InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dancing with Scissors ❯ Kagome Behaving Badly ( Chapter 5 )

Sesshoumaru Taisho looked out the window of his corner office at what was arguably the best view in the city. As he listened to the voice on the phone, he surveyed the cityscape as a parent looks with pride at offspring. “No. Withdraw the offer. That property is over-valued as it is, and paying that much will only serve to increase the attractiveness of the old newspaper warehouse site to other speculators. The warehouse is the crown jewel in my plan, but I don't want to have to shell out a dime over the current asking price. If Easton catches on how desirable it is to us, he'll take advantage; he's been waiting to bring Taisho, Inc. to its knees since I was a child, and I'll be damned if that will happen under my watch. We'll make the offer to Easton after Everett's financing falls through...yes, of course it will; I've made it clear to his investors what the consequences would be…no, just sit on your hands and let me make the decision.” Sesshoumaru ended the call to the head of his commercial property division, smirking with the knowledge that his family's main rival would be instrumental in his complete ownership of the most potentially lucrative stretch of downtown. A morning well spent.

 

He played the chess game of real estate acquisition perfectly, exercising the patience of a lethal predator when necessary. Always aware of increases and declines in property values, trending markets, rezoning issues, and the backroom political decisions that influenced everything, Sesshoumaru had the reputation of a shrewd, ruthless businessman whose investments and achievements were so thoroughly shaping the urban landscape to his advantage, that many half-joked that he could see into the future. He was a genius at what he did, possessing a perfect sense of timing, but also had at his disposal such means and wealth that he could afford to affect change for his sole benefit. His father had thought he was a fool to focus on urban holdings when so much of Taisho, Inc. was tied to success in the suburbs, but Sesshoumaru saw a blank canvas begging to be remade. The two had had many arguments, but over time the old man admitted not only was his son correct, he also had an unmatched ability to generate income.

 

“Mr. Taisho,” his secretary's voice came through the intercom, “your father's on line one. Councilman Rice rescheduled your eleven o'clock appointment to three, and I need your signature on the Martin document before I can fax it. The coffee maker broke this morning so I'm going across the street for a latte, can I get you anything?”

 

“Yes, Carol, a large coffee and check the specials at Lagniappe; I'm working through lunch today. Thank you.” He picked up the phone for what seemed the thousandth time that morning. “Father.”

 

“Sesshoumaru, did the Tyler deal go through yet?”

 

“I want to wait until they work out their problems with the carpenters union. The last thing we need is picket lines outside that hotel construction site. The editorial board of the paper is still on the fence regarding which side to support in the referendum, and the negative publicity in alienating organized labor is something we can't afford.”

 

“Dammit. I was hoping that would be finished by now.”

 

Sesshoumaru sighed; his father's impatience was grating and unrealistic. “Just let me handle it.”

 

“Your mother and I are meeting Kagura at Arabesque tonight to discuss the guardianship proceedings. We need you to attend.”

 

“No. I told you to keep me out of it,” he said firmly.

 

“Sesshoumaru, be reasonable. Kagura said it involves you as well.”

 

He was getting angry. “Well it shouldn't involve me. I thought that was the reason for signing the waiver, to show I had no interest in asserting a claim on the child.”

 

“Kagura plans on requesting that the judge order a home study by the Cabinet for Families, and all those who reside at the house would be interviewed. She said you are vital proof that ours is the more stable home.”

 

“And how is that? I'm rarely there, and I've already told you it has nothing to do with me.”

 

“I know, but Kagura said the judge will want you included. Do it for your mother, at least. You know how important this is to her. Can you live with the responsibility if that Higurashi woman ends up with the child? Your mother would be crushed.”

 

Ah, there it is…the inevitable guilt trip, he thought. “What time?” he asked in resignation.

