Disclaimer: Nope, don't own it. None of it. Not even any of the songs in this chapter.

Chapter Seventeen: Hero

I

She fell silent, bottle green orbs sullen as she watched the tears well in her other's eyes. Hands reached over the table for hers and she relented without a thought otherwise.

"Oh Mom," Kagome sighed heavily, deep set guilt already settling in its place on her shoulders. "Don't cry."

"I can't help it," Mrs. Higurashi replied with a barely held sob. "To think that monster put his hands on my baby girl, my jellybean-"

"Mom, I'm fine," Kagome assured her. "Sesshoumaru and his mum are taking really good care of me."

"I'm so glad," she replied. "I'm glad that you have that young man to help you. But dear, why don't you come back here?"

"I couldn't," Kagome shook her head. "You have Grandpa to look after and he needs you."

"But you're welcome back anytime. We'll gladly make room for you."

"No, that's ok," Kagome assured her. "I'm going to buy a car and move out soon. I'll get the money from Dad anyway."

Mrs. Higurashi seemed to deflate, her usually jovial features sullen with regret. "If you're sure Jellybean. I just wish-"

"Mom," Kagome said with a sad smile. "Its alright." She moved around the kitchen table and hugged her shoulders. 'These shoulders,' she mused with a thoughtful smile. 'once carried me. They supported me. They helped me to grow up.'

"I love you Kagome."

"I love you too Mama."

They stayed this way for what felt like forever, Kagome basking in the warmth and safety her mother always provided.

"Kagome," Mrs. Higurashi began and patted her daughter's head. "don't forget to thank the Taishou's before you leave. You know what they say about foul weather friends."

"I do Mama and I already have something in mind."

II

He prepared for this for nearly a month, since their after concert "date" at the café. He picked Kagome's brain clean, gleaning from her as much information as possible about Sango's likes and dislikes. He borrowed one of his father's nicer cars, called in reservations at her favorite restaurant, and even arranged for her favorite flowers to decorate the table. All this planning and so much more. . .

But he was still nervous.

Sango watched as Miroku fidgeted, his hands in his lap as he glanced at anything but her. He seemed so nervous, completely different than the humongous flirt that she knew. Honestly she was impressed with him and the effort he took to make her happy. She never knew the restaurant, the only Puerto Rican place in the city, even took reservations. The host greeted them as soon as they walked in and led the way to the veranda outside and a single table decorated draped with a thick burgundy tablecloth trimmed in gold with gardenias clustered in a wide, low crystal bowl. They were kept warm by a nearby fire pit, her eyes riveted as the flames leaped and danced in the October night.

"Miroku?" Sango called and waited for his eyes to catch hers.

"Yes Sango dear? Are you having a good time?"

"I am," Sango nodded and smoothed out the fabric of her dress. "But how's your family? You're an only child, right?"

He nodded, going from his hands to his sleeves as he nervously picked at a loose thread. "How's Kohaku? Has his condition improved?" He immediately regretted the question as tears sprang to her eyes, her lower lip quivering. Her brother and his heart were sensitive subjects for her, the hole in the young boy's heart always a cause for his older sister to worry. Miroku knew Kohaku had been scheduled for surgery earlier in the week, but had heard nothing of the results. Now, with Sango's reaction, he felt he knew why.

"Sango, I'm so-"

"He's. . .he's getting better," she finally replied and a smile-sweet, sunny and contrasting greatly with the tears that streamed down her cheeks. "He's still in recovery but the dark circles around his eyes are gone. The doctors said that, at the rate he's improving, he might be able to come home in another couple of weeks."

"Wow Sango, that's great! Oops!" He reached across the table to hug her and overshot himself, his arm colliding with the bowl of flowers in the center of the table. The bowl tipped over, and bowl, flowers and perfumed water flipped into Sango's lap. She was soaked, and even though the water smelled nice, she knew that it would only be a matter of moments before her dress was entirely see thru.

"Great," she sniffed as she grabbed the nearest napkin and attempted to blot herself dry. Miroku attempted to help as did the host once he realized what happened.

"Would the lady like to return home and change?" the host asked, dark orbs concerned with the near panic shimmering in Miroku's eyes. "We will gladly hold your table and have your order ready for you once you return.

"Would you?" Sango asked as Miroku breathed a silent sigh of relief. "Thank you so much." She accepted Miroku's coat, grabbed her purse and waited for Miroku to thank the host before quickly following him back to his car. The ride back to her house was silent with the radio filling the spaces where conversation ruled only an hour before. Indigo orbs watched her nervously, unable to read her expression as they passed the last stop sign and pulled into her driveway.

"Look," he began as Sango opened her door. "I can understand if you want to just stay at home. I mean, I'll go pick up our stuff and bring you're dinner back her. I can-"

"Would you hush?" she interrupted with a stern finger against his lips. She blushed slightly at the contact, but serious brown eyes glared at him. "Now wait here. I'll try to be quick."

