Torn Open

Loving you is like loving a hurricane, thought Inuyasha as he watched Kikyo play her flute in the nude. Her dark hair coated her back and brushed against her ass as she played smoothly and loudly. The choker on her neck was a rose scented decoration against her pale skin. Her lips were slightly parted, barely moving at all as she blew into the instrument.

Inuyasha was lying on the soft hotel bed. He could smell them both in the air. Sweat was still drying on his skin. His ears were at complete attention, while his gaze never left her glowing face. Another part of him wondered why she texted him at all. She'd ignored him for weeks, and he'd pursued her like the fool everyone told him not to be.

Finally, his patience paid off.

The melody didn't forgive his change in thought as it grew louder and lively as if it had a heart beat of its own. He wanted to hold her and listen to her. He wanted to feel her against him as she played their new relationship to the world. Inuyasha wanted to confirm the invulnerability of their bodies joined in absolute bliss. He wanted to show her that he'd never stopped thinking about her since they'd met the first time.

Kikyo decrescendoed her melody until it was a silent whisper to the clear sky and city life.

He should've seen the tremors of his soul in her flute's notes. He should've seen how he'd crumble so easily. He should've seen himself in a drunken stupor when days like this stopped just as suddenly as it'd started.

Finally, he'd understand the unsteady heart he'd only ever seen. Finally.

llllllllll

2014

Sesshomaru watched his whip slip through the meat of one unlucky man running from the wall of men around him. The parted flesh sizzled under the screams that soon stopped when the poison halved the skull at the very end. It was short and dull, the dropped flesh, these men, this squabble that The Arachnid Family thought worth everyone's time.

He felt his warm aura bleeding through every pore on his body and crackling the drying blood spattered on his hands and neck. Anger flushed in right after and pushed the deep growl from within his chest. He threw out his whip and turned his foot.

Now let the red rain down, thought Sesshomaru as he spun on his toes and heels. The world was a blur melded with building red and vicious poison. He didn't need to look down to know that his boa and matching white suit were becoming crimson. He came to a stop and took in the site of lumped muscles and fats, burned bones and skin ribbons, and mostly eaten clothes and sizzling blood. Soon all traces of these men's existence would burn into the mix of grass and cement.

A crew of lowly humans isn't enough to take me down, thought Sesshomaru. What does he get out of sending so many bodies? In an obvious ambush no less? Hm…

Jaken's scent carried into his senses, so Sesshomaru said, "Jaken." He glanced over his shoulder. This man, under all the gore coating his sleek vest and brass knuckles, was dressed as if he were going to a high end event. Sesshomaru didn't care much to wonder about Jaken's habits, but he knew that the little man was dependable.

"My Lord," greeted Jaken. He lazily wiped a spatter of blood from his cheekbone.

"We are being toyed with…" Sesshomaru trailed off, hating the thought. He glanced around the empty lot, spotting again only the empty red brick factory buildings and crumbling walls of this stock yard. Faded parking lines and rusting signs sagged all around them.

"We came here for a reaping of the Arachnid Family's highest lieutenant," said Jaken. He approached Sesshomaru and stopped short of seven feet. "This is the perfect place for trivial ambushes, and you handled such riff raff with grace."

Sesshomaru closed his eyes to calmly breathe and think again. He remembered Kagome in that alley and nearly collapsing trying to defend herself and their unborn children. He remembered slaughtering them until he could hold Kagome in his arms. He'd promised himself to never put her in harm's way again. How couldn't it have been his fault?

"My lord," came Jaken's voice, "all you have to do is say the word… and I'll take care of the Arachnid problem at its source." There was a giddy sound in those words.

Sesshomaru softly snorted. This human, he thought, is too brave yet too imbecilic to see he is submitting to his desires over rational thought…

"We're leaving," announced Sesshomaru. He turned and caught sight of the bloodied bodies just fifteen feet over. Jaken must've taken his time since there were only five bodies. He heard the slightest groan from one of them. "One is alive."

Jaken froze, a wild look in his eyes. "My apologies," he said softly, "I'll take care of him immediately."

"No," replied Sesshomaru, catching the surprise in Jaken's wide eyes. He thought of everything they already knew about the Arachnid Family, then he thought of what they didn't know. There had to be something. "Extract everything from him… Then make him an example."

A wide grin split Jaken's face. "With pleasure, my lord." He walked off and began turning over the bodies with ease. There was a pleased low squeal from Jaken when he found the right body, which began thrashing and yelling.

With a low hum, Sesshomaru engulfed himself in a pearl of his aura and floated off into the sky. The stockyard shrunk away and made room for thriving neighborhoods and busy streets. Even from so high up, Sesshomaru could hear the distinct sound of wheels running over the asphalt and the squeals of small children on a creaky swing. The sounds gave way to potential smells of warm meals, laughing children, the patter of small feet on mopped floors, the smooth of arms around him, the tight hold of Kagome's legs around his waist, the dance of demon dogs on Kagome's skin and her newly golden eyes looking at him every morning.

A buzzing feel against his thigh brought his mind back to reality. Sesshomaru withdrew his phone from his pocket and saw a message from Kagome. He opened it.

