InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Live and Let Die (Part 3): Learning To Deal ❯ Expectations ( Chapter 20 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimers: I do not own InuYasha or any of the manga/anime characters. They belong to the wonderful genius Rumiko Takahashi. Any original characters do belong to me.

AN: Thanks much for the reviews left so far. I read each and every one of them, and greatly appreciate the time you took to leave one. For responses to reviews of Chapter 19, go to http://doggieearlover.livejournal.com/87323.html .

Live and Let Die: Learning to Deal

Chapter 20: Expectations

Kouga had a lot to think about as he headed back towards the village by InuYasha's Forest. Ayame had agreed to become his mate - if he survived the battle, that is. The ookami prince had no desire to die at the hands of Naraku, but he did want to be there for that final fight and see the vile dark hanyou's defeat. He knew that none of them were truly safe as long as the evil being remained alive.

He also realized that he had a lot more to look forward to now. Once he claimed Ayame as his mate he would pup her as soon as possible to strengthen the union of their tribes. Kouga actually grinned as he realized he was looking forward to that. Partly in preparation, and partly because he wanted to make certain they were out of the way and where they would not get hurt, the wolf prince had sent his faithful pack members back to their caves to alert the rest of the tribe of the impending union.

Kouga was a bit sad at the thought that he might not see his home for a long time, if ever again. For in addition to telling the others about the upcoming mating, Kouga had instructed them to gather what they had and go to the southern plains. There they would wait for him. They had already been warned that it was Ayame's territory, and to do whatever she told them to.

Kouga was proud and stubborn, but he wasn't stupid. Their area had been decimated by the Birds of Paradise while they lived. They destroyed everything around them and continued to do so as their circle widened while they hunted for prey. The ookami prince knew that it would be many years before enough game had returned to the area to properly feed a growing tribe. As it was his pack was barely hanging on, living mostly on fish they could still catch in the river.

Such was not the case in the ookami princess' territory. There was plenty of game as her tribe killed only what they needed to eat. While there were other youkai, there were none as devastating as the Birds of Paradise, who not only killed to feed themselves, but also killed everything else they could to try and starve the wolves out. It was also a lot warmer there year round than it was in their mountainous caverns. All in all, it had been the right decision to make. Ayame had been surprised, but readily agreed with his offer to move his tribe to her territory under the circumstances.

Kouga slowed down as he approached the river than ran near the village. He had learned not to be in too big of a hurry or he would find a protective two-headed dragon impeding his way. Ah-Un wouldn't give him any trouble as long as he reduced his speed to one that allowed the dragon to discern who he was before he got too close.

~ ^~^ ~

“Sesshomaru, dear, are you ever going to explain to me why it had to be tonight?” Rin asked her husband and mate.

The Taiyoukai sighed as he sat down from his pacing. “Tonight InuYasha will be human. His hanyou senses will be dulled, and he will not be able to tell who any of us are unless we choose to reveal ourselves.”

“Sesshomaru, you would not let our own children out in public when they are mortal. How could you do this to your own brother?” Rin gasped.

“It was the only way I knew. No one but you and I, and Totosai, know that he is a hanyou. I asked Totosai to keep the guest list down, so it is nearly all humans, except for a few trustworthy allies. Even they won't know who InuYasha is in his human form, but they might pick up his mate's mark. However, its significance should not be as strong when he is mortal since it is tied to his youkai,” Sesshomaru responded.

“I thought you had already made the decision to reveal to him that you are here, so why is that an issue?” Rin questioned.

Her Inu youkai mate answered, “I am not the issue, but you are, my dear. Remember? You said that you would decide when the time came. If he had his hanyou senses, he would know your scent, even after all of this time. He would certainly be able to discern that I have a mate as well. I still would not have considered it if the miko had not told me a long time ago that they considered this time safer than the past. They are unaware of the youkai that are here because they are now so well hidden. They also have no way of knowing that hanyou are much more common now and are not hunted down like they were five centuries ago.”