 

“Eight. Now what is the status with Easton's warehouse? If that slides through our fingers…”

 

Twenty minutes later Sesshoumaru finally got off the phone with his father. The old man was supposed to be in semi-retirement, working only on select suburban properties, but he couldn't resist meddling. Sesshoumaru kept him informed, but refused to let his father have any part in the decision-making process, as he had learned years ago his father tended to railroad rather than collaborate, and the two were incapable of working together. And now he was being forced into this unpleasant custody matter. It was true though, what his father said; his mother would be crushed. Her interest in the child neared obsession. She had a parade of interior designers through the house, consulting on the redecoration of a bedroom, and had already looked into riding lessons. At least it distracted her from her previous hobby, a preoccupation with altering his unmarried state. He worried what would happen if his mother's Dream of Rin was not actualized, but he truthfully still couldn't imagine a little girl living in their cold, empty, silent house.

 

There was a soft knock on his door, and his secretary entered. She set the coffee on his desk and waited while he read and signed some papers. “I'll get these out right away. The specials weren't up yet, and oh, I brought you this,” she said with a knowing smile, handing him a newspaper.

 

“Thank you, Carol. That will be all.” It was The Missing Link, the local alternative weekly newspaper, containing his one guilty pleasure. He appreciated having his needs anticipated, but hated the idea that he was becoming predictable. Still, now that his eleven o'clock was cancelled, he could indulge in his usual Thursday pastime a bit early. He supposed that his reading of the sex-advice column that ran in the paper was incongruous for someone of his standing, but no one need be made aware. Reading the column and workouts at Kamae Kendo Club were the only two things he did purely for enjoyment. He paged through to the back, and there, nestled in the ads for strip clubs, models and escorts, and singles' classifieds, was the object of his search.

 

Scarlet Letter'd: Advice from the Soapbox of the Damned

 

Dear Scarlet, I've been with my girlfriend for about two months, and everything's great. She's sweet, fun, smart, and she loves giving blowjobs. But I guess that's the problem. She sucks me three or four times a day, I cum in her mouth, and she swallows, but never asks for anything in return. She never asks for me to go down on her, and she never asks for intercourse. She kind of hinted that her previous boyfriend treated her like dirt, so I'm worried that maybe she has low self-esteem and doesn't feel deserving or something. Or maybe she just really likes the taste of my cock. What should I do? Signed Lucky Bastard

 

Dear Bastard, Your sweet, fun, smart girlfriend can't keep your dick out of her mouth…I'm not really seeing the problem here. Perhaps you are using this space to brag, albeit under a pseudonym, to a large audience about your current enviable situation. Or perhaps you are a genuinely nice guy who is concerned about his girlfriend's feelings. I have a smidge of doubt, you see, because of the wording in your letter. She never “asks” for cunnilingus or sexual intercourse…do you ask for the fellatio you receive, or does she drop to her knees spontaneously? I'm thinking she just does it and therefore, so should you. Perhaps she's too shy to ask, perhaps she's hoping you'll get a clue and give her some action instead of writing to an advice columnist about it. If you truly suspect she feels inadequate, tell her how sweet, fun, smart you think she is. Tell her just how sexy and great and giving she is. Then turn that pole-smoking lady love around (I presume you're familiar with the number sixty-nine) and get your mouth down there! While sixty-nine is not my favorite sexual position (not even in my top ten), I think it is the obvious solution to your dilemma.

 

Dear Scarlet, I am having a little problem with my fiancé. A long time ago, like six months ago, before we got engaged, he cheated on me. I caught them in our bed and forgave him and everything and it's all fine now. But recently he said he wants to have a threesome with another girl before we get married, and then he said he can marry me without feeling like he's missed out on something. I told him no, that it felt too much like cheating to me. He got all mad at me and there was a big fight. I'm worried that if I don't give him a threesome before the wedding, he might just go pick up two girls in a bar or something. He's hinted that's what he'd do. Should I just do what he wants because I love him and that's what people who are in love do? Signed, Bride-to-Be

 

