Eri's eyes welled with tears as she read over Hojo's messages once more. She had several reports that needed finalizing today, but she couldn't stop checking her phone, hoping he would get back to her.
8/2 Hojo: Hey Eri, how is it going? I just wanted to let you know that I proposed to Kagome yesterday. She said yes! We owe it all to you!
Me: Oh my gosh! I knew you two were perfect for each other! Congratulations!
8/4 Me: How are things with Kagome? Have you started planning the wedding?
Hojo: Actually... I think Kagome might be cheating on me. She's been different... more distant.
Me: Wow, I never thought Kagome would stoop to that. I am so sorry Hojo, you're a great guy. I hope everything works out for you two.
Hojo: Thanks Eri, that's very kind of you to say.
8/5 Hojo: It's true. Kagome has been seeing someone else. I caught her in bed with another guy yesterday after I talked to you. I told her that I want to be with her, and I hoped that we could work this whole mess out.
Me: Are you alright? What did Kagome say?
Hojo: I'm in shock I guess. I thought she and I had something special. She doesn't want to break it off...
Me: Well, that's encouraging :)
Hojo: With either of us...
Me: I hate to say this, but you really need to break up with Kagome. She's really changed into someone I don't recognize. You'd be better off without her. I'm here if you need someone to talk to.
8/7 Hojo: I'm afraid Kagome is going to do something. She's so angry. I don't know what to do! She showed up at my apartment, but I don't want to let her in. She keeps banging on the door. I think she's drunk. What should I do?
Me: Don't let her in. Call the police.
Me: Hojo, are you there?
Me: Please let me know if you're alright.
Never, in a million years would Eri have guessed that her old school friend Kagome could be so callous and selfish. Hojo was a sweet, thoughtful guy that had so much to give. He so deserved much better.
It had been a few days since she had heard from Hojo now, and she was getting worried. She stood up from her desk, ignoring the dirty looks from her fellow co workers, and headed for the empty stairwell.
Desperate for answers she dialed Hojo's number again, praying that he would answer and let her know that he was fine and this was just some sort of misunderstanding.
"Hello?"
Eri's heart skipped a beat. "Oh Hojo! Thank god you're okay. I've been so worried."
"Who is this?"
"Eri."
"Oh, Of course. You're Akitoki's friend. I'm Akito, his older brother."
"Oh. You two sound so much alike. Where is Hojo?"
"I hear that a lot. I'm not sure. I'm at his apartment and I heard the ringing, so I answered. I called his work, and the receptionist said that he hasn't been there in a while. We were supposed to have lunch today, but he never showed up. Have you heard from him?" Akito asked, his voice laced with concern.
"No, actually. Have you tried calling Kagome yet?" Eri asked.
"She and I never really get along. I called her, but she says she hasn't seen him since the sixth."
Eri's heart dropped. She knew that was a lie. Hojo had messaged her on the seventh to say Kagome had shown up at his door. That had been the last thing she'd heard from him. Something just wasn't sitting right.
"I know for a fact that she saw Hojo on the seventh. He texted me because she showed up at his door drunk. He said he was afraid that she was going to do something."
"Well, that really doesn't surprise me. She's never treated Akitoki right."
"But why would she lie? You don't think she did do something, do you?"
"Well, nobody's seen him in a while, and she lied to me. It certainly makes me worry."
"I could try talking to her. She's an old friend of mine. Maybe I can get her side of the story." Eri wondered.
"I don't think that's a good idea. It might tip her off if she's hiding anything. Why don't you contact the police. I want to check a few other places just to make sure he didn't just decided to get away for a while."
Absolutely. I'm at work right now, but I can head over and make a report on my lunch break. Please keep me posted. I'm really worried about him." Eri said.
"Eri, you're a good friend. Akitoki is lucky to have you watching out for him. I promise to let you know if I find anything. Goodbye."
The hollow silence of the empty stairwell did nothing to calm Eri's worries. What if something had happened to him? Was Kagome really capable of something so terrible? Eri certainally hoped not, for Hojo's sake.
Still, she couldn't help wanting to reach out to Kagome, to rattle her cage and let her know that she wouldn't get away with what she'd done. Eri opened a new chat box and typed furiously as she headed out of the stairwell and back to her desk.
0000
Kagura!" Naraku bellowed.
The wind sorceress shot a defiant glare at her master. "What do you want, my lord."
"That twit of a human, Eri believes that Kagome has done something unspeakable to the human 'Hojo'. "
"And what exactly was the point of that?"
"It means my plan to ruin Kagome is in motion. Soon the ningen police force will be investigating the disappearance of 'Hojo Akitoki', and Kagome has been set up as their prime suspect. Are the security tapes I requested ready?"
"They are."
"Good. Make sure they're secure. I wouldn't want anything to happen to them before they can be turned over to the proper authorities."
"Of course my lord." Kagura bowed. "May I ask how you made it look as if that Kagome girl showed up here?"
