"…Well," A foreign voice began, nearing their front door. "I think I've gathered all the required information. Thank you so much for having me here today."

"Oh no, thank you…!"

Tossing a folded T-shirt into the hamper, D'Leh shook her head with a quiet laugh as she grabbed another one from the mountainous pile of laundry.

She must be wearing one of her most agreeable smiles right about now…

"Oba-chan, is this right?" Ai asked, holding up a clumsily folded towel.

Smiling, D'Leh gave her ear a playful tug and placed it in the hamper as well. Ai quickly grabbed another one and she smothered a laugh as she flapped her arms in an effort to straighten it out.

"Here, let me help you with that…"

Exchanging a last few pleasantries, Consuelo bid farewell to the elderly social worker and as soon as she shut the door she breathed a heavy sigh of relief. "Finally…"

"D'Leh!" She called, moving toward the stairs.

"Yes?"

"Come, come."

"Coming! Think you can hold down the fort until I come back?"

Ai bobbed her head, then she gave her a quizzical look. "…Oba-chan?"

D'Leh paused at the head of the stairs. "Hm?"

"Who was that Granny?"

"Uhh…just a friend of Baa-chan." She uneasily lied. "I'll be right back, ok?"

"Otaayy!" she chirped.

Smiling, D'Leh rushed down the steps. Her grandmother was murmuring to herself, and once she was closer it became clear she was talking to someone on the phone.

"Yes, she just left…I think it went very well…" Noticing her, she glanced her way.

"Who's that?" She mouthed.

Consuelo put her hand over the mouth of the phone and whispered Sesshomaru's name. D'Leh blushed lightly, feeling a mixture of both resentment and anger. "Oh…"

Shooting her a look she didn't catch, Consuelo put the receiver back to her ear. "Yes, hello? Yes, I'm still here…"

Arms crossed, D'Leh plopped down on the couch with a surly look. What does he want now…?

"Uh huh…well, she said we met the state guidelines, and she also noticed that Ai was very happy to be here. Do you think that will mean anything at court? Ok…ok, I'll send the remaining paperwork later today…Ok, good bye Sesshomaru. Thank you for everything. Mhm!"

Placing it back on its hook, Consuelo turned and sat down beside her. "Mija…"

Pulling her legs under her D'Leh focused her gaze on an old carpet stain, refusing to meet her eyes.

"Mija…what is it, hm?" She gently prodded her, tucking back a few of her wild hairs. "You've been acting so strangely; every time I mention Sesshomaru's name you get so…moody. What aren't you telling me?"

Her grip on her ankle tightened and, sighing, Consuelo drew her closer with a tender pat on the head. "Alright, I won't push."

D'Leh hugged her tightly, relieved she'd decided to drop the subject.

"Of course… you were pretty upset when you came home last week…Ah, must've been a lover's quarrel—"

D'Leh pulled out of her arms with sudden force. "It wasn't a lover's quarrel, we were just…w-we were just—!"

"But, mija! The way you ran past me without a single word…in tears? The only logical explanation was that you—"

"NO WE DIDN'T! END OF STORY!" She screamed, turning different shades of red.

Consuelo could only watch as she stomped angrily up the stairs. Then, laughing good-naturedly she got up herself.

"…Yes…Good bye."

There was a sudden click and it wasn't long before it began to drone loudly in his ear. Sighing, Sesshomaru hung up the phone.

Hmm…Still mad at you, huh?

Yes…apparently so.

Leaning his chair far back as possible, Sesshomaru gritted his teeth; days had passed since they'd last spoken, face-to-face that is. What little communication he had with them was usually by phone or email, and honestly it was driving him mad! Over the past few weeks Sesshomaru had memorized her weekly schedule, only calling the house when he was sure she was there (and it worked!). Still, she refused to come to the phone, even for a moment…

Give it a day or two; she'll come around eventually—

Sesshomaru gave a soft derisive snort. Give or take a day he says…Bah!

Ey! Sometimes, I can be wrong…sometimes…

Sesshomaru's eyes drifted to the pile of papers cluttering his usually pristine desk, files concerning the upcoming sole-custody battle. He'd nearly forgotten how much paperwork it took to even get to the actual hearing of a case like this…

He groaned, massaging the taut skin of forehead in small, soothing circles, but then he frowned as his thoughts ventured back to their first topic. He couldn't get the image of those pained, beautiful eyes out of his mind…

"I HATE you!"

