After the Rainbow

Chapter 2

It was wonderful to have his daughter back under his roof once again. He and Kagome knew their daughter could take care of herself- in fact, she reminded him so much of himself at that age. He wished she didn't have to experience the pain of being alone and fending for herself, the way he had. He felt terrible about sending her away to the safety of the wolf tribe as an infant. Kagome did too. But looking at her now beside his wife enjoying a delicious meal, he realized that just having her here made all the "what if-s" disappear, at least for a little while.

With he and Kagome finally leaving the Black Pearl and after all the battling with Kirinmaru and the Grim Butterfly, life had finally returned to a sense of normalcy. They found their hut not as bad as they feared but it needed work. And after some repairs and tender loving care, within days the family of three officially moved back in. Kagome, seeing the neglected state of her herbal and vegetable gardens, with Sango, Rin and her daughter's help, the fields were back to thriving once more. He saw the love and pride she had for her gardens, and it made him happy to see her content.

He could tell Moroha was distracted by how she mindlessly ate her food. She kept sniffing in Kagome's direction, eyes furrowed in confusion.

He caught his wife's eye. Should they tell her?

After a silent communication that only came from an unbreakable bond and years of marriage, the hanyou subtly nodded and cleared his throat.

"Don't worry pup, your momma's not sick."

Moroha quickly faced him, bashful at being caught unawares. Glancing quickly again at her mom, she admitted, "I'm sorry it's just… I mean I… "Embarrassed, she put her head down. If she had ears, they would be flat against her skull.

'It's okay, Moroha." Kagome patted her hand, "I figured you would find out sooner or later."

InuYasha then came over and sat beside his pup, thus sandwiching the girl between her parents. Waiting for her to look at him he continued, "Listen. We know we're still adjusting as a family again. It ain't been easy." He let out a big sigh, "But we just want you to know that nothing could ever replace you in our lives."

Kagome nodded. "Exactly. You're our baby girl. Our little Moroha." She placed a loving kiss on her daughter's head. "We love you, never forget that."

Moroha's eyes became misty, overwhelmed by her parent's declaration. However, she was still a little confused. Why were they being so sentimental right now?

"Dad, Mom what-what's going on?"

"Moroha…" With a little smile he said. "Your momma's going to have another pup."

Silence fell in the hut- not even a breath of wind passed the door hanging.

Moroha was frozen. That was not at all was she was expecting to hear. "Another pup… I…I'm…going to… be a…big sister… a big sister…"

InuYasha and Kagome were waiting patiently as Moroha processed that information. They didn't know what her reaction would be. So far, the girl was staring blankly ahead, unmoving.

It certainly surprised them both when the hanyou detected the slight change in his wife's scent- the same scent that indicated her first pregnancy with Moroha, just three days before. Kagome was older but the 14 years stuck in the Black Pearl didn't appear to make her age as quickly it seemed. How that was possible the couple didn't know. During those years they couldn't get pregnant again. Now that they were back in the real world, everything went back to normal, including her ability to get pregnant.

A sudden squeal broke through the hut, not only startling the occupants of the hut but the wildlife nearby.

"I'm going to be a big sister?!" Moroha cried, brown eyes now misty with tears of excitement. Looking between her mom and dad, she was trembling uncontrollably.

Chuckling, InuYasha gave her a side hug. "That's right. We found out shortly after you left."

"It was to us as well." Kagome added. She gazed at her husband, her own tears pooling in her eyes. She was so thrilled to see her daughter's reaction. She dreaded that Moroha wouldn't be so thrilled.

"Mom, this is so exciting!" The pup gazed at her mother's still flat abdomen. "I never dreamed of having a sibling! And now I am!" Overcome with joy she lunged at Kagome, hugging her.

The miko immediately embraced her daughter, rocking her back and forth. She once again looked at InuYasha, seeing the same relief and happiness. She reached out her hand and her hanyou immediately grabbed it, clutching it firmly with the intention of always being there for her.

It was the best outcome the couple could've hoped for. And they cherished it.


Well Kagome is expecting! And Moroha is thrilled to bits. I struggled a bit with this chapter, but it turned out well, I think. Next part will be about how Moroha is adjusting and InuYasha have a heart to heart with her.

As always, let me know what you think! Any criticism or feedback is appreciated! Just don't be mean!

Until next time, Ja Ne!