Secrets of Silver by QuietMari

Perfect Mask

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the character's that belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I do not make a profit from writing this story, I write for mine, and my reader's entertainment. Also I do not own any song(s) used in this chapter. The artists of said song(s) have complete ownership and I do not make a profile by using them. Thank You.

P.S. – There will be LOTS of OOC-ness, smut, ridiculous humor and more, so this is your warning! Also, there is a Terms Bank at the bottom of the chapter, please check it if you do not understand the terms, this will be there every chapter.

A Review a Day, Keeps My Sanity at Bay (it’s a good thing)

-Love Mari <3

Chapter One:

Everything Appears Normal but Maybe That's Why My Mask Is So Perfect

As the young woman walked through the automated doors, her arms held tightly to the overstuffed grocery bags, she looked to the Western sun. Wind whipped past her face, blowing her raven blue-black mane back over her shoulders, she looked back to her boyfriend of two years as he called to her.

"Come on Kagome; you and I have to get back to work." His rough voice chided her as he wound his arm about her shoulders as they walked. His bushy white ponytail tickled her cheek as Kagome leaned against him. She should’ve scolded him for not even offering to carry the cumbersome bags but she was happy just to get this time with him. After knowing him for five years prior to their getting together, she knew well enough when she was ahead.

"What time will you be off of work tonight, Inuyasha? Kikyo is going out and I was going to cook for you." Kagome looked up at him and knew her answer before he spoke a word.

"I have to work late. Sorry, there's a new shipment coming into the Chow Hound and I have to be there to make sure everything is accounted for since Koga is taking the night off." Chow Hound was Inuyasha's restaurant that he built about three years ago, and he spent every moment he could taking care of it. It wasn't unusual for him to work late, but she worried anyway. Although it was very common for youkai and humans to intermingle, get into relationships, and even marry each other, their age difference was still a hard thing to swallow. When it came to the conversion of human years to youkai, there was about a 1 to 3 ratio. Inuyasha was four years older than her in human years and over sixty in youkai years compared to her mere status of twenty-two. He always made a point to tell her that age was nothing but a number, especially in the times they were living in but she feared that he would one day find her of no more use.

"It's ok. I have to work tonight anyway. It's Tuesday, so Sesshoumaru should be bringing Rin by the daycare. They're short-handed and I could use the extra cash so I'll be happy to take the overtime," Kagome supplied to cover up her hurt feelings. As the couple stopped at the cross walk, their lingering silence was only broken by the honking of cars and the hustling of fallen autumn leaves at their feet. Kagome felt the urge to shiver in her thick plaid cashmere sweater as a particularly fast passing car brought a very cold breeze with it.

"I know I've told you this already, but please don't be so trusting of Sesshoumaru. Sure, he's a good father, I’ll give him credit for that, but he's an awful brother and an even worse person. If you saw how he acts when he’s at work or at our parents’, you’d understand better. Watch your back around him," Inuyasha warned her, yet again.  As the 'Walk' sign lit up and the group of citizens that had gathered behind them slowly started across the avenue, Kagome could hear the string of curses Inuyasha was mumbled about his brother. The supple leather of Inuyasha's red jacket began to creek as they walked in silence again. Inuyasha had been saying that to her ever since she and the Daiyoukai, or Youkai Lord, had began a rather decent friendship through the daily dealings of each other.

A short while later, Tama Art University started to peek over the horizon. They had made it back to her apartment building just behind the university half an hour later and Kagome walked the two flights of stairs to her apartment. Already they could hear the soft hum of Kikyo practicing her violin. The women had met while registering for classes two semesters ago and found it funny that the staff seemed to think them sisters. Although neither woman really attended the university as full time students, simply taking classes as a hobby, their mutual goal and art based hobbies led to a fast friendship and rooming together. As Kagome unlocked the heavy door, the musical notes halted and a string of rattling could be heard just beyond.

