Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters.

...

Month 7 part 1

"It's okay, Inuyasha. It's okay." Kagome comforted him as they walked through the front door.

He looked green and pale all at the same time.

"Lady Kagome? What happened to Master Inuyasha?" Myoga asked them, his expression one of concern.

Inuyasha started shaking and he got, if possible, greener.

"It's okay, Inuyasha. Think happy thoughts." Kagome steered him into the living room and helped him sit down. "Stay here, I'm going to go get you some water, okay?"

Inuyasha nodded slowly but he was looking off deep into space.

Kagome had reached a point in her pregnancy where she began waddling. Dr. Sholtz had said it was because her body was preparing her for birth and was releasing a hormone called relaxin. It made her joints loose, which was going to be good when her pelvis began separating during labor, but right now it just made her waddle.

Myoga followed her into the kitchen, looking bemused. "What happened to him?"

Kagome started giggling. "Well, you know how today was our first birthing class, right?"

"Yes?" Myoga nodded.

She opened a cabinet door and tried to reach the glasses. Unfortunately she couldn't stand on her toes and her belly was in the way and she was short and she couldn't reach them. "Well, they showed us a birthing video. A very...uh...graphic birthing video."

"How graphic?" Myoga asked as he got the glass for her.

"Well, let's see." Kagome smiled thanks as she took the glass from him. "We got intimately acquainted with the mother, thought we never actually saw her face."

Myoga laughed as she filled the glass with ice then water. "Poor Master. He's probably traumatized by now."

"He didn't do too terribly." Kagome said giggling. "Some guys left the room, actually throwing up. He stayed through the whole thing, well most of it. He turned his head a few times and didn't watch."

Myoga chuckled softly as she returned to the living room.

"Inuyasha? Sweetie?" Kagome said gently. He hadn't moved an inch. "It's okay now, honey."

"I didn't think it would stretch like that." he said quietly while turning his head as if he were seeing it again. "I didn't know it could."

"Here, Inuyasha." Kagome gave him the water but he took it with numb hands. "Now, Inuyasha, it was a perfectly natural process-"

"It didn't looknatural, it looked painful. Like some horror movie." He tried to take a drink but some splashed down his shirt.

Afraid that his shaking hands would spill the water all over the couch or the floor or himself, Kagome took it from him and placed it on the coffee table. She sat next to him and rubbed his back comfortingly. "Inuyasha, I don't want you to freak out. That's how it was supposed to look."

He shuddered and looked at her for the first time. "Are you going to do that?"

Kagome nodded and smiled in what she hoped was a reassuring way. "Don't worry. Women have been doing it for centuries."

He put his arms around her but he seemed to be taking more comfort than giving it. "No wonder they say men can't give birth. Even if I had the right equipment I don't think I could do that."

Kagome rubbed his back and took in a deep breath of his wonderful scent. "Don't worry about it. It's natural for us. I'm not going to say easy but it's natural."

He shuddered again but he seemed to have regained his senses. "Can't we just have a C-section?"

Kagome laughed. "Be happy we're having him at a hospital. Gramps wanted me to give birth at the shrine."

"An-n-nd no." Inuyasha said firmly making her chuckle.

"So, Kagome what do you think? Pink and gold or purple and gold?" Rin asked holding up color swatches.

"I don't know." Kagome said. "I prefer green myself." She was sitting in Rin's living room, rubbing her aching back.

Rin laughed. "Not your favorite color, silly. I meant the color scheme for my wedding!"

"Oh." Kagome blinked and looked at Rin in surprise. In front of her were all kinds of bridal magazines, color swatches, fabrics, invitation designs, cake designs, and addresses to multiple bridal gown stores. "Which do you prefer?"

"I don't know." she admitted looking at the colors again. "I can't decide."

"So, you're planning your own wedding? No wedding councilor or designer or whatever they're called?"

"I'm pretty sure it's designer." Rin laughed thinking about how awful her marriage would be that she needed a councilor already. "And Sesshomaru got one and she treats him like the king of England and me like a common crook."

"She's into money huh?" Kagome asked tracing designs on her belly.

"Money and fame." Rin said putting the color swatches down. "She seems to think I'm a gold digger. So I'm doing the wedding myself."

"Feeling a bit vindictive are we?" Kagome said looking at the colors.

"Well, she's doing her 'proffesional' one and I'm doing mine, We'll see which one my dearest fiance likes better." she had an evil gleam in her eye as she rubbed her hands together.