Naraku smiled wickedly. Kagura watched in horror as his face slowly began to twist and rearrange into that of a young woman. "Because she was." He answered matter of factly, flipping his long ebony hair over his shoulder.
0000
Kagome's phone dinged, annoyingly. Inuyasha grabbed it off of the table and opened it up.
"Who was that?" Kagome asked, snuggling herself against Inuyasha's bare chest.
"Someone named Eri." He answered. "Who is she?"
"An old school friend. Why? What did she say?" Kagome asked, her interest piqued slightly.
"She says 'have you seen Hojo recently?' Why would she ask you that?"
"I don't know." She said, picking her phone off of the bed.
Me: Hi Eri! No, I haven't seen him. Nor do I want to.
Eri: Are you sure?
Me: Absolutely.
Eri: You know, I was going to give you the benefit of the doubt, but since you're going to play dumb I'm done being nice. You are such a two faced bitch.
Me: I think that you texted that last one to me on accident. Lol.
Eri: No accident. I know you lied to Akito about seeing Hojo the other day.
Me: Eri, what are you talking about? I haven't seen or heard from Hojo in a long time. I have no idea who Akito even is.
Eri: My god! You are such a liar! It's like you can't help yourself. If I see you again, I swear I'll make you pay. I hope you and your man whore rot in hell.
"Stupid bitch. She better hope I never run into her. Nobody talks to my wife like that." Inuyasha growled protectively. "And who is she calling 'man whore'?"
"Just stop reading my texts over my shoulder, and calm down. I still don't think she realizes who she's talking to. Besides, I have better things to do than get sucked into petty dramatics. We only have so long before the baby wakes up. Let's not waste it." Kagome said, nuzzling her nose against the hollow of Inuyasha's neck. Her hand brazenly slid below the covers to grasp his manhood.
"What did you have in mind?" Inuyasha asked, pushing his hardening cock into her hand.
"Why don't you let me show you." Kagome giggled, sliding her entire body below the covers.
00
Eri nervously approached the front desk at the police department. She'd never been here before, but she already knew that she never wanted to come back. The place was full of people, officers and delinquents alike.
The old balding officer behind the front desk looked up at her lazily. "Can I help you Miss?"
Eri nodded and stepped forward, clutching her bag tightly in her hands.
"Yeah, I'd like to report a missing person."
"How long have they been missing?" The officer asked, pulling a few papers out of a stack. He placed them on a clipboard and handed it to her along with a pen.
"At least three days." She said, studying the form.
"Just fill out that form, and an officer will get back to you as soon as one is available."
0000
The airport was one of Inuyasha's least favorite places to visit by far. It was crowded, noisy, and the air was filled with the heavy scents of perfume, cigarettes and bleach. If it had been anyone besides Asami he wouldn't even have bothered, but he had grown very fond of Kagome's mother.
The adult hanyo wished he could be as comfortable as his pup, who was happily nursing at Kagome's breast, covered by a blanket. Inuyasha adjusted the sunglasses on his face for the hundredth time and hoped that the drastic change of his appearance would prevent anyone from looking too closely.
"Would you relax? You're making me nervous." Kagome chided gently.
"Sorry." He grumbled. Kagome leaned over, kissing his cheek lovingly. She knew crowded places made him uncomfortable, which made his offer to help pick her mother and brother up from the airport all the more meaningful. "How's the pup?" He asked, lifting the blanket to take a peek.
Aiko was curled up against Kagome's rib cage, suckling sleepily. Her eyes were barely open, milk dripping from her chin. "Good pup. Nothing like a full belly and a nap." Inuyasha chuckled, gently caressing her cheek with the back of his hand. "Your mom and Sota should be here any minute." He added, checking his watch absently.
"Is it weird that I feel nervous?" Kagome asked, readjusting the blanket.
"A little. Why?"
"I just feel bad dropping a bomb like this on my mom out of the blue. What if she gets upset with me for not telling her about the baby sooner? She's going to wonder how I kept a pregnancy from her for nine months. " Kagome admitted. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"You're overthinking things. She was ecstatic when you told her about our mating, adding a grandchild into the mix so soon might be unexpected, but I doubt she's going to care much about the details."
"Inuyasha, you and I didn't even know each other nine months ago. Even my mom knows that. She was there when we met for god's sake." Kagome answered dryly.
"Keh, so we 'admit' that we 'lied' about how long we've known each other. That's believable enough, isn't it?"
Kagome nodded her head, agreeing reluctantly. "I suppose so. I just hate that we have to keep the truth from her."
"Just take a breath. It'll be fine. The fewer the people that know, the safer Aiko will be." Inuyasha reminded.
Kagome sighed heavily, watching as the infant suckling at her breast- her daughter- faught sleep in order to continue her meal. Aiko was so small and innocent, and she'd been through so much already in her short life. She deserved to grow up safe and loved. "You're right." She said softly.
