Pet Shop Fairytale by ThatDarnCatt

Just a Normal Day...

Hello! I know I haven’t written in a while, but my mind just goes off on tangents and I am slave to my imagination. This is totally based off a pet store dream I had a few nights ago that was super vivid and if I had the money I’d totally have this sort of pet shop. I thought the idea was cute. I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing in regards to Inuyasha and I only own the plot. Everything else is property to the respective owner.

~~~

Pet Shop Fairytale

Chapter One: Just a Normal Day…

                “Kagome-nee-san! One of the sugar gliders is really fat!” At the sound of her young assistant’s voice, Kagome turned, pushing a lock of ebony hair behind her ear as her sapphire eyes took in the young boy.

                “Souta-kun, you know not to bother the gliders this early in the day!” Souta grimaced slightly at the light admonishment from his elder sister and boss, looking at the floor as his left foot toed the ground. Kagome, her patience endless as she looked at her younger brother, sighed lightly as she ruffled his brown hair gently to convey her forgiveness of his oversight. Souta grinned up at her, his deep chocolate eyes sparkling, as he reached for her hand to drag her through the expansive two story pet shop that sat on a large tract of land outside of Tokyo.

                “I know I’m not supposed to bother them, but aren’t you excited? Her getting fat means we’ll have joeys soon!” Kagome laughed as she allowed him to drag her through her establishment, her eyes running over her progress with her once very small shop.

                After her parent’s death at the hands of the Thunder Brothers, she had received not only both of their life insurances, but a hefty sum of money from the court case that followed soon after. At the time, she ran one of the few smaller pet shops that were conveniently located on one of the major streets. With the money that was left over from her parent’s funerals, she bought an old warehouse that sat out on a large, overgrown plot of land. With much blood, sweat and tears she was able to turn a foreboding and creepy building into a welcoming and warm bi-level pet shop that housed more animals in more comfort than any other pet shop in the city.

                The building itself was a three story building, but she had the third floor converted into a well maintained suite for her and her two younger brothers to live in. Kagome had left the shrine up to her grandfather and immediately moved the three of them in as soon as it was done. The two levels housed several different animals that ranged from fish to exotics and business was booming.

                Souta came to a halt in front of a white door with a cheery sign stating that if anyone wanted to see the small marsupials inside, they were to talk to someone from management. Kagome flipped the switch that turned on the red light inside the room, allowing her and her brother to see without disturbing the creatures that rested in tall iron cages outfitted in fleece and toys. As they walked in, she was greeted by small barks and chirps from the various cages as she moved to her main breeding cage. Carefully opening up the door, she reached in to pull the fleece pouch out and carefully opened it to see the small large eyed gliders inside, cooing softly at how their long fluffy tails wrapped around to cover their heads.

                “Souta, they are bound to detach any day now. I can see little feet and tails!” Kagome made sure to keep her exclamation soft as the mother was already starting to snuffle at her pouch trying to hide her small joeys from Kagome’s inquisitive eyes. Gliders themselves were only about ounces in comparison to what she was used to dealing with, so even with the two inside the pouch Kagome felt like she was holding air. The young woman smiled before reaching in and scratching the young mother behind the ear before doing the same to the young father. She then turned to hook the pouch back up to the side of the cage before carefully locking the cage door.

                “Kagome-nee-san! Isn’t this great? I love the babies!” Kagome merely nodded before shooing him out the door, shutting it behind her and flicking off the switch. At her pointed glare, her brother scurried off to clean the fish tanks in the fish room. Kagome sighed as she watched him go, her hand coming up to pinch the bridge of her nose. The warmth inside the building did little to convey the cold that surrounded the building and smothered her carefully tended flowerbeds as leaves covered the walking paths on the property.

                Winter was upon them and while there hadn’t been snowfall yet, it was the season for children to drag relenting parents to her shop to not only play with the many animals she had there, but to beg for one of their own. It was a very busy season and they had to be sure that everything was clean and well maintained and the animals healthy and well handled. Her youngest brother, Shippou, was currently in the reptile room taking time with the large iguanas and snakes that lurked in carefully designed tanks. She had made sure to only work with the most experienced breeders of the reptiles, knowing that they were not a group to take lightly and had amassed several different types of snakes and three 6 foot tanks that held an iguana each which made Shippou’s job no small undertaking.

                With another sigh she counted down the weeks till Christmas in her head and groaned as she realized there was a little over a month and that meant the previous weeks clamor was only going to increase. Kagome loved her job, she really did, but these busy months made it very difficult for her to spend one on one time with her customers and the animals under her care. It was good for business, but it was also very frustrating and terrible for her sleep schedule. No matter how late she closed her doors, she still tried to spend time with as many animals as she had the energy to.

                Taking a look at the clock, she realized it was almost time to open and began to bustle through the building checking cage and tank covers while double checking that every animal was accounted for. The kittens in the cat playroom were up and wrecking havoc on the older cats that were still very much spread out in the plentiful cat beds and cat towers that littered the room. The dogs were barking and playing having been fed and taken out on their walks to make sure they stayed in shape while allowing them to use the bathroom. The fish were as they always were, but she made sure to check the pH levels in the massive saltwater tank that took up most of the room and found everything satisfactory. Loud calls and light twitters greeted her in the bird room as she made sure the mess they made was kept to a minimum and all her specialty exotics were in their large cages and carefully checked.

                Looking out the front window, she called to her brothers while putting a plain white apron on over her tight black pants and red sweater, a slew of cars were already parked in her expansive parking lot and she knew they had to be ready. Kagome checked the two front pockets of her simple apron that said ‘Kagome’s Pets and Plus’ on it to make sure she had enough, one pocket held treats for animals and candy for children in the other. She laughed to herself as she watched her brother’s skid around a corner, each one clamoring to put their own aprons on.

                “Guys, with Christmas approaching we are sure to have many guests. Try to stay out of trouble. Sango will be here soon to start her shift but we will be overwhelmed I’m sure regardless.” Both boys nodded enthusiastically as Souta took his place behind the register and Shippou stood excitedly as he always did awaiting customers. Kagome shook her head in amusement before checking her appearance in the large mirror that was next to the door. Noting that her bangs were sure to get in the way, she grabbed a few spare bobby pins that she kept in her apron for occasions like this and quickly poofed and pinned the pesky bangs back. With one last look in the mirror, which she ignored the barbs from her brothers while she did so, she checked the clock and flipped the sign on the door from closed to open and pulled the chain that turned on the open sign above the door.

                Within ten minutes, the pet store was bustling with activity as the first rush was upon them. Kagome smiled through it, throwing Sango a grateful smile when she came in an hour later, and happily helped her guests. Soon, she forgot about her earlier frustration and smiled and laughed with her customers as they exclaimed in wonder and happiness at the animals she showed them. Today was a good day.

---PSF---

                Sesshoumaru Taisho sighed again as his daughter excitedly talked through the phone about her desire to go to the pet store she heard one of her friends was going to. Rin, being only ten years old, had been constantly begging him to give her a pet to keep her company when he worked late at the office. Not only did she manage to make him consider it, she had sent him on a pretty hefty guilt trip for leaving her alone with her caretaker Kaede so often. He leaned back in his leather chair as his left hand impatiently drummed on his oaken desk, his cell phone held up to his ear with the other.

With well measured grunts, he managed his way through the conversation before finally agreeing to take her to the damnable pet shop after he got off work that night. He pulled the phone away from his ear at the perfect time as his daughter began to shrilly scream in excitement before babbling about how much she loved him and how she couldn’t wait to go. Sesshoumaru once again grunted before telling her he loved her as well and ending the call. Placing his cell on his desk, he tiredly rubbed his golden brown eyes as he thought of having any animal in his home; just the mere idea gave him a slight migraine.

However, thinking of his young daughters happiness at getting a pet, made him smile and he decided it was worth it. With that thought in mind, he tied his silver hair back into a low ponytail and steeled his face once more impassively as he got to work, hoping that if he finished quickly enough he could go home early.

Rin was waiting for him.

---PSF---

                Kagome smiled and waved as a young boy carefully clutched the clear plastic bag that held water and his now very precious goldfish inside, reminding the mother that was with him to allow the bag to soak in the tank for an hour or so before releasing the goldfish into the tank. The mother bowed, her appreciation apparent as she carefully steered her son away, laughing as he proclaimed he was naming him Shark. Kagome grinned at the name before turning towards the front of the store at the sound of the gentle chime, she was the only one near the front of the store as everyone was helping customers across the store, her eyes falling on a tall man with long moon spun silver hair that was pulled back into a low pony tail. Her jaw dropped slightly as she took in the high cheekbones and defined jaw line, a soft gasp escaping her as golden honey eyes fell on her. The man was absolutely gorgeous.

                Sapphire eyes widened before the happy squeal of a child reminded her of her manners as she dashed forward with a happy smile on her face.

                “Welcome! How may I be of assistance? My name is Kagome, what are you guys in for today?” She mostly directed her question at the child who instantly started to quickly chatter about the animals she heard were there all while the man continued to stare at her.

                “Hello Kagome-sama! My name is Rin and I heard this is the best pet shop ever!” Kagome laughed at the girl, glancing up at her still silent companion, before crouching down so she was eye level with the girl.

                “Rin-chan, please just call me Kagome. I like to be thought of as a friend rather than someone who is older.” Rin grinned as she let go of the man’s hand and reached for Kagome’s, causing the woman to raised startled eyes to the tall being who merely nodded his assent. With a soft sigh of relief, Kagome slowly walked with Rin through the store, telling her all about the animals they saw. All the while, the man followed behind. However, with Rin’s constant talking she quickly forgot him and continued to move through the store, completely innocent to the thoughts of the man behind her.

~~~

                To say he was shocked at the woman he saw when he entered the building was an understatement, no that he’d ever show it. The woman was tall with ebony hair that framed her face in soft waves, her bangs slightly poofed. Large sapphire eyes gazed at him, the color unusual for one of Japanese descent, and soft pink lips teased him. The red sweater and apron did nothing to hide the hourglass figure and when she walked in front of him with his daughter he couldn’t help but admire her behind in the sinfully tight pants that flared out at the calf to slightly cover her simple black flats.

                Sesshoumaru quickly took notice that she wore no ring on her left hand and watched how she interacted with his daughter. The woman, Kagome he remembered suddenly, was an absolute natural with children and Rin seemed to adore her already.

                Suddenly a red haired young man came barreling around the corner with a frantic look on his face, sliding to a stop before the pair as Kagome stepped in front of Rin in case the young man didn’t stop in time. The small move alone impressed Sesshoumaru greatly; very few people protected what was not theirs.

                “Kagome-nee-san! Momo isn’t in her cage!” Kagome gasped as she turned to Rin and calmly explained that one of the exotics had gotten out and it was imperative that she was found. Rin nodded understandingly before offering to help, including him in the offer before looking up at him with puppy dog eyes while Kagome looked at him uncertainly.

                “We will assist.” Rin squealed in delight before Kagome sighed softly in relief.

                “Rin-chan, Momo is a very small marmoset monkey wearing a diaper. She likes really high places but she should come to me if she sees me. Will you and…” The girl trailed off as she looked at him expectantly, and he was confused for a moment before he realized he had never introduced himself

                “Sesshoumaru. I am her father.” Rin beamed at him as Kagome smiled and nodded before telling them to look downstairs while she and her brother looked upstairs. Sesshoumaru simply nodded before beginning his search, Rin tagging along closely behind him. This would be no small undertaking.

---PSF---

                After what seemed like hours when it had only been about half, Kagome yelled triumphantly as she descended the stairs with a small monkey latched onto her shirt. Rin squealed in delight as her eyes fell on the small creature who in turn eyed her warily. Kagome knelt slowly in front of the girl and presented her find to Sesshoumaru’s small daughter.