"We are feeling vindictive." Kagome laughed. She reached forward and picked two colors and handed them over to Rin. "How about these?"

"Orange and silver?" Rin looked them over.

"They match your ring." Kagome said picking up one of the bridal magazines.

Rin tilted her head to look at them and smiled. "Genius, Kagome. Positively genius."

"What next?" Kagome leaned back feeling content.

"Flowers, I think." Rin said picking up a booklet on those.

"Orange flowers, huh?" Rin said flipping through the book. "I don't think they have silver."

"Your dress can be silver." Kagome suggested, laughing.

"My dress is white." Rin said firmly. Dropping the flower booklet and picked up a bridal magazine to look at the dresses.

"I think Sango's right. You do have ADD." Kagome laughed. "You know, with all the money Sesshomaru has you can afford Vera Wang, why are you looking through magazines?"

"Because the designer bitch said she was looking at Vera Wang and stuff. I plan on finding a better dress at..." she struggled for a second to find a good common bridal store name. "David's Bridal!"

Kagome laughed with her and flipped absent mindedly through her own magazine. "You know, it will be better to go try the dresses on personally."

"Ooh, shopping date!" Rin smiled happily. "Sango's coming right?"

"If we have to force her to." Kagome agreed.

"So Rin and Sesshomaru are getting married." Sango said laying down on her couch, eating ice cream upside down. "Me and you are together and Inuyasha and Kagome finally fixed their problem."

Miroku nodded and leaned over her so he was staring into her eyes, his nose level with her forehead. "You want us to get hitched as well, my dearest?"

Sango laughed and sucked on her spoon. Even though Miroku had a huge house with more than enough room for them, they always seemed to end up at Sango's place. Miroku had practically moved in, though he kept his large, expensive house.

"Maybe someday." She winked at him. "I don't think I'm ready for that just yet."

"Maybe we could do what Kagome and Inuyasha did." He bounced his eyebrows suggestively.

Sango leaned up and gave him a peck on the forehead . "Don't forget, dearest, I can still kill you and make it look like an accident."

She sat up and went into the kitchen to put her ice cream away and left Miroku standing there, looking thoughtful.

"I have an idea." Kagome said to Inuyasha over dinner one night.

"About?" he asked.

"The babies name." Kagome said happily.

"And, what did you decide?" Inuyasha sat back, his dinner gone before she had finished half of hers.

"Inu." she said simply. "Your father's name starts with inu, your name starts with inu, I think his name should start with inu as well."

Inuyasha stretched his arms above his head. "I like it. What should the other half be?" His eyes were half closed and sleepy.

"Inumeki?"

"No."

"Inuyoukai?"

"No."

"Inuharu?"

"No."

"Inu-are-you-even-listening."

"No."

"Inuyasha."

"No."

"Inuaysha!"

"What?" he jumped.

"You're not even paying attention." she accused him.

"Sorry, Kagome." he stood up. "I had a...busy day. I'm...I'm going to bed." He kissed her cheek and left, still looking a little out of it.

"What's his problem?" Kagome asked as Tatsiki came in to clear away his empty plate.

"Oh, you know Inuyasha. Who knows what goes on in that head of his?" He smiled at her. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure it's nothing serious."

"Oh, that's not good." Rin disagreed. "Kagome, when a man is distracted from naming his own child it's never good." She was talking to her from the other side of a dressing room door.

Rin was trying on wedding gowns and Sango was off looking at the lingerie offered here for that special wedding night so Kagome was on judge duty. She was also on judge duty because she was tired from her huge freaking belly and she needed to sit down.

"See, that's what I thought. Everyone keeps telling me 'it's fine, it's fine' but I just have this feeling..."

"We call it female intuition." Rin said opening the door and stepping out. "What do you think?"

"Ew. Why did you pick that?" Kagome asked seriously.

"You don't like it?"

"I think we should put it through a shredder."

"Looked good on the hanger." Rin said looking into the large, floor length mirrors the store provided.

"Most dresses look good on the hanger. That's why we try them on first."

Rin nodded and walked back into the dressing room. Had she liked the dress she would have fought for it but she had to admit it just wasn't her. When she found her dress she would know.

"So, how distracted was he, exactly?" Rin asked preforming expert acrobatics to reach the damn zipper they insisted on putting in the most hard to reach place.

"I had to yell at him to get his attention." Kagome admitted. "He was just so out of it."

"Are you two having problems again?"

