Updated: Currently not updated and may not flow with the beginning chapters. This chapter and the latter will be rewritten shortly. Please read at your own risk.
Chapter 9 (For you I will)
Last time:
She wanted to disagree but the chill from his expression stopped her in her tracks. There would be no point to argue it would do no good. She gave up the fight "Fine I would okay. Are you happy now? You win." Her voice cracked and she found her hands very interesting. "It seems I have no choice." Well yes she had, had a choice and that was not to open her large mouth but that was too late now. The deed was done and there was no going back. Sesshoumaru would not let her even if she wanted too. Well here she goes out of one frying pan and into another.
On with the show -
What was she doing? Why was she doing this? Was she being incredibly stupid? Yes, yes she was. She was stupid but also stubborn, at times childish and quite bitchy. Kagome shook her billowing hair and decided that she simply had too much pride for one person. Yes, that had to be what it was. Goddamn it, she didn't want to be the one to give in first. She did not want to reward the jackass for being irresponsible and a complete asshole. Right now, all she wanted to do was stomp her feet and maybe push him down the shrine steps. Yeah, that would solve her problem. Okay, it wouldn't really but a girl could fantasize. A very scary and freaky fantasy but a fantasy none the less. Shit, she's a tad bit twisted and maybe a little out of her mind.
They made their way down the paved path toward the shrine house door. When they reach the entrance, Kagome fished out her keys and unlocked the opening. She made her way in and stopped to allow Sesshoumaru entry then she shut the door behind them. She slid off her shoes and turn to watch Sesshoumaru do the same. The dog demon slid off his shoes and followed her silently through the hallway and into the large kitchen.
Kagome cleared her throat, drawing her mother's attention from cleaning a messy pup. Her mother's head shot up in surprise and her slender brows burrowed in confusion. Getting up from her position on the floor, her mother tossed the wash rag into the sink before she spoke "Kagome, aren't you supposed to be in school? Why are you not there?"
Clearly her mother hadn't notice her silent companion. Boy was that going to be a surprise. Goodness what was she supposed to say to her? Hmmm… she was sure that saying 'Hi mama, guess what? I'm not in school because I told my baby's daddy that he could see his child. Oh yeah here he is by the way!' Yeah that would go well. Yep that would go quite well.
Kagome bit into her bottom lip and tilted her head back toward the Inuyoukai standing in the doorway "Something came up." There, it was simple and way better than her sarcastic mind had come up with.
Brown eyes trailed in the direction suggested and they widened at the sight of the Inuyoukai leaning against the doorframe. Her eyes flickered to Kagome then back to the silent demon. Her mother swallowed roughly 'Oh dear, this is completely unexpected.' She gave a reassuring smile to the silent couple. 'Well I guess it was to be expected eventually.' she mused to herself.
Kagome let go of a sigh that begged to be released at the sight of her mother's smile "Mama, this is Sesshoumaru." She focused her vision on the silent demon "Sesshoumaru, this is my mother Shina." Her blue pools enlarged as she watched Sesshoumaru step away from the doorway and make his way in her mother's direction.
He stopped a few inches in front of her mother and bowed deeply "Ma'am it is a pleasure to meet you." His silver mane fell like a curtain, covering his muted features for a second before he gracefully stood up.
'Oh he is such a gentleman.' Shina gushed silently to herself as she bowed in return. 'Why didn't Kagome tell me he was so handsome? And what pretty hair he has.' Not like this was the first time she was seeing his handsome face but the night she had seen him outside, his features had been muted in the night air and the distance really hadn't help either. Now that she got better look at him from close up, she could see why her daughter fell for this gorgeous demon. "It is nice to meet you as well," She gave him a warm welcoming smile. "Sesshoumaru." Shina felt her skirt being tug on and her attention turn from the gorgeous demon to the small child hiding within her folds of fabric. Her hand ran through his onyx waves as she softly encouraged him from his hiding place. "Come out sweetheart and say hello to our guest."
The tiny Inuyoukai shyly stepped away from his grandmother, looking timidly up at the older demon. His brow burrowed slightly and his nose twitched as he took in the other males scent. Malakai's honey eyes widened in recognition and he fought with his words "Sess..om..maou?" he pointed a tiny finger at Sesshoumaru "You."
Sesshoumaru nodded his sterling head and forced the smile that wanted to spring forth at his son's recollection. Warmth flooded in his chest and he was overwhelmed with a sense of elation. His son had remembered who he was. He had recognized his scent even though it had been weeks since their first meeting. That was definitely the Tatakau in him. Tatakaus' never forget a scent once it has filtered into their senses; it was engrained in their Inu blood. This ability went way back to the feudal era, when his ancestor's needed to recognize who was friend and who was foe. "Hello Malakai."
