Letters Home by WickedSecrets

Chapter One: Postmark-Rüdesheim, Germany

Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha nor any of the characters affiliated with it. All rights belong to the creator Rumiko Takahashi. I make no profit off of this story. I am simply writing this for fun. 

A/N: Be warned I have a terrible habit of taking on more than one project at a time! Though I just started writing Trial and Error this one has been bouncing around in my skull for almost a week now. So please read and enjoy!

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The early autumn air was crisp and cool as Rin ventured out to check the mail She flipped through the various envelopes quickly before coming upon one with a postal mark from Germany. A wide smile graced her features and she ran back into the house, calling out excited,

“Father it's here! It's here!” She pushed open the door to her father's study, waving the envelope in the air. Sesshomaru Taisho raised an eyebrow at his overly excited teenage daughter. She rushed to his desk and dropped the envelope in front of him. “Hurry! Open it!” She was bouncing in place, her brown eyes shining happily. Sesshomaru repressed a sigh and used a perfectly sharp claw to slice the paper open. Pulling out the letter inside, along with several pictures, he looked to Rin again.

“Would you like to read it?” He asked. She snatched the letter away and settled into the chair across from Sesshomaru, devouring the words written on the page.

“Dearest Rin,” She read, eyeing her father with a playful smile, “And Sesshomaru,

Today was my first day here in Germany. I'm staying at a hotel called Krone Assmannshausen hotel in Rüdesheim and it's beautiful. It's right on the Rhine River so it's peaceful, despite the traffic in town. It's so hard to put into words the beauty of the place; it's so different from home. The way the sunlight hits the dew covered hillsides...it's like looking at thousands of diamonds in the early morning. The people are so friendly despite our obvious communication barriers, but Shippo is a fantastic translator. I never knew his linguistic skills would come in handy.

The air smells so clean out here. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before. I just know you'd love it here, Rin. I'm missing you terribly, and I can't wait until I return home.

All my love,

Kagome.”

Rin carefully folded the letter and held it to her heart. Quietly she stood up and left the room to store the letter away in a safe place. Sesshomaru watched her go and leaned back in his chair. It would be several weeks before Kagome would return to them, and it was wearing on the young girl. He folded his hands atop the desk, mind wandering to a time that seemed so long ago. Back to when Kagome had first come to work for him.

 OoOoOoOoO

Kagome stood outside the impressive house, her nerves a knot deep in her stomach. She had been chosen out of 145 other applicants to be the nanny of the young, adopted daughter of Mikadzuki Corp CEO, Sesshomaru Taisho. She knew for a fact that there had been far more qualified applicants besides her, a girl fresh out of university with little to no references, and she couldn't understand why she had been chosen. But it was a well paying job, lodging included, and she wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. With a deep breath she raised her hand to knock on the door which swung open just moments later. Kagome looked down at the green-skinned kappa that stood there, his face frozen in a scowl.

“Um, hi. I'm Kagome Higurashi and I'm supposed to start work today.” The kappa just stared at her for a minute. “I'm the new nanny.” He stepped back and motioned for her to enter the house. She did so, jumping slightly when the door closed with a bang!

“I am Jaken, head of housekeeping. Lord Sesshomaru is waiting for you in his study to give a briefing of what you'll be doing while you're here,” He squawked. His voice set Kagome's teeth on edge but she forced a pleasant smile. He gave her directions to to the study and Kagome quickly made her way that way after Jaken warned her that “Sesshomaru-sama does not like to be left waiting”. She found the door to the study and knocked timidly.

“Enter.” Came the deep baritone from the other side. Kagome opened the door and stepped inside. The man that looked at her was by far the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. Long silver hair hung free down his back, slightly obscuring the indigo crescent moon on his forehead. Magenta stripes adorned his cheeks and upper eyelids; eyelids that were half closed over amber colored eyes. He wore a dark, tailored suit or at least he had been. As of now the jacket was hung over the back of his chair, he was without a tie and his shirt was opened at the throat. “Welcome, Higurashi-san. Please, have a seat.” Kagome bowed respectfully,

“Thank you, Taisho-sama,” She murmured before sitting across from him.”And please, call me Kagome. I've never felt comfortable being addressed so formally.” Sesshomaru leaned back in his chair, his hands folded in front of him.

“Very well. You understand why I've hired you, correct?” He asked. Kagome shook her head.

“Actually, no. I understand that there were more qualified woman than me who had more to offer this household than I do. I'm actually quite confused about why I was hired.”

