A Boy in Uniform by punkish furball

Prologue: Sailor Fuku

Disclaimer for this story: InuYasha is property of Rumiko Takahashi. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author, punkish furball. The author, punkish furball, is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. The author, punkish furball, makes no profit from this fanfiction. No copyright infringement is intended.

punkish furball – Howdy! =(^.^)=

Words to Ponder:

Hello, all! XD

I, punkish furball nèe gothic_fuzzies on this site, present my first Kagome/Sesshomaru story in a long, long time. Normally, I’m a post canon or canon divergence crossover girl at heart, but I thought of this idea a while ago and finally got around to putting it on paper then putting it online.

This is also my first multi-chaptered alternate universe fiction, so any comments or questions that can help me improve would be most appreciated. For now, please enjoy!

Prologue: Sailor Fuku

Kagome Higurashi tiredly moaned as her alarm clock blared at 6:30 AM sharp. She sat up in her bed and stretched her arms above her head before she reached over and shut off her alarm. However, an additional alarm in another bedroom only separated from hers by her apartment’s thin walls continued to ring.

“Hiko-kun!” she called out, “It’s time to get up!”

Kagome giggled when her Hiko-kun answered her with a groan and the loud squeak of his mattress before he finally mashed the snooze button. She hoped she wouldn’t have to shake him away before she left for work. With a soft grunt, Kagome finally rose from her bed and went straight for her bathroom to take a shower. After a quick but thorough wash, she emerged with her hair and torso covered by two white towels as she walked to her closet.

“Let’s see,” she mumbled to herself as she leafed through her wardrobe, “Today is Friday, so I can get away with something more casual.”

After one or two minutes of browsing, she ended up picking a modest gray pencil skirt and a sleeveless cream shell paired with a dark tan cardigan with three-quarter length sleeves. She gave them a quick shake before laying them out on her bed. When she walked to her dresser, Kagome heard her son yelling from his bedroom.

“Mom, where are my socks?”

Kagome briefly paused in thought before she dropped her towels in the laundry basket and slipped on her underclothes. She then went in the bathroom to brush her teeth and blow dry her hair.

“I did the laundry two days ago,” she answered, shouting with her mouth full of toothpaste, “Did you remember to put your clean clothes away?”

“Of course I did! I got them from the place you always put the folded clothes,” he answered, “A place I can’t recall at the moment.”

Kagome spit and washed her face before she started to dry her hair. “In the wicker basket on the living room table, Akihiko.”

“Yeah, that’s where I got them!”

Kagome rolled her eyes as she heard Akihiko’s hurried footsteps rushing down the hallway and back. She finished styling her hair into a half up do with a simple brown hair clip and applied her everyday light makeup. She finished her morning routine by putting on her gold studs and matching bracelet then changed into the clothes she picked out. When she went down the hall and into the kitchen, Akihiko was sitting at the table in the adjacent dining room with a bowl of cereal and a glass of orange juice. With a quick glance to the living room on the other side of the hall, Kagome saw that the basket of clothes was still where she left it after Akihiko clearly picked out whatever he needed. However, he did put the kettle on stove and placed her container of instant coffee on the table being as thoughtful as always.

Kagome walked into the kitchen long enough to grab her clean thermos from the sink then joined Akihiko at the table.

“You should have something more substantial for breakfast, Mom,” he quipped as he watched his mother spoon the instant coffee into her thermos, “Most important meal of the day and all that.”

“Coffee’s all I need, strong and black,” she assured, ignoring Akihiko when he muttered it was only instant under his breath, “Besides you are in no position to tell me anything about my eating habits when you inhale all that junk food when you think I’m not looking.”

“I only do that to make sure you’re paying attention to me,” he said before he downed his OJ. Kagome smiled and reached over the table to ruffle his hair.

“I always pay attention to you,” she said and stood to lean down and kiss her son on the forehead. When the kettle began to whistle, she turned off the heat and poured the boiled water into her thermos. After screwing the lid in place, she headed for the front door.

“Love you, Hiko-kun. I’ll see you when I get home, okay?”

“Alright. Love you too, Momma.”

When Kagome reached the doorway, she slipped on her favorite black pumps and grabbed her purse and canary yellow work tote.

“Oh, Mom!” Akihiko called out before she left, “I forgot to tell you I’ll be home late today. Club meeting’s gonna run long.”

“Alright. Then I’ll pick up dinner on the way home. Pizza good?” she asked.

As soon as she mentioned food, Akihiko poked his head into the hall. “Meat Lovers, no ham, add mushrooms with extra cheese?”

Kagome grinned and added, “With an order of hot wings and cinnamon breadsticks for dessert?”

“Throw in extra cups of ranch, and you got yourself a deal!”

“No problem. Bye, Hiko-kun. Make sure you clean up before you leave for school.”

“I’m on it! Bye, Momma.”

With that, Kagome closed the door behind her and jogged to the elevator. By her watch, she should make it to work on time in about 20 to 30 minutes. She reached into her purse for her cell phone to check for any missed calls or texts. Instead of the phone, the first thing she pulled out of her bag was a chocolate chip granola bar. Smiling to herself, Kagome put it back before reaching for her mobile again. Maybe her Hiko-kun did manage to accomplish a few things without her noticing.

-O0o0O-

Kagome jumped in her seat when a tall stack of manila folders was dropped on her desk. It nearly turned over her half full thermos of ice cold coffee.

“What’s all this?” she asked, glaring heatedly at her best friend and coworker, Ayumi Hojo.

Undeterred by her salty response, Ayumi grinned as she tucked a lock of curly hair behind her ear.

“Is that anyway to greet a friend?” she asked, feigning melancholy.

“You’re right. I apologize,” Kagome replied, her tone painfully bland, “Hello, Ayumi. How are you today? What’s all this?”

Ayumi sighed and went straight to the point. “You know we had to let a few people go, right? To pick up the slack, we had to divvy up their active cases between the rest of us. This is your share of the workload.”

“Seriously? I already have eight open cases,” Kagome said as she counted each file in the stack. There was well over a dozen.

“We’re all overworked, Go-chan,” Ayumi said with a shrug, “Overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated.”

“I know, I know,” Kagome replied, “But I keep telling myself we did not join this profession for the money.”

Ayumi tiredly sighed and pushed the contents of Kagome’s desk aside before she took a seat on top of it. “I get it. We’re in the fast paced and glamorous realm of social work to save the world. I swear I’m quitting civil service and joining the private sector as soon as I get my doctorate. I say you do the same while you’re still young and pretty and firm.”

Unable to help herself, Kagome snickered. Ayumi always had the tendency to be overly dramatic, but, this time, she seemed right on the mark.

“As enticing as the pay raise is, I’d rather stay here where I feel like I’m going something worthwhile opposed to listening to someone whine about the same old problems for 10,000 yen an hour,” she explained, “Besides, your Hojo-kun is a doctor, a very successful plastic surgeon. What do you need the extra cash for?”

“There’s nothing wrong with having a little walking around money,” Ayumi countered, “And with any luck, we can share our client base and bill those suckers twice.”

“In that case, charge them ¥15,000. Anyone with money for a tummy tuck and double Ds can afford it.”

“Hey, they may be suckers, but we can’t all bounce back from childbirth and breastfeeding like you did, Little Miss Perky Tits. I could have killed for your waistline after I had the twins. I still would.”

Kagome rolled her eyes and snorted though she continued grinning. It was hard to believe a sweet, sensitive guy like Hojo was married to an outspoken woman like Ayumi, but the older couple’s relationship was one she adored and admired. Still, she was certain Hojo had the unparalleled patience of the Buddha himself when Ayumi or one of their preteen daughters, Eri or Yuka, was in one of their moods.

“Well, now that my delivery is done, I’m going to lunch,” Ayumi announced, “Coming with?”

“Not this time. I got some work to finish up,” Kagome answered. Her eyebrow twitched when she looked at the new folders again.

“And to start,” she tersely added, “I plan on working through lunch and heading home early.”

Ayumi nodded and pushed herself off Kagome’s desk. “Then I’ll pick you up a sandwich and soda from the machines outside on my way back in. Any requests?”

“No tuna or anything that’s not made by Coke,” she answered and went right back to reviewing her case files and updating her patient’s progress.

“You got it, princess,” Ayumi said as she left Kagome’s office, closing the door behind her.

Kagome shook her head and continued to work. Even without the new patients added to her current caseload, she was in some very late nights over the next few weeks. Luckily, she had a half day on Saturday and Sunday off completely so she could finish most of the preliminary paperwork in the comfort of her home wearing her pjs and Hello Kitty slippers.

But, if we keep losing staff at this rate, we’ll have to start dropping patients, she thought with a frown.

It was an extremely unfortunate but completely possible reality. The Mental Health and Drug Rehabilitation Center where she worked operated on their clientele’s health insurance while government subsidies and donations picked up the slack so they can meet minimum standards. Social workers like Kagome and Ayumi often went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure their patients were recovering and well cared for. It had done well over the years, but, in between recent budget cuts and a surplus of new patients, they were barely breaking even.

Maybe Ayumi was right about looking for another job, Kagome considered, absently twirling her pen around her fingers.

The center paid her well, more than enough for her and Akihiko to live comfortably, but the long hours were beginning to wear her down. On some days, she only had enough energy to go home and crawl into bed while Akihiko either ordered out for supper or defrosted something she already cooked and checked up on her until he went to bed. Her boy could manage on his own for a few hours while she slept, but she still felt guilty about her inattention. In addition to that, she considering going back to school before Ayumi brought it up until she had all this extra work. Now it seemed like enrolling in a few night or online classes was out of the question.

Kagome abruptly closed the file she was working on and blew up her bangs in frustration. Getting her master’s or doctorate degree would be like her freshmen year as an undergrad all over again. The only difference was a newborn Akihiko wouldn’t be the only thing eating up her time.

As hard as her life was at that time, Kagome was not ashamed of becoming a single mother before she graduated high school. Life may not have gone the way she planned, but, after she had her precious son, she realized he was all she needed to be happy. However, juggling raising a newborn, studying for entrance exams, applying to college, finding a place to live, and finding a part-time job was not easy to accomplish, and she wouldn’t recommend that lifestyle to anyone who had better options. Luckily, she met Ayumi when she was filling out a job application at the pharmacy her husband’s family owned, and the older woman was happy to help and became one of her dearest friends.

At least now I have a stable job, a home, and some money put away. The only problem is that I have a teenager instead of a baby. I don’t know which one is worse.

Kagome giggled to herself. She loved her son dearly, but Akihiko was always a high maintenance kid, even more so than he was when he was younger. Once she started working again, she fell into her usual rhythm and focused on the information as she completely tuned out the outside world.

It was well passed lunch when Kagome heard a timid knock on her office door. Knowing it wasn’t Ayumi, she politely invited her visitor in, the center’s part-time receptionist.

“Higurashi-san?” she asked.

“Yes?”

“There’s someone here to see you. He doesn’t have an appointment, but he’s very insistent,” she explained, her voice slightly troubled, “Shall I send him in?”

Kagome pursed her lips together in thought, trying to decide who this unscheduled caller was. There were no individual session on her schedule today, and it was far too soon for her to see the new additions to her patient list. She did have two group sessions this morning and covered another when Ayumi’s lunch break ran over, so one of her patients could have wanted a private word with her. Either way, this visit had to pertain to business. The possibility of her having a social call was zero to none.

“Yes, please. Thank you for your help.”

The young woman left and returned with short, stout man in his mid to late fifties dressed in a designer suit with a leather briefcase in his right hand. He nodded his head at the receptionist before she returned to her post and took a seat in front of Kagome’s desk.

“Good afternoon, Higurashi-san,” he greeted her with obligatory courtesy, “I apologize for coming to see you without prior notice.”

Kagome closed her files and turned her attention to her visitor. She said, “That’s quite alright, but I don’t believe we’ve ever met.”

“That is correct,” he replied and proceeded to introduce himself, “I am Chrono Myoga, legal representation for the Nishimura family.”

In an instant, Kagome went rigid and regretted allowing this man in her office. That was a surname she hadn’t heard in nearly fifteen years. Frantic, she glanced at her clock on the wall; it read 3:07 PM. She had over an hour before her work day was officially over but needed to leave as soon as possible. She didn’t know what this conversation would entail but believed it was better had in a more private setting.

“If you please excuse me,” Kagome began once she composed herself, “Chrono-san, could you wait for me in the lobby? I believe we should continue this discussion at my home where we won’t be interrupted.”

The older man readily agreed. “Of course, Higurashi-san. That would be the better option.”

Myoga stood and entered the hallway. As soon as he did, Ayumi rushed into Kagome’s office.

“Who’s the geezer?” she asked without bothering to lower her voice.

“You don’t want to know,” Kagome answered as she sloppily packed her files in her tote bag, “At least not until I figure out what he wants. Could you cover for me? It’s a family emergency.”

“No problem, girl,” she answered, “Just grab what you need and go. I’ll lock up for you. But do not forget to call me once you have all the juicy details!”

Kagome gave her a grateful smile and rushed to the lobby where Myoga was waiting. The old man caught her attention and directed her outside to his car, a stunning silver Rolls Royse. Kagome hesitated when Myoga opened the door for her but took her seat fastened her seat belt. She was understandably wary considering her relationship—or lack thereof—with the Nishimura family, but things couldn’t be as bad as she imagined. Myoga seemed like a trustworthy man, and, if he was employed by that family, he had to be the epitome of professionalism and skill. They wouldn’t accept anything less. She should just be grateful she don’t have to catch the train home today.

When the lawyer took his seat and put the key in the ignition, Kagome remembered something important she needed to take care of.

“Chrono-san, would it be too much trouble if we made a stop before heading to my home?” she requested.

“Of course not. I apologize for the inconvenience,” he said, “Is it on the way to your home?”

“Yes, only a few blocks from my apartment,” she answered as she pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number she knew by heart.

“Hi, I’d like to place an order for pickup.”

-O0o0O-

With practiced ease, Kagome balanced two pizza boxes in one hand while wearing a plastic bag of wings, cinnamon sticks, and dipping sauce on her wrist with her tote on one shoulder and her purse on the other all while rummaging inside her bag for her keys. Myoga offered to help, but she insisted she could handle it on her own.

Within seconds, Kagome found her keys and unlocked the door. She stepped inside and kicked off her pumps before slipping on her pink slippers.

“Please come in,” she told Myoga, “There’s an extra pair of slippers by the door, and the kitchen’s on your right.”

As Myoga made himself as comfortable as he could in her home, Kagome placed all of the food on the counter and went back to her bedroom. When the door was closed, she put down her bags and took a deep breath. She always suspected something like this would happen but thought it would occur when Akihiko was much younger. As he got older, the possibility of it occurring slipped her mind completely.

Until today, she thought, bitter.

Kagome shook her head and gave herself a quick once over in the mirror. She couldn’t show any signs of weakness before anyone connected to that family. She was just thankful Akihiko was not home and wouldn’t be until she learned all the details of this little visit. She didn’t need to be caught off guard more than she already was.

When Kagome left her room, she paused just before she reached the kitchen and joint dining area and peeked inside. The lawyer was awkwardly kneeling at her table, but he was taking in every inch of her apartment with an assessing gaze. She quietly huffed. Her home wasn’t the Park Hyatt, but it was much better than her student apartment at Tokyo U. She cleared her throat to get his attention.

“Can I get you something to drink?” she asked, acting her part as hostess, “I have water, soda, or barley tea.”

“Tea please.”

“Coming right up.”

Kagome walked into the kitchen and retrieved the pitcher of tea from the refrigerator then two red plastic cups form her cupboard. She filled them both with ice and tea before she set both on the table with the pitcher.

“Here you are. Would you like some sugar or a wedge of lemon?” she asked.

“Lemon please.”

Kagome left to get a bowl of lemon slices from the fridge—she always had a few precut lemons on hand to add some juice to her Coke or tea—and her sugar bowl from the cabinet. She placed both in the center of the table and took a seat across from Myoga. She spooned a dollop of sugar and a squeeze of lemon into her tea before she spoke.

“So what is it you want to talk to me about?” she asked.

“Higurashi-san, I’m going to be frank. I came to speak to you about your son,” Myoga stated.

“What about my son?” she quietly demanded.

“As the child’s father, my client wishes to negotiate a joint custody agreement and formally name Akihiko-sama as an heir of the Nishimura family,” Myoga started to explain.

Kagome nodded and took a large gulp of her tea. She didn’t trust herself to speak. Fortunately for her, Myoga continued his explanation.

“I understand this is a very serious decision for you to make so suddenly, but, to make it easier on yourself, my client proposes an arrangement in which you and your son are invited to live in the Nishimura family estate for six months. At the conclusion of that six month period, the custody agreement will be discussed and negotiated to satisfy all parties involved.”

Myoga paused and took a sip of his drink. When he spoke again, his tone was considerably warmer than before.

“And let me say this is not strictly a business related matter. Sesshomaru-sama and the rest of the Nishimura family earnestly wish to make you and your son feel welcome and accepted into their fold.”

“Six months?” Kagome repeated, her ire and irritation palpable, “Akihiko and I can’t just put our lives on hold for that long, and it’s completely unreasonable to expect us to. I refuse to pull him out of school, and I cannot miss work.”

“We understand your apprehension, Higurashi-san, and measures will be taking to assure that you and yours will not suffer any losses due to this arrangement,” Myoga clarified, “During your stay, Akihiko-sama will be instructed by the finest tutors under Sesshomaru-sama’s employ. And you will be fully compensated for your missed income as well as any and all incurred expenses.”

