Note: Enjoy this extra long chapter. Next chapter will be the final.
Chapter 32- Home Time
Stopping in front of the well the group decided to figure out how to go about getting them all into the well. After much discussing it was decided Kagome would take Sango and Rin first and then return to bring Shippo and Ecaro. So she left on her first trip and told the other girls to wait just on the outside of the well and not to leave the shed just yet and went back for the boys. Once everyone was there Kagome grinned as she opened the well house door "I'm home"
The first thing Kagome saw was Souta kicking his soccer ball around, immediately she ran to him "SOUTA!"
The sudden yell of his name startled him and he kicked the ball right into the bush. He knew that voice and quickly turned around to be engulfed in a gigantic hug from his sister "K-Kagome? What are you doing here?"
She leaned away from the hug to look at him with a stern glare "what? I'm not allowed to come home to visit everyone?"
Souta quickly put up his hands in his defense "no, no that's not what I'm saying at all. I was just wondering why you came to visit now and not earlier" he placed his hands down and a frown appeared on his face "I was beginning to think something happened to you and I wasn't going to see you again"
Kagome immediately softened and she hugged her brother once again "I'm alright, things have just been a little busy over there and I haven't had time to come visit, but I'll explain that a little better later. First I-"
"Souta!" called Rin.
Souta leaned off to the side to see Rin and he grinned "hi Rin, hi Shippo!" he ran over to them "what have you guys been doing?" he then noticed the two extra people "hey, who are they?"
Kagome glared at her rude sibling, but introduced him to her friends anyway "this is Sango and that is Ecaro" she looked at her friends "this is my little brother Sota"
The two gave a nod and Souta's face lit up.
"Sango? As in the demon exterminator, Sango?"
Sango nodded, but was a little confused "yes, but how do you know of me?"
"Kagome told me about everyone in the group, but Inuyasha was the first I met and until Rin, Shippo and Sesshoumaru came through the well I thought he was the only one who could" he blinked "speaking of which, where is Sesshoumaru? Am I going to get to meet this pervert Miroku soon to?"
Ecaro, seeing Kagome grow sad at the mention of Sesshoumaru, responded for her "Sesshoumaru and Miroku are both very busy at the moment, but we'll explain better once we're all inside"
With a nod all three kids ran into the house where Souta loudly announced Kagome's arrival. Sango watched before turning to look at the saddened girl "are you alright?"
She gave a small smile "I will be once I see my mother" together, with Ecaro, they all entered the house where her mother was waiting. No long able to hold it in as the tears started to escape she ran into her mother's arms "Okaa-san!"
Her mother welcomed her with opened arms and a smile on her face "Kagome, it's been so long. What on earth have you been going this whole time?"
Kagome tilted her head back a little "let's sit down and I'll tell you all about it" at her mother's nod everyone sat down at the table and she began to explain everything after she had introduced Sango and Ecaro "as you already know I was in the feudal era looking for shikon shards. Many demons were searching for it as well. You may also remember that there was one specific demon we were having trouble with, a hanyou named Naraku. Well about 5 or 6 months ago Naraku called upon Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha to meet him and fight, but it was a trick and they were ambushed. The boys won and went off in search of the real Naraku. They've been looking and are still looking even as I sit here and speak…"
Seeing her trailing into her thoughts, Ecaro finished explaining the story "My uncle and lord of the south we recently learned was working with Naraku"
"How did you come across this knowledge?" Kagome's mother asked.
Ecaro frowned "he slipped into Sesshoumaru's home unnoticed and tried to attack Kagome, luckily I was able to sense something was not right and immediately went to check on Kagome. I killed him and decided that if he could easily sneak into the castle unaware I did not want to risk another attack on Kagome's life. So I made the decision that we'd come here since she had explained that only those she allowed may pass through the well. I figured it was a safest bet"
"I agree and you're more than welcomed here for as long as you need to stay"
Ecaro nodded "arigato, Mrs. Higurashi"
"Please, call me Aksumi, almost everyone does" she answered for him, at his nod, she looked at everyone else "now let figure out how we're going to do the sleeping arrangements"
After much debating it was decided that Ecaro would get Souta's bed and Souta and Shippo would sleep on the floor in the room. Sango could have Kagome's bed and she and Rin would sleep on the floor. Or that how it would have gone had Shippo not blurted something very important out.
"But Kagome, do you think it wise to sleep on the floor, especially in your condition?" asked Shippo.
"Condition?" her mother echoed, turning to her with a worried stare "Kagome is there something wrong with you?"
Rin grinned "Kagome is going to have a baby!"
Aksumi's face went from worried to shocked "a baby?"
Kagome gave a nervous nod "yes, I'm pregnant"
"How far along are you?"
"About 7 months now" she replied
Sango could see the two needed to talk alone and so stood up "Souta, do you think you could show me and Ecaro around the shrine grounds" the kid nodded and started to walk away "Rin, Shippo, come with us too"
All was silent in the room until finally Kagome's mother spoke "who is the father?"
"Sesshoumaru is. He and I are now together and can never be separated" she answered.
"Does he know he is to be a father?"
Kagome nodded with a small smile "he knew before I did"
"How is that possible?" she asked turning to her daughter, now that she was paying closer attention to her child she could see the swell in her stomach.
"Ecaro is Sesshoumaru's cousin. He too is a dog demon. He was able to tell by my change in scent that I was with child, but he and Sango kept it from me as long as possible thinking that if I were to know that I was pregnant that I may get depressed or frightened because Sesshoumaru isn't around. They sent Sesshoumaru's servant, Jaken, to tell him the news and that they were keeping it from me and why. They were right; I was a little frightened that I'd be giving birth without Sesshoumaru there, but I guess he knew because he wrote me a note" going into her bag she pulled out the note he had taken the time to write and gave it to her mother to look at.
Mrs. Higurashi took it and carefully read it. Apparently Sesshoumaru cared very much for her daughter, even more than she had thought. She smiled as she thought of her late husband and how he was when she was pregnant with Kagome. She looked at her daughter "well then, a congratulations is in order"
Kagome's smile widened and she jumped out of her chair to hug her mother "arigato okaa-san, I kept telling myself if Sesshoumaru doesn't find Naraku in time there's no one else I'd want to be around than my mother when I give birth to my child"
"Enough mushy talk, we're going to need to get some clothes for this little one as well as some other essentials and we don't have very long left" her mother smiled "come we'll get Sango and let Ecaro take care of the children"
Kagome nodded and fully separated herself from her mother "okay, but maybe Rin could join us. I feel she spends far too much time around the boys and it's starting to show. She had tackled Jaken into a wall the other day just because he made fun of the flowers she had picked"
Aksumi nodded "it does seem she needs to be surrounded by more females. Being around men all day can't be a good thing for the child, let me go grab my purse and you go grab Sango and Rin"
Kagome gave a nod and called out for them. When there was no answer she went outside and called again only to hear a reply. She followed the sound all the way to the god tree and smiled as she approached. Everyone was sitting down and enjoying the peace of the outside air while Sota had a game of rock, paper, scissors, going on with the two children of the past. She smiled and walked up to them "Sango, my mother is going to take me, you and Rin out for a little bit to get some baby things" she looked to Ecaro "you don't mind watching Souta and Shippo for awhile do you?"
He smiled "it is no problem Kagome, go and enjoy yourself. I'm sure us boys can come up with something to do"
Shippo turned to Souta with a sneaky grin "hey, let's show Ecaro how to play your playstation"
Souta then grinned as well and stood up, grabbing Ecaro's hand while he was at it "yea, you have to try it. Come on it's upstairs in my room"
Kagome watched as the future eastern lord was carried off by two kids before turning to Sango and Rin "come on, we'll need to get you some better blending clothes"
It took no time at all in finding outfits to fit the two girls. Aksumi had Rin wear one of Kagome's old clothes from when she was a child. It was a nice, but plain looking pink dress with a simple red tie around the waist that you tied from the back. Kagome felt the child looked absolutely adorable in it while her mother commented on how much Rin looked like Kagome at that age with that dress on. Sango ended up wearing a sun dress Kagome had laying around. It was a magenta color with a black tie around the wait. Once all were ready they left for the store.