The little boy grinned from ear to ear at the older demon "Hi!" He squealed happily and toddled closer to him. Malakai continued to stare as he cocked his head back and forth, his bright eyes blinking widely as he tried to figure out why the older dog demon smelt so familiar. His little nose twitched once again and his instinctual mind screamed 'blood relation'. Even though he was quite young, he instantly knew what his mind was signaling, it was the same feeling he got when he took in his family's scent. This demon belongs to him, he was family but the young pup did not fully understand what that meant. Was this man like uncle Souta or was he like Obaasan? His dark brows furrowed and his grin disappeared, no it smelt more like his mama. Did that mean that this man was his Chichi? Malakai was thoroughly confused now, too many things were buzzing in his young mind. He shook his little head. He would ask his mama later. Yes, he would ask her what this man meant to them.
Seconds after his little declaration, his childish attention swiftly changed to something else. Malakai's toothy grin reappeared and he slid his hand into the bigger one and he tugged the demon to the kitchen doorway "Come." The pup didn't give the older Inu a chance to voice anything as they disappeared into the hallway.
Kagome's mouth hung open. Uh…what had just happened? And where was Malakai taking Sesshoumaru? Why was she standing there when she should be following them?
Kagome stared nervously at the doorway then back to her waiting mother. She forced her eyes to stay on the lone women though the urge to stray to the kitchen entrance was great. Her throat cleared loudly "What did you want to talk about?" Oh she knew what her mama wanted to talk about. It was not hard to miss what she wanted to know.
Shina cleared her own throat before she spoke her thoughts "When did this happen?" Her mother's slim pale hand move from her to the door then back to her again.
Kagome's eyes moved easily back to the doorway then travel back to her mother. "He was waiting for me at the bottom of the shrine steps." A sigh rippled from her small chest. "He came to give me a ride to school."
"Hmm…How did you end up here if he was giving you a ride to school then?" The curious tone was evident in her mother's voice.
"Things came up as we drove and it was decided that he would come and see Malakai. I wanted to have him come after school but Sesshoumaru believed that I would have changed my mind by the end of the day."
Shina's voice turned soft and motherly as she questions her motives "Darling, would you have?"
Kagome brushed her bangs out from her eyes "Yes, I would have left before the day was through."
"He seems to know you quite well." Her mother replied softly.
Kagome's gaze shifted to the window behind her mother, her voice transformed into a whisper "Yes, it appears that he does, a little too well." A little too close for comfort if you asked her, especially after all the shit that went down with them.
Her mother inwardly sighed as she watched her only daughter fidget uncomfortably at the thought of the Adonis knowing her so well. This was expected when it came to Kagome. Her daughter didn't like people knowing her quirks nor her secrets and when that did happen Kagome usually pushed away though Sango was the exception and it would seem that Sesshoumaru had been an exception at one time as well. She must have trusted that young man and he had broken her already fragile heart. Shina's heart cried out softly with pain. It had been more than just heartbreak; her beautiful daughter had been in mourning all those tearful nights. Shina didn't want to upset her daughter even more so she let the whole issue slid. "Why don't you go see what those two are doing? You know how Malakai can sucker someone into something they would not normally do." Her mother shooed her out of the kitchen. "I will call you guys when lunch is ready."
Kagome nodded in conformation then scurried out of the room. She made her way out of the hallway and into the living room where she heard the TV running and assumed that was where Malakai had drug Sesshoumaru.
Stepping into the room, Kagome's mouth twitched into a smile when she saw Malakai sitting on Sesshoumaru's lap. They looked so comfortable together, like they had never been separated and this was an everyday occurrence. Malakai leaned back and pointed at the television. Apparently they were watching Finding Nemo. A chuckle threatened to bubble forth at the sight of the cool facade demon watching a movie about a lost fish.
Malakai continued to point at the screen "Nemo" he said as the small clownfish flitted passed. His tiny fingers pointed again "What?" this time it was pointed at the old Moorish idol.
Sesshoumaru didn't even bat an eye as he answered the questioning child. "I believe his name is Gil."
Malakai's lips made an 'O' and quickly turned his attention back to the movie.
She bit her lip and slowly slid the rest of the way into the room and sat on the loveseat which was located next to the larger couch where father and son were watching TV. Both demons turned their attention on her. Malakai beamed brightly "Mama" His eyes darted back to the TV then back to her "Nemo!" Kagome giggled loudly "Yes, I see him." Malakai grin widened obviously happy with her answer, the toddler resumed his attention back to the movie.