Dear Bride, Are you fucking kidding me? Your “problem” is about as “little” as your fiancé's huge ego. As I have mentioned many times in this column, I am a huge advocate of three-ways. They are fun as hell, but work if, and only if, all three participants are all on the same page. You, my dear, are simply not on board, and it doesn't seem that your heart will ever be in it. Maybe not Never, but honey, six months is not that long ago, and it is perfectly natural that at this point you are having trust issues. Instead of asking yourself if you should just give him what he wants, you should be asking yourself whether you really want to marry this manipulative asshole. He should be happy with what he is gaining in marrying you, not focusing on what he's giving up. And by the way yes, a person in love does things for the other, but people who are in love are also respectful of the feelings of their partners. Your boyfriend should have taken your “no” as the end of the story, at least until he has a proven track record and your trust is restored. But he didn't. He fought about it. I say drop the immature loser like the sack of shit he is. Then go pick up two guys in a bar and have a hot ménage a trois to celebrate avoidance of making the worst mistake of your life.

 

Sesshoumaru smiled to himself as he finished. The column dispensed common-sense advice with a straightforward, naughty humor that made it one of the most popular features in the newspaper. Those who wrote in asked about fetishes, positions, diseases, relationships, and devices, among other things. Some were complete freaks that made him wonder about the condition of humanity, but the advice was rarely mean spirited and was usually spot-on. Today's column was satisfying, but pretty tame. Two weeks ago it was dedicated to having sex in public without getting caught. He laughed out loud several times, but fortunately he was working late and the office was empty, so there were no witnesses A few weeks before that she addressed the importance of communication in the health of a relationship, whether a fifty-year marriage or a one night stand. He wondered who `Scarlet' was. He dated when he could fit it into his packed schedule, which wasn't often. A never-ending supply of attractive women was at his beck and call, and he had been through many of them, but none captured his attention for longer than a few dinners and a quick fuck. Some were slightly stupid, many were preoccupied with flattering him, all were profoundly uninteresting. Too bad `Scarlet' wasn't real; she seemed like the perfect woman to him.

 

XxXxX

 

Kagome flopped down on the overstuffed sofa in Sango's office. She looked around at the comfortable, peaceful surroundings, sun streaming through the window, African violets blooming, watercolors on the walls and almost fell asleep. The second movement of the New World Symphony on the CD player wasn't helping. “God Sango, I am so damn tired. I didn't get to bed until four, then Rin woke me up at six, because she was so excited about the last day of school and spending the night at Shippou's that she couldn't sleep.”

 

Sango noted the dark bags under Kagome's eyes. “Can you take a nap today? You look like something out of a Tim Burton movie. What were you doing until four?”

 

Kagome yawned. “Putting the finishing touches on that tapestry commissioned by Arabesque. I brought it over and helped hang it after I dropped off Rin at preschool. It looks awesome. And I got paid!”

 

Sango smiled. “Congratulations! Rin is spending the night out?”

 

“Yeah. I'm freaking. She's spent the night at Jericho and Jordan's before, but since that's right downstairs, it was different. She said she really wants to though.” Kagome's eyes began to tear. “I miss her already. I took some pictures at the school. She and Shippou were so cute. I swear they're like a butter and white sugar sandwich, they're so sweet. But she'll be fine. I've only met one of Shippou's dads, Jason, but he's great. Rin's gone to their house after school before; she's very comfortable with them. And they know they can call me if she wants to come home.”

 

“I told you kids are resilient. She's described Shippou to me; he sounds like a good kid. I'm sure she'll be fine. Rin has pretty good instincts.” Sango poured a cup of coffee. “Kagome, I need to tell you something.”

 

“I'm all ears.”

 

“We made a decision last night. Miroku's practice is going well. I've got all the clients I could want. Our student loans are almost paid off, and the house renovation is almost finished.” She took a deep breath. “At the end of the summer, I'm going off the pill.”