---------------------------
A figure appeared out of the shadows. Everyone watched tensed as the figure began to take shape, size, and eventually a face. Miroku sighed, it wasn't Naraku, but it was just as bad. The scum had sent Sango's brother, Kohaku, to fight and kill the group because Naraku knew they didn't have the nerve to kill the boy. It was unfair the way life was at times. Apparently some choices are made for you…even if it's a choice you don't like. Miroku watched as Kohaku started his attack, almost immediately he and Inuyasha ran towards the kid. It was so unfair. This child never got to live a full life; it was taken from him against his will, against his choice all because he was a slayer from the village that had guarded shikon shards. The monk glanced at the hanyou "Inuyasha is there someway we can just temporarily disable him so we can continue our search for Naraku?"
Inuyasha glared at him "I thought you were the one with all the knowledge, besides we don't know how much longer it will take to find the bastard anyway. If by some chance we are able to disable Kohaku here for awhile there's a chance he may recover before our search is over. Let's just get it over with" and leapt up into the air only to instead punch the boy in the face, sending the kid flying backwards.
Miroku halted in his steps and stared at the hanyou who was leaning over the boy "Inuyasha?"
"Shut up Miroku" Inuyasha stated in a grumpy mood as he stood up with the kid slung over his shoulder. He walked right up to his brother and laid the kid down at the taiyoukai's feet before pinning his brother with a stern stare "I'm going to take out the shard that's in Kohaku's back"
The monk stood in shock for a moment "but Inuyasha if you do that then he can't live. How do you expect to tell Sango that her brother was killed because we took the shard out without thinking of another way?"
The hanyou turned and shot the monk a glare "because Sesshoumaru is going to revive him"
"I agree much has changed over these past months" started the taiyoukai, angry with his brother's assumption that he would revive the boy "but what makes you think to assume I would go along with this plan?"
Inuyasha growled at his brother "I know Kohaku has done a lot of things, but it wasn't his choice he was under Naraku's control"
Miroku gave a nod of his head in agreement "he is right and there have been incidents when Kohaku could make his own choices and it was always to be with Sango to fight and protect others who couldn't. He deserves a real second chance at life and not one where he is controlled by Naraku's twisted mind"
Sesshoumaru said nothing, but Inuyasha could tell his brother would revive the kid and so he proceeded with his plan. He knelt down and reached out his hand towards the boy, but before he could even remove the shard the ground began to shake as a tentacle sprouted out of the ground and shot out at the hanyou who quickly dodged.
Kouga was quick to stand beside the hanyou "Naraku has finally decided to show himself"
Miroku's face was serious "now we can finally end this battle" 'and the curse he has laid upon my family can finally be ended' he mentally added.
The grounded parted before them as Naraku broke free of the soil. He looked at them and smirked "my, my, what a nice welcoming committee" he turned to the hanyou that had foiled many of his earlier plans "Inuyasha how nice to see you…and you've brought your brother along as well. It certainly is a surprise to see you both working together"
Inuyasha growled "cut the crap Naraku" he shouted as he pulled out Tetsusaiga "you failed to meet at our original meeting place you coward, now prepare to die!" and he quickly released his wind scar, which Naraku swiftly dodged.
Kouga then went on the attack, but was thrown back when a tentacle came out of nowhere and hit him square in the chest. He groaned as his body collided with a nearby tree, the impact causing him to black out.
------------------------------------
Kagome was sitting in the living room with the children while Sango was helping her mother clean and Ecaro was no where to be found when there was a knock at the door. Finding the show they had settled themselves on boring, she voiced that she would answer it. Getting off the couch was a little bit of a challenge with the extra weight around her middle, but she succeeded and then proceeded to answer the door. She put on her best smile and opened the door, but it turned into a gasp when she saw Hojo standing on the other side "H-Hojo?"
He smiled at her, but it quickly faded to shock when he saw her protruding stomach "K-Kagome, I came by to see you since I haven't been able to reach you in months"
Kagome smiled nervously "well, I've been kind of busy"
"I can see that" he replied. He was surprised to see the girl he had had a crush on for years, pregnant "who's the father? Is it that boy you've been dating that Eri and the other girls told me about, the two-timer?"
"No, he and I are no longer together, I'm seeing his brother and he is the father" she answered, knowing she'd have to explain this one.
"I see, you went from one brother to the other" he spoke, solemnly "I was told that the two don't like each other at all and fight constantly. Is such an environment good for a child to be raised in?"
