AN: I apologize if there are any mistakes. It's just me so I'll go over it more thoroughly at a later time. Hope you enjoy! :)
Chapter 2
"Sesshomaru, come here son."
The demon child looked up towards his mother, face lighting up at the sight of her. He ran towards her, bare feet flying over the soft blades of grass in their backyard. He raised his arms up once he stood before her, eager to be received by the arms outstretched to grab him. Once in his mothers arms, he laid his head on her shoulder. They stayed that way for a while, joined together as mother and son. She peppered his forehead with light kisses, smiling softy at the content expression her son wore.
"How was your day, Sesshomaru?" she asked after a while.
Sesshomaru raised his head to look better at her. "It was fun, mother. Me and Jaken went swimming at the lake. Then, we played hide-and-seek."
His mother chuckled as he continued to relay the adventures he'd partaken in throughout the day. She knew her son could be quite the mischievous creature. She suspected their new neighbors son, Jaken, was beginning to see some of his schemes firsthand.
She waited until he was done before speaking. "Do you remember what tonight is?"
She couldn't help the chuckle that left her at seeing her sons obviously confused face. "Don't tell me you don't remember your very important guest. You've been asking me about him all week."
She knew then that he remembered. "Fathers coming to see me." He said, a soft smile on his lips.
She turned breathless at the sight. It always amazed her how her son would turn at the mere mention of his father. That smile said so much. It was as if he were basking in a peace only he could feel. Her arms tightened around him as she led them inside their home. She wanted that for her son always. She knew the love Sesshomaru held for his father knew no bounds. The bond they had was truly a marvel. As long as he was happy, so was she.
"When will he get here?" her son asked once she placed him back down.
He followed her into the kitchen. "Your father should be here soon." She spoke as she grabbed everything she would need for the dinner they were to eat later tonight.
"Can I help, mother?"
She turned to look at her son. "Sure, dear. Think you can handle stirring up the sauce for me?" She smiled at the eager nod she received. They chatted as they worked. She asked about the things he usually did while she was at work. She hated leaving him here with a babysitter most of the week. She herself had been raised by her mother. She was an only child. Her mother had some complications after giving birth to her so she was unable to have anymore children. She remembered being very close to her mother because of that. Her mother had taken care of everything in the home as well as raising her. Her father had worked to support them all. He'd bring home the money, giving the money to her mother. Mother would have a hot plate of food for him every night when he got home. They had been a simple family, but it worked for them. They had been happy.
She thought she would be able to have a simple family of her own. She was old enough to realize things didn't always work out the way you once thought they would. She looked at her son as he placed some mixed vegetables into a bowl. She hoped and prayed that Sesshomaru knew just how much she loved him. Moments like these were special to her. She literally couldn't afford to be here with him like she wished she could. She had to take care of her son. Not that Sesshomaru's father didn't take care of his son. No complaints there. For everything else however, that fell on her shoulders. So she worked.
It was just them. Seshomaru didn't have the luxury of having a mother that was around all the time. Or a father. He was still young so he couldn't quite grasp the situation in it's entirety. She worried for the future. Would he grow to resent her? Everything she had done up to this point had been with the intentions of protecting her child. She didn't regret her choices, but she found herself questioning them.
She placed a cover over the skillet to let the sauce simmer. She looked towards the clock. They had been in here a little over forty-five minutes. He would be here soon.
"Sesshomaru, go watch T.V. I'll be in their in a little while."
He nodded before scampering towards the living room. She quickly finished up before taking a seat on stool in front of the counter. All that was left to do was wait.
..
The chime of the bell rang throughout the house.
Sesshomaru looked away from the kids show he had been watching. He got up from his spot in front of the television before walking to the window that rested in the front of their home. He smiled at seeing the familiar black car.
He turned from the window before running to the front door. He came up short at seeing his mother already opening the door. He was happy once Father stepped through the front door. He stood there as they talked, waiting to be acknowledged. As soon as his father turned towards him, he hurled himself at the now crouched man, finding refuge in those strong arms.
He broke free to look into the eyes so much like his own.
"Hello, Father."
"Hello, Sesshomaru."
His eyes fluttered open at the feel of lips pressing against his forehead. He saw his father turning away from him.
