InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ For Richer or Poorer ❯ Meet the Parents...er, Parent ( Chapter 7 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Damn.

 

(A/N: Hey all, I'm back. I don't really have a lot to say about this chapter except that it was really hard, and at the same time, really fun to write. I hope I portrayed Kagome's family right. Enjoy!!)

 

Chapter Six

Meet the Parents…er, Parent

 

 

 

“Would you calm down?” Sesshoumaru asked the fidgeting detective as they drove through the city. “We're just meeting your mother.”

 

She looked at him, slightly panicked. “It's not just my mother, it's the woman who raised me not to keep secrets from her. And not telling her that I am “engaged”, so to speak, is the mother load of all secrets. And for Kami's sake, could you please do the speed limit?!”

 

He raised an eyebrow at her. “Testy, aren't we?”

 

She looked like she was going to retort, and instead sighed and slumped in her seat. “I'm sorry.” The eyebrow grew higher. He honestly wasn't expecting her to apologize. “It's just that I know I'm going to have to deal with an interrogation before I even get a chance to explain.”

 

“So you're going to tell her this is just another case?”

 

“Of course. She knows about all of my cases. This one will be no different. I feel kinda bad for Inuyasha though. He really got chewed out last night by her.”

 

“She knows Inuyasha well enough to yell at him?”

 

“Inuyasha is like her son,” she said simply. “When he first became my partner, I brought him home for dinner. She took one look at the puppy ears and she was a goner. He's been our family and my best friend ever since.”

 

Have you ever been more, he wanted to ask, but told himself he didn't care. Why should he? Just because he saw how they interacted with each other at dinner last night and the affection between them…it was no reason to be irritated.

 

“Turn here,” she said, and he silently followed her directions until they were in front of the shrine. She stepped out of the car first. As he followed slightly behind her she said, “Look, I think there are some things you should know about my family.”

 

“Such as?”

 

“Just…brace yourself, okay?”

 

He didn't like the sound of that, but she was already opening the front door. “Mama! I'm here!” They took of their shoes and walked into the living room. “It looks like no one is here.”

 

Sesshoumaru didn't answer her. He could smell people in the house, but he couldn't quite determine where they were. He walked to the other side of the room while she checked the dining room. The whole room was clean and airy, but the couch looked old and the tables and other furniture looked like hand-me-downs. But that didn't make any sense. Even though a shrine wasn't a huge money-maker, it should still bring in enough income to at least have nicer things.

 

“Where the hell is everyone?” He turned when he heard Kagome come back. She stood in the doorway by the stairs with her hands on her hips. He noticed a shadow come up behind her, and froze. He prepared himself to spring at her when the shadow moved. He was going to be too late!

 

She felt a presence behind her, and grabbed her assailants arm, flipping him over her to land on the couch with a soft bounce.

 

“Nice try, Souta,” she said, and Sesshoumaru looked at her in surprise. She knew him? She walked to the couch and looked down into his face. He looked at her from upside down with a big grin, blowing his bangs out of his sparkling eyes.

 

“Hiya, sis!”

 

Sis? Sesshoumaru looked at the young boy in surprise while Kagome rolled her eyes. “Where's mom?”

 

“Right here,” a feminine voice came from the doorway. Sesshoumaru turned and saw a middle-aged woman with a kind face. Right now, that face was looking at her daughter with a disapproving face. “You have a lot of explaining to do, young lady. Inuyasha didn't tell me anything over the phone.”

 

“Coward,” Kagome muttered under her breath.

 

“Where is Inu-no-niichan (dog brother)?” Souta asked.

 

“Not here, twerp.”

 

“Is this him?” Kagome's mom asked.

 

“Him who?” She was starting to get confused.

 

“Your fiancé, that's who! Don't pretend you don't know!”

 

“Kagome's engaged?!” Souta yelled. He looked interestedly at Sesshoumaru.

 

“You mean you didn't tell him?” Kagome asked.

 

“No, I'm the only one who saw the paper.”

 

“So that means ji-chan (grandpa) doesn't know either?”

 

“You know, he kind of looks like `Yasha,” Souta observed. “Except for the marks on his face.”

 

“That's because they're brothers.”

