InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dancing with Scissors ❯ Dealing with the Aftermath ( Chapter 6 )

Kagome, haphazardly clutching two coffees and a bag of pastries, rode the elevator to Miroku's office, trying not to focus on the events of the previous evening, specifically the tense car ride back to her apartment.

 

Miroku, who traditionally had played the straight man to Inuyasha's manic, loud, crassness, yelled at her. He never yelled. Kagome had still been riding her high of telling the Taishos to piss off and was initially angry with him, first for interrupting her self-righteous tirade, and second for daring to berate her for her stupidity. Sango did all she could to keep things from getting out of hand and them from getting into a car accident, but in the short time it took to get Kagome home, the confrontation had degenerated into exchanged screams of “Fuck you!” and the ultimate retort “No, fuck YOU!” After Kagome slammed the door behind her and properly greeted the dog, reality hit hard. Miroku had instructed her not to say anything, to just walk away, but instead she trapped Sango in the bathroom, exploited Miroku's known weakness for the female posterior, and shouted at the Taishos. With foul language. In public. She spent the rest of the night fretting about her rash behavior and ensuing possible consequences.

 

Time to make amends and repair damage done, she thought as she stepped off the elevator and put on her most charming smile, winking at Miroku's secretary as she breezed into his office. He looked up from his computer and sneered at her.

 

“Miroku? I'msosorry,” the apology blurted out as she slid the coffee toward him and pulled a large pastry from the bag. She was so not above bribery. “Would you believe it was my evil twin?”

 

He sighed in resignation. “Kagome…you are the evil twin. Is that a Napoleon?” he asked about the puffy, layered confection.

 

“A strawberry Napoleon. Does this mean you'll forgive me?” she asked sheepishly.

 

“Well I haven't filed a motion to withdraw as counsel yet, if that answers your question.”

 

She sat down carefully, taking note of the word `yet'. “I just kinda snapped…in a calculated, premeditated way. How badly did I fuck up?”

 

“Nothing irreparable. I hope. You didn't do yourself any favors, that's certain. Don't be surprised if you get served with a restraining order or even an emergency protective order; I wouldn't put that past Kagura.”

 

Kagome was shocked. “What! A fucking restraining order? Those are for criminals. All I did was raise my voice in a restaurant!”

 

“I doubt a judge would grant one, though that doesn't mean Kagura can't try. That's how she works. Her clients have deep enough pockets that she will keep filing motions, even over-the-top, borderline frivolous ones to make you spend money that you don't have paying me to go to court to fight them. It takes forever, you go broke, and eventually they win because you can't afford the cost and emotions to stay with it.”

 

Kagome rubbed her temples. “And here I thought if I'd lose it would be because they'd drag in a bunch up of unrelated bullshit about me.” She looked at him sadly. “Miroku, I'm sorry.”

 

“I know, but I'm only charging you court costs so far. I can't afford a long, drawn-out legal battle anymore than you can. I still think you can win guardianship; this isn't about you and the Taishos. It's about stability for Rin. We need right now to concentrate on finding you two a place to live.”

 

Kagome nodded, just before the guilty, anxious tears came. Miroku handed her the tissue box, then got up to comfort her. “Okay?” he asked.

 

She sniffed affirmatively and stood. “I love you, Miroku. You're such a good friend.” They held each other for a minute.

 

“I know,” he said softly. “Try anything like that again, though, and you'll be shopping for a new lawyer.”

 

She felt his hand straying lower down her back, closer to her curvy backside. Should I just let him, she wondered, I was a total bitch last night…nah. “Hey you letch! Get that paw up where it belongs.” The hand moved back to her shoulder. “It's your kryptonite, you know.”

 

He let her go. “What can I say? I'm an ass man.”

 

Kagome smiled widely, sure in the knowledge that things were alright between them. “Yeah, just remember whose ass you're married to. Speaking of Sango, has she forgiven me for that toilet paper-hand dryer stunt?”

