she stayed in Seattle for two weeks. The woman just galivants all over the world with no regard for me!" He hissed and Sesshomaru knew all too well how demanding his mother could be.

His eyes flicked to the place he could now hear laughter. He didn't know what happened but she seemed happy.

"Boys dinner is ready, come help set the table," Kagome said and Inuyasha and Souta jumped up.

When the set and everyone was seated. Himori looked at Sesshomaru with pride. He had taken his place at the head of the family. His mother sat across from Kagome. He noticed the twin wine glasses and shared looks between them.

Himori ate happily, and she chatted with Inuyasha and Souta who were excited to have her attention. Sesshomaru looked at Kagome with some amazement.

"Sesshomaru, I have had a wonderful time with you both, I was going to save this for later but I was going to stay the weekend in town before flying out to London," she said

"Have you already booked your hotel?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru watched the interaction as if it were a train wreck.

"I was going to head out a little later, but if you want me to stay here it would be appreciated," Himori saw her son's cheeks flush.

"Then it's settled, what do you think Sesshomaru?"

"I think it's a great idea," he answered politically.

Himori beamed. Her happy smile surprised Sesshomaru. She reached over to squeeze his hand. "You found yourself a good girl, keep her or I will have to punish you," she said wiping her light pink lips on a napkin. She summoned Jakken who was eating happily at the countertop.

"Jakken when you are done go and get our things we will be staying here tonight

"Yes, mistress," he bowed.

That night the boys roomed together in Inuyasha's room, Himori took Soutas room and Jakken took the couch.

Himori didn't miss the awkward exchange between Kagome and Sesshomaru when she saw that Kagome's things were not stored in Sesshomaru's bedroom. She raised an eyebrow when she noticed the pillow and blanket in the automin beside the couch.

"Sesshomaru be a dear and help me get settled," Himori asked and Sesshomaru nodded, getting her things out and placing them in Souta's room. Jakken was next and the small man settled happily in the place he or Kagome usually slept.

"Will you tell me why her things are out here?" His mother whispered and Sesshomaru nodded.

"she sleeps out here on occasion," he said and Himori furrowed her brows.

"You fight enough that her things are permanently out here?" She asked and he shook his head.

"No, we haven't been sharing a room," he admitted, a little embarrassed.

"Why not, you're perfect!" She said a little louder.

"Mother! We agreed that if she was going to move in we would…. Wait to…" he didn't finish the thought as his mother began to laugh. He hadn't expected that and he was even more embarrassed.

"Oh, Sesshomaru! I was worried you found yourself another priss from upper Tokyo, come to find out she's a well-learned good girl from the countryside," she said and patted Sesshomaru's cheek. "Do yourself a favor and tell her I approve of her and hope to have many grandchildren one day," she said and Sesshomaru facepalmed but was not disappointed by her answer.

"Okay Mother," he said as he retired. She blew him a kiss and he closed the bedroom door on it. "What have you done?" he saw Kagome getting dressed for bed and she turned to look at him confused.

"What do you mean? I did exactly what I was instructed," she said, liking the unsettled expression.

"Yes, you did well. But now she's staying!" He said and Kagome shrugged.

"She loves me, you really scared me earlier, I thought I'd be dealing with a dragon," she said and he shook his head. His mother was an assassin. Her cold-blooded murders had earned her the title of blood moon maiden, and Kagome thought she was nice.

"I guess I could thank her for one thing," he said and went to the side of the bed she sat in and picked her up to drop her in the middle. "Now I can finally get what I want," he said and she snorted

"We can't do that while your mother is here!" She said and he rolled his eyes.

"You promised later I could show my appreciation." He said and she looked around.

"Well, maybe that wouldn't be so bad, so long as we stay quiet." She said and he smiled before descending into a long kiss.