AN: Thank you for everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I hoped for more but its okay, I appreciate those of you who did.
Also if you get a chance check out my other story What You Do. I updated it to chapter 40. It's an Inu/Kag story

Hoping you guys like this chapter!


Kenichi smiled when he woke up to see his father standing beside the bed. "Daddy!" he exclaimed, jumping off the bed and clinging onto Sesshomaru's legs.

Sesshomaru did not know how to respond; he bent over and patted the child's head. "Good afternoon."

"What about me?" Kagome asked her son. She fought back the feelings that told her he liked his father more.

Kenichi let go of Sesshomaru's leg and climbed back into her bed.

"I'm sowwy mommy" he said sweetly as he hugged her.

Kagome smiled. "That's better."

"Mommy," Kenichi pulled away, "can we go home now?"

"Not now honey," she frowned, wanting to leave just as much as he did, "later today we can. You can watch TV while we wait." She handed him the remote and his attention was completely dedicated to cartoons.

"So," Kagome turned to the man standing beside her, "how long were you going to stick around for?" She tried to hold back the animosity she felt from his previous words. They would finish the conversation later, and she'd let him have it then.

He took note at Kenichi's actions before checking his watch. The boy was engrossed in the cartoons and his presence was no longer needed.

"I suppose I'll go home for a bit." He was in no mood to be ignored by his son and hang out with Kagome. "You will be released today?"

"Yeah." She was eager to get home.

He nodded. "Give me a call when you get home." She had his number in her phone from when he called her earlier.

"Kenichi," he said, "I am leaving."

"No!" the little boy's eyes widened, "don't go."

"I will see you later today." He started to worry, memories of the night before were flashing through his mind.

"But-" Kagome cut the boy off.

"Kenichi," she said firmly, "he will see you later today. Do not throw a temper tantrum while I'm sick." She wasn't exactly sick, but Kenichi didn't really understand the difference between being sick and being in a lot of pain. Besides, they were in a hospital, so for the time being Kagome was 'sick.'

The child's eyes widened as he looked at his mother. She continued to give him her stern look, as if willing him to go against her wishes. They had a stare down for a few moments. Kenichi's pursed his lips harder so Kagome tilted her head.

Sesshomaru was more than surprised when the little boy sighed and looked at him, a frown was on his face.

"Pwomise?"

"You have my word," the man nodded. He couldn't believe the difference between Kenichi listening to his mother and himself. Last night, Kenichi had a full blown fit with him, but Kagome stopped the boy before he even started.

Kenichi smiled and stretched out his arms, expecting to be picked up.

Sesshomaru hesitated. Kenichi was unfazed and continued to reach up so Sesshomaru bent forward and lifted the boy. For the first time in his life, Sesshomaru Taisho held his son. Regardless of the fact that Kenichi was three years old and clearly not a newborn, Sesshomaru still felt the same way any man would if he were. At that moment, he felt how every man felt the first time they held their child.

Kenichi wrapped his small arms around his father's neck and squeezed. Sesshomaru could have melted. His blood rushed and his heart pounded in his chest. He turned to give Kenichi a kiss on the top of his head and then carefully put him down.

"Good bye." He said to the Higurashis.

"See ya." Kagome said quietly, feeling emotional from watching the scene of Sesshomaru and Kenichi's embrace.

"Bye daddy!" Kenichi waved as his father left the room. He was completely unaware on the affect he had on the man.


Later that day Kagome found herself in the bathroom of her own home. Sango and Kenichi were in the living room watching cartoons.

She was going to take a shower before calling her child's father. Appearance meant a lot to him and she wasn't going to embarrass herself any further. She had seen him briefly in the past; not enough for either of them to remember meeting. No, he never actually looked at her until the night of their son's conception. She probably did look pretty cute that night, but that was three years ago and nobody went for cute anymore. Besides, she was drunk as a skunk and too easily gave herself to him.

Kagome blushed at the memory. She hadn't thought of their night together in a very long time. He really did ruin every experience she'd ever had after that. She'd been with only a couple more guys in the last few years, no one made her feel the way Sesshomaru did.

She shook her head, climbing into the shower. There was no reason to be reminiscing about sleeping with him.

