I do, they don't
A/N: Oh dear, I am really behind in updating this story. I hope this makes up for the very, very long wait. I kind of, I must admit this, rushed in some parts but I hope it doesn't take too much away. More to come so don't forget to look out. I think I'm going to enjoy writing the next chapters. I don't own Inuyasha. You'd really think I'd forget that disappointing disclaimer? Reviews are always appreciated. Let me know what you like or don't.
Thanks to the following for reviewing my story, I really adore you guys. Eternal Sinner, Tahitianbabe and xXlovablekdXx.
Chapter Two: Unwanted attraction
"Well, aren't you going to invite us in or are you gonna stare all day?" Inuyasha asked, a touch of amusement glowed in his golden eyes.
Kagome blushed. "Uh I guess…" she sidestepped and allowed both Inuyasha and his son to enter her home.
"Not bad…lots and lots of pink in just one room though. Still your favorite color I take it."
"Uh…" Kagome still couldn't believe he was there. She had tried to convince herself he had been an illusion when she had first seen him at work but now…
"Pink, I mean."
Kagome just shrugged. "I like blue too." He still remembers. "So what are you doing here?"
"Well…" Inuyasha paused for his stomach growled. I should've taken up on mom's offer.
"Dad, you must be hungry because your stomach's growling. I'm hungry too." Yemeni said, popping up beside his father.
"Why don't you two join us? I have plenty." Kagome said with a smile.
Before Inuyasha could answer, Sheri entered the living room. "Mom—"
"You!" Yemeni and Sheri yelled, pointing an accusing finger at the other.
"I take it that you two know each other." Kagome said.
"I'd recognize that big poop head anywhere!" Sheri nodded. "Yeah, Yemeni is that big jerk—"
"Yeah she's that big headed brat in my class." Yemeni scowled. "The girl that always wants to pet my stupid ears—"
…
After offering Ramen to the two demons, there had been a strained silence between the children and the adults. After the meal Yemeni and Sheri had went into the living room after to play a video game.
Kagome brought in a tray that had two cups of coffee and offered Inuyasha one. Afterwards she sat down across from Inuyasha. "So tell me why you're here?"
"Ah, there's no beating around the bush when it comes to you, eh?" Inuyasha drank some of the offered coffee.
Kagome just glared at him.
"Well you see there's a play; I think it's that American Classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."
"I've heard of it. Sheri was just talking about it earlier."
"The parents of the students in Miss. Chignon's class must volunteer in helping the play because of the expenses. I was going to just donate money but they want physical participation."
"So what does this have to do with you coming over here— if memory serves—unannounced."
"Well, sweetheart—"
"Kagome—"
Inuyasha chuckled. "I don't know about you but I like sweetheart better, it has a sort of ring when it rolls of your tongue—"
"And I'll roll you out of the door if you don't tell me why you're here!"
"You and I are partners." Inuyasha said simply.
"Excuse me?"
"Either the mother or father of one child must pair up with another parent in helping. This was to ensure the expenses would be lowered. You and I are to help the little guys learn their lines after school."
Kagome blinked. "You're kidding me."
"Nope. It's all here in black and white." Inuyasha fished the paper out of his back pocket and handed it to her. He watched the emotions played over on her face: shock, disbelief, shock again and anger.
"You know you are as easy to read as a book." Inuyasha said.
"You know you are as arrogant as you were years ago." Kagome retorted in that self-assured tone he had used.
Inuyasha merely grunted. "Anyways, we have to make out schedules and stuff. So where do you want to meet? My place or—"
"The library."
Inuyasha blinked. "A public place? I swear I'm not some stalker or something but the library does have good coffee—which yours is great."
"Thanks and that place is reasonable. It's near to the school and it's about an equal—not to mention—five minute drive from where we both work."
"Ah, keeping tabs on me?" Inuyasha teased. "I didn't know you cared."
"I don't. I just see you in the tabloids with your weekly floozy. I find it quite interesting you turned out to be a playboy bunny's latest toy." Kagome said stiffly.
"Keh. You shouldn't believe what you see in those things. Not only is she not into demons—or guys in general—but I'm too busy to have much of a social, let alone, sex life."
