Something To Talk About

A/N: As you can see, I am intent on completing this fic, this weekend. I will also be moving over the rest of close encounters, and that will be completed here, as well. I am working hard to finish all of my fics, and appreicate how patient everyone has been.

However, I am going to comment back to someone, their name is not going to be said due to the fact that once I am finished, I am done with this subject.

So, for those of you who know that this doesn't pertain to you, please ignore my temper tantrum and scroll down to the fic. The epilogue will most likely be up tonight, or tomorrow night, judging on how long it takes me to move Close encounters over here.

It seems that someone was upset because I ended up taking longer than I normally do to update, and while I can understand that frustration, I do not appreciate the manner in which it was brought to me. There are more effective ways of communicating anger than to curse at someone, and though the review was deleted, it still ticks me off. Especially when some of the comments were completely absurd, and untrue.

NEVER have I ever asked someone to reveiw the fic when I place up an AN stating that I will be gone for a period of time. I've gone through all of my ANs when they concern an absence and I have as of yet to find one. So, don't go around and accuse me of doing such a pathetic thing.

No, I am not going to delete my fics, just because someone was pissy. I worked very hard on them, and won't give satisfaction to anyone by erasing them simply because someone is upset at me. Therefore, the only other option, if you feel that strongly, is for you not to read my fics. Then, you won't have to deal with me, and I won't have to worry about disappointing you. Issue resolved.

The final point I am going to make is, I have read several fics, where the author has disappeared on a fic and not returned, even though they have written other fics since then. Yes, I have a lot of unfinished fics underneath my belt, and at times, it is overwhelming, but I am not going to stop, mainly because I don't want to. When I get inspiration, I go with it, and it seems to work for me. At this time, I am going back between Naruto and IY, and am loving every single minute of it. For me, writing is pleasure, and I won't let anyone rip it away from me. However, writing is not my entire life, and will only write as time allows.

So, with that said, and off of my chest, this matter is over. I have never left a fic unfinished, and if it is not finished on this site, then there is a good chance that it is finished on another, unless I am working on updating both sites.

So, to everyone else who has stuck by me and cheered me on, and to those who have given me constructive critisizm, I thank you for helping me make this fic into what it has become. Without your words, and ideas, I don't think that this fic would have gone the way that it has, and now, I give to you, the final chapter before the epilogue.

Please enjoy.

Kogasangel

*Haha...Sweetcakes made a funny. I agree....I would not want to smell the school either, so scent was replaced with cent. Great eyes, Sweetcakes!!!*

~!~

“I am announcing my full take-over of Taisho Corp., effective immediately.”

The room filled with angry shouts, and demands for answers, yet Kagome kept her eyes glued upon the table, her body rigid. She could hear Sesshomaru's growls, along with those of his father and brother, but she could not allow herself to be swayed.

“It's about time.” One of her associates jeered. “Now we can get rid of the fools here, and claim our domination of Japan's business world.”

Carl, a long time friend of Hojo's stared straight at Kagome, before snapping, “If you will kindly recall, she said that she was merging the companies, not taking them over, so would you care to explain your decision to us, Kit? Or, are you going to keep us guessing, just like you usually do. Hojo may have coddled you on your whims, my dear, but on this one, I won't back down until I am satisfied to know that Yurakami Tech. Is safe and sound.”

Looking up and cocking her eyebrow up at Carl, she shrugged. “Hojo never coddled me, Carl.” She replied. “In fact, he was my biggest critic. He just never criticized me in front of anyone else. He allowed me to make my mistakes, and when I realized what they were, he made sure that I cleaned up after myself, and only stepped in when I asked. As I have said, he was an excellent teacher.”

Glancing around the room, she sighed. “Hojo once told me that one day, I would find myself at a crossroad, and that it would be up to me on which path I took. Either path I took, he would still love and support me.” She said, her eyes clouding over in memory. “I have found myself at that crossroad, and I have made a decision.”

Seeing that she had the entire room's attention, she opened her briefcase and pulled out the two piles of proxies, and an envelope. Placing them both before her, she said, “When my son took his very first step, I was in Hong Kong. When he first said, “Mama”, I was in London. When he first learned how to write his name, I was in Mexico.”

