Author's Rant: Drama, drama, drama. Let's continue ^_^. Please excuse any mistakes.
Revelation
"So it's official then."
"Yeah."
PUNCH. PUNCH. PUNCH.
"And he still intends to get full custody?"
"Yeah."
PUNCH. PUNCH. PUNCH. PUNCH.
"Shit, man that's messed up. You called Yura, right?"
"Yeah."
PUNCH. PUNCH.
Ryuukotsusei shifted around the red tattered punching bag, hanging on its last chain as Inuyasha stepped back to survey the damage done. It wasn't Sesshomaru's face but it'd do. The duct tape couldn't fix the leaks as well as it had an hour ago. The gym room down in the basement of HQ had become his new hangout since the paternity test two weeks ago. All Inuyasha's routines were shot to hell after learning Zaya was Sesshomaru's.
His head was fried from the inside out. Not only was he dealing with waiting for Sesshomaru to schedule an appointment with his lawyer, but Inuyasha was battered down to his core from the little cozy moment shared in the clinic.
Fuck Sesshomaru. Why did he have to go all protective, cozy mode when they weren't even a fucking family? All that did was remind Inuyasha of that old list of 'what ifs' that he'd successfully buried in the back of his head. Now they were roaring in like a newborn waterfall. He'd only got one call from Sesshomaru since then and that had been to hound Inuyasha on when the right time was for him to start spending time with Zaya.
But Inuyasha wasn't ready for that scene. Not yet. Sesshomaru was still trying to take her away. His only piece of goodness and he wanted to take her away? So what then did that moment mean in the clinic then? Fuck. Inuyasha smacked his tape wrapped fists together and let off a barrage of punches devour the left side of the punching bag. Pound per pound worked a certain portion of fury out of his system and just when he thought he was reaching a breaking point, all his frustrations would return tenfold.
Ryuukotsusei had to brace his feet on the floor mat several times to keep from being knocked down as he held the bag in place, "You gonna need a character witness Yash'. Just lemme know when you're served and I'll volunteer to speak on your behave." Ryuukotsusei nearly missed the bag smacking his face and went to watch Inuyasha on the other side.
They were both shirtless, Inuyasha wearing only a pair of black Jordan jersey shorts and some white low top Converse. He had all his hair piled back in a single whipping plait. Ryuukotsusei had on his red Nike shorts and some red and black High top Forces that kept squeaking when Inuyasha hit the bag's sweet spot.
"I don't need a character witness," Inuyasha grunted after the tenth strike. "I need a prayer. Sesshomaru's got a fortune over me and a well kempt fan base. When most of ATL finds out, I ain't gonna stand a chance in hell."
Ryuukotsusei's forehead bunched into a frown, "So what and you're a part of ATL's finest. You got a rep, some good back up, a loyal ass family in us and what's he got? A mansion. Pfft please."
Inuyasha got in another twenty more reps before the ceiling chain threatened to dump a mini beach on the rubber mats. "That's the best you could come up with?" The hanyou huffed, chest heaving and sweat glistening all over his body. "The judge is going to be looking for who can give Zaya the best nurturing environment. I got a half decent apartment, she goes to daycare or the sitter damn near every day, I work twelve hour shifts and risk becomin' a casualty." Inuyasha walked off to the back of the gym where he had his duffle bag and uniform folded on the floor.
Ryuukotsesui pushed the bag out of the way to follow, "The judge wants what's best for Zaya and her being out with some man she barely knows ain't gonna be in her best interests. Not to mention he's gone half the year, has to dodge the media, keep off a shit load of potential honeys and doesn't have an ounce of paternal experience."
"And some of those are my fault Ryuu. When the judge finds out I intentionally kept her away—"
"And you had your reasons for that Inuyasha!" Ryuukotsesui snapped impatiently. "I suggest you tell Sesshomaru what it was before the court date. His lawyer's gonna figure it out and let that shit funk up the whole courtroom."
Inuyasha snatched up his duffle, his uniform and when he reached for his boots, some of the tension evaporated out of his shoulders, "I know."