He nodded dumbly as she stepped out of the car, closed her door and leaned through the open window. His jacket was clasped tightly around her but she let it go as she braced the car, leaned further inside and planted a shy kiss on the tip of his nose. "Stop worrying," she replied with a grin. "I'm having fun. . .except for the water part. But at least I smell nice."

He watched as she spun around and hurried up the walkway to her house, his jacket swirling around her in the autumn breeze. He rubbed his nose almost reverently and realized, as he frantically tried to rub her kiss back on, how far he had fallen for her.

III

Kagome hopped into the car and turned the key, her eyes closed in captivated bliss at the gentle purr that began underneath her. The car shone like a beautiful piece of onyx jewelry, the paintjob lovingly polished by her own hand.

She turned out of the school parking lot and flipped on the radio, her thoughts drifting from the car beneath her to thoughts of her friends. Sango and Miroku, after a disastrous start to their date, actually had fun once Sango dried off and Miroku loosened up. Dinner was great, their conversation continued and afterwards they walked around downtown until time to take Sango back home. Watching them today at lunch was funny but sweet as they continued to flirt, though Miroku was still walloped for his wandering hands.

It was Inuyasha and her little sister that surprised her, the shy gaze Rin sent in his direction a shock. Imagine her surprise when he returned it with a sly wink. 'When did I miss them getting together?' Kagome wondered as the radio blasted around her. The more she thought about it the more she realized that the signs were all there. The way they teased each other, him walking her to class, and the fact that Inuyasha was now taking Rin back home after practice even though Sango had a car stood out like yellow flags now that she was focusing on them and Kagolme groaned.

'I've been so wrapped up in my own crap,' Kagome sighed unhappily. 'I wonder if they're in love yet. That would be so sweet.' She felt a little guilty for not paying attention to them, but was still happy for them. Maybe Rin could keep Inuyasha in line. . .

"Doubtful. . "

Still something was bothering her and, as she pulled into the driveway toward the garage, Kagome couldn't help but sigh again. 'I'm happy for them,' she said as she turned off the ignition. 'Though it is a little soon for Inuyasha and Rin to be considered a couple, they're headed that way. Sango and Miroku are together, and Kouga and Ayame argue like they're already married. I just. . .feel left out. I wonder if Sesshoumaru ever feels like this.'

Kagome knew she wasn't ready for another relationship, not after Marcus and all of his lies. She was thrilled for those around her, reveling in their happiness as if it were her own but . . .

'Where's my soul mate,' she wondered as she stepped through the front door. 'When's he going to come along? I haven't missed him have I?'

She sat down her books and stopped, surprised as four pairs of eyes gazed up at her from the couch from the opposite side of the room. She turned to Miroku as he came into the room with a tray of steaming cups in his hands. "Hello Kagome," he greeted as he leaned toward the children sitting on the couch. "Here you go guys."

"What's going on?" she asked as he sat down the now empty tray. "And who are they?"

"These are the children that live with Ms. Jiriah, the lady that lives a couple of yards down the road." Miroku smiled at their grinning faces. "They're waiting for Sesshoumaru."

"Really? Why?"

Miroku glanced toward a nearby window, smiled and nodded toward the children. "He's here." They quickly scrambled up, their excited whispers floating behind them. Miroku pulled her toward a nearby wall, one where they could watch the foyer without anyone knowing. The kids hurried to adjust themselves, small manila envelopes appearing in their hands as they lined up. "What are they doing?" Kagome wondered aloud. Miroku quickly shushed her. "You'll see."

The front door opened and the children stilled, nervous anticipation shimmering between them like golden stars as Sesshoumaru walked through the door. He paused, his face impassive as studied the room. Finding no one but the children, Kagome watched as Sesshoumaru hung his hat and coat from a nearby coat rack.

"Good afternoon children."

"Good afternoon Mr. Taishou," they chorused. He walked around them, the ends of his black suit jacket swaying against his legs. "I assume you have something for me."

"Yes Mr. Taishou."

Kagome watched as the first child stepped up and handed Sesshoumaru his envelope. "Hn," Sesshoumaru muttered as he studied the small card inside. "I see you've brought up your math grade Shippou." The redhead blushed at the comment. He accepted the card and stepped back in line. She watched as one by one they presented their cards, accepted whatever Sesshoumaru said about them, then returned to the line.

"They get their report cards every six weeks," Miroku whispered. "And every six weeks, they come here so Sesshoumaru can see them. A's are worth $4, B's are worth $3 and grade improvements are worth $2." He grinned at Kagome's surprise. "I told you he's not entirely heartless. "

(end Chapter)

I forgot to add the link to the car from this and the last chapter. My bad.

lamborghini Diablo

Next Chapter

Another concert. . .

Sesshoumaru's exposed to the geek. . .

Marcus meets an old flame. . .

And an innocent chase through the woods. . .