She could see that everyone was confused, and sighed. “I've missed a lot of firsts with my son, gentlemen, and I'm not willing to miss anymore.” She said. “I have decided to remain here, in Japan, so that my son can have a stable home and family, where he will know both sides.”

Many of her associates nodded, murmuring that they understood. But, she knew why they would agree with her decision to remain in Japan. They hated it when she butted into their dealing and meddled. Boy, were they in for a rude awakening.

Inu Taisho felt his body calm as he listened to Kagome's words. He was thankful that she decided to remain in Japan. He would miss his grandpuppy something terrible and knew that Sesshomaru would have fought Kagome tooth and nail to prevent the boy from leaving.

Of course, Sesshomaru knew that if Tsukiko stayed, so would Kagome. In the end, it was all about his love for Kagome.

Bankotsu shifted uncomfortably. The Americans looked smug, and he could just bet that they were waiting for Kagome to appoint one of them to take her place in America as the CEO of Yurakami Tech.

“Now that I have laid the groundwork for what I have to say,” She said, as she reached for the sealed envelope on the top of her stack of proxies, “Effective tonight at midnight, I am resigning as CEO of Yurakami Tech.”

If she expected a huge explosion, she was disappointed. Her associates were all staring at her as if she grew another head, and the men and women of Taisho Corp. were staring at each other, also in shock.

“However, while I will not be an active member of this board, make no mistake that I will still have say in the dealings of Yurakami Tech.” She said, her eyes narrowing in silent challenge. “I am not stupid enough to simply hand over total control. The proxies will remain in my grasp, until I deem otherwise.”

Clearing his throat, Inu Taisho stood and addressed Kagome. “May I ask why the change of heart?” He asked. “Everyone knows how much Kit Yurakami loves the thrill of victory, so why give it up?”

Kagome smiled softly, and gave a little laugh. “My grandfather used to call me 'kitten' as a child.” She replied. “Hojo began calling me 'Kit' as a way of giving me a piece of my childhood to hold on to, especially since everything in my life had gone wrong, at that time.”

Looking up, she faced Inu Taisho directly and looked him in the eyes. “I've spent most of Tsukiko's life in the boardroom, crushing my opponents and reveling in my victories. Where I needed to be was with my son, savoring his life and remembering his sister.” She said. “I've cheated us both out of a lot of precious memories, and I'm not willing to do that, anymore.”

“Who do you have in mind to take your place, as CEO?” Carl asked, his eyes soft. He, too, could understand where Kit was coming from. Hojo once told him that she had no place in the business world, and would have made a far better mother than businesswoman, but in order to protect her, Hojo was determined to make her into a threat, just to spite the man sitting at the end of the table.

Kagome smiled, knowing full well that her other companions desired her seat, but they were going to be severely disappointed.

“Sarah Foster is going to take my place as CEO of America's branch of Yurakami Tech.” Kagome said, her eyes narrowing when the men started to grumble. “Like me, she is vicious, and won't hesitate to use force to get her way. She will report to me, and to me, only. Even after I step down.”

“What about the branch here in Japan, and what are you going to do with Taisho Corp.?” Kouga demanded, his forehead sprinkled with sweat. He knew damn well in those fuckers sitting on the opposite side of the table got their hands on Taisho Corp., then he and the others with Taisho Corp., were out of a job.

“I wouldn't worry about it, wolf.” One of the American men jeered, “I'm sure you can find another job kissing someone else's ass, somewhere else.”

Kouga snarled at the man, but was stopped by Bankotsu, who had grabbed his arm. Looking over at Kagome, he saw that her lips were pressed in a thin line, as she regarded her associates. He knew that look. Hell, he'd been on the receiving end of it a lot when they were kids.

She was pissed, and was about to deal with the man in her own special way.

“I wouldn't sound too smug, if I were you, Sal.” Kagome snapped. “The one I appoint to over see Japan's division of Yurakami Tech., and to see over the merge with Taisho Corp., might not like what you have to offer, and get rid of you. I'd watch my mouth.”

The man named, Sal, scowled at Kagome, but slumped in his seat, defeated. While she said that she was stepping away from the CEO, she could still make his life a living hell, and from her very own living room, too.

Sesshomaru was quiet throughout Kagome's speech. He was glad that he didn't have to worry about fighting Kagome to keep his son in Japan, but now he had to worry about what the future holds for him with Taisho Corp, or whatever Kagome chose to do with it.

She had him by the balls, and she must have known it.

Kagome bowed her head as she prepared herself for what she was about to say. This was it, and she prayed that Hojo was watching over her, and understood what she was about to do. She hoped that he would approve, because this was what her heart desired.

“My successor as CEO of Yurakami Tech. knows this company inside and out.” She said, and smiled. “I have complete faith that they will continue the proud tradition that both of our companies are famous for, and I know that I will not have to worry about the company failing. I know my successor too well to know that they will not accept failure.”

Moving away from her seat, Kagome slowly approached the head of the table, where Sesshomaru sat. When she came to his side, he stood up, assuming that she wanted his seat at the head of the table, but was stunned when instead, she handed him the envelope.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I gladly introduce the new CEO of Yurakami Tech, and the CEO of Taisho Corp., Sesshomaru Taisho.” Kagome said, and motioned for her associates to applaud their new leader, even though she knew that they were seething. Well, it wasn't her problem, any longer.

Sesshomaru stood still, his eyes never leaving the envelope in his hand, and vaguely heard the scattered applause, and the whispered remarks. He finally snapped out of his stupor when he heard Kagome wish the room a good day and began walking to the door, her briefcase in her hand.

Before she touched the door, a large hand grasped her upper arm, and she heard Sesshomaru tell the others, “We will return shortly. Kagome and I need to talk.”

After the door closed behind them, Kouga smirked and glanced over at the American named Sal. “So, what was that about me having to find someone else to kiss ass for?” He asked, his tone merry.

~!~

Neither spoke a word, and when they were behind the doors of his office, he escorted her to the couch and said, “I don't know what game you are playing, but I do not appreciate it, at all.”

“I'm not playing. In fact, I'm finished with the game.” Kagome replied, her tone weary. “The only loser in this game has been Tsukiko, and I'm not willing to allow him to lose anymore, not because of me, and certainly not because you and I have some unsettled issues.”

“So, you are doing this for our son, then?” Sesshomaru asked, turning to look Kagome in the eyes. When she shook her head, he became confused.

“No, I didn't do it all for our son.” She confessed, sheepishly. “I did it because for the first time in a very long time, I have enough control to do what I want, and how I want it. I'm not bowing to someone else's word, nor am I looking for anyone's approval. My decision to be with Tsukiko is my decision, and mine alone.”

Standing up, she walked over to the large window and then asked, “Do you ever wonder what could have been if you and I had not been pulled apart?”

“Every day when I wake up and every night before I sleep.” Sesshomaru replied, not hesitating even a moment.

“I'd like to think that if things had been different, then you and I would have had a large family together, and a happy home.” She said, her tone soft. “I can't help but feel cheated.

Sesshomaru slowly walked up behind Kagome, and placed his hands upon her shoulders. He, too, felt cheated out of all of the precious time he could have spent with Kagome and their pup.

He knew that while Ayame had started this mess, he should have been the one to end it.

“I, too, like to believe that our home would have been very happy, filled with love and laughter.” He murmured, his hands gently rubbing her shoulders and his eyes staring at their reflection in the window.

“Do you think that you and I will ever find our way back to each other, Kagome?” He asked, his face, for once, not in its stoic mask, but now filled with a softness that she had never seen before.

Slowly, she turned and gave a soft laugh. “Hojo used to tell me, teasingly of course, that if there were anyone on this planet who could steal me away from him, it would be you.” She said, as hot tears began to make their way down her cheeks. “He knew, even when he married me, that I still loved you, but I insisted that he was wrong. I can remember telling him that I hated you, but Hojo had this knack for seeing through people, and he saw right through me, but he didn't care. He loved me and figured that his love was enough for the both of us.”