 

Kagome stared at Sango in disbelief, then broke into happy tears. “Sango, honey, you two will be the best parents!” She sprang up and threw her arms around her friend.

 

“Kagome did you hear me? End of the summer? Nothing to celebrate yet.”

 

“Okay, okay,” she said wiping her eyes. “It's still great news though. And…I'm not losing my drinking buddy until fall.”

 

“Ooh, I have an idea,” Sango was suddenly excited. “Since you don't have Rin tonight, let's go to Arabesque for dinner. Miroku has a Restaurant Association gift card a client gave to him for Christmas that's going to expire soon, and I'm dying to see that tapestry. Miroku just settled a big case last night, so he'll be in the mood for an evening out.”

 

“Damn girl, what a good idea!” she blurted. “Leon, the owner, said I should come by for dinner on the house any time. I'll go for a run with the dog…take a shower…take a nap. You don't know how much I need a night on the town. All this shit with the Taishos has been dragging me down. Miroku said the preliminary hearing, which is next Wednesday, will be no big deal, but I'm shitting bricks about going to court. For obvious reasons. The last time I was at a courthouse was about the worst time of my life. Or the beginning of the worst time of my life.”

 

Sango didn't want to change the subject unless Kagome desired it. “Do you want to talk?” she asked carefully.

 

Kagome was thoughtful. “Maybe not yet. I'm okay for now. It's not exactly the hearing next week as much as what comes after. The interviews, being judged. I'll probably need to talk your ear off in a couple weeks.”

 

“What have you told Rin?”

 

“Not much. She knows I'm tense about something not related to Kikyou and Yasha dying and not related to moving, but I didn't want to worry her about having to live with the Taishos at least until after next week's hearing. I hate keeping her in the dark, but I don't want her to get scared. She's got enough shit to deal with, and she certainly doesn't need to be put in the middle.”

 

“I think that's probably wise. How's the apartment hunt.”

 

“The biggest fucking pain in the ass,” Kagome said, rubbing her temples. “I knew it would be hard with a dog, but goddam, I've got a good credit rating, I provide my tax returns, which clearly show I am an income earner, but the way I've been treated, you'd think I'm a leper. I can't find fucking anything in this neighborhood. That was my ideal, for continuity's sake, but now…I don't know. God knows what it's going to do for my chances of keeping Rin. How is a home study interview supposed to go if I don't have a home? I still just can't believe those people. There is no way in the seventh plane of hell that Inuyasha or Kikyou would have wanted her to go live with them.”

 

“I know,” Sango said sympathetically. She searched for a change of subject. “Oh, I haven't had a chance to mention this, I've read a bunch of reviews of Jewel Uncorrupted. They've been highly laudatory. Rolling Stone, Blender, Spin, All Songs Considered, altpress, emusic have all heaped praise.”

 

“Isn't it great!” she squealed. “The Onion's A.V. Club gave it an A plus plus. They've never done that before.”

 

“I knew back when we were roommates freshman year that Kikyou would make her imprint on the world. Of course we all thought she'd end child exploitation or something. I know she'll be missed at the domestic violence center and the CASA program. Your sister's really was a life cut too short.”

 

“Thanks Sango,” Kagome replied seriously. “I needed that. To be reminded that Kikyou had goals other than the band, especially with all the attention the album's had. She certainly was an idealist, but she knew how to accomplish things. I wish more people knew that about her.” Kagome stood up. “I should go home. I need to do dishes, and I can't wait to run. I've had to shuffle my way of doing things so much the past ten days…rearranging around Rin's sleeping and eating and getting her to school on time. Which, by the way, I've done with ninety percent success. Not quite as good as Kikyou, who was NEVER late, but way better than Inuyasha's record. And I started doing Pilates after lunch. I like the day girl. Her name's Shannon; she showed me some new exercises for my sciatica.”

