Title: From the Bottom of My Heart

Summary: Sequel to Beautifully, Ignorant, Traitorous, and Conniving (B.I.T.X.H). As Kagome and Sesshomaru settle into an awkward business relationship, a devastating event finds her reuniting with Kikyo. With another tragedy brewing on the horizon, will Kagome sink into the depths of despair, or will Sesshomaru be able to catch her ? (Pairings: Sess/Kag, Miro/San, Kik/Inu/X, Kan/Hojo, Jak/X, Aya/Banko, Souta/X. X's mean you'll just have to find out ! ;) )

Genre(s): Romance/Drama, Family/Friendship, Comedy, Hurt/Comfort

Rating: M-due to strong sexual themes, language, adult situations, drugs & alcohol


((A/N: Ho-o-ly shit you guys are AWESOME! First of all WELCOME BACK to Chapter Two of B.I.T-I mean whoops let me remind myself this is the SEQUEL so instead WELCOME BACK to CHAPTER TWO of From the Bottom of My Heart ! Thank you so much to my Chapter One reviewers: Guest (#1), thninjaofthelove, momo, Jaz, XxXinu-hanyou2021XxX, avacyns-mother, VarietyFan505, kittychic0895, tacosfly, The-Infamous-two, Hugabouv, Guest(#2). You guys kick ass ! Whew ! I'm so excited ! I was so happy to get such overwhelmingly positive responses and I appreciate every single one of them ! It helped me get this chapter out in just a day over two weeks ! And just in case anyone is wondering, NO Koga and Kagome will NOT have any form of a relationship in this story. HOWEVER, a reviewer by the name of Jaz gave me an idea that I took a few sentences to include :) As I've told you all before I am more than happy to incorporate your ideas, and thank you Jaz for helping me add a funny paragraph :). Honestly I kinda just threw Koga in as a cameo buuuut…if you all really would like to see more of him let me know and I'll include more of him, otherwise it is strictly Sesshomaru and Kagome for that pairing. Hrm…I think that's it ! So without further ado, here is the next chapter of F.B.M.H !))


Chapter Two: Between Two Sisters

As Kagome's eyes fell upon the stack of papers on her desk, her mind flitted back to her Marine fling, and she sighed. Fling was definitely the right way to describe it seeing as Koga was only around for a week and a half before he was shipped back off to his base…wherever the hell that was. She was sure he'd told her, but she couldn't remember. In that week and a half he had taken her to dinner three times, met them (meaning her and Sango) out for clubbing twice, taken her to the movies once, and fucked her damn near every night. She wasn't sure what had gotten into her…she rarely had sex and in all honesty he was only the fifth man she'd ever had sex with. The second after Sesshomaru.

Both times they had planned on going out Sango had adamantly tried to convince Kazahe to join them. The silent secretary had merely smiled and, being the epitome of a professional, polity declined. Sango knew asking out co-workers wasn't exactly protocol, but she knew her boss (Kagome) didn't care, so she didn't. Kagome was surprised too in how much more she enjoyed Kazahe's company. Maybe it was because he'd seen her get drunk, shake her ass, then leave for a nightcap, that she found herself substantially more comfortable around him. Sango and her felt much amusement teasing the twenty-six year old. Kazahe was always so passive they tried everything they could to push his buttons or embarrass him, doing anything from fake flirting when no one was looking to showering him in compliments about his cute butt. His mask never once fell out of place.

Kagome wasn't sure what had gotten into her when it came to Koga. She didn't normally just hop into bed with random men but there was something about him that just…set her off. Not to mention she knew from jump since he was a Marine he wouldn't be around long. With the added stress of Sesshomaru being back in her life, it felt like it had been the perfect release.

With Koga on his fourth day of absence meant that it had been a full two weeks since Takada Corp merged with Higurashi Enterprises and her and Sesshomaru still didn't know how to talk to one another. In fact, one day Kagome found herself alone in an elevator with him and she thought she was going to piss herself. It felt so heavy and dark she thought she could practically see the rage pulsing off of him. Only, his eyes and his body remained stone cold and controlled. For a brief moment she wondered if his demeanor had anything to do with a lovely bouquet of multi-colored roses she'd received curtsy of Koga that morning…but quickly dismissed the thought. Sesshomaru? Jealous? And over her after all this time? It seemed more likely she'd be hit by a BMW being driven by a dinosaur.

Only when it was strictly business were they able to talk comfortably. Otherwise it almost seemed like he was actively avoiding her. It made her heart…and mind hurt. Why would be be avoiding her anyway? She huffed to herself. It had been so much easier with Koga around. He had showed up just in the nick of time to be the perfect distraction, easing her into these first couple weeks with Sesshomaru. Every time she was near him she felt guilty, like she needed to blurt out every indiscretion and apologize for hurting him seven years ago…as if it still really mattered to him. With a sigh she lifted her fingertips to her temple before jumping at the shrill sound of the telephone.

"Higurashi." She answered in an automatic cool tone.

"Ms. Higurashi," The slightly high and flustered voice of her first floor receptionist responded on the other end. "Some one is on their way up to your office to surprise you but I figured-" Kagome stopped listening in the middle of the womans sentence. Her eyes darted over to her office door that, without a knock, was starting to creak open.

"Ms. Higurashi? Ms. Higurashi are you there?" Without removing her eyes from the woman now standing in her open doorway, Kagome spoke into the receiver.

"Well…I'm surprised. Thank you, Trish." She responded lowly before pressing the phone back down into it's cradle.

Kagome, unmoving, stared at the woman in front of her. She blinked twice, giving merit to the idea that perhaps she might be hallucinating. That was not the case. The woman was wearing a white sundress with ruffles on the skirt, light denim wedge heels and a white clutch in her hands. She stood a solid five foot seven, her body curved and full with added weight. Her eyes matched Kagome's in their shade of Icelandic blue, and her hair in the same raven black, but longer… Kagome had not seen, nor heard from Kikyo in over seven years, since the day she tore her and Sesshomaru's relationship apart. Yet there she stood, in Kagome's office, blocking the way to the now closed door.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Kagome demanded incredulously, standing up from her desk stiffly. Despite the time apart, she still resented her sister. In addition to everything Kikyo had been in the years they'd spent together, Kagome was the one after the fact who had spent seven long years filled with a depressed mother. Her, well their, mother had spiraled into depression after Kikyo's disappearance. From what Kagome understood they had argued, about what she was certain she'd never know, but as a result their mother was convinced it was her own fault. She was recovering slowly through therapy and Kagome made continuous effort to visit her.