"I know." Inuyasha said, planting a sweet kiss on Kagome's temple. A few passerby scoffed at the public show of affection, but as far as he was concerned they could mind their own fucking business. His ears swiveled back a moment later, picking out the sound of Asami's voice amongst the surrounding chatter. "They're here," he added, getting to his feet.
Kagome quickly moved Aiko to her shoulder, adjusted her clothing, and made sure everything was well hidden under the blanket before she stood up to greet her mother and brother. A moment later they rounded the corner with their luggage in tow. Sota was dragging his feet as Asami urged him to pick up the pace.
"Kagome! Inuyasha! I'm so glad to see you!" She said, pulling Inuyasha into a warm hug.
"It's good to see you too Asami." Inuyasha echoed. "How was your trip?"
"It was nice being able to visit my sister and her family. And mother is as lively as ever. " Asami answered thoughtfully as she pulled out of his embrace and reached for Kagome. "Kagome are you alright?" She asked, studying her daughter, who curiously was keeping her distance.
Kagome felt her cheeks warm. "I'm fine Mama, really."
Inuyasha couldn't help the knowing grin that crept across his face. Sota rolled his eyes uninterestedly and started fiddling with his phone.
"Are you cold then?"
"No, I'm a little warm actually." Kagome admitted.
"Then why don't you take the blanket off. That'd solve your problem." Sota snorted.
"Here, I'll take the blanket for you." Asami said, removing the corner of the blanket from Kagome's shoulder. She gasped in surprise at the small baby resting sleepily against her daughter's shoulder.
"K-Kagome?" Asami stammered, here eyes wide in disbelief. The younger woman smiled, bouncing gently from foot to foot. Asami's mouth hung open in shock as she took a second look. "No! Y-You're messing with me." She stammered. But the longer she looked at the baby in her daughter's arms- the silver hair and furry puppy ears atop her tiny head, the harder it was to deny.
"Would you like to hold her?" Kagome asked gently. Asami sucked in a soft breath as Kagome carefully handed her the tiny baby. She was dressed in the sweetest pink and white dress and matching headband.
"Asami, this is Aiko, your granddaughter." Inuyasha said, sounding every bit the proud papa.
"What do you think?" Kagome asked.
"She's beautiful!" Asami's voice hitched in her throat, her eyes welling with tears of joy.
"Wait, what?!" Sota gawked. "How did you? Wh-when did you?" He stuttered.
"She looks just like you. Inu, she has your ears!" Asami said, trying her hardest to contain her excitement. Carefully, so as not to jostle the baby too much, she rubbed Aiko's little ear with the greatest look of satisfaction. "You are just the sweetest little thing." She cooed.
"Get out of the way lady! I have another flight to catch!" Someone hollered impatiently.
"We should probably move. I think we're blocking traffic." Inuyasha suggested, doing his best to ignore the dirty looks given by passerby.
"Oh! Look at that, so we are." Asami laughed, handing Aiko back to Kagome. Sota edged closer to his sister to get a better look at his new niece.
"She's cute." He said with an approving nod. "How old is she?"
"About a week and a half." She answered.
"Why didn't you say anything sooner?" Mama wondered.
"I wasn't sure how you would take it. Plus, we figured you would prefer getting the news in person."
As the four of them made their way toward the exit, Asami linked arms with Inuyasha. "You have a lot of explaining to do my dear." She said as sweetly as could be. Inuyasha chuckled nervously. Why did he feel like he was in trouble?
00
Inuyasha slowly pulled the car up the driveway behind the Higurashi home and came to a stop. He quickly hopped out and opened the door for Kagome, who offered him a greatful smile as she handed him the diaper bag. Asami had already removed Aiko's carrier from the car and was heading for the house.
There was a small commotion as they neared the front door. "... Higurashi sama, I'm telling you, Inuyasha invited us here." Miroku tried to explain, but the old man wasn't hearing it.
"I wasn't aware of it." Grandpa grumped.
"We brought lunch for everyone." Sango said, trying to smooth things over.
"What's going on?" Asami asked.
Miroku turned around, a look of exasperation on his face and his arms full of food.
"They tell me that Inuyasha invited them here, but this is the first time I'm hearing about it." Grandpa explained.
"He's in the habit of doing that." Kagome laughed, remembering the night not to long ago when they'd unexpectedly shown up at Sesshomaru's door.
"Sheesh, it was supposed to be a surprise." Inuyasha grumbled.
"Hello Mama san!" Sango greeted cheerfully.
"Hello Sango, dear." Asami answered, pulling Sango into a one armed hug. "Jii chan, Would you kindly move so I can get through the door? My arm is about to give out." She said matter of factly.
"Of course." He answered absently, stepping to the side.
"Come on in everyone, and have a seat. Kagome and Inuyasha have something they'd like to tell you." Asami said, sounding rather amused at the moment.
"Whose baby is that?" Sango asked as she followed Kagome through the door. Asami had set the carrier on the floor in the sitting room, and was now blissfully cuddling Aiko against her shoulder. She turned her head, burying her nose in the baby's hair.
"There's nothing like the smell of a baby." She sighed wistfