Chapter 10: Unspoken Tensions

Sesshoumaru and Kagome were still caught in the aftermath of their introduction. Sesshoumaru's normally stoic expression relaxed, and Kagome found herself lost in the warmth of the moment. Their smiles faded only slightly, giving way to a shared quietness that felt charged with something unspoken.

Before anything else could happen, a loud and overly familiar voice cut through the air.

"Kagome!" Hojo's voice was overly chipper, but the underlying edge of jealousy was hard to miss. He approached with a forced smile and a slightly condescending tone. "Wow, you're always surrounded by elegance, huh? Fancy clothes, fancy people..." His eyes flicked to Sesshoumaru with an obvious once-over, his tone dripping with thinly veiled envy. "Let me guess—another rich friend?"

Sesshoumaru's gaze hardened, his hand slowly dropping from Kagome's, but his posture remaining protective. His sharp golden eyes assessed Hojo with disinterest, as though the boy wasn't worth his time.

"Hojo, I thought you had the day off," Kagome said, her voice polite but noticeably cooler. Any trace of the warmth she had shared with Sesshoumaru moments earlier was gone, replaced by a careful detachment. She kept her gaze fixed straight ahead, her expression unreadable. Sesshoumaru noticed the subtle shift immediately. He recognized it—the way she masked her emotions so effortlessly. It was almost like looking in a mirror.

"Oh, well, I took on more work," Hojo replied, brushing off her question with a dismissive wave. His tone was overly casual, but there was a sharpness beneath the surface. "I mean, it must be so nice for you, surrounded by all this luxury and glamour. You've really got it all, don't you?"

Hojo continued, oblivious to the tension he caused.

"I mean, it must be so hard for you, Kagome, balancing school, family... and all the expectations of being rich," he added with a pointed look, his voice thick with mock sympathy.

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable but his irritation palpable. "Do you often waste time making irrelevant observations, or is this an exception?" he asked coolly, his tone as cutting as a blade.

Hojo blinked, caught off guard by Sesshoumaru's sharpness, but quickly masked his discomfort with a laugh. "Well, I guess some people don't understand what it's like to actually work for what they have," he quipped, his gaze challenging as he addressed Sesshoumaru directly.

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed, a faint smirk curling at the edge of his lips. "Ah, I see. You equate wealth with idleness because that is easier to accept than your own mediocrity."

Kagome's eyes widened, and she turned to Sesshoumaru with a mix of astonishment and newfound respect. She hadn't expected him to step in so sharply, nor to articulate his point with such biting precision, even Sango couldn't accomplish that. For a moment, she was at a loss for words, marveling at the quiet authority he exuded.

"Hojo," she finally interjected, her voice firmer but still carrying traces of amazement as she glanced between the two men. "I think you—" She paused, unable to stop herself from sneaking another glance at Sesshoumaru. Her respect for him had deepened in an instant, and it showed in the faint, almost imperceptible softness in her gaze.

"No, no," Hojo interrupted, waving her off. "I get it. Not all of us can afford to live in luxury and bump into people who... well, clearly don't know how the real world works."

Sesshoumaru stepped closer, his towering presence casting a shadow over Hojo. His voice was calm, but the danger in it was unmistakable. "And yet, here you are, wasting your time comparing yourself to people who clearly surpass you in every way."

Hojo, clearly rattled but unwilling to back down, muttered something about "arrogance" before retreating. Sesshoumaru watched him leave, his smirk deepening.

Kagome remained rooted in place, her gaze locked on Sesshoumaru as though seeing him in a completely new light. Her astonishment and admiration were clear, the earlier tension melting into quiet awe. Sesshoumaru, sensing her unspoken thoughts, met her gaze, the corners of his smirk softening into something almost imperceptibly warm.

Before the silence could stretch any further, Kagome's phone buzzed sharply in her pocket, breaking the moment. She blinked, startled, and glanced down at the screen. "I'm sorry about him, excuse me; I need to take this" she said apologetically, her voice tinged with regret as she stepped back.

Sesshoumaru gave a small nod, his expression neutral once more, though something flickered briefly in his eyes—an unspoken acknowledgment of the connection that had sparked between them. "Of course," he said smoothly, his voice carrying a surprising softness.

As Kagome walked away to answer her phone, Sesshoumaru found himself watching her.

He glanced down at his hand, remembering the warmth of her arms beneath his touch. A faint sensation stirred in his chest, unfamiliar and yet impossible to ignore. And then he turned to make his way back to the room.