"Kikyo, I'm home. Are you decent?" Kagome called to the older woman as she made her way to the kitchen and set the bag down. Inuyasha followed close behind, his hanyou fluffy ears twitching ever so slightly. A few moments later, a woman bearing a close resemblance to Kagome rounded the hallway corner. Her charcoal black hair, normally pinned back, now hung loose and flowed down to her backside. Pale skin was reddened as her chocolate eyes looked over at the male in the room. The inu's amber eyes met hers, cheeks flashed with heat, and then they quickly looked away.

All this was missed by Kagome as she proceeded to unpack the groceries.

Kikyo brushed past Inuyasha, who tried not to flinch away, to help with the food.

"Kagome, I'm going to be late and I don't want to hear the ookami's bitching again. I'll call you tomorrow." The slam of the door echoed throughout the quiet apartment as Inuyasha fled. A few moments later, both women heard the roar of his bike peeling from the lot. Grabbing her old yellow book bag, Kagome began to pack her lunch and other things she would need for work.

"Inuyasha and I have to get back to work. Kikyo, do you mind unpacking the rest of these?" Kagome looked up at her roommate. The older woman nodded and Kagome left.

She made it back to Lil’ Steps Daycare, with enough time to eat a quick lunch before her regular 2 o'clock appointment made their entrance. She really enjoyed working and playing with the kids, both human and youkai, but sometimes she forgot how much stronger some were. Kagome had just broken up a fight between two of the older boys and was currently cleaning up the blood from the soft carpet when the door chimed the warning of a new arrival.

"Kagome!" A high pitched squeal called to her as she got up from her knees and turned to see a small brunette girl jumped into her arms. Kagome's back would have met the stain that still needed attention had a pair of strong arms not caught her. She looked up in time to see the Daiyoukai from her earlier thoughts and conversation righting her feet. His normally cold and distant attitude and mannerisms softened as his boa-like fluffy appendage wrapped itself about her waist. Dusting her back, he released his hold on her.

"Good afternoon, Sesshoumaru-sama," Kagome bowed as she greeted him respectfully and gave Rin, who still clung to her neck, a tight squeeze.

"Kagome, although I am a Lord, I have asked you many times to please call me just Sesshoumaru, even while in public," Sesshoumaru's rich baritone voice scolded her with a hint of a smile as he pried his daughter from Kagome’s arms. His milky silver tresses toppled past his shoulders, creating a curtain of silk to hide the heat on his face as he admired her shapely curves. He stole a glance at her form while hidden. Even in jeans and a purple oversized sweater, Kagome was able to look sexy to him. His eyes loved the fullness of her round hips and tad chub of her belly. But it was the peak of a tank top and bra strap from under her sweater that had his throat dry up. Forcing himself to calm down, he cleared his throat and straightened up with Rin balanced on his hip.

"Unfortunately, I have a few things to check on this afternoon as well as a meeting with the Prime Minister for our weekly review. I won't be able to pick up Rin until later tonight." He gave Kagome an apologetic look as he gently caressed Rin's hair, letting it tangle in his deadly talons. Kagome never asked but always wondered what complications Rin's mother faced while pregnant with her. The child in question, besides a few abnormalities such her golden eyes and peeked elfin ears, appeared completely human despite the fact both parents were youkai. She had the healing qualities attributed to her youkai blood but none of the strength or powers.

She was a human child with youkai blood.

She had heard rumors about Rin's mother and how Rin was supposedly abandoned when Rin was no more than a few weeks old in her mother's womb but Kagome knew better than to ask the inu Lord. It wasn't her business nor was it respectful to ask the Daiyoukai about his personal life. They were friends and if she wished to keep up this relationship, she would have to bite her tongue, no matter how curious. If he wanted to share, then her ears would be open.

"Well, if you'd like, I could take Rin back to home with me. I still have some of her clothes and it would be just the two of us because my roommate Kikyo is going out. Inuyasha would have been with us for at least part of the night but he has to work late again." Her disappointed sigh made Sesshoumaru wince, knowing exactly what the cause of it was.