 

“Brothers?!” Mother and son exclaimed at the same time.

 

“Quiet!” Sesshoumaru said and everyone's mouths snapped shut as they looked at him. “Please,” he added. His head was starting to hurt.

 

Kagome shot him a grateful look. “Now,” she said. “I would like to introduce you to Sesshoumaru Taiinu, Inuyasha's brother. Mama, we're not getting married.”

 

“What! You mean you broke it off already? It's only been a day!”

 

Kagome rubbed her eyes tiredly. “No mom. I'm on a case. I didn't get a chance to call you before, and you can thank Inuyasha for that.”

 

“Oh.” Things were beginning to make a little more sense now. She turned to Sesshoumaru. “I'm sorry for the rude welcome. Please make yourself at home while I go get some tea, and we can talk.”

 

Kagome and Sesshoumaru sat on one couch while Souta sat across from them. “Get ready for the third degree,” she whispered to him.

 

“You're `Yasha's brother?” Souta started. “Are you his younger or older brother? You look like his older brother, but not by much. Are you half-demon too? If you and Kagome have a baby, what'll that make it?”

 

Kagome choked on the tea her mother had just placed in front of her. Sesshoumaru's facial expression hadn't changed a bit, but his eyes looked torn between amusement and irritation.

 

“Souta!” Kagome sputtered. “You're not supposed to ask that! I told you, I'm just on a case. This engagement is part of my cover.”

 

“Oh,” Souta looked downhearted. “What about my other questions?”

 

Kagome sighed. “Yes, he's Inuyasha's brother. His older brother, and he's not a half-demon, he's full demon.”

 

“Cool,” Souta breathed. This dude looked even cooler than Inuyasha. His eyes were a little more slanted, his face more mature. His claws looked wicked, and the marks on his face added uniqueness.

 

“DEMON BEGONE!!!”

 

A sutra came flying through the air towards Sesshomaru, but was caught with two fingers and flicked away easily. As Souta and Kagome's mom looked on in shock and awe at him, he leaned towards Kagome and whispered, “Another member of your family?” She just groaned into her hands.

 

“Ji-chan! How many times do I have to tell you not to go around throwing sutras at everyone?”

 

The old man came in brandishing a broom. “Kagome, get away from him! He's dangerous!”

 

“He's done this with Inuyasha whenever he comes to visit,” Souta whispered to Sesshoumaru. The demon looked at the old man, who was now being placated by Kagome, and imagined Inuyasha being whapped on the head by that broom. The thought almost brought a smile to his face.

 

“Who is he?” the old man was yelling. “Another hanyou? You're going to get killed one of these days, girl, if you hang out with riff-raft like them. Who are you?” he demanded again.

 

Sesshoumaru stood up slowly from the couch until he was at his full height. He wasn't about to take anyone insulting his person. He almost smirked at the look on the old geezers face.

 

“I am Sesshoumaru,” he said, his voice deep and authoritative.

 

“Sesshoumaru…” The old man looked like he didn't know whether to bow or run away. “The Sesshoumaru?”

 

“You know him?” Kagome asked.

 

“Didn't you ever pay attention when I told you my stories? Sesshoumaru is the son of the great TaiYoukai, Inutaisho, who defeated Ryukottsen(sp?). His father died in that battle, but Sesshoumaru carried on the title of the TaiYoukai of the Western Lands from then on and defended it.”

 

Kagome vaguely remembered the stories from her childhood. Her eyes widened. If she remembered right, she used to have a major crush on the demon from her grandfather's stories. He always sounded so regal and respectable. But then she heard that he hated humans, and stopped liking him because she couldn't stand anyone who was prejudice against anything or anyone else. She couldn't believe the demon in front of her was him! She snapped back to attention when her grandfather added one little tidbit.

 

“He's only ever lost one battle, and that was when his brother cut off his arm.”

 

“Inuyasha cut off your arm?” Souta asked excitedly.

 

“You had your arm cut off?!” Kagome screeched, causing Sesshoumaru to wince.

 

“What about the hanyou?” Kagome's grandfather asked with a confused look on his face.

 

“Inuyasha is Sesshoumaru's half-brother,” Souta offered.

 

The man looked like he had a little more respect for the half-demon.