Inuyasha sat cross-legged on the grass of the soccer field outside the school, his science textbook open in his lap and a slightly worn soccer ball resting by his side. Sota crouched next to him, flipping through a notebook with an air of practiced ease.

"Alright," Sota said, glancing at Inuyasha. "Let's hit this one more time. The mitochondria is what?"

"The powerhouse of the cell," Inuyasha replied, this time with a bit more confidence.

"Exactly!" Sota grinned, giving him a thumbs-up. "See? You've got this stuff down. Now, what about photosynthesis?"

Inuyasha groaned, flopping back onto the grass. "Ugh, don't remind me. All I see are formulas swimming around in my head."

Sota smirked, tapping the textbook lightly. "Well, you'll see them on the test too, so better get used to it. You're doing great, though. Seriously."

Inuyasha sat up and rested his elbows on his knees, glancing at the goalposts in the distance. "I have to do great," he muttered. "If my dad finds out I've been spending all this time on soccer instead of focusing on the family business, I'm screwed."

Sota's expression softened, and he gave Inuyasha a reassuring nudge. "You're not just spending time on soccer. You're chasing something you're passionate about. You want to be a pro, right?"

Inuyasha hesitated before nodding, his ears burning red. "Yeah. I do. But what if I can't keep up with school? What if I let everyone down?"

"You won't," Sota said firmly. "You're doing both—training and studying. That's not easy, but you're pulling it off. And you've got me to help, so stop freaking out."

Inuyasha let out a half-hearted laugh, his tension easing slightly. "Thanks, Sota. I owe you for this."

Sota grinned. "You can repay me by scoring the winning goal when you make it big. Deal?"

"Deal," Inuyasha replied with a small smile, determination flickering back into his eyes. "Now, hit me with the next question."

Sota chuckled and dove back into the notebook, the two of them a perfect balance of focus and camaraderie under the morning sun.

The Taisho family's sleek black car pulled into the hospital parking lot, the soft purr of its engine dying as Inukimi stepped out, exuding her usual grace. She adjusted her silk scarf and turned to her husband, Toga, who was unfastening Kanna from her car seat.

"Honestly," Inukimi sighed, her tone carrying a mix of concern and mild exasperation, "an allergic reaction of all things. What exactly was Miroku doing?"

Toga chuckled softly, lifting Kanna into his arms. "Knowing Miroku, probably sampling something he shouldn't have. That boy has always been curious to a fault."

Kanna clutched her father's shirt tightly, her wide eyes scanning the hospital entrance. "Is Uncle Miroku going to be okay?" she asked softly, her small voice laced with worry.

Inukimi leaned over, brushing a soothing hand over Kanna's hair. "He'll be just fine, darling. Allergies are unpleasant but not insurmountable. We're here to check on him and make sure he doesn't do anything silly again."

As they walked into the hospital, Sesshoumaru's call replayed in Toga's mind. His eldest son had sounded as composed as ever, but there had been a subtle undertone of concern. Of course; Toga and Inukimi had insisted on showing up, after all Miroku was also like a son to them.

Once inside, they approached the reception desk. Inukimi's poised demeanor caught the attention of the nurse immediately. "Good afternoon," Inukimi began, her voice calm yet commanding. "We're here to visit Miroku Sato. He was admitted due to an allergic reaction."

The nurse nodded quickly, checking her records. "He's in Room 204. Family only, for now."

"We are his family," Toga said with a polite smile adjusting Kanna in his arms.

"Of course, sir. Go right ahead."

The door to the hospital room opened, and the Taisho family entered, their eyes quickly finding Miroku lying in the bed. Sesshoumaru sat beside him, his usual calm demeanor.

Inukimi was the first to speak, her voice laced with concern as she took in the sight of Miroku. "What happened, Sesshoumaru?" she asked, her eyes flicking between her son and her nephew.

Sesshoumaru glanced up at her, his expression stoic. "It was an allergic reaction," he explained in his usual measured tone. "He claimed it was peanuts, but…" He paused, his gaze flicking briefly to Miroku. "It turned out to be worse than he let on."

Inukimi raised an eyebrow, not fully convinced. "Worse?" she echoed, her gaze now fixed on Miroku. "What do you mean by that?"

Miroku, sensing the shift in attention, lifted a hand weakly. "It was worse than I expected," he rasped, his voice still a little shaky but laced with his usual mischievous tone. "I may have exaggerated a little at first, but hey, it got me to the hospital, didn't it?"

Sesshoumaru shot his cousin an unreadable look before sighing and leaning back in his chair. "I didn't think it was real. He convinced me that his throat was closing up, and by the time we got here, his condition had worsened."