The only other times she'd seen Sesshomaru was at work and at the hospital. She looked amazing while at work, no doubt about that. She had her hair and makeup done perfectly, and her body was not only on display but she looked sexy. Although, hooking up with a guy the first time you talk him and then seeing each other at a strip club for an overdue meeting was not good. Then he sees her after a bad accident days later and she was a looking like a hot mess.

No, she was going to look like a normal, attractive person this time.

The hot water felt heavenly on Kagome's body. Her muscles were so sore, and the water caressed her therapeutically. She almost moaned while washing her hair, the smell of the shampoo getting rid of the sick hospital odor she had begun to take on. The few cuts on her body slightly burned but it was cleansing so she couldn't have cared less.

When she stepped out the shower she felt rejuvenated. That is, until she looked in the mirror.

"Ugh," she groaned, "I look terrible." The cuts on her face would take quite some time to heal. Her eye was still badly bruised, though the swelling was gone. She could easily cover it those things with makeup, luckily. Her bottom lip was still slightly swollen and very much scabbed.

"Guess I won't be going back to work anytime soon," she said quietly. How could she? Nobody would want to get any dances from the woman who looks like she got beat up. "Sesshomaru will get to have his way for now… for a little bit, at least."

She decided to start running a bath for her son. As the tub began to fill, she got dressed in black sweatpants and a white tank top. Simple and comfortable. She may have not looked her best due to the damage done from the accident, but nothing would take away her perfect figure.

"Kenichi!" she called out to the boy as she stood in the bathroom, "Come in and take a bath."

A few moments later the child stood in the doorway with an adorable pout. "I don't wanna." He crossed his arms across his chest.

Kagome shut off the water and turned around to look at him. "Honey, you smell like a hospital."

"No mommy," he shook his head, "please?"

"Ah uh." She wagged her finger at him. "Undress and get in the tub. I already put a couple of toys in there for you."

"But momm-" she cut him off.

"No buts about it mister," she said sternly, "you get yourself undressed right now." Then she grinned. "When you're all clean I'll call your father to come over."

His eyes lit up. "Really?" He already began to take his clothes off.

"Yep." She gave him a small smile, somewhat hurt that he would so willingly bathe for his father but not for her. Although, he was a child and Sesshomaru was new in his life; kids love new things, while they're still new... "You have to get all clean for him. Okay?"

"Okay." Kenichi walked up to the tub and Kagome lifted him in.

"I'm gonna do my make up," she said, turning to the mirror. "You can play in the water till I'm done but when I am you have to wash up."

Kenichi didn't respond as he was already too busy playing with his bath toys. Kagome frowned at the pain in her wrist while trying to apply her makeup.

'It figures I'd hurt my right wrist.' She tried her best to ignore the pain though; she was determined to look her best. Not to impress him of course, just to make him realize that they may not be equals in many ways but at least she looked good too; and to fix her bruised ego as well.

When she was satisfied with her looks she smiled at her reflection. Sure putting cover up wasn't best for the scratches on her face, but it sure looked good. She was glad to be finished since the nerves in her wrist were ringing from straining.

"Kenichi," she turned to her son, "let's get you all cleaned up as fast as we can. Mommy's wrist hurts." She held her hand out to him.

"Mommy hurts?" he looked up from his toys with wide eyes.

"Yes," Kagome nodded, "I have lots of boo boos from the car accident too. So I need you to behave yourself while I help you bathe."

"I can do it mommy," he said with a determined look upon his face. "Don't help."

"Awh," Kagome smiled, "how about I supervise?" She wanted to make sure he still did a good job cleaning himself. Last time he had only washed his hands and then told her he was done.

Luckily, Kenichi did a great job bathing and Kagome only had to help him with his face and hair. He was running around the apartment naked in his pull ups and a neck brace while Kagome tried to figure out what clothes to put him in. She wanted him to look nice, she wanted to show Sesshomaru how could of a provider she was without his help.

To prove that she didn't need him in Kenichi's life, she'd do fine by herself. His presence was only necessary to give Kenichi the father/son bond he deserved to have. Sure the financial help would be a weight lifted off her shoulders, but Kagome was an independent woman who needed help from no man.

She settled on a Spiderman T-shirt and some jeans. When she finally had him dressed she decided to give Sesshomaru a call.