 

“When did you have your arm taken off?” Kagome demanded.

 

“Five hundred years ago,” he said, sitting down again. He was beginning to get a headache.

 

“You're that old?” Souta asked.

 

“Older.”

 

“You don't look a day over twenty-three,” Kagome's mother said.

 

“Mom!” Kagome admonished.

 

“Well he doesn't!”

 

“How did you get your arm back?” Souta asked.

 

“Demons regenerate,” Kagome said. “Inuyasha never told me about that. Why were you fighting?”

 

“He had something I wanted,” he said cryptically.

 

“Are you two staying for dinner?” Kagome's mom asked when Kagome would have said more.

 

“I thought that's why you invited us.”

 

“No, I invited you so I could meet Sesshoumaru.”

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama,” Kagome's grandpa interrupted.

 

Kagome rolled her eyes. “One second he's trying to purify you,” she whispered to him, “The next, he's worshipping you.”

 

“People respect what they fear.”

 

She snorted. “Don't tell me he's going to turn into another Jaken?” She shuddered at the images that provoked.

 

“The reason I asked, Kagome,” her mother continued. “Is because we should call Inuyasha and invite him too.”

 

“I'll call him!” Souta volunteered, running out of the room.

 

“Tell him we're having curry!” Kagome shouted spitefully.

 

“Why don't you show Sesshoumaru-sama around?” her mother suggested.

 

“You don't have to call him, Sesshoumaru-sama, Mama,” the young miko said, taking the demon's arm and leading him to the door. “You'll only feed his ego, which is the last thing I need.”

 

Once they were outside, she took a deep breath.

 

“That was…interesting,” he said, looking out into the forest that surrounded the shrine. The wind was blowing through the trees, their noise serving to calm him and make them stand in peaceful silence.

 

“I'm sorry about my family, especially grandpa,” she said after a while.

 

“He's harmless. Those sutras wouldn't hurt anything bigger than a fly.”

 

“I know,” she said, leading the way down the stairs. “One time, Inuyasha broke a vase on accident and actually got shocked because Grandpa was so mad.” She led him to their first stop. “Might as well start here. This is-“

 

“Goshinboku,” he said, a hint of respect in his voice.

 

She looked at him in surprise. “How did you know that?”

 

“This tree has been standing as long as I can remember. Before my father died, these were his lands. If I remember correctly, he used to sit in Goshinboku, and just think.”

 

“Your father sat in this tree?” She asked, awed. “Then that means this tree has been around for more than five hundred years.”

 

He nodded. “Tell me, do you know the name of this forest?”

 

She shook her head.

 

“When Inuyasha was born, Father gave him these lands as his inheritance. Since then, it has been called Inuyasha's Forest.”

 

She rubbed her arms. “How strange. I can't believe he never told me. No wonder he was so drawn to this place.”

 

He glanced around. “I think I remember that there used to be a well around here.”

 

She led him silently to another building. As they walked, he noticed that the shrine looked a little worn down. The house could've used a new coat of paint, the shutters were barely on their hinges, and the windows looked like they needed to be replaced. The well house they were approaching looked rickety and ancient. The wood was rotting here and there, and he wondered how structurally sound the building actually was.

 

“I imagine that a shrine wouldn't bring in much money these days,” he said casually and watched her face.

 

“They get by,” she said evenly, but he didn't miss the way her body tensed up. “It's been easier since I moved out. This shrine has been in my family a long time, and I couldn't bear to see it be given up. Neither can my family.”

 

“Is that why you send money to them?”

 

“The well is right in here,” she said, changing the subject.

 

He wanted to push and say more, but let the topic go until another time, and walked in behind her. Gloom, dust, and mustiness met his nose and eyes, but he quickly adjusted. “The bone-eaters well,” he murmured. “It was said that this shrine was handed to the Higurashi's for them to be the protectors of an important artifact.”

 

“The Shikon no Tama. My grandfather told me that whoever possessed the jewel had great power. A prophecy has been handed down generation through generation that a miko from my family would one day find it and protect it.”

 

“Wouldn't that make you a possible candidate?”

 

She laughed as they stepped back outside. “I used to run around the whole forest when I was a little girl, thinking that I would find the jewel, but then I grew up. Now it's just a fairy tale to me.”

