Sesshomaru woke with his face resting firmly against her chest as Kagome slept soundly beneath him. His arms were around her and he felt her arms around his neck holding him in place. He lay there for a while thinking about how happy he had been over the last few days.
Staying still he could hear her steady breathing and brought his arms from around her. He leaned over to the side table and looked at the blaring red letters of the alarm clock. It was time for him to get up.
Sighing he moved back and smiled when her arms tightened around his neck. She mumbled his name in her sleep and he could not help but lean to her pink lips and kiss them lightly before sitting up.
He got in the shower and dressed for a run before heading out to meet up with Koga. His phone buzzed and the wolf told him he was waiting outside.
Sesshomaru set off at an even pace. They stayed quiet though both knew what the other was thinking.
"Hey boss," Koga started and he looked back. The man looked a little uneasy and Sesshoamru knew what he would ask.
"It has not come yet. We have a few more people to gather to do what we need to," he said and Koga nodded.
"Okay, I am always ready, but between you and me, I would appreciate at least three days' notice," he said and Sesshoamru nodded.
"You will always be the first to know," he said and Koga let go of the breath he was holding.
"Glad to hear it," he said and they reached the halfway point and then turned back. Koga was in the lead. Sesshaormu pushed himself to close the distance and overtook him within a few yards. Koga perked up at the challenge and Sesshmaru felt him close the distance. His heart raced feeling the strain of muscle as he ran faster.
He was glad it was still dark. The people who would have seen them run would have guessed that they fled from the greatest of horrors as they raced through the narrow sidewalks to the neighborhood ahead.
When his front door came interview Sesshomaru skidded to a halt and heard Taeko bark at the sight of his master.
Sesshaormu tried not to show how tired he felt just then and kept his composure while Koga doubled over and gasped for breath. Sesshomaru hid his smug smile when the man declared his inferiority and sagged against the door before Sesshomaru went to it and opened it. He caught himself on the frame as Sesshomaru passed him to his left.
"Get some coffee," he said and Koga went to the kitchen and greeted Kagome who was awake and making breakfast. Taeko greeted them first and Sesshomaru was not shy about going to his wife and kissing her firmly before going to the back and getting in the shower.
Kagome hummed softly as Koga sn Sesshomaru got ready for the day. The two boys were behind them running around the house in their pajamas as the two got ready for work. She helped them set their clothes out and gathered their homework as the two got out of their perspective showers and got dressed in the bathroom.
Inuyasha was first he got in and out quickly and Kagome made sure he was dressed properly before giving him breakfast and getting his bag ready. Souta took a little longer. Relaxing under the hot water and letting the sleepiness wash away with the dirty water. When he emerged he went to his room and found that Kagome had set out his uniform and she was calling him for breakfast. He hurried to get dressed and then he ran to the kitchen where Sesshomaru and Koga took up the kitchen table but he had an open space at the counter. He jumped up onto the bar stool and received his plate with some excitement.
"This is so good!" he said as he shoveled in several bites of food. Kagome laughed seeing his hurried movements.
"Slow down, don't choke," she said and he nodded but did not slow down.
He was ready and going to get his shoes he was excited to meet Inuyasha by the door and the two set off. Kagome waved as they walked away and turned to the two men in the kitchen. They were both dressed to perfection. Their suits and ties were perfect and she ewxpected them to head out soon from the office when they looked at her expectantly. "Yes?" she asked and they looked at each other.
"What are you doing today?" Sesshomaru asked and she looked at her watch.
"I have some shopping to do, I have some house cleaning and then I'll see what happens. I have the day off," she said and he and Koga looked at each other.
"Good, we will accompany you," Sesshomaru said and she raised her eyebrows. Watching the calm expression she locked eyes with him wondering what was going on. He never asked to run errands, ever and she was drawn to the last day out they had spent a day out and was more than a little alarmed. She kept her face passive as she asked the next question.
"Do you have something to tell me?" She asked and he shook his head.
"No, Why do you ask?" He replied and she looked at him.