“You are aware that I am youkai, inu youkai to be exact,” he rumbled. Kagome nodded. This was common knowledge to anyone who had access to a computer or history book. Sesshomaru came from a long line of very powerful and very influential youkai who had once ruled over the Western lands of Japan. “And this means that I am extremely protective,” he continued. “I'm going to be frank with you, Kagome, I have made enemies over the years and I need the best form of protection for my daughter, should any of my enemies come after her.” Kagome's brows drew together in confusion.

“I'm afraid I don't follow, Taisho-sama.”

“You were raised at Higurashi shrine, correct, and trained in the ways of the miko?” Kagome nodded.

“I was, yes.”

“And that's why you were hired. Should any rouge youkai attack my home, or try to attack my daughter, your holy powers are the best defense against them.” Kagome's eyes widened marginally. She blinked several times, shaking her head.

“With all due respect, I didn't apply to be some sort of hired gun or anything like that. I studied liberal arts and anthropology in university as well as took several courses in history. My true major how ever was interspecies relations. I wish to better understand youkai and help us all to co-exist peacefully, not purify them the first chance I get.” Sesshomaru leaned forward slightly, a small smirk playing at his lips.

“I'm afraid you misunderstood me, Kagome. I'm not asking you to do something like that on a regular basis. In fact, I would prefer to avoid it at all costs. However, if there is no other choice and my daughter's life is in danger than I would hope you wouldn't hesitate.” Kagome frowned. She'd been raised as a miko, yes, but killing demons had never been what she agreed with. However, she had to admit that if it came to kill or be killed...well survival of the fittest. She gave a small sigh.

“Of course, Taisho-sama. I wouldn't dream of allowing anything to threaten the life of a child.” Sesshomaru seemed to relax at her words.

“Now that we've got that out of the way let me fill you in on what your responsibilities will be while you are under my employment. You will be in charge of my daughter, as you know. This consists of taking her to school in the morning and picking her up in the afternoon. Her meals will be taken care of by my staff except on the weekend, which I have given the cook off for until further notice. It will b your duty to make sure she is bathed, her homework is completed and she is put to bed at a decent hour. I have a staff, but I will also require you to do some light housekeeping.”

“That doesn't sound too bad,” Kagome smiled softly, “Could you tell me a bit about your daughter?” She saw a small smile ghost across Sesshomaru's lips.

“Rin is very...energetic.” His eyes softened slightly as he spoke. “She will surly give you a run for your money. She has a way of talking those around her into giving her just what she wants. I remember a specific time she managed to talk me into letting her braid flowers into my hair.” Kagome choked down a laugh at the thought. “Sometimes she's too smart for her own good.”

“She sounds wonderful. I'm eager to meet her.” Sesshomaru nodded and stood from his seat.

“Come, I'll show you to your room.” Kagome scrambled to her feet and followed the youkai out of the study. He led her up to the second floor and down to the end of the hall where he opened up a door and motioned for her to enter. The room inside was spacious enough to be considered a small apartment. There was a bed in the far corner with a night stand that held a light and alarm clock. At the end of the bed was a decent sized dresser with a large mirror on top and little shelves around it, perfect for pictures or perfumes. There was also a closet for her to hang anything she didn't want to fold. On the opposite side of the room there was a small sitting area complete with a TV, DVD player and a low coffee table. The rest of the room was open which left plenty of room for Kagome to rearrange if she wanted to.

Eyes wide she asked, “Do you house all your staff as well as I?” Sesshomaru chuckled lightly.

“Most of my staff live off the premises, with the acceptation of Jaken and Sango, my head of security. They both live in small pavilions on the property.” He stepped into the room to look around. “Since you're main objective is taking care of Rin I prefer you closer. This is also your space, so you may use it as you will.”

“Does that mean I can paint it?” She asked, looking at the slightly boring whitewash walls. Sesshomaru gave a delicate shrug.

“If you so desire. Rin may spend time in here with you, if that doesn't bother you.” Kagome shook her head, indicating that she didn't mind. “Very well. I'll leave you to settle in. Dinner will be at six sharp.” He turned to leave but her voice caused him pause.

“May I ask you a question, Taisho-sama?” He inclined his head and waited for her to speak. “I understand that nannies take care of children and such, but you seem to have included me in ever aspect of her life from here on out. Don't you spend time with her?”

“I do,” he responded, “But I work often. The rest of the staff has been good about taking care of her when needed but to be honest, Rin needs someone she can turn to completely if I'm not here. Someone she can feel comfortable with no matter what. A mother figure if you will. It's hard to have that when the staff knows they are just employees working for a paycheck.” Kagome nodded. “You will do well to remember, however, Higurashi-san, that any and all decisions you plan to make in regard to my child are to be brought to me and finalized through me. Though you will be filling in a motherly role for her, she is still my daughter. Do you understand.”