"No you don't know. Who you think is gonna be more hurt?" after he got most of his stuff situated, the red haired dragon turned around to level some more tough love on his friend but lost a ton of the bite when he saw Inuyasha's ears flat as coins. "Shit," He sighed and reached out to loop his arm around Inuyasha's neck. He tugged back until Inuyasha caved in and pressed his back into his chest. "Sorry man. Sorry. I'm just worried about ya is all. You know I'd do anything for you and for damn sho' would do anything for Zaya."
Inuyasha nodded, gnawing at his bottom lip, "I'm so tired of this Ryuu. Shit just keeps piling up left and right." He relaxed all his body weight into falling against Ryuu's body and let himself get supported for once. "I thought I could hide her away forever. I wanted to keep Zaya to myself. I was gonna say something to Sesshomaru . . . I would've."
The dragon demon dropped his stuff on the ground and wound his other arm around Inuyasha's chest, "Its better it came out now. By then you would've been facing more complicated factors. Now you two both know what the deal is, man up and act like the fathers you are. Think about Zaya." Ryuukotsesui paused in thought, arms loose as old chains around Inuyasha's neck and chest. "Tell me somethin' though."
"Yeah?"
"You still got feelings for Sesshomaru?"
Inuyasha opened his mouth and quickly shut it tight. What he would've said would've been a flat out lie. He shook his head, squirming out of Ryuukotsusei's embrace, "Not like I used too. Time don't always make the heart grow fonder," he teased.
"But something's still there right?" Ryuukotsesui asked, not catching the humor.
"It's gonna be Ryuu, but that's natural. I shared a lot of firsts with the man. My first kiss, my first relationship, my virginity, my first child," After listing it all, Inuyasha somewhat wished Sesshomaru hadn't had such a head start. With that much baggage it wasn't a wonder Inuyasha hadn't slept with anyone else in years.
"Well, all I'm gonna say is, don't let that play a part in how things happen out between you two. Think about Zaya first and your hormones second." Ryuukotsesui gathered his stuff and left before Inuyasha could say anything else on his defense.
Inuyasha thinned his lips before he took got his things and went out the back door through the hall and out in the back parking lot. It was an eerily quiet evening with most of the office workers gone home. Inuyasha hadn't bothered putting a shirt, wanting the night chill to sting off the rest of his agitation. Gold glowing post lights filtered in from around the lot, except the spot where Inuyasha's marked car was parked. He preferred to park as far away from the building as possible. Anything to get a good walk in and clear his head.
He was fishing around his pocket for his car keys when a brief rustle came from the bushes around his car. Immediately on full alert Inuyasha's ears flared out to catch the tiniest sound and started sniffing the air. Grass, his sweat, the gravel, the small creek by the building and the trees was all he could smell. And yet he could detect the faintest sound of breathing coming from somewhere.
All the hairs prickled on his skin. The wind blew and he caught the scent of old spice and peppermint. Sweat bubbled on his skin, his pupils dilated until the hazel vanished and he quickly started wrestling with his key chain to find the right one. Old spice and peppermint, old spice and peppermint. He knew that smell, he hated that smell.
There were footsteps hurrying toward him. Inuyasha's stomach dropped out of his toes, his breathing shortened and stopped. Panic bled out of him. No, no, no. He abandoned finding his key and unzipped his duffle to fish out his 9MM, took off the safety and aimed behind—
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Ryuukotsesui danced backwards, hands in the air, stunned. "The fuck man, put that shit down!"
Inuyasha's body dissolved as relief and anger bubbled at once, "The hell Ryuu, why didn't you say something?"
"I did crackshit, damn," Ryuukotsesui put a hand over his chest to keep his heart from clawing out. "I called your dumbass twice but you didn't say anything."
Inuyasha nodded, putting the gun away. Or he tried too. His hands were trembling like they'd just surfaced from a bucket of ice water.
"You alright?"
Inuyasha jumped and curled his lip back, disgusted with himself. "I'm fine, I'm fine, just jumpy. Where are you goin'?" He just noticed Ryuukotsesui's state of dress. A black and white American Eagle polo with a red A over his right chest and some khaki cargo shorts hanging off his hips.
"I'm goin' bowling with Shiori and her crew from fourth precinct. I forgot to ask if you wanted to come so I'm askin' now."