"Because you hate shopping, Koga goes for you and last time we spent the day together you asked me to marry you," she said and he shook his head.
"I have been pretty busy, I apologize for that," he said and she looked at him for a long time.
"Now you are really freaking me out…..But, of you want to come with me that, you can," she said and went to get ready. Feeling a little better about the idea she forgot about the initial hesitation and recounted the list of errands she would run. Taking a shower and getting dressed she went through her routine and when she emerged Sesshomaru and Koga were waiting for her. They looked like business men in fine suits and leather shoes. She had kept her outfit simple, with a mid length skirt and sweater.
"Where are we going?" Koga asked getting into the driver's seat of the sleek sports car. Sesshomaru got into the back with Kagome and did not hide his enjoyment when he could put his arm around her.
"Fashion district," she said and he nodded. It was fifteen minutes before they came to the designated parking. Kagome got out of the car and looked around at the small groups scattered through the outdoor mall. Kagome took a breath and watched both men come around the car the where she was.
"funny, I was going to do some shopping myself today," Koga said and Sesshomaru nodded.
"Go, we will all meet here when we are done," he said, and Koga didn't have to be told twice.
Taking her hand in an oddly open show of affection, Sesshomaru walked with her down the sidewalk.
"I was going to surprise the boys with a new game for their consoles. They have been getting excellent test scores," she said and spotted the game shop not far off. Getting excited she let go of his hand and walked ahead. He let it go, seeing how happy she was and was content to walk just behind her.
Kagome noticed the crowd split around them, with him at her back there was no jostling no randome bumps and she never had to apologize for going behind someone who was blocking the way. "I need to bring you shopping more often," she smiled back at him and he blushed and shrugged.
"If it makes you happy,' he said and she laughed. she stopped at the door and looked back at him. "I'll wait out here," he said and she nodded knowing he didn't want to go into the game store.
"Okay! I'll be right back," she said and left.
He watched her go with a small smile and wondered why he hadn't done this sooner. His eyes trailed to a small cafe selling baked goods and then to a small boutique as he noticed a young woman approach him. He knew the look in her eyes when they made eye contact.
"Hello, I couldn't help but notice you, your hair is gorgeous, do you mind if I touch it?" She asked and as she stepped closer his hand shot out to stop her. He grabbed her wrist with a glare.
"Back away, now," he warned her and let go of her. Her eyes widened and she took a big step back.
"Sorry," she said and was gone.
"Wow some people have no class," he heard another woman's voice and turned his eyes to see another woman at his side. He hadn't noticed her walk up but even with the glare he wore she smiled and let her eyes trail down his body. He growled and looked around.
"I am not in the mood for this," he said and she shrugged and held her hands up as if to say she meant no harm.
At the moment Kagome exited the shop she noticed the growing crowd of women and felt her fist clench in irritation. She walked over and stepped infron tof the second woman. "Sorry it took so long," she said and saw him visibly relax when she stepped closer..he did not expect her to stand on her toes to kiss him, but welcomed the show of possession. the was a little more aggressive than normal but the women scattered.
She turned to watch them walk away and then turned to him. "Are you okay?" She asked him. His eyes lingered on her lips.
"Yes, it happens every time I come down here….. are you bothered by it?" He asked, he was amused by her response. He recalled all of the other times this happened, and the few women he had entertained had all questioned themselves when the hordes of women flocked him.
Kagome looked at him like he was crazy. "Not even a little. I am not worried about you leaving me for a bimbo," she said. He blushed a little.
He smiled and leaned to tease her. "You are so sure of yourself," he said and she reached up to grasp a handful of hair at the base of his neck.
"You are obsessed with me, admit it," she said, teasing him back.
He leaned to kiss the side of her face letting his lips drag a little lower. It was not proper public behavior, but he didn't care. "It seems so," he said and Grasped her hand again. "Where to next?" He asked.
They spent a long while in the shopping area. Kagome was focused, though she couldn't help but take joy in the uncomfortable encounters he kept having with the women around them. It was like they watched for her to walk away so that they could come over and try to make a pass.