Hey, texted Miroku, the only one who always failed to identify himself when talking on Kagome's behalf. Kagome's water broke at work so I'm helping her pack a bag for the hospital. We're going to the one in downtown since they do these types of births.

Sesshomaru snorted loudly this time. He'd been to nearly every one of those check ups with Kagome; he knew exactly which hospital it was. Miroku had been of assistance in taking Kagome a few times when he couldn't make it. As much as he wanted to turn and go directly to her apartment, Sesshomaru couldn't.

I'll report to father fast, thought Sesshomaru, then I'll be in the birthing room. Right there with her.

He passed over the buildings of South Loop and entered the open terrace of his high rise apartment. The place was clean and minimal, hardly any decorations in this smooth brick and soft carpeted place. He stripped, bathed, and changed into more casual clothes. Then, he facetimed his father. All the while, Sesshomaru couldn't stop thinking of Kagome, the hospital, the babies, Arachnid, the ambush, and his plan to move them all into a home of their own as soon as possible.

"My son," came Toga's voice. The older demon looked as if he'd been working on something important, given the numerous open files and image of a low rank henchman taking frantic notes while putting pins up on a larger map of the country. "You have something for me?"

Sesshomaru nodded and adjusted himself in the seat of his office chair. His office wasn't as grand as his father's, but it was neat and gray toned with warm hues to keep it homey. His father on the Mac laptop was bright atop the dark amber desk, highlighting the silver picture frame of Kagome and Shippo at Navy Pier.

"Arachnid's motives are unclear," said Sesshomaru. "They've made direct attacks twice now. Once on my fiancé, and one on just me…There was a false tip that a lieutenant would be making a trade in the stock yards, but it was an ambush."

Toga tilted his head. "You fell for an ambush?"

Sesshomaru felt himself freeze before a hot flush coursed in his body. "I was aware there'd be a trade of an artifact…" He swallowed shallowly. "I've gotten reports of strange questions floating around in the underground… Have you heard of the Sacred Jewel?" Sesshomaru had heard of the jewel hundreds of years ago back in Japan when demons were able to kill without the dangerous consequence of modern government force. It was a highly sought object, for it made demons feel and fight like gods. It'd been lost, but the dangers of it had manifested many stories.

Toga dismissed the henchman and watched the man go until there was an audible click from the door. He focused back on Sesshomaru. "I'm aware of it."

"I was willing to risk the obvious ambush to see if this jewel is back in the world," explained Sesshomaru. "It made a mess back home ages ago… We don't need this piece in the wrong hands." He leaned back and rested his head in his hand, staring back at his father.

Toga loosened the tie around his neck and mirrored Sesshomaru by leaning back in his seat. "It's a bluff."

Raising a brow now, Sesshomaru asked, "How would you know?"

Snorting lowly, Toga replied, "That jewel is in two pieces. Burned. Your mother and I both witnessed its destruction."

"Then why?"

"Why what?"

"Why let rumors float around like this?" inquired Sesshomaru. "If the jewel is long gone, then why does Arachnid begin an uproar over it?"

Toga blinked then said, "You should come back."

Sesshomaru remained still, staring at his father with utter disbelief in his furrowed brow. "Why?"

"Bring your fiance home with you," continued Toga. "She'll be safer here than out on her own in Chicago."

"She's having the girls," Sesshomaru said bluntly. "She'll not be moving anywhere any time soon."

"She's vulnerable."

"I'll be there."

Toga tightened his lips before saying, "Then I'll come to you."

Sesshomaru wanted to sigh and outright lash back at this coddling, but he held back the bubbling energy behind his teeth. "And forget the truce between yourself and your bonded one?"

A dangerous growl came through. It was subtle, but Sesshomaru could still feel the hairs on his arms and body rising in response. The gold of his father's eyes flashed, then Toga sank forward on his elbows, resting his forehead against the heels of his hands. A soft sigh followed. "Izayoi would feel my presence in the city… No, you're right…" He glanced back up. "Protect your woman, Sesshomaru. Protect her and don't let her go. Once my grandchildren are born, bring them all here… That is an order."

The screen went blank and Sesshomaru sank back in his seat. He rubbed his face and snarled up at the ceiling. "That old man," he grumbled before getting to his feet. He closed the laptop and moved around, gathering his phone, wallet, and keys. He usually flew everywhere, but today he'd have to actually use the truck in the garage downstairs. Knowing Kagome and even Miroku, they already had the carseat and baby bags in Miroku's car.

Why would father change the subject like that? Sesshomaru wondered as he gathered a small bag for himself, anticipating the stay at the hospital with Kagome. Are the Sacred Jewel's whereabouts a hoax or a lead to something else? Why was father so eager to avoid talking about it? And to talk about Kagome and our children.

"I'll verify it myself," Sesshomaru said to himself.

The next thirty minutes were a blur as Sesshomaru departed and arrived at the hospital. He played by the human rules and their need to document who comes into the hospital for whom. He followed the human nurses and ignored the way they all glanced at him as if surprised to see him there. He knew none of them.

The delivery room was buzzing.