 

“I think actually she was impressed that you thought it up so quickly. How did you slip past me? I was watching the dining room like a hawk.”

 

Kagome avoided eye contact and changed the subject. “So…at this time next year you two might have a bun in the oven.” She giggled at his lopsided grin. “Are you blushing? So cute,” she squealed, pinching his cheek. “I wish Inuyasha was here. Do you remember how excited he was when Kikyou got pregnant? They were going to start trying for another at the end of the year. You both could have…” Voice cracking, she covered her face with her hands.

 

“Sshh,” he whispered, putting his arm around her trembling shoulders. “Don't start crying again.”

 

“Sorry. I just…” She blew her nose. “I should go. I've got an appointment to look at an apartment before I pick up Rin, and I would love to run with the dog first.”

 

“Yeah, I've got court soon. It'll be okay. Trust me Kagome. And stay away from the Taishos. Understand?”

 

“Understood.”

 

XxXxX

 

Sesshoumaru had spent the past two hours on the internet, reading blogs, articles, and message boards all related to indie music and Arrow. He had no idea his late sister-in-law's band was so highly regarded. Never having heard them before, he was more than a little curious. Apparently Kagome had not been exaggerating their popularity; all the articles spoke of Kikyou's song writing skills, incredible live performances, and mourned her death as a great blow to independent music in general, but most particularly to the local scene. He studied a photo of her taken earlier that year at the South by Southwest Music Festival. The sisters looked incredibly alike, even for twins, but Kikyou projected an air of calm seriousness that he doubted Kagome was capable of. He wondered what the serene, talented woman in the picture ever saw in his uncouth younger brother.

 

Then he received an email from the Chamber of Commerce lobbyist with whom he had been collaborating on the wording of the special referendum for the arena funding. The City Council was not supposed to vote on the precise wording for another two weeks, but an assistant to one council member leaked an advance sample. Shall the Municipality be authorized to impose a tax at the rate of point five percent upon all citizens on employment income for the purposes of the financing the construction of a privately-owned multi-use facility.

 

“Fuck,” he said under his breath. The one-sided wording was the worst possible news they could receive. The inclusion of `impose', `tax', `privately-owned' was a death blow to the future of the arena. As soon as the ballot question was made available to the public, the numbers supporting the project would immediately plummet. He had fought tooth and nail for the more innocuous sounding words `permission to collect', `increasing financial support', `fee', `one half one percent', and `augmentation of public benefit', plainly to no effect.

 

He immediately typed a response. This wording is completely unacceptable. Go to the Ballot Committee, or whatever that cabal is calling themselves currently, and discover the weakest links—their pet neighborhood issues, skeletons in the closets, I don't care. I cannot stress enough the importance this not see the light of day. There was more going on than taxpayer advocacy. The owners of the current arena and surrounding restaurants and hotels were the most vocal opposition, but he thought the investment opportunities in the new development he had presented to them had been more than generous. The headache that had begun the night before suddenly reappeared full force.

 

Next he checked the local paper's website, which contained a new Op-Ed piece questioning the feasibility of the adequacy of the arena funding in the changing market and inquiring into the profits stood to be made by individuals like himself, only adding to his consternation. He felt the situation slipping beyond his control, and it made him furious. The veiled threats Kagome Higurashi made now seemed dark and ominous, and he cursed his father and Kagura for creating this new dilemma of going after a child who, in his opinion, would be better off with her aunt.

 

His own childhood, while lacking in no material possession or opportunity, was hardly a model of a nurturing, loving environment. The arguments and harsh words of years gone by had faded, only to be replaced with an uncomfortable silence, a conscious ignoring of asking for and granting forgiveness. He heard someone enter and, turning, saw his mother.

 

“Sesshoumaru, you're up early,” Rose Taisho said, pouring herself a cup of coffee. “Do you mind if I join you?”

 

He closed his laptop. “Please, sit down.”