Rin wrapped her arms around her husband and kissed him on the forehead. “You know that was partly of your doing. You broke a lot of boundaries when you claimed me as your mate. Many felt that if the Taiyoukai who proclaimed to hate weak humans could do it, then they could as well. Though a few did make the mistake of challenging you.…”

“They thought as I once did - that claiming a human female would make even the strongest youkai weak. I thought that because Father died while protecting one, InuYasha's mother. I almost never forgave him for that, or for siring the half-breed that is my half brother. And yet it took that same hanyou to teach me the lesson that Father tried to. If it had not been for InuYasha's strength after he claimed a human mate, I would never have relented and claimed you as mine. Eventually, though, I had to learn the lesson that I taught him: that you were my soul mate and that we belonged together, just as he and the miko do. I am even stronger because of it,” Sesshomaru answered seriously.

“I never thought I would hear you admit all of that out loud,” Rin whispered. “I'm going to get ready. I have a brother-in-law to meet tonight.”

~ ^~^ ~

Byakuya had done a fair amount of thinking as he back-tracked the path the demon slayer and her brother should have taken towards the slayers' village. He had always followed Naraku's orders without question, completing every assignment he had been asked to. It still grated on him that Naraku had threatened him just because he had not been able to find the others. Why was he so certain that the siblings would return to the abandoned village? There was nothing there other than deteriorating buildings and a fence line that the wilderness was slowly encroaching on. He had done a thorough search, rather than just a quick flyby where he might have missed something. What in the world had he done to make Naraku so angry?

As he considered everything that had happened, he came to the conclusion that Naraku only used those around him. Just as the incarnations that came before him, Naraku probably planned to finish him off as soon as he had what he wanted. After all, those that had not died at the hand of another died by Naraku's own hand. The more he thought about dying, the more he realized that he wanted to live. Maybe he could work something out with those others. If he could do it in a manner that wouldn't betray himself, perhaps he would survive the final battle. If the enemies of his creator won, they would let him live for giving them information. And if Naraku won, maybe he'd let him live for being a valuable ally. He wasn't putting much stock in the second option. Secretly, he was hoping for the downfall of the vile, dark, hanyou and hoping that his body would survive his master's death.

~ ^~^ ~

Kagome had InuYasha's hand clasped tightly between hers as they rode in the limo. She could tell he was extremely nervous about going to a semi-public function in his human form. She looked at him and smiled as she started to rub his palm with her thumb. He smiled very slightly back at her, and she squeezed his hand.

InuYasha wasn't sure exactly why he had agreed to this, other than the entire Higurashi family wanted to go. They had received him so warmly into their clan that he just couldn't tell them no. He also knew how powerful his mate was, and that she could indeed protect him if it came to that. However, he also realized what Kagome said when the invitation came was true: Totosai knew his night of weakness (if he hadn't forgotten, that is). Because the master sword smith turned jeweler had only been an ally to them, there was no reason to believe that he would do anything that would cause harm to the hanyou, who was currently stuck in a human body. InuYasha sighed and leaned back against the thickly padded leather seat. If this was any kind of trap, it sure was a comfortable way to get there.

The limo arrived at the hotel, and the door opened so that they could all climb out. Kagome and InuYasha recognized Totosai's nephew, who waved at them. They also did not miss the look of surprise on his face as his eyes landed on InuYasha. Apparently, he did not know that the hanyou would be mortal this evening.

“Would you come with me? My uncle has something for you,” the young youkai asked.

Kagome nodded, and grasping InuYasha's hand, followed him with the rest of her family trailing behind them. Kagome looked back and told them, “He said he would have my engagement ring this evening. I hope that is what we're going to get.”

“Cool!” Souta exclaimed, finally breaking his silence. He'd been quiet ever since they'd arrived. He was both nervous and wanted to make a good impression on whomever they were going to see.

They entered a smaller private room with a sitting area. “Kagome and InuYasha, will you come with me, please?” He turned to the others. “You may have a seat. This should not take long.”

Mama and Jii-chan nodded and sat down to acknowledge his request. Souta went to his mother's side and sat next to her. Kagome and InuYasha were led into the adjoining room, and the door closed behind them.

