Child's Play by Minniejello

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I own nothing but ideas.

A frustrated growl ripped through the noise of late-night traffic. Ivory claws clicked an agitated rhythm on the steering wheel. Damn it all. Sesshomaru prided himself on being in control of every aspect of his life, of being the epitome of order. So how is it that I am late, every single night?

The scenery passed him by in a blur as Sesshomaru traveled a route he knew as well as the way to his own home. It was business, as usual, that kept him at the office. Meetings and schedules and decisions and stubborn rivals and too many things to do and not enough time. His car was rushed into the dimly-lit parking lot in front of a small building. Cursing under his breath, the taiyoukai raced with inhuman speed into the darkness of the hallway. There was one room he knew would be brightly lit, and as he neared his destination he could hear three familiar heartbeats.

Sesshomaru peered through the window, eyes closing in consternation at what he saw. Buried in a nest of worn blankets and pillows was a young girl, arms wrapped around an even smaller boy – a kitsune whose scent he could recognize as easily as Rin's. They had long ago given up the fight against peaceful slumber. Evidence of their prolonged stay was still being cleaned up by Kagome Higurashi, one of the many Sunset Daycare employees. She was always the one to stay with his adopted daughter, and for that he was grateful.

Kagome unlocked the door to the hallway, two cups in hand and a scowl firmly in place. "Sesshomaru! Do you have any idea what time it is?" Her fierce whisper carried easily through the silence.

Golden eyes glared at her before answering stiffly. "I am aware." Then he sighed, and allowed shards of his stern mask to fall. What was before a tight line loosened into a weary frown. "I apologize, Higurashi-san. It was another meeting that took longer than it should have. You will of course be paid extra for your extended services."

"I... Sesshomaru, it can't go on like this." Kagome wrung her hands nervously, avoiding eye-contact.

Guilt rose up unwarranted, and he looked again to the sleeping forms of Rin and Shippo. Indeed, it was not fair of him to ask her kit as well as Kagome to stay so late in the night. "I understand perfectly. I apologize for the trouble I have caused you and your son. I will find another to watch over Rin."

Startled chocolate eyes rose to meet his own. "That isn't what I meant! I could never be so cruel as to separate the two and... Why don't we continue this inside?" She hastily turned and left him at the doorway, dumping the cups into the sink across the room.

Sesshomaru walked over to his daughter and apprehensively sat in one of the brightly colored children's chairs nearby, doubtful that it would support his weight. As he waited for Kagome to gather up the last of Rin's projects – how she could tell childish works apart would forever be a mystery to him – the businessman contented himself with watching the steady rise and fall of serene breathing. His gaze softened as a restless turn revealed small, interlocking hands.

A year ago, Sesshomaru learned that Inuyasha's girlfriend worked at a daycare. He was pleasantly surprised to find that the establishment welcomed people of all species, and had a large number of cheerful employees willing to work a few hours later than usual. Shippo and Rin had become the best of friends immediately, and Kagome naturally loved every child that was under her care.

He didn't use to come back so late. It started off small, maybe half an hour after closing. As work picked up, he was needed more and more, keeping him from his daughter. Before he realized it, arriving at Sunset Daycare at 10 was the usual, and he frequently called Kagome's work number to ask if she could watch over Rin that day, regardless of her scheduled hours. Sesshomaru realized how fortunate it was that he had found someone like Kagome to watch over Rin. She was trustworthy in that she wouldn't take advantage of him through his daughter, and dedicated enough that she would always make time for Rin. She embodied everything a mother should be; caring, nurturing, accepting, innocent, and fun.

The taiyoukai was a wealthy man, and made sure to pay Kagome extravagantly for all the extra work. She had refused at first, protesting that it was too much. Sesshomaru was nothing if not stubborn, and eventually the woman learned to accept her payment.

A stack of papers being thrust into his hands brought the businessman out of his reverie. "That girl has got a passion for flowers," Kagome mused.

Leafing through the papers and seeing only flowers, Sesshomaru had to agree. "Hn."

Kagome leaned against a cabinet decorated with various paintings and creations. Her usually sweet scent was laced with a nervous undertone, and the demon gave her his full attention. His intense gaze seemed to only fluster her further. She hesitated before beginning. "I'd been thinking lately, and you can't keep calling me here to watch Rin, and we definitely can't leave these two here all day. It's a nice enough place, but it's not meant to be a home. I'd like to actually spend time in my house, and not have to scramble to find time to do the laundry or do some grocery shopping. I can't let them be eating these unhealthy frozen dinners, either. So I'd been playing around with some ideas... I'm sure there are rules against this or something but.." Kagome glanced at the nest and nodded to herself. She reached over to her desk and scribbled a few lines on a piece of paper before handing it to the confused man sitting before her.

On brightly decorated stationary, Kagome had written an address, two numbers, and hours. Sesshomaru arched an eyebrow.

"That's where I live, and my personal numbers, home and cell. Those are the actual days and hours I'm scheduled to work, since you seem to have forgotten. When it's time for me to go home, I'll be bringing Rin back with me, so you can pick her up there. I'll have a key made for you too, since you seem to need me all hours of the day. It'll just be easier that way, and I know you're an honorable man. I would like a call beforehand, and an idea of how long she'll be staying with us. If it's alright with you, I'd like to be able to take Rin out sometimes, too. Movies, amusement parks, things like that. What do you think?"

Sesshomaru blinked slowly at her, startled that she would go to such lengths to take care of his daughter.

As if sensing his thoughts, Kagome gave him a soft smile. "Babysitters and private tutors and money are all well and good, but if you're gone all the time, she'll be practically raising herself. That girl needs a parent of some sort, and I don't mind being there for her."

The taiyoukai nodded. "It is acceptable." Then he frowned. "I have been negligent in my duties as a parent. That is unforgivable." His tone was grave, and the self-disgust was evident.

"Don't take it so hard... I mean, you're only trying to provide for her future, which is still admirable." The woman did her best to reassure the distressed (as distressed as The Sesshomaru could be, anyways) male. "How about this, you clear your schedule tomorrow and we can take the kids out to the zoo? I know it's sudden, but I'm sure Rin will appreciate the surprise. It's a Saturday, you're supposed to take things easy anyways." Belatedly, Kagome realized that she was awful chatty today. In her defense, it was hard to keep up conversation with the silent taiyoukai.

Sesshomaru considered her offer for a moment. Yes, he had things planned, but Rin truly did mean more to him than his job. When he realized he couldn't remember the last time he spent an entire day with his daughter, he knew that he had to go. "Yes."

Kagome stared at him before beaming delightedly. "Wonderful!"

Sesshomaru picked up the sleeping children as Kagome turned off the lights and locked up. He walked her to her car as they finalized the details of when and where. As she strapped Shippo into his seat, she bid him a fond good night before he left for his own car. The businessman sighed as he realized he had quite a few calls to make. Jaken can deal with the mess, Sesshomaru decided, gently brushing a soft lock out of Rin's face. Driving home, he relaxed for the first time in months. Tomorrow would be an overdue day off, and he planned to spoil Rin every second of it.

Author's Note: Haha, say hello to my first fanfic. It was created on a whim, so don't expect regular updates. I will do my best to finish. Critiques are welcomed. Personally I think it seems rushed, but I don't know how to fix that...