 

“You were largely silent last night. I'd like to know your thoughts on this custody matter.”

 

Sesshoumaru felt he could no longer hold his tongue, but also wanted to avoid a confrontation, one too many years in the making. “My thoughts were that I wanted to stay out of it. Apparently that's not an option anymore.” He sighed. “A four-year-old, Mother. Is it best she come here?” he asked gently. “Can't you be like normal grandparents and just see the child every weekend?”

 

Rose Taisho reached and took his hand firmly. Their eyes met, and so much that had gone unsaid was communicated between them. “I want to try. When you and Inuyasha were small…I was sick so often, and your father worked too much. It's different now; I'm so much stronger. I want to raise a child the way I couldn't before, the right way. I want to make it right. For Inuyasha.”

 

He admitted his mother's depression was no longer a shroud covering them, and his father had ceased trying to control every aspect of all their lives, but he was unconvinced. The three of them lived together and did care for each other, but their unease shadowed constantly, an uneasiness that was a fact of life, a fourth inhabitant of the house. He tried reason. “Mother…how many charities are you involved with? Bridge, tennis, philanthropic luncheons. And Father still works thirty hours a week and has shareholder and board meetings fifteen times a month. I'm hardly ever here. How can we possibly integrate a child into our household?”

 

The truth made Rose Taisho's eyes fill with tears. “I'm certain between the three of us, we can manage. We can all stand to cut back on responsibilities and be at home more.”

 

“But that's just it. If we were forced, we could make do, for Rin's sake. We are not being forced. This is a burden—”

 

“Do NOT call the child a burden,” she reacted angrily.

 

“I'm sorry for the choice of words. But Mother, in the best interests of the girl, we should be working with Kagome Higurashi, not forcing her out of the picture. She knows Rin better than any of us and obviously cares for her. I know Father thinks the woman unfit, and I'll admit that she's unconventional, but…Mother I'm sorry. I don't want you to cry.” She was beginning to sob.

 

“I know, I know,” she said through tears. “I just…Inuyasha…I know I wasn't the best mother.” She looked at him sadly. “I want to have a chance to do the right thing.”

 

“Perhaps,” he said slowly, “the right thing—”

 

“Good. I'm glad you two are up already.” Grabbing a coffee cup, Ken Taisho sat with his wife and son. “Sesshoumaru after you left Arabesque, I instructed Kagura to make a settlement offer. Let's see how much it will take to buy this Higurashi woman off and make her go away. The last thing we want is for the arena project to be jeopardized. Kagura said she would take out an emergency protective order this morning—”

 

“Is that necessary? Those are for domestic violence situations,” Rose asked with concern.

 

“I agree it seems extreme, but Kagura insisted. She also said Naraku has made it almost impossible for her to get a lease on an apartment and he's dug up some interesting information about her.”

 

Sesshoumaru had heard enough. “Father, this is ridiculous. I cannot afford Kagura to antagonize her right now. The City Council is not cooperating, and there was another negative editorial in the paper today. Call Kagura and tell her a restraining order is absurd, and she should just wait on offering money. I don't know why you think Kagome Higurashi can be bought off. All you'll accomplish is insulting her.” He paused, taking in the expression of surprise on his father's face. “Look,” he continued angrily, “I wanted to remain uninvolved, but now I have no choice. You need to face the fact that it is possible that Kagome will win guardianship of the girl. If you want any relationship with Rin at all, the aunt is the pathway, but all you have done thus far is provoke the woman's hostility.”

 

Ken Taisho hated being challenged. “Well, it's a little late to make nice now, isn't it?” he asked harshly. “I'm going to the office. Rose, the work on the guest house will be finished today. Get the landscapers out to fix the ruined lawn as soon as possible.” He exited, but left a heavy tension hanging behind.

 

“It's time I left too, Mother,” Sesshoumaru said, finishing his coffee.