"What about that runway model—"
"Miroku's second cousin twice removed for something very illegal. You try to make some model happy about not eating for a good six hours by letting her flash you around like her newest diamond earrings and your wife comes and beats up on you." Inuyasha grumbled.
"Well that's good. Kikyo taught you a le—"
"Keh, Kikyo nothing I'm talking about you, wench."
Kagome blushed. "I'm not your wife and don't call me wench."
Inuyasha rubbed his chin thoughtfully and grinned. "By the way you were accusing me you almost, dear I say is, sound jealous."
Kagome shrieked and threw a pillow at his head. "No, of course not. Those days are over with. I'm just concerned about your image as in regards to the school. That's all!"
"Surreee." Inuyasha just winked at her.
Kagome stood up suddenly and tried to fight down the blush on her cheeks. "I better go check on Sheri and Yemeni."
When she rounded the corner she leaned against the wall. Even after all this time…I still have feelings for him.
…
"What are you doing, stupid girl?" Yemeni said, walking up to Sheri.
It was recess time and Sheri wasn't around her two little giddy friends. At this time of the day he was ruthless when it came to annoying her. He was a bit annoyed himself that he had to sniff her out and found her sitting at one of the small tables near the swings.
Sheri continued to write away on her many papers without sparing him a glance. "I'm sending this into Japan Times for tomorrow. My grandfather is the editor and owner of it so I won't have to wait."
"What is that?" Yemeni asked, peeking over her shoulders.
"As if it's any of your business, it's a letter, dummy." Sheri grunted and used her hands to cover her paper.
"It's called an "ad," stupid."
"Aren't you, smart? Then why am I sending it?"
"Keh."
"Oh not so smart now, are we. Since its February and the month of lllooovvveee, I thought maybe I could find a new daddy for my mommy. That way we'll be happy again."
Sheri paused and laid her marker down. She wasn't sure why she was telling Yemeni this; after all they never got along.
The young girl sighed. "I never liked my real daddy, he was nice but just wasn't fun to be around. He was a bit clueless when it came to kids. He never remembered my birthday and when he did, he gave bad presents. I mean who gives baskets of fruits to a kid for their birthday?"
"At least your daddy remembers…my mommy sure doesn't." Yemeni muttered, standing on the opposite side of the table.
The young boy looked at the ad Sheri was applying for. Then something clicked in the young boy's head. Without a word he grabbed some of Sheri's leftover paper and a marker.
"What are you still doing here?" Sheri asked then she scowled. "Hey, that's my paper!"
"You gots to share!" The boy said and took another piece of paper.
"No I don't and what do you want it for anyways?"
"Well I want a mommy." Yemeni said in a matter-of-factly tone without glancing up.
"But you do have one, don't you?" Sheri questioned. "You said—"
"Yes…no. I mean not anymore. My mommy left as soon as I was born…my uncle told me that but it slipped so I'm not supposed to tell daddy. She calls once in a while...doesn't even remember my name now. She makes daddy sad…and everyone angry."
Yemeni stopped writing. "You're mom is kind of nice…don't know how you turned out to be such a—"
"Finish that sentence and die!" Sheri threatened.
"—Brat!" Yemeni said with a wide grin.
"Rugh! I'm gonna kill you!" Sheri threatened and jumped on top of the older boy. The two began to wrestle and soon enough their anger had defused as soon as laughter erupted from their mouths.
…
Kagome stretched. Sheri was over at Yuka's house at a sleepover and would go with Yuka when she dropped Namiko off at school.
"Kick of those shoes. You deserve a rest. I can handle those two. After all I've been around kids all my life." Yuka said over the phone. "I guess being the oldest of five does come in handy—eventually."
Surprisingly though Kagome had sometime on her hand after finishing her latest report, which was a first. Even so she was extremely tired yet couldn't fall asleep. Every time she closed her eyes she was being chased by large fax machines. The young woman groaned. She definitely needed a vacation.
Kagome laid back and sighed. Okayama looks nice around this time of year. I bet mom would love it if I visit. Souta should be on spring vacation soon. Buyo probably misses the treats I give him to leave me alone and gramps would love to hear about my clashes with Inuyasha. But utmost they really miss both Sheri and me.