Sesshomaru had to admit that perhaps he'd come on a little too strong but it wasn't entirely his fault…was it?

Women and their damn mood swings…

"Don't even get me started…" He muttered, skimming over his trial brief.

"Started on what?"

Glancing up, he saw his daughter poking her head into his study and he irked an eyebrow. "Rin. You should be in bed."

"But, I'm not tired yet!" She whined, pouting as she made her toward his desk. "Can't I stay up for a little while longer? Pleeeeeeaaaaaaassssssseeeeee?"

He eyed her levelly, taking her secret weapon head on. But, being the pushover that he was, Sesshomaru eventually conceded.

"…Alright." He said finally, gaining a squeal of excitement. "I may as well put you to use."

Rin stuck out her tongue. "Daddy's mean!"

Had her eyes been open, she would've caught the faint twinkle of amusement that'd entered his own. "Come. Highlight these statements for me…"

With a long, weary breath D'Leh dropped into the first empty chair she could find. After three treacherous bus routes (just to get to the actual building) plus one very uncomfortable elevator ride that she'd rather not think about she'd finally made it to the Abashiri County Courthouse.

Having caught her breath, D'Leh shifted in her chair only to grimace as beads of sweat traveled into cracks and spaces she never even knew existed. I'm gonna need a nice long bath after this… She thought, reaching for her bag.

The dreaded day of her custody hearing was finally here…give or take a few minutes, which she didn't so much mind. This was going to be one of the most stressful, nerve-racking days of her life! She placed a hand to her chest, the thought that she could lose her precious little girl making her heart ache.

Oh God, please… Then she shook her head. I need to focus…! I can do this…

Glancing nervously around, D'Leh noticed others (possibly in her own situation) quietly conferring with their legal representatives; she bit her lip. Because of her stubbornness she hadn't even bothered to find out when and where she should meet him…was he waiting for her right now? D'Leh cursed to herself, this time angry at her foolishness. Though she'd been a complete and total bitch Sesshomaru had been calling and checking in with her about the details of their case, constantly for days. She was actually impressed at his work ethic, though she could never picture him as a procrastinator (like mysel—herself!)…

D'Leh suddenly blushed, thinking back to their heated kiss…he'd been so passionate, with more fervor than last time; he's kissed her like…like he wanted her, and it'd felt surprisingly good (though, at the time she didn't think so at all…)!

Did I…kiss him back…? She wondered, pausing as she zipped her bag open. Then, clearing her wayward thoughts with a shake of her head she pulled out the folder she'd been looking for. What am I doing…

D'Leh fingered through every piece of paper, making sure everything she was supposed to bring was accounted for. Medical records, financial statements, receipts, movie stubs, pictures; all of them documenting her time spent with Ai. Hopefully, the judge would see that they were Ai's rightful family, one that would love her and cherish her always.

"Ah! Dammit'…" She whispered, accidently dropping some photos.

She bent down to retrieve them, only to jerk back in surprise when an expensive pair of Italian leather shoes pressed firmly down on them; glancing up, she connected with a pair of priggish silver eyes.

"Oh…? So you actually came…" Her father murmured, brows irked in mock wonderment.

D'Leh narrowed her own, mirror-colored pair in challenge, daring him to say something else. Glancing lazily at the photographs lodged under his feet, he summoned one into his hand with a snap of his fingers.

"How…quaint…" He mused, watching it with thoughtful scrutiny. Then, throwing it carelessly behind him he walked off.

D'Leh snatched the photos up with lightning-quick speed, wiping off loose beads of dirt as she glared at the back of his head. She looked back at them when he'd turned a corner and her eyes softened, at one photo in particular; it was a picture of the three of them (her, her grandmother, and Ai) baking cookies one very cold Saturday morning. It was taken at a very odd angle, and half of her niece's face had been cut out of the shot. They were covered in flour, but they were beaming despite their messy appearance. She began to smile at the memory…

"Excuse me, Miss?"