He was incredibly annoyed at each and every one of them. She kept her eye on them, after the first had tried to touch his hair she made a point to step in if he was being violated. "You make a spectacle every where you go," she commented looking at his tired expression.
"I hate it so much," he said and she turned to step in front of them.
"I honestly was a bit angry at the fiirst couple. But I can see why they are so obsessed," she said and he felt his cheeks warm.
"I am incredibly good looking and successful, any of them would be honored to have my attention," he said certain of that fact. Kagome saw a vision of his mother in his ear and laughed.
"And yet I am the one you focus on. Why not all the hundreds of fawning ladies?" She said, she meant it as a joke.
"They would all run terrified, if they knew more about me than what they saw," he said and she saw a hint of seriousness. Taking a breath she stepped closer to take his hand again. She read the appreciation in his eyes awhen he clutched her hand tighter and brought them to his lips.
Kagome smiled at the small pressure. "Well, that's their loss," she said and he let go of the breath he was holding. Nodding to himself he kept pace with her as she continued through the crowd to a clothes shop. "Want to help me pick out some spring outfits?" she asked and he nodded.
Sesshomaru waited for Kagome to pay for her clothes just outside the shop. From the side of his vision he could see a small group of boys enter the shop. He was mildly interested; they appeared to belong to the kitsune sect from the tattoo that appeared from the neck of the first man's shirt.
He entered behind them and watched as they began to harass the shoppers. Kagome stiffened as they approached the register.
Kagome did not waver as they surrounded her, pinning her against the counter and blocking her exit. Her eyes burned. "Oh, look at her. She's glaring at us!" The front man laughed and reached for her purse.
Kagome slapped his hand and turned. "Back off!" She said, and Sesshomaru caught himself reaching for his pistol and found nothing where it was normally. He groaned inwardly and balled his fist.
"Whoa! You gonna fight us? That is so cute. How about this, you're married hu? Well, leave your worthless husband and come get a man who knows what he's doing," he said lewdly.
In two steps Sesshomaru had his hands around the man's throat. "Get your hands off my wife," he said and Kagome did not hide her pleasure.
The man's eyes went to the crescent moon tattooed to Sesshomaru's neck and his eyes widened a little. "I didn't mean it," he said backpedaling.
"What is your name?" Sesshomaru demanded and the man paled.
" Oh, come on! You know what the boss will do if they find out. Here let me pay for this!" He said and tried to turn to the register. The cashier looked at Sesshomaru with a little fear.
"Never put your hands on another woman, or I will deal with it personally," he said. They turned and began to scramble out onto the road where a few cars honked at them. He turned to Kagome who looked at him with pride and then to the cashier who was frozen in fearful surprise. "My apologies," he said and the cashier came to life.
"No! They cause a lot of trouble here. Thank you!" She said and Kagome's smile widened.
"That was amazing!" Kagome said and Sesshomaru felt his cheeks warm and was not disappointed to receive her hand and a heated look.
"I couldn't let them put their hands on you," he said and she looked around at the shop and dragged him from the store.
He was not sure what she was doing when she dragged him down the street and stopped in an alleyway. Looking around she dropped her shopping bags and pushed him against the wall.
"What are you doing?" He asked and she smiled and looked to the side before lifting herself into her toes and kissing him.
"Thanking you," she said as she leaned up to kiss him. Her tongue worked against his and he gripped her waist and pulled her flush against him. He groaned into the kiss and deepened it until she was nearly squirming.
"Let's go home," he said into the kiss and felt her grip his collar when her hands snaked up to wrap around his neck.
"Call Koga," she said and stepped back to fix her clothes. She smoothed out a wrinkle as he called Koga.
"Yeah, I'm ready," he said and Sesshomaru hung up and dragged her away from the shops and to the parking lot. Kagome loaded her bags into the car as Koga walked up.
"Hey! You're done already?" He asked and Sesshomaru nodded.