Kagome was lying down on the bed with her legs propped open. Doctors and nurses were huddled around there, speaking and calling for Kagome to push. Sesshomaru saw Miroku and Kagome's mother holding her hands. Seeing her mother wincing, trying to squeeze back, Sesshomaru stepped in, taking Kagome's hand and allowing her to attempt to break his fingers. She could try.

"You're doing great!" said Miroku to Kagome.

Kagome grit her teeth and pushed upon command from the doctor.

Nothing yet.

"You are amazing, Kagome," said Sesshomaru in a low hush, only to her. "This pain will pass, and you will still be here, unconquerable."

Kagome looked back at him, pained and breathing deeply. She cursed upon another push, tearing her gaze away but squeezing his hand harder. She pulled on Miroku's hand a bit, getting the man to actually wince.

"Now push these girls out," encouraged Sesshomaru. "You can do it."

The next few minutes meshed: Miroku's encouragement, Sesshomaru assuring Kagome, and the medical staff announcing the birth of twin girls. They were cleaned and checked over while Kagome was cleared of her afterbirth and given extra care.

Kagome now held the twin girls. The sound of Shippo coming in soon after with the other members of Kagome's family flittered in Sesshomaru's ears. Looking at them, his woman and their children together, Sesshomaru thought: I'll do everything in my power to protect you from this diabolical world.

llllllllll

Sango felt her chest weigh more and more as Koga refused to look back at her and as Ayame glared at both her and Koga. Another blush covered her face as she could still hear Ayame cussing both her and Koga out for talking so blatantly about a new band member.

The sticks felt just as heavy as her heart. She was more than ready to let it all out. She wanted to feel it all bouncing on the drums and shattering with the crack of the cymbals. She wanted to let Koga and everyone know that she was feeling volcanic pulses in her entire chest.

Her phone did a little jingle in her pocket, so she fished the phone out. Kohaku's caller ID shined on the screen: he wore his Tessaiga shirt and ripped jeans while sporting the worst eye liner job Sango had ever seen. "Hey, gummy bear," answered Sango, feeling her spirit lift. "What's up?"

"Please, tell me you didn't call me that in front of the band," said Kohaku in a hushed tone. Sounds of idle music and the squeak of shopping carts shadowed his words. "It's been years since I listened to that song anyway. When are you going to get over it?"

"Never," Sango lightly laughed, an actual smile on her face. As she did this, she noticed that a headache was coming on.

No sleep is catching up with me, Sango figured.

"You're still taking me to the arcade, right?" asked Kohaku. "We have to play ten rounds on the zombie game and beat our score from last time."

Sango leaned against the wall of the studio. "Yeah, we're going to play as many rounds as you like."

"Can we get deep dish after?" asked Kohaku. The sound of their father's voice came through. "Okay, I got it." A couple grunts and a sigh preceded the sound of the phone being adjusted. "Okay, I'm back. I had to help dad with groceries today. He's got a lot of energy."

"I'm not that old," came their father's voice.

Sango smiled, staring down at her drums. "I'll see you later, okay?"

"In a few hours," said Kohaku, "we'll be masters of the apocalypse."

"Can't wait," replied Sango. She hung up her phone and tucked it back into her pocket. A pause in the air followed as she went through the motions of tuning her drums again and stretching her arms. It was chill, almost peaceful. It was too good, especially when Sango could see Koga and Ayame sitting quietly without bickering after a mere few minutes.

A wail broke the silence, and Sango felt herself flinch at the sound. It was that kid. Kagome's and that other guy's kid, right?

Right at that moment, Koga just about dropped his guitar and ran over with Ayame following him. "Shippo!" came the cousins' combined voices as they crowded around Kagome. Kagome's boyfriend was right there, as well. He had his arm around Kagome's shoulders as he spoke to the sobbing kid.

Sango's eyes widened just a bit before she walked from behind her set and made her way over toward the door frame of the hallway. A flutter in her chest and a reddening of her cheeks overtook her as she watched Koga coo over Shippo and speak to him at eye level. Her imagination took a tangent course and imagined Koga cooing like this to their own child. She glanced over at Miroku and felt a kindling of something at the pit of her stomach. Koga never looked like Miroku-the way he held Kagome and looked at her-not the same way. Koga's eyes were never so warm.

Going back to Koga, Sango saw in him the exact same eyes and attention of Miroku… at Kagome.

Shippo hiccuped and buried his face in Kagome's bosom. The noise brought Sango back with a barely noticeable jump. "I...I-I want to g-go… home," pleaded Shippo. His voice was audible, even among the many questions flying over his head.

"What happened?" asked Koga.

"Did he hurt himself?" asked Ayame.

"He's upset," answered Miroku. He set a gentle hand against Shippo's back and rubbed little circles. He looked right at Kagome with pursed lips.

Inuyasha walked around and asked outright, "What's going on?" Among all the faces, his was drawn in complete confusion. His eyebrows were just about together, and his lips were pursed tight. "He okay?" There was no response from everyone trying to calm Shippo down, and like Sango, from what she could see, he didn't know what to do.

