Rainy days prove inspiring. After one has done one's research.

[bloodsong1]

Sarah watched quietly out the window as the Maybach cruised through the Shibuya district. Marc and Inuyasha were comparing the merits of various racing games while Becca giggled along to a kid's show on the TV, the oversized headphones jacked into the sound system looking adorable on her. Rei's comment about Shippo "keeping" her kept running through Sarah's head.

"Hey, we're here!" Shippo broke her silence. She tipped her head to see the high rise before the parking garage swallowed the view. Just what kind of apartment did Sesshomaru intend to house them in? Studio usually meant one room divided into zones, with a bathroom tucked in a corner. Then again, this was the House of the West. She got out, catching Becca's hand before the girl could bolt. Marc fell in beside her, Inuyasha went first and Shippo brought up the rear.

The center is the safest during a convoy. She wondered if this was how political leaders felt, with guards surrounding them constantly. At the service elevator, Inuyasha introduced them to the posted guards, who made a big show of sniffing the Americans to memorize them.

"No sniffing!" Becca giggled, pushing one guard's face away. He grinned and mock-growled, sending Becca behind her mother with a squeal. All the canines winced.

"Easy on the high Cs, Cuteness," Sarah said as the group entered the elevator.

"HiC? Where?" Becca asked, looking around. Marc snickered.

"Indoor voice, Becca. Indoor voice."

"Oh. Okay!"

"Hi-C?" Shippo asked.

"A type of sugared fruit drink. It's a special treat once in a while," Sarah explained.

"Ah." The elevator dinged. They walked out into a thickly carpeted hallway. The apartment doors were black, with small brass plaques. Recessed lighting and a few potted plants gave the hallway more of a hotel feel then an apartment complex. Inuyasha led them to the one at the end of the hallway. He didn't knock.

"Kags! I'm home!" He singsonged as he barged in.

"Inuyasha!" A black whirlwind shot out of the kitchen and resolved itself into an adult Kagome, eagerly kissing her husband. Marc groaned.

"Oh, get a room!" He said, then froze when Sarah latched onto the back of his neck.

"Manners," She said firmly. He gulped and nodded. She squeezed a little and let him go. Kagome came up for air and darted around Inuyasha.

"Reiki! It's so good to finally meet you!" She gasped, bowing. Sarah bowed back, nudging her kiddos to join her.

"It's lovely to meet you, Kagome-san."

"Sesshomaru is in the living room waiting for you. Go right on in, we can handle the kids. Hi, Marc! Wow, you're taller then I thought! And Becca, you are just the cutest thing ever!"

"Hi, Kagome-san," Marc said, ducking his head. Becca latched onto Kagome's hand.

"Hi lady! What's your name?"

"I'm Kagome. Would you like to help me with dinner?"

"I love to help with dinner!" Becca bounced up and down.

"Oh good! I need a helper. Do you know how to stir things?"

"Oh yes, and I know how to boil."

"Really? You must tell me your secret." Kagome and Becca disappeared into the kitchen. Inuyasha caught Marc gently around the neck and hauled him into the bedroom for gaming. Sarah was left with Shippo, who nudged her in the right direction and left to help the cooks. Taking a deep breath, Sarah walked into the living room. A long, low table with seven chairs sat closest to the kitchen. Across the room, Sesshomaru looked up from his laptop, sitting on a futon. A chair waited next to another long, low table. Sarah bowed.

"Thank you again for your hospitality," She said, feeling horrible. She had forgotten a gift!

"Please, come sit, Reiki-san. We have much to discuss," Sesshomaru replied. Sarah nodded and took the chair. Sesshomaru closed the laptop and set it on the table. It was still odd, seeing the Lord of the West in modern clothes, especially rolled up shirtsleeves and no tie. She was acutely conscious of her own jeans and T-shirt.

"This...does not look like a studio apartment," She said with a faint laugh. Sesshomaru's eyebrow cocked slightly.

"This is Shippo's apartment. You will be sleeping next door. Kagome has been very busy getting things ready for you."

"I must remember to thank her for the meeting clothes," Sarah murmured. Sesshomaru retrieved a briefcase from under the table.

"My sister in law is very...exuberant with her projects," He said, opening the case. Sarah's lips quirked.

"A force of nature?"

"Indeed." Sesshomaru removed a folder and handed it to her. "This is for your stay in Kyoto. I have arranged a townhouse for you in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto. There are several shrines and temples within walking distance to help you on your quest and provide for your children's entertainment. It's in a quiet neighborhood and we own every building within a kilometer. Ginta and Hakkaku are currently living to your left and across the alleyway, respectively."

Sarah nodded, looking through the pictures of the house. Her first impression was one of charm.

"The house will be fully equipped. If you wish to add or change anything, Shippo will assist you."

"Shippo?"

"Over here, Becca!" Shippo sang out. Sarah glanced over. The kitsune was showing her daughter how to set the table. Becca carefully placed the chopsticks at each setting while Shippo arranged bowls.

"He will be staying with you," Sesshomaru said. She looked back at the taiyoukai.

"Won't that interfere with his job?"

"He will have plenty of work in Kyoto. Now, regarding finances," Sarah sighed and turned another page in the folder. A clear plastic pencil case stared back at her, stuffed with yen notes and a shiny debit card with her name on it. She blinked repeatedly.

"I have set up an account for you to draw on as needed. The cash will supplement any vendors that are not credit card equipped. I understand your tastes are fairly simple and economical, however, given the current situation, having additional income is in your best interest." Sarah's fingers tightened on the folder.

"My lord," She whispered. "I cannot repay such generosity. You have put me in a very awkward position."

"Reiki-san." The voice was soft, commanding. Sarah lifted her head and was trapped in a warm amber gaze. "It is by your actions that Kagura is in the arms of Fujin-sama and no longer on this plane wreaking havoc on my house. She was a formidable enemy and you removed her with a prayer. What I have done so far is not sufficient reparation. You will be cared for while you are here, as will your children."

"I was content with keeping the Outers alive and unharmed," She choked out, blinking hard to stop the tears.

"I was not."

"Dinnertime!" Kagome sang.


Ah, dinner time. You just know there will be ramen. (^_^)