Their mothers illness took a toll on the youngest in the house hold, Souta. Even though he was away at boarding school for a few more years his grades started to drop. He called a lot and was always worried about their mother. He'd caught her one time, absentmindedly toying with a bottle of sleeping pills and ever since…he was on high alert. Kagome felt bad and tried to console him, but he wasn't worried about Kikyo. He knew like everyone she'd probably run off with Inuyasha, it was their mother that terrified him and…there was nothing really Kagome could do to fix that. Once he graduated he'd decided he didn't want to go to college, and much to Kagome and their mothers dismay, got into MMA. Kagome never quite forgave Bankotsu for that one. But he had his reasons, saying that college took too much time and was too out of the way and with Kagome at the high level job she had, he wanted to make sure some one had time to be around their mother. He was such a caring son. It made Kagome feel nostalgic in a way, that he was a twenty-one year old now and not a fourteen year old dork anymore. She still treated him like it sometimes though. She wondered if he harbored any ill feelings towards Kikyo as well.

Kikyo had just up and left, no note, no trace, no nothing. However, Inuyasha went missing right along with her. Kagome had tried on numerous occasions to console their mother by telling her the two had to be together. It made sense, the Takada's had the funds and Inuyasha had the access. Additionally after some scrutiny of their accounts, Sorem and Izayoi Takada noticed a less significant fifteen thousand dollar withdrawal, and knew it had ot be Inuyasha. Addmittedly Kikyo seemed…so different standing in front of her now. Her skin wasn't nearly as pale, instead it was warm and sun-kissed, she'd put on weight that made her only cutely plump, and the air about her seemed oddly…calm. Kikyo frowned only slightly.

"Hello Kagome. It's good to see you again." She said patiently, inviting herself to sit in the cushioned chair in front of Kagome's desk. Kagome gapped at her, trying to find words as her cheeks began to grow warm. She intertwined her fingers together before leaning forward and choosing instead to lay her palms flat on the glass of her desk as she gave Kikyo a hard look.

"It's been the better part of a decade since I've seen you and suddenly you wanna come waltzing into my office? News flash Kikyo, phones exist. Did you even bother to call Mom?" Kikyo's face darkened significantly. "And where the hell did you kidnap Inuyasha to?"

"Does anyone even say 'news flash' anymore?" Kikyo retorted dryly. Kagome glared at her, and Kikyo was quiet for a second. This wasn't how she wanted this to go. She wasn't that mean girl anymore. Kikyo sighed, and decided to answer. "He wasn't kidnapped." She said through a tight jaw.

"Yeah right! I bet he hasn't even seen his family since he ran off with you!" Kagome quipped. Kikyo adjusted her dress as she lifted one leg over the other before eyeing Kagome.

"Actually him and Sesshomaru talk quite often, and Izayoi usually visits twice a year." She replied. Kagomes face fell as she faltered for a moment.

"They…they do?" She asked quietly.

"They do." Her sister confirmed. Kagome's head felt like an ocean. Some how part of her felt upset that Sesshomaru did not tell her. Granted, she understood they had yet to talk about anything personal, but her sister had disappeared! Why hadn't he said anything? Sensing Kagomes inner conflict Kikyo cocked her head to the side and blinked twice slowly.

"Inuyasha asked on my behalf for him not to mention me to anyone. That's besides the point though, I have to tell you-"

"I don't give a damn abut what you have to say!" Kagome snapped, her anger returning full force. Part of her felt irrational, but the parts of her that had endured Kikyo's torment for years and had stayed up all those countless nights to the sounds of her mothers grief, made her feel completely justified.

"Kagome, please-"

"No! Have you lost your mind?!"

"Kagome, this is important-"

"Oh gimmie a break! Princess Kikyo returns commanding attention!"

"For Christ sake Kagome, just listen-!"

"Have you ever once thought of-"

"Mom's dead."

The silence dropped like dead weight into the room. Kagome's features rapidly turned to stone. Kikyo's face was bright red. She, had had enough. If Kagome wasn't going to be adult enough to let her get a sentence in, then she'd had no other choice. Taking a deep, uneven breath, Kikyo stood from the chair and lifted her tear clouded gaze to Kagomes eyes. Kagome was frozen, and Kikyo intertwined her fingers together in front of her hips before clearing her throat and speaking calmly.

"I got the call last night, and took the first flight I was able in order to get here. Inuyasha and your nieces and nephew will be here later tonight but we will see them tomorrow afternoon. The hospital called me because I am the eldest. I declined to know the details until my arrival, in which I notified them I would tell you and Souta myself, and that you and I would be arriving at the hospital together." She took a second to look at the inside of her wrist to the thin watch adorning it.

"They're expecting us in an hour. I'll be standing right outside while you pack up your things, and we'll be on our way." She finished before turning her back, and stepping out of the office, closing the door back behind her. Releasing a heavy breath she blinked away her tears, murmuring for herself to calm down and keep it together. This wasn't easy for her either, and although she deserved Kagome's animosity, that didn't make it hurt any less. And on top of that, their mother was dead. She wasn't the same girl that had taken off from Japan all those years ago, but she knew her sister had no way of knowing that.

One deep breath later her eyes settled on her next destination. Tucking some hair behind her ear she made her way across the lobby to Sesshomaru's office. She was surprised his door was open, and studied him through the transparent glass of his wall. He was deeply immersed in his desktop, searching and typing rapidly. A small, warm smile tugged at her lips. Still typical Sesshomaru. It seemed like so long since she had seen him. He was a grown man now, more elegant and beautiful than she remembered. She leaned in his doorway and his head lifted to look at her, eyes widening a subtle fraction.

"Hello Sesshomaru." She greeted softly. He leaned back slightly in his chair.

"Kikyo." He returned indifferently. Kikyo decided to skip the small talk.

"Inuyasha will be arriving with the kids later this evening. Considering your position in this company I think you should know that…my mother has passed away. I'm sure you understand what that means…" She explained. Sesshomaru felt something heavy sinking into his stomach, but his cool mask didn't betray his feelings.

"Kagome…" He murmured. Kikyo nodded.

"We'll be leaving in a minute or so. Inuyasha also wanted me to ask if you wouldn't mind our staying with you for the duration of our trip? We'll be here for a week. Sorry for the last minute inconvenience. We could get a hotel if need be." She added at the end. Sesshomaru appraised her quietly. She was doing a phenomenal job of speaking calmly to him despite her clearly emotional state. Well, it was clear enough to him. Her aura wreaked of distress and despair, yet she was able to smile at him. He could also smell the salt of her tears.

"Hn. That is acceptable. I will make sure the proper arrangements are made, and...I apologize for your loss." He replied, his eyes showing sincerity that made Kikyo's heart swell. She stiffened for a moment before her soft smile grew, but only slightly.