"We are finished. Take us home," he said and Koga nodded and opened the driver's side door when Sesshomaru slid in after Kagome and pulled her against him. he dragged his lips over hers as soon as he could and picked up where they had stopped.
Kagome put her arms around his neck, liking the feeling of him against her. Koga saw them in the mirror as he tried to back the car out of the parking space. he blushed and could not help but notice when Sesshomaru pulled her into his lap.
He did not stare, but he had to use his mirror as the couple got a little carried away. When Kagome's shirt was unbuttoned, and all he could see of Sesshomaru was the top of his silver head he nearly stomped on the brakes in embarrassment.
Kagome closed her eyes when his head dipped down to kiss her chest and neck. she felt the car lurch and grasped his neck to keep from hitting the back of the driver's seat. Sesshomaru tightened his hold on her and paced himself as they came into their driveway. When they parked he opened the door and stepped out not letting go of her. She stumbled a little trying to navigate the car and him pulling her towards the house.
"What in the world has gotten into you?" Koga asked, seeing the oddly forceful way he pulled her into their house. Sesshomaru steadied himself enough to answer his friend with some finality.
"I will finish this. Then we will go," he said and Kagome looked between them as he continued to drag her into the house.
"Koga please grab the bags. I will make you your favorite dinner," she said and she disappeared into the hallway.
"Koga please get my bags," Koga muttered, mimicking the tone of her voice when he was sure they couldn't hear him.
Kagome did not see the package laying on the table when she entered the house. Her hand was gripped firmly in his as Sesshomaru pulled her through the house to the bedroom. He closed the door firmly behind them. She sat on the bed watching him remove his tie and unbutton his collar. "Where are you going after we are done?" She asked.
"The docks, I have a traitor to punish," he said and she felt her heart accelerate as she thought about the thugs from the shop. Her hands itched to touch him.
"Oh," she said and never let her eyes waver as he came to her and bunched his hand in the back of her hair to tip her head back. He let his eyes linger in her slightly open mouth before leaning her lips and caressing them with his. The texture of his lips on hers was addicting and she found herself at a loss when he stepped back to remove his jacket and shirt.
Her eyes were glued to the colorful needlework on his pale skin and reached out to touch the dragon scales and symbols of the yakuza. She had memorized them starting at his lower back and running along his sides and shoulders. His arms were untouched and his chest only held the hint of tattoo along his collarbone and neck. He grasped her hand when her fingers caressed the crescent moon and kissed them.
His heated eyes lit her on fire. She recalled how quickly he had appeared when she needed him, and the fear in the man's eyes when his hands closed around his throat. He would have killed him if they had not been in public.
That thought brought chills. She had never known him the way that others perceived him. The man that she loved belonged only to her. Kagome met him when he leaned down to place his lips on hers. His hands grasped her waist holding her against him until he backed away and she helped him take off several items of her clothes. She felt his excitement when he pushed her back and lifted her knees to wrap around him. She saw as well as felt his visible arousal and welcomed the possessiveness.
She gripped a handful of hair at the base of his neck as he entered her. She moaned aloud when he started to move, and she tightened her grip on his waist. His hands gripped her hips, keeping her still, feeling at the edge of a climax. Kagome realized he was close and raised herself to meet him. She felt at the edge of a great precipice when she felt his release and fell into it.
He breathed slowly, closing his eyes to savor the feeling before meeting her eyes. Seeing that she wanted him as much as he wanted her he could not help but lean forward to press his face into her soft breasts. Kissing each one, he moved to her collar bone and then to her neck. Biting softly he savored the soft skin of her throat before taking her lips. She moved under his kiss, feeling shivers until she was nearly mad, and raised her hand to caress his face. "I love you,"
When he and Koga made it to the docks he was still lost in thought. The image of her dark hair spread across his pillow stayed in his mind as Koga drove them through the worf.
"Are you ready to do this?" Koga asked, seeing the distant expression.
"Yes," he replied without looking at him. Koga nodded.
"You seemed to have a good day with Kagome," he said and Sesshomaru made no effort to turn.