He didn't answer.

Kagome frowned but left a message.

"Hey, it's Kagome. Um… I was going to invite you over the apartment. Kenichi and I just finished bathing and I was about to start on dinner. I figured you could join us. Just give me a call, or text me. Bye."

She hung up the phone and stared at it. 'I wonder what he's doing.'

She put the device down on the counter as she looked in the fridge. "Hey Sango," she called out, "what should I make for dinner with Sesshomaru?"

Her friend walked into the room and tilted her head. "I dunno. Why don't you make one of the frozen pizzas?"

Kagome raised an eyebrow. Sango usually didn't suggest such foods.

"I figured since Kenichi had such a long couple of days he might like it."

"Oh," Kagome nodded, "you're gonna eat pizza?"

"Of course not," Sango laughed. "Miroku is driving into town and we're going to grab dinner. No offense but I really don't want to be here for an awkward dinner with Sesshomaru."

"And I do?" Kagome retorted.

Sango shrugged. "You picked him," she said with a musical tone. "Besides, I'll be back after Miroku and I eat and watch a movie."

"You're going to a movie too?" Kagome was surprised.

"Mhmm," Sango grinned.

"Right." Kagome shook her head. "Not like you guys ever pay attention to the film itself."

"Too bad you and Sesshomaru can't join us; it'd be like a double date." Sango joked.

"Ha!" Kagome laughed. "I'm never going to a movie with you and Miroku ever again."

"Oh Kagome, it wasn't that bad."

"Oh yeah? We were sharing a drink Sango!" Kagome shook her head at the thoughts. "I inadvertently had Miroku's, uh, his germs in my mouth!"

"Okay, okay," Sango waved her hands, "that was my bad. I wasn't thinking. But it's funny now, right?"

Kagome shook her head. "You know what? I'm gonna go brush my teeth."

Sango burst out laughing as her best friend ran out of the kitchen.

When Kagome was done sanitizing her mouth she came back to the kitchen to see her phone blinking. She picked it up to read a text from Sesshomaru.

My apologies. Working out, I'm done now. Address?

Kagome typed her address and apartment number into the phone and sent it to him. He never responded to her but she knew he would be on his way as soon as he read it.


Kagome was sitting on the couch with Kenichi watching a movie when she heard a knock at the door. She was filled with anxiety at the thought of Sesshomaru being in her home. She quickly got up and moved to open the door for him.

"Hi." She said nervously.

Sesshomaru nodded his greeting as he stepped into her apartment.

Kenichi looked over from the couch and yelled with excitement.

"Daddy!" He ran around the furniture and straight into Sesshomaru's legs.

"Hello." Sesshomaru smiled at the boy.

"I threw a pizza in the oven," Kagome said as she watched the two.

"Pizza?" Sesshomaru frowned.

"Well yeah," she got defensive, "Kenichi loves pizza, and I thought it would be a nice welcome home meal for us." At least, Sango thought so, but Kagome agreed.

"Hn." Sesshomaru was not a big fan of pizza. It was unhealthy and a waste to eat. He would have one slice though, if only to bond with his son.

Kagome narrowed her eyes at him. "I'll go grab it now; it's been in the oven to stay warm. Kenichi can show you to the table."

"Follow me!" the boy said excitedly.

They did not have to walk far. It was just a humble sized apartment and the dining area was adjacent to the living room.

Sesshomaru took a seat at the round table. Kenichi sat next to him and mimicked his father's good posture.

Kagome came out with the pizza and a sippy cup for her son. She couldn't trust him with a regular cup; he was too excited around his father and was bound to spill it.

"Sesshomaru," she said as she walked back into the kitchen, "what can I get you to drink?"

"Water please."

She came back with a bottle of water and a glass of wine for herself. She needed a drink.

Sesshomaru ate his pizza slice very slowly, savoring the taste. It was delicious! He hadn't had pizza in years; it was not a part of his strict diet. This meal would be a secret from all his trainers.

Kagome had only one piece as well. She didn't want to eat more than Sesshomaru, then she'd feel like a fatty. Even if she had a great body, she was smaller than him, so if she at more than him she would just feel bad about herself. Not only that, but just the fact that Sesshomaru Taisho was in her home ruined her appetite.