"It's okay," Kagome whispered to Shippo. She glanced back up at Miroku. "We should go." Her gaze went to Koga and Ayame. "Thank you both. I'll see you next time." She glanced back at Inuyasha. "Thank you, Inuyasha…"

Sango leaned in and watched. She watched this motherly act of putting her child before herself, before a career that barely started. Isn't she staying for practice? Sango thought. When I was his age… my mother wouldn't accept such behavior from me. She'd tell me to stop crying and find gratitude in having a full belly and clothes on my back.

Kagome suddenly made eye contact with her, and Sango froze in place. The question of how long she'd been staring and whether she'd looked judgemental right now came to mind. She swallowed quietly and asked, "Will he be alright?" Sango could see the way everyone was looking between them now as if they were a spectacle in that small hallway.

"He'll be okay," replied Kagome in a soft voice. A smile came to her face. It was warm for some reason. "Thank you."

Sango's frozen state remained, even as Kagome was guided out with her entourage of friends. Their friends. Inuyasha remained behind, and they saw each other. Sango wondered just how they could stand apart so much from the others.

"What the hell happened?" asked Sango, gently despite her words. She stepped forward until she was close enough to see the reflection of everyone leaving out the door in his eyes.

"I-I don't know!" Inuyasha exclaimed quietly between them. "I just turned around and the kid took one look at me and started crying…"

Sango furrowed her brow and glanced over at the now empty space before the studio door, which was ajar and letting in the sound of fading footsteps. Questions of why Shippo was crying, why Kagome brought Shippo at all, why Koga and Kagome were so close, how they were so close, and the ill placement of a child in a studio for metal music all swirled in her mind. Then there was Miroku. The guy was covered in tattoos, and he walked and talked like a gangster. He was obviously not Shippo's father, and he sure didn't act like a father or even a proper boyfriend, not with the way he casually let Koga give Kagome affection.

What was Kagome's deal? She had nothing on her, not even when she snooped on Facebook, the only trace of Kagome she could find. Sango wondered if what Koga had said had been true. However, the sliver of hope in her heart faded when she remembered that Koga had kissed her. A sour taste pooled in Sango's mouth.

Before her mother died, Sango just remembered the woman having the strongest work drive. She'd been at the office or too busy with meetings in other cities or countries. She'd had events and lunches scheduled weeks in advance with people. Sango had seen one of her mother's calendar books before, and the pages were filled with dates, times, and places Sango had never heard of. Mother had been the pinnacle of success: she'd had children, an educated and supportive husband, and she'd been at the top of her career. She'd been a force, bulldozing all in her way, until her unexpected death.

"How does she expect to get ahead in this band if she's got a son to worry about?" The question flew from her mouth before she could stop to think. Her eyes widened momentarily, and Sango turned to Inuyasha, who was still looking at the door with intense focus. The tight of his lips didn't go unmissed. He blinked then glanced down at the floor. He sighed.

"Inuyasha-" Sango started, the words coming off the tip of her tongue.

"-Sango," cut in Inuyasha. There was no bite to his words. He glanced at her and appeared so thoughtful with the way his eyebrows were drawn together softly. He was reading her between the lines and more. Nothing else was said.

Sango looked away, flushed and anxious in her chest. "I'm sorry." She glanced at his boots. "I… I don't know where that came from."

Lie.

"Are you okay?" asked Inuyasha. He set a hand on Sango's shoulder. When she didn't answer, he pulled her in for a hug.

Sango hugged him back. Everything else fell into place between them, and she could feel the raw of it all aching in her belly. She blinked away the heat in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said again. Then, she let him go and looked right at the floor. Too many things went through her mind, and Sango wanted to say them all. However, the entrance of both Koga and Ayame cut her short.

"Poor kid," mumbled Ayame to themselves as they walked right back to the doorway of the recording room. They stopped right before Sango, who blinked and wondered if Ayame was going to tell her something about her conversation earlier. Koga, on the other hand, passed right on by, not even looking in her direction.

"Is Kagome's kid okay?" Sango managed, unsure of what else to say.

"Next time," Ayame said with too much patience, "don't talk shit about someone you just met, especially when their kid is a demon and has as high an IQ as they do hearing abilities. By the way..." Ayame leaned in. "...I could hear your mouthy ass from down the hall." They clapped a hand on Sango's shoulder before going back to their guitar.

Sango stayed still, seeing and hearing Inuyasha asking her what had happened. She blinked and blinked again, connecting the dots of her conversation. Ayame had yelled at both her and Koga for talking about Kagome; she was just talking about Kagome now.

He heard me, thought Sango. Her mind came to a full stop.

"Sango?" came Inuyasha's voice. "Sango?" Inuyasha took her hand and pulled her into the office. She barely registered the change in scenery as she continued stewing in her swirling thoughts. Inuyasha shut the door and repeated, "Sango, what happened?"

Swallowing, Sango looked away and dropped down onto the nearest chair. The silence was barely broken by the tuning and chord playing happening in the other room. Still, it was like her silence and the walls around them bashed her ears. "I… I don't know," she finally said. "Well no… I know, but…"

Inuyasha sat on his desk and waited. Sango could see him looking at her and expecting an actual answer. "Tell me," Inuyasha said softly. "What's going on?"