"I'll let Inuyasha know, and he'll let you know when to expect him. And thank you…bro-in-law." She threw in before quickly slipping out of his office at the sound of his low growl. She giggled. She knew Sesshomaru didn't much approve of her, but he'd accepted her, and that was more than enough. Sesshomaru had first been contacted when Kikyo and Inuyasha's first child -a little girl by the name of Minako after Kikyo's mother- was on the way, two years after the pair had disappeared together. Surprisingly, he had been rather tolerant. He wasn't quite surprised since he knew they had to be together, and Inuyasha told him he was going to marry Kikyo. Inuyasha sounded truly…happy. Who was he to judge it?

Throughout the years since, several things had happened. Inuyasha and Kikyo had gotten married, and had two more children, three year old Marume (named after her aunt Kagome and her uncle Sesshomaru), and a one year old boy named Sato. Lastly she had proved to Sesshomaru…that she was indeed a changed woman. Gone was the vindictive, manipulative, cold-hearted, uncaring girl he'd known, replaced by a woman who was quiet, patient, and treated her children (and his brother) like they were gifts from the universe. He didn't know what Inuyasha had done to the woman, but whatever it was, it had worked.

Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's father -Sorem- did not approve or accept. Inuyasha had already cut his ties with the Takada wealth but when Sorem found out where the boy was and with whom, he'd told Inuyasha he would never see a dime more of their wealth, and made him pay back every penny of the fifteen-thousand he had taken when he left. They both knew fifteen thousand dollars was chump change to the Takada's, but Inuyasha had merely shrugged and said if it would make his dad feel better he'd do it. Plus he was eighteen when he did it and hadn't asked permission, so it was technically stealing. Lastly he just didn't want Sorem Takada to have anything to hold above his head.

Izayoi was much more lenient, and though it took some time, she reached out to them. She had been apologetic for her absence, but Kikyo didn't mind. She knew most of it was due to Sorems disapproval. Inuyasha felt the same, and understood. Izayoi was a doting grandmother, and offered Kikyo and Inuyasha money on numerous occasions, but they'd always declined. Inuyasha had always been good with cars, so as soon as they moved to Italy he'd gotten himself a job as a mechanic. Business and talent with money ran in his blood, so after a few years of saving and building he managed to open his own independent auto repair shop. Based on the clientle he had acquired during his previous employments, it didn't take long for business to be booming.

Kikyo did her part as well. In addition to taking care of their children, she worked as a part time tutor at a nearby elementary school, and went over the books for Inuyashas company daily. Between the two, they lived comfortably. The first couple years were a real learning experience for Kikyo. Inuyasha and her fought just as much as they laughed. Kikyo was a spoiled brat who tended to get everything she wanted. Inuyasha worked with her. True to her word, Kikyo really was willing to change, no matter how hard it was.

The first task had been really working on her patience. Learning how to handle situations in an acceptable manner, and not say painful things to get back at people who cared for her. The next task, was learning to accept that not everybody was going to like the person she was, and she needed to accept that, and not try to manipulate them. Granted, with no one she knew besides Inuyasha around, it made that task not so hard, but had turned her into a more quiet woman. She learned how to be affectionate without needing sex, or how to do things for some one else to make them happy.

It didn't just stop there. With the birth of their first child, Kikyo got a crash course in learning how to give up being selfish. She was a twenty year old with a newborn and a boyfriend who was always working. She saw it as a test, and did her best. She was kind, doting, loving, everything she needed to be. Of course she lost her patience sometimes and yelled, but it only made Inuyasha laugh. He could always see how hard she worked, and whenever she was upset, he'd give her a back massage and buy her chocolate ice cream and flowers. It worked every time. She really couldn't have asked for a better life.

Kagome exited her office about five minutes later to find Kikyo exactly where she said she would be, outside her door. Kagome's face had paled significantly and though she was clearly trying to hid it, Kikyo could see her sister trembling slightly. In her time away from Kikyo Kagome had phoned both Sango and Kazahe and informed them of what meetings to cancel and which to handle in her absence. Sango had of course wanted to know why Kagome seemed so on edge and leaving suddenly, but her friend had been in no mood to talk.

Kagome did not look up at Kikyo as she walked past her sister and towards the elevator. Kikyo followed her younger counterpart wordlessly, and soon enough they were beginning their long decent down to the first floor, and eventually out of the large building. Kagome paused, squinting in the sunlight that bombarded her. She was still in shock. It couldn't be real that this was happening. That their mother was gone. She'd talked on the phone to her a week before. Just a week. She had meant to call sometime after, but Kagome had gotten busy and never would she have thought that…that…

The sound of Kikyo clearing her throat from beside Kagome drew her out of her thoughts. Kikyo was holding a pair of silver keys in her hand and frowning slightly.

"I picked up a rental for when Inuyasha and the kids get here. I figured we could take that…?" She trailed off, allowing Kagome to choose for herself. After a second more of silence Kagome gave a tight nod. "Okay." Kikyo said softly, before taking the lead and guiding Kagome through the small crowds of people to a four door silver sedan parked on the street in front of the building.

After they got in Kikyo fumbled around with the GPS before discovering the fastest route to the hospital their mothers body was would take them forty-two minutes, and then she pulled out. The awkward silence didn't take long to get to her.

"You hungry?" Kikyo tried. Kagome answered her with silence. Kikyo sighed and quieted…for three more minutes before she began to fidget. "I figured…we go to the hospital, and then after we go tell Souta together. It's only two now, and by the time we're done it'll probably be about four. He should be done with classes by then right?" Kikyo asked, glancing over at Kagomes stiff form in the passenger seat.

"Souta isn't in college." Kagome finally spoke. Kikyo's eyebrows shot up in surprise as she watched the road. Souta had always done well like Kagome and had said he wanted to be a doctor.

"Really? What's he doing?" She asked curiously. There was a pause.

"He's a pro MMA fighter."

"WHAT?!" Kikyo screeched before apologizing profusely for her outburst, blushing slightly. Kagome raised an eyebrow. Just who was this woman next to her? Kikyo groaned at the image of her scrawny brother getting pummeled and Kagome shrugged.

"He's not like he was when you decided to take off. He can handle himself." Kagome said, her voice hoarse. Kikyo looked over and saw Kagome's eyes were swimming with tears that she was holding back. Seeing that…made her decide it was time to go back to being quiet. She knew the last thing Kagome would want to do was cry in front of her, and if they kept talking, she would. Kagome needed to sit with her thoughts of their mother and Kikyo understood that. She felt like the only way SHE was going to cope was by talking. Kikyo didn't like silence.