"That will be most gracious of you. I'll send a car for her in the morning with some of her school clothes so that she won't be late." He began to flip out his phone, rapidly dialing numbers. Kagome's hand shot out to grab his wrist. Though the action alone would have done little to nothing to stop the youkai from what he wished to do, Sesshoumaru halted his movements and his almost glowing golden eyes looked into her sapphire orbs. Had she been anyone else, he would have peeled the flesh from her fingers as slowly as possible but all Sesshoumaru wanted to do was grab the curvaceous onna into his arms and tell her what she needed to know.

His heart pounded, breath became labored, and perspiration dotting his forehead under his feathery bangs. He cared for her, everyone knew it, but only in the privacy of his own mind did he admit that caring was not the only thing he felt for the small ningen.

"The car will not be necessary. Rin's school is only a couple of blocks from the university and I can walk her there. I have some of her school clothes as well. I'd be happy to spend some more time with my little Rin." Kagome tugged Rin from his hold and gave her an affectionate squeeze before placing her on top of the receptionist round desk.

"I would like to thank you personally for this. I've always been busy and you've always been here for Rin when I needed it. Would it be too much from me if I thanked you in a way I see fit?" Sesshoumaru had three ways of thanking her, each with its own benefits and hindrances. He could kiss her, right here and now, and fulfill his desires. But after those few blissful moments she'd probably run away and never look him in the face again.

He could even be tempted to pull her close and tell her all she truly need to know but never got from his hanyou brother. She would know the truth and let her sorrows on him. He might end up the rebound guy, but at least she would know that he was there for her.

Sesshoumaru could be a gentleman and simply give her some flowers or something women like. He'd play the hopeless romantic and ask for her affections. But he was a Daiyoukai, as if he would lay down his head and simply hope she looked his way. Ha! He got what he wanted – one way or another, mostly without force…mostly.

"Sesshoumaru," Kagome's laughter broke through his musings. "Really, I do this because I enjoy it, not because I want a reward. Now shoo! You have to get back to work and Rin and I have trouble to get into!" Kagome's mischievous grin spread to his daughter's lips as a giant uma-hanyou came from the side hallway.

"Kagome, the boys are trying to get back at it. I figured you'd like to uh…" he paused, looking towards the Daiyoukai but swiftly down cast his eyes.

"Don't worry Jinenji. I'll be there in a few moments. Can you get someone to come and finish cleaning this blood off the floor? I don't want it staining this new carpet; let's keep it clean for a while." Jinenji nodded walking slowly back through the hallway as his knuckles dragged against the soft tan carpet.

"Sorry about that. There was a fight between the two older boys before you came in and Jinenji and I had to split them up. Unfortunately, not before the youkai cub got a swipe at the other cub. I'm truly sor –"

"No need, I will take my leave. Have a good day," he cut her off. Taking Rin back into his arms one more time, he kissed her forehead, whispered a goodbye and I love you, and set her in Kagome’s open arms. He then left without another word.

"Come on Rin let's go have some fun before we leave tonight. Which would you rather have – pizza and hot chocolate or ramen and ice tea?" The little girl batted her long eyelashes, giving it serious thought as they walked slowly down the hall towards the rest of the kids. Jinenji's voice resounded off the halls as he began to tell a story.

"I want ramen and ice tea! Will we get it from uncle Inuyasha's restaurant?"

"Yes, of course! Where else would we get the best ramen around?" Kagome teased as she rubbed her nose against Rin's. Rin seemed to pause then once again batted her eyes, turned her huge lemon-like colored eyes on Kagome, and gave her the 'puppy look'.

"Can I get the big bowl of ramen this time?" she asked in her cute voice, jutting her bottom lip out into an adorable pout.

"Well when you look at me like that, can I say no? Sure, you can have anything you want." Grinning, Rin cheered out and shimmied down Kagome's legs to join one of the child's best friends, Shippo. Ayame, a close friend and another coworker, suddenly came from in from the side door. The ookami female started to roar and the kids scrabbled.