Kenichi on the other hand was reaching for his fourth piece when his mother swatted his hand away.

"That's enough for you," she said. "You're appetite sure has increased lately."

"Cause I'm growing!" he answered with a wide smile.

"I know," Kagome pouted, "and I don't like it. My baby is turning into a grown up."

"Ah huh." He nodded his head and grinned proudly. "I'm gonna be like daddy." He pointed a greasy finger at his father.

Kagome froze at his words. This was too surreal. She felt like she was on some weird television sitcom with a fake family. Who could blame her though? If someone came up to her a week ago and said that she'd be having Sesshomaru over for pizza she would have laughed in their face. This was not natural and Kagome was feeling very uncomfortable.

Sesshomaru only smirked at his son's comments. He remembered when he was young he felt the same way. He always longed to best his own father in anything and everything. He relished the fact that a few years ago he surpassed the man in height by only an inch, but Inuyasha was still shorter than both.

"Mommy."

Kenichi brought his parents out of their thoughts.

"Kenichi," Kagome shook her head to leave her daze, "go put your plate away and then wash your hands."

He left the table to follow her instructions.

"He is very obedient." Sesshomaru commented. He was envious at the control Kagome had on the boy, hopefully one day Kenichi would listen to him just as much as he did his mother.

"Thanks," Kagome smiled, but her smile was strained. It was very obvious to the man beside her.

"Are you well?" Sesshomaru asked.

She turned to look at him. "How are you acting so normal?"

He tilted his head.

"Um hello?" she threw her hands up in exasperation, "you're at my house, having a family dinner with our son."

"That is correct."

"None of this is bothering you? Am I the only one going crazy right now?" She definitely was. Or at least she was the only one feeling crazy enough to mention it.

"I find it strange, if that is what you are asking." It was definitely an adjustment.

Kagome glared at him. It was obvious that he was much better at keeping his composure than she.

"Daddy," Kenichi walked back in the room with a new set of clothes on. "Want to watch a movie with me and mommy?"

"Sure," Sesshomaru nodded at the boy and gave him a small smile. "You changed clothes?"

"Uh huh," the boy spun around, showing off his black Batman footie pajamas.

"It's new," Kagome clarified. "I just bought it the other day, he's insisted on wearing every night."

"I see." Sesshomaru said. He picked up his plate to take it to the sink.

"I'll get it." Kagome said. Kenichi knew how to work the electronics and she could use the time to clean as time to get her mind together.

Sesshomaru thanked her and then followed the child to the living area only a few feet away.

"You sit here." Kenichi patted a spot on the sofa. Sesshomaru did as the boy asked. He really didn't want to sit and watch a movie with them. It was sure to be something uninteresting. 'I suppose this is what parenting is all about. Doing things I would never do otherwise.' He smirked at his own thoughts.

He barely heard any noise as Kagome cleared the dishes off the table and disappeared into the kitchen.

She stood with her hands gripping the edge of the counter near the sink. 'Get it together girl,' she pleaded with herself. 'Ugh, this is just too weird.'

She shook her head trying not to focus on everything that was going wrong and thinking about the positives. 'Well at least Kenichi is happy. How long has he been waiting for a night like this?'

With that in mind, Kagome was able to steel her nerves. She would just play along, go with the flow and they would have a 'normal' family night as hard as it was to believe; she would try to, for her son.

'I can do this. Just pretend that this impossible situation is possible,' she coached herself. "And try not to make it more awkward." That she said out loud, knowing they guys wouldn't hear her.

With a nod and a bit more confidence she turned around and walked into the living room. The sight before her made her heart skip a beat.

Kenichi had just crawled up onto the couch. Sesshomaru was still sitting on his designated corner, straight and rigid; obviously out of his comfort zone. Then Kenichi scooted towards the man and leaned on him.

It was an "Awh" moment for anyone to witness.

Except for Kagome. As much as she was happy that her son could finally cuddle with his father, she felt the green monster of jealously trying to creep out. Kenichi was her baby. He's supposed to want to cuddle with her not him!

She shook the thoughts from her head and walked into the room. 'Positive, Kagome,' she repeated to herself, 'be positive.'