                “Be gentle, Momo isn’t usually afraid of people, but you have to be respectful and gentle.” Kagome sat Momo on her arm, using a small stuffed animal to have her latch onto as Rin gently pet Momo’s head and back, hardly controlling the happy squeak that came out. After a moment, Kagome deemed it time to put Momo back in her cage and went swiftly to the back area of the first level to the exotics room, Sesshoumaru and Rin following close behind.

~~~

                Kagome sighed, embarrassment flooding her system as she placed Momo back in her cage before locking it up once more, double checking it for good measure. These people were not her regulars and it was obviously their first time in her store and an animal got out. She must look incredibly irresponsible to them right now.  She groaned as she realized she probably just lost a sale and she lost some credibility as well. Steeling herself, she turned from the cage to see Rin absolutely drooling over the lone Kinkajou in the room. The large bear like animal was slowly reaching through his cage and grabbing onto her fingers before letting go and scurrying to the other side of the cage where the two continued their playtime. Rin giggling the entire time while her father watched protectively over her.

                “I see you have met Honey the Kinkajou! He is one of our sweetest pets but he hasn’t been adopted yet because, and I will admit this, his start up is not cheap in any sense of the term.” Sesshoumaru cast a sideways look at her, his eyes flowing over her curves slowly and making her blush before she continued, “It isn’t a pet I would recommend for someone so young. They need a specialized diet and they aren’t easy pets to have, no matter how sweet.” Sesshoumaru nodded before beginning to steer his daughter away from the cage, her big brown eyes starting to fill with tears. Seeing the impending meltdown, Kagome sprung into action,

                “Rin-chan, how about you come back and visit and play with him? He seems to like you! Just make sure you ask first ok?” Rin smiled, all traces of the meltdown gone from her eyes as she nodding enthusiastically. Kagome smiled, reaching into her apron to pull out a large graham cracker and handing it to Rin. “Let him reach for it but don’t hold it too far out! He hasn’t had a treat all day and I’m sure he would appreciate it.”

                Rin nodded and did as she asked; squealing in delight as the creature hastily began chewing away at its treat before retreating to play with one of the many toys that hung in its expansive cage. Rin, knowing it was time to move on, turned to her father who in turn looked to Kagome. Kagome stuttered before grinning and suggesting they take a look at small animal room that housed the hamsters, gerbils, and rats. The young woman lead the way as Rin excitedly followed after her with Sesshoumaru bringing up the rear.

---PSF---

                After about an hour of leading a squealing girl through the small animal room, Kagome walking back with the pair to the front of the store where they would check out, Sesshoumaru pushing a cart that he had to acquire for all their purchases. Rin walked slowly and carefully in front of them, her eyes trained on the box that held a very sweet dumbo-eared female rat that had licked Rin’s chin when the small girl had picked her up. There was an instant love for the small animal as Rin demanded that they take the girl, quickly christened Daisy, home.

                So to the front they went with a large cage, several fleece hammocks that Kagome had ordered in and the basic food, toys, wheel, and bedding. The duo walked quietly for a moment before Kagome cleared her throat, nervously looking up at the attractive man who looked down at her without slowing his gait at her soft noise.

                “I am very sorry you had to help me find Momo today. It was extraordinarily unprofessional and I hope you are not put off by it.” Kagome worried her bottom lip, “Is there any way I can make it up to you?”

                Sesshoumaru had been completely captivated by the young woman that walked beside him. From how she dealt with his daughter, to her mannerisms and how she held herself, and her expansive store that she let slip that she ran by herself. Kagome was thoughtful, intelligent, and obviously savvy with business that she was personally apologizing for what had happened when he and his daughter first came into the store.

                “It is of no consequence, you did not come off as unprofessional as you took care of the problem promptly before returning to assist us.” He gave her a look to stop her from interrupting before continuing, “However, if you are that concerned with making amends, dinner would suffice.” Sesshoumaru grinned as the girl froze before sputtering.

                “Se-Sesshoumaru-sama! That is inappropriate!” She finally manages to get out before turning to look at him; her cheeks dusted a light pink.

                “I do not take no for an answer.” Kagome, shocked by his brashness could only numbly put her number into his phone before walking away in a daze and leaving Souta to man the register. Sesshoumaru grinned before pocketing his phone, he hadn’t been this intrigued by a female in a very long time. As they checked out and headed out to the car, Sesshoumaru listened slightly to what his daughter was talking about but his mind was on the ebony-haired woman they he had just met.

                He would call her tomorrow.

---PSF---

                Kagome locked up the store in a daze, taking off her apron on instinct before leaning against the front counter and staring into space. After Sesshoumaru and Rin had left, she was basically useless. At every turn she was reminded that she had given her number out to a total stranger. Of course he was impossibly attractive, but a stranger nonetheless. As she continued her staring contest with nothing, Sango came up to her, calling back and teasing to the boys as they straightened shelves and began the nightly feeding ritual of the numerous animals. The dark haired, well built woman stopped in front of her friend and waved a hand in front of her face.

                “Hello? Earth to Kagome!” Kagome jumped in response, nearly knocking over the small container of dog treats in her surprise. Sango giggled a bit at her friend’s expense before leaning in to her and looking her in the eye, “Well Kagome? Out with it!”

                “Some… some guy asked for my number and I gave it to him!” Kagome worriedly explained, her eyes wide in anxiety as Sango looked at her shocked, “Sango he was absolutely gorgeous but what was I thinking?! He all but demanded I give him my number and I don’t even know while I did it!” Sango, once she got over her shock, began to giggle uncontrollably at her friend’s predicament.

                “Kagome, he could be a wonderful person, you don’t know yet! You’re in the prime of your life at 25 and you’ve done nothing but work on this place and take care of your younger brothers. Don’t you think it’s time to maybe, try something new?” Kagome stared at her friend for a moment, her pretty features twisted in worry, but nodded after a few moments of silence.

                “You may be right Sango; he DID have an adorable daughter…” Sango nodded enthusiastically before making her friend dish out all the details. They talked well into the night, the boys heading up to the third floor to pass out after doing their duties and leaving the girls to lean on the counter as they talked, the ebony haired girl slowly becoming more okay with the idea of giving the guy a try.

                ‘Who knows?’ Kagome thought, finally bidding Sango farewell before heading upstairs herself, ‘Maybe this will be good for me. She’s right; I haven’t really had a social life outside of this store in a couple years…’

                Unbeknownst to her, a man was thinking similar thoughts as he stared at the newest number in his phone as he lay back on his pillows, wondering if a text or a phone call would be better. Both were in similar states of nervousness for completely different reasons.

---PSF---

                Kagome had been sweeping out the small animal room the next morning when her phone began to vibrate in its place atop one of the many hamster cages that lined the walls. She froze as she realized it was coming from a local number that wasn’t in her phone. Swallowing her nervousness, she slowly picked up the device and accepting the call, holding the phone up to her ear as she cleared her throat,

                “Hello?”

                “Good morning Kagome, this is Sesshoumaru Taisho. We met yesterday?” Kagome exhaled sharply at the baritone voice that greeted her through the speaker. She didn’t think his voice was this… sexy… yesterday. But then again, they hadn’t talked all that much.

                “Yes, I remember you. How are you Sesshoumaru-sama?” Sesshoumaru grinned lightly on his end of the call, hearing the nervousness that prevailed in her voice, his hand tightening on the armrest of his office chair as he picture sapphire eyes and ebony locks of hair.

                “I believe we agreed dinner would be a good choice. How does Friday at 8 sound?” Kagome stuttered lightly, her hand shaking slightly as she gathered her will before answering,

                “That would be wonderful. Is there anything I should wear?” Sesshoumaru could have laughed in relief at her acceptance but he knew now was not the time,

                “I intend to wine and dine you. Dress your best. I will see you on Friday, goodbye Kagome.” Kagome’s eyes widened as she muttered a goodbye before slowly putting the phone back on the cage, her mind reeling with what she was supposed to wear before smacking her forehead; this is what she had Sango for! In moments she had her friend on the line and the shock wore off to excitement and giddiness as the girls planned what Kagome was going to wear on her first date in years.

---PSF---

                Friday came far too quickly for Kagome, the store was bustling and many people that came in, left with the animal they came for. As she locked up the shop, she shouted over her shoulder as she ran up the stairs for her brothers to clean up while she got ready. It was already a quarter after seven and she had been working with animals all day and could use a quick shower. Her demands were meant with loud groans and shouts that she owed them for this as she disappeared upstairs and into the bathroom.