The phone rang ending Kagome's thoughts. She groaned, rolled over and grabbed the phone that resided on the nightstand. "Hello?"
"Kagome? Hey."
"Miroku?" Kagome asked before sitting up. "Do you know what time it is? What are you calling here so late?"
Miroku snorted. "It's 9pm, sleeping beauty. If I remember correctly I am talking to 'Tokyo's night owl.'"
Kagome just laughed. "Sorry for being so snappish there. I was just thinking of taking a vacation."
"You should." Then Miroku paused. "No, you better take a vacation. I haven't seen someone with their nose so deep in their work. It's making me look bad. But seriously you should visit your family, they really must miss you."
"Yeah, I plan to."
"You said that last year and barely made it on the train for Christmas and you brought your laptop with you. Kagome, you're always tried and you're not your bubbly self nowadays. To be honest I'm worried about you."
"Don't worry your perverted little head. I plan to take at least three weeks off to get myself back to being me."
"That's good."
"So why'd you really call? My mom and Sango handle the scolding thing about me and my job already." Then she gasped dramatically. "Oh Kami, don't tell me you're joining forces."
"Hardly but I might as well." Miroku chuckled then became sober. "I hate imposing and I feel guilty wanting to ask."
"Shoot."
"Uhm ok. Well you see I promised to look after Yemeni tonight—Inuyasha's son—but Sango has to go visit her brother in the hospital and she's a total wreck. No, Sango this isn't the hospital. Yes, dear I got the keys. Could you go over Inuyasha's place and look after the kid for a few hours? Inuyasha should be back home sometime around midnight."
"Mir—"
"I would call him but I don't know his pager and he isn't picking up his cell. Those damn hotel people won't ring him up so I'm back at square one again. All I know is that he's in Okayama and will be there for sometime. Please, Kagome."
"Mir—"
"Pretty please?"
"Miroku—"
"I'm begging you here."
"Ok! Ok! Gees, I was going to say 'Miroku, it's all right,' if you didn't keep interrupting." Kagome said sounding a bit annoyed.
"Sorry about that. I guess this nervousness is getting to me. I'll leave the keys—"
"—I already got a set."
"How—"
"I thought I got rid of everything that was part of our relationship but somehow I still had these keys." Kagome said quickly. "Don't worry about me, worry about Sango and Kohaku."
"If you say so…" Miroku trailed off. "Bye, Kagome and thanks."
"No problem. Bye."
…
Inuyasha looked at the businessman before him with a fake smile. The only thing that kept him for telling the man off was the fact that he needed this last customer before he could tap into his inheritance.
"And so—"
Everyone but the large man bit back a groan and rolled their eyes before continuing to ignore him. The man talked about the same thing and always repeated himself because he'd either go off the subject or would just plain forget what he had said a second ago.
Inuyasha felt someone poking him and looked to see Koga, his longtime rival in the industry had the words: Just shoot me written on his notepad.
Me first. Inuyasha wrote back.
…
"I want to see the doctor right now! I am Kohaku's brother, you hear me!" Sango shouted.
The nurse gulped and looked ready to call for security. "There's no need for security, miss." Miroku said hastily.
"Security? Oh there will be a need if this woman doesn't let me see my brother!" Sango said. She looked near to tears. "He's in critical condition and I swear I'll get—"
"I understand you being upset but the doctor is still with your brother." The nurse said softly. "We are swamped today. There's some coffee over there but what I really need is for you miss, to please sit down."
"Sit? Sit! Don't you dare tell me to sit down—" Sango shouted before Miroku covered her mouth. The nurse looked pale and ready to faint and the staff members that were passing by froze in their spots.
"Uh…she's just a little upset." Miroku said.
"A little?" Sango shouted, managing to free her mouth from Miroku's hands. "This isn't upset. I'll show you upset, you—"
"Mr. and Mrs. Miroku Ka—"
"That's us!" Miroku said so quickly and loudly that he cut off the doctor. "If you'll all excuse us…" He said sheepishly and almost had to drag Sango out of the waiting room.
…
Kagome dried her hair with a towel from the bathroom. The Yemeni was just as, if not more energetic than her own daughter. Giving the kid a bath had been like going into a car wash.