Kagome gave an honest smile "actually when I started dating the older brother they put aside their differences and have been getting along much better now"
Hojo gave a small smile. His heart was crushed and to see her pregnant at such a young age and before she could even build a life long career, it was taken away "oh, that's good to hear. If you don't mind me asking, if you're here, where is the father?"
She gave a sad smile "he's away on a long business trip"
"Kagome, how much older than you is he?" he asked.
She was silent for a moment. What age would suit Sesshoumaru and would go well with this made up story she was making. "He's 27"
"Oh, that's quite an age difference, how long has he been gone?" Hojo asked as he took a step closer to her.
"Since before I knew I was pregnant" she replied honestly. She was starting to get tired and all this talk of Sesshoumaru was making her upset and thinking about what would happen should he miss the birth of their child.
Hojo nodded "does he know you're pregnant?" at her nod he felt the need to be blunt; he knew how men could be when they heard such news "not to sound rude, but do you think he'll ever come back?"
Kagome gasped at the question. It was bad enough she was worried if he was going to come back from the battle with Naraku, but Hojo was thinking that Sesshoumaru abandoned her for the fact that she was pregnant. She knew that was not true because of the letter he had written and had sent to her. She felt a tear run down her face at the thought he might not be there when she gave birth. A growl caught her attention and she saw Hojo's shift his vision to look over her shoulder. Turning around, she gave a teary-eyed relived smile as Ecaro walked to be beside her. He was not happy for he had been listening to the entire conversation and for this human, who did not even know Sesshoumaru, to question his morals he would not let him. He glared down at the young man and spoke so calm and serious it could have rivaled the taiyoukai of the west himself "Do not question this child's father's ethics, boy"
Hojo was a little startled by this man standing beside his junior high crush "and who are you to not question?"
Ecaro smirked "I am his cousin and know him a far greater deal than you do. I know that right now he is very proud that he is going to be a father soon. He is an honorable man and would never dream of leaving his wife"
Hojo stumbled back a few steps "w-w-wife?"
Kagome moved to wrap her arms around Ecaro's arm for a bit of comfort "yes, Hojo, I married my ex-boyfriend's brother. He is a great man and I love him and miss him very much, but I know he'll come back because he said so and he is a man of his word"
Ecaro looked down at his cousin's mate. She looked tired, upset, and most of all stressed, which was not a good thing for the infant "Kagome go inside and take a nap, you look like you could use the rest"
She smiled at him, grateful that he could tell what she needed and it provided her a reason to leave this conversation. She turned and bid Hojo a quick good-bye and went inside to go lay down.
Ecaro watched until she was out of sight before turning back to glare at the boy again. He smirked when he could smell fear radiating off the boy and to an intimidating step forward "now you listen here boy. My cousin is a powerful man, more powerful than I and if you dare to come back here again I will let him know everything that has gone on here today and he will make your life hell. He cares very much for Kagome and is honored to have her as his wife and the barer of his child. Now leave"
Hojo gave a quick nod and was gone faster than anyone would have thought possible. Ecaro let out a small chuckle before turning to go back inside, but was stopped with a figure standing in his way.
Jii-chan looked up at the demon "good work on scaring that boy away for Kagome, now maybe you can help me with some yard work"
Ecaro gave a slight sigh. He was the future lord of the eastern lands…and he'd been degraded to doing common chores "Hai, I will help" and followed the old man to a shed. They were walking past the well house when they stopped and stared at the two figures blocking their path.
----------------------------
Sango had been spending time with Kagome's mother, Aksumi, with cleaning around the house since she had nothing better to do. So far they had swept the floors, cleaned the windows and bathrooms, and were currently working in the kitchen. They were both getting to know each other. Aksumi told stories of how she met Kagome's father while Sango told stories of her father and brother before Naraku came along. Both were in deep conversation when the back door opened and Ecaro and Jii-chan walked in followed by two other individuals.
Sango watched with wide eyes as the two remained silent with serious expressions on their face. With a nod of greeting, one was about to speak before ball of fur latched to his head and started to grab his ears while yelling "Inuyasha! You're back and in one piece!"
"Ow! Damn it Shippo, get off!" growled the hanyou as he grabbed the kitsune and dropped him on the floor.
Rin shyly entered the room as she looked at the hanyou and then turned her attention to the other figure she had missed so very much before speeding across the room and latching herself onto his leg "Sesshoumaru-sama! You're back, I'm so happy!"