So that explained the smell then. Ryuukotsesui was reeked up to his neck with that scent. "No, that's cool. Maybe next time." He would've joined, but Inuyasha couldn't stomach being around Ryuukotsesui's cologne for long. He'd likely hunk a chunk in front of everybody.
"Next time is gonna be next week. I'm holdin' you to that."
"A'ight make it a date."
"I will," Ryuukotsesui winked and waved before he left for his car.
Inuyasha sunk down in his and locked the doors. His grasp on his stirring wheel was salt white. Shit, he nearly let himself get caught up. "Fuck," Inuyasha dropped his forehead against the stirring wheeling, evening out his breathing and cursing his overactive imagination. He couldn't believe he let himself get so worked up. "Fuck, fuck, fuck," he lightly smacked his forehead time and time again. He was better than this, above this.
He couldn't go to Zaya like this. Sango had her waiting at home for a stable daddy like some crazy, scary one. Inuyasha took a deep breathe, collected his composure and cranked up his car. He backed out the parking lot, and chuckled when he saw Ryuukotsesui waiting for his car to leave and followed him out on the street where they separated with two honks.
It was a little after eight when Inuyasha pulled into his apartment complex. The bulb above from the parking lot post was busted again. Damn, he didn't tell his landlord to get that shit fixed? It was pitch dark out here. The street post a couple of buildings down only gave him a faint guide as he bent down to get some of the groceries he bought on the way.
He leaned back with two bags on each arm when the blood in his veins chilled several degrees. Inuyasha swirled around, half way stopping when a thick hand snapped around his mouth and an arm bound his arms to his sides. The bags fill on the ground. The assailant started to drag him between the junctions of the buildings. The world was shrinking and that sight alone set Inuyasha into a heated rampage as he tried to dig his heels into the ground to gain leverage.
But his attacker kept kicking at his feet and pulling back with overwhelming strength. The person had to be a demon, there was no way anyone else would be able to manhandle Inuyasha with sheer strength alone.
"You thought I was jokin' when I said I'd get what I want?"
Every shred of fight melted out of Inuyasha's muscles. The only living organ was threatening to burst from his chest and yet he couldn't move passed that voice echoing like a bad song. His vision blurred, his chest ached, how could he not notice before? Inuyasha couldn't believe when the smell became so pronounced so suddenly. Old spice and peppermint. "Hmm Mmm Mmm," He groaned and choked, hands wringing left and right.
The assailant pressed into a wall, stapling Inuyasha's body from ankle to chest. The roles were switched as Inuyasha was shoved hard into the side wall and his body disappearing beneath the attacker's taller frame. Up and down, forward and back, Inuyasha felt every sickening grind on his ass and the lustful breathes dampening his neck. "You smell so good, feel so good," were all he heard whispering in his ears. Inuyasha held back the bile at bay.
For the life of him, he couldn't will the power to move. So many memories kept bursting through like firecrackers.
His crotch was palmed and roughly rolled. Inuyasha whimpered and felt a twinge of fight return to his limbs but a good hard slam into the wall knocked that away. Fingers toyed around his shorts and eased through the rim to grab his naked dick. "You want this. You always wanted it."
Inuyasha's eyes squinted. Blood rushed to his ears and his face. He didn't want to be turned on by this. He didn't but his dick was pinched on the head, his balls massaged in rough calloused hands and the harsh hissing pants in his ear brought on those memories. Solid warmth snapping into his hips, claws skating over his chest and a fire lit inside him that only lasted a moment.
It was only a moment. That was the difference.
Inuyasha saw red. His arms had some noticeable slack and he used that to push off the wall and shove his attack against the other. Inuyasha wiggled free and gained his footing. He turned with a round house punch and hit something that crackled out like a broken brick. A loud yelp shouted out followed by a vicious growl. Then came the rushing tackle Inuyasha couldn't counter and a hand around his throat.
And another back around his dick. The attacker squeezed them both at once and pressed his lip on Inuyasha's pulse.
"No, no!" Inuyasha's feet shuffled, trying to knock the man off balance, but he spread his legs and arched his crotch forward, grinding hard. "Get off, please, get off!"
"Hmm mmm, nah, you don't toy with my affections and get off that easily. This is what happens to the bad ones," Some nasty chuckle mixed with the slurping licks. "Don't fight this Inuyasha. You know you want it."