"I'm the big bad wolf! Where are my goodies?" Ayame cried out. The kids yelled and laughed as they ran.

~!~

Outside, Sesshoumaru sat and watched Kagome and his pup through the wall of windows as they disappeared through the hallway. He had to admit, he favored Kagome, even when he went through his human-hating phase and detested her for even being associated with his half-brother. It was her scent that caught his attention first. The lemony lavender aroma was so unusual and clean. He didn’t understand why her scent seemed to stick in his mouth so much. But what started out as approving of her scent escaladed to actually noticing the being herself.

She was different, simple as that.

She had the caring nature of a mother with the fierce biting temper to rival his explosive mother. Where Kagome seemed to be a goodie-two-shoe, her attitude to stand up for others proved otherwise. When she would let others trample on her to avoid conflict, there were other times she would stomp on them just to make a point. She truly puzzled him.

He slowly started to like her the more time he spent in her company.  Then she started to date that pup he called a brother. Sesshoumaru took a moment to recollect his bubbling anger. He was so angry and confused when she was introduced to the family has Inuyasha’s woman that he had to step out to calm himself. It was then he realized he was starting to love her.

Like some stalker, he was falling for her from afar. Why in the hell did he want this stupid ningen bitch! He couldn’t gather enough pieces of his mind to put the puzzle together and when he finally did, they had been dating for a year.

That’s when this mess of a sham started to spiral out of control.

He took another calming breath as he contemplated his next move. Two watch stations had to have their monthly check this afternoon and the meeting with the Prime Minister was in about two hours.

Other things needed to be said and done though.    

Starting his sleek black SUV and peeling out of the small parking lot, he dialed his lawyer and personal friend. He would almost go as far as to call him his ‘best’ friend had he not been such a pervert. "Miroku, meet me at the Chow Hound in ten minutes. Let the ookami know we are on our way. I'll be there in less than five minutes." He didn't give him a chance to answer.

Shutting the phone call off, he pulled his shades on and began down the block to his brother's establishment. Their father had given Inuyasha the money and means for building and running his restaurant in hopes he was finally mature and, hopefully, go on to mate Kagome. But when his behavior had suddenly changed, their father threw all hopes for the hanyou aside and focused on keeping him out of trouble and the media. But now, enough was enough.

Screeching to a perfect parked halt, he got out. Sesshoumaru stopped for a moment, taking the time to pull his burdensome locks into a tie at the base of his neck. The only reason he still had the mass of white was because as a pure-bred inu youkai, their elegant white-silver hair was the same as a crest or heirloom. It was a simple of his heritage, and all those who came before him. If he had it his way though, the damned locks would be chopped and shaved. But he could not, so he made best with the leather band to keep it out the way. And even though the hair tail made him look more like his father than he preferred, it was better than tripping on the long mane. Sesshoumaru took one last moment to straighten his suit and tie.

Stepping into the bright red and orange shop packed with youkai, humans, and hanyous, Sesshoumaru spotted the ookami behind the grill top bar. His back was to him, and his river of black hair was shoved into a messy tail that mirrored his own. His chef coat was covered with sweat and cooking ingredients. As Koga talked animatedly on the phone, unaware that he had arrived, Sesshoumaru's excellent hearing picked up his conversation through the noise of the busy restaurant.

"What do you mean he's on his way? Inuyasha's…busy and you know how Sesshoumaru is!" He took a pause to let Miroku finish his sentence before resuming his rant. "Look, I'm sick of covering for Inuyasha's ass too, but now is not the time! We're packed to the brim and I got work to do. He's the freakin' Lord of the West! If we have any sort of scene happen here it will be on the news in less than an hour! We won't be able to hide anything then! You have to stall him!" Sesshoumaru continued to listen as he stepped to the counter, passing a few patrons who knew his face and stood to bow respectfully. He graced them with a nod but did not stop. Once at the bar, he let his presence be known.