Thankfully for her, halfway through the drive it started to rain, making her have to focus a bit more attention on the road than before. This left her content to continue to give Kagome her space. She'd ask her more about Souta later. They pulled into the hospital parking lot and Kikyo got out quickly, heading towards the doors until she realized Kagome wasn't by her side. She stopped and looked back, noticing Kagome was walking considerably slower. She was moving quickly because she wanted this to be over, Kagome moved slow because she didn't want it to be real.

She waited at the doorway for Kagome, and when she finally got there, Kikyo held the door open for her and in they went. She left Kagome to lag behind as she approached the desk and gave the necessary information. They found themselves seated in the waiting room and soon after a doctor approached them and began to guide them downstairs. Kikyo's legs began to feel like lead as she followed him, her throat drying up as she swallowed hard. This was it. After they saw her body, there was no denying. They would have to accept the fact that she was gone, and Kikyo never had the chance to say goodbye. Never had the chance to say…how sorry she was. To tell her mother that she had named her and Inuyasha's first child after her. To see her smile one last time.

"It seems she's had a bit of a history with depression for the past number of years, and the changes that took place in her body because of that, lowered her immune system. Her body temperature was elevated when they found her, which lead me to believe she was suffering from a fever, so she was sick. Her body was weak, and in her weakened state, she had a heart attack. She didn't have much of a chance." He added the last part softly, but it still made Kikyo stiffen. Her eyes focused on the very pale, unanimated form of her mothers body laid out on the gurney. Her black hair had lengthened and lost its lustrous shine, graying on countless strands. Dark bags hung under her eyes and her face was slightly wrinkled with age. Kikyo's eyes filled with heavy tears.

"Why would she have a heart attack?!" Kagome demanded.

"Kagome…" Kikyo said softly, reaching a hand out. Kagome evaded her touch and kept her eyes trained on the doctor, having not once looked at the body. He was quiet for a minute, appraising her with raised eyebrows before pushing his glasses higher up on the bridge of his nose.

"I'm not sure Ms. Higurashi, it could have been any number of things. But in her case from what it seems…is that she'd lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time and wasn't feeding herself properly. Add a good amount of stress and…it all falls from there." He answered honestly. "I wish I could give you more, tell you what really triggered it but unfortunately I can't. Sometimes…these things just happen." He said with a shrug.

Kagome was seeing red. This guy was an asshole. He was standing in front of her mothers body and had the audacity to shrug off her death like it was nothing? Like he was talking to his co-workers and not the deceased's daughters?

"I can see they don't teach tact at medical school." She heard Kikyo growl from beside her. She didn't know when Kikyo had gotten so close, but in some twisted way she felt comfort in the poison she could hear lacing her sisters voice, feel the anger in her aura expanding as a soft breeze swept across the room. There were no fans. The doctors face colored significantly and he looked down.

"I…I'm truly sorry." He said softly. Kikyo's eyes lightened in their shade of blue, beginning to glow in the artificial light surrounding them.

"You will be." Kikyo purred in a dark tone. Kagome shivered at the deadly voice that was not Kikyo's own and looked towards the woman. She could see it in Kikyo's eyes. She was losing control. The doctor shrank away quickly, his face horrified.

"I-I'm sorry!" He cried, ready to bolt for the door before Kagome hesitantly grasped Kikyo's elbow. It was the first time she'd touched Kikyo in years.

"Stop." She commanded softly. As quickly as it had come on Kikyo snapped out of it. She looked down wide-eyed at Kagome's hand on her elbow, then back up at her practical twin. Kagome raised a eyebrow but didn't let go quite yet.

"Are you in control?" She asked in a low voice. She remembered when they were younger, much younger Kikyo would have these little fits, and when she did she would lose control of her spiritual powers. In the years since Kikyo had obviously learned to control them, but Kagome hadn't seen her this close to a slip…since she was seven and Kikyo was eight. Kikyo seemed to be equally as surprised.

"I…yes." She replied, shame in her voice. She turned her eyes towards the doctor. "I apologize." She said coldly. All three of them knew she didn't mean it. The doctor sighed and cleared his throat before standing up straight.

"That's alright…I was out of line. You do this job long enough and sometimes you forget how to be sensitive. I do apologize. I'll give you both a minute." He said before excusing himself.

Slowly Kagome let go of Kikyo's arm and stepped over to their mothers body, letting her eyes wander the womans lifeless form for the first time, her skin pale under the artificial light, her eyes forever closed.

"Fucked up part about this is…she looks so much more peaceful now." Kagome said, her words quiet but Kikyo felt those silent daggers pierce her heart. It was her fault, she knew. She didn't say anything back, and two long minutes were spent in a heavy fog of silence before the doctor came back in.

Kagome left the room while Kikyo continued the necessary conversations with the doctor before filling out the forms. Finally she stepped out of the room to find Kagome sitting in an old, stained cushioned chair in the hall way. Kikyo jerked her head up slightly, indicating it was time to go, and Kagome stood and followed her sister's exit. Before long they found themselves back in the car. Kagome fastened her seat belt with numb fingers and waited. When Kikyo didn't start the car after a minute, Kagome looked over and her eyes widened at what she saw.

Kikyo…Kikyo Higurashi…was crying. And not just a few tears, no she was outright crying. Kikyo had her arms folded limply over the steering wheel and her forehead was pressed to it as well. Her shoulders shook as an onslaught of silent tears poured from her eyes. Kagome was unsure what to do. The compassionate part of her that had never seen this side of Kikyo was tempted to comfort her. But even if she wanted to, she didn't know how. The other side of her, the overwhelming majority, was stopped by her grudges, by her vendetta's. Kikyo didn't deserve comfort…right?

"Kikyo…" Kagome started, not knowing what she would say after that. Somewhat fortunately for her, she didn't need to.

"Kagome…I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry." Kikyo whispered, her voice thick as she spoke through her tears. Kagome's body stiffened, and her eyes began to narrow.

"Kikyo don't-"

"No! No dammit, no!" Kikyo yelled, finally jerking her head up, her glassy eyes focusing on Kagome. "Let's just get this out right now! I know you hate me! I know you hate everything about me, hate everything I stand for, hate the very ground I walk on, dammit I know! I knew before and I felt it the instant I stepped into your office today! I know it hasn't changed. And I know you think all of this is my fucking fault and guess what, you're right! It is!" She half screamed half sobbed, lifting her hand to try and rapidly wipe her eyes as she continued on her tirade that caught Kagome off guard.