"Goodnight." He called out.
His father paused before turning his head towards him. "Goodnight, son."
Then he was gone.
Sesshomaru woke up later feeling thirsty. He felt his way across his bed, the dull night light helping him navigate in the otherwise dark room.
He dropped down from the bed before leaving his room. He kept his steps light as he crept across the wooded tiles in the long hallway. He knew he should be asleep and knew his mother would be too around this time. He didn't want to wake her.
He was almost at the end of the hall when he heard a strange noise. He listened for a moment, face scrunching up in confusion when he realized it sounded like a kissing noise. The same sound he heard at school when the boys aimed their kisses at the girls. Why would he hear that here? Who was kissing?
He peered around the corner into the living room. It had sounded in that direction. It was hard to make anything out. The only light source in the room the dull glow of the dark screen on the television.
He listened for a moment longer. He couldn't pick up any sounds now.
Maybe he imagined it. All was still and quiet as far as he saw.
He remembered his thirst and made to remedy that when a voice startled him. He dropped into a crouch, eyes wide as he tried to pinpoint where it came from.
"Your upset, aren't you?"
Sesshomaru closed his eyes as relief spread throughout him. He took deep breaths, willing his racing heart back under his control.
That was Fathers voice. What was he still doing here? Why hadn't he gone home?
"Yes, but more so at myself than at you, believe it or not." That was mother. What was she doing up?
He wanted to go to them but didn't know how he'd be received. He was supposed to be in his room asleep.
"When we end up like this, I feel like I'm losing a bit of myself every time. Doing something I thought I'd never do. You're a married man, Taisho."
He heard that kissing noise before hearing Fathers voice once more. "Do you forget, love? We were married once. If I recall, we were joined quite often."
Silence lingered for a moment. "That was the past, Taisho. You are no longer mine just as you no longer have a claim over me. We can't keep doing this."
"I am yours. There are no words to describe how I regret hurting you so. Is it wrong to show you how much I miss being with you? I'm still in love with you, Kozue. That will never change."
The silence lasted longer this time. Sesshomaru was confused at what they were saying. He had never heard them speak to one another like this. They barely spoke to each other in his presence. They were nice to each other, but never went out of their way to start any conversations unless it was about him.
"How can you say this freely, Taisho? What we feel doesn't change our reality. You have a wife waiting for you back at home. I have a son. Our son. That I need to focus on. I won't bring him into this mess. I won't see him hurt over your indecisiveness."
"What would you have me do, Kozue? I can't just up and leave her. We just learned of her being with child. She needs me right now. Once the baby comes, I'll let her know that I plan on filing for divorce."
"Divorce? Your filing for divorce. Why?"
"I need you, Kozue. I didn't see what was right in front of me the whole time. It took me losing what I already had to make me realize how much I really needed it. I was a fool, and I can't change the past, nor would I want to. If only because I can't bring myself to regret the child she's giving me." He sighed before continuing. "You are the woman I wish to be beside. I want my family back."
"Don't do this to me. Don't fill me with hope on empty promises. I would never tell you to leave her. You know this. I deserve happiness, Taisho. I can't find it if I were to continue on like this."
Sesshomaru was torn between staying where he was and going to his mothers side. Her voice sounded funny.
"You come in here telling me all this. I suppose I should be jumping for joy, right? The man I've loved since we were teens…says he wants to come back to a family he left for some human. The same demon who left during my pregnancy to be with. Tell me, Taisho. What makes her so special? The poor human can't handle being alone while with child? You were the one always spouting that crap about humans being stronger than we give them credit for. So tell me, why is she so damn special!"
"Izayoi had a tumor, Kozue! I have to be there for my child!" his voice boomed.
Sesshomaru heard his mothers gasp and his father's rugged breathing. He himself was scared to breathe. He knew they were both upset and didn't want to draw any attention his way.
"I'm so sorry, Taisho. I had no idea… " Sesshomaru was glad her voice lost its loud volume but he didn't much care for this new tone. She sounded so sad.
"Of course you didn't. I hurt you in a way no one should ever have to know. All those things you said I deserve and more. It needed to be said."
"Damn right you do. Had I known she was sick…"
"I know and I'm glad I didn't say anything. You need to say what you feel. I want to know. Know if we can ever be together again."
His mother groaned. "Well, that just made me feel even shittier about all this. What's your excuse in all this? How do you justify sleeping with me while your wife was sick?"
He chuckled. "Me and Izayoi both know we're going nowhere in this marriage. Last time we were intimate had been months ago, which we now find out she got pregnant from. Before you get any crazy ideas in your head, no I'm not just sleeping with you because I'm not getting any from my wife. You more than anyone know I'm not perfect. There's only show much I can take. "
His mother was quite before saying, "You'd think I wouldn't feel bad considering she slept with you while knowing we were married. I'm doing what she did to me and I feel bad. What the hell is wrong with me?"
"Absolutely nothing. Just proves what I figured out some time ago. I was an idiot for ever letting you go."
A beat of silence before he continued. "I have every intention of leaving her once the baby is born. Only reason I'm not telling her now is because she's a high risk pregnancy. I'm doing everything in my power not to cause her any stress right now. What I need to know is.. Will you be willing to try again? Once I leave my wife, will you receive me?"
"I know we've never discussed about how your leaving affected me. The effect your decision had in my life. It was a long time before I even wanted to leave the bed. You have to believe me when I say I didn't see any of that coming. Had no idea you had feelings of restlessness. That you were unhappy. You hid your feelings well." A shaky breath. "So I did the same on that first visit you came to see Sesshomaru. Decided then that you would never know just how much you hurt me. I wouldn't give you the satisfaction."
It was a while before she continued. "The me today knows how foolish I was acting. Inside I was angry but was so hell bent on never letting you see anything from me. Took me a long time to realize that by not forgiving you I was actually locking myself to you. You had power over me and didn't even know it."
Another shaky breath. "Over the years, my anger has faded. I see the effect you have in my sons life and feel… happy. Him being happy is what makes me happy. How can I stay angry at you when you continue to put that smile on his face? So, I forgave you. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, Taisho. I didn't want to. I wanted to continue to be angry but I was fighting a losing battle there." She laughed. "I knew if continued to be angry with you, it was less room in my heart for my son."
"Seems I owe my son a lot. Remind me to get him that new game he's been bugging me about." They laughed.
"I guess you do." Kozue agreed before continuing. "I know your heart, Taisho. You love me, this I know. Just know I will never understand your reasons for leaving your family."
"What are you saying Kozue?"
"I'm saying that I'm willing to see if what you speak is the truth. If you leave Izayoi, then it will be of your own free will. I will never tell you to do so. If that is what you choose to do…then I'm willing to see if we can try again."
"Thank you Kozue. I will spend the rest of my days making it up to you and Sesshomaru. I won't let either of you down. Not again."
"We shall see. If we do not speak of this after the arrival of your child, I will have my answer."
"That you shall."
Sesshomaru was slightly dazed. He couldn't comprehend all that had been said. Were mother and father getting back together? He was too young too remember the days of them being married. He was used to Father coming to visit him here. It had been that way since he could remember. So father was to live here with them now? He excited at the idea.
He knew he was missing many key elements to the conversation, but he got the gist of it. He had never been overly curious as to why Father was no longer with Mother. It was not odd to be the child of divorced parents. He knew others that attended his school to be in the same boat as him. After overhearing the conversation, he now wished to know what prompted his father to leave them. Not the reason he left. He knew Father had a wife, a woman he had no desire to meet. No, Sesshomaru wanted to know what the deciding factor for his father to actually leave had been.
He knew Mother would not be happy should she found out he knew of her and Fathers conversation. He would act as if he never heard it, he figured that would be best. He would however ask his father about his decision in leaving his family.
Someday, he would know.
Sesshomaru stayed sitting in the hall until his father left later that morning. He made his escape as his mother walked him to the door. He crawled into bed, his thirst long forgotten as thoughts of his family together put him to sleep.
Kagura was grateful in this moment that Sesshomaru wasn't a talkative child.
Not to confuse her dislike of him bottling everything up. She had yet to give up on her mission of hearing his story directly from him. She knew the story of his life, in a sense. Knew the basic necessities one needed to know as a social worker. She wanted more than facts and events. She hoped someday Sesshomaru would be willing to open up to her.
At the moment, she didn't think she was in a state to hear it. If by some miracle he suddenly started talking about his past.
She glanced in the rearview mirror. Sesshomaru was currently asleep. Had been on and off throughout their trip. Kagura noticed he had been moving in his sleep, almost restless. She almost felt bad watching him in his current state. His usual guarded expression gone. He seemed.. childlike. As he should.
These were the only times his guard was down around her. He dealt with her with a seriousness that had no business being on someone his age.
Which led her back to her earlier thoughts. She had been thinking of the new people they were to meet later tonight. Well, new to Sesshomaru. Kagura had known the Tsunoi family for years now. She had been imagining how Sesshomaru would take to them. He was used to being alone. She wanted him to adapt to the Tsunoi's simple, everyday lifestyle.
The Tsunoi's had been working close with her particular agency over the years. Kagura was proud to say she knew the Tsunoi's. Had worked with Ms. Tsunoi over the years on various cases that had all gone exceptionally well. Honestly, she felt like kicking herself for not thinking of this family sooner.
Though, all had been fine with Ms. Rin. Another amazing woman she was glad to know. The circumstances that had arose concerning Ms. Rin had been unexpected. Kagura had such a short time to find Sesshomaru a new home. She hadn't been able to find him any available homes in the neighborhood or surrounding area. Kagura tried hard to keep him with some semblance of what he had grown used to. She wished for him stay in the area so he could attend the same school. Kagura knew he wasn't particularly close to anyone at that school, but she wanted him to have a normal routine. To be grounded.
She was confident he could find that with the Tsunoi's.
..
Kagura turned the key, effectively turning off the engine. She slumped in her seat. As nice as it was to catch up with someone you hadn't seen in a while, Kagura wanted nothing more than to crawl into a nice plush bed. She had been driving for a little over four hours. Later than she originally planned to arrive, but traffic had been a real pain.
Her cellphone revealed it was eleven o' two. She had meant for them to arrive around nine. She hoped she wouldn't be waking Ms. Tsunoi out of a deep sleep.
Kagura got out of the car, rapping her knuckles against the window Sesshomaru laid his head against. She made her way to the trunk where Sesshomaru's bags were.
She grabbed them before closing the trunk, noticing Sesshomaru had gotten out of the car.
"Ready?" she asked.
He nodded, following behind her as they made their way to the Tsunoi's front door. She rung the door bell, before waiting to see if she could hear any sounds behind the door. She heard approaching footsteps.
"Who is it?" a womans soft voice called out, muffled by the door that divided them.
"It's Kagura, Ms. Tsunoi."
Kaugura thought she heard Ms. Tsunoi voice whisper 'Kagura?' before the door finally opened. "Oh, it is you Kagura. Come in." Kagura followed behind her, feeling Sesshomaru behind her as they navigated through the darkness. Ms. Tsunoi made her way into the kitchen. Kagura placed the bags beside the couch before gesturing for him to take a seat. She went to follow Ms. Tsunoi.
Kagura leaned against the counter as she watched the woman make a pot of coffee. "You didn't have to do that Ms. Tsunoi. Thank you."
The human smiled. "It's no problem, Kagura. Don't need you falling asleep on the road now do we?"
"That is true." Kagura laughed.
"When you didn't show up at the arranged time, I figured you wouldn't be coming today. Nothing happened I hope."
"No, everything's fine. I just didn't factor in the slow traffic." She snorted. "I apologize for having to disturb you so late. I didn't wake your little one did I?"
Ms. Tsunoi poured coffee into two separate cups before gesturing towards the kitchen table. "No, he's still fast asleep. It's quite alright. You guys made it here safe, that's all that matters."
Kagura took a sip of the hot liquid. "How have you been, Ms. Tsunoi? It's been some time since we've last seen one another."
Ms. Tsunoi laughed. "Please, call me Izayoi. I've been perfectly fine. My son is healthy and happy. That's all I ask for. How about yourself?" They chatted for a while, catching the other up on what they had been doing lately in their lives. Some point in the conversation, Izayoi took on a more somber air.
"How is he?" the woman asked.
Kagura knew what she meant. She sighed. "I honestly couldn't tell you. The kid hides his emotions so well. It's impossible for me to get a read on him. All I do know is that he's hurting." Kagura took a deep breath, keeping eye contact with Ms. Tsunoi. "Honestly, I'm hoping you'll be what he needs."
Izayoi lowered her head. "That's a lot of faith you're placing in me, Kagura."
Kagura smiled. "Only because I know your capable."
"You know I'll do everything I can to help."
"I know Ms. Tsunoi." Kagura looked at the clock that hung on the wall. "I'd better get going."
Izayoi nodded. "I'll show you out."
Kagura walked towards the couch where she left Seshomaru. His eyes were closed as he leaned back into the cushions.
"Sesshomaru?" she called out. His eyes opened, turning his golden stare to her. "I'm leaving now. I'll be back to check in with you tomorrow. Ms. Tsunoi will show you to your room."
Kagura turned to Ms. Tsunoi, who had been watching from behind the couch. The human nodded before walking around to the front of the couch, coming to face Sesshomaru.
Kagura was taken aback by the gasp that escaped the woman.
"Ms. Tsunoi? Are you okay?" she asked slowly as to not further startle the woman. Ms. Tsunoi turned wide eyes towards her before quickly looking away.
"I-Im fine. It's late is all. Must be catching up to me." She rushed.
Kagura raised an eyebrow. What was wrong with her? She was curious about the woman's reaction to Sesshomaru. Even now, she noticed Ms. Tsunoi throwing Sesshomaru quick glances from the corner of her eye. She glanced at Sesshomaru, seeing he was staring intently at Ms. Tsunoi. His face gave away nothing, but she would bet her last dollar he was just as perplexed at the woman's behavior as she was.
Kagura had never met anyone to react to a child this way. It seemed the woman was uneasy.
"Excuse us for a moment, Sesshomaru." Kagura said, never taking her eyes away from her. "Come with me please, Ms. Tsunoi."
Kagura made her way back towards the kitchen, feeling the woman scampering to keep up with her. Kagura roughly exhaled before turning to face the woman behind her. She was confused at Ms. Tsunoi's avoidance of looking directly at her. Though perplexed at her weird behavior, she had a more pressing matter.
"Will it be a problem with him staying here? "
Izayoi's head whipped towards her at that. "Of course not. I don't turn away children needlessly, Kagura."
"I'm not questioning your character, Ms. Tsunoi," she bit out, "it was obvious you were uneasy around him. I don't want to create problems if its avoidable. I can't have him in an environment that makes him uncomfortable either. I need to know if I need to make necessary arrangements for him."
Her voice had been colder than she intended it to be. Never before had she felt so annoyed with a foster parent.
Izayoi looked at her for a moment before nodding to herself. "It appears I've upset you. That was not my intention to do so. My apologies." she sighed before continuing. "No, it will not be a problem with him staying here because I will not make it so."
She was quite before whispering, "He reminded me greatly of someone I once knew. Someone I lost long ago. It just caught me by surprise."
Kagura felt foolish in her anger. It did explain the womans peculiar behavior. She was relieved it wouldn't affect Sesshomaru staying here.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Tsunoi. That doesn't excuse my tone. It wasn't very professional of me."
"I see you care for him deeply." Was all Izayoi said.
"Yes I do." Kagura replied quietly. She wasn't saying anything more.
Izayoi nodded. "Do not worry, Kagura. All will be well."
Kagura nodded as well, desperately hoping she was right. "I better get going. Busy day tomorrow."
"Please be safe Kagura. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
"Until then Ms. Tsunoi."
They exited the kitchen. Sesshomaru's eyes found hers. Kagura offered him a small smile. "Sleep well, Sesshomaru." He nodded.
Izayoi accompanied her to the door, where they wished each other a good night. Kagura got on the freeway, heading towards the hotel she would be staying at. She was too tired to even try to think over Izayoi's reaction. She'd get some precious and much needed sleep before attempting to sort anything out. Thinking could wait a few more hours.
AN: Well, there you have it.
Just in case there's any confusion, Kozue is the name I've chosen to name Sesshomaru's mother. I couldn't find anything official when trying to look it up. I guess technically she doesn't have one? Correct me if I'm wrong on that one.
Let me know what you think! Reviews are appreciated. Let's me know whether I should keep writing for this or not. See ya when I see ya! :*