"No, I don't!" Inuyasha squirmed and pushed, punched and shoved. Nothing could move this wall of lust. His neck stung as the skin bruised and peppered with unwanted love bites. The grip on his dick was vicious. "Get the fuck off!" One last resort came when Inuyasha sprayed his hand out and gave the strongest push that had the attacker sailing backwards.
Inuyasha made a run for his car, ears tingling with sneakers following behind. This person had speed on him, always had. Inuyasha only had a head start and one shot to reach his car. When he had he reached for his bag and threw out the blocking clothes. Two large hands wrapped around his waist and tugged back. Inuyasha grasped ahold of his handle, was dragged back and elbowed his attacker hard in the ribs before whipping around with his 9MM aimed straight ahead. "I said back the fuck up!" He shouted half crazed, half serious. "I'll blow your fuckin' shit on the ground! Get away from me!"
It angered him how there wasn't a trace of fear in those devilish eyes. There was only more lust, cockiness and the swagger of an unfazed man. "Go ahead, fire away." The attacker opened his arms more for a hug then surrender.
Inuyashat shot at the ground, surprising the hell out of the fool, "Next one's goin' for the nuts. I said back, the, fuck, up!"
"Cool, tsk ain't like it's gonna matter." The man shoved his hands in his pockets, flipping a locket of black hair off his bruised face. Even with a busted nose he acted like they were carrying a casual conversation. "I'll be back to get what's mine. You can count on that baby." He didn't say anything more and walked off. Inuyasha's barrel followed after him until he disappeared across the street and down the sidewalk. He probably had his car parked off down the way.
Inuyasha heard the radio go off in his car and went to intervene when it spoke of a 911 call reporting gun shots. His heart ached with a world of pain, fear, terror and a horrible glee. He fought off his attacker but it'd only be so long before he came back and did it again. The man was getting bolder, he wasn't scared as he used to be. Something was going to have to give. Inuyasha could've live like this. Watching over his back every day, making sure his daughter stayed safe.
Inuyasha dragged his hands over his face, shivering all over. This was stupid. He couldn't live a life shrouded in mistakes and fear. He just couldn't. God, help him. Please.
The score ended up being 34-12, another win the Falcon's way on Sunday. The Dolphins didn't stand a chance in hell when it came to Sesshomaru has his aggression. Add it with a dose his frustrations and the win was a shoe in. The boys were out for celebrating but Sesshomaru had a one track mind and that was going to Kyora's house. His boyfriend had been out of town for a few days and every time Sesshomaru tried to corner him to talk, Kyora would come up with some excuse as to why they couldn't.
Now they both had the free time and nothing else to stop the discussion. Kyora claimed he had something he wanted to talk to Sesshomaru about too. He wouldn't say over the phone, mentioning something about it spoiling the moment of impact. Kyora lived on the outskirts of Atlanta in a modest home in a suburban neighborhood. It was casual, cozy and easy going, just like Kyora.
That's why when Sesshomaru pulled into the drive way of the brown brick home, he wasn't too keen in going on as he normally was. Kyora, well, Kyora was a step into a new life. Sesshomaru needed that kind of stability in his life without all the hassle it'd take to keep a man. Only thing was, he now had Zaya to add into his life.
Inuyasha was still refusing to let him see her. Sesshomaru had no clue whether that was because Inuyasha was in denial—which would be fucking insulting—that Sesshomaru's the father and he wanted it to be someone else. Or he was just afraid. Sesshomaru would consider it the latter since Inuyasha's at the clinic spoke volumes of relief. Inuyasha . . . shit, why should Sesshomaru deny that there were some emotions there for the hanyou? They weren't as gooey as their puppy love romance but they were there.
With Kyora, it wasn't love just yet, but hopefully someday soon it would be.
Sesshomaru's thumb traced over the small ring box in his pocket, having second thoughts, third ones, fourths and a couple of fifths. Thanksgiving was coming up in a couple of weeks. By then he didn't want to be the only one without a mate by his side and he wanted to change that.
Well, if Kyora was willing to accept Zaya then he could form a semi family here and just cooperate with Inuyasha.