"Not that I know about." Kagome sighed and looked up at the ceiling. "I mean we haven't had sex yet or anything but I figured that would come back with time and that he was just nervous about it now that I'm really pregnant. But what if something is wrong? Rin, what do I do?'

"I can have Sesshomaru talk to him." she offered as she hung up the next dress in the 'No' pile.

"Yeah, because that worked out so well last time." Kagome said sarcastically making Rin laugh.

Sango showed up at that moment lacy lingerie in her arms. "What's the joke?"

"Hey, Sango." Kagome looked at her friend as she sat down. "Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure what is it?'

"You're just going to agree without knowing what it is?" Rin laughed from inside the dressing room.

Sango shrugged.

"Anyway, can you have Miroku talk to Inuyasha for me."

"Sure but why?" Sango said holding up the lingerie for Kagome's approval.

"No, I don't think that one fits her. But I need to find out what Inuyasha is so distracted about." Kagome nodded as Sango held up the next lacy, under-thing.

"Destracted? About what?"

Kagome told her the story and finished just as Rin came out of the dressing room again.

"Oh, I like that one." Kagome said as Rin twirled.

"It is pretty." Sango agreed and held up the lingerie. "What do you think of these?"

"Ooh, that's sexy." Rin grinned taking the silky lace from her and admiring the flowery design. "Sesshomaru will like it. I'm buying it."

"Great." Sango put the others to the side. "So the dress?"

"I don't think so. I like it but..."

"It's just not the one." Kagome said finding the words Rin couldn't.

"Yeah." Rin nodded and did another turn before walking back into the dressing room.

"So, Inuyasha was that distracted?" Sango asked returning to the original conversation. "That's not good."

"That's what I said." Rin called out.

"I'll talk to him." Sango smiled. "Don't worry. It's probably nothing."

"Yeah. Yeah, you're right." Kagome nodded. "It's fine."

"Sesshomaru? Seshy? Where are you?" Rin called walking through his large and luxurious mansion. The man had great, expensive taste but he really needed some music in these hallways or something. Rin knew the sign of good help was that you didn't see them but kami it would be nice to see someone in this mansion.

She sighed and turned in a circle. She really didn't like this house, it was way too impersonal and far too big.

"Rin."

She turned at Sesshomaru's voice and smiled. "I got lost again." she admitted as she walked to his side.

"I'll need to get you a map." he said completely serious as he took her into his arms.

"I was thinking a new house." Rin said putting her arms around his neck.

"You don't like this one?"

"It's too big." she looked around at the empty hallway. "I can't find my way and neither of us need this space even when we do have kids. Let's get a different house."

"Will that make you happy?" he asked picking her up with ease so their faces were level.

"As long as I'm with you, I'm happy." she said kissing the tip of his nose. "I just don't like this house. Can we get something...smaller? More homey?"

"I'll look into it." he said setting her down but not letting her go. "You were looking for me?"

"Yes. Seshy, I want to talk to you about the wedding designer."

"She has the best credentials."

"I know, I know. I just...Don't like her. I want to plan our wedding."

Sesshomaru smirked. How he adored this woman. She was the only woman he had met who wasn't coy about what she wanted. When she didn't want something she let you know and she told you how she did want it so you wouldn't have to guess once you changed it.

"Then I shall inform her that we no longer require her services."

Rin beamed. "Thank you." She stood on the tips of her toes so she could kiss him. "We aren't even married yet and you are already the best husband I could beg for."

"Yes, Mrs. Yukira I think that's all we'll need of you." Sesshomaru said to the woman whose mouth was open on the other side of his desk. "I'll of course pay you for the work you've done thus far and any fees for breaking the contract."

"But...But...Did I do something wrong?" the short haired woman who had entirely too much designer clothing on asked. "I thought the wedding I was planning for you to be a great masterpiece."

"Unfortunately, my fiance wants to plan it herself." Sesshomaru still didn't look at her as he signed the check. "This should cover everything, I think."

She took the check still gaping like a fish. Sesshomaru's wedding was supposed to be the highlight of her career and his gold digging fiance was trying to steal that from her! Like hell would she let it happen!

"Sir, please, reconsider. Your fiance and I can work together on the project." she smiled sweetly. "I am very amiable."

"My fiance has made it clear she wants to do it herself. As it is her day I agreed." Sesshomaru said paying very little attention to her as he returned to what he had been doing before her, looking at the latest blueprint for the new hotel he was building.