She glanced up quickly to see a young woman in a dark-colored suit staring down at her.

"It's time."

"O-oh." D'Leh grabbed her things. "Thank you."

"Please, follow me."

She led her down a long winding hall before finally stopping by a pair of wooden double doors. She pushed one open for her and D'Leh hurried inside with a quiet thanks, heart pounding madly.

It was a little smaller than she'd imagine, the courtroom, and simply designed; ivory walls with a partial wood-paneling, a brown-colored carpet, and most of the furnishings had been carved from a gleaming, polished wood. Two tall lamps stood at opposite sides of the room, and the national flag and seals of jurisdiction hung to the right of the raised bench.

D'Leh came to a standstill upon seeing her father, his back facing her as he was quietly conferring with his lawyer. Gritting her teeth, she continued down the gallery and once she'd neared the bar she was able to get a better look at her father's attorney. He was an American, kind of heavy set with burnet hair and very green eyes. A flap of skin hung over the collar of his crisp navy-colored suit, and he wore a striking red tie with white stripes.

They glanced back at her when, pushing through the little gate, she made her way to the seat farthest from the two of them. She settled back into the plump chair and shot them both a very dark look before looking away. The two men shared a knowing look when they realized that she was all alone; she eyed them warily, hearing them murmuring between themselves.

What's all that about…?

D'Leh turned just as the door right behind the judge's high seat swung open, and out stepped the burliest hairiest man she had ever set eyes on. He was of average height, in his mid-to-late thirties, and as he lumbered over to his spot before the raised bench he flexed his shoulders, as if to warn them (though, honestly, there was no way anyone in that room would want to start a brawl…).

"All rise." He droned in a very deep baritone.

They stood to their feet as a black woman rather up in age carefully took her seat. Her gray-flecked hair was pulled back into a small tight bun, and pinned at the ends of her earlobes were a pair of beautiful diamond studs. None made a sound as she placed her glasses right on the tip of her pointed nose, and it wasn't until she'd glanced down at a couple leafs of paper that D'Leh realized she'd been holding her breath.

"The Honourable Abeni Nnamani presiding; you may be seated."

D'Leh shot a worried glance over her shoulder as she settled into her chair. Where was he…? Stuck in traffic?

No, that isn't like him at all…he so punctual, I wouldn't be surprised if he had protocols for going to sleep! Then, she snorted under her breath. Who am I trying to fool? I know why he isn't here…

"Thank you, Bailiff." Nnamani murmured in a thick accent, squinting over the rim of her spectacles. "Now, then: this case uhhhh…Chin and Suarez?"

"Chen vs. Jiménez Judge, case number 09532-7." The Bailiff helpfully supplied, hooking his thumbs through his belt.

"Ah! I see, we are here to determine who shall have sole custody of a three-year old?"

"Three and half." D'Leh blurted out, gaining a sharp look from the both of them. "She's…turning four in a…couple…I'm sorry."

Nnamani gave her a small, reassuring smile. "That's quite alright my dear, it was my mistake. You must be D'Leh Jiménez, correct?"

"U-uh yes, that's me." She nearly shouted, straightening in her seat.

"And where is your counsel?"

At that, she slouched back down. "…U-uhm. He's, uh—"

"If I may interrupt, your Honor?" her father's attorney meekly interjected.

"Yes Mr. Anderson?"

Anderson took his time as he got to his feet, straightening his jacket and tie before speaking.

"Your Honor, I think that it would go against the foundations of this court to allow Ms. Jiménez to proceed with the hearing without any legal representation…We should reconvene at another time that would be more suitable for—"

"Hell no!" D'Leh snapped, irked by his condescending tone. "I sure as hell can represent myself, I don't need no damn lawy—Uh…crap…"

She muttered the last part to herself; so far, she had only made herself look like an absolute fool! D'Leh caught the quiet smirk that had crept onto her father's lips, and she blew out a short breath before continuing "I'm…I can take care of myself. Please, continue."

"Do you have anything else to add then counselor?"

"U-uh…no, your Honor. Let us proceed as planned."

"Very well. Now, this court has—"

Everyone turned as (without warning) the front doors were slammed wide open to reveal a breathless, surprisingly panicked Sesshomaru as he breezed into the courtroom. D'Leh blinked in alarm as he spanned the narrow aisle in three long strides, though she turned away the moment their eyes met as he reached the bar, heart pounding.

Meanwhile, Nnamani's eyebrow rose in question. "Takashi-san…you're late."

Sesshomaru bowed quickly, ignoring the smug look on his college's pudgy face. "Forgive my tardiness I…couldn't find my keys."

D'Leh stifled a choke of disbelief. Keys? KEYS? All that worrying and berating herself because he lost his damn keys?

Sesshomaru clearly heard her and, hiding a smile, bowed once again. "It will not happen again."

"Everyone has their off days, counselor. And we were just about to start anyway, please take your seat."

"Thank you."

D'Leh kept her eyes lowered as he settled in beside her, though she snuck a quick look when he opened his briefcase.

"…Were you worried?" He murmured, removing his papers.

She gave a gentle shake of her head. "Uh…no, I…"

"Ah. That's good."

There was a slight pause before, swallowing both her fear and her pride, D'Leh decided to make the first move. "…Sesshomaru?"

"Yes?"

She blinked before continuing; he had answered her pretty quickly.

"Uhm…about the other day…I…I'm sorry." She paused, suddenly feeling shy. "I shouldn't have pushed you away like that and I—"

"It's alright. I was too forceful…But I'm here now." He murmured, shooting her a small smile in thanks. "Let's worry about everything else after the hearing."

She turned away; it was too much. Sesshomaru was so handsome whenever he smiled, more so than usual, and to make matters worse her cheeks were awash in a gentle heat… Aggh! Seriously, what's wrong with me?

"Y-yeah…"

"Any more interruptions…? No? Good. Mr. Anderson we'll start with you."

"Thank you your Honor…Now, for the past few months the child in question has been staying with the Jiménezes and though there's been no obvious problems my client truly believes that he is a much more suitable candidate as the child's guardian. He's older, more experienced in the ways of the world, and financially stable. Your honor, we would like the court to consider awarding sole custody of the child to Mr. Chen… "

…What a load of bull… Sesshomaru thought, eyeing the American in silent disgust as he rambled on and on about this…filth. Pulling out all the stops, ne? Fool…must have a large sum of money waiting by the looks of it…

Sesshomaru glanced to his left to see a worried frown plastered on his young client's face; shifting his gaze downward, he irked an eyebrow at her tightly clasped hands. Turning his attention to his previous target he placed a comforting hand over hers, trying to appear aloof. A smile grew on his lips when, after a very brief pause, she timidly grabbed ahold of his long fingers.

Ahhhh…forgiven at last.

She'll be furious with me soon enough…

True, true—

"—kashi? Mr. Takashi!"

Nnamani's sharp voice brought him back to his surroundings, and Sesshomaru stood elegantly to his feet. "Yes?"

"Are you ready to present your side of the case, counselor?"

"Yes, thank you…So, Mr. Anderson. You were saying a moment ago that your client had all of the required…"prerequisites" to see about this child, correct?"

"Well…yes—"

"Then, just to summarize," He continued, approaching the two of them. "Your client, Mr. Chen, a man well into his prime who, as the very busy chairman of the Yamada-Kobayashi Financial Services Company, is the far more fit "parent," one who'd abandoned his own children in order to seek personal gratification?"

By then he was right in front of them, clawed hands planted on top the varnished table as he tilted forward, dangerously close. Anderson began to sweat under his amber-eyed stare and he shot a nervous, helpless look to his employer who was now watching him with a barely noticeable irk of his eyebrow.

"…Y-yes."

"…I see…" Slowly, he brought his gaze over to the pallid silver-eyed man lounging at his left. "Mr. Chen, would you think it rude of me if I prodded any deeper?"

"Do as you like." He calmly replied. "I have nothing to hide…"

At this Sesshomaru irked an eyebrow.

"Oh?" Straightening, Sesshomaru made his way back to his seat and rifled through his stack of papers. "Funny, I'm sure I had them—ah, here we are…"

"Counselor?"

"Your Honor if the bailiff would be so kind as to pass these to you?" he held them out as the marshall, gaining a nod of approval, stepped forward. "I think you'll find these rather interesting…"

"…Sesshomaru!" D'Leh quietly hissed, gaining his attention. "What are those?"

"Oh, just a little something I dug up about your father. And…I know it wasn't any of my business but I looked into his past marriages as well, your mother's in particular." He whispered back as Nnamani quietly inspected the files she now had in her hands. "Now I've come to understand why you didn't want me to get involved; apparently, your father was still married to his previous wife when he was seeing your…"

He stopped when she turned away from him, shameful that he now knew that she was…well…a bastard child. Of course, D'Leh couldn't blame her mother for the mistake she had made; she never even knew he had a wife to begin with…

"Hey…hey, look at me."

Slowly, she did as he asked (though she couldn't meet his eyes).

"Don't think me shallow simply because I am of noble blood; frankly, I couldn't care less about your parents. It doesn't change who you are to me…"

Still unable to look him in the eye D'Leh nodded in understanding, surprisingly happy. Meanwhile, through narrowed eyes Fuhua watched the whispering pair (primarily Sesshomaru), heads bent toward one another. What exactly was this man planning? He blinked when he his daughter look away from the platinum-haired male, almost as if…

She… she can't seriously be in love with this man…? He irked an eyebrow, slightly amused. No…but something's there…something that may be of use—

"Mr. Chen." Nnamani suddenly barked. "Would you mind explaining this to the court?"

She handed the papers back to the sheriff who placed them right in front of him. D'Leh and Sesshomaru watched silently on as both her father and his lawyer whispered fervently to one another.

"Mr. Chen?" Nnamani repeated, losing her patience.

They glanced up quickly, as if at a loss, then Anderson stood abruptly to his feet.

"Uh, your honor, these documents have absolutely no bearing on whether or not my client is capable of taking care of the child—"

"I would have to disagree, counselor." Sesshomaru smoothly interrupted him. "Your client is a bigamist; it's no secret that Mr. Chen has had multiple extramarital affairs, as well as numerous accounts of domestic violence due to heavy intoxication. Furthermore, Mr. Chen has had no apparent interest in the child since her mother's unfortunate death. Now, I don't know about you Mr. Anderson, but does that sound like a suitable guardian?"

D'Leh had to hide a smile as the fat man blubbered out yet another excuse, then she glanced furtively to her right, catching a hidden smirk.

Wow… she thought, blinking. The merciless-bloodthirsty-lawyer Sesshomaru is really scary…and, kinda sexy…

D'Leh realized a little too late that she'd been openly staring and she looked quickly away, her face warming when he had caught her eyes.

"He does have a point, counselor." Nnamani told him, cutting him off.

"Your honor, my client isn't the only one with problems!" Anderson cried. "We also have proof that Ms. Jiménez is a violent, unstable, troubled individual! She's exhibited wild, erratic behavior ever since she entered highschool! Furthermore—"

"And that's her fault?" Sesshomaru cut in, sounding surprisingly annoyed. "If your client had bothered to treat his wife and daughter with a little more respect she wouldn't have had any need to show out in school—"

"Sesshomaru, its ok." D'Leh whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Really."

Reluctantly, he conceded and settled back into his chair.

"Uhm, ju—I mean, your honor? Is it alright if I say something?"

Nnamani nodded her permission. D'Leh squirmed slightly in her seat as everyone turned their eyes on her, and she cleared her throat nervously before continuing.

"I, uh…I'm not gonna try and deny that I've been fighting a bit at school. Cause I have; I've got the scars to prove it. And, yes it's true that I've been… seeing a therapist but that doesn't mean I'm not sane enough to take care of A—my niece! And, I could never intentionally hurt her like I would those bastards at my school…and…Even though I may be a bit on the violent side I…I do have my reasons—"

"That's quite enough." Nnamani said, stopping her. "I think I've heard everything."

…What?

"Obviously, neither of you seem fully capable to provide this child with a stable home."

But…I didn't even…finish…

"Your Honor—!"

"Please Mr. Takashi let me speak. Now, it's obvious that you love this child, and if I could I would award you full custody right on the spot. But, as Mr. Anderson has so clearly pointed out you are still very young yourself, Jiménez; you have no stable means of income to provide for the child. Therefore, I will award joint custody between the two of you."