Kagome eyes swept from her adorable son to the silent Inu who was staring at her. Her lean brow rose at the attention and tried not to giggle at the grown man. "So you know who Gil is, Huh."
A sigh escaped his perfect lips. "Yes this is Rin's favorite movie. I have seen it several times."
He didn't sound very excited when he said this. Ooh she had forgotten about Rin and how close she was with Sesshoumaru. Of course he would have seen this movie. The demon did live with a six year old after all.
Kagome nodded in sympathy "Its Malakai's favorite too. I've seen it too many times to count since we bought it." Her vision dropped to the movie then back to the demon. "Though it's better than Blue's Clues. She may be a cute blue puppy but it gets daunting when all you see is the same episodes over and over. I'm sure in a couple of months it will be something new." She hoped, she prayed that he will find a new show. Kagome could deal with any show other than Yo Gabba Gabba, something about the creatures freak her out. She shuddered at the thought.
"We're hoping for the same thing at home as well. The family room seems to have cartoons on a regular basis and it is always the same shows. I believe they do not update very often and since the children do not notice, it is the grown-ups who suffer."
Kagome couldn't hold the laugh. "I thought I was the only person who realized that. It drives me crazy to see the same episodes over and over again."
"Indeed." He replied with his lips twitching slightly up.
She scoffed playfully at his reply and turned her attention to the movie.
An hour and forty-one minutes later, minus one diaper change (which she might add she let Sesshoumaru tackle, while she watched in amusement), and a babbling session, the movie finally ended.
Malakai slid off Sesshoumaru's lap and looked up at his mama excitedly "Play…Out." He pointed towards the backyard. His honey eyes gave her a silent plea and she couldn't help but melt. A grin tugged at her lips and an awe bubbled forth. "Sure baby. We can go outside."
The Inu pup clapped his chubby hands happily and grabbed onto Sesshoumaru's hand and pulled him up then dragged him out of the room.
Kagome smirked as she got up and went to turn off the DVD player followed by the TV. After said electronics were off, she made her way to find her energetic child and his silent father.
Her eyes drifted to the duo that was waiting for her by the front door. Malakai was squirming in his spot as he waited as patiently as he could next to the perfectly still youkai. His golden eyes lit with joy at the sight of her. "Go?"
Kagome's lips twitched and she shook her raven head. "Yes." As soon as she answered the young youkai, he took off out the open door that Sesshoumaru had quickly opened. Kagome hurried after him with Sesshoumaru following her lead.
Sesshoumaru watched Malakai toddle towards a medium-sized jungle gym. The older Inuyoukai followed closely to his black haired beauty. Yes the cheeky wench was his and as much as she wanted to deny it. Christ, He would eventually convince her that he would not do what she thought he would do. He would convince her that she was his and that he wasn't going anywhere.
His eyes trailed down her curvy body and watched her hips sashay one way then the other. He resisted the growl that wanted to spring forth. It would just cause problems if it was released and they didn't need any more problems nor did he need her to kick his sorry ass out of the shrine. One step forward and to hell with two steps back.
Her movements stopped as she sat down on a stone bench to watch their son. He sat down next to her, giving her adequate room so she wouldn't open that overly large mouth of her to chew him out. He rolled his eyes. Not that would stop her. It seemed that she liked yelling at him…a little too much.
He cleared his throat, drawing her attention. "He is very well-behaved. Usually Inu pups can be rather difficult."
Kagome's pink lips twitched as her see flicker to Malakai then back to Sesshoumaru. "Yes he is. He has been like that since he was a baby though he does have quite a temper and will hold his breath when angry." She chuckled lightly "When he was born, the nurse was washing off his little head and all of the sudden he began to scream then he just held his breath. The nurse looked at me and said, 'looks like we have a breath holder here.' The young Miko's smile grew larger at her memory and golden eyes watched her soften.
The Demon was sorry to cut into her reminiscing but he had to ask. "Was…was your pregnancy well?" Sesshoumaru wasn't sure if that question was too forward or not but he honestly wanted to know if she and Malakai had been okay.
Kagome blinked her eyes for a few minutes as if trying to register the question. Really she was battling with herself on if she wanted to discuss this topic with him or not. She bit her lip slightly. Should she tell him? Was this something he genuinely wanted to know? Her gut and the tone of his voice told her that he did. She took a deep breath and forged into uncharted waters. "Yes I had a very normal pregnancy other than the low blood sugar I experienced."
"Low blood sugar?" Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed "Why did you experience that?"