"I didn't know, but I found out when I got that call that Mom had been severely depressed since I left. I didn't know how much I hurt her…I didn't even think it would really matter much to her if I was gone. All she ever cared about was you, little Kagome this, little Kagome that. I hated it! I spent the first half my life doing positive things but I wasn't like you! I couldn't just not have my moms attention and be okay, be understanding. No! All I wanted was for her to love me, Kagome, but then you came along…you were her little bundle of joy, a baby who was always smiling, and never cried. She spent all her time with you, I felt isolated

When Souta came around, he spent most of his time with Grandpa before he went to boarding school, but even when he was born oh she loved him, but it was nothing like her love for you. And it was like she didn't even care! When I would whine or beg for her attention she made up every excuse in the book and yes, I know she worked all the time! But that didn't stop her from playing games with you and saying that you were younger, you needed more attention, but I was her big girl. I'm only a year older than you! She tossed me aside for you! How do you think any parent in their right mind would let her child wear the type of clothes I did back then? They could if they didn't give a shit! I pushed the limit, did everything to make her say ANYTHING to me, positive or negative but no. I got nothing.

So then…you got old enough…and yes, Kagome. I began to take it out on you. And I was wrong. I was so, so wrong. For everything I did. But I wanted you to hurt. I wanted you to feel how abandoned I felt by not just our father but our mother. She was your rock but Kagome she wasn't mine. Regardless it wasn't your fault, yet I did everything I could to humiliate you and make you feel less than. It felt good to see you in pain, make you feel a fraction of what I felt! But as we got older, I began to feel bad about the things I would do but…I couldn't stop. I couldn't control myself, it was like being in a haze. The guilt became 's when I started having the panic attacks." Kagome's eyes widened, and Kikyo continued.

"Mom didn't tell you about them because she quote: 'didn't want to worry you'. That made me angrier. And when you started to fight back in our last year of high school I wanted to see you broken. I wanted you crushed like dirt. I did everything I could to ensure Sesshomaru would break up with you, and I did. I did it. I'd succeeded…and do you think it felt good Kagome? For the first hour it did. I relished in the thought of knowing the next day he would break your little heart. The rest of the night was spent getting by brains fucked out because I couldn't let myself think. I couldn't let myself feel bad I had to feel empowered. I broke you.

But guess what? The next morning, when everybody was gone…I felt it. I knew it was coming, the panic attack. I had to delete it. All the evidence, everything I had done, I had to delete it! But in some fit of sick self-satisfaction I turned on that…that horrid video of you, and Mom caught me. She called me awful, and despicable. And she was right. She was right. But that was the last thing I wanted to hear from her. I told her I hated her. I didn't even think Kagome I just…left. I had to leave, had to get out, that's all I remember thinking. I needed to breathe. And once I got outside…I knew I could never go back.

I called Inuyasha and asked him to take me away with him. So I ran away. I ran away because I couldn't face the reminders of who I was. I figured she wouldn't care, that she would be happy to keep her prized child, you, and just move on with her life. I…I never thought…" Her voice broke off into sobs. "I never thought she cared…and would hurt so much. I didn't mean it. I didn't mean this, I didn't mean any of it, I didn't mean for her to die-oh God- I'm so sorry!" Kikyo broke down in the drivers seat and Kagome sat frozen, next to her.

Kagome didn't know what to say, or how to react. Her anger, her hatred, her resentment towards Kikyo…it was still there. It had been there for years. It was unrealistic to think it would just go away…but Kikyo had just poured her heart out to Kagome. Things Kagome had never known. She didn't realize tears were pouring from her own eyes until she noticed Kikyo staring at her through her own tear clouded gaze repeating:

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…"

Three Hours Later…

Telling Souta hadn't been easy. At first there was dealing with his initial outrage of seeing Kikyo, and who could blame him. Much like Kagome, Souta had witnessed their mothers decline, so his rage was warranted. At first Kagome let Kikyo get a few insults hurled at her before she knew she was being immature and quickly stopped Souta. They'd found him in one of the special gyms he frequented and had stepped outside into the small parking garage with him. He'd had sweat dripping from his forehead, a towel draped around his neck and shorts hanging from his waist.

Kagome had suggested that they find a place that well…wasn't there, but Souta was having none of it, saying whatever the two of them had to say they could say it right then and leave him the hell alone. Kagome was surprised when his animosity had slid over to her because she wasn't letting him mouth of to Kikyo. And Kikyo, much like earlier, was not fond of the immaturity and did what she had done to Kagome, and dropped the bomb on Souta before he had a chance to open his mouth again.

Immediately the twenty-two year old's body stiffened. He didn't believe them…willing for a full minute to believe that it was some kind of sick joke…but when he finally came to terms with the fact that it wasn't…he slid down the outside wall…and cried. They'd sat with him, Kikyo a couple feet away and Kagome by his side, until he had calmed down. Right after that he told them he'd be back, and went back in the gym only to return ten minutes later, fully clothed with his gym bag over his shoulder. They left, and took the hour and a half long trip to their families shrine.

With only one pit stop deemed necessary on their way, they currently sat at the four person dinning room table they had all grown up eating at. Souta was at the head, with Kikyo and Kagome across from each other. Each had a full carton of Edy's ice cream in front of them. Souta's was Oreo, Kagome's was Moose Tracks, and Kikyo's was mint chocolate chip. Their spoons were large, and only Kagome had a glass of water next to her because she, for some reason, always wanted water to drink with her ice cream ever since she was little.

Another long silence passed between the siblings.

"Pass." Souta's voice said, and as if all on an automated cue they picked up their cartons, and passed it clockwise to the person next to them. Now Kagome had Oreo, Kikyo had Moose Tracks, and Souta had mint chocolate chip. They'd been doing this for the past ten minutes.

"Pizza Hut for dinner?" Kagome suggested quietly, after another long silence.

"Stuffed crust." Souta said immediately.

"Is that a question?" Kikyo's snarky voice rang in. Kagome and Souta exchanged glances, their first immediate reaction to frown at their sister's attitude…but then they remembered, it meant no harm. She was messing with them. After a second both of them flashed a grin at her and she blew out a breath of relief before smiling back.

"Pepperoni and Pineapple." Kagome said next, causing both her siblings to scowl at her. Kagome had always been the weird one. Souta and Kikyo could never see what the girl found right about putting fruit on pizza. "Come oooon, it's delicious!" She whined. They only continued to scowl and after awhile of staring at each other…they all started to laugh.

"Pepperoni on all, pineaples on half. We'll get an extra large." Kikyo compromised, making Kagome smile gleefully and Souta pout.

"Fine. But I want sausage too on our half, Kikyo." He said. Kikyo's eyes widened. It was the first time her little brother had said her name, or even said something that was directed only at her.

Kikyo shrugged. That was fine by her.

"Alright. But we're getting the salted pretzel stuffed crust not the regular one." She said, putting her decision out there as she stood and made her way out of the room to make the call. Souta stood up and started putting the tops on the ice cream cartons.