D'Leh's chest suddenly felt dull and cold, as if her heart had stopped beating. What?

"Another court date will be set to determine details concerning visitation and the overseer of the legal rights of the child. Until then the child will stay with children's services until all matters have been resolved."

They were going to take her baby away from her…She'd never be able to see her again…ever, not if her father got his grimy hands onto her…

D'Leh couldn't breathe.

No… she began to shake her head. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!

"This hearing is hereby adjourned—"

"Wait!" Sesshomaru barked, standing quickly to his feet. "Wait, there's…there's still one more thing that this court must be made aware of."

Everyone had their eyes on him as he turned to stare down at her. Still numb with shock, D'Leh could only watch in obvious confusion as he placed first one loving kiss into the palm of her hand and another by her right temple.

Wha…what is he—?

"Counselor? What is the meaning of this—"

"Your Honor." He said, turning back to face her. "D'Leh and I…well, I know this may seem hard to believe but…she is to become my new wife."

It took her just a few seconds to realize that everything had gone deathly quiet, and it finally dawned on her what he'd just said.

His…what?

…My new wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…wife…

…WHAAATTT?

"…Your wife—?"

"Yes." Sesshomaru quickly answered, nervously clearing his throat when he felt a very dark aura growing steadily.

He chose not to glance in D'Leh's direction and gently squeezed her hand, both to comfort himself and to calm her down.

"This was supposed to be a secret but, we've been seeing so much of one another and…well, it's a bit cliché but we fell in love…"

By now, D'Leh's fury was completely forgotten; she was too shocked to be angry anymore. What the hell was he trying to pull?

"We've pledged ourselves to one another, and even though she didn't want it to come to this I have no choice but to make our engagement known. I cannot sit back and let her only source of true happiness be ripped away from her."

"…Y-you can't honestly think that we'll believe such a farce?" Anderson demanded with a weak laugh.

"That is true…" Nnamani agreed, watching him. "I've seen many tricks in my day Takashi…"

Sesshomaru glanced from one to the other. "…You want proof? Fine."

Grabbing the front of her shirt, he yanked his dubious bride to her feet and pulled her into another heated kiss (though, he had enough sense to go a little easy on her this time). Then, just as suddenly he broke away and lowered her into her chair in a complete daze.

"Happy now?" He asked, irking an eyebrow.

There was a slight pause before Nnamani primly cleared her throat before answering.

"Yes, well, I'm assuming you've met the child yourself?"

Sesshomaru nodded, sparing a small glance down at her. "Yes, I have a daughter of my own and…well…" he trailed off.

"Then I see no reason why the both of you cannot raise the child together. Chen, you may discuss visitation rights if you wish to pursue this further but until then I leave her in your capable hands—yes Mr. Anderson, what is it?"

"Y-your honor, we—"

"That's enough, Kenneth." Fuhua suddenly cut in. "I see no reason to break up such a beautiful family-to-be…We accept your decision."

"Then I hereby appoint D'Leh Jiménez and her future husband legal guardians." She gave her gavel a mighty thwack before rising from her seat. "This hearing is now adjourned. Bailiff?"

Nnamani thanked him quietly as he held the door open for her, but then she paused.

"Mr. Takash—Good lord, is she alright?"

Holding his briefcase in the crook of one arm, he was practically carrying his limp wife-to-be in the other.

"Huh? Oh…yes, she's just been so…stressed lately." He assured her, trying to keep her upright.

"…I trust you'll handle the follow-up?"

"Yes, I will."

With one last fretful glance in their direction Nnamani walked through the door.

Was I ever so foolish at that age? She wondered, shaking her head with a small smile. …Hm.

D'Leh's father silently watched as the two of them made their way down the gallery. Then he glanced over at his American colleague who, muttering darkly, violently put away his belongings.

"Enough." He sighed, rising gracefully to his feet. "We failed; accept it."

"B-but, Chen! You know as well as I do that that child is the key that will open many doors for the company! Without her—!"

"We won't have access to the secret trust fund her father has set aside for her, I know already." He smartly clipped, losing his patience.

"We'll find some other way…" he trailed off, making his way toward the double doors of the court room. "I'll get what I want, even if I have to destroy my daughter's precious …'engagement.'"

