I wanted to make a quick note. Back in the last chapter I wrote that Aiko was about four months old, but I've since gone back and amended that. Officially Aiko's just a few weeks old. She would have been a newborn when her parents were killed, and a week old when she was declared dead. There were a few days or so between that and when Inuysha found her at the chidren's home.

Thanks guys. Enjoy!

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Inuyasha really had no desire at all to be alone with his brother. His instincts insisted that he return to his mate and the pup, but he knew they were in good company with Kikue and Kaede.

Holy, shit he was a father.

Was he even ready for that? Shaking the thought from his head, he decided that it didin't matter if he was ready, it was already a reality. His thoughts swirled about like a tumultuous wind in his mind, so fast and distracting that he barely noticed when they entered the large office.

"Sit." Sesshoumaru ordered, indicating the seat opposite his desk. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, flipping his his brother the bird as he took a seat. The taiyokai chose to ignore his younger brother's rude gesture.

"What do you want Sesshoumaru?" Inuyasha growled impatiently. He figited uncomfortably in his seat.

The taiyoukai sat down behind his large mahogany desk and opened a drawer. "As eldest son it is my duty to ensure the well being of the family, and to ensure that our affairs run smoothly." Sesshoumaru began.

"Ok, so?"

"I was aware that you had not registered your mating with the council." He paused a moment and pulled a black portfolio from his desk, handing it to Inuyasha.

The hanyou opened it and felt a slight pang of guilt in his gut.

This is to certify that the undersigned Lord Sesshoumaru Taisho, by authority of a license bearing date the Eighth day of August, 2016, Issued by the Great Youkai Council in the city of Tokyo, did on this day of the Eighth of August2016 at Higurashi Shrine join together their souls as life mates: Inuyasha Taisho, and Kagome Higurashi with their mutual consent and in the presence of witnesses: Lord Sesshoumaru Taisho 12/8/2016.

(Quick note: The date is written day/month/year, just to clear up any confusion)

A corresponding paper, a marriage license sat nestled behind.

"When... how did you get these?" Inuyasha asked, clearing his throat to mask the sudden rush of emotion he felt. This meant that in the eyes of both yokai and human law, he and Kagome were recognized as a mated pair, as well as husband and wife. He wasn't quite sure what Kagome would think when she found out that they were already married. Did she even want a white wedding? Inuyasha shook the thought away, filing it for later a later time.

"Being Yokai Lord of the western lands has its advantages." Sesshoumaru answered. "Now, as to the matter of the pup. How do you wish to proceed? Seeing as she has been legally pronounced dead, it might send up a few red flags to whomever had her captive if she suddenly came back to life."

Inuyasha stopped for a moment to consider this. He'd gone to a lot of effort of keep Aiko safe, he couldn't afford to fuck it up now. "You have a point. What would you suggest?"

"A new identity would be wise. As Kikue suggested, and I agree, it would be easy to register her as your own offspring, as the human authorities allow a three month window to file the appropriate paperwork. It does lend itself nicely to our narrative." Sesshoumaru said, sounding rather pleased with himself.

"What narrative?" Inuyasha asked suspiciously.

"Oh, hadn't you heard? Apparently you knocked up your secret girlfriend, then eloped together after the baby was born. I believe it'll be all the buzz in the tabloids in a few days time. The fact that you're rarely seen in public adds to the believeablity."

"You wouldn't!" Inuyasha gawked.

"I imagine all of your 'fangirls' will be unconsolably heart broken."

"Fucking bastard."

"Consider it penance for the stunt you pulled with Sakura Children's Home. Not all press is good press as they say. Imagine my surprise when I got a call from a reporter asking me to comment on the closing of Sakura Children's home. My cell has been ringing constantly since this afternoon. I've had to turn the sound off just to keep my sanity." He paused to compose himself, then added, "It's a likely cover story, don't you think? I believe that Tokyo Buzz named you 'sexiest billionaire bachelor' last year. 'His secretive and brooding nature adds an extra layer to his already massive sex appeal.'" Sesshoumaru laughed as he quoted the passage from the popular culture watch magazine.

"Nobody reads that crap!" Inuyasha huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Oh, don't they?"

Inuyasha sat brooding in his chair, his mind abuzz. Stupid fucking asshole knew that there had been a damn good reason for shutting Sakura Children's Home down. It had been his mother's legacy, and he wasn't going to let it be tainted by allegations of criminal activity.

And how was it fair to put Kagome through that? What good would it do to have her suddenly thrust into the public eye? She'd had enough trouble already what with her stalker, and now this mysterious yokai attacker. Although, he supposed that this was partly his own fault for not telling Sesshoumaru about their current predicament.

Inuyasha growled low in his chest, letting his anger simmer in his gut. Maybe it would be wise to lay low for a while after the story hit the news- another thought to file away for a later conversation with Kagome.

Maybe he could use this to his advantage, he realized, grinning inwardly.

"It looks like I'll be needing some time off at the office then." He sighed with a shrug.

"What in the world for?" Sesshoumaru barked incredulously, his own air of satisfaction disappearing like a puff of smoke.

"Oh, hadn't you heard? My mate and I just had a pup. It'll be all over the tabloids in a few days." He reminded. "I'll need a few months for paternity leave."

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose between his forefinger and thumb. "You rotten little prick." He grumbled, feeling his blood pressure rise.

"Is that a yes?"

"As I am required by the law..." he hissed through gritted teeth.

Inuyasha stood from his seat and headed for the door. "Thank you my lord," he offered a mocking bow as he slunk out through the door. "One more thing," Inuyasha added, popping his head back through, "You think you could get one of your goons to pick my car up? I left it at the children's home."

"Just get out of my office." The taiyokai groaned. He wondered what he had done in his past life to deserve such a pain in the ass for a younger brother.