"You know…it feels oddly…nice. Being all together like this…" He admitted. Kagome was silent for a moment, then she nodded. Her little brother was right. It had been so long since they'd all sat together. They'd had a lot of bad times…but it's not like there was never ever ay good ones. The sad thing was, it took something like this, to bring them all together again. And if it was thought of like that, they still weren't all really together. They were missing their mom.

Suddenly a very different thought struck her as she stood up from her seat quickly, hearing her sisters distant voice on the telephone ordering.

"Kikyo! Don't forget the extra garlic sauce! Ranch too! And Hershey Dunkers!" She called while speeding out the room, leaving Souta by himself to laugh in the kitchen…

***Tadashi-Kaido Residence

7:02pm***

Sango sighed as she hung up the phone and almost immediately she felt the large, warm hands of Miroku massaging her shoulders.

"Mmmm…" She purred, leaning back into his chest. They were standing in the living room together, their little girl Kirara watching Spongebob from her position on the floor in front of the couch. Miroku's hands slid down and wrapped around his wife's waist before he kissed her cheek.

"Did you figure out what was wrong with Kagome?" He asked her, his voice full of genuine concern. Kagome never skipped out on work, even if she was sick. The woman was like a machine, and having her disappear so suddenly like that without so much as a warning…was definitely a sign of something bad. Sango sighed again and glanced over to make sure Kirara's attention was still fully on the television before she turned around so her front was pressed against his chest and her fingers gripping his shirt. A sad expression blemished her face and she gazed up at him, their faces two only two inches apart.

"Mrs. Higurashi died, Miroku." She said softly, and she felt her husbands arms tighten around her as his body stiffened. When they had all gotten close in high school there were plenty of times they had gone over to Kagome's house and Mrs. Higurashi had always been more than accommodating, providing them with drinks and snacks and laughter always. She was a sweet woman with a wonderful smile. Even after high school had ended Miroku and Sango continued to visit her, even when Kagome wasn't around. When Kikyo had disappeared the couple had decided to do what they could to help out Souta and Kagome so Mrs. Higurashi never felt too alone. A few times Miroku had gone to visit by himself, with bright flowers to make the older woman smile.

Sango felt the rush of air against her lips with Miroku exhaled heavily.

"Shit…" he cursed before hugging her again and rubbing her back. Sango felt hot tears springing to her eyes as she buried her face in his chest.

"Kagome must be so sad right now Miroku…" She whispered, her shoulders starting to shake. Miroku murmured comforting words to her as she began to release her anguish. Miroku guided them slowly out of the living room and into the kitchen, so as not to attract the attention of the five year in the previous room with them.

He sat her down in a chair by their island counter and leaned against it while he held her hand. He studied her face, his eyes searching her for an answer.

"What happened?" He asked her gently. Sango sniffed admist her silent sobs and shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know…they said she had a heart attack." She said back to him in a hushed voice before she hiccuped.

"How?!"

"I don't know!" Sango shot back, her voice elevating and letting him know the question was probably not the best.

"Shh, shh, alright babe, alright." He reached out and began to rub her shoulders. "I'm sorry…I don't like this either…where's Kagome now?" Sango tucked some hair behind her ear and out of her tear streaked red face with a sniffle.

"She's…with Kikyo and Souta at the Shrine House." She said softly. Miroku's hands stopped their ministrations on her shoulders immediately and he drew back to meet her gaze, his eyes wide.

"Holy shit, Kikyo's here?!" He demanded. Sango gave a weak nod before she casted her eyes down to the floor.

"She showed up at the office today to tell Kagome…that's why she left so suddenly. But that was really all she told me besides they picked up Souta and talked. She said me and her would talk more tomorrow." She mumbled in a defeated voice. Miroku blew out a stream of air in disbelief. The girls mother had died and her estranged sister was the one to turn up and tell her. Kagome's life had to be upside down right now he knew, and he felt badly for his friend.

"Alright, you guys will talk tomorrow, and you'll tell me all about it. I wanna see her soon too." He said, giving Sango's hand another squeeze. Sango nodded and pressed her forehead to his upper stomach, her tears having finally stopped.

"Yeah…I just hope those three will survive the night together by themselves." She mumbled. Miroku cringed when he considered this. It was one of the reasons he was so floored that that Kikyo was with them. He truly feared that the girl back then being with them now…would cause undeniable chaos. But then again…he didn't know. Maybe Kikyo had changed. Maybe all those years spent with only Inuyasha by her side changed her for the better. Sesshomaru hadn't said much to Miroku about Inuyasha and Kikyo, but the monk knew enough to know the couple had been married.

Sesshomaru had been reluctant to disclose that but when Miroku hit him with the 'come on we all know she ran off with Inuyasha' after three years, the demon lord had finally released that tid bit of information. That, he also hadn't shared with his wife, but certainly wasn't going to mention it. Unlike everybody else…Miroku knew a bit more about Sesshomaru's situation than everybody else. Sango was right, the man had come back to make Kagome his mate like she'd been hoping, but he'd also left Kagome not only because of his conflicted feelings and pride, but also because of Sorem Takada. An idea sprung to his mind.

"Does Sesshomaru know?" He asked his wife. Sango looked confused before her face scrunched up in thought at his question.

"I don't see why he would…Kagome would have had to tell him. Why?" She asked. Miroku frowned a little as he thought.

"I guess you're right…" He trailed off, not really answering Sango's question. She let it go though, seeing as she didn't have the energy. She felt very…weak suddenly.

Miroku tensed as his wife's body convulsed in a fit of hoarse coughing. His eyes widened. He knew that cough. Jumping away from her he tore off a strip of paper towel and was back over to her, his right hand holding it over her mouth and his left arm around her as he starting whispering calming words, encouraging her. Her body jerked hard as the coughing worsened. She slipped her hand under his to hold the paper towel and he wrapped his other free hand around her.

"It's okay…it's alright it'll go away, you'll be alright." He said to her, his voice firm.

"Daddy…" His head jerked to the side and he looked at Kirara, all snugged up in her Tigger footsie pajamas, with her long dark brown curls framing her innocent face. She stood, leaning most of her weight on her left leg, one fist near her mouth and the other one in a fist at her stomach, clutching her pajamas. "What's wrong with Mommy?" She asked, her voice somewhat of a whine. Miroku shook his head quickly and gave her a small smile, Sango's coughing slowly starting to calm down.

"Nothing's wrong with Mommy sweetheart, her throat just hurts. She's alright." He reassured. He felt Sango shift in his arms and he looked down in time to see her lift her hand. She was going to wave Kirara off, show her she was fine…

Miroku's eyes widened when he saw the flash of red. With unexpected speed Miroku grabbed her hand and and shoved it down on the counter harder than he'd meant to. He'd had only a second to react. Sango began to try and pull out of his grip.

