I don't own the song Dearest. More importantly, that voice! How absolutely amazing! Guh, enjoy!

Chapter 8 ---Dearest---

Kagome was up and getting ready to go downtown. She hadn't exactly been looking forward to marrying Hojo, but if it would bring Souta back, she would do it. Hojo had woken up earlier and gone to his mother's shop to get some proof that he was part owner and could support Kagome and Souta.

So, Kagome was all by her lonesome, and decided she would take a shower. Hojo would be back fairly soon, so she had to make it quick. She walked downstairs, glancing in the mirror on the wall. She looked like hell had bit her in the ass.

Her hair was tangled; her eyes were puffy, partially from crying and part from being hit so many times. Her whole left cheek was purple and it hurt just to look at it. Her makeup was work harder today then any other day. After they had their marriage license, they would be going to social services to see when they could bring Souta home.

She went into the bathroom, opening the small window and gathered herself before stepping in.

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Inuyasha decided that he had to tell Kagome how he felt. He'd wait till she came out of the house, since the barriers were still up. Then, he would kill Hojo and take Kagome back. He saw her go into the bathroom and perched himself out of the bathroom window.

He could see Kagome. She was so beautiful, even with those nasty marks on her body. She turned her head slightly, revealing her large bruise. Inuyasha's eyes widened. That bastard was gonna pay for hurting Kagome, HIS Kagome. He curled his hand into a fist so tight, his claw punctured his hand.

His blood was boiling and he was going to burst! Then, the sound of rain hit him, Kagome was in the shower. Inuyasha could have sworn he heard her talking to herself.

"Inuyasha, I'm so sorry." What? Had she seen him? Inuyasha crouched down. But no, Kagome hadn't seen him. Why was Kagome sorry? "I'm sorry Inuyasha, but I have to do this. For Souta. And even if you'd never believe me, I'm doing it for you too. Kami, I'm sorry Inuyasha!" Then he heard her tears, he could even smell them. Her heavy sobs turned into whimpers. He heard her clear her throat and heard her sing. She never sang. It was the voice of an angel, only sweeter. He tilted his ears and listened.

It would be nice if we could put away and throw out everything except what really mattered, but reality is just cruel.

Inuyasha closed his eyes.

In such times, I see you laughing whenever I close my eyes.

He could imagine her.

Until the day I reach eternal sleep, that smiling face will have to stay with me without fail.

What was going on?

People are all sad, so they go and forget, but-

What do I do to help?

For that which I should love, For that which gives me love, I will do what I can.

What if she pushes me back?

Back then, when we met, it was all awkward. We went the long way, didn't we? We got hurt, didn't we?

Kagome was hurting, her voice was shaking.

Until the day I reach eternal sleep, that smiling face will have to stay with me without fail.

Inuyasha will be stay

Back then, when we met, it was all awkward. We went the long way, didn't we? We got there in the end.

Be strong, we will get there.

Inuyasha had long lost his sense of reality. Kagome said his name once more and turned off the water. He watched Kagome dress, hell, he had done it plenty of times. Only now, she was sad and Inuyasha feared he had already pushed her away. There was a knock on the bathroom door. When the hell did Hojo get there?

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"It's me baby, let me in." Kagome sighed, wrapping the towel tightly around herself and opened the door. "I got the papers, all that needs to be done now is signing the license and getting Souta back here with us. I love you so much Kagome." Hojo swooped her into his arms, trying to kiss her. She winced at contact with him. He stared at her cheek for a moment and put her down.

"We'll have to put some makeup on that. Don't worry Kagome, now one will ever have to know." He paused, his hand running down her spine and grasping her rear. "Gods, I love your ass!" Hojo squeezed her hard. "It feels so great in my hands, damn I just want to fuck it!" he grinned at Kagome. "But I'll save that for our wedding night, eh?" He winked. Kagome stared absently at the floor.

"I have to do my makeup Hojo, please let me go." Her voice was cold and firm with him. After giving Kagome's bottom a final squeeze, he slapped her ass and nudged her out of the bathroom. Kagome went up her stairs and into her room. She was careful not to press her bruise too much. With a dab of lip gloss and some eyeliner, she was ready t get married.

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They were on the way to children's services now. Kagome was biting her lip and twiddling her fingers. She hadn't even realized that they had arrived at their destination and were sitting in the waiting room.

"Higurashi." The assistant called for her. Hojo took her hand and they walked down a maze of hallways until they reached the office. A man was waiting for them, sitting at his desk, straitening papers out.

"Ah, Miss Higurashi. How have you been?" He stood and shook her hand.

"I'm fine thank you." She replied, trying her best to be polite.

"Please, have a seat. Your case is very tragic, but don't worry. The process of getting your brother will be a nice one. Your fiancé has already given me a copy of your marriage license and proof that he can indeed support you and your brother. The only thing left to do is confirm the authenticity and wait. Although this is the most tragic case I've ever seen, I've taken precautions so that getting your brother back will be easy on everyone. You can come back in six days, we will have for you."

Kagome looked the man in the eye and smiled at him. It took everything inside of her not to throw herself at him. But what the hell! She jumped from her seat and practically strangled the man.

"Thank you so much, you have no idea how happy I am." The man was surprised at first, then slowly hugged her back. He was probably used to it.

"You're welcome. And you and your future husband have my congratulations." He smiled at Hojo and Kagome. "Well, you two probably have plans for a wedding ceremony so, you may leave." The man showed them out of his office.

Kagome had Souta back, and that was all that mattered.