Toga, who had been silently observing, stepped forward, his expression a mix of disbelief and frustration. "Are you telling me he faked it? Is that what this is about?"

Miroku gave a weak chuckle, though it quickly turned into a cough. "Well, yes and no," he said, his voice still rough. "I may have pushed it a little too far, but I wasn'tentirelyfaking it. There was a real reaction... just... not as dramatic as I made it seem at first."

Kanna, standing off to the side, couldn't help but speak up, her voice quiet but full of curiosity. "So it was all... planned?"

Miroku grinned faintly, despite his pale appearance. "Pretty much. The allergy's real, the hospital visit was real, but the dramatics... well, that was for effect. You know, gotta get the attention, right?"

Inukimi sighed, shaking her head. "Miroku, you're impossible," she muttered under her breath, her tone softening just slightly. "You nearly gave us all a heart attack."

Miroku gave a weak thumbs-up, clearly proud of his efforts despite the exhaustion settling in. "Hey, sometimes you have to take risks. No risk, no reward, right?"

Sesshoumaru, who had been watching his cousin with a mixture of disbelief and concern, finally spoke. "I'm not sure what kind of reward you think you'll get from this. You're lucky you're still breathing after all that."

Miroku chuckled, though it was more of a rasping laugh. "Hey, don't worry. I'm tougher than I look."

Toga crossed his arms and looked at his son. "I hope you learned something today, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru didn't respond immediately, his golden eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at Miroku. Finally, he spoke, his voice flat but with a hint of exasperation. "Next time, justtell me when you're having an allergic reaction, instead of turning it into some grand performance."

Miroku managed to nod, though it was clear that his energy was draining quickly. "I'll keep that in mind," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper now. "But hey, at least it worked, right?"

Kanna, still processing everything, looked at Sesshoumaru. "So... was all of this just to get us here?"

Miroku grinned weakly, glancing at Sesshoumaru. "...Maybe."

Sesshoumaru sighed, rubbing his temples in exasperation. "You're unbelievable."

Miroku simply grinned again, his eyes twinkling despite his exhaustion. "I'll take that as a compliment."

With a sigh, Kagome answered her phone as she continued to walk through the hospital.

"Mother? Everything okay?" Kagome asked, her voice steady despite the swirling thoughts in her mind.

"Of course, darling," Kagura replied smoothly, though there was a teasing lilt to her tone. "Shippo and I are still waiting in the lobby. He's managed to charm half the staff already, but I thought I'd check in. Are you planning to keep us waiting much longer?"

Kagome laughed softly, picturing her little brother's mischievous grin as he chatted with strangers. "I am on my way."

"Good," Kagura said, a note of amusement slipping into her voice. "Because Shippo's convinced one of the nurses to show him how to use a stethoscope, and I'm pretty sure that's not in her job description."

Kagome shook her head, unable to suppress a smile. "That sounds like him. I'll come get you before he ends up running the place."

"Before you do," Kagura continued, her voice growing softer but no less pointed, "you still owe me an explanation about that coat. You said you'd tell me later, and I believe it's officially 'later.'"

Kagome hesitated. The image of Sesshoumaru's piercing gaze flashed in her mind again, making her heart skip a beat. "Mother, it's really not that complicated. I was cold, and he lent it to me. That's all."

"Is it, though?" Kagura asked, her tone dripping with skepticism.

Kagome flushed, grateful her mother couldn't see her face. "I don't have time for this right now," she said lightly, deflecting. "Besides, you're imagining things. He's polite, that's all."

Kagura chuckled knowingly. "Darling, I was a supermodel; I know a thing or two about men."

Kagome sighed, adjusting her grip on the phone. "Can we talk about this later, please? I promise, there's nothing to worry about."

"Alright, I'll let it go—for now," Kagura relented, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. "But don't think I'll forget. Now hurry up before Shippo takes over the hospital."

Kagome smiled despite herself. "I'm on my way."

As Kagome finally caught up to her mother and Shippo; Kagura's phone buzzed, its ringtone echoing in the quiet corridor. She glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing slightly. "Excuse me for a moment," Kagura said, stepping a few feet away to answer her buzzing phone. Meanwhile, Kagome and Shippo lingered by the reception desk. Shippo, ever curious, had discovered a swiveling chair and was now spinning gleefully.

"Careful, Shippo," Kagome said with a laugh, steadying the chair before it tipped too far.