                Ten minutes later the girl was running out of the bathroom in nothing but a bra and panties with her hair up in a towel as she quickly put on brown eye shadow to bring out her eyes and lined her eyes in eyeliner before applying some mascara. Kagome wasn’t one to use a lot of makeup and she wasn’t about to start now. After she felt her makeup was satisfactory, she quickly blow dried her hair before curling it and pinning it to the sides of her head, leaving her face clear while allowing her hair to fall to the middle of her back in soft curls.

                Looking at the clock she almost shrieked as she realized it was almost ten to eight and she hadn’t gotten dressed yet. Luckily she had foreseen this and had hung up her dress the night before. Kagome shimmied into the little black dress that fell to her mid thigh and had a simple halter top. The back of the dress was corset and she yelled for one of her brothers to tighten it and tie it off before stepping into her black pumps.

                She took one last look in the mirror as she put some simple gold hoops into her ears and ran down the three flights of stairs to the entrance of the shop, relieved as she saw a car pull up just as she got to the last step. Kagome stood tall, caught her breath before reaching into the large closet off to the side that not only held the employees coats but all of hers as well. Donning her short black trench coat that was only slightly shorter than her dress, she cinched the belt around her waist tight and pull the chain to her small black handbag over her shoulder.

                Waving to the man who awaited her, she opened the door to greet him and was once again stunned by how he looked. Sesshoumaru had worn his long hair down and it seemed to only bring out the color of his eyes even more. The tailored jacket he wore made him look impressive and professional all at the same time and she couldn’t stop herself from giving him the once over from head to toe as she let him inside.

                Sesshoumaru was in a similar situation as he dragged his eyes unashamed along his dates form. Legs that went on for days, the coat and dress hugging her behind and the way her coat opened up to give him an ample amount of cleavage to look at was something he wasn’t mad about. However it was the brightness of her sapphire eyes that seemed to stare into his soul. The woman was stunning and he wasn’t sure she knew it.

                As they both snapped out of their dazes, Sesshoumaru offered his arm to her like a true gentlemen as Kagome called out over her shoulder that the place better be locked up before she walked out the door with her date. The made small talk as they walked, Sesshoumaru leading her to the passenger side of a silver Lexus before opening the door for her and closing it behind her once she was in. He then got in the driver’s seat before carefully backing out and heading back towards the city.

                “So… where are we going Sesshoumaru-sama?” Kagome inquired lightly, her eyes watching his every move as he drove. He seemed so comfortable in the seat of his car as he seemed to glide the car through the busy streets,

                “A new Italian bistro opened up recently and I thought we’d go there.” Sesshoumaru answered easily, watching the woman from the corner of his eye. The lights reflected off her eyes, making them seem even bluer and it was causing him problems. Kagome looked at him and smiled brightly, causing him to inwardly groan at how even her smile seemed to get him. He had never had this problem with women, and yet this one girl seemed to make him act completely out of character.

                “Oh Sesshoumaru-sama, that sound absolutely lovely! I haven’t had Italian in years unless you count my failed attempts at trying to make it myself at home.” She giggled at the memory, her whole being relaxing as she smiled at him, “Souta STILL won’t even bother to let me try to make it. I managed to burn noodles on that try!”

                Sesshoumaru couldn’t help but laugh as they fell into such an easy conversation. They bantered back and forth the entire ride to the restaurant. Jokes were said and arms were smacked when Sesshoumaru said something inappropriate all while the atmosphere was light and fun. Kagome didn’t know you could converse with someone in this way, learning about each other in such a friendly yet revealing way.

                Once they arrived at the bistro, Sesshoumaru helped Kagome out of the car before tossing his keys to the valet with a stern look to make sure he was gentle with it. The valet bowed respectfully as the duo passed him and entered the restaurant. Kagome looked around in wonder as she took in the soft lighting and the romantic atmosphere while Sesshoumaru talked to the hostess about his reservations. Within minutes they had their coats hung up on the tall coat rack by their secluded high backed booth and were able to continue their conversation.

                Nothing had felt as easy or as right to either individual.

~~~

Alright so this was supposed to be a one-shot but I think it’s going to be a two part one shot. So expect one more chapter!!

Till next time!

-Cat