The taiyoukai moved his hand and stroked her hair "have you been good Rin?"
The little girl grinned "hai!"
He nodded before asking "where is Kagome?"
"She's sleeping on the couch in the living room" said Souta as he entered the room. He then eyed Inuyasha before grinning and running to the hanyou, doing a very good impression of Rin "Inuyasha! I was afraid I wasn't going to see you again"
"Heh, you should know me better than that kid"
While everyone was talking, Sesshoumaru moved to go into the living room when he saw Kagome's mother and walked over to her. She smiled at him and spoke quietly so no one else would hear "it's nice to see you back in one piece"
He gave a nod "how is she?"
Aksumi gave a sad smile "lonely, despite the people all around her, all she wants is to see you"
Sesshoumaru said nothing, but continued his walk into the living room to see his mate curled up on the couch, sleeping soundly. Slowly he made his way over to her and knelt down. He stared at her face, which he had longed to see. She looked just the same way as he had left. His eyes traveled down to her growing stomach that held his first born child. He gave a small smile as he heard the heartbeat loud and strong. He could also hear someone approaching, but heard the hanyou telling them to leave him and his mate alone for awhile. Good; that is what he wanted. Gently he placed his hand over her stomach.
Kagome frowned in her sleep. She was lying between asleep and awake. Slowly opening her eyes she realized she wasn't dreaming she really could feel a hand on her stomach. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes she looked, thinking it would be one of the children, but she was greatly shocked when she saw a white hair demon that had been haunting her dreams. Instantly she could feel her eyes watering before she jumped forward, latched her arms around his neck, and cried out "Sesshoumaru!" she held him tightly, not caring they were both on the floor now. After a minute she pulled back and slowly ran a hand through his hair with a soft smile "it really is you, you're really back"
Out of nowhere Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him in a longing kiss. It had been too long since they were able to be together; to touch each other. He pulled back when he sensed she needed to breathe, but he continued to stare at her and not say anything, but nothing needed to be said. After a few more minutes their time was finally interrupted when Rin and Shippo came running into the room happy to be together again.
It was when Kagome saw the taiyoukai stand up she noticed blood on the side of his clothes and gasped "you're hurt!"
"The wound has already healed, so there is no need to worry" he stated as he helped her off the floor.
"What about Inuyasha and the others?" she asked, worried.
"They are fine, Inuyasha is in the kitchen with everyone, come and we shall explain" he said as he led her into the kitchen. Once everyone was gathered around it was Inuyasha who ended up telling the story of Naraku's demise while Sesshoumaru just sat back and listened while enjoying having his mate on his lap and his hand on her stomach. The odd time he could even feel the tiny infant kick, which made him nuzzle his mate's shoulder with affection. Normally he wouldn't show such affection in front of a large crowd of people, but they were all too busy listening to the story.
Once it was ended, Sango immediately asked her burning question "where is Kohaku?"
Inuyasha frowned "Naraku had taken the jewel out of his back when he had shown up" Sango felt the tears in her eyes and a few silently escaped, but the hanyou finished his story "after the battle…Sesshoumaru revived him with Tenseiga and he's currently waiting with Miroku at Kaede's hut"
Sango gasped and turned to stare at the taiyoukai, who was in turn, staring at her with a blank expression "thank you Sesshoumaru, you don't know how much this means to mean. How can I ever repay you for bringing my little brother back?"
"You have protected my mate in my absence" he answered "such an action deserves its' rewards"
She nodded and thanked him again. It was then that Ecaro brought up the topic of going back to the feudal era "as much as I have enjoyed my time here I believe it is time to head back" he chuckled "besides this house is getting awfully full and there is no longer any reason for us to stay here"
It was then that Mrs. Higurashi spoke up "my daughter is not going anywhere, she's to far along in her pregnancy to be hopping down a well or making a long journey to the western lands"
Though Sesshoumaru did not like the idea; he had no choice. Kagome's mother spoke the truth. His mate would be ready to give birth in a few short months and a long travel through the well and the journey home may prove to be too much strain on her with the infant. Even if he were to carry her, it could still prove hard on her. Because she was so far along there was the risk that on the way back home they could be ambushed by youkai. He knew the youkai would be no match for him, but all he'd need is that one demon to slip by while he was preoccupied with killing other demons and his mate would be done for. He didn't want to chance it "All of you go back, I will stay here with Kagome and we shall return after the infant is born. Ecaro I'll trust to watch over my lands while I am away" at the young demon's nod he looked at his brother "Inuyasha, take Rin and Shippo with you and watch them"
Inuyasha gave a nod. He had wanted to remark that the children were perfectly fine staying where they were, but the look in his brother's eye said it all. The taiyoukai wanted time alone with his mate, but that would never happen if the kids were there. Rin would be glued to his leg because of the long separation and Shippo would want to be close to Kagome. Even with Souta there it didn't change the fact the kids wanted to be close to Kagome and Sesshoumaru, especially after the long separation. Sure Kagome's family was there, but they were grown adults and would give them space, but Rin and Shippo wouldn't.