“Well, I wasn't certain at first if you would accept my invitation on the night of the new moon, but now I can see why you did.” Totosai chuckled as he joined them. “I'm glad there are only a handful of youkai here tonight, because your miko aura is very commanding, even more so than I remember. I expect that the few that are here will be giving you a wide berth.”

“We discovered that I get stronger when InuYasha is human,” Kagome said very softly. “Does it mask my mark? I was worried that if anyone detected it, they might figure out that InuYasha is a hanyou and tonight is his night of weakness. We only came because you have always been an ally and didn't think you would want to harm us.”

“Don't worry, my dear. No harm will come to either of you. And to answer your question, yes. Your aura is so strong right now that only the most powerful youkai will be able to discern that you have a mate. Any who do not know you will not be probing deeply enough to pick it up for risk of being purified. You and your mate's identity should be safe unless you choose to reveal it,” Totosai answered. “Now, what you came for.”

Totosai reached into his coat and pulled out a black velvet case. From inside of that, he pulled out a small bag of similar material. Opening it, he dumped the contents out onto his hand.

“I have to admit, I'm puzzled as to why you need an engagement ring when you're already married,” the old youkai started out. “But perhaps you are keeping the marriage a secret, since I see you are not wearing those bands I made for you so many years ago.” He furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at their hands.

“It…it…it's complicated,” Kagome started.

“I don't need to know anything,” Totosai said as he cut her off from saying anything further. “I'm sure you have your reasons. However, here is what you asked for. I hope it is to your liking.”

Setting the flat black case on a table, Totosai set the engagement ring on top of it.

“It's even more beautiful than I expected!” Kagome exclaimed as she picked it up to examine it.

The ring was made of titanium as she requested, but was highly polished so that it looked more like white gold. The design was simple. The diamond shard from Tessaiga was actually embedded in the band so that it was protected, rather than protruding from the top like a traditional engagement ring. The shard that had resembled InuYasha's ear now looked like a single large shiny leaf amongst a trail of other leaves that danced around the band.

“I thought that would go along with the pattern on your other bands,” Totosai said as she examined it, and then handed it to InuYasha to see.

“InuYasha? Will you place it on my finger for me?” Kagome asked, almost shyly. “This ring shows that we are promised to be married. I want to be wearing it before we go to the reception.”

The hanyou, who had remained silent to this point nodded. “Which finger?” He was also learning there were all kinds of traditions at work here and didn't want to make any assumptions and get something wrong.

“This one,” Kagome said as she indicated her ring finger of her left hand.

InuYasha slid the ring over her third finger, and it adjusted itself to be a perfect fit. Kagome reached up to kiss him gently on the lips. “Thank you, InuYasha.” She turned to Totosai, who was waiting patiently. “And thank you, Totosai. It really is beautiful and more than I imagined.”

“Well, we're not through, yet,” he answered with a smile as he unfolded the black velvet case. “You wanted a piece for your mother. My nephew designed this one. I hope you like it.”

He fully opened the case to reveal a diamond necklace. It was a fairly simple design if you didn't look at the intricacy of it. The diamond shards had been arranged like parts of a mural that were laid together. To just look at it at a glance, it looked like a shiny banana on a solid heavy chain that was just a little longer than choker length. However, if you looked at it closely, you could see how all of the pieces were fit together. The entire thing was set into fourteen-karat gold and finished out with an Omega chain.

“It's gorgeous!” Kagome exclaimed. “Mama should love it.” Then she said almost under her breath, “If I can get her to wear it. She might think it's too extravagant.”

Totosai ignored the last statement, and InuYasha just grinned.

Totosai continued, “We didn't know if she had pierced ears or not, so my nephew made a pair of clip earrings to go with it. That way we knew she'd be able to wear them.”

The youkai produced a pair of clip earrings, which looked like a gold ball with a dangling diamond ball hanging from it. He was surprised when Kagome hugged him.

“They are all so beautiful, Totosai,” Kagome said. “Aren't they InuYasha? Can you believe this all came from Tessaiga?”

“Keh,” the blushing hanyou turned human for the evening answered. “Do you think she'll wear it?”

“At least for tonight, if nothing else,” Kagome responded. “I noticed she didn't wear any jewelry with her new dress. She won't have an excuse.”