 

He tried to imagine her as a little girl and kept coming up with a picture of Rin. Maybe it's because they're so similar that I'm actually beginning to like her, he rationalized. The same personality, the same spirit, they probably would have looked alike too.

 

He noticed a tree with various holes and marks in it. “What's that?”

 

“Oh,” she said with a smile. “That's my old practice tree. When I began to learn how to use my miko powers, I would shoot arrow after arrow at it. I wasn't that good at first, but I became better.”

 

He smirked. “How good are you?”

 

She smirked right back. “Watch.”

 

She concentrated hard and used her powers to form a bow and arrow, shooting three off in rapid succession, hitting the same mark each time. She turned to him with a smug smile. “Well?”

 

“Acceptable,” he said, although his skin felt tingly from the spiritual powers still floating through the air.

 

“You know, I'm beginning to take that as a compliment. And, we've actually gone for a few hours without fighting. Better be careful, or I might actually start to think you're nice.”

 

“Heaven forbid,” he said softly. “So it appears that you can hold your own in a fight. Does your brother always try to attack you when he first sees you?”

 

“Ever since I joined the force.” She clasped her hands behind her back. “He says he does it to keep my instincts sharp.”

 

“Does he?” he said and smiled. Before she could blink, he moved behind her and had a claw to her throat. “I think you need a little more work, detective,” he whispered in her ear.

 

She let out a breath. “I think you should learn to notice your surrounding more,” she whispered back, and he looked down to see that she had her gun pointed at his stomach. He backed away and she put it back in her holster under her shirt.

 

Before she could say anymore, Sesshoumaru announced, “Inuyasha's here.”

 

She frowned. “I didn't hear his car.”

 

“I smell him,” he said simply, and started walking to the house. After a moment, she followed.

 

Sure enough, Inuyasha had just walked into the front door and was taking off his shoes. “I didn't know the asshole was going to be here.”

 

“Nice to see you too, little brother,” Sesshoumaru said, and watched with amusement as Kagome stomped up to the hanyou and began to hit him.

 

“Why didn't you (hit) tell me (hit) that you used to own this forest? (hit) Why didn't you tell me (hit) that you and Sesshoumaru (hit) tried to kill each other? (hit) And, (hit) why didn't you (hit) tell me that you took off his arm?!” (hit, hit, hit)

 

“What have you been telling her?” Inuyasha demanded, rubbing his arms while dodging another attack.

 

“The truth.”

 

“Look, Kagome,” Inuyasha looked back at her. “That was all a long time ago. It doesn't really matter anymore.”

 

She opened her mouth, but Souta came in and beat her to it. “Inu-no-niichan!” He flew right at the demon to tackle him, but Inuyasha grabbed the boy and threw him at Sesshoumaru, who caught him out of pure reflex.

 

“Thanks,” the teenager said as he was set down. Sesshoumaru wanted to roll his eyes as the boy bounced back without missing a beat, and started talking excitedly to Inuyasha.

 

Kagome's grandfather walked into the room, brandishing his broom. “Demon be-“ he interrupted himself and cast a glance at Sesshoumaru nervously. Inuyasha looked at him in surprise. “Oi, what gives? I was all ready to bop you on the head too.”

 

“You are the brother of Sesshoumaru-sama,” the old man said. Inuyasha bopped him on the head anyway, while both demons said, “Half brother.”

 

“Mama!!!” Kagome yelled, causing everyone to wince. “Where's the aspirin?”

 

 

 

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Dinner was a noisy affair, full of laughter and shouting. Sesshoumaru had never experienced anything quite like it. He had been alone and in the quiet for hundreds of years, until Rin came into his life and filled it with noise. But even with Rin, nothing compared to this story-telling, fight filled, teasing fiasco that he was sitting through now. And the odd thing was is that he was beginning to feel comfortable around chaos. And it was all a certain miko's fault…he watched as she tweaked Inuyasha's ear playfully with a certain amount of resentment. They were so comfortable with each other, and Inuyasha seemed to be a part of the family.

 

That's what amazed him about some humans. For all of their inhumanity to each other, all the violence and hate inflicted by one another, they still had an abnormal amount of compassion. Even Inuyasha, a half-demon who for all of his life was rejected by both races, found a home within this family.