With that said the two men finally left, closing the doors softly behind them.

Having already made their way out of the courtroom D'Leh and Sesshomaru stood at opposite ends of the elevator, quietly flicking uneasy gazes at one another; the silence was stifling, as if the surrounding air was now lifeless and stagnant. D'Leh had regained full control over her movements but thinking back to Sesshomaru's sudden…announcement made her feel dizzy all over again.

"Well…" Sesshomaru began, gaining her attention. "I'll draw up the paperwork for the marriage license…I'll need to add your name to the family register, too, but that shouldn't be too much of a hass—"

"Are you F***ING NUTS?" She screeched, her cheeks aflame in what he assumed was hot fury. "MARRIAGE? MARRIAGE? Oh my—UGH!"

Sesshomaru began to sweat when she suddenly switched into a rapid steady flow of Spanish, pacing wildly, and her raving continued as she stomped angrily out of the elevator the moment the door had swished open. Many people stared as they hurriedly made their way toward the exit and, strangely, by the time they'd made it to the parking lot D'Leh had suddenly gone quiet…

…That's not good, is it?

Sesshomaru unlocked the car door. Nope.

He climbed in to find her staring out the window, down at the painted asphalt, still in one of her very rare periods of absolute calm. Sighing, he stuck the key into the ignition and right as he was about to turn it D'Leh's hand suddenly shot out, stopping him.

"Sesshomaru…what the hell did you do?"

"…Is this a trick question or are you being serious?"

D'Leh sucked her teeth at him in annoyance. "Stop kidding; this isn't funny!"

~~~~~~~Finds this absolutely hilarious.

Shut up, Belial…

"You…you can't seriously be considering this marriage, can you?"

"…There was no other way D'Leh." He told her, starting the car. "It was only a last resort, but—"

"Sesshomaru…you don't love me." She whispered.

He blinked.

"Don't be stupid. I care very much about you—"

"That's not the same thing! You don't propose to someone you just care about, ¿Te loca?—"

"Look, this won't be permanent if that's what you're worried about." He assured her. "I'm only marrying you for one reason; to keep you and Ai together. She belongs with you, and once you're able to take care of her all on your own we can file for divorce."

"B-but, Sesshomaru I can't—"

"Yes, you can. And it's not like we can never speak to one another."

"…I guess that's true…" she muttered, looking down at her lap. "But, how can we pull this off?"

Sesshomaru shrugged carelessly.

"I was convincing enough in the courtroom, it shouldn't it be that hard." He said, backing his car out of the parking spot.

D'Leh blushed warmly, suddenly remembering.

"W-where are we going now?" she asked, putting on her seatbelt.

"Well, we'll need your grandmother's blessing before the wedding, yes?"

Her blush deepened. She had absolutely no idea how her grandmother would react—Well, scratch that, actually she did but…

"U-uhhh, well yeah—"

"What's wrong, My love?" Sesshomaru asked, smirking in amusement. "Are you worried about something?"

He chuckled quietly, dodging her elbow. "S-shut up, asshole!"

Awww. Our blushing bwide is all embawassed.

It wasn't long before they pulled up in her grandmother's driveway, and once she had opened the door D'Leh was wrapped into the tightest hug her grandmother had ever given her.

"You're back, you're back!" She squealed, rocking side to side.

"Yes, I'm home." D'Leh reassured her with a small laugh.

"You're laughing, why are you laughing?" She demanded, pulling away from her. "Did something good happen? Tell me, tell me!"

"Calm down! Just let me come inside first."

"Oh! I'm sorry, Sesshomaru I didn't realize you were here!" Consuelo laughed sheepishly. "Please come in."

"Yes, thank you."

"So?" She prodded as he closed the door behind him.

"Uhm. They named me guardian; she's staying here, with us." D'Leh told her, smiling. Then, glancing back at Sesshomaru, she cleared her throat. "But, uhm—"

"But?" Consuelo glanced between them, a little worried. "What is it, D'Leh? Tell me."

"W-well, there's…there's something you need to know…Uhm, Sesshomaru and I…"

Hehe…This is gonna be fuuuuuuunnnn…