Kagome shifted on the bench and glanced over to see if Malakai was okay. He looked up from his play and waved cheerily at them then resumed playing. She waved back and turned to the waiting youkai. "Malakai's growth was rapid and it took a toll on my body. I had to make sure I had something to snack on when I felt light headed." She shrugged her shoulders "It was expected since he's part demon."
The Inu nodded and asked another question. "His birth went as planned?"
A light laugh ran out of Kagome and her hand touched her cheek. "God no, it didn't go as planned. I was in labor for 18 hours, three of those hours I was pushing."
"He did not want to leave I take it."
"I wish he hadn't wanted to come out but it appeared that his head would not come out. Eventually I had to have assistance. After the help, he came right out. He was a healthy seven pound, one point five ounces baby boy with ten fingers and ten toes." She watched as Sesshoumaru opened his mouth to say something but quickly changed his mind.
His brows burrowed as he contemplated whatever was on his mind. A sigh escaped him and he squared his shoulders. "I would like some photos." There he said it. Now he waited to see if she was going to rip off his head like a preying mantas.
Her gaze dropped to the grass then back up to his. He wanted photographs. Oh boy she had not thought about photos. She had not even thought about him wanting to see Malakai as a baby. Could she give him photos? Did she want to give him photos? She thought about it for a few more seconds. Yes, she could give him some pictures. She would just take out the ones that she thought were too revealing or too intimate for her liking. "I have them stored on my computer. If you want I will send them to your email."
"I would like that. Send me whatever you feel comfortable with." He let out a soft sigh of relief as he replied.
"Okay. I will send them tonight after Malakai is in bed." Kagome gave him a quick nod and turned her attention back on their son.
They watched Malakai in relative silence until Kagome had some questions for Sesshoumaru. "Sesshoumaru?"
His gaze never wavered from Malakai as he replied "Yes."
Kagome smiled nervously "Well…Do you know why Malakai doesn't have ears like Inuyasha? Malakai is a hanyou after all. Shouldn't he have them?"
Sesshoumaru's eyes flickered to her. He shrugged his broad shoulders "It depends really. Every hanyou is different so the results vary from hanyou to hanyou though he being half Miko could have influenced the result. Does he change to human every new moon?"
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh I forgot about that happening to Inuyasha. No, Malakai doesn't change at all. Is…is that normal?" Worry began to ball in her stomach.
The demon's brows burrowed. "I do not know. Like I said, they all vary from hanyou to hanyou so it could be possible that only Inuyasha is affected with that side-effect. If his doctor has not said anything then I would not worry about it. He is very active and obviously healthy."
The ball in her stomach disintegrated with his words and she sighed in relief. "O…okay."
Once again they turned their attention back toward their son and watched him play. A couple hours later, Kagome's mother popped out of the house carrying a basket and a blue blanket. She smiled at the quiet couple and cleared her throat.
They ripped their gaze from the Inu pup and focused on her. Shina held up the basket as she stopped in front of the couple and smiled brightly. "Kagome dear, I made you guys a basket lunch since I have to run to the nursing hospital. Your grandfather is having a bad day and they are hoping that I will be able to calm him down."
Her daughter stood up and stepped forward to grab the basket and blanket from her grasp. "Do you want me to make supper?"
Her mother shook her head "No. I will pick something up on the way home." She quickly checked her watch. "I should really get going." Shina turned her gaze from her daughter to the gorgeous young man "It was a pleasure to meet you, Sesshoumaru. Please do come again."
Kagome shot her mother a look of 'what the hell are you doing' but her lovely mother ignored it and scurried away. "Love you and I will see you later."
She rolled her eyes at the dismissal "Bye Mama. Tell grandfather hello and that we love him."
"I will." Shina had thrown back before she slid into the house.
Kagome shook her head and laid out the blanket, setting the basket in the middle. She knelt down and opened the carrier. Inside were three Bento boxes with two thermos and some utensils. She pulled out the three Bento boxes and set them out on the blanket. Reaching into the basket again, she pulled out the two thermos, three chopsticks (two regular and one training set), and two drinking cups along with Malakai's Sippy.
Kagome set each item in front of the boxes and straightened up to call Malakai but Sesshoumaru was a step ahead of her. While she was setting everything up, he had gone to get Malakai. He was now walking with the small child in hand while the pup slightly dragged him toward the blanket. The hyper puppy smiled and plopped down in front of the bento box with his Sippy and training sticks. "Hungry." Malakai rubbed his tummy enthusiastically.
Kagome laughed at the pups antics "Yes me too." She opened his box then hers. The aroma was mouthwatering and the food inside was arranged so beautifully. Her mother loved making Bento boxes and unfortunately she hadn't had time to make them. Oh she missed her mother's bento boxes. A sigh left her as she stared at what was inside. The boxes were filled with Onigiri sprinkled with Furikake (Rice balls with savory sprinkles), celery sticks, baby carrots, Umeboshi (a pickled red plum with tangy sour taste), and glazed meatballs. It all looks so yummy and she could not wait to dig in.