 

He couldn't even do that with me for hundreds of years because I wouldn't let him around me. But in the span of a few years, he's managed to find his own family…

 

Of course, Sesshoumaru wasn't jealous at all…demon's don't get jealous, they get what they want. Sesshoumaru had Rin…that should be enough.

 

He didn't like the little niggle of doubt as he watched Kagome steal a bite of Inuyasha's ramen. He pinched her playfully and she bopped him on the head.

 

They would make a good couple, he found himself musing. Both were stubborn, passionate, onery…clearly they had affection for each other and worked well together. They would make the perfect couple.

 

“Hey,” Kagome said, sitting next to him. “What's with the scary face?”

 

He realized he had been frowning and put on a bored expression. “It is no concern of yours,” he said shortly. She looked slightly hurt.

 

“Oi, Sesshoumaru,” Inuyasha said through a mouthful of noodles. “Why do you gotta be such an asshole all the time?”

 

“The same reason why you are such a disgrace,” he replied coolly. “It's all in the blood.”

 

“Why you-!” Inuyasha said, starting to stand up, but Kagome stopped him.

 

“Okay, I had like five fist fights break out between you guys last night, all of which I remind you left you flat on the floor, Inuyasha. I don't need you two to fight here,” Kagome exclaimed, holding out her arms between the two demons who were glaring at each other.

 

Inuyasha sighed and sat down, ignoring all the stares from the other members of the Higurashi family.

 

“And you,” she said, turning to Sesshoumaru. “That was a little harsh. Do not bring up anything about blood, or lack thereof in this house, or by Kami, I swear I will purify you.”

 

They stared at each other in a contest of wills before Kagome's mom spoke up. “Kagome, could you help me in the kitchen?”

 

She reluctantly looked away. “Sure, mama.”

 

As they gathered up all the dishes and everyone went their own way, Inuyasha and Souta to go play video games in the living room, and Kagome's grandpa to do…whatever it was that he did in his free time. Sesshoumaru located the bathroom to wash his hands. As he came out, he passed by the kitchen and heard the women's voices.

 

I'm not spying, he thought, pausing outside of the door. I am merely trying to figure out the enigma named Kagome. Listening to her talk to her mother ought to help. I am NOT spying.

 

He couldn't even make out any words at first, just an exaggerated banging of pots and pans. He winced as one made a particularly high-pitched noise.

 

In the kitchen, Kagome's mother watched as her daughter put the dishes away with more force than necessary.

 

“What's wrong, Kagome?”

 

“Nothing's wrong. Why would anything be wrong?” A plate broke with the force she used to lay it on the counter. “Oops.”

 

“Kagome.” Her mom had an understanding look in her eyes.

 

“I don't know what's wrong, mama. I think I'm just working too much, that's all.”

 

“Does this have anything to do with Sesshoumaru?”

 

Kagome looked away. “Why do you say that?”

 

“You just seem on edge around him. Are you having problems with this case, sweetie?”

 

Kagome shrugged. “I don't know, mama. I never had to pretend to be engaged with anyone before. Especially to someone like him.”

 

“Like him?”

 

“Arrogant, prejudice, stubborn, demanding…”

 

“And you're attracted to him.” Her tone was perfectly understanding.

 

“Yes…No! I mean…I don't know, Mama. Sometimes I want to just punch him, and other times he looks at me or does something nice that just…I don't know,” she said helplessly. “It's only been three days! I hated him in the beginning, and I guess to a certain extent, I still do. He and I are from totally different worlds. He's rich, and we're…”

 

“Poor?” Her mother had a sad look on her face.

 

“Mama…I'm sorry. I didn't mean…”

 

“I know, Kagome. Just like I know how hard you try and help us out with our money problems.”

 

“Does it even help at all?” Kagome turned away and looked out the kitchen window into the woods. “Do I even help out enough?”

 

Sesshoumaru heard the sadness in her voice, and it touched something inside him.

 

He heard Kagome's mom again. “Honey, you do all you can, and that's all I can ask for. You don't need to worry about us. If anything, we worry about you.”