They heard Totosai clear his throat and turned their attention back to him. “One more thing - I do have a buyer for the diamonds you left with me. He is a collector of sorts, and is willing to buy all that you have. He is trustworthy and willing to do a direct bank transfer if you will give him the account information; if you are agreeable, that it. This is the sum he has offered for the diamonds that you left with me, and the amount for any others will be similar.”

Kagome stared at the piece of paper that he had placed in her hand as he spoke. Her eyes opened wide and her mouth gaped open. “Are…are you sure? This is correct?”

“Yes, he's very generous. He feels that the funds will be going to a good cause. He knows that you are with the Higurashi Shrine and that is why you wish to sell them. If he thought they were going to support some bad habit, he would not make this offer. I'm certain it is far higher than any other you would receive,” he answered. “He believes your family to be good and honorable and is therefore willing to purchase all of the diamonds you can produce.”

InuYasha almost choked. He wondered if the guy had any idea he could make those things at will? He straightened up when he felt Kagome squeeze his hand.

“Will we be able to meet him?” Kagome asked hesitantly.

Totosai shook his head. “He would really prefer to remain anonymous. However, I can vouch for him. I have known him for a very long time, and he is honorable. While he does trust you, he does not wish for there to be any others involved if necessary. It is one of the reasons he would prefer a direct wire transfer - that way no one else is concerned, not even a bank teller. And if you don't know who purchased them, you cannot accidentally divulge the information to anyone else.”

“Old man, are you certain?” InuYasha asked. He couldn't help but to be somewhat concerned. Why would this person want to hide?

“It's okay, InuYasha. It isn't unusual for someone to make a large donation anonymously. They don't want to attract attention to themselves. Totosai has never done anything to harm us, and I don't believe that he is going to start now. This is an opportunity to help repay Mama and Jii-chan for everything they've done for us. And we can even buy you another pair of those boots if you want,” Kagome told him, though she couldn't help but to chuckle with her last statement.

InuYasha looked at his feet and frowned. “I… I didn't know… is that what you were talking about that day? When your mother said `we'll manage,' she meant they were too much, didn't she?”

Kagome sighed. She should have known that InuYasha would have remembered the exchange between herself and her mother at the shoe shop. “InuYasha, shoes are expensive, anyway. And you get what you pay for. You selected a nice pair of leather boots, and they should last a long time. So we paid for them once, while if you'd picked something else, they would wear out if you wore them enough, and we would have to replace them. And with the sale of these diamonds from your Tessaiga, we can afford them - along with all of the bandages and Ramen we can carry.”

InuYasha keh'd softly, but didn't say anything further. He could tell that Kagome was uncomfortable talking about it, so he wouldn't push the subject. He really didn't understand everything about currency in this time, since sometimes they paid with paper, and sometimes they handed over a plastic card. However, he did understand the concept of “you get what you pay for,” because that was relevant, even in his time. Higher quality work or something high in demand brought a higher price. He was yanked from his thoughts when he felt a tug to his hand.

“InuYasha, would you get my mother? I want to give her the necklace and earrings,” Kagome said softly.

He nodded and went to the door, opening it, he asked for Mama to join them.

They were a bit surprised when the rest of her family joined them, rather than just her mother.

“What's up, Sis?” Souta asked, curious as to what was going on.

“Well, we have a surprise for Mama,” Kagome said.

“Kagome! Your ring!” Mama exclaimed. “It's beautiful!”

“Oh! This is my engagement ring,” Kagome said as she presented her hand to her mother, and then her grandfather and little brother to see. “But that isn't all we have. Mama, this is for you.”

Totosai had wrapped the diamond necklace and earrings back up and given the velvet case to Kagome to present to her mother. As Kagome opened it, she said, “These are for you, Mama. The diamonds are from InuYasha, and T- Mr. Furuguchi's nephew made it. He's an apprentice. I just wanted you to have something nice.”

“Ka… Kagome… I … it's too much…” Mama stuttered.

InuYasha took the case from Kagome and held it so his mate could remove the necklace. “No, Mama, it isn't. You've done so much, and have been so supportive of us. We want you to have this. Please, let me put it on you. At least wear it tonight if for no other reason than to show off the work of the jeweler who invited us here. I'm sure it would help give his nephew a leg up as well, since he allowed him to complete it.”