"And who, pray tell, are you talking about Koga?" The ookami stiffened and hung up the phone abruptly. Turning to the Daiyoukai, he straightened his back and busied his hands by cleaning the already cleaned grill.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, what an honor. I was unaware that you like ramen. May I offer you our special of the d – "

"Cut the crap Koga. Where is my idiot brother?" He sighed impatiently as the ningen that were settled beside him at the bar quickly gathered their belongings and left. An audible gulp sounded from Koga's throat as he glanced around their surroundings to see most of the people had gone quiet to listen in.

"Sesshoumaru, you know as well as I where he is and who he is with. Kagome would be very upset should we disturb her time with Inuyasha," Koga hissed, grinning as if he hadn't lied to the most powerful youkai in the Western Region, and perhaps all of Japan.

"That's funny that you say Kagome is with Inuyasha because I just dropped Rin off at the day care." Nothing else needed to be said. Sesshoumaru never left Rin at the day care unless Kagome was there and Rin's only baby sitter was Kagome. He didn't trust anyone alone around his daughter, and only heir, unless Kagome was with her. If he had a benefit to attend and Rin couldn't go, Kagome was the one and only person he would allow taking care of her for the night. Even then, he would pick her up afterwards, no matter how late it was. Though he let his parents watch her a few times, he still preferred Kagome.

"Ok, ok, he's in the back, his office. The door is locked, so please knock. It took me a week to replace the last door he broke and Inuyasha chewed me out the whole time, even though it was his fault. Damn mutt, if I didn't need the money I would have been beat his ass." The brash male grabbed a rather large knife as he continued his rant. Sesshoumaru paid him no attention. Koga had once had a crush on Kagome before he mated with his newly pregnant wife, Ayame. He and Ayame held Kagome as a very important person in their lives, so of course this whole situation really took a toll on his relationship with her, considering Ayame knew not a lick of what was going on.

But none of them ever imagined it would take this long for someone to finally put their foot down.

"So, are we going to do this?" A breathy voice panted out to him. Looking back, Sesshoumaru saw his lawyer and friend Miroku's face grow serious as he righted his suit. As husband to Kagome's sister Sango, he too was very much tangled in this situation. He held his sister-in-law dear and had grown tired of lying to both of the women quite some time ago, but couldn’t find the valor to finally own up to all the fabrications.

"Koga, if you will lead the way," Miroku asked as he walked past Sesshoumaru and towards the back of the small business and vanished through a door double way, Koga a few steps behind him. Sesshoumaru got up and followed the two males. As soon as he was passed the double doors, the chilled humid air of the kitchen hit him but he continued through another door and into a darkened hall. The spicy scent of arousal filled his nostrils from the one of the only doors left and his temper began to boil his blood.

"Inuyasha, someone is coming." A feminine voice warned from behind the furthest door. He followed its origins to his brother's office door. 'Owner and Manager – Inuyasha Tashio' read the gold plaque on the stained door. Koga had said that the door was locked but as his claws raked down the length of the door knob, acid-like poison left a trail of molten metal, wood and lime green streaks. The door came open.

"You know I did have the key," Koga commented as he rubbed the back of his neck. The young ookami prince could already hear the nagging Inuyasha was going to give him about the door.

"Hello little brother," Sesshoumaru said as he dusted the invisible lint from his lapels then looked to his brother. What a disgrace. Inuyasha sat in his wheel chair, the ningen onna named Kikyo in his lap, and some movie playing on pink laptop sitting on his desk. It was a week ago to the day that he had come in to see his brother about what their father had sent him and seen Kagome in the exact position as the woman now. Sesshoumaru felt the urge to transform into his demon form. But it would rip his expensive black Armani suit and it was worth more than the woman and sibling.

'It would be worth it, but to whom other than this Sesshoumaru,' he thought as he regarded his brother in the cold manner he did with everyone else he… disliked. He usually killed people he disliked…

"What do you want?" Inuyasha growled as the two other men began to file in. Kikyo clung to Inuyasha, not scared of them, scared that Inuyasha would lose his temper and transform. She knew why they were here.