Sesshomaru lifted his hand and brushed away her tears, silently watching as more came to take their place. “For all that he has done for you, he will always have my gratitude.” Sesshomaru murmured, his claw slipping underneath her chin so that he could lift her face to look at him. “For all that he has done for our son, he holds my loyalty. For all that he did, when I could not, he is now and forever, a part of the Taisho family, despite being gone. Any who dares speak ill of him will face my wrath, and I will not hold back. It is the least I can do for him, and for you.”

Kagome's throat constricted as she listened to Sesshomaru's words. She knew he was waiting for an answer to his question, but she simply didn't have one.

As a sob tore from her throat, she shook her head and tearfully said, “I don't know if we can ever go back, Sesshomaru. Too much has happened, and I just don't see how it would be possible.”

He stroked her hair from her eyes, and replied, “I am not willing to go back, Kagome. We can never go back, but we can rebuild. We can start on the foundation that is our son, and though it will take time, and I am willing to give you all the time you need, we can find our way back to each other.”

His words nearly brought her to tears, but it was his next sentence that broke the dam she had long ago built around her heart. Until now, she had never heard the words spill from his mouth, and when they did, she shattered.

“I am tired of focusing on the 'what could have beens'. The fact that you are talking to me, and listening to my words, tells me that now I can focus on the 'what will be's.'” Sesshomaru whispered, his lips tickling her ear. “I love you, Kagome Yurakami. I always have, and I always will, even after I take my last breath. You and Tsukikomaru are my heart, and my home, just as Rin and I, are yours.”

Kagome's body shook as sobs began to escape from her throat, and she didn't fight him when he pulled her to his chest. He held her tightly as she cried, her pain washing away as she finally released years of anger, hurt, and sadness.

His Kagome was finally set free, and now, he would ensure that she would never face that hellish prison she had lived in, ever again.

~!~

Inu Taisho smiled and quietly moved away from the door. He was about to knock, but froze when he heard the conversation between his son and Kagome. He knew damn well that Sesshomaru would not wish to leave Kagome in favor of returning to the boardroom, so as the patriarch of the family, and seeing as how he was the one who made the decisions when Sesshomaru was absent, he would conduct the rest of the meeting.

Besides, he was dying to wipe the floor with some of those American men who thought to make fun of them.

When he returned to the boardroom, he smiled, though it was unpleasant. “Gentlemen and ladies, Sesshomaru's meeting with Kagome will last longer that what was anticipated, therefore, I will be conducting the rest of this meeting, in his absence.” He said, his tone curt.

Carl leaned back in his chair and sighed. The shit was going to hit the fan, now.

~!~

Kagome returned to the hotel and gave Goshinki a weary smile. He took her coat and said, “Tsukiko is in bed, and Kaede refused to leave that little girl, Rin, behind, so she and Tsukiko are sharing his bed, tonight.”

Nodding, Kagome followed Goshinki and allowed him to push her to the floor, in front of the couch. Without speaking, his hands went to her shoulders and he began to massage the knots caused by stress, out.

After several minutes, he finally asked, “So, when will you be leaving for your meeting in Brazil?”

When Kagome didn't answer, he lifted an eyebrow, and repeated his question, this time using the tone she knew that meant that he wanted an answer.

“I'm not going.” She replied, and gave off a soft laugh. “I quit.”

“You quit what?” Goshinki asked, confused. What in the hell was she talking about, and why wasn't she going to that damn meeting? She was the one who set it up and was quite excited about it.

Kagome took in a deep breath and turned so that she was looking up at Goshinki. “I resigned as CEO of Yurakami Tech.” She explained, her mouth quirking up a bit. “I decided that I've been neglecting my job as a mother for too long, and it was time that I remedied that.”

Goshinki paused and then asked, “What is going to happen to Yurakami Tech?”

“Well, even though I stepped down at CEO, major decisions still have to be run by me for approval, and I have the option to go to meetings whenever I want.” She said, her eyes twinkling. “Carl and the others are probably sore at me, though.”

Goshinki smirked. Of course they were probably angry at her. If she didn't chose one of them as her replacement, then they'd have to worry about dealing with someone whom they knew nothing about. However, Carl would probably support her decision, once he cooled off. Despite his aggressive nature, the man actually did care about Kagome.