Sesshomaru built up the courage to step out and went up to knock on the red painted, and clean glass door. Some shifting was heard and Kyora's monotone voice saying to give him a minute. Sesshomaru's stomach somersaulted during the wait and completed a full cartwheel when Kyora opened the front down, red ruby lips pulled into a charming smile. "Sesshomaru love, you've come," Kyora tip toed to kiss his lips.
"Told ya I was on the way didn't I?" Sesshomaru walked inside, smelling tea boiling in the kitchen.
Kyora closed the door behind him, "Yes, but that's normally an hour or so after a game. I wasn't expecting you until SUV went off," Kyora pressed pause on the television on his and Sesshomaru's favorite show. Sesshomaru had a weakness for Olivia and her partner on SUV like a jail bird tossed in a stripper joint. "Have a seat, I'll fix tea." Kyora kissed him again before sashaying with an extra swish to the kitchen.
Sesshomaru followed every lift and fall of his ass in some dove grey sweat pants and how a low V yellow tee clung to his body like a wet glove. He looked around the living space and as usual Kyora had the place spit shine clean. The living room was a sink in from the entrance with cream furnishing and an plum purple plush carpet. The flat screen TV was hooked up on the wall where he and Naraku stored it last year. The rest of the house was covered in in the same carpet and except the kitchen where most of it was marble onyx and platinum.
Sesshomaru shrugged off his wool pea coat and untied his scarf. He wore a black cashmere sweater and some dark blue jeans with dark tan Timberland boots, which he toed off and went in the kitchen to see what was taking Kyora so long.
The red haired demon was stirring cinnamon and lemon juice in the mix. He placed a spoon inside and took a sip, humming at the rich taste. "Taste this. The flavor's spot on as always."
"I'll be the judge of that," Chuckled Sesshomaru. He leaned down and let the spoon be carried to his lips. All at once a tangy sweetness blushed his cheeks and settled comfortably on his tongue before slipping down. "Mmm yeah, that is good." He licked his lips.
"I know, I'm hoping our son enjoys it as much as you."
Sesshomaru stopped where he was about to wrap his arms around Kyora's waist. He stood dumbfound even when Kyora giggled and walked out with two full cups. "Say what?" Sesshomaru finally said after a ten second stupid moment.
Kyora gestured for the seat next to him at the dinner table and nodded a confirmation when Sesshomaru sat bewildered as a mouse in a maze, "That's my news sweetheart," Kyora sipped and reached out to squeeze Sesshomaru's hand, rubbing his thumb over his knuckles. "I found out the other day. I wasn't sure after the test but he assured me of it this time." Kyora was beside himself with thrill and nervousness as he took both of Sesshomaru's hands in his and kissed the knuckles on top and stroked them on his cheek. "We're going to have a baby dearest. A baby of our own and," A rosy blush touched his cheeks. "I want, I want us to get married."
A nuke explosion wouldn't have sounded as loud as the ringing in Sesshomaru's ears. His eyes were wide as mangos, mouth forming a perfect 'O' and just wow. "You're pregnant?" He whispered.
"Yes love, what other kind of pregnant is there? I'm eight weeks along now. The doctor can't tell the gender but I feel it's a boy. Wouldn't that be wonderful? A little you running about with my hair or eyes. Maybe he'll be your exact twin. Or even look like me. Either way the child's sure to be beautiful. Oh we should—Sesshomaru?" Kyora frowned delicately when Sesshomaru was leaping in the air or pumping a fist or shit doing something to show he was pleased with the news. "Love?" Kyora snapped in his face three times and got nothing. That worried him, "You, you are happy about this . . . aren't you?"
Sesshomaru blinked rapidly, tugging himself down to earth. "Yes, yes, oh baby, yeah I'm happy!" Holy dog shit on a train, he was going to be a father. Again. He'd gained two children in less than a month! "I'm happy, I'm just, oh man, oh shit, I mean shoot, wait, we can't cuss around the baby right? Fuck, you gotta go sit down. Pregnant folks can't sit right? Nah, that's stand. Did you drink water today? Wait you're eight weeks? That's just around the corner!"