Shippo was the first to voice his complaints "I don't want to go! I want to stay!" his eyes welled with tears.
Rin immediately joined by running over to Sesshoumaru and gently pulling on his sleeve "I don't want to go either, I've missed you!" she cried "you were gone for so long and now I won't see you again for a long time"
Kagome frowned. She hated to see them so sad, but she understood why Sesshoumaru asked Inuyasha to take them. Slowly she got off his lap and kneeled in front of the children, though it took a little effort with the extra weight of her stomach "listen here, as time grows closer to the baby's arrival the less we're going to have time for you and you are going to feel a little left out, but if Inuyasha takes you and you stay at Kaede's village there will be plenty of people who will have time to spoil you guys and you can even play with Kohaku" she added as an after thought "I'm sure he's going to be needing some friends since he doesn't know anyone in the village he might get pretty lonely, but maybe if you guys are there it might make it a little easier to get use to and maybe you can help him make some friends" she looked up at Inuyasha "and maybe even Inuyasha can bring you over once in awhile to visit"
Rin didn't much care to be taken away from Sesshoumaru so soon after seeing him, but the idea of seeing Kohaku again and hearing that she'd be able to visit made her agree, so she nodded her reluctant acceptance.
Shippo on the other hand was staying firm in not wanting to go. He wanted to stay; he didn't want to be separated from Kagome. On some level though he also want the chance to get close to Sesshoumaru to where the youkai lord might treat him like a son like he treats Rin a daughter, but he couldn't get close if he was sent away "I don't want to go! I want to stay, we're finally all together and now we're the ones being sent away"
Kagome stood and walked up to Sesshoumaru and whispered in his ear "they're excited to have you back; perhaps you could allow them this one night to calm down over your return?"
He was silent a moment, but he nodded his head "very well" he looked at the children "Inuyasha will take you tomorrow and I wish to hear no more arguments about this, is that clear?"
Shippo frowned, he was still making them go, but they were going to be allowed some time with him before being sent away, plus Inuyasha and Kagome said they'd be allowed to visit. Silently he nodded his head; he supposed it was better than just being sent away and having to wait for who knows how long until they returned without being able to visit them "okay"
Rin grinned and quickly hugged Sesshoumaru's arm. Inuyasha talked with Kagome thinking it was a good idea to let them have this night. Plus it gave him time to tell Kaede about the company she'd be keeping for awhile. Ecaro finally spoke and said they should go and gave Sesshoumaru a firm hand shake and glad he made it through okay before moving over to give Kagome a quick hug and he'd be waiting at the palace to see his new cousin. Sango again thanked Sesshoumaru and turned to give Kagome a hug and how she couldn't wait to see the little one when it was born. Both thanked Mrs. Higurashi for her hospitality before walking out. Inuyasha gave Kagome a nod and said he'd be back tomorrow afternoon to pick the children up. She thanked him again and he nodded before leaving.
Shortly after that, Jii-chan and Aksumi worked on getting supper ready. Kagome offered to help, but was told to go spend time with her husband, which she was more than happy to do. She and Sesshoumaru sat on the couch watching tv with his arm around her shoulder. The odd time he would turn his head slightly just to nuzzle the side of her face. Kagome smiled at the affection he was showing in front of others, but she knew it was because of the long separation and he could possibly slow down in showing his affections in public. No matter what, she was enjoying it while she was getting it. Rin was also enjoying it as she sat on his lap and Shippo sat at his feet.