They were all best friends with her young roommate, Kagome, and had been helping Inuyasha and her sneak around behind her back for the past year. Honestly, you'd think the sweet naïve girl would catch on after all this time but maybe she really had that much trust in Inuyasha. Hell, Kikyo was mated to the hanyou and she didn't even trust him that much.

"Apparently, you men have business to discuss and I have class to get to. Excuse me." Standing, the dark haired woman packed up her laptop, picked up her instrument case and left. She made a point of making a small bow to Sesshoumaru but pushing her way past Koga and Miroku. She was bold, not stupid.

"So, you won't believe who I just saw," Sesshoumaru began, as he took off his jacket and his mokomoko squirmed as its master began to build up his youki aura. The furry boa-like appendage slid from its master's jacket and stuck to him like Velcro.

"Kagome. You remember her, right? About five foot, long bluish black hair, blue eyes, beautiful smile and an even better heart?" He slowly began to make his way around the desk as he unbuttoned his sleeved and folded them up delicately. "She told me that she and Rin were going to be spending the night in her apartment. Funny thing though, she let it slip that, even though she adored spending the night with Rin, she'd much rather hang with you. She said you were busy with work. But I get here and what are you doing?” Dragging his deadly nails across the hard wood desk, his poison slowly eating away at the finish and filling the room with toxic fumes, he came to stand in front of Inuyasha and tilted his head in mock confusion. "You playing grab ass with your whore.”

Sesshoumaru grabbed Inuyasha by his hair and pulled until the hanyou’s eyes met his, “Now, what should I do when my friend is being lied to and I have finally washed my hands in helping my whelp of a brother deceive her?"

Inuyasha didn't even get a chance to even try to answer. Sesshoumaru brought his arm up, bunching the muscles as he swung down to bring his knuckles to connect with Inuyasha's jaw. The cracking sound echoed through the office as the other men watched, slightly amused and rubbing their own jaws, thankful that Sesshoumaru's light anger wasn't directed at them. Could you imagine if he were to really lose control?

Falling from the chair and to the floor, the hanyou only had enough time to stand back up before his brother punched him once more in the pit of his stomach, then again in his throat. Blood was spurting from his lips, but Sesshoumaru took the liquid color as flag to continue, and continue he did.

After a few more good strikes, Inuyasha looked up to Sesshoumaru, "Do you know how it feels to look into Kagome's eyes as she talks so fondly of a bastard like you?” Inuyasha growled but only received another blow to his cheek. “Do you know how much it hurts to see her eyes darken as we lie to her about where you are or what you are doing? No, you don't but then again you probably do. Tell me Inuyasha, you never did explain how exactly you reacted when Kagome 'introduced' you to Kikyo as her roommate when you had already known and slept with the woman for a year already. How did you happen to squeeze your way through that?"

"What do you want, Sesshoumaru?" Inuyasha responded a few moments later instead of answering. He sat against the wall, wiping blood from his nose and lip, though they had already begun to heal. Koga decided it was then that he would step in. Grabbing the hanyou by his sensitive ears, Koga made Inuyasha sit down in his chair again and face towards Miroku.

"What Sesshoumaru-sama is trying to say is that if you had any honor left, you'd fess up to Kagome because we aren't helping your ass anymore. It's been a whole fucking years. Probably a bit longer than that but the point is, it’ll hurt her no matter what but at least she'll know now instead of when the onna shows up pregnant." Inuyasha paled and looked up to Miroku, betrayal evident in his eyes. Miroku was supposed to be his friend before anything and here he was partnering up with his brother.

Miroku said nothing. He seriously couldn't care less. What he really worried about was how his life at home was about to go to hell. Sango was seven months pregnant and her mood swings were giving him nightmares, literally. He once even woke up her hiraikotsu resting against his throat. All he did was fart in his sleep!