"I enjoyed myself," he said and Koga scoffed.
"It's nice to see you taking some time for yourself. Did you have a crowd of women stalking you?" He asked, and Sesshomaru nodded.
"Yes, it was tiresome. And we have some business with the kitsune. Three of their men approached Kagome and tried to rob her, then they tried to talk her into their bed," he said and Koga scoffed.
"I bet that pissed you off. That woman has an unusual ability to attract dangerous men, I'm glad she ended up with you," Koga said and Sesshomaru looked at him then.
"I was fortunate to meet her," he said and Koga looked at him a little surprised. He had never heard that level of sentiment from Sesshomaru. The rushed wedding, all of the alliances they'd made was in line with their plan. But there was something else that plagued him.
"Men such as ourselves are lucky to find anyone who could love us," he said and Sesshomaru nodded.
"Yes," he said and was silent until they arrived at the docks.
Sesshomaru set his frown as he exited the car, the men waited for him as they surrounded the traitor. Jakatsu and Bonkatsu greeted him with a bow and split the crowd so that he could walk uninhibited.
Sesshomaru strode to the man and watched the angry glares of the men around him. "You have lost the trust of the men and sold us out. What are your last words?" He asked and the man trembled but dared to stare him in the eye as he spoke.
"Fuck you all, I hope you rot in prison," he said and Sesshomaru nodded to Jakatsu. The man grinned and he and Bonkatsu grabbed the chair he was tied to and threw him into the water beneath the docks. Sesshomaru stood at the edge and watched him sink, feeling nothing.
"There is nothing more important than loyalty, if we fail to keep trust, then we are all dead. I will not let that happen," he looked between the faces of his crew and they nodded. He was ashamed when they cheered for him and knew that this was only the beginning. When he leads the inner circle, punishment for betrayal, crossing lines and managing protection money would be his duty. The men would not be able to follow him, unless the plan went perfectly.
"Yes, boss!" They cheered. Sesshomaru went back to their headquarters after checking in on their product. He was due a visit to the warehouse they had taken from the spiders but for now his primary goal was to locate all of his enemies to ensure he could get them all in a single day. There were five people he would take great joy in watching the light fade from their eyes.
Naraku was at the top of that list, but for the safety of his men and the protection of his family he would tie off every loose end to their lives.
There was a knock at the door, Koga came in at his answer and handed him a cellphone. Sesshomaru looked at the screen and smirked. "What took you so long?" He asked.
"It took that fool all day to hear what happened. I have to apologize for my subordinates, they get carried away in the shopping district," his voice was apologetic but Sesshomaru doubted his sincerity.
"Yahiko, your men solicited my wife like she was a prostitute, I would have killed them on the spot if I had my weapon, what will you do to make this right?" He asked.
Yahiko heaved a sigh. "How could he have known? You don't exactly shout your personal business from the rooftops. When did you get married, anyway," he was irritated.
"Recently," he said flatly and Yahiko groaned.
"You really want me to make this even?" He said and Sesshomaru sat back.
"You, or me," he said and there was a single gunshot that sounded from the phone. "I appreciate it,"
Yahiko growled. "Oh you're getting proof, jackass!" Yahiko said and Sesshomaru felt the phone vibrate. He opened the picture message and nodded.
"Received, thank you," he said.
"Get this prick out of here." He said into the room. "You know Sesshomaru, I forget how high strung you are, we have always been on neutral terms. We have been hearing things in the neutral area. Are you making moves?" He asked and Sesshomaru turned his chair to look out of the window.
"Yahiko, it's me or my enemy. You want to settle things, don't you?" he said. He knew Yahiko well. The twins ran the fox clan, his sister was reclusive but Yahiko had always been their enforcer.
"Kaoru, has invited you and your wife to dinner, she insists, so if we are settled on the matter of my men harassing your wife, we would appreciate your company," he said and Sesshomaru could hear Kaoru coaching him in the background.