 

“I'm fine, Mama. I'll finish this case, and everything will go back to normal.”

 

“Will it?”

 

“Yes,” Kagome said determinedly. “It has to.”

 

“Well, for a fiancé, he isn't half bad, is he?”

 

“Mama!” Kagome said with a smile. Her mother waggled his eyebrows, and she burst out laughing. “You're right, he's not half-bad.”

 

“Maybe you should marry him anyway.”

 

“I've known him a grand total of three days, Mom. That doesn't exactly make up a marriage deal.”

 

Sesshoumaru walked away at this point, and met up with Souta in the living room. “Where is Inuyasha?”

 

“I think he went outside,” he said, never taking his eyes off the TV.

 

Sesshoumaru walked into the cool night air, and sniffed. He slowly began walking down the stairs and headed toward Goshinboku. He sat down under the trees branches and leaned back against the trunk.

 

“Following family tradition, Inuyasha?”

 

Inuyasha looked down at his brother from one of the branches and sighed. “What do you want?”

 

“Why don't the Higurashi's have any money?” he asked, getting straight to the point.

 

“Feeling charitable, Sesshoumaru? Thinking of donating some money to the shrine to make yourself feel better about being rich? Forget it. If Kagome ever found out, she'd kill you.”

 

“It would be better than having her live in filth so she could try to support a family that should be doing well enough on its own.”

 

“Keh,” Inuyasha said. “You don't know anything about it, so keep your mouth shut.”

 

“Then tell me.”

 

He sighed. “I'd be going behind Kagome's back.”

 

“Like that's ever stopped you before.”

 

Inuyasha jumped down and landed without a sound next to his brother. “Look, you're right. The shrine should be doing well, even if they aren't popular anymore. Haven't you noticed someone missing in the household yet?”

 

“Kagome's father,” Sesshoumaru realized. “Where is he?”

 

“Dead,” Inuyasha said bluntly.

 

“How?”

 

“In the line of duty. Twenty-two years on the force and he gets killed by some punk who decided he didn't want a ticket. He was in the hospital for three days before he was pronounced dead.”

 

“Okay, so the father died. I don't see what that has to do with their financial situation besides the fact that they would lose his income.”

 

“Baka. Do you know how much hospitals cost nowadays?”

 

Sesshoumaru looked down at himself. “Uh…demon,” he said as if it were obvious. “What do we know about hospitals?”

 

“Point taken. Anyway, hospital bills are not cheap. It cleaned them out in the first three months. Kagome had just joined the force, and she moved out to help out her mother. Every month, she sends half of her paycheck to her mother for shrine expenses, and another quarter of it to help with the remaining debt.”

 

“That means she's only living on twenty-five percent of her income.” He was shocked…and now felt guilty for all the times he'd ever made fun of her clothes or class.

 

“She's tough,” Inuyasha said. “She survives and is stronger for it. She's an incredible woman.”

 

Sesshoumaru looked sharply at Inuyasha. “Do you love her?”

 

Inuyasha looked at him in surprise. “Why do you ask?” Sesshoumaru didn't answer. “You…you're not…you haven't started to fall for her, have you? The great Sesshoumaru is actually attracted to a human?” Inuyasha started laughing uncontrollably, and got a wicked idea. He quickly sobered up. “I would do anything for her,” he said honestly. “Of course I love her.”

 

“I see,” Sesshoumaru said. He stood up and walked regally back into the house, leaving Inuyasha to finish his sentence.

 

“As a friend.” He laughed again and jumped back into the tree. Maybe a little bit of jealousy would do Sesshoumaru good…but with Kagome…it was too much to take in. Well, they would be perfect for each other, if they both stopped being stubborn. His cool calmness made for a good contrast with her fiery spirit. And Sesshoumaru would take care of her. Inu Youkais were known for their fierce protectiveness and possessiveness, especially to their mates. If Inuyasha was playing matchmaker…the next few weeks would be fun.

 

His laughter filled the night.

 

 

 

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Kagome walked through the front door of Sesshoumaru's house with a sigh. “It's actually kinda nice to be back out here at the end of the day.”

 

“Enjoy it now,” Sesshoumaru said, throwing his keys on the table. “Tomorrow we have work.”