Sango felt her eyes burning now, so she hugged herself. "I… I'm messed up…"

"Wh-What?" asked Inuyasha. He slid off his desk and knelt down in front of her. He cupped her face, and Sango felt like they were kids again. His palms were warm, and his claws were gently placed along her skin. "Sango, you're not messed up."

"Y-Yes," sobbed Sango. "I am." Her lips trembled as the hot tears spilled down her face. She could see her best friend looking lost. "I'll explain… everything… I promise. J-Just not now." She felt his thumbs wipe away her tears.

"I'll be right back," said Inuyasha, his eyes searching her face. After a moment, Inuyasha stood up and walked out of the office. Sango heard his voice followed by Koga's and Ayame's.

Quiet followed. Inuyasha opened the door and beckoned her to follow. She did. She walked with him, thinking of Koga being angry.

Fuck, she thought.

llllllllll

Kagome watched Shippo prop his saxophone in a corner and sit down on his bed. The sheets crumpled over and over as he fidgeted and occasionally glared at his instrument. His eyes were still a bit puffed, and his cheeks were sticky with the remnants of tear streaks. She'd tried to wipe those away, but Shippo had kept refusing to turn his face to her.

Miroku was waiting in the livingroom upon Kagome's request, and Kagome knew he was probably fidgeting as much as she was on the inside. Miroku had said he'd wait for her, despite glancing over at Shippo walking into his room.

I want to know what's going on, Kagome had thought. I can't do that if Shippo is trying to avoid the two of us.

"Shippo," she said in a hushed voice. When her son didn't look at her, Kagome continued, "I'm sorry for bringing you to a stressful place. I thought you'd like the studio since…" She trailed off then looked down at her own feet. Resting a hand on the doorframe, Kagome thought hard about why Shippo would cry like that. She wondered if Inuyasha or someone else did something or said something. "Did someone hurt you?"

Shippo flinched, the deep of his emotions swirling in his pained expression. He didn't answer; he just kept looking at the dull floor.

"Oh," Kagome nearly choked before she walked over and knelt at his side. "Shippo." She opened her arms for him, and he fell into her embrace, refusing to look up at her. "You can tell me who did it." She brushed her fingers through his hair and felt a panicked flutter in her chest when Shippo didn't appear to be changing in comfort. "I won't be upset with you… I just want you to be happy."

There was slight movement, but Shippo finally turned his head toward Kagome. He didn't look up at her. "I saw Inuyasha."

Kagome blinked and tried to angle her gaze to meet Shippo's. His eyes remained looking elsewhere. "What happened when you saw Inuyasha?" she asked gently. As she waited for her son's answer, Kagome wondered what Inuyasha could've done.

He doesn't seem the type to mess with kids like this, she thought.

"He…" started Shippo. He turned his head away completely. "He looks like… Sesshomaru…"

Frozen, Kagome stared at Shippo and asked, "You still remember him, huh?" The question didn't do well in disguising her voice. A tremor lingered, and Kagome knew Shippo could feel it.

Shippo has been suffering just as much as me, Kagome reminded herself. He was affected. I was affected. Why would I think it'd be a great idea to put him around someone who looks like… How could I think that he'd completely forgotten by now? He'd only stopped having those terrible dreams so recently.

"I still remember him," replied Shippo, bitter and unyielding. He clutched her collar and pressed his face against her chest. "That man… He looks just like him." His little body shook, while a sad bubbly tone took over. "I… I know who Inuyasha is… I saw him on Uncle Koga's posters, but…in real life, he looks just like him."

Shippo trailed off and Kagome softly said, "Oh, Shippo. I'm-"

"-I hate him," Shippo cut in sharply. There wasn't any hesitation or trembling this time. "I hate him, mommy… I don't ever want to see him!" His grip got tighter, stretching Kagome's collar. "He made me so angry!"

"You've seen him at the coffee shop before," Kagome said, confused. "What changed now?"

Stopping his angry grip, Shippo shook his head. "I...I don't know," he confessed. He tucked his hand to his chest.

Kagome felt him press his face to her and sob. Frowning, Kagome held on tight and questioned how she could've prevented this. Should I have said no? Kagome asked herself. Would we have been better off just… keeping to ourselves? I should've just stopped looking for love after Shippo's father. I should've focused on Shippo entirely and left that demon alone… Well… he pursued me… I should've rejected him.

The circle continued on and on. Kagome kept thinking and thinking while rubbing small circles on Shippo's back. She stopped when she heard a soft snore break the trance. After blinking away the haze, Kagome adjusted herself and settled Shippo onto his bed, where his little face rested against his fluffy pillow. Kagome sighed softly and got up, walking straight to the kitchen and taking up a small towel that was hanging on the oven handle. She ran the towel under warm water and squeezed it out.

This is my fault, thought Kagome. She rested her full hands on the lip of the metal sink.

"I'm a terrible mother," Kagome whispered to herself. She felt herself tremble, but she shook her head. "I'll have to tell Inuyasha I can't… I… I can't…" She tried to finish, but Kagome tore herself from the thoughts and walked back to Shippo's room. There she knelt down and lightly wiped away the dried tears.