"Mr. Takahashi, while I am very glad for both you and your fiance I feel I must warn you about her." Mrs. Yukira leaned forward but Sesshomaru was still going over facts and figures in his mind as he looked at the different room plans for the new hotel. He not only wanted the best for his hotels, he demanded it and that usually meant checking every detail personally. "I have done enough celebrity weddings to recognize her type, sir."

"Have you?" he said politely while he wished she was gone. She was starting to annoy him.

"Yes, sir. She's poor, well, maybe not poor poor but you have more money than her and more fame besides. She is obviously trying to take these things for herself."

"If that is the case it can easily be remedied with a divorce." he said.

"But those are expensive, sir. Usually more expensive than the wedding itself and if you have children you would have to pay child support for years afterword-"

"Get to your point." Sesshomaru interrupted coldly.

"Has she asked for anything lately? Drastic changes perhaps?"

"In fact, she has." Sesshomaru said looking at the kitchen plans now. "She wants a new house."

"Exactly! A bigger more expensive house, no doubt that she can steal from you in the divorce!" Mrs. Yukira said triumphantly.

"Actually, I asked for a smaller house." Rin said darkly walking into the room.

"Ms. Higurashi." Mrs. Yukira said through pursed lips.

Rin walked over to Sesshomaru and kissed him right in front of her. "Hello, love. Ready to go to lunch?'

"Yes." he said closing the files and looking at Mrs. Yukira. "Are you still here?"

"Mr. Takahashi, you must believe me-"

"Thank you, Mrs Yukira." Rin said in a voice nearly as cold as Sesshomaru's. "But we paid you as a wedding designer not a marriage councilor and we fired you anyway so it hardly matters. Have a nice day."

Her cheeks turned an ugly, blotchy red as she glared at Rin.

"We can always have security escort you out." Sesshomaru stood up and stood next to Rin with a hand on her shoulder.

She gathered her dignity about her like a coat, and walked out her head held high and her nose directly in the air.

"I hate rich people." Rin complained as she sat on Sesshomaru's desk as he closed down his computer. "Always thinking the poor people want their money. Is it so hard to believe that I love you?"

"According to most of my company and acquaintances, yes." Sesshomaru answered bluntly.

"They just say that because I'm marrying a rich man. They'll see." Rin winked at him and he looked at her with his deep, brooding eyes.

"No. They say that because they're amazed anyone can love me. They don't say it out loud but they're thinking it and passing it around like tawdry gossip." He leaned over her, taking in her delicious smell.

"They just say that because they don't know you." Rin insisted laying her head on his chest. "Don't listen to them."

"It doesn't bother me." he said.

Rin knew he meant it. He hadn't said it because he wanted Rin to comfort him and tell him she loved him and coddle him, he said it because it was a fact. An unavoidable fact that just was. He didn't care what people thought because he knew the truth and that was all that mattered.

"Well, good." Rin said leaning back and looking up at him. "You didn't believe anything that woman said did you?"

"What woman?' he asked having completely forgotten the unimportant hiccup in his schedule for the day.

Rin laughed. "Never mind. Let's go eat."

"Are you going to tell me what's in the box?" Sango asked as Miroku sat it gently under his chair at the restaurant they had chosen that night. It wasn't a big box, about the size of a shoe box, but Sango was curious.

They hadn't gone to Shikon this time. Instead Miroku had chosen a different, more down to earth restaurant. A place where the food was divine, the wine wasn't too expensive, and you only had one fancy waiter who laughed and joked with you and advised you about the menu. It was perfect for Sango because she never felt completely comfortable in those stuffy, high end restaurants.

"Eventually, my dearest. First, let us eat." Miroku smiled charmingly as a waiter appeared to take their drink order.

Sango finished the last of her steak just in time for the waiter to come and ask if either of them wanted desert.

"Sure." Miroku said looking at the smaller desert menu that was already on their table. "How about that cheesecake to split."

"Good choice." the waiter said writing it down. "Any fruit?'

"Sango?" Miroku looked at her.

"Strawberries?"

"Strawberries." Miroku said.

"Strawberries it is." the waiter wrote it down and left them.

"This was great, Miroku." Sango said as a bus boy came and took away their empty plates.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, dearest." he said reaching into his pocket. "I have a surprise for you."

"Oh, what is it?" Sango asked curiously.

From inside his pocket Miroku drew out a small, blue ring box.

"Miroku." Sango said looking at it. "Is that...?'

He smiled and leaned forward. "Sango, I think it's time we took the next step."

"Miroku..." she said in wonder.

He opened the box and she gasped.