Mama permitted Kagome to fasten the necklace, and then put the earrings on.

They were interrupted as they realized they were being totally ignored by the two old men in the room, who were now loudly carrying on with each other. Kagome and InuYasha were smiling as Totosai and Jii-chan greeted one another, and they heard Jii-chan make a crack about how Totoya never seemed to change over the years, but always looked exactly the same. If he didn't know better, he'd think he was a demon or something.

InuYasha couldn't help but to snort when he heard that. “There's a reason for that, you know.” He felt Kagome kick his shin when he said it. He hadn't meant to, it just sort of slipped out.

“What do you mean?” Jii-chan demanded. “Why does he never seem to change?”

“You mean you've never noticed there was anything odd about him?” Kagome asked.

“Only that he seems to stay the same age, but he did say they could do wonders with plastic surgery,” her grandfather responded.

“Jijii, you know that youkai I told you about that created our wedding bands? The one that forged my sword and my brother's?” InuYasha started.

Jii-chan raised an eyebrow. “So?”

“His name was Totosai, and he was a friend of my father's, and our ally,” InuYasha continued.

“What does that have to do with anything?” the old man asked.

Kagome took off her engagement ring and handed it to her grandfather. “Jii-chan, do you see any similarities between this band and the wedding rings?”

Jii-chan looked at the ring, and then at the master jeweler, and then at the ring again. “No… it can't be… you…you…you…”

“Are a youkai,” Totosai finished for him. “I hated having to hide that from you for all of these years, but it was necessary. Very few humans actually know who and what I am. I hope you can understand.”

The old priest sat down. “Yes, I can understand, considering that you are not supposed to exist. And if I had known about you before, I wouldn't have allowed our friendship to develop, and that would have been my loss. They say that all things happen for a reason, and I must abide by its truth. Before I met InuYasha, I would have thought you were demented and belonged in a mental institution. But because of him, I know that youkai did indeed exist at one time. However, I did not realize there were still any alive today. You must be well hidden if everyone thinks that youkai and hanyou are only in fairytales and legends.”

“As InuYasha told you, my real name is Totosai, though I am so used to Totoya that you are welcome to continue calling me that. Youkai and hanyou are indeed well hidden in the modern world. They have to be if they don't want to end up the subjects of experiments, or relegated to zoos, or even military service if the government ever found out about them and how powerful some of them are. Only higher youkai exist in today's world. All of the lower forms were killed off centuries ago when guns became prevalent. The rest learned to blend in with humans and to hide themselves. It was either that, or be exterminated by those riddled with fear of what we are.

“You know, this is something of a relief. I've really hated hiding from you for all of these years. Of all of the humans I've had as acquaintances, you are one of the very few I have been honored to call my friend. I hope that you can forgive me,” Totosai concluded.

Jii-chan took the old youkai's hand between both of his own, and shook it. “There is nothing to forgive. I appreciate your reasoning, but I'm glad I do finally know the truth. I guess that time you told me in jest that you were a lot older than I thought you were, you weren't kidding.”

The others laughed as it looked like the two old men would indeed remain friends.

“So, is everyone ready to go to the reception now? I tried to keep the numbers invited down, but I noticed some of the guests brought extras along with them. Oh well, it never fails when there is any hint of free food and drink.”

Everyone nodded, and with Kagome holding InuYasha's hand, Mama holding Souta's, and Jii-chan in step with Totosai, they left the room and headed down the hall.

They entered another larger room down the corridor to see a number of guests already milling around the room. There was an open bar set up on one side and a buffet of mostly hors d'oeuvres in the corner, though there was a carving chef for those who wanted prime rib as well. The opposite side of the room had a sushi chef set up and making orders to request.