 

“I'm happy about the Pilates, but do yourself a favor and quit comparing yourself to Kikyou. She was an overachiever. Her standards were superhuman.”

 

“I know. I quit consciously comparing myself to my sister ages ago. It's the unconsciously that gets me.” She kissed Sango on the cheek and made her way to the door. “I'll call Arabesque, what time?”

 

“Let's do seven. Kind of early, but I have a couple clients tomorrow, so I can't have a late night.”

 

“Pick me up?”

 

Sango nodded.

 

“See you at six forty-five.”

 

XxXxX

 

When Miroku and Sango arrived to pick Kagome up, she was in a thoroughly rotten mood, the result of two telephone calls she'd received earlier that day. The first was from an old friend who tended bar at the neighborhood dive. He told her there was a guy poking around, asking the regulars about her, how often she frequented the establishment, how much she drank, and did she ever pick up guys and leave with them. The second call was from Bank to say that at a neighborhood association meeting the previous night, some of the area landlords told him there were rumors that Kagome Higurashi was a bad risk and not to rent to her. He didn't have any more information, but it was enough to send her into paroxysms of fury. She stormed around the apartment in a frenzy, trying not to throw things, and, deciding to vent her anger in a constructive way, scoured the sinks and tub. Afterward her emotions were not running quite so hot, but the scrubbing gave her a sore elbow and when she tried to nap, sleep proved impossible.

 

“Kagome, what's up?” Sango asked. Kagome was dressed in a close-fitting, short burgundy dress that showed off her willowy, slender build and long legs, but also unfortunately showed off her glassy, bloodshot eyes complete with puffy, black circles. “You look worse than you did after lunch. Didn't you take a nap?”

 

She shook her head. “Oh my life is just going to hell in a handbag. Miroku, the Taishos are the reason I can't find an apartment. I just found out they've been fucking trashing my name. Can you stop them? My lease runs out in a week. My landlord's a sweetheart and said I could stay until an extra week, but he's anxious to put the building on the market. I need to move, and no one will rent to me, because of those ASSholes!”

 

“Alright calm down. What exactly do you know?” Miroku had been impressed the past week with Kagome's level-headedness in dealing with all the stress of the upcoming hearing and possibility of losing Rin. He suddenly realized how much anxiety roiled beneath the surface.

 

“Aaron from The Church Pew called and said the past couple nights some guy has been coming around digging up dirt about me. And then Bank said that he heard I was a bad renter. I'm so fucking mad, I could—”

 

“Kagome, relax. Flipping your wig will solve nothing.”

 

Kagome hated to be told to relax. “Alright Mr. Lawyerman. What are you going to do about it?”

 

Miroku sighed. He hated clients sometimes. “Truthfully there's not much I can do. We have no proof that they've done anything. Interfering with your right to housing is actionable, and I'm sure it's in violation of fair housing laws, but without proof, I just don't think there's more I can do than write a nasty letter. I have a strong suspicion who it is—”

 

“Well…” Kagome interrupted. “Tell me!”

 

“Their lawyer, Kagura, has a brother named Naraku. He's an exlawyer. He was disbarred for doing about every illegal, unethical thing a lawyer can do—”

 

“You mean practice law?” Sango said snarkily.

 

“Very funny,” Miroku retorted dryly. “I'll choose to ignore that. As I was saying he no longer can practice, so he makes his living doing the unethical, sleazy things that lawyers can't get away with. He's like a private investigator-attack dog. He's in and out of jail constantly, and I can almost guarantee that if he is currently on the outside, he's your guy. Unfortunately he covers his bases very well, and I'd be surprised if we could tie him to the Taishos, even if we were able to somehow track down that he is the source of these rumors. But for now I can write a letter to a landlord or two and see if we can work something out.”

 

Kagome was temporarily placated. “Thanks, Miroku. I just want them to play fair. I can fight them on an equal playing field, but if they pull this SHIT! Sorrysorry, I'll stay calm. I just want to go have a nice dinner, get drunk, and forget all about the Taishos.”