Shippo inhaled deeply but didn't wake up. He tucked his hands under his pillow and curled his legs inward. He appeared at peace.

Kagome smiled at him, then she returned to the kitchen and tossed the towel in the sink. She started when she heard footsteps just a few feet away. Looking up, Kagome settled herself upon seeing Miroku there. Kagome glanced down at the sink and said, "Shippo's asleep now."

"Heard him snoring," said Miroku with a soft smile. His steps were quiet as he approached and set his hands on hers. His hands were calloused over. A little fresher. "You're not a terrible mother."

A sniffle broke through Kagome's silence. The thought of him hearing her thinking out loud like that… "B-But…"

Miroku shook his head and lifted one hand to slowly turn her gaze by her chin. Kagome followed and saw the warmth radiating from him like a blazing sun. Really looking at him, Kagome recognized the boy she'd met years ago as a man with all the stories in every scar and burn, all compiled into this amazing human being standing right next to her. She could only think how lucky she was.

"You're the bravest person I know," continued Miroku. He pulled his hand back. "You're taking on a singer role with some asshat to try and make a difference for Shippo… You're singing again, Kagome. I thought I'd never hear you like that again… Here you are: being the best fucking mom in the world! You can't be terrible. A terrible person doesn't do those things."

Blinking away the coming heat in her eyes, Kagome said, "I couldn't sing… for so long because… because the thought of it would remind me of you in that bed…" The image of him popped in her mind. He'd been bed ridden, covered in gauze and attached to all those monitors. His speech had been slurred over, and he had looked at her with the most intense emotion. "Singing… It went with you when you were locked up." Her face warmed when Miroku swallowed. His eyes looked a little glazed.

"But I'm here now," said Miroku. "I'm here, and you're here. Shippo is thriving, and you… you're doing the fucking best you can. I know what a terrible parent looks like, and that ain't you... Like I said, you can't be a terrible mom."

Kagome felt herself freeze for a moment. She'd never forgotten how much Miroku still hated his father and his mother. He'd basically raised himself, and she'd realized he'd been very different from the other kids at their high school.

Here I am, thought Kagome, feeling this pain when I'm not the only one standing here… feeling these things! I can't believe I did it again.

No second thought. Kagome hugged Miroku and whispered, "Where would I be without you?" She felt his arms encircle her, and Miroku smiled against her hair. They stayed this way until Kagome could feel herself calming down. Then, she was just breathing in and out, and the apartment felt completely full.

"You hungry?" asked Miroku.

Before Kagome could answer, she heard his stomach gurgle. With a soft snort, she asked, "Are you?" They pulled apart, smiling and chuckling together. "I'll warm up some noodles." She went into the fridge and pulled out a little tub of leftover noodles she'd made a couple days back. After warming them up on the stovetop, the smell of the sauces and toppings had her mouth watering.

They ate.

The kitchen was full like the apartment like them. Their bowls were empty with remnants of sauce and bits of onion sticking to the sides. The air was clouded with their laughter from the wide smiles on their faces.

"Remember when I drew a dick on Mr. Smith's dry erase board?" asked Miroku. He leaned on the table, looking right at Kagome's grinning and giggling.

"You drew it in permanent marker," Kagome remembered aloud. "He couldn't wipe it off!" She gestured with a swiping motion, and they laughed again.

"He was so pissed," laughed Miroku. "He gave Angel the detention, and no one knew it was me!"

"I felt a little bad for him," confessed Kagome, recalling the way the tall kid had outright denied the task with a vengeance in his voice. The classroom had been shaking with comedic intensity. Kagome had been at the back of the class with Miroku, and they'd been exchanging glances filled with grins.

Miroku shrugged. "The guy was a complete fuckbag," he explained. "Had it coming." He suddenly glanced downward, his smile melting away.

Following his gaze, Kagome saw the silent notification from Inuyasha. She tapped on the message and saw the attachment of a document to the text. Opening the document, Kagome was faced with a few songs.

She didn't forget. She was singing for a better future.

llllllllll

Inuyasha handed a glass of ice water to Sango, who took it and ran her nails over the condensed glass. She barely looked up at all since they'd left the studio, and she'd hardly spoken since they'd arrived at his apartment. From her scrunched eyebrows and lost look, Inuyasha wondered if she'd hit the wall.

"Do you want any food?" he asked. Sango opened her mouth, and Inuyasha felt his chest lift. When she closed her mouth and shook her head, her continued quiet sunk his heart.

What the hell happened to make you this upset? Inuyasha wanted to ask. Was it Koga? What did Ayame mean? Why were they being such a dick to you?

"When you're ready," said Inuyasha. He sat down on the couch, careful to give her some space.

Sango opened her mouth again, but she shut it just as quickly and set the cup down on the coffee table. The glass' exterior seemed to melt and drip all over the wooden surface that had seen better days. Sango took a deep breath and exhaled, then she stated, "Promise you won't be upset with me." Her eyes went to the melting glass.

Inuyasha blinked. I was a mouthy kid and you never judged me for it, thought Inuyasha, and you don't judge me now when I get too heated…

"I'm not going to judge you," promised Inuyasha.