 

She whirled around. “You mean we're going to the office?” He nodded. “Is it, like, the highlight of your day to tell me these things at the last minute?” He watched in amusement as she stomped up the stairs. She brushed her teeth and changed into a nightgown, all the while grumbling about stupid Inu Youkais.

 

She was thirsty, so she decided to go downstairs to get a bottle of water. As she stepped out of her room, she saw Sesshoumaru standing in the doorway of Rin's bedroom, staring at his adoptive daughter as she slept. It was the first time she had ever seen his face with that kind of expression…that tenderness, softness…and it totally disarmed her.

 

“How did you end up adopting her?” she asked softly. He never took his eyes off Rin as he answered.

 

“Whenever I need some fresh air, I walk the city at night. I was walking through a neighborhood and I heard the sound of a break-in. I was going to just pass by and call the police, but I could hear the crying all the way from the street. The robber had broken in and killed the whole family except for one.”

 

“Rin,” Kagome guessed, a deep sadness in her eyes. The poor little girl!

 

“She was covered in the blood of her parents and brother, trying to save them, but they were already dead. She saw me, but didn't run away. When I walked into the kitchen to use their telephone, she followed me. Everywhere I went, she followed me, but never said a word. Even when I covered up her family with a sheet, she never said a word. And…she wasn't afraid of me. When the police came and tried to take her, she wouldn't let go of my leg. She still didn't say anything, just cried. I haven't been without her since. They caught the robber later that night, and he's rotting in jail right now.”

 

“Right where he belongs,” Kagome said softly.

 

He nodded once, his eyes hardening. “He killed her family, and only ended up with a stereo and fifty dollars. I adopted Rin a week later. She started talking again six months ago. But…she's never spoken a word about that night, and I never wanted to push her.”

 

“She's gone through so much. She's lucky you were there for her.”

 

He turned to her, that unreadable expression on his face again. “Don't make me out into a saint, detective,” he said as he walked past her and into his bedroom.

 

She stared at the closed door for a long time, finally getting a better look inside the heart of the demon. Trouble was…she was beginning to think she liked what she saw a little too much.

 

 

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&& &&&&&&&&&&&&&&& &&&&&&&&&&&&&&& &&&

 

 

 

Okay people, done with another chapter. I hope you liked it. Now, for reviewer responses. Oh, and if I missed anyone, I'm SO sorry. I just switched email addresses, and I had to forward myself all of my reviews from one address to the other and I don't know if I lost any. If I did, gomen, gomen!!!!

 

Jin Ryu from MM.org: You know, you always leave the nicest compliments ever. Really, they just brighten my day. I'm trying really hard not to put Kag/Sess together really fast, but I also need hints of attraction here and there, so thanks for your praise on that. Keep it up!

 

Chibes from FF.net: Fluff should be coming up in a few chapters. Don't worry, Sango will either be in the next chapter or the one after. I've got big plans for her.

 

Pahhur: Thanks for the constructive criticism. I know I have a lot of typos, and not to make excuses, but I do a lot of my work late at night and in a hurry, and I'm too impatient to look it over. I'm going to work on it though. Thanks again.

 

Amori Kuwabara from MM.org: Thanks so much for the review! I always like it when I can spark peoples imaginations. You're compliments really made my day, and I hope you review again!

 

Tangled Puppet from FF.net: Ah, thanks so much! I'm trying to make everything flow really smoothly, and you're review made me think I was doing something right! I'm so glad you like it!

 

Angee: Ah, one of my favorite reviewers. So glad we got to talk a lot! I really hope you liked this chapter. Tell me what you think.

 

i-wish-i-was-kagome from FF.net: Lol, your review made me laugh. I think anyone would need a drink after a night like that. Thanks for reviewing and do it again please?

 

Arcander from FF.net: Ah, as always I cracked up when you review. Those mascara wands are deadly, aren't they? I hope I give little hints of Sesshoumaru's possessiveness in this chap. Review, onegai?

 

Fluffychick15 from FF.net: Thank you and bb4n right back at you! LOL!

 

Kai from A Single Spark: Ah, my single spark buddy. Thanks for reviewing. It would be nice to have more reviews from that site, so I really appreciate yours. I hope you liked this chapter.