“So, who did you chose as your replacement?” He asked, and watched as she gave him another sheepish smile.

Kagome cleared her throat and smiled. “I chose Sarah as my American replacement, and I chose Sesshomaru to oversee Yurakami Tech's Japanese branch. Sarah will report to me, directly, and I will decide what needs to go before Sesshomaru, and what doesn't. Besides, he is going to have his hands full with the merging of our companies, and the dismantling of Naraku's company.”

“I heard that he was arrested on suspicion of Hojo's murder.” Goshinki said, his tone thoughtful, though he wasn't surprised by Kagome's choice as her replacement. It was bound to happen. “I always believed him to be involved in some way, but could never prove it. Hojo did say that the man was evil to the core. I guess he was right on the money.”

“You knew about Naraku and never told me?” Kagome demanded, her tone outraged. The man before her held up his hands and calmly said, “Settle down, Kit. Hojo knew of other attempts on his life by Naraku, but refused to change his lifestyle, and since we couldn't prove that Naraku was involved, Hojo refused to give the man any satisfaction by changing his ways. He said that he would not cower nor would he show fear, until the day he brought you into our lives. You and Tsukiko were the only two things in his life he feared for, and it was because of the several attempts against him that he decided to place you into my care. Before you came into our lives, I was Hojo's personal guard.”

Frowning, Kagome asked, “So, if you took care of us, who took care of Hojo?”

“Hiro did.” Goshinki replied. At Kagome's stunned look, he sighed and shifted uncomfortably. “You never saw Hiro, until after they became a couple. Hiro, like me, was in a specialized military unit, and when we retired, we were recruited by Hojo. Hiro stayed in the background and was unseen, but when I became yours and Tsukiko's guard, Hiro took his place by Hojo's side. However, what was supposed to be a working relationship, grew into love, and then came the day when they could no longer deny what they felt. Please believe me when I say that Hiro loved you and Tsukiko very much. He tried to fight it, just as Hojo did, but in the end, they couldn't stop what their hearts desired, and fell in love with each other.”

Kagome took in a deep breath, and then slowly let it out. She leaned into Goshinki's hand when he lightly stroked her cheek.

“I'm glad that Hojo was with the one he loved, when he died.” She said, her eyes swimming with tears.

Goshinki smiled, though she couldn't help the thought that when Goshinki smiled, it was more frightening than when he glared.

“Hojo loved you, as well.” He said. “That man would have walked to the ends of the earth for you. There are other kinds of love than physical. You and Hiro completed Hojo, and made his life worth living. Tsukiko gave Hojo a sense of purpose and made him look to a future where he would one day watch as his son, though not of his blood, took his place within the business. He was so proud of you both, and when he died, I know that his last thoughts were filled with worry for the both of you.”

Goshinki felt a lump in his throat, but quickly swallowed it down and said, “Now that Sesshomaru is here to watch over you, I have a feeling that my days as your guard are numbered.”

Kagome gasped and then threw herself against his chest, her arms around his waist. “Don't you dare talk like that.” She snapped. “You are part of my family. You are not going anywhere, so knock that kind of talking off.”

Goshinki smiled down at the dark head and allowed his hand to stroke her soft hair. “As you wish.” He murmured, and silently gave thanks for the knowledge that he would be around to watch the pup grow and Kagome find the happiness she deserved.

She was right. They were family, and no matter what, they would never be pulled apart. He would make sure that they were cared for, and should Kagome decide to bring Sesshomaru into the family, well, he could give the inu a run for his money in the cold looks department.

Settling back with Kagome still holding onto him for dear life, he was about to relax, but then a thought hit him. He had Kagome, Tsukiko, and Kaede to look after, but now that Tsukiko had discovered that he had a sister, he knew that the little human girl would be around a lot, and he was sure that he would grow attached to her, just like he was to Tsukiko.

Gods help the boys that came around when she was old enough to date. They wouldn't get close enough to get a goodnight kiss. Not on his watch.

~!~

Kagome sighed happily and walked down the stairs and headed into the living room. Nearly two years had passed since she gave up her position as CEO, and she was happy to say that she had not looked back.