"So what movie did you pick, sweetheart?" she asked as she sat on the opposite end of the couch.

"Shrek!" the boy answered with a grin.

'Not again!' Kagome frowned. "Have you seen it before?" she asked Sesshomaru.

He looked up from his child to her and simply answered, "No."

"Lucky you," Kagome smirked. She and Kenichi had seen that movie too many times to count. Kagome was tempted to make it 'disappear' if it wouldn't break Kenichi's heart.

Sesshomaru raised a brow at her statement before turning back to the flat screen.

"Mommy," Kenichi looked over at his mother. "Sit closer." By this point Sesshomaru was a bit more comfortable and relaxed into the corner of the couch; Kenichi was cuddled on his side and his left arm was stretched along the back of the seat.

Kagome looked at the pair in front of her and noticed that even though Sesshomaru didn't move his arm, he closed his fist. As if somehow closing himself off. She really didn't want to get too close to the man but there was no way she'd just give up the chance to give Kenichi attention.

"Mommy?" the boy looked up at her with a frown. Kenichi was quite the mama's boy, and for her to stop to think about sitting by him confused him.

"Sorry," she smiled apologetically. Then she scooted closer towards the 'twins' until there was only inches separating her from Kenichi and Sesshomaru's forearm was directly behind her shoulders. All he had to do was lower his hand down a couple inches and they'd be cuddling like a real family.

Thankfully Sesshomaru also noticed that and he bent his arm at the elbow to bring his hand behind his own head. Kagome then leaned back into the couch, a little bit more at ease.

Over the course of the next hour and a half, all three people were having different reactions to the movie playing before them.

Kenichi was smiling the whole time, and laughing at some parts. Even the parts that were sad he smiled at, because he knew how it would end. Kenichi would even laugh before something funny happened, since he would expect it. Reactions like that confused his father.

Sesshomaru didn't find the movie very entertaining at all. Some parts he could understand a child finding funny, but when Kenichi would laugh from his own thoughts Sesshomaru would just focus on what happened and figuring out why the boy thought it was funny. Overall though, he was bored.

Kagome may have been looking at the screen, but she'd seen this movie so many million times that she found herself daydreaming the majority of the way through. She thought about a few things for the most part. For one, she couldn't quite wrap her head around the fact that Sesshomaru was at her house watching Shrek with their son. Kagome never did drugs in her life, but she questioned if this was all just a hallucination. If not a hallucination then maybe she had gone insane, hell as strange as the situation was she could have dreamt it up.

'Maybe that's it,' she surmised, 'maybe I'm in a coma from the car accident and I'm dreaming.' She looked to her right to see Sesshomaru and his mini-me staring intently at the screen. 'My god, they look alike!' She glanced over again before Sesshomaru turned his head to catch her staring. His golden eyes locked onto her sapphires. She whipped her face back to the television, cheeks red from the embarrassment. 'Nope, not a dream!'

Most of her musings were about her disbelief at how fate was working. Second to that, she pondered on just how this whole 'family' would work. So Sesshomaru wanted to visit each month and Kagome was more than grateful that he wasn't trying to take Kenichi from her, but she still had some reservations about it. She was still unhappy with the thought of not being with Kenichi for days at a time, and would they even spend any time together as a family? It would be nice for Kenichi to have his father-son time but Kagome valued the idea of doing things as a group. She was unsure as to why, seeing as how uncomfortable she felt being around Sesshomaru, but isn't it best for children to be with their parents? Parents as in plural, both of them.

If Kagome had a choice she would magically make it so that she was married to the father of her child. Not that she wanted to marry Sesshomaru, but maybe that Kenichi's father would be someone else. Someone who she could see having a future with. Not a man who lived a completely differently lifestyle than hers. It's not like she had any idea about who Sesshomaru was as a person, or his values and what he would instill in her child.

The last thing on the woman's mind was Sesshomaru's family. She knew Inuyasha, and not as well as she used to, and had met his mother and father; but Kagome remembered that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were only half brothers. Sesshomaru had a different mother than Inuyasha. She had obviously never heard anything about the woman other than what Inuyasha had told her in the past; and that wasn't much beyond him lamenting the fact that he and Sesshomaru were only half-brothers and that their dad left Sesshomaru's mom for Inuyasha's.