"Kirara go back in the living room, we'll be there in a minute!" He half snapped and Kirara jumped a little before sniffling, and walking away. He released Sango as soon as Kirara was out of sight and she slapped him.

"How could you?! I can't tell-" Her sentence cut off briefly as she coughed. "-my own daughter that I'm okay?!" She demanded, tears falling down her reddened eyes. The coughing had done a number on her as it always did.

Miroku's jaw clenched tight and he slowly tilted his head back to look at her. With his shoulders shaking in anger he couldn't take out on her, he took her hand back in his grip and flipped it over so she could look at the small appendage herself, and her eyes widened. There was blood on half her hand! She was about to wave to their daughter with blood on her hands. Sango couldn't take it. She hated herself, every weak part of herself. He'd only been trying to help. She broke down crying for the second time that night, this time more painfully. Miroku's arms found their way around her again and she struggled to get out of them. She didn't deserve his embrace, she didn't deserve his kindness…she didn't deserve him.

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She sobbed in his arms. Miroku felt liquid starting to sting his own eyes but he just kissed her head hard and didn't let her go.

"It's okay…it's okay…but babe, we gotta tell Kagome. It's not going to stop getting worse…" He said, his voice shaking as he pleaded with her. She could feel him shaking, too.

"Not now…we can't…" She whispered. There was a moment of stillness, but then she felt him nod stiffly. Kagome had just lost her mother. This wasn't a time to talk about Sango's deteriorating health. But then again…for his wife there was never a good enough time. There was always an excuse. But this time…there really was one…and it was that fact, that made his heart feel like it was sinking into his gut….

***HiiKIINA Club

9:00pm***

The soft sounds of a piano moved like a curtain over the small crowd of fifty, dressed in formal suits, women in black dresses ranging from long and sexy to short and mischievous. Many had wine glasses in their hands, and all had black pointed masks covering only their eyes. They pointed only at the tips, and only by a couple millimeters, made of black fathers and the same color sequins. The audience sat on plush velvet seats over the deep crimson carpet in darkened theater, their eyes all focused on the woman on stage.

She sat in the middle of the stage, the dim white and blue light illuminating her as her accompanist worked across the piano keys in shadows. She had blond hair, wavy and pulled over her shoulder, framing the right side of her face and exposing a slender neck and creamy radiant skin. Her lips were colored a burgundy red and stormy gray eyeshadow brought out her gleaming deep green eyes. She sat on a stool, her back straight and a black dress flowing from her curves and down to the floor like a river, a slit running up to just below her hip. Her mouth began to open, and words rang out, sounding throughout the theater.

You don't remember me, but I…remember you.

I lie awake and try so hard, not to think of you.

But who can decide, what they dream?

And dream I do…

I believe in you,

I'll give up anything just to find you

I have to be with you, to live, to breathe,

You're taking over me

Have you forgotten, all I know

And all we had?

You saw me mourning my love for you,

And touched my hand.

I knew you loved me then.

I believe in you...

I'll give up everything just to find you

I have to be with you, to live, to breathe

You're taking over me…

I look in the mirror and see your face

If I look deep enough

So many things inside that are just like you, are taking over

I believe in you…

I'll give up everything just to find you

I have to be with you, to live, to breathe

You're taking over me….

I believe in you,

I'll give up everything just to find you

I have to be with you, to live, to breath

You're taking over me…

Taking over me…

You're taking over me…

Taking over me...

You're taking over me...

The piano continued to play out softly into nothing and an erie quiet settled before the audience erupted in applause. The woman grinned, flashing white teeth as she stood and gave a delicate wave with her plum colored transparent gloves. After an added shallow curtsy she ducked off the stage and blew out a sigh of relief, placing her hand against the wall as she began the fight to take off her heels.

A man with spiky black hair and matching emerald eyes, dressed in a black suit and loose tie approached her.

"Good job Ja-what are you doing?" Bankotsu asked as he stopped a few feet from his sister, his expression curled in confusion. Jakotsu grunted.

"I need to get out of these heels asap!" She hissed, still hearing the applause from the audience. Bankotsu raised an eyebrow and gave her his signature smirk, standing up straight and shoving his hands into the pockets of his pants.

"Since when do you need to get out of heels so bad?" He teased, dragging over a flexible chair and putting it next to her. She plopped down in it.

"These are too smaaaall." She whined. After a few more grunts and curses he heard her sigh. "Finally." She grumbled. "I hate getting all dressed up like this." He chuckled.

"Well for what they're paying you, you would have gone up on stage in a corset and a thong." He quipped. She looked up at him with a grin.

"Dumbass. And they're paying us, not me." She said back, standing up from the chair. "You're my acting manager, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah. Let's just get the money and get out of here it's too stuffy." He said. Jakotsu chuckled and shook her head, giving his arm a pinch.

"Come now dear brother, you know we must mingle with the guests." She said in a jokingly formal voice. He groaned. He hated getting dressed up all formally just as much as his sister. Well, perhaps more. Sometimes she just imagined she was filthy rich and living the high life, and she might as well be. Her songs were amazing. He felt lucky this didn't happen all the time, but once in awhile special groups would call up and ask for these kinds of performances. Smallish, upscale and rich.

"Only for the money…" He muttered. "Only for the money."

***Tadashi-Kaido Household

11:02pm***

Miroku sat in his study, phone cradled to his face with only the dim lamp on his desk lighting the room. He massaged his temples as his eyes glanced down, unfocused at the papers in front of him.

"So Kikyo told you?" Miroku asked into the receiver quietly.

"Hn." Came the tell-tale sound of Sesshomaru's version of yes. "Prior to her leaving with Kagome. I haven't talked to either one since, but I have been in contact with Inuyasha. I'll be heading to the airport in an hour to pick up him and the children." Miroku's tired brown eyes widened marginally.

"Children?" There was a slight pause. "Children? As in plural?" He asked incredulously.

"That is what I said monk." The ice lord replied. Miroku sighed.

"Damn…so this is all really real…I wonder how Kagome feels…" He said. There was a short silence.

"I am…unsure." Sesshomaru finally said, and Miroku could hear just how unsure the demon lord was.

"Well…Sango's going to visit with her tomorrow. She's up at the shrine house with Kikyo and Souta. Maybe you should pop over too. Do you think you'll go to the funeral?"

"Perhaps. If Kagome would not be angered. When is it?"

"I don't know…just a thought." There was another short silence between the friends.

"How is Sango?" Sesshomaru asked hesitantly. He knew…probably more than anyone else how sensitive a topic it was for Miroku. Miroku didn't have many people he talked to personally, and Sesshomaru had become his one true and reliable confidant. They'd managed to stay friends since high school and knew each other well. Sesshomaru was the only one he could open up too. Sesshomaru heard the long exhale from the other end of the phone as Miroku worked his fingers across his temples again.