"I will accept, we will discuss our alliance afterwards," he said and he could hear Kaoru thank him before he hung up. He shook his head, Kaoru was normally the calmer of the two, he wondered what she wanted that had her so excited.
He looked up at Koga who waited to hear what had been said. "We have settled with the kitsune and they have extended an invitation for dinner," he said and Koga groaned.
"Those annoying twins? I don't know, Boss, we have been okay just being neutral. They leave us alone, we leave them alone," he said and Sesshomaru sighed.
"That is no longer good enough. Let's put the past in the past, and see what they have to offer us now," he said, letting his elbows rest on his desk. He didn't want to admit how much territory the fox had taken since his father's death. Access to their territory would mean mutual gain.
"What are you going to do about the boys?" Koga asked.
"We will have to take them with us."
Back at home he looked down at the two confused faces of their brothers. "Are you sure?" Inuyasha mirrored Koga's uncertainty and Sesshomaru nodded confidently. "Alright, but you know I hate this kind of stuff," he said. He folded his arms and turned to Souta. "They are the worst. They are so weird," he said and Sesshomaru cleared his throat.
"I need you to behave, I know I don't have to tell Souta. Inuyasha will you promise to behave?" He said and Inuyasha sighed but nodded.
"Fine, but I won't be nice to them," he said cheekily. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and turned to Souta who looked at him curiously.
"Is this for work? Are we going to go to a yakuza house, are you going to fight someone?" He asked getting more excited as he went on.
"Absolutely not! We are going to have a nice dinner, where you don't tell them anything more that how much you like the food and then we are coming home. Got it?" He asked and Souta came to attention.
"Alright, Sesshomaru!" He said and Kagome watched the interaction shaking her head. Souta never failed to go along with Sesshomaru, every suggestion was met with absolute support. Amazed by the opposite reactions she went to Inuyasha to make sure he was getting ready.
"Inuyasha, are you dressed yet?" She asked and opened the door when he called to her. He stood in front of his dresser brushing his hair quickly.
"I don't want to go, can I stay home?" He asked and Kagome shook her head.
"You can't stay home alone right now. What is bothering you so much?" She asked and sat down in his bed. He dropped his shoulders.
"It's weird…. I don't know how to describe it but my dad and them used to have dinner a lot, I just don't want to go without him," he sat on the bed beside her.
Kagome nodded understanding his hesitation. It had been weird going home after her parents died. Everyone apologized endlessly which made it worse.
"I understand, do you want me to talk to Sesshomaru?" She asked and he shook his head.
"No, we need to go, but I don't want to," he said and then stood.
She followed him to the door and came out to see Sesshomaru helping Souta to fix his collar.
"Remember, no more than necessary, these people are not our friends," he said and Souta nodded.
"Got it. Stick to saying the food is good, even if it's not, and how nice the weather is," Souta said and Sesshomaru patted his shoulders.
"Stick to that, and I will arrange for an acceptable compensation," he said and looked up when Kagome cleared her throat. Those two made deals over the silliest things, she thought.
"We are ready," she said and he looked at her dress. he nodded approvingly and gestured for Inuyasha to step forward.
"I'll be the judge of that." He said making a few adjustments and then standing. Koga came through the door and Sesshomaru went through a similar inspection. They all sighed with relief when he nodded and swept to the garage.
Koga looked at Kagome. "We are in for a boring night," he said, and followed his longtime friend out to the car.
When they arrived at the house of the kitsune Kagome was a little overwhelmed. The large estate was surrounded by an ironwork gate and solid cement walls eight feet high. Koga pulled up to the intercom and pressed the button. "Yahiko, we are here," he said and there was a green light that shone from the intercom and then the gate opened.
They entered a landscaped garden that ran along the narrow driveway and ended at a stately mansion. Kagome looked at Inuyasha and saw his discomfort. She locked eyes with him and he stood a little taller, taking a breath and going around the car to where Sesshomaru was waiting. He scanned his small group and went to Kagome to take her hand and usher the two boys to walk in front of them. Koga walked behind them. He brandished his pistol in his belt and Kagome noticed that he was without his normal charm.