At first, she had been restless and bored, while at home, so she began to look around and found some activities that she could participate in while the pups were at school.

Tsukiko and Rin were nearly inseparable and so, she and Sesshomaru quickly came to an agreement that the pups would stay with her during the week, and then they would stay with him on the weekends. He had also arranged his schedule so that he could be at home with the pups, to spend quality time with them, and in order to do that, he delegated parts of his job to his brother, father, Kouga, and surprisingly, Carl.

Despite a rough beginning, Sesshomaru and Carl had come to an agreement, and it was Carl who dealt with handling meetings in other countries. It was a very good arrangement, and she was happy to say that Yurakami-Taisho Inc. was more powerful than before their two companies merged.

She quickly picked up the toys that were scatted on the living room floor, and had giggled madly when Goshinki had snapped at her that he was drowning in dolls and cars. So, to appease the large youkai, she cleaned up while the pups were at school and did so happily.

She and her mother had finally worked out their estranged relationship. While it still saddened her that her own mother could think the worst of her, she was glad that they had sat down and talked everything out. It took a while, but she now felt that she could forgive her mother and they could move on, and her mother could enjoy a loving relationship with both pups, even though Rin was not biologically her grandchild.

However, just because there was no blood between her and Rin, that didn't stop the little girl from calling her mama.

It had been a Friday afternoon, and she was supposed to drive the pups over to Sesshomaru's home so that they could spend the weekend together, but when Rin and Tsukiko came home, she could tell that Rin had been crying.

At first, Rin was too upset to tell her what was wrong, so it had been Tsukiko who told her that their school was holding a mother and daughter tea party on Saturday, and the other girls had made fun of Rin for not having a mother.

Of course, Tsukiko, in normal Taisho fashion, had dealt with the girls, much to Goshinki's amusement, and scared the hell out of them, but that didn't solve the situation at hand.

So, she announced to Goshinki that she was taking the pups to Sesshomaru, and gave the youkai a wink, telling him that wasn't all that she was going to do. The drive to Sesshomaru's home had been very quiet, save for Rin's sniffles. When they arrived, Sesshomaru greeted them, and narrowed his eyes when he saw his daughter's tear-stained cheeks and puffy eyes.

Smiling up at the normally stoic youkai, she presented him with Tsukiko's hand and cheerfully said, “I'm taking Rin shopping. She and I have a mother and daughter tea party to go to, tomorrow. I'll bring her back once we have found our dresses, and I'll be picking her up around eleven tomorrow morning.”

Sesshomaru quickly nodded, and watched as Rin's eyes grew wide in surprise. Rin quickly scrambled into the car, and watched as she kissed her brother and gave both Tsukiko and her father a wave, before getting back into the car, and driving to the nearest store.

For almost two and a half hours, they looked. Finally, she found a dress she knew would look absolutely beautiful on Rin, and so, she bought it, along with shoes. When the clerk smiled and told Rin that she was so lucky to have a mommy who bought her such a beautiful dress, she smiled at the clerk and calmly replied, “No. I'm the lucky one. I'm lucky to have a beautiful daughter and a handsome son. Their father and I are truly blessed.”

When they were out of the store, Rin couldn't hold it in anymore and burst into tears. Leading her over to a bench, she pulled the crying girl into her arms, and softly asked her why she was crying.

“Rin doesn't really have a mommy. Rin's mommy didn't want her and she threw Rin away.” The small girl sobbed, her tears coming on stronger.

Gripping Rin's arms in her own, Kagome asked, “Who told you that? I want to know who said such a horrible thing to you, Rin.”

“T-the girls at school said that they knew that daddy wasn't Rin's daddy because he is youkai and Rin is an ugly, little human.” Rin whispered, a bright, red blush spreading across her cheeks. “Even their mothers said so.”

She could feel her temper rising, and she knew if she told Sesshomaru what had been said to Rin, that there would be a lot of bloodshed in that school. However, while she wasn't physically aggressive, she was still threatening, and could out-bitch the best.