But once this whole pile of shit finally hit the fan, he would be the first to get hit, and the hiraikotsu would the least of his worries. His wife would seriously try to cut his sack when he was sleeping. He should have never listened to Inuyasha, all this wasn't worth it. "Men stick together," Inuyasha had told the lawyer. Running a hand through his dark mane, his wedding ring nicking a couple of hairs, Miroku let out an aggravated breath.

Kagome was going to resent them all, but with her loving nature she'd forgive them sooner or later, even Inuyasha.

That would probably hurt the most, getting forgiven so easily after his part in the whole charade.

Thinking of his little sister-in-law's face as she finally got the news made the man wince.

Sesshoumaru, who had been quiet since his initial questioning, grabbed his jacket as he unfolded his sleeves. He had done what he came here to do and now that their point was across, he had a meeting to attend.

"Inuyasha," the Daiyoukai paused as he reached the now destroyed door. His brother needed to know he was serious. "You have one week to tell her, or I will." He made a move to leave when his brother's voice called back to him.

"Fine, you tell her. Either way she will hate you, all of you. Don't think that I'm the only one going down. All of us are going to be knee high in shit when this gets back to Kagome and the other women. Yeah I cheated on her but you guys are worse. You knew and didn't tell her for a year." Inuyasha tried to turn it on them.

It was a below the belt move but he needed their help to keep this going. He knew he couldn't hold it forever and they did have a point – this had gone on far enough. Despite what most might have thought, the hanyou truly did love and care for Kagome. But after meeting Kikyo at one of his dad's benefits, that had all changed. He saw her there, playing music for the room's inhabitances. He almost called her Kagome but as she looked up, as if feeling his eyes on her, those chocolate orbs caught him in a cage and held him tight. It was like love at first sight. They began their nightly visits shortly after and even though he tried to give her up to go steady with Kagome, like a drug, he couldn’t stay away. He was hers ever since.

"One week," Sesshoumaru ended the conversation and continued out the backdoor and to his car. The Prime Minister was waiting.

"Inuyasha," the lawyer spoke for the first time, going lax against the door frame. "I don't agree with Sesshoumaru-sama's…method of going about this whole situation. My legal sense would tell me to let you tell her and do it quick, fast, and in a hurry; like ripping off a Band-Aid. But, Kagome is not just a client. She is my sister-in-law, great friend, and a respected person to me. I love her as I did…as I do Mika…" Everything grew silent. They all knew the story of Mika and for Miroku to compare Kagome, or anyone for that matter, to her was a big deal. Sango healed the pain, and now it was apparent that Kagome had been the seal.

"Look, Kagome deserves to know! This has got to end! Tell her before someone else has to." Miroku raged out the office. The man tried to keep his emotions in check but the hanyou and the ookami could smell the salt of his tears. Neither one blamed him. After almost eleven years, the memories of that day still haunted them all.

Brows furrowed with thought, the ookami didn't think this whole thing would come down like this. Kagome was bound to put two and two together now. Koga walked out the door silently, not sparing a glance at the other male that now reeked of regret, remorse, and heavy sorrow.

In one week's time, Kagome would know, whether Inuyasha wanted her to or not, but questions still whirled about his troubled mind. Would Miroku really put himself through all this and still tell her? Could Sesshoumaru fulfill his threat when it would hurt himself and his daughter?

Koga sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as he pushed the double doors open and took his place behind the grill again. There were customers to feed and a new door to order.

If you didn’t understand the time-line of events, here it goes:

-5years ago: Inuyasha and Kagome meet

-3years ago: Inuyasha starts the Chow Hound; Kikyo and Inuyasha become involved

-2years ago: Inuyasha and Kikyo break up; Inuyasha and Kagome get together

-1year ago: Kikyo and Kagome move in together; Inuyasha and Kikyo get back together and the men help them hide from Kagome.

-present: Kikyo is still with Inuyasha. Inuyasha and Kagome have been dating for two years.

Term Bank:

Daiyoukai - demon lord

Youkai – demon

Youki – demonic energy

hanyou - half demon

onna - woman

ningen - human

ookami – wolf

uma – horse