 

“So…are you wearing underwear?” Miroku asked slyly as he opened the car door for her.

 

Kagome winked at Sango, then said throatily, “I'll never tell.”

 

XxXxX

 

Sesshoumaru left his office building and walked the two blocks to the restaurant. Arabesque had opened four months ago, and the continued popularity seemed to indicate it was not a flash in the pan, as so many trendy eateries proved to be. The excellent Vietnamese Fusion menu and superb wine list had made it a favorite of the critics on opening, and the fact that it was packed most nights meant it was one more on the list of downtown success stories for which he could take credit; the owner was a man named Leon Phan, but Sesshoumaru was his silent partner, providing most of the start-up capital. He walked up just as his father handed car keys to the valet.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” his mother said, “I'm so glad you decided to meet us.”

 

“It's against my better judgment,” he said. “Where's Kagura?” Kagura Hideoshi was intelligent and attractive, but she was also mean and vain and had an annoying attitude of possessiveness about him. This dinner had better go quickly, he thought. He wanted to go home and read the closing financial figures before catching up on some much needed sleep.

 

Kagura's sports car screeched to a halt next to them. She got out and sneered, “Don't scratch it,” at the valet before pasting on a saccharine smile. “Sesshoumaru, I'm so happy to see you understand how much we all need your participation and cooperation in gaining guardianship of your dear little niece. You'll be pleased to know, I've gotten some information and things are going well. And it will give us an opportunity to spend more time together.” Then she added so only he could hear, “I've missed you.”

 

He looked blankly at her, not wanting to give her any ideas. His mother and Mrs. Hideoshi played bridge and tennis together, and they had been trying to get him and Kagura together for several years. They had gone out once, two years before. He had agreed to it hoping his mother would get off his back and leave him alone, but it only served to embolden all three women. As he held the door open for Kagura and his parents, he saw the new tapestry that Leon had commissioned for the entrance to Arabesque. It was a five feet long and three feet wide, loosely woven depiction of a highly stylized tree, with a twisted, knotted trunk and snaky curving branches. The colors were rich, striking jewel tones, with deep red, blue, and an amazing, vibrant purple dominating. Bronze metallic thread was woven in like filigree throughout, twining and curling in the branches and the lacy leaves. The whole thing was scattered with small bronze beads, adding to the shimmering, otherworldly quality.

 

“My goodness, is that new?” asked his mother. “I've never seen such an exquisite piece. Sesshoumaru do you know anything about this?”

 

“Only that Leon had commissioned it last month, local artist, and he seemed to think he was getting it for a steal, though he didn't tell me how much he paid.”

 

The host approached them with menus and a wine list. “Good evening, Mr. Taisho. Would you like the table you had last time?”

 

“Could we sit in the front?” his mother asked quickly. “I'd like to have a view of this wall hanging.”

 

After they were seated and drinks were ordered, Kagura broke the silence. “Mrs. Taisho, how is the redecorating coming along? Did you choose a designer yet?”

 

“I narrowed the possibilities, but I'm afraid I am unaware of what Rin likes. There are horse themes, fairy themes, princess themes. I just don't want to choose incorrectly.” She was quiet a moment. “I can't take my eyes off the tapestry. I wonder if the artist would do something similar, but more…whimsical, appropriate for a child's room. Sesshoumaru, could you find out the artist's contact information?”

 

Their server brought drinks, and Sesshoumaru asked him to send for the owner.

 

“Kagura, tell us truthfully. What are the chances of us losing?” Ken Taisho inquired.

 

“Zero,” Kagura said flatly. “Once I finish with her, the aunt will be convinced she's the last person on earth who should have access to a child, much less raise one. She'll be begging you to take her.”

 

Sesshoumaru scowled. He wanted even less to do with the whole business.

 

“Kagura, is there a way to win guardianship without resorting to mudslinging?” Ken asked after noticing the expressions of distaste on the faces of his wife and son.