Kyora out right laughed, shaking his head, "Relax Sesshomaru, I'm eight weeks not eight months. We've got another six to go," Kyora stood up, a protective hand over his flat stomach and red eyes soft as cherries and his cheeks dusted the same color. "We can be a family now, you know. We can get married." He looked up from under his eyelashes, expectantly.
Sesshomaru smiled like an idiot nodding, "Yeah, yeah baby we can. You know that's all I've ever wanted is a child and—" Oh. Wait. No. His baby girl. Zaya. He did have another child.
The loss of warmth in his eyes made Kyora worry again but Sesshomaru kissed his forehead and lead him to the living room. "I haven't told you my news yet."
"I know," Kyora winked. "I'm hoping it's the kind that'll balance out with mine."
"Well, I hope it will," Sesshomaru ran a hand over his forehead, think trapped between two walls. Ok only one way to do this, "I uh, I found out a few weeks ago, an old flame of mine has. . . has a child by me. A little girl."
It was Kyora's turn to dilate his eyes to all black and his lips to thin, "You have, another child." He flatly concluded. "Well, that is news." He cleared his throat, gently easing his hands away from Sesshomaru. As a matter of fact, he scooted to the other side of the couch. "How old is she?"
"Around four. Look, this happened way before you."
"Right and this flame of yours just magically happened to come into town with a kid saying it's supposed to be yours?"
"Zaya is mine. We had a test a couple of weeks ago to confirm it," Sesshomaru rubbed his hands up and down his jeans, fighting back his frustration. "I found out on accident when I saw her in the ice cream shop with her father. She looked too much like my family for it not to be a coincidence so I asked."
"And what did the hoe say?"
Sesshomaru swallowed back the retort that automatically came when someone insulted Inuyasha and kept going, "He wasn't sure at first if she was. I was certain of it. Zaya's mine. I'm going for full custody of her when my lawyer gets back with me," This was the part he needed to see with Kyora. If he loved him he'd be willing to stick by him regardless.
"This is so sudden Sesshomaru. I've been here all day thinking we'd start off fresh and you got another child."
"What do you want me to do about that Ky? I was thrown for a loop when I found out too, but if you think I'm gonna walk off and leave her without an Alpha Father, you can get that shit out of your head. If you can't handle it, then, then," Sesshomaru swallowed. "Then we don't have anything else to discuss." Sesshomaru stood.
Kyora caught his wrist as he waltzed by, squeezing like a vise. He had one of those faces that refused to wrinkle a mouth born to pout like two raspberries, "I said it was sudden Sesshomaru. No of course I don't expect you to abandon your child," He let go, staring down at his clasped hands. "I'm afraid of being the one that's abandoned."
So that was it then. Sesshomaru blew through his nose and kneeled down, gathering Kyora's hands in his, "I'm not gonna abandon you. We got a good thing going Ky and now we got a baby to finalized that." Sesshomaru smiled softly, reaching out to cup Kyora's cheeks. "So let's do it then huh? Let's get married."
Kyora's smile lite the entire room, "You're sure?"
"I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't, but, you have to accept my daughter too. Taking me is acceptin' her. She'll want to know her little brother or sister, yeah?"
Kyora hesitated a little before giving a small nod, "It'll take a while to get used too but I'll adjust. I'd like to meet her if that's all right."
"That's my baby," Sesshomaru leaned in to plant a slow, deep kiss, sensual and relaxing. Kyora moaned gently reaching out to pull Sesshomaru up and then down on top of him. Sesshomaru went willingly, a small part of his mind thinking of the way he would celebrate with Kyora this evening and how he'd convince the courts that Zaya belonged to him and only him.
But then . . . if he took Zaya . . .
Who would Inuyasha have?
"Oh Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru brushed that thought down and went to smoothing his hands over Kyora's warm flesh and pressing over mouth kisses on his neck. He made love to Kyora like he never had before, with passion, a soft slowness and a tingly of joy at having the family he'd always wanted.
And still Inuyasha remained a constant thought in the back of his mind.
The custody battle was like a back and forth torpedo field. The private family court room exploded every so often with Inuyasha's lawyer Yura, defending her client's reputation and reasons for keeping the child with him while Sesshomaru's lawyer, Toran fired off every weapon she had to destroy Inuyasha's reputation.