It must be the demonic blood. He can keep going and going like the energizer bunny. He's just like Inuyasha. Kagome thought then she shook her head.
Kagome looked down at her damp clothes. I should've brought a spare outfit.
"Miss. Kagome?"
Kagome glanced up and saw Yemeni, now in his red pajamas. He blinked up at her and then held up a T-shirt. "I'm sorry I got you all wet. So uh here."
"What's this?"
"You're all wet and soapy. And it's my fault…and my daddy likes it but he doesn't wear it but I thought maybe you'd…it's not that you have to wear it or nothing…" Yemeni was obviously struggling for words that wouldn't make him sound too sappy or wimpy in his opinion.
Kagome smiled and knelt down and took the offered T-shirt. "Thanks, Yemeni. Say, if you hurry to your room I'll read you a bedtime story." she rubbed his ear affectionately and saw he, like his father, enjoyed this.
Yemeni frowned somewhat. "I haven't had a bedtime story in a while." Then he smiled. "Ok, but I get to pick."
"Ah whatever the boss says goes, huh." Kagome teased. Just like Inuyasha. She thought while watching the little boy head off into his bedroom.
Kagome unfolded the T-shirt. It smelled nice and fresh and looked oddly familiar. Then it hit her. The words 'Top Dog's Bitch,' were bolded and white, standing out from the black shirt. This was the same shirt Inuyasha had brought for her on impose after she got him the red T-shirt that said 'Top Dog.'
Inuyasha smirked when he saw her expression, "Well I am the top dog and you are my bitch, aren't you?"
"I don't know." Kagome said, blinking innocently and pretending not to understand.
Inuyasha was flabbergasted for a second before glaring at her, "You are!"
"Oh yeah?" Kagome said then she straddled him easily, "Then I guess I'll have to find a way to live up to it."
Kagome clenched it to herself as she relived the most wonderful days of her life, all occurring the day she'd begun dating Inuyasha and ending the day he'd left.
Kagome shook her head and held the shirt in her hand. It's over. We both moved on. Nothing left but painful memories…
Regardless, Kagome had changed into the T-shirt and had her wet clothes in the dryer. Yemeni chose a book that was filled of action unlike Sheri who chose the more romantic Disney tales.
"You have nothing but mushy crap." Inuyasha had said, glancing briefly at her book case. "So I guess you believe in that happy ending stuff, huh."
Kagome just smiled up at him, "Of course—"
Not. Not anymore. Kagome thought as she read to Yemeni, at times she imagined him as her child and Sheri would be sleeping in a spare bed beside him but the illusion faded quickly. The story was a blur to Kagome but even so, she had read up until the very end.
Meanwhile, Yemeni was having a flashback while Kagome was placing the book back on the shelf.
"Why did my mommy leave, Uncle Fluffy?" Yemeni said, jumping upon his uncle's stomach.
"Sesshoumaru." Sesshoumaru corrected. I really, really hate babysitting.
Yemeni pouted.
Sesshoumaru sighed and rolled his eyes. He had given it—again. "Fine. Whatever."
"So why did mommy leave? Everyone's got a mommy and I don't. No one will tell me. Daddy doesn't answer, Grandmother gets all sad and grandpa gets all mad. Will you tell me?"
"I hate to break it to you but your mother wasn't the nicest woman. She married your father because…it doesn't matter. She lied about a friend, your father found out and she left. Your father's friend left too and never spoke to him again. Sorry to say but Kikyo caused a lot of problems."
"Oh is that how everyone from the Takahashi family feels, Sesshoumaru?"
Both Sesshoumaru and Yemeni turned to see a woman with long black hair tied behind her back, her cold calculating eyes settled upon the little boy and an even colder smile graced her lips.
"Hello there." Kikyo said to Yemeni. "I'm your mommy little guy."
Yemeni had stared at her before running towards her, all the while crying. Sesshoumaru had watched the exchanged without a word. Kikyo explained she had come only for a short visit merely because her younger sister taught at this district and had become really ill. She also said she missed her baby boy and wanted to get to know him. Yemeni had been happy to see her but she didn't look all that happy even when she said those words.