When they got to the door she didn't know what to expect. Inuyasha and Souta held their breath as the door opened and were greeted by a the twins. They looked alike, their similar hair and eyes were offset by their opposite colored outfits and their perspective roles.
Kaoru was the first to speak. She was soft spoken but her eyes were sharp and there brother stood at her side acting as her bodyguard. She smiled at Kagome. "Hello, you must be the wife I have heard about, and who is this?" The woman looked down at Souta.
Kagome bowed respectfully. "Yes, I am Kagome, this is my brother Souta," she said and the twins looked at each other.
"How interesting, come in." She said and Kagome saw her mind working. Her brother stepped aside and ushered them inside. They stepped onto marble floors and Kagome looked around at the fine art and antique furnishings. She could tell that they appreciated wealth. Her eyes found each painting and vase displayed and then looked at the two boys who stood stiffly trying not to bump anything as they moved around the room.
They went to a dining hall with a long table. They sat at the head of the table together. Their movements were in synch when they called the butler and he brought in the first course. Souta and Inuyasha sat on opposite side of the table. Beside their perspective siblings.
Inuyasha eyed his brother who looked calm in the surface. His face was impassive, a perfect mask of indifference.
Kaoru sat next to Souta and Yahiko sat next to Inuyasha. They smiled warmly but Kagome got the distinct impression that this was not what it looked like.
"I like this side of you Sesshomaru, I never would have guessed you would adapt so quickly to being a full time guardian," she said and looked at Kagome. "Will you indulge me and tell me how he is with the two boys?" She asked leaning forward.
"They adore him, we are really happy," she said and Kaoru was surprised.
"Of course you are, you make a very attractive couple. I would like to know how you met?" She asked and Sesshomaru cleared his throat.
"That is unnecessarily personal," he said and she frowned.
"Oh, Sesshomaru I am begging you to tell us, it's so out of your nature. Please!" She said making a spectacle. Sesshomaru looked at Yahiko who was just as eagerly waiting.
"We met near our homes, at a non specified park, end of story," he said and Kagome looked at him and tried not to smile when she saw how nonchalant he was as he said those words.
The twins looked at her and then Kaoru turned pleading eyes on her. "How long ago did you meet?" She asked and Kagome looked at Sesshomaru who gave her an small nod.
"About nine months ago," she recounted the months and looked d at him. He nodded.
Kaoru blushed. "Oh how scandalous! Our resident prince has never cared for people, to hear that he met and married you in nine months means you must be special!," she said and Yahiko looked at her trying to figure out what it was about her.
Kagome blushed and Sesshomaru cleared his throat. "That is enough, you swore you wouldn't pry into my business," he reminded them and the twins squirmed, but buried their curiosity. Kaoru decided then that she would befriend Kagome if it killed her.
"Oh, yeah, I completely forgot!" Kaoru said apologetically. She cleared her throat and adopted a more reserved approach and leaned back. "Souta you are so handsome, how old are you?" She said and Souta didn't waver.
"That question is too personal," he said and Sesshomaru nodded approvingly.
Kaoru looked between the two and knew she had not lied about him and the boys, the look of pleasure lingered in his eyes when he resumed eating. "I see you are receiving good training," she sighed.
The meal went on with pleasant conversation. The twins offered them rare delicacies and fine sake, delighted to entertain someone besides themselves.
Koga watched the dinner trying not to look as bored as he felt. Their bodyguard was still. He had not wavered once during the dinner, so far. His eyes scanned them all constantly, looking for any hint of betrayal, as Koga did. His hand was close to his pistol though he doubted these fools would try anything. If they valued their lives, tonight would be perfect.
When dinner came to an end Yahiko and Kaoru lead them to a meeting room. Kaoru stopped Kagome from going in and beckoned her to follow her with the boys. "their negotiating is always so boring, I am sure we could talk for a while," she said and Kagome nodded.
"Oh sure," she said and held her tongue, wondering what she would want to talk about.