Ryuukotsesui sat in the back ground, the only person on Inuyasha's side of the courtroom and the other side occupied with Sesshomaru's family, except Naraku since he had to return to New Orleans. Koga had work but offered his support to Inuyasha fully, disagreeing entirely with the family's decision.
"Your honor, Mr. Shikon has done nothing but offer his child the upmost care, provided her with the best kind of nurturing any single father can provide with a blue collar income. Not only is he a part of the city's police department but he's willfully volunteered countless times to the needy of special needs children, donated a generous amount to orphanages and not once done any harm toward Zaya," Yura paced back and forth shooting daggers at the opposing team before softening her eyes on Inuyasha. "My client's decisions may seem implausible to the outside but he was young, confused and lost in deciding what was best.
"He was only looking out for the best interests of Mr. Espada at the time they were lovers. What loyal partner wouldn't think about their lover's career and being so young himself, he didn't think either of them were ready. Admitting to his pregnancy would've possibly halted Mr. Espada's chances into entering into the NFL, which have been his dreams since childhood. See Mr. Shikon for the good hearted person he is and not some low life creep purposely keeping his child away."
Yura bowed her head and returned to the table set for herself and Inuyasha. She leaned in to whisper. "I won't be able to stop them for granting Sesshomaru some kind of custody but I can assure you he won't get the full package."
"Thanks Yura," Inuyasha squeezed her hand. "I owe you, seriously."
"Don't mention it. For that sweet baby girl I'll open the Red Sea."
Inuyasha leaned back to see Toran and Sesshomaru whispering between one another before she took the floor, blazing in a silver suit and blue hair glistening like ice. "That's a rather touching sentiment to feed the court Ms. Hair but only the entire story. Treat it as the sugarcoated fairytale you want but facts are indeed facts. Mr. Shikon purposely kept Zaya away from her Alpha Father out of shame more than care for a lover. If he were so focused on Sesshomaru's career, why not simply let him know after the draft that he was a father? The child would've been only six or seven months after all. A tiny miss in her life compared to four full years.
"Your honor, my client feels betrayed for intentionally being kept in the dark about his daughter. He has no idea what her likes or dislikes are. What are her medical issues? Her intelligence level? Her overall health? Does she like to play with tic tac toe? Does she like macaroni and cheese? All of these are basic facts any parent would want to know and Mr. Espada wants to know. He's always wanted children of his, cherished his family members like gold. We're all positive he would've cared for Zaya no matter the risks of his career because at the time he loved Mr. Shikon. It wasn't for love that Mr. Shikon kept Zaya from her father, it was out of shame and guilt. He'd slept behind Mr. Espada's back and was too cowardly too admit he couldn't resist the temptations of another man!"
"Objection, suspicion of false infidelity!"
"Sustained," The judge said. "Ms. Toran, steer clear of insulting the defense. We're trying to wrap this up in one session."
"Yes your honor," Toran's smirk could kill a puppy. Inuyasha leered right back as she whirled around to face his side. "You're right Ms. Hair it is false or at least half false. Mr. Shikon slept with someone else but he couldn't admit to the latter of it could he? Tempting fate on a night after a party. Walking into the arms of another while Sesshomaru was off at play," Mr. Toran chuckled. "I'll play out the evening. Mr. Shikon attended a party on his own with some associates in hopes of making my client jealous after discovering his infidelity."
Inuyasha's heart sunk. He didn't feel Ryuukotsesui's hand grip around his shoulder but he knew to grab it and squeeze.
"He gets too drunk to see straight and gets seduced by one of the party goers. It's all fun and games until the moment of truth comes. The night was long and draining but Inuyasha knew well enough what he was doing when he slept with that man. He assumed it'd only be a one night stand, a secret no one else would discover. Well, until the police got involved."
Inuyasha closed his eyes and she replayed the most painful of his memories.
"The fifth night after the party Inuyasha was the victim of first degree rape and from there no one is certain why he didn't name his assailant. It's only so easy to piece together the rest from there your honor. Mr. Shikon slept with the man who raped him and didn't want it to go public out of cowardly fear that Sesshomaru would discover his crime. Only when he discovered he was pregnant with Zaya, he took flight and left without another word. Now I ask you your honor, should a child really be raised by someone so cowardly, so irresponsible? My sympathies go out to Mr. Shikon but he only has himself to blame. Zaya deserves a well nurtured, loving home with a wonderful family, willing to accept her with open arms.