Jii-chan spotted someone he knew, and wandered over to say hello. InuYasha and Souta were both eyeing the food, so Mama and Kagome headed towards the corner with the carving chef. Hungry, but not wanting to embarrass his mate in front of a bunch of strangers, InuYasha took Kagome's lead and picked up a plate and then one or two each of several different things that looked okay. He wanted to hold them up to his nose and sniff them, but decided to wait until they went to sit down to do anything so blatant. He was just praying silently to himself that nothing had curry in it. Even in his mortal form, he didn't think he would care for the spice very much. However, he did get a healthy serving of the beef. Even his human nose didn't have any problem picking up its delicious aroma.

Souta and InuYasha had wolfed down the small plates of food they each had brought to the table and looked expectantly at the ladies to give them permission to go for more. Mama and Kagome just laughed and nodded, and after telling them to start with a new plate, sent them back to the buffet.

They had to admit the two looked adorable together in their matching suits. They looked like two brothers more than anything else.

“Hi,” one of the girls that had been further down the buffet said as she approached InuYasha. “I didn't know such young children were invited.” She was looking over InuYasha as she commented about Souta.

“Keh. The entire family was invited. His grandfather is an old friend of T- Mr. Furuguchi,” InuYasha responded, deciding he didn't really care much for this girl. After the incident with Eri, he wasn't taking any chances.

“We thought this was for clients,” she responded. She'd come over because she thought the exotic looking young man might be some hot rich new guy in town. Nobody ordinary would be sporting that much hair.

“Oh, InuYasha and my sister are clients. He just designed their engagement ring,” Souta informed her. “And he made a diamond necklace for my mother.”

“Really?” her interest was suddenly piqued again, but then she processed what Souta actually said. “You mean you have a fiancée that's letting a stud like you wander around all alone?”

InuYasha looked puzzled, and Souta snorted.

Kagome noticed the girl that was watching her mate before approaching him. Not wanting to place her handsome dark-haired hanyou in any uncomfortable situations, she excused herself from the table and went to the buffet. The miko choked as she heard the girl's statement, wondering what had brought that on. Picking up a new plate she said, “Did you two find anything you consider edible yet?” She smiled at the girl and managed to casually flash her ring in her direction. “And to answer your question, I trust him. Besides, he has my little brother to keep an eye on him.” Kagome gave InuYasha an encouraging smile to let him know that he'd done nothing wrong.

The girl's attention was totally diverted from InuYasha when a tall handsome gentleman with a beautiful woman at his side entered the room. “Oh, my gods. That's Mr. Nishiou from Osaka. We'd heard a rumor he might be here, but no one believed it. Mr. Furuguchi must really have the clientele that they say he does. Nishiou Susumu is considered one of the wealthiest men in the world. That must be his wife with him. I had heard she was beautiful, but have never seen so much as a picture of her. It's rumored that he also has an illegitimate half-brother somewhere, but no one has been able to prove it.”

The girl left them to try and get closer in order to get a better look at the couple that had just entered the room. Kagome stared at the gentleman, thinking there was something about him that was oddly familiar. He had long dark hair, tied back in a neat pony tail that trailed down his back. He was in a dark suit with a wine colored shirt and solid tie of the same color. He first headed straight to Totosai and shook his hand, and Kagome would have sworn that he had glanced in their direction, even as he greeted the old youkai.

Kagome still had the nagging feeling that she knew him as they walked back to their table to rejoin her mother. As she sat, she carefully reached out with her aura to see if anything felt familiar. She sat down with a thud as she deciphered what she felt. “No, it couldn't be.”

“What is it, Kagome?” InuYasha asked quietly. He felt so lost without his senses, and having to rely on his mate for the night.

“That gentleman that just came in... I swear he felt like… no… it just couldn't be, could it?” Kagome muttered, almost to herself.

“Fuck, Kagome, just tell me,” InuYasha said under his breath. Her apprehension was making him even more nervous.

The miko heard him, and was jolted from her thoughts. She almost snapped at InuYasha, and then remembered that her mate was extremely uncomfortable under these circumstances. She leaned into him and whispered, “He feels like your brother.”

“What?” InuYasha asked, louder than he intended. Lowering his voice he asked, “Here? Are you sure?”

Kagome paused before she answered, “That's just it; I'm not, really. It feels like him, but his youki has been masked somehow. But if it is, that would explain why I don't readily feel other youkai in this era. They must have found a way to hide themselves, probably mostly from each other. I can't imagine that there are that many humans who would be able to recognize them for what they are.”