"Do you want the light on or off?" Kagome asked, bringing Yemeni back to the real world.
"Off." Yemeni replied. But he had sounded unsure when he had said it.
"Ok." Kagome smiled and gently tapped the touch-light until the room was lowly light. Yemeni smiled somewhat. He was thankful that Kagome understood so he didn't have to say 'on' out loud.
Gently, Kagome tucked the young boy into bed and said, "You shouldn't feel embarrassed. Plenty of kids sleep with the light on, heck I slept with it on until I was eleven."
The little boy seemed happy about knowing that. "Thanks Miss. Kagome."
Kagome, before she even realized what she had been going, kissed Yemeni upon his forehead like she did to Sheri every night. When she did realize what had happened she looked down at the young boy to see his reaction. The boy seemed content and not bothered by her little kiss.
That night he'd gotten her to read him a bedtime story. She didn't read the one he chose but instead chose the shortest one. After that, she stood up and headed for the door.
"Do you want the lights on or off?" His mother asked, her cold brown eyes told him she wanted an answer quickly.
"On." Six-year old Yemeni said, biting his lower lip.
"I'm afraid no can do. You're a big boy now. You need to grow up now like I did." Kikyo said with a sneer and she had turned the lights off.
"Yemeni you ok?" Kagome asked. The little boy looked frightened and a bit reserved now.
He nodded. "I wish you were my mommy." Yemeni said, yawning as he grew tired.
Those words hit Kagome hard, it wasn't painful yet she couldn't help feel bottled up jealous inside her, a feeling she had believed was long gone.
Kikyo won. Kikyo always won. Kikyo has Inuyasha and Yemeni. Kagome thought then she sighed blissfully. But Sheri means the world to me.
"That's so sweet…" I wish that too…more than anything in the world. "But I'm not your mommy, little guy." Kagome said softly.
"I know but…" Yemeni frowned then he looked up at her with those irresistible and innocent golden eyes. "I want you to be my new mommy."
Kagome felt like she might cry at any given moment now. "Why?"
Yemeni gave her a look that clearly said 'isn't it obvious' yet he replied, "You're pretty, well…for a girl anyways. And you don't have those 'cooties' things…right?"
Kagome giggled. "I got my shots."
"Good." Yemeni blinked, trying to stay awake but was failing miserably yet he continued.
"You're nice, you really like my ears, uhm you make daddy not so grouchy and you cook good food even though nothing can be better than Ramen. And I really, really like…you." He trailed off with another yawn.
Shortly after that, the little tike had fallen asleep. Kagome watched his chest rise and fall as he fell deeper into a peaceful slumber.
Yemeni… Kagome's eyes were wide still before they softened and a smile formed upon her face. You're just like your father.
Kagome frowned while she watched Inuyasha finish his Ramen, not paying any attention to her explanation. "Trust you to be more interested in food than in space!"
Kagome stroked the young child's hair very gently and her heart fluttered when he smiled in his sleep, murmuring her name as a child would when he called for his mother. You don't know how much I would love to be…but I can't. But even so…I will love you as my very own.
Kagome stayed there and eventually she too had fallen asleep beside him. Inuyasha…
…
The front door swung open a little after midnight.
Miroku's probably has Yemeni tucked in and probably brought over his damn porno videos. Sango is going to kill him as usual. Inuyasha thought and then noticed there was no light in the TV room. Maybe the kid tired the pervert out.
The hanyou yawned, flipped on the light in the kitchen and undid his tie. He hated working at the company, but he had to for only a few more weeks before he'd be able to tap into his inheritance and then it was smooth sailing for him and Yemeni.
Inuyasha looked around the kitchen and noticed Yemeni hadn't left his cup of Ramen on the table like he always did. It was in the trash can, the kitchen was spotless as if the child hadn't been there. Then Inuyasha's nose caught an all too familiar and alluring scent.
No fucking way! Inuyasha thought.
Without another thought, Inuyasha ran up the stairs and into his son's room, following the scent all the way. What he found literally floored him and made a part of him feel something he had long forgotten…yet hoped it would return again.
Kagome was sleeping beside his son, she had evidently been stroking the child's hair and he made no fuss. He was curled up like a ball, his head resting upon her breasts. There was a content smile on both their faces. This scene Inuyasha had walked in on brought memories of his happier times as a child in his own mother's arms.