Aksumi entered the room an hour later and announced supper was ready. Souta, Aksumi, and Jii-chan sat on one side of the table while Kagome, Sesshoumaru, Rin and then Shippo sat on the other. Rin told the taiyoukai about some things he had missed while away and Shippo helped her explain some parts. When supper was nearing its end, Aksumi excused herself, stood and ran out of the dinning room.
Souta frowned "why did mom run off so fast?"
Kagome shrugged "maybe she really had to go"
Just as quick Aksumi was back, but this time holding a camera. She smiled at everyone "I want some pictures of my daughter's family" and quickly took a picture before making them move to stand in front of a wall. Sesshoumaru held Rin while Kagome took her place next to him and held Shippo. Grins were on all their faces, except the taiyoukai, but when the pictures would be developed you'd have to look closely to see the slight smirk that he wore. After a few more pictures, some taken outside next to the god tree, Kagome called it quits and started to get the kids ready for bed.
After all was taken care of and the kids were asleep in Souta's room, Kagome went to her own to find Sesshoumaru sitting on her bed. She smiled at him and walked over. He watched her every move until she came to stop in front of him. Slowly he raised his hands and placed them on her hips then placed his head on her stomach and closed his eyes "It has a strong heart beat"
"Doctors say everything is fine and it's healthy" a few tears escaped her eyes as she ran her hands in his hair "I've missed you"
Gently he made her take a few steps back as he stood to his full height and stroked her cheek "I often thought of you and hoped you were well"
She gave a teary smile "I was just praying you'd come back alive"
His eyes narrowed a little "you should have more faith in me, though Naraku kept eluding us and it took many months to finally find the true him…he was easy to defeat" he leaned forward and kissed her lips. As moments passed their kiss became more passionate before…
"Kagome! You have visitors!"
Sesshoumaru pulled back with a growl as he stared at the door. Kagome placed a hand on his cheek to make him face her "I better go down, why don't you get ready for bed? I shouldn't be gone too long" at his nod; she left.
He watched her leave before releasing another growl. It seemed he would never get a moment alone with his mate and it was making him angry. He then proceeded to removing his haori and inner shirt, deep in thought. He was glad to be back with his mate. He would have preferred them back at their home, but with her being so far along in her pregnancy it was not safe for her to travel. The taiyoukai released a sudden growl when he smelled the scent of a male that was not part of this house hold and the increase of volume coming from his mate downstairs and quickly left the room wearing only his pants.
------------------------------
Kagome walked to the front door and saw her 3 friends from school and Hojo. She was a little surprised to seem them "Eri, Yuka, Ayume? What are you doing here?"
"We came to see if what Hojo said was true" exclaimed Yuka.
Kagome raised an eyebrow "and what exactly did Hojo tell you?" and moved her sights to the man.
"He told us that you were married and going to have a baby and that the father wasn't even around" Eri said.
"The father was away on business" she explained.
Hojo blinked when he noticed her house seemed quieter and that man from before wasn't around Kagome "where was that man who was here the other day? The father's cousin?"
Kagome frowned; why the hell was she being interrogated by her own friends? She supposed they were just looking out for her and were hoping she wouldn't get hurt, but they didn't even know Sesshoumaru and they were already thinking the worst of him "he has gone home now"
Hojo blinked "you mean that guy left you alone when you're so far along"
Eri gasped "how rude of the guy and the father doesn't sound much better. I doubt he was even away on business. What kind of guy leaves his wife for such a long period of time? Kagome I hate to say it, but I don't think he wants any part in this child's life or he would have been here for your pregnancy and-"
"SHUT UP!" Kagome shouted, surprising her friends "you don't know him at all and you are already thinking the worst of him! He wasn't here for most of my pregnancy by his choice, he had to go away" she glared at them "he has not abandoned me or my child. He is a good provider and will be a great father. He has already proven it with the children him and me have adopted. If he had his way he would never leave for such long periods of time, but unfortunately that is what his job calls for and though he does not like leaving, he does so he can support me and our children"
"Kagome," came a smooth, deep voice.
She turned around a little startled "Sesshoumaru?"
He walked up to her and laid his hand on her shoulder before leaning over and placing a kiss on her cheek. He heard the small gasps coming from their small audience that was watching, but he did not care. He was far too angry to care "go and prepare for bed. I will be up shortly" he watched her nod and walk away before turning to pin her 'friends' with a glare that made them freeze up and he nearly smirked when he smelt their fear "I take it you are Kagome's 'friends'"
"Y-yes," answered Yuka "a-and you are?"