 

Like father like son, Rose thought, running away from problems with family to bury themselves in work. She felt very alone. “Sesshoumaru, please wait a minute,” she pleaded. “I need this child. She is my last link to Inuyasha. I failed him so miserably…with her I can make it up.” Sesshoumaru saw strength and determination beneath the familiar sadness and vulnerability. “Please, I trust you. Fix this…mess.”

 

He smiled gently at her. “I'll do what I can.”

 

As his car sped down the drive, he glanced at the nearly finished guest house. A tree had fallen on it earlier that year during an unusually intense spring storm, crushing the roof, and the resulting water damage required an extensive renovation. The workers had done an amazing job, adding modern updates, an extra bedroom, and a solarium. Rather ironic, he contemplated, as they rarely had guests staying and the place would probably remain empty. A sudden idea, a solution to all their problems, flashed in his mind. No, he decided, banishing the thought. That would never work.

 

XxXxX

 

Rin and Kagome, curled up together on the couch, dog at their feet, were nearly done with the stack of story books next to them. Rin had been extra clingy since Kagome picked her up from Shippou's, shadowing her constantly and insisting on “helping” cut fabric, making the task all but impossible. Kagome almost lost her temper the third time Rin pulled on the slick, temperamental satin, but her own day was going so terribly she decided an afternoon of reading and cuddling would hopefully put her in a better mood. They had gone through all the books about a badger named Frances, Kagome's own favorite called The Quiltmaker's Gift, a book of goddess stories, and Flower Fairies of the Spring. “Alright honey, what's next, There's a Nightmare in My Closet or Green Eggs and Ham?”

 

“Umm…can we watch a movie instead?” Rin asked hopefully. “And you can make popcorn.”

 

Kagome shook her head. “How about after dinner. Jak's coming over any minute, and I don't want to put a movie on if we have to turn it off right away.”

 

Rin suddenly perked up. Bank and Jak always brought her toys and candy sent from Japan by Bank's grandmother. “Why's Jak coming over?” Rin couldn't keep the eager curiosity from her voice.

 

“He tore his kimono and needs it mended before tomorrow night,” she responded. Jak dressed up as a geisha on Saturday Drag Night at the local gay dance club, The Back Door. His alter ego, Onesan, had been the most popular attraction for almost a year, though his suggestive, flirtatious performance was anything but traditional. “What do you want to watch later?”

 

“Kiki's Delivery Service. Can you read more?” She picked up a book and handed it to Kagome.

 

“There used to be a nightmare in my closet,” she began.

 

“Oh gawd, I was a total nightmare when I was in the closet,” Jak proclaimed as he sauntered into the living room. “I let myself in. How are my two favorite girls? Hey Oberon, watch it,” he said, defensively petting the giant head that was barreling into his crotch.

 

“Jak!” Rin bounded toward him like an excited puppy. “What did you bring me?”

 

He pulled something from his pocket. “Pure gold, deary. Japanese Kit Kat, it's soy sauce flavored.”

 

Rin looked horrified, hoping he was joking. Jak's sense of humor had a mean streak nastier than her father's and Kagome's combined.

 

He laughed at the terror. “You aren't still holding that wasabi-flavored pocky incident against me? Honey, I've tried it, delicious; I promise.”

 

Rin searched the packaging for evidence of a hoax as she unwrapped the candy. Finding none, she bravely took a bite. Her face lit up. “It tastes like pancakes!”

 

“Pancakes?” Kagome asked suspiciously. “Gimme some.” Rin broke her off a chunk. “Dang, maple syrup. Who knew? Let's put the rest away until after dinner though.”

 

Rin's expression of shocked disgust, as if Kagome had suggested flushing it down the toilet, almost made the two adults crack up. “Kah-gome,” she whined, “that's a long time away.”

 

“Rin Rin, remember what I said about whining.? It makes me want to break things,” she said. “You can have the rest of that piece, then put the remainder in the kitchen. I'm going upstairs with Jak for a few minutes. We'll be right back.”