Kagura returned a few minutes later, tucking her phone back into her purse with a faint sigh. "Change of plans, Kagome," she said, her voice tinged with both apology and urgency. "There's been an issue with the catering for the gala this weekend, and they need me to step in. I'll have to leave Shippo with you for now."

Kagome smiled warmly. "That's fine, Mom."

Kagura nodded in approval, but as she adjusted her coat and prepared to leave, her gaze flicked back to Kagome, a knowing glint in her eyes. "By the way, we will be having a chat about the 'coat incident'."

Kagome's cheeks flushed instantly, and she averted her gaze, mumbling, "Yes, Mother."

Kagura smirked at her daughter's reaction but didn't press further. She knelt briefly to ruffle Shippo's hair. "Be good for your sister, alright?"

"Of course!" Shippo said, puffing out his chest with mock seriousness, earning a chuckle from both women.

With one last affectionate glance, Kagura strode down the hallway, her heels clicking confidently against the tile. Kagome sighed softly, shaking her head as Shippo turned to her, grinning from ear to ear.

"What's the coat incident, Kagome?" he asked mischievously.

"Nothing you need to know, Shippo," Kagome replied quickly, steering him away from the reception desk. "Now, let's grab a snack before I finish my rounds."

The day wasn't quite going as planned, but Kagome couldn't deny that Shippo's presence always made things a little brighter—and a lot more unpredictable.

"Whoa, Kagome this place… It's huge!" Shippo says, clutching her hand tightly as they pass by a group of doctors. Kagome chuckles. "Yes, and it gets even busier during emergencies. You see that board over there? That's where we keep track of patient statuses."

Shippo nodded seriously, pretending to take notes on an imaginary clipboard. "Got it. Patient statuses. Super important."

Kagome kneels down to his level, smiling warmly. "You're such a good listener. Maybe you'll be a doctor like me one day."

Shippo grins. "Nah, I'll just be the boss and tell the doctors what to do!"

Kagome bursts out laughing. "You sound just like Dad."

As they continued the tour, Kagome introduced Shippo to some of the nurses and her colleagues, who all gushed over how adorable he is. At one point, a kind nurse handed Shippo a tiny pair of scrubs to wear, making him beam with pride.

"Kagome, look at me! I'm Dr. Shippo now!" he announced, strutting around the staff room.

On their way out, Shippo tugged on Kagome's lab coat. "Kagome?"

"Yeah, Shippo?"

"You're really cool, you know that?"

Kagome responded by embracing Shippo, "And you're the best little brother I could ask for."

Kagome returned to Miroku's hospital room, having ensured that Shippo was settled with Sango before the start of her rounds. The weight of her final tasks pressed on her, each step deliberate as she approached Miroku's bedside. Her clipboard still in hand, she briefly noted the presence of the Taisho family in the room.

Sesshoumaru, as usual, carried himself with quiet authority, his presence filling the room without a word spoken. His golden eyes briefly met hers, and though his expression remained stoic, Kagome couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in his gaze—a flicker of something unspoken.

Inukimi stood beside him, her regal posture and composed demeanor giving off an air of practiced elegance, while Touga, ever the businessman, observed the scene with a slight narrowing of his eyes. Kanna was at Inukimi's side, silently taking in the situation, her eyes flicking to Miroku before returning to the comforting presence of her parents.

Kagome cleared her throat, refocusing on her task. "Mr. Sato, I've prepared your discharge medications," she said, her voice still professional as she moved to place the medication sheets on the bedside table. She glanced at the bottles, double-checking her notes before continuing. "This is the antihistamine for your allergic reaction, along with a corticosteroid for swelling. I've also prescribed an EpiPen, just in case you have another allergic reaction in the future."

She looked up briefly, her gaze briefly meeting Sesshoumaru's, her expression a touch more neutral in the presence of his family. There was a moment of stillness, their eyes locking for the briefest second, before Kagome's attention shifted back to Miroku.

"Take these exactly as instructed, and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns." Her voice was firm yet caring, her medical authority evident, but there was a soft note beneath the professional tone, one that came from concern for her patient.

"Understood, Dr. Higurashi," Miroku replied with a slight nod, though he was still recovering from the ordeal. "I'll follow the instructions, no worries."

Kagome gave a final nod, satisfied that Miroku was in good hands with the Taisho family nearby. She glanced again at the group, her gaze flicking over Sesshoumaru for a moment longer than necessary. There was a fleeting warmth in her chest, but she quickly pushed it down, returning her focus to the task at hand.

"Alright," she said, straightening. "You're free to go, Mr. Sato. Take care of yourself, and I'll see you for your follow-up appointment in a week."