Swallowing, Sango fiddled with her fingers, then she said, "I wasn't… exactly… Well, I… I pissed off Koga and Ayame…"

Thinking back to Koga and Ayame, Inuyasha had observed that they'd appeared less than pleased upon walking back in the studio. Koga had avoided Sango altogether, and his face had been in an absolutely mean twist of emotion, mostly hurt. Inuyasha had wondered what could've pissed off Koga like that.

Ayame, thought Inuyasha, is a whole other ballpark on their own…

"...I," continued Sango, "I was being a...well, a bitch to Kagome and Koga." She clasped her hands tight, mirroring the way she tightened her lips. "I… I was… He'd said… I think I messed it up for us…"

Inuyasha angled his head.

"I fucked up," repeated Sango. "I fucked up, and Koga is pissed at me. I...I can't believe I-why not me!" Her hands were in fists now. The smell of blood beginning to surface had Inuyasha's ears pinning back and his eyes widening. "Why can't he look at me the way that other guy looks at her? What-"

"-Sango!" Inuyasha cut in. He quickly scooted closer and held her hands. She finally looked at him with those eyes, those bright eyes that reflected deadened fires. He'd seen the same eyes on his mom right before they'd left Michigan. Sango had hit that wall hard, and Inuyasha knew she was raw on the inside. There was no moving, only wallowing. It'd seemed impossible with the strong personality type and ambitious drive that Sango contained in her little self. Today showed him otherwise.

It's now or never, thought Inuyasha. This is the worst I've seen out of her, and Sango can't go on like this!

"Sango," Inuyasha said pointedly but earnestly as he held her hands and squeezed to get them to stop piercing her skin. "You and Koga won't work. Koga is asexual. He has told us so many times that he isn't interested in dating people. At. All. You're tearing yourself apart! You have to stop this!"

Sango's eyes were wide and glistening in the shallow light of his apartment. Inuyasha felt his heart pounding and his adrenaline pumping. She didn't say anything. It was making his chest and stomach squeeze and churn.

"He can't give you what you want," Inuyasha added as gently as he could. "Don't spend another minute thinking he could… I know you haven't been sleeping. You're hardly eating… It's time to let him go, Sango. Please, let him go." His voice grew more pleading as he slowly released her hands. "Remember when we were kids, we vowed to protect each other and to never tell a lie?" He glanced down at her hands; they were facing up, an offering of time and heart.

I've never touched the Koga topic like this, thought Inuyasha, and I feel like I've shattered something… but it was already cracked.

Inuyasha knew there were more secrets hiding in the depths of Sango's palms… "We were in the library and looking at all the books that we pretended to understand. I held a physics book upside down, and you actually tried to pronounce the words from an anatomy book. I said I could defeat a dragon named gravity. You said I'd need a trusty partner, then we said those words because that's what knights would do... We… We keep that promise, even though we don't do it perfectly." His mind briefly thought of that slap to the face when he'd been too drunk to open his eyes. He met her gaze and hardened his voice. "I'm keeping it now: you deserve to be happy!"

Opening her mouth, Sango attempted to make a sound, but she didn't. Her mouth shut before she crumbled completely into Inuyasha's arms. He rubbed small circles on her back and leaned further into the couch, taking her with him and giving her more room to curl into him. Inuyasha's ears dropped to his head when he felt her pinch his skin as she tried to get closer to him. He took in every shake and hiccup she gave, and Inuyasha waited for the moment she could tell him something.

I hate that this is happening to her, thought Inuyasha. I hope that she'll let him go after this, but… It's been so long since she's thought about anyone else. She's only dated a few other guys, and they didn't last more than a year. Each time I thought she was finally over him, but Sango broke every one off. All because of Koga. Fucking Koga! Ugh… She doesn't like Kagome either… because of Koga… It's… It's not his fault. I can't think like this.

Inuyasha blinked slowly upon hearing Sango quieting down. He gently combed her hair with his fingers, being careful not to get too tangled when she still shuddered here and there. He could feel the front of his top was soaked, and he anticipated having to change soon. Sango still wasn't saying anything. They remained this way for a while, while the city played its melody of running car engines, squeaky shoes, hushed voices, mixed laughs, and coughing buses. Above it all, he listened to Sango breathing and molding to his embrace. Her eyes were open and focused on nothing, but by the way she rubbed his shirt between her fingers, he knew she was in deep thought. He wouldn't disturb her. Time ticked second by second, and the day changed its sunny coat for an ombre one.

Taking his phone out, Inuyasha read the time; it was much later than even he'd thought. His eyes widened when he realized he hadn't sent the songs yet. With one thumb, Inuyasha navigated his files, found the songs, and sent them to Kagome's number. He went to exit the screen when he saw that the sent message showed up as read. Inuyasha blinked once and twice, thinking: we're looking at our messages...at the same time…

Swallowing shallowly, Inuyasha rolled his eyes and put his phone away, careful not to disturb Sango. Right when he brought his hand from his pocket, Sango finally said, "I can see it now… No, I always knew. I must've." She didn't move. "Koga never felt the same way, and I… I think I just convinced myself that he needed time and m-my help. I… I thought he would change his mind eventually and look at me the way he… I… This wasn't healthy. You know? I-Well-You know… I just… I tried to bend everything my way, but Koga didn't bend. He showed me. Every. Time. He showed me we weren't possible by just being a friend and-and spending time with me…"

Inuyasha felt her hand tighten in his shirt.