Kagome…
…
The next morning Inuyasha awoke and headed for the kitchen after a quick shower and dressing himself. He had a big meeting coming up and he needed to finish the rest of his speech. Thanks to Kagome he was further than he would've been had he stayed home.
Speaking of Kagome, he could hear her light footsteps coming down the stairs. She appeared a few seconds later, rubbing her right eye and then yawning. How her hands were positioned, the large T-shirt rose just slightly above her pink underwear. It was a wonderful sight to say the least.
She's wearing that shirt. Inuyasha thought and swallowed hard. This brought back memories of their nights spent together when they had been dating in high school. The shirt he'd brought for her on the spur of the moment that he'd kept as a memento. She still looked as adorable as ever wearing a T-shirt too big for her, her ebony hair a mess and her innocent features. It was funny that she wore the same T-shirt she had worn the last night they'd slept together all those years ago.
Caught up in the moment of their past, Inuyasha continued to stare at her, his eyes concentrated solely on her.
Kagome blinked away the sleep from her eyes. She noticed he was giving her the once-over and was taking his damn time about it. In that short amount of time or it could've been longer, Kagome became oddly self conscious. Blushing furiously, she crossed her arms over her chest ending his naughty thoughts.
"Don't cover up…I want to see…" Inuyasha was very close to her now, leaning forward. Kagome could feel his hot breath upon her left cheek.
"W-What…"
"Ssshh…" Inuyasha whispered.
They were as close as two beings could be without having sexual intercourse. Unused to this type of situation for it had been years since she and Inuyasha had been this intimately close, Kagome started to panic. She looked around helplessly, not wanting to see the want and desire that was surely in those golden orbs of his. Kagome was leaning up against the counter, her breath caught up in her throat. Kagome's heart began to beat rapidly and her cheeks turned bright pink.
"Inu…what are…?" Kagome whispered.
"You talk to much, wench." Inuyasha's voice remained husky and as seductive as it always had been. "Just one taste…for memory's sake…"
"We…shouldn't."
"I know but I wasn't one for following the rules so no more talking…"
"I-Inuyasha…I" Kagome leaned up forward, her eyes lowered and their lips ever so close—
"Daddy, what are you doing?" Yemeni asked, shattering the moment. The little boy's ears twitched and he rubbed his eyes in the cutest of fashion. "Uhm…Miss. Kagome, you're here too?"
Kagome blushed.
"I was uh just leaving." The young woman said while hurrying up the stairs. Once she had grabbed her things and silently closed the bathroom door, she leaned against it and heard her pounding heart. Her cheeks were bright red so she used her bangs to cover the confusion in her eyes.
Good Lord, he almost kissed me. And I…I almost let him. Kagome thought. If it wasn't for Yemeni coming in the time he had…I don't know what could've happened.
Kagome shook her head. Of course I know what would've happened. We would've kissed, touched, done things we had done before he betrayed me…before I had lost all faith in love.
Sneak Peak at Next Week's Chapter
"I have a fantastic idea. Since you need a daddy and I need a mommy, why don't we get our parents together?"
Sheri blinked again. "But we'd be siblings."
"Keh, that's a sacrifice I have to make."
Skipping a Scene
"Not really. He said…well I'll get him to change his mind." Sheri said with a self-assured smile. "I mean, after all, who can really resist this beautiful face?"
Miroku sighed. She had a point. As a toddler, Sheri had realized her power over men when it came to beauty, wit and cunningness. "You're a lot closer to womanhood than you realize kiddo."
Sheri seemed to ignore that for she was smiling about something else. "And the best thing is I get full ears access if I don't grab onto Yemeni's. Isn't that cool?"
Skipping a Scene
"Hi it's me Hojo—"
Click.
"Message deleted."
Skipping a Scene
"Don't you love me anymore?" Kagome cried out after him.
Despite the raging storm and winds that separated them, he had heard. Had heard her sorrow, smelt her tears yet as the fool he had been…he'd walked away.
Kagome… "I…I…I still love you, Kagome." Inuyasha whispered.
Next Time: Unwanted Separation