 

“Thanks for fixing this rip. I wouldn't trust anyone else with such a delicate operation,” Jak said as they walked up the steps to Kagome's work space.

 

Kagome examined the torn silk sleeve. “What the fuck did you do to this Jak? It's shredded.”

 

He sighed. “I wish I could say it happened because of something interesting involving a spreader bar and strappado bondage, but alas nothing so fun. It got caught on a doorknob. Please tell me you can fix it, Kags. You're my miracle worker.”

 

“This whole section will need to be replaced, but I should have enough of this silk left from when I made it originally. You're just lucky you didn't rip the embroidered area. There's no way in hell I'd have that ready by tomorrow. It'll take me…four hours? Is eighty bucks okay?”

 

He nodded gratefully. “You're a doll and a lifesaver.” He kissed her cheek affectionately. “How you doing, honey?”

 

“Shitty, Jak, shitty. I accidentally yelled at the Taishos last night. Don't ask,” she warned, noting his slack-jawed, scandalized face. “But my biggest problem is finding an apartment. I spent the whole fucking day looking at classified ads, making phone calls. I'm screwed, Jak. I won't even get into the dog thing. The only apartments I can afford are two-bedrooms, which would be fine since there are only two of us, but I need a three-bedroom. I have got to have a separate space for my fabric and machines. I can't afford the additional rent of a studio. Not to mention, lately the main time I get work done is after Rin goes to bed. I can't leave at night to go to a different studio. And all those two bedrooms I can afford…the landlords want first month, last month, security, and pet deposit. I have that much in the bank, but it would basically mean no money for groceries or gas until I get paid in two weeks from gallery sales. I talked to Eri, and she said it'll be a good-sized check, but…I'm scared, Jak,” she confessed, breaking into tears.

 

He gathered weeping Kagome into his arms. “Whatever we can do to help, just ask.”

 

“I know. It's just so hard. Kikyou was such a strong, steady presence. I feel like she's still with me, spiritually. Inuyasha…I miss him. So much,” she cried. “His absence is physically painful. It hurts. I feel as though part of me has been cut off and I'll never get over it. Like he was the one who was my twin.”

 

Jak just stroked her hair and let her cry. “Sweetie, you know how I felt about Inuyasha. As obnoxious and infuriating as he could be, he was one of the best people I ever knew. But you will get through this. How's Rin?”

 

“Kids are amazing. She gets sad, she cries, she gets over it. A little trooper. I wish I had her strength. So like her mother…” Kagome extricated herself. “Speaking of Rin, let's go back down. She can tell I'm upset and hasn't left me alone all day. She knows something's wrong, but I just think it's unfair to lay too much on her. Especially about the Taishos. She's asked about them, when she can see them again. It's all I can do to not tell her they are from fucking hell. The shit that went on between Inuyasha and his parents is the past, and I always took everything he said with a grain of salt, but now I think they are as bad as he said. And Sesshoumaru…I have no idea what to make of him. Inuyasha and his brother barely related to each other, but he always said that Sesshoumaru was a reasonable person. The insane thing…he had always wanted to set us up on a date.”

 

“Oh the mind reels! You know I love Bank like the sun and the moon, but mmm girl—”

 

“Kagome!” Rin's voice rang out from below.

 

“Duty calls,” Kagome smiled. “Thanks for the cry; after today, I needed it.”

 

“Anything I can do,” Jak said. “I just wish I could make it go away.”

 

“I know. But short of handing me the winning lottery ticket, I'm at a loss. Pretty much the only thing I've got going for me is Rin, and even that may change.”

 

“Now don't talk like that Kagome. Rin's not going anywhere.” They walked down to the main part of the apartment. “I'll pick the kimono up on my way to The Door tomorrow, around six.”

 

“That early? I didn't think you did anything on the weekends before the sun went down,” Kagome teased.