"I didn't listen," continued Sango. "I wanted him. I wanted him! N-Now, he probably h-hates me." She sniffled. "Koga probably hates me because I-I was rude to Kagome… I… I don't dislike Kagome… I… I don't know…" Inuyasha watched her stare at the coffee table now. The glass of water wasn't sweating like before.

"I don't think he hates you," Inuyasha said after a long silence. He thought about Koga and all the times they've ever laughed in good faith and butted heads. It happened interchangeably so many times. "I've never seen him get angry with you…" He thought hard about Koga's face back at the studio. Koga had completely ignored Sango in favor of tuning his guitar; he'd appeared so blank on the outside. On the contrary, Inuyasha had seen the storm in Koga's eyes: he'd been focusing on the sound of the strings as he'd twisted the knobs back and forth but he'd nearly clawed the strings too much more than once within the span of seconds. A twitch in Koga's brow had been apparent as he had nearly dug his claws into the neck of his instrument. He'd licked his lips and pursed them while staring straight down at the floor.

"Well, he is now."

"No."

"Inuyasha." Sango looked up at him now. Her eyes were puffed, and her cheeks were streaked with her dry tears and some snot.

He touched Sango's cheek and said, "Koga isn't mad at you… He… He didn't look angry. He was off. He looked.. Sad..."

Sango blinked once and twice, gaping slightly.

"He might need some time, you know?" said Inuyasha. "To just… to just cool off."

Looking away again, Sango rested her head back on Inuyasha's chest. "...What do I do?" she whispered.

Inuyasha rested his hand on her head and replied, "You wait." He glanced up at the ceiling. "You wait until he is ready. Until then… I think you know what you have to do."

Sango gave a shaky sigh. "I'll apologize."

"That's when he's ready," said Inuyasha. He glanced over at the water. It was dry. "Until then… focus on your drums, your brother, eating, sleeping, and maybe drawing."

Sango gave a soft huff. "I haven't drawn in ages."

"I'm sure you'd be able to draw another dog taking a shit on a reporter's face if you, you know, gave it a shot," Inuyasha chuckled.

"I don't think a dog taking a shit on anybody would make me forget." Sango swallowed. "While I draw shit, Koga is still upset…and I made a kid sad by talking about a woman I know almost nothing about….and I was terrible… How can Koga stand me? I–"

"-Stop," Inuyasha cut in, short and clean. "Stop doing this to yourself." He looked at the water, at the table, and back to Sango. "Beating yourself up won't solve anything faster, and you know it."

Sango didn't say anything.

"Let's start with drinking some water, hm?"

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay," Sango repeated. She didn't move.

"When you're ready," Inuyasha added. He waited for several minutes, then Sango rose up, took the water, and sipped just a tiny bit. He welcomed her back into his embrace, and they spent the next couple of hours together until Sango had to leave.

He'd hear that Sango and Kohaku broke their high score later.

llllllllll

Working the stage floor, Izayoi commanded the gazes, all watching with gaped mouths or entirely serene focus. The polished linoleum beneath her hands and knees were cold against her skin, occasionally interrupted by the crinkled dollars thrown her way. After rolling and propping herself, Izayoi teased every set of eyes with the sway of her legs, wrapped in glitter and stockings. She popped her chest upward, cupped in fish netting, leading all the way down to her black skirt. She blinked her painted eyes and nearly gaped upon seeing a set of warm gold eyes, glowing in the dark of the audience.

Izayoi made her way to the pole and swayed her body to slow music, guiding her to be gentle. Gentle to herself, to the audience, and perhaps to the eyes that she could still feel. They were a new pair, none she recognized. Izayoi tossed her hair back and traced her body with her free hand before pulling herself flush to the pole and gazing back at those eyes that asked to hold her complete attention. Biting her lip, Izayoi dropped down, popping her hips side to side.

Coming back to a standing position, Izayoi tapped her heels pointedly as she took her steps to twirl on the pole, lifting her legs and losing herself to the music, attention, and wisps of smoke from the fog machine. She closed her eyes and navigated this tiny island of hers with just sound and touch. Her heart beat wildly in her chest, but the dark was so calm it drew pure relief.

I don't owe him anything, Izayoi thought. Whoever this is…they can't make me give myself to them. They can't cage me. This is my show.

This time, this sound, and this experience, all paid in the dollars dropping in piles. Her money, not his. Her time, her dance, her body, her life.

Finally, Izayoi didn't feel like the world could end at any moment. She was flying in it, in the open air and covered in a light layer of sweat. Her markings burned, but she felt herself bursting through the ice that contained her in a box of time. Finally, she'd wage her second war and emerge as the victor.

Author's Note:

Sorry it's been forever since I posted anything. I held onto this chapter selfishly because it was breaking me down. I was overwhelmed, so I left it alone. I hope that you all enjoy this even just a little bit.

Thank you for your patience.