"She…she just keeps getting worse, Sesshomaru." He murmured, his voice low and distant.

"Is she awake?" Sesshomaru asked.

"No…her and Rara are asleep…she had another one of those really bad coughing fits, but God Sesshomaru…there was so much blood…I don't…we don't…know how much time she has left." Miroku's voice began to shake.

"I keep telling her we have to tell her mom, tell Kagome, tell somebody! But she just keeps refusing. She makes up excuse after excuse and now…she doesn't want to tell Kagome because of her mother passing. But dammit I wish she'd stop fucking around!" His hand slammed down on his desk as his eyes burned, refusing to let the tears fall. He swiped the back of his hand over his nose, sniffed, then ran his fingers through his hair. He needed to do something, anything with his hands to distract himself.

Sesshomaru understood…how hard it had to be for Miroku. Granted, everybody knew of Sango's disease, but since she made such an effort to hide her symptoms, that left Miroku having to go along with it, cover up for her if she couldn't or make excuses. It also meant that Miroku was Sango's one, true, and only confidant. What this also did though…was left him with no one to talk to. The pressure was building on him, and he had absolutely no idea where he would be if he didn't have Sesshomaru.

"I am surprised Kagome has not noticed yet…"

"I'm not! I mean Sesshou, Sango takes fucking forty-five minutes every goddamn day to load her face up with makeup. She wears layers of clothes, or baggy clothes or-"

"Sounds like Naraku." Sesshomaru cut in. Miroku growled and Sesshomaru quickly understood why such a statement would anger the monk. "I meant only in the sense of trying to hide it. It is what he did when he took a turn for the worst." He added.

"Right…" Miroku muttered before he sighed and put his head in his hand. "I just…I don't know what to do anymore…" Miroku confided, his voice broken. Though Miroku could not see Sesshomaru sitting in his own study in his house, the demon gave a short nod and began tapping his index finger on the desk.

"There is more." Sesshomaru said observantly. He could tell the man on the other line was holding out on him. There had to be a reason why Sango was turning for the worst so quickly. She'd been doing pretty fine the first few years, then a very slow decline began…but this was the third time in barely over a month he was hearing about Sango having this sort of attack. Two tears slipped from the black hared male's eyes and though he wiped them, with Sesshomaru's demonic hearing he didn't miss the small sniff the man gave. Sesshomaru raised both eyebrows and leaned back in his chair. "Miroku…?"

"She stopped taking her medication, Sesshomaru." Miroku said quietly. Sesshomaru's eyes widened a fraction in surprise at the news and blew out a deep breath. Now it all made sense. "She thinks I don't know…but I started to wonder why she seemed to be getting weaker. I kept a closer eye on her and found them in the trash one night I was taking it out. I think she's already given up." There was a long silence that dragged on.

"I'm…sorry." Sesshomaru finally spoke, as he heard a few more indicators that the man on the other line was crying. Sesshomaru was not good with emotions, and in all nine years he'd been friends with Miroku never once had he heard, or seen the monk cry. Miroku always seemed so put together, so lighthearted that it was hard to listen, to believe that something had brought him to tears. "What about your own symptoms Miroku?" Sesshomaru asked in a half assed attempted to move the focus off the mans wife.

"Ah…" There was a pause, and Sesshomaru assumed the monk was getting himself together. "They're fine. Practically nonexistent." He said honestly. He had contracted the disease from Sango in high school, a decision he had been fully comfortable with making. They both were put on medications and though Sango had done well, after Rara was born (completely healthy and H.I.V free due to the special medications Sango had to take while she was pregnant) Sango's symptoms began to finally began to show after five years. And now, five years later, they were raging. Miroku's had just started just a couple years before, but they were mild. The symptoms clearly took a toll on Sango, so much so that clearly she felt…she would rather not deal with them at all. In Miroku's mind, his wife had already decided her future.

"Good. Now…in regards to Sango, we can put her in a hospital Miroku." Sesshomaru said evenly.

"How? Sango would never go, we'd literally have to drag her kicking and screaming." He said with a sigh. There was a moment of silence in which Miroku knew the demon lord was considering this. Miroku chuckled lightly and shook his head. Sesshomaru's method of thinking and doing things always put a smile on his face. "They legally can't forcefully admit her unless she's a danger to herself." Miroku pointed out.

"Precisely. And you've just told me is proof of such." Miroku frowned.

"I'm not following."

"Her not taking her medications is a detriment to her own health, the cost of which could be her life." Sesshomaru explained, only making Miroku's frown deepen.

"That's a stretch Sesshomaru…besides I…I couldn't put her through that." Sesshomaru's next thought was 'would you rather put your daughter through not having a mother?' but he left it alone. Though they didn't talk, he knew Sango well, and well enough to know that Miroku was right. She would never do it, no matter how much she was reasoned with. The next step was to involve outside help.

"As much as it may pain her…I agree that it is well past time to notify Kagome or Sango's mother. I suggest, with or without Sango's approval, you notify Mrs. Tadashi." He said. Miroku's head jerked up at the sound of the door creaking and he saw Sango standing there with a tired and surprised look on her face. For a moment Miroku felt his blood run cold as he considered what his wife might have heard, depending on how long she had been standing there. To his relief though, as she yawned and rubbed her eyes, it seemed like she had just walked in.

"It's late Miroku, don't you want to-whose on the phone?" It wasn't an accusatory question, she was merely surprised. Miroku chuckled as he leaned back in his chair and looked at her. She looked so cute with her tired face, flowing night gown and messy hair. He put up a finger for her to give him just a second.

"Sango's up. I'll talk to you soon, Sesshomaru." He said, before guiding the phone back to it's cradle and smiling at his wife. "That was Sesshomaru." He answered her. She rolled her eyes playfully and pouted.

"I know that noooow." She said with a whine to her voice as she made her way over to him and plopped on his lap. She nuzzled his shoulder. "I want you to come to bed Miroku…" She said softly. Miroku chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed the side of her head.

"You want me to go to bed with you but you sit on me?" He asked, smiling tenderly.

"Mhmm…" She mumbled against him. Miroku held her tight in his arms as his mind replayed the conversation he'd had with Sesshomaru over again. The man had been right. No matter how Sango felt…Miroku had to do something. He pressed his lips to the top of her head.

"Alright." He said softly into her hair. "Bed time it is." He lifted her small body effortlessly in his arms, and proceeded to make his way, with her, out of the study…


A/N: That's it everybody ! I hope you all enjoyed ! Please R&R :) I'd love to know what you all thought about this chapter. Also, the song used in this chapter is 'Taking Over Me' by Evanescence. See you nexty time ! Xoxo