She gave a respectful nod to the Taisho family, though her mind was already racing with the next steps of her day; namely a family interview they would be having soon. The brief exchange of glances with Sesshoumaru lingered in her mind, but she didn't allow herself to dwell on it. For now, her role was clear, and she would do her best to maintain her professionalism.

As the Taisho family walked out of the hospital, the quiet sound of their footsteps echoed in the corridor. The weight of their visit seemed to lift with each step, but as they passed through the final set of glass doors leading outside, something struck Touga. His gaze shifted thoughtfully, and he paused for a moment, a realization dawning on him.

"Dr. Higurashi..." he muttered under his breath, almost as if the name itself were taking on new meaning. His brow furrowed slightly as he repeated it to himself. "Higurashi... as in Higurashi—Naraku Higurashi?"

His voice was a little louder now, the full extent of the realization hitting him. Sesshoumaru, who was a few steps ahead, turned at the sound of his father's voice.

"Yes, Father?" Sesshoumaru asked, his tone neutral as always, though there was a hint of curiosity beneath the surface.

Touga's eyes widened as he connected the dots. "The same Naraku Higurashi? The businessman?" He looked back at Sesshoumaru, his surprise clear. "That woman—the doctor—she's his daughter?!"

Sesshoumaru stopped in his tracks, a brief flicker of surprise crossing his usually composed face. He hadn't expected his father to be familiar with Naraku. "You know him?" Sesshoumaru asked, his voice betraying a hint of surprise.

Touga turned slightly, meeting his son's eyes. "Of course I know him. Naraku Higurashi is quite well-known in the business world." His voice took on a thoughtful edge. "He's built an empire, just like me."

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, processing this new information. "I had no idea you were acquainted."

Touga grinned, though there was a flicker of something deeper in his gaze. "Not exactly friends, but we have our run ins from time to time..." He paused, musing over the implications. "And I didn't expect his daughter to be the one looking after Miroku today."

Inukimi, walking beside him, raised an eyebrow. "So, the doctor, Dr. Higurashi, is Naraku's daughter?" she asked, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity.

"Yes," Sesshoumaru confirmed, still adjusting to the new knowledge. "Dr. Kagome Higurashi is indeed his daughter."

Touga's eyes narrowed as he processed the information, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Well, that explains a lot. She's not just some run-of-the-mill doctor then. Naraku's daughter... impressive," he mused aloud, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and newfound respect. "And here I was thinking she was just another professional in the field... but to think she comes from that family."

He paused for a moment, considering the implications of the connection, before adding with a chuckle, "Well, I suppose I've been wrong about her. She's certainly much more refined than her father. Much better looking, too," he added with a wink, his voice light, though a hint of admiration lingered in his words.

"It seems our families are more intertwined than I thought," Touga mused, his eyes flicking toward Sesshoumaru. "We'll be attending the Higurashi's charity gala this weekend, won't we?"

Sesshoumaru glanced at his father, a subtle frown appearing on his usually composed face. He hadn't given much thought to the upcoming event-only that it was a charity gala, but now it seemed to hold a different weight. "I did not know that," he replied, his voice as neutral as ever, though a slight undertone of surprise remained. "I assume you're looking forward to it?"

Touga chuckled softly, his gaze fixed ahead as they walked. "The Higurashis certainly know how to throw an event," he said, his voice laced with a knowing amusement.

Sesshoumaru gave a small, unreadable nod, though a flicker of curiosity crossed his eyes. The idea of attending the gala now seemed to carry a different significance. He would be seeing Kagome again, but this time in the context of her family, in her world. It left him with a mix of thoughts—one of them being how much he didn't yet know about her.

As the Taisho family continued their discussion about the upcoming charity gala, Miroku walked alongside them, fully recovered from his allergic reaction. The lighthearted atmosphere around them didn't faze him; his mind was already churning with plans. As he listened to the Taisho family's musings, he formulated his next move—this time, with the goal of bringing Kagome and Sesshoumaru closer together, while also finding a way to get to Sango.

A mischievous grin curled at the corner of his lips as his thoughts turned inward.The gala—it was the perfect opportunity. He could practically see it all unfold. "Kagome and Sesshoumaru… they're clearly drawn to each other. I just need to give them the nudge they need," he mused quietly, as if speaking to himself.

Miroku smiled to himself, his steps light.Yes.

Hi everyone; sorry for the late chapter...it seems that Fanfiction was not working for me so there was a bit of a delay.

Enjoy the read!

-Toast32