Kagome bowed at the waist. “Of course, Taisho-sama.” With that he left, closing the door softly behind him, and Kagome set to unpacking.

OoOoO

Since it was her first day, Kagome wasn't required to pick Rin up from school. In fact, Sesshomaru had insisted he do it so he could talk to her about the sudden arrival of a new female in her house. As he pulled away from the school he looked to Rin in the backseat. She was going on and on about her day and he would interject with a comment or question at the appropriate time. She seemed excited to get home and meet Kagome.

As soon as they pulled up to the house she nearly jumped out before the car was even in park. Before Sesshomaru even had the chance to get out of the vehicle she was already through the front door. He grabbed her bag from the backseat and followed her scent to the veranda in the back, where Kagome was sitting in the sun and reading a book. She looked up in time to see a whirlwind of energy rushing toward her. Rin stopped short, dropping into a formal bow.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Higurashi-san. My name is Rin.” It took all Kagome had in her not to scoop the girl into a hug. She was just so damn cute!

“Hello Rin-chan!” She smiled brightly at the little girl. “Please, call me Kagome. I have a feeling we're going to be good friends.” Rin smiled back, displaying the current gap she had in her teeth from a recent lost baby tooth. “Would you like to play a game?” Sesshomaru watched the sudden changed in Kagome. She went instantly from a relaxing, university graduate to a playful caregiver in a matter of seconds. Rin beamed and nodded enthusiastically. He headed to his study, confident that Kagome had everything under control for a while and listening to Rin's delighted laughter as the two started a game of tag.

It was later that evening before he saw Kagome again. She knocked tentatively on his door, drawing his attention from the paperwork he was currently concentrating on.

“Come in.” He called. She entered quietly and shut the door behind her. He looked up to see her carrying a tray of food toward him. When he raised an eyebrow in question she shrugged.

“You missed dinner.” She explained. Sesshomaru moved aside his work and accepted the food. “Is it a common occurrence for you to skip meals?” She asked.

“As a youkai I do not require food on a daily basis,” he said lowly, looking at the spread before him. Kagome nodded. “Is Rin in bed?”

“Yes Taisho-sama.” She stood by the desk silently as he ate, admiring the layout of his study. It was more like a small library with all the books he had stored in there. She stepped away to examine some of the titles, pulling one off the shelf and leafing through the pages. Sesshomaru watched her, his eyebrows climbing into his hairline in mid surprise.

“You can read English?” Kagome blushed prettily and nodded.

“My mother taught night English classes when I was younger. She taught me in her spare time, and I took classes in university as well.” She paused and looked down at the book in her hand. “I've always enjoyed English literature. It doesn't seem to translate as well into Japanese.” She gave a sheepish smile. “I really enjoy the classics.” She was currently holding The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. “Do you mind if I sit in here and read it?” Her voice was small, shy almost.

“Wouldn't you prefer to read it in your own room?” Kagome shrugged.

“I could if you would like to be alone,” She murmured softly. “It's just...this house is so large and it's all so new. I'm not one hundred percent comfortable being alone right now.” She gave another shrug. Sesshomaru returned to his dinner.

“Do as you please.” Kagome smiled thankfully and made herself comfortable on the couch near the window, tucking her legs under her and opened the book. She was almost two hundred pages into it when she felt her eyelids begin to droop. Blinking several times she looked at the time. 1:05AM....wonderful she thought, standing.

“I should go back to my room. Get some sleep,” She mumbled sleepily. Sesshomaru looked up at her. He'd completely forgotten she had been there. She'd been so quiet as she read, and the sounds of pages turning had become almost soothing to him. He glanced at the time and nodded his head.

“It would be wise. Rin does have school tomorrow.” Kagome chuckled. She set the book down on a low table by the couch and stretched before walking toward the door. She paused there, her hand hovering over the knob.

“May I come back tomorrow night to read some more? I really enjoyed the company...even if we were both doing our own thing.” Sesshomaru gave a single nod and Kagome smiled. “Thank you, Taisho-sama.”

“Sesshomaru.” He corrected, catching her off guard. This time her sleepy smile met her eyes.

“Thank you...Sesshomaru-sama.” She said with a slight bow before heading off to her room for the night.

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Notes: Kagome is 22 years old when she begins working for Sesshomaru. Rin is 7.

Mikadzuki- Crescent Moon