 

He pushed her playfully. “I'm a queer, not a vampire. But yeah, the first show starts at nine. Do you have any idea how long it takes me to transform into Onesan? The makeup alone takes over an hour.”

 

Rin overheard this. She knew Jak did something involving dressing up like a woman, but she had always been fuzzy on the details. “You wear makeup? Can I see?”

 

Jak thought about the atmosphere of The Back Door. It was dark, the exception being the flashing lights on the dance floor, loud, and populated mainly with individuals who, by necessity had to act straight to the outside world. When among their own, they tended to unleash with abandon. Leather, public intimacy, and extreme drunkenness were par for the course. Then there was the inevitable bachelorette party, often behaving more lewdly than the drunkest, horniest homos. He had heard groups of young women liked frequenting gay bars because the music was great and they didn't have to worry about fending off unwanted sexual advances, but he didn't believe it until he witnessed the phenomenon himself. From his experience though, he thought another reason was the exploration of their own desires. He couldn't count the number of times he saw a bride-to-be making out with a lesbian on the dance floor. “No, Rin, the place where I dance isn't for kids.” She pouted. “I'll give you a private performance some day, how about that?”

 

Rin brightened. “Promise?”

 

“Cross my heart. Now I'm off. Love you two.” He left, and Rin felt special.

 

XxXxX

 

Rin, operating on a small sleep deficit because of the previous night's sleepover, went to bed earlier than normal, and the repair of the kimono did not take as long as originally feared. It was only ten when Kagome made herself a drink and sat down at her computer to work on her column. She logged in and looked at her first email.

 

Dear Scarlet, My friends have all told me my girlfriend is cheating on me. She comes home late after partying with her friends, but I can't help but think they are just jealous because they are total losers and I have a hot GF—

 

“Clueless.” NEXT

 

Dear Scarlet, I am a gay man. My boyfriend has recently been having long weekends out of town with his ex-wife and their kids. She left him because she found out about us, but he still keeps me a secret (job-related issues) and doesn't—

 

“Beyond clueless.” NEXT

 

Dear Scarlet, I need help and I don't know where else to turn. I've been dating this guy for a while and at first it was great. He's intelligent and funny and really good looking. A few months ago he expressed a desire for me to tie him to the bed and spank him. Finally, Kagome thought, something I can sink my teeth into. I was more than happy to indulge him, but lately I've been left unsatisfied. He wants me to be rougher and rougher to him and insult him and make him do demeaning things. At first it was fun and kinky, but I'm afraid of hurting him and it's not really in my nature to want to belittle someone. I really don't find it sexy at all. What makes it worse though, is he only wants to get tied up and paddled and pegged. He's not interested in fulfilling my needs in bed. I can't remember the last time we had intercourse and whenever I suggest plain old vanilla sex, he suddenly has a headache. The only time he gets an erection anymore is if I call him a lowly little worm while he's licking my sweaty, dirty feet. And yes, he prefers my feet that way. I've tried talking about it with him, but in the end he makes me feel guilty and unsupportive and prudish. I don't want to break it off because we have a good relationship otherwise and I don't think I'll ever find anyone as attractive as he is. What should I do? Signed, Dreaming of the Missionary Position

 

Kagome squeezed her eyes tightly shut and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Oh, the humanity.” She began typing her response.

 