 

Kathleen from A Single Spark: Another single spark buddy! Yay! Thanks so much for the review. I'm going to do the whole “madly in love” ploy later…maybe with the press. (grins wickedly) Keep it up!

 

Anonymous from FF.net: thanks for the review. I hope you liked this chapter.

 

Kags21 from A Single Spark: Reviewers from A Single Spark unite! (coughs) Ummm, yeah. Thank you for reviewing!!! I've never really thought of myself as a humorous person, so thanks for the compliment!

 

Kawaii Kitty from ff.net: you are so sweet, and so was your review. And yes, I got your fan-tastic joke. Corny, but you cracked me up so much. My co-workers were looking at me strange. Keep it up.

 

Tiffany is Sesshoumaru's girl from ff.net: I have a feeling I already responded to you in the last chapter. Did I? Oh well, if I respond to anyone's review for a second time…feel lucky! Thanks for the review.

 

Lyn from ff.net: here's more for ya!

 

Fan of Yours from A Single Spark: thank you thank you thank you, you are so kind!!! I loved your compliments and I hope you review again!

 

Sako from ff.net: Ha, thanks so much! More Miroku in the next chapter!

 

RubyRoseOfTheBlackBlood from ff.net: It's always nice to hear from a familiar name, so thank you for the review!

 

InuFan05 from mm.org: Hello again! I hope you liked this chapter!!! And you totally read my mind about the whole dance thing. I actually got that idea around chapter three. It will be in the next party chapter. Until next time…

 

Samari Princess458 from ff.net: Thanks so much. I've gotten a lot of compliments on Kagome, so thanks for your added support of her character. I kinda like her myself (winks)

 

Moonwave from mm.org and anywhere else I can find her: Hiya chick! Thanks for the review, and I really hope you like this chapter!!!

 

RubyRoman from ff.net: thanks for the compliments. Question: who is Janet Evanivich? You compared me to her, but I don't know her. I hope you liked this chapter!!!

 

TheBlackDemoness from ff.net: Ah thanks for the nice, nice compliments. You sound so upbeat and that's great! Unfortunately, no lemons in this story. I don't think I would be able to write it. Not enough experience, if ya know what I mean?

 

Mystical_Miko from MM.org: Man, you're review was really nice and sweet. I'm glad you love the story. Thanks for the birthday wish!

 

Saphire Dragon from FF.net: Ah I love long reviews! Thanks for wishing me happy birthday, and for thinking of singing the song. Loved the randomness of it! Lol!

 

Babi3 kitsun388: Okay, you're on my mailing list now, and thanks for the review!

 

Clavira89 from mm.org: short but sweet. Thanks a bunch for it!!!!

 

Kagomeandinuyasha4ever from ff.net: thanks so much. I'm so glad my descriptions helped you! You always rock in my opinion!

 

Rach from ff.net: thanks so much. Your review was sweet.

 

Crazy-punk-gurl from mm.org: I'm glad you are liking it! I try to update as fast as I can because I know what you mean by the whole suspense thing. Review again please!

 

Danell from mm.org: Thank you, thank you, and Sango will be making an appearance soon. Don't think I've forgotten about her! (smiles manaically)

 

Erik and Fae from ff.net: Okay, so are you a whole split personality thing, or two separate people. Whatever you are, you rock! You had me cracking up in the office. And yes, Koga is going to get his ass kicked. (laughs again) I really hope you review again. You are really funny. Thanks again.

 

Anber from ff.net: Yo back at you. I love it when they say yo. Anyway, thanks for the review, and I'm glad you like the humor.

 

Okay guys, that's it for now. Again, if I missed anyone, I give you permission to yell at me for being stupid, okay?

 

Oh and I have a request for all of the guys out there. I know a lot of girls read the romance fanfics, but I really want to know if guys are reading mine. If you are male, and you like this story, please say you are a guy in your fic and why it appeals to you. If you are a guy and you don't like the fic, review anyway and tell me why you don't like it. I really want to try and make both sexes happy, so help me out okay?

 

One more thing: If people on mm.org could please e-mail me their reviews, I'd really appreciate it. For some reason, my reviews from that site only never show up. Thanks again.

 

Ja ne,

Mujitsu