"Perfect, I would love to get to know you better, it's rare to find someone so normal joining the family," she said, and Kagome paused.
"Are you related?" She asked and Kaoru thought for a moment.
"Not exactly by blood, but our families are connected. We have all been the same bloodlines from the beginning of our organization," she said and Kagome followed her to a sitting room at the end of the hall. She left the door open for the boys to follow her and they talked quietly.
"Is that true?" Kagome asked and Kaoru nodded.
"Your husband belongs to the oldest line and his father should have been the one to lead the four families. Instead his father refused. Do you know where that left us? Those four old fools have been running us into the ground, no one can agree on anything," she said indignantly.
"Why are you telling me this?" Kagome asked and Kaoru smiled.
"It is something personal, that I don't share with just anyone, though it is not just my secret, it is the reality of most of the people in this house," she sighed and Kagome furrowed her brows.
"What do you want to know?" She asked plainly. Kaorus eyes betrayed her amusement.
"I knew you were sharp, tell me what it's like being married to Sesshomaru," she said grabbing her hands.
"Why do you want to know that," she blushed.
"Oh come on! We are so curious," she said.
Kagome gasped, "so you admit that anything I tell you, you are going to tell your brother." She said and Kaoru nodded.
"Twins honor, but we will tell no one else, our lives might depend on it," she said seriously. Kagome sighed.
"I have never met such a caring man, he really works hard to keep everything running smoothly and we are all really happy," she said and Kaoru grasped her hands.
"That is unbelievable!" She said and Kagome could see the genuine shock. "I have seen him do things that scare me to this day. To hear all of those things is very surprising."
"She's telling the truth, we are all happy," Inuyasha said and Kaoru saw that Souta agreed. Her eyes widened and she looked at the small group with some envie, her family was in chaos, but the Yakuza they feared the most had stolen himself a piece of normalcy. She would find out his secret, and then she would steal it for herself.
Kaoru leaned forward and grasped Kagome's hands."I want us to be friends!" She said and Kagome laughed.
"I guess that is okay," she said.
Sesshomaru looked at Yahiko with some irritation. "I am not interested in taking your land, we want access to the docks in your territory, we can pay," he said and Yahiko shook his head.
"How much?" He asked and he wrote a figure into the small pad of paper and slid it across the table. Yahiko raised his eyebrows and looked at Sesshomaru.
"That is quite a sum. Tell you what, if you tell me what you have planned I will give you the building and the two block area surrounding that space," he said and Sesshomaru frowned.
"I cannot reveal my plans," he said and Yahiko nodded.
"Then I will have to deny your request, we cannot afford to have your men so close to our headquarters," he said and sat back.
Sesshomaru sighed. " On the condition that if you reveal any part of my plan, I will include you in the list." He said and Yahiko nodded.
"I want to get my men out of the way, we are not looking for trouble with your clan, the spiders have ravaged our territory and they are freely murdering women in our streets," he said and Sesshomaru thought for a long time before he decided to speak.
"I have been granted one full day to kill all of my enemies, afterwards I take my place as leader," he said and sat back. Yahiko was silent, absorbing the information with some shock.
"I had not heard about an ascension, it would be you or the leader of the spiders. That maybe the death of us all," he said and Sesshomaru was silent. He looked at Sesshomaru and nodded. "Take the warehouse, promise me that my men are safe from your rampage. I will handle anyone who violates our agreement." He said and Sesshomaru nodded and looked at Koga who was staring at Yahiko, watching every move as he poured the two cups of sake.
"We will formally align our clans," Sesshomaru said and Yahiko nodded and handed him a cup.
They both drank and he poured another. "Here's to a long alliance, leader," he said and they drank again.
Sesshomaru declined the next drink and was content with the day's progress. The next thing to worry about was the day he would be eliminating his enemies. Too many people turned against him when he had addressed the annoyance of the spider's leader. Those men would pay for their betrayal and all who stood with him would fall.
He locked eyes with Koga and without saying anything Koga understood. They had three days and then their day would come.