Dear Missionary, First do NOT feel guilty. If you have indeed indulged your partner's kinks like you described, you are neither unsupportive nor prudish. I know of no prudes who will don a strap-on for a rousing session of Bend Over Boyfriend. The two of you seem to have an interesting power dynamic at work. He is obviously turned on by submission, but is going after it in an aggressive and, frankly, asshole-ish way. You have just as much right to a satisfying sex life as he does, and you need to tell him that. You don't necessarily need to quit playing his way entirely, but maybe you two can integrate your desire for “normal” sex into it. Next time try demanding he give you what you want. “And when you're done with my feet, you will fuck me senseless, you lowly worm!” If he is into submission it might do the trick. If he can't get it up in the hopes of accommodating your wants or won't even try, there is some underlying, troubling selfishness at work, which will undoubtedly rear its head in some other ugly way in the future. Unless he acknowledges your right to good sex, in whichever way pleases you, it may be time to end it, Missionary. I understand that you don't want to break up, and I will take your word for it when you assert your relationship is good. But your dissatisfaction will not suddenly disappear; it will breed resentment, a happiness killer if ever there was one. Not to mention his behavior and attitude is likely the tip of the Me Me Me Iceberg. As far as attractiveness…yes, tastiness is a good quality in a partner, but I would put it behind respectful, caring, and considerate.

 

She went on to the next entry.

 

Dear Scarlet, My boyfriend had really long hair that I loved. It was his best feature, silky and golden blonde and sexy. He started a few weeks ago saying that he wanted to get it cut, that he was ready for a change. I told him he better not and that I would break up with him if he did. Well, he got it cut. Not super short, but it is no way as long as it used to be, and I just don't think he's as sexy any more. But the reason I'm so mad, is that I told him it would be over if he cut it, but he did anyway. I feel like he thinks his hair is more important than my feelings. What should I do? Signed, Wants Hairy BF Back

 

As Kagome cracked her knuckles and pondered how to gracefully respond “You are failing at life; grow the fuck up!” her cell rang. The number seemed vaguely familiar, but she couldn't place it. “Hello?”

 

“Kagome, this is Sesshoumaru. I apologize for calling this late, but I assumed you'd be up, and we need to talk.”

 

She held the phone away from her face and looked at it in disbelief. “Sesshoumaru…who? Because this can't possibly be Sesshoumaru Taisho, who should know that he's quite literally the last person on Earth I'd like to speak to.”

 

“Kagome—”

 

“Listen jerk, I promised Miroku I wasn't going to talk to any of you. So if there's something you need to communicate, have your bitch-on-wheels lawyer call him.”

 

“Kagura is my parents' lawyer, not mine,” he said with forced calm. “I'd like to talk to you about finding a way out of this mess, without involving the attorneys.”

 

She laughed sharply. “Do you think I'm fucking stupid? Why should I listen to a thing you have to say? Do you realize how impossibly difficult your family has made my life? I can't find an affordable place to fucking live, thanks to that thug of yours—”

 

“Kagome, I understand you're upset. You have every right to be, but I've been thinking about this all day, and you need to at least hear my offer.”

 

“You cannot be serious! Are you trying to bribe me? Didn't you hear anything I said last night? There is no way in Hades I'm going to hand Rin over to be raised by you megalomaniacal asshats.”

 

She heard the voice on the other end becoming more exasperated. “It's not an offer of money. I think I know how we can work this out to benefit all of us. Will you please just meet with me?”

 

Kagome paused, thinking. “Alright, but I swear if you try anything…”

 

“Could you come over to my office tomorrow morning?”

 

“Are you kidding? Hell. No. Neutral territory. I'll meet you at Memorial Park, same spot.”

 

“Is nine tomorrow morning acceptable?” Kagome could hear he was fighting not to lose his temper and smirked.

 

“No, I'm working late tonight, and something tells me I need to be firing on all cylinders when I deal with you. After lunch, noon or one.”

 

“I'll see you at one. Don't be late.” He hung up.

 

She fought the urge to call Miroku. This was definitely a new development, and she felt he should be told, but she knew what he would say. He would tell her that she was to, under no circumstances, go to the park at one tomorrow. But she was dying of curiosity to hear his offer.

 

&&&

 

I do not own Inuyasha, neither characters nor plots. Also no claim to South By Southwest, The Quiltmaker's Gift, the Frances the Badger series, Flower Fairies of the Spring, There's a Nightmare in My Closet, Green Eggs and Ham, Kiki's Delivery Service, Kit Kat, or Pocky. Thanks for reading!