 

The lawyer smiled patronizingly. “Mr. Taisho. You hired me to represent you in this legal matter to the best of my ability. I am an aggressive, zealous advocate. I will do anything and everything to win. Most of my clients want to win, and I thought you do as well.”

 

“We do, but…”

 

“Mr. Taisho, so glad to see you dining here tonight. I was told that you wanted to see me.” The owner of the restaurant addressed Sesshoumaru, then looked at the others seated at the table. “And this must be your family. And your girlfriend?”

 

Kagura looked crestfallen when Sesshoumaru corrected the assumption, making the necessary introductions. “My mother was wondering about the wall hanging near the entrance.”

 

“Ah yes, incredible isn't it. I can't believe she didn't ask twice as much for it. We just hung it this morning, but I plan on getting a picture of it on the website right away. As luck would have it, the artist is actually dining here tonight.”

 

“Oh really? I'd love to meet her,” Rose exclaimed.

 

“She's right over there. Kagome Higurashi is her name. That beautiful, long-limbed woman in the maroon dress.”

 

There was a shocked silence, then Sesshoumaru observed, “What an interesting coincidence.”

 

XxXxX

 

“Ooo, I wish I'd gotten that. It looks wonderful,” Sango said to Kagome about her Lemongrass Salmon, which had just been served.

 

“What'd you get again?” Kagome asked.

 

“Vegetarian crepes, filled with tofu and shiitake.”

 

“Wanna go halfsies?”

 

Sango nodded enthusiastically as Miroku finished off the bottle of Pinot Grigio and ordered another. “I should quick call Rin. I want to catch her before they go to bed.” Kagome fished her cell from her bag and scrolled. “Hi, it's Kagome. I'm just calling to check on Rin…good…oh that's great...can I talk to her? Hi honey, you okay? Having fun? Well, I'll see you in the morning…sugar cereal, huh? Have fun, and be good…bye.” Kagome hung up and smiled sadly. “She seems good, but wasn't too interested in talking. I can't believe I'm going to be home alone tonight. Just me and the dog.”

 

“Got any big plans?” Miroku asked.

 

“Blood Diamond came in the mail courtesy of Netflix today. I might watch that and then imagine myself in the middle of a Leonardo and Djimon Hounsou sandwich when I go to bed. Ooo I can get out my special dildo.”

 

Miroku snorted into his napkin, but it was Sango who spoke. “Kagome, I thought all your dildos were special.”

 

She smiled wickedly. “I try not to play favorites, but some are more well-suited for certain purposes.”

 

They chatted as they ate, enjoying their meal, and all three were pleased to be out with each other. After their plates were cleared, Kagome looked toward her tapestry hanging not far away and froze at the sight that met her. Miroku and Sango noted her paralysis, then saw the Taishos. Kagome turned back to stare at the glass in front of her, upper lip twitching, and Miroku could have sworn he saw flames leaping from her eyes. He quickly motioned to their server to bring the check. “Kagome, as your Counsel I strongly advise you to walk right past them without a word. We'll leave soon; don't do anything stupid.”

 

“Who is that woman?”

 

“Kagura Hideoshi,” he responded quietly.

 

Kagome nodded, not betraying the ire that came with the certain knowledge that they were talking about her. “I'm going to use the restroom.” Grabbing her bag, she stood and walked briskly away.

 

Miroku looked at his wife with alarm. “Well go with her!”

 

Sango hurried after Kagome and, gripping her arm, said, “I think I saw a sign for the bathroom in this direction,” steering her the other way.

 

“Of course, thanks,” Kagome replied through gritted teeth.