“Rin, look at me.” She ordered, her eyes and voice firm. When Rin looked up at her, she took Rin's chin in her hand and said, “I don't know why you are listening to those clucking hens, but let's get one thing very clear. I am your mother, just as I am Tsukiko's. If I didn't love you, or care for you, I would not allow you to live with me. You have a mother, and don't you ever let anyone tell you differently. You are a Taisho, and you are my daughter. I do not let people push me around, and as my daughter, I expect the same from you. Do I make myself clear?”

Rin's mouth flopped open, and she quickly sniffled before peering up at her, trying to see if she was joking. But, the firm look upon her face must have convinced her, because Rin timidly asked, “Can Rin call you mama?”

Smiling, she stroked the hair that oddly, looked so much like her own. “I would love it, if you called me, mama.” She replied, and soon found her arms filled with a sobbing child, happy that she now finally had a mother to call her own.

As she stroked Rin's hair, she said, “Don't worry about tomorrow. Mama is going to make sure they never target you, again. I promise.”

And, she kept that promise. As she told Sesshomaru, she was at his home, but instead of arriving a bit before eleven, she showed up at eight, and when Sesshomaru took in the sight of her in sweats and slippers, carrying a few bags, she shrugged, and said, “I thought it would be nice if Rin and I got ready together.”

The tea party was set for noon, and when they arrived, the small room grew quiet, and the teacher, a female youkai who looked as though she had swallowed a lemon, stepped forward and stiffly asked, “May I help you?”

Kagome smiled and schooled her own face into one of haughty indifference. “Rin invited me for tea, and I have accepted. Is there a problem?” She asked, her tone holding a slight warning in it.

The female's eyes narrowed and she snapped, “I would appreciate it if you would inform Mr. Taisho that having one of his girlfriends bring his daughter is highly unacceptable, and is in bad taste.”

She lifted her eyebrow slightly, and moved Rin to stand behind her, shielding her from the mocking eyes of her classmates. Squaring her shoulders, she stared the female down and watched with glee as the bitch shifted uncomfortably.

“I don't believe you and I have ever met, but allow me to remedy that, right now.” She said, her tone one of superiority. “My name is Kagome Yurakami, but I am better known at Kit Yurakami, of Yurakami Tech, which of course, is now called Yurakami-Taisho Inc.”

Kagome smirked when the woman's face lost all traces of color, before continuing. “I can assure you that I am Rin's mother, and my daughter came home yesterday, upset because there has been some discussion that she doesn't have a mother and that she was thrown away. May I ask what that is all about?”

The woman stepped back and looked down to find Rin peeking out from behind her mother's dress. A cough brought her attention back to the angered mother in front of her and she quickly said, “Forgive me, but your husband is youkai, is he not?”

Smiling, Kagome nodded. After all, this fool or the ones behind her, didn't need to know that she and Sesshomaru were not married, nor did they need to know that most of what she was saying was a line of shit. Besides, in business, bullshitting was almost a prerequisite, so she would just go with her strengths.

“Yes, he is youkai, and our son is hanyou. Our other daughter, Rin's older sister, passed away at birth and was also hanyou. However, Rin is human, just as I am. I suppose it could be due to my family's line of mikos, and that Rin has inherited the miko trait, causing her to be human, but how is that any of your business? Do you take it upon yourself to look down upon small children, simply because they look differently from their parents?” She demanded, and felt Rin's face hide against her thigh. “Who in the hell died and made you so high and mighty?”

The woman stammered out explanations, most of which she ignored. Her hand was busy smoothing out Rin's hair, lovingly taking great care not to mess up the gentle curls that she had placed into her daughter's hair for this event.

When she finally had enough, she lifted her hand and silenced the woman, and then looked over at the large table where the other mothers and their daughters were sitting. Besides Rin, there were no other human or hanyou children there. Suddenly, it all made sense to her.

They didn't want Rin there. They were making her life a living hell, simply because she was human. Turning her eyes to the woman, she shook her head.

“You know, I've met a lot of ignorant people in my life.” She said, and smiled. “However, this school takes the cake. I'm am quite aware that the Taisho family is your leading contributor, as far as funding goes, and please believe me when I say that I will make sure that all funding stops, as of today.”

The woman's eyes welled with tears, and she quickly said, “Please, we need that funding. If it is taken away, we might have to close the school. We are one of the best.”