He gave a slight nod of his head before pinning the boy with a glare. Ecaro had pulled him aside earlier and had explained a situation that had happened that had caused his mate much upset involving a male friend of hers "I am Sesshoumaru" he took a few steps till he was right in front of the human boy and looking down at him "you're the one who upset my wife while I was away. My cousin told me of you"
Hojo gulped and actually started to shake. So this was the father, he was very tall. The guy could be mistaken for royalty with the way he held himself. He looked like a man with pride and honor "y-you must b-be K-K-Kagome's husband?"
Sesshoumaru felt a growl rising "you are correct…boy" he turned to stare at the females when he smelt arousal coming from them. It seemed they liked what they saw. It was disgusting. He stared at them a moment before mentioning "I think it is best you 4 leave and don't ever come back"
Ayume gasped "not come back? But we are Kagome's friends!"
"You call yourselves her friends, but instead of congratulating her of her marriage and pregnancy you are quick to put thoughts into her head about the possibility of raising the child alone and that she has been used like some whore" he stared at them with a blank expression "you are judging and assuming the worst of a man you have not yet met" he turned his head to Hojo "and why would a man who is married run from his wife simply because she is pregnant with his child. I am honored that Kagome is having my child and am happy I was able to make it back in time to be able to be here as the time grows closer for my child to be born" he released his growl causing the 4 to jump "I do regret that I have missed most of her pregnancy and watching my child grow with in her, but I am grateful that I will be here for it's birth…Now I believe it is time for you to leave"
Quickly the 4 did as they were told; each feeling horrible that they had upset their good friend without even knowing the guy or what he was like. The taiyoukai watched their departure before dragging himself upstairs and to Kagome's room where he found her dressed and ready for bed.
Kagome smiled when she saw him and moved to stand before him "I'm glad you came down when you did"
"I could hear you from up here and when I smelt the scent of a strange male I felt it in my best interest to see for myself" he explained.
She put herself on her tiptoes and put her arms around his neck as best she could with their height difference "well I'm still glad you came down" she grinned "I really enjoyed their surprised faces when they saw you"
He felt himself smirk "and I enjoyed the fear I smelt off that boy" he leaned down and kissed her lips before pulling back "I believe they won't be coming around here anymore"
She gave a sad smile "that's okay, if their going to automatically judge you before even knowing you then I don't want friends like that. It's just I've known them for a long time and I never thought they would behave that way"
He kissed her lips again "come, let us sleep"
Together they laid down with Kagome laying on her side and Sesshoumaru spooned behind her with an arm draped over her so his hand rested on her stomach. 2 Months and his child would be entering the world. Since he had asked Kagome took look after Rin when she was sick he noticed he had changed over time; he fell in love with a human and she returned his love. He showed more facial expressions than he could ever remember doing and he was eager for the birth of his own child. He finally fell asleep content and relaxed.
---------------------------------------
Reviews
Crazykit – don't worry. I'd hate it if Kagome got depressed for chapters at a time…I find it turns a story boring.
AngelKitty – sorry, I wanted to update more, but the boyfriend got in the way, but now that he's out, I'm back on track. I'll make sure that if I get another boyfriend I take time to work on my story. I wasn't exactly planning on taking to long to update. I was hoping for sooner.
silver pup – I know what it feels like to find a great story that has lots of chapters. I often am glued to the computer and won't even let my brothers on…course that doesn't make my mom too happy to have them complaining to her.
Amanda – I too am picky about the stories I read. They got to be close to the character, I'm okay if their a little different, but not to the extreme. I often have to watch the show in order to get the idea of their personalities…especially if I haven't been writing for awhile.
Siriana - Well Naraku definitely can't win and of course we can trust the brother's cousin. I made him to be trustworthy. He's just as honorable has Sesshoumaru, his dad raised him right and you won't know the sex of the baby until the last chapter…sorry, but I'm saving it. Only I may know. Lol.
Keikokyoto – I put translations at the bottom cause I know from experience how much it sucks to read a story have them put some Japanese word in and not tell you what it means, so I always read the stories with translations at the bottom.