"Mr. Shikon is only one man . Both his parents dead and gone since last year's accident. There is no one else to assist him with raising Zaya probably outside of friends. . ."
Inuyasha couldn't hold it and didn't try too. All of his misery, all of his despair, everything he tried so hard to hide was laid out as raw as a scalpel cut. Everyone knew, they knew everything. The gasps, and whispers hissed from left and right and he knew those eyes were piercing holes in his head. He made the mistake of looking up at Sesshomaru and met those slanted eyes, the widest he'd ever seen and expression stomped.
Inuyasha would've carried this secret to his grave if he could . . . but . . . but it was over, "Easy, easy, I got ya." He heard Ryuukotsesui whispering over and over again as he wrapped his arms around his shoulders and rocked from side to side. "You're gonna be ok. They won't take her."
The rest of the session went on. Inuyasha was mute to the rest because what more could be said to damage his reputation? The judge called for a brief recession in order to make his determinations in the back. Inuyasha felt numb, felt exposed. He swallowed the sourness on his tongue and couldn't tear his eyes from the floor. He didn't want anyone's pity, he didn't want their glares.
The judge returned and sat down with his verdict. "This decision was a tough one," He began removing his halfmoon glasses. "While I'm inclined to believe Mr. Shikon had a good reason to keep Zaya from her father, it's against the law in the both in demonic and some human laws to keep intentionally child from their sire as that's an obstruction to providing an heir. Your job risks you every day of possibly being killed in the line of duty and where exactly will that leave your daughter if that happens? God forbid."
Inuyasha said nothing, couldn't even lift his head.
"However Mr. Espada your career leaves very little in hopes of providing a home any better. While I'm sure you're capable of being a good father you have to take into consideration your life style. The fame, glory and exposure isn't what's best for a toddler. You're easily susceptible to a life threatening injury as well." The judge shook his head, looking between the young men with critical old eyes. "I don't see either of you as being bad men, or terrible fathers. And Mr. Shikon, you have my heartfelt sympathy for you having to go through more than one tragedy in a life time. I didn't hold the rape into consideration nor the mistakes made while you were in college. We're all victims of temptation at one point or another. Therefore, I will not grant sole custody to Mr. Espada but I cannot keep him from knowing his daughter. He's granted joint custody starting next week."
The decision was final. It was done.
Inuyasha's bottom lip was split and bloodied. He'd been chewing at it the entire time. His eyes were watered and full of tears. Ryuukotsesui stepped over the rail and enveloped Inuyasha's sputtering frame in his arms. Why, why did everything to go to hell? Why? He always blamed himself for the rape. It was all his fault.
"It's not your fault," He heard Ryuu whisper in his hair. "You didn't deserve any of it."
Inuyasha choked.
"Inuyasha."
That was the last voice he wanted to hear. The last face he wanted to see. Inuyasha didn't, he couldn't see the dirty disgust in Sesshomaru's eyes of all people. He broke free from Ryuukotsesui's arms and walked out, ignoring Yura's call, Ryuukotsesui's and Sesshomaru's. He caught a glimpse of the Espada family following him out the door.
He didn't want anyone's pity. He didn't deserve it. It was his fault it happened. His fault. All his fault. When he got home, Inuyasha couldn't resist taking Zaya in his arms and hugging her to his chest. Sango was quiet and fearful of what the verdict might be but left the small family alone.
"Daddy crying," Zaya squirmed in his arms. "You sad?"
"No baby girl," Inuyasha whispered.
"Daddy crying," Zaya pulled her head back and smiled big. "I kiss boo boo?"
Inuyasha sniffled, smiling through the anguish, "Yeah Daddy needs a kiss."
Zaya was all too happy to plant a soppy kiss on her both her daddy's cheeks and his forehead and his mouth. "Bett'r?"
"Very much," Inuyasha kissed her plump cheeks and hugged her close. "I love you so very much baby girl. So very much."
"Luv you too Daddy."
TBC: The drama's hardly over guys. Stay tuned.