Kagome sighed and took another long swig from her cup, wishing it was filled with something a little stronger. Money was the least of her concerns. In fact, the notion the Sesshomaru Nishimura believed all he had to do was toss her a few ten or hundred thousands of bills and she’d let him see the son he ignored since the day he was born and for the past fourteen years of his life was a complete and total insult to say the least. He knew she was pregnant several months before she gave birth, so his absence in Akihiko’s life was completely due to him and his choice of actions. Per Ayumi’s advice at the time, Kagome put Sesshomaru out of her mind and focused on caring for her son and advancing her career.

Come to think of it, Akihiko’s fifteenth birthday falls within the next six months. That must mean something to Sesshomaru. He definitely has an agenda other than what Chrono-san, Kagome considered, deep in thought, Whatever he’s up to, he must have found out about it recently or he would have attempted to contact me sooner.

Right now, Kagome wanted to refuse everything right here and now and never think about Sesshomaru or the Nishimura family again, but her Hiko-kun had the right to know his father as much as she didn’t like him. At least this way, she would be with him instead of facing the notorious Nishimura family alone. She never actually met any members of Sesshomaru’s family, but they all had to have a stake in this situation one way or the other. What’s more, they had to be just as cunning and cutthroat as he was. Whether she did or didn’t agree to this proposal, the next few months would be difficult to get through with them involved.

“Higurashi-san?” Myoga questioned as Kagome remained quiet.

“Yes, Chrono-san,” she replied, “Sorry about that. I was lost in thought.”

“No harm done. But your answer?” he probed.

“Before I make a decision, I have to discuss this with my son. I don’t want to force him into something like this if he doesn’t want to do it,” she stated, her position firm, “I also have to contact my employer and discuss this situation. Nishimura may be willing and able to supplement my missed income, but that does not mean I can overlook the impact my absence will have on the center.”

“I understand completely, Higurashi-san,” Myoga said, “When do you expect Akihiko-sama to return home?”

“Well, his school lets out at 4 o’ clock, so he should be—”

Kagome stopped speaking when she heard the front door open then close.

“Hey, Mom, club ended early!” Akihiko said as he walked inside the apartment.

“We’re in here, Hiko-kun,” Kagome called out. She caught Myoga stiffening and straightening his appearance from the corner of her eye, no doubt preparing to see Sesshomaru’s firstborn son for the first time.

Soon after she called him, Akihiko rushed through the entryway and to the dining room with is backpack slung over his shoulder, stopping in the doorway. He was surprised to see his mother’s company but smiled and politely bowed as his mother taught him to.

“Sorry to interrupt. My name is Akihiko. Welcome to our home.”

Myoga was stunned with Akihiko’s abrupt appearance and introduction and remained so even when the boy stood to his full height. He truly could not contain himself as he stared at Sesshomaru’s illegitimate child. Akihiko was tall and lean like his father was in his youth, and, though his features were soft with childish roundness, they would no doubt angle and sharpen with age to resemble Sesshomaru further. His honey gold eyes were also a trademark feature of his sire and his kin, but their wide shape and inherent warmth were complete due to his mother as was his short and scruffy raven hued bedhead.

Growing anxious with their silent visitor, Akihiko took a step back as he reached up and tucked an errant lock behind his ear.

“So, Mom, who’s your friend?” he asked, curious.

“This is Chrono Myoga-san. He’s here on—”

Kagome was cut off again by a loud pop and a puff of smoke that erupted from her guest and covered him completely. When it cleared, only his suit of clothes was left behind. Kagome leaned around the table and picked up Myoga’s jacket and shirt. Underneath them was a small flea passed out on the tamati floor garbed in a set of simple and traditional haori and hakama.

Leaning over Myoga’s smaller form, Akihiko asked, “He gonna be okay?”

“Yeah. I’m sure he’ll come to sooner or later,” Kagome answered, “Until then, pizza’s on the counter. Eat whatever you want.”

At the mention of supper, Akihiko was completely energized.

“Alright!” he exclaimed and stepped over Myoga’s prone form, planning to grab what he wanted and retreat to his bedroom, “I’m eating in my room!”

“Hold it! That’s fine, but change out of your uniform before you do and put up the rest of your clean clothes,” Kagome told him before he could go any further, “Don’t forget to use a tray this time. It’s hard enough doing your laundry without worrying about pizza sauce and wing stains.”

Akihiko stopped mid step and looked down at his white uniform blouse, absently fingering the cherry red neckerchief tied around the collar. He didn’t know much about laundry but had enough common sense to know stains were difficult to remove from whites.

“Right on it, Mom,” he said as he turned into the hallway with his green pleated skirt flaring over his stark white knee highs.

-O0o0O-

punkish furball – That’s a wrap! I hope you all enjoyed it. Until next time, TCB! X3

(edited 07.15.2015)