She watched as Sesshoumaru opened Malakai's Sippy and filled it with what looked like milk from one of the thermos. He reached out for his chopsticks and his brow rose at the froggy topped plastic chopsticks. His eyes flashed to hers in question. "What are these?"
Kagome looked up from pouring them some tea. "They're training chopsticks to help Malakai. He had had some problems with the regular chopsticks. These will help him get used to the feel of the sticks as well as how to properly hold them. Didn't Rin have them?"
Sesshoumaru shook his silver mane 'no' and handed the training sticks to the hungry pup. "No. By the time that my father had adopted Rin, she was old enough to eat with chopsticks. You've met my father. He is rather old school about certain things. The old way worked for him, and they would work for his kids."
Kagome picked at her food. The ball of worry returned with a vengeance. Did he feel the same way? Does he think it is silly or something? She picked some more before nervously asking. "Do you…believe that too?" She bit her lip and waited for his response.
The Inuyoukai let out a soft snort. "No. If Malakai needs something to help him then he should have it. I will not deter my child just because he needs things."
The young mother's blue eyes widened in surprise at his response and the worry that plagued her vanished once again. She had not expected him to say that. He sounded so much like a parent. Her gaze drifted to Malakai, who was babbling away while Sesshoumaru listened with all of his interest. She nibbled her bottom lip. He fit so well into the role already. It had only been a couple of hours and Malakai was so comfortable. They were already bonding. Maybe she should just step back and let nature run its course. This did mean that she was going to have to get off her moral high horse and just suck it up. She could do that.
Another sigh escaped her. Yes, she may not want the arrogant youkai but their son did. He needed Sesshoumaru and maybe Sesshoumaru needed him. She dragged her gaze away from the budding duo and began to slowly dig into her meal. She could do this.
The time had come when Sesshoumaru announced that he had to go home. Damage control is what he called it. She was guessing his dad was not going to be thrilled that he ditched school. It had been well worth it though. Malakai was happy and if he was happy so was she.
Sesshoumaru helped her round up Malakai as she grabbed the blanket and placing it on the basket then picking it up. Malakai came running up to her with his arms out for her to carry him. She obliged and sat him on her hip. Sesshoumaru reached them and they began walk across the lawn to the house.
He walked them to the door and stuffed his clawed hands into his pockets. He smirked at Malakai and his son smiled back. "Bye little man. I will see you later."
Malakai's grin showed a mouth full of baby teeth. "Later." Malakai replied happily.
Sesshoumaru felt his lips wanting to transform into a smile once again and he forced himself to slowly turn his gaze to his little Miko.
She was smiling as she got ready to say goodbye to the demon. "Goodbye Sesshoumaru. This was…nice." There she could do this…
"We will have to do it again." He replied.
Kagome's smile grew larger and she nodded her onyx head in agreement. "Yes we should."
Disbelief flashed across his eyes for a second then he sharply shook his head. "Good." Before she could reply, he quickly kissed her cheek then opened the door behind her, lightly pushing them into the threshold before walking way.
The young Miko watched the Inuyoukai vanish down the shrine steps. Kagome slowly stepped back and shut the door. She turned around and lean her back against it, dropping the basket on the floor. Her one arm holding tightly onto Malakai and the other one rose to the cheek he had just kissed. Did he just…Why did he do that?
Little hands touch her said hand, startling her out of her shock. Malakai's wide eyes stared at her. "Mama?"
Kagome smiled, her voice but a whisper "Yes baby."
His head innocently cocked to the side as he got ready to ask her a question "Sess..om..maou" He struggled once again with the older demons name but continued on. "He…. Chichi?" Her mouth ran dry and she gapped like a fish at her son. Had he just asked her if Sesshoumaru was his father? He had, hadn't he? How… did he know? Oh shit! What was she supposed to say? She swallowed roughly as the Inu pup watched her.
"Mama?" His tiny voice called for an answer.
Her blue eyes met with his honey eyes and she knew she couldn't lie to him. She took in a deep breath and truthfully answered him "Yes baby. He's your chichi."
Finally I got this chapter done like I promised. I really like how it turned out and can't wait to start on the next chapter. Thanks to all that responded to my author's note. You guys are the best! If any of you are having problems reviewing that may be because for the ones who had responded to my AN and reviewed, the reviews are still there even after I erased the AN. For those who this concerns just review anonymously that should work.