 

Upon entering the small ladies room, Kagome hurried into the only stall, mind spinning. There were two rolls of toilet paper. The full one she gently slid one under the side of the stall and gave a little kick, praying Sango didn't see it rolling away. The other she took out of the holder and held behind her back. She flushed and exited the stall, careful to shield the toilet paper from Sango's eagle eye. Sango went into the stall, and Kagome placed the toilet paper roll in the wall-mounted box that was the motion sensing hand dryer. It started the dryer running, and because there was an object in front of the motion detector, it didn't stop.

 

“Kagome did you use all the TP? Do you have any tissues in your purse; I didn't grab mine.”

 

“Hang on a second, Sango, I can't hear you with this noisy dryer,” Kagome said as she slipped through the door.

 

She went back into the dining room and plotted how she could make her way to the Taisho's table without Miroku seeing her. She saw a red-headed, voluptuous server whom she had seen that morning. “Hey, do you think you could do me an insanely big favor,” Kagome asked the woman, putting on her friendliest face.

 

“What do you need, ma'am?”

 

“See that cute guy over there with the green shirt and dark hair?” The red head nodded. “Do you think you could go over there and stop right in front of his table, then drop a pen or something and bend over to pick it up and straighten really slowly, maybe wiggling a little?” The woman looked at her suspiciously at first, but grinned and agreed. As Kagome made the short trip to the table at which sat four people she could easily tear limb from limb, she briefly thought `I'm goin' to hell', but recovered quickly from her pang of guilt.

 

The Taishos and Kagura saw the barrage that was Kagome in full righteous anger mode right before she swooped down on them. “So,” she began, “you people are something else. Did you really think for a single second that Rin would be better off with you? I knew Inuyasha for ten years. I was his best friend for godssake. I know about the mental hatchet job you did on him growing up. Do you really think I'd let that sweet child go live in your nest of vipers? I think you must be crazier than he even said you were.”

 

“Young lady, you will watch what you say to me,” Mr. Taisho said.

 

“No, YOU shut up and listen. How big an idiot do you think I am? What would you say when Rin wakes up in the middle of the night, crying, and says `I miss my Mommy'? I would say `I miss her too honey'. What can you say? `Well, Rin we actually hated her, and for no good reason'. And when she grows up and asks questions about what her mother was like? I can tell her all about Kikyou; we were twins for fuck sake. What would you say? `Well we never even bothered to get to know her'. You really think you can do a better job raising her? Two old people? I'll be fucked if I let her go live with you and be raised by a goddam nanny.”

 

“Miss Higurashi—”

 

“It's Ms. Higurashi, for your information, and, by the way, call off your shit-eating goon now. You wanna play dirty? You don't know who you're messing with. I can play dirty too.” She paused and took note of the shock on all their faces. She zeroed in on Sesshoumaru. “Wanted to stay out of it, didn't you? Well you're buried in the thick of now, asshole. You want dirty? I think I read the results of an early poll about the referendum on your precious arena recently. Fifty-two percent approval, wasn't it? Not too cushy a lead, is it? What will happen to that lead if people start hearing about you wanting to rip a little girl away from the only family she knows? You may not realize the affection this city has for my sister and her band. The new album is being praised to the ceiling. It is putting this town on the map musically. What will happen to the poll numbers when the residents learn that your family hated one of its favorite daughters? You conceited, elitist fucks—” She was silenced by a large hand clamping down on her mouth.

 

“My…client has nothing else to say. Goodnight,” Miroku growled, not even bothering to conceal his anger. He frog marched Kagome out of the restaurant, Sango bringing up the rear.

 

Sesshoumaru sighed in disgust. He didn't know if he was more appalled by Kagome's behavior, by his parents thinking they could actually provide a good home for a four-year-old, or by the fact that he was now firmly mired in the middle of the whole disagreeable affair.

 

&&&

 

Thanks for reading and thanks for any and all reviews; they are highly appreciated. I do not own Inuyasha, neither characters, nor plots. I also am not affiliated with Rolling Stone, Blender, Spin, All Songs Considered, altpress, emusic, The Onion, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Pilates, Blood Diamond, or Netflix.