Kagome wondered if Sesshomaru's mom was one of those scorned bitter women. Did he even have a relationship with her? If so then she supposed they would all have to meet eventually. Kagome wasn't looking forward to seeing anyone from his family.

She would easily be able to put off distant relatives since she had a black eye and was recovering from the accident.

'But his immediate family…' she'd probably have to see them all soon.

"Kagome." A deep voice surprised her.

"Huh?" she felt her eyes refocus as she went back to Earth. She looked at the man, confused.

"The movie is over." He said quietly as he tilted his head towards the television.

Kagome glanced over to see the credits scrolling.

"Oh," she said. "Sorry." She looked back over to him but he was looking down at the boy on his side. Kenichi had managed to fall asleep; he had his body draped across one of his father's legs and an arm wrapped around the man's stomach.

It was a cute sight to see.

Sesshomaru did not know how to proceed. He was here to spend time with Kenichi and the boy fell asleep on him. He was unable to reach the phone in his back pocket but thinking about when he arrived and how long the movie was it couldn't have been past nine. Although, he had no idea when the child's bed time was.

"I'm sorry," Kagome whispered, standing up, "he didn't get to take a nap today. I'm surprised he even behaved so well with that in mind." She smiled at her own statement. Kenichi could get quite cranky when he doesn't take his nap. She supposed his good behavior was from his excitement of his father hanging out with him.

Sesshomaru nodded. He didn't know the boy took naps. 'How old are children supposed to be when they stop taking naps anyways?' He really didn't know anything about kids.

"Here," Kagome stepped forward, "I'll put him to bed." She was hesitant about getting too close to Sesshomaru because it was evident that she would have to unclasp Kenichi's hands from the man's shirt.

"I'll do it."

Kagome held herself back and stood to watch. "Just move gently and he won't wake up."

Sesshomaru nodded. He appreciated the advice but he was still upset that he didn't know the information himself. It would seem he had some resentment he'd have to work on.

With careful fingers Sesshomaru was able to pry the child's fingers from his clothes. It wasn't too hard and Kenichi stirred, bringing his arms to his chests before snuggling into Sesshomaru once more. Then Sesshomaru moved to scoop the small boy into his arms.

He stood up and looked at Kagome.

She was so engrossed in the scene before her he had to clear his throat for her to make a move.

"Oh," she blushed, "sorry, it's this way." She moved past him and led him down a hall. Walking to her room, she opened the door and frowned.

She really didn't want Sesshomaru to know that she shared a room with Kenichi. What if he thought even less of her because he didn't have his own room?

"I'll take him now," she offered.

"Nonsense." Sesshomaru shook his head. He was already carrying the child, and he secretly wanted to tuck him in to bed. Kagome wasn't going to take that from him. How many times had she put him to bed? Too many times to count; Sesshomaru knew his number, it was zero. No, he would be tucking his son into bed tonight.

'Shit,' she cursed. "Okay," she opened the door and kept the light off. The lighting from the hall would be enough to illuminate the room. If Kenichi was to wake up while being put to sleep he'd stay up, determined to spend time with the adults.

Sesshomaru followed Kagome to the opposite side of the room where Kenichi's small bed was. He instantly took notice that the two shared a room. Much to Kagome's dismay, Sesshomaru was unhappy with that. His son should have his own room.

Kagome pulled back the covers and Sesshomaru gently laid their son down. Kagome stepped back to watch once it occurred to her that this was Sesshomaru's first time putting Kenichi to sleep.

Kenichi instantly tossed and turned for a few seconds before setting into a comfortable position.

Sesshomaru carefully pulled the blanket up the boys chin and did his best to adjust the blanket, making sure the boy was completely covered. He had that strange warmth spreading though his chest again, and his heart felt light. He ignored Kagome's presence there as he did what he never imagined he'd do; at least, not for quite a few years.

"Good night my son," he whispered. Then he gave him a kiss on the forehead and sat back on his haunches, watching the boy sleep peacefully. He placed his hand on the boy's covered shoulder and squeezed it for a moment, smiling.


AN: Do I have to tell you that I don't own Shrek? Well that was over 5k words! Probably one of my longest chapters yet! :)

Please leave me your thoughts!