“Well, the way everyone is swarming over him, it may be awhile before we can speak to him and find out. Can you reach out to him, and see if you get an answer?” InuYasha said softly. “I don't think I can since it's tied to my youki. You might be able to, though.”

“I'm almost afraid to try,” Kagome started. “If I get nervous, or do something wrong, I might end up glowing like a pink neon light. That wouldn't be a good idea under these circumstances. This whole thing was Totosai's idea, and he knew that both of us would be here. I'm betting he knew that Sesshomaru would be here too - if that's really him. Hopefully the others will lose interest in him, and we can approach him later. Let's just wait and see what happens.”

“Keh,” InuYasha agreed as he stared at the couple. It was funny how much the man with dark hair looked very much like InuYasha in his human form.

“I wonder who the woman is,” Kagome said out loud. “There's something familiar about her, too.”

“Can you tell if she's a youkai as well?” InuYasha asked.

Kagome shook her head. “No, I could barely pick up his aura, but didn't catch anything from her. You don't think your brother would be with a human, do you.”

That made InuYasha almost spit out the sip of his drink he'd just taken. “My asshole brother, with a human? No way. There's only one human I can even think of that could put up with him, anyway, and she was just a little girl last time we saw them. She should have been dead a long time ago.”

About that time they were interrupted as Jii-chan rejoined them, bringing along some guests he'd found that he knew. InuYasha and Kagome's attention was diverted from the couple they had been discussing while her grandfather proceeded to make the introductions to his other acquaintances.

During the time Jii-chan had introduced everyone in the family to the friends he had brought over, Mr. and Mrs. Nishiou had made their way through the room, acknowledging everyone who wished to meet them. Mrs. Nishiou smiled as she greeted each guest she was introduced to, while her husband was polite but seemed somewhat distant. Other times Rin would have done something to make her husband seem a little more social, but she knew that tonight his mind was distracted by more important things and that he barely tolerated those who appeared to do little more than brown nose him, anyway. She heard a sigh from him as the end of guests seemed to come into view.

Sesshomaru wanted to get through his duties as a proper guest as quickly as possible. At least having Rin by his side made everything seem more bearable. He was glad she had decided to accompany him, for she did an outstanding job as a buffer between him and humanity. He had to admit, he had more important things on his mind this evening.

When the Taiyoukai first entered the room, he would have sworn he felt the miko trying to reach him, but then the brush by her aura was gone as quickly as it came. He glanced at the table she was seated at, and noticed she was talking quietly with her mate and that both of them had glanced in his direction. He also found it interesting that while she had the perfect excuse to approach him, she and InuYasha were content to sit back and wait for the others present to meet him first. Sesshomaru was grateful for one thing: at least the centuries had taught him patience and how to deal with humans. While many only came to him in hopes of a handout of some sort, others were indeed honorable and did what they thought was right and excelled at their chosen profession. And sometimes, he met someone at these kinds of functions that turned out to be useful later on. Networking could indeed be wonderful thing.

At last, Sesshomaru had met everyone who had lined up to greet him and his wife. Excusing himself, he and Rin then exited the room and went down the hall. He hated to admit it, but he was somewhat nervous as he entered the suite of rooms that Totosai had used earlier to meet with the miko and his brother. Rin just smiled and shook her head before she sat down on the sofa as her husband paced around the room. She had not seen him like this since the birth of their last child.

Kagome looked around and was startled that Mr. Nishiou and his wife seemed to have disappeared from the room. “Where did they go?” she said.

“Keh?” InuYasha responded.

“The…the couple that was here… the one that I thought the man might be your brother…. They're gone,” Kagome whispered.

Just as Kagome finished her statement, Totosai's nephew approached them. “I have someone who wishes to meet you,” he said. “Both of you, if you will come with me.”

Kagome glanced around and saw that everyone else was occupied. Even Souta had found someone about his age to talk to. Nodding her head, she stood and InuYasha joined her. Tightly holding her mate's hand, the couple followed the younger youkai out of the room and down the hall.

To be continued…