“The best at what?” She demanded, her tone sarcastic. “The best at tormenting children who don't fit into your desired mold? Frankly, I don't give a damn if your doors close. After the way my child came home, yesterday, you should be thankful I am not suing you for intentional infliction of emotional distress and discrimination.”

Motioning towards the door, she watched as Rin walked over and placed her hand on the door knob. Turning back to the woman, she sneered, “It was very foolish to mess with my pup. Now, you get to find out first hand, why it isn't wise to piss me off. Be thankful that it's me you are dealing with and not her father. I doubt that they'd be able to get the blood stains out of the carpet before Monday.”

Turning away, she smiled brightly at Rin and cheerfully said, “I don't feel like tea, right now. Let's you and I be really bad, and go get some lunch and then some ice cream.”

Rin's smile lit up the room and together, they left and didn't look back. True to her word, she took Rin to lunch and grinned when the waiter fell all over himself, trying to please Rin and impress her.

When they finally arrived at Sesshomaru's home, it was almost dark, mainly because Rin had seen a movie poster of her favorite cartoon and so, begged her new mother to see it.

Rin was fast asleep in the back of her car, hugging the large, white dog she had purchased at a toy store. Rin had told her that it looked just like her daddy. Smiling a bit, she didn't even blink when told the price. After all, Rin's smile and obvious adoration for her father made the price unimportant. Besides, she couldn't wait to see the look on Sesshomaru's face when he saw the large dog, and when he heard that Rin had stated that it looked exactly like him.

When he heard her car pull up, Sesshomaru walked outside, with Goshinki in tow, and watched as the larger youkai opened the car door and took possession of Rin.

“Really, Kit.” Goshinki admonished, his tone scolding. “This little girl should have been home before dark. Little ones need all the rest they can get.” Clearly, the large youkai had perfected his 'mothering hen' routine and didn't mind using it on her.

Shooting him a wink, she simply replied, “Rin and I lost track of time. I'll do better next time. I promise.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Goshinki grumbled and carried the girl into the house, with Kaede hot on his heels. When they were alone, Sesshomaru said, “Apparently, your bodyguard and nanny became bored and came over to offer their services. They were surprised to hear that you were at a tea party with Rin.”

She blushed and said, “Oh, yeah, about that. I took both Rin and Tsukiko out of that hellish school. May I use your bathroom?” She asked, and quickly pushed past the stunned youkai and made a mad dash for the house, but was quickly caught and pulled into his study, where he closed his door.

She sat down in the chair in front of his desk, and watched as he perched himself on the edge of the desk that was closest to her.

“Alright.” He said, his eyes narrowing. “I'm listening.”

So, she told him what happened, and watched as his eyes switched from gold to red, many times. Finally, he asked, “Are you comfortable with Rin calling you, 'Mother'?”

Smiling up at the portrait that held their deceased daughter, she smiled and softly replied, “Oh, yes. I'm more than comfortable with it.”

Of course, she then had to tell him that the school was under the impression that they were married, which caused him to lift his eyebrow up at her.

“Now, where would they get that idea?” He asked, and silently enjoyed the way she shifted uncomfortably. Finally, she snapped, “Well, what would you have done in my place? I had to work with what I had. If anyone questions it, we can just say that we are very discreet about our lives.”

For several moments, he didn't speak, but finally, he said, “I could not think of a better mother for my pups, than you, Kagome. You have my word. That school will not receive another cent from the Taisho family.”

Ever since that day, she and Sesshomaru came to an understanding, that quickly changed their relationship, evolving it from polite co-parenting, to something.......better.

“Kagome, the show is on.” Kaede said, her voice cutting through Kagome's memories. Smiling at the elderly woman, she moved to sit down beside her and waited patiently for the show to begin.

Looking around as she waited for the commercial to be over, she smiled and thought about the difference that two years and the ability to forgive could change one's perspective.

Now, she was finally happy, and surrounded by her family, those she loved more than her own life. Now, she could look towards the future, and knew that it would be filled with the happiness she had starved for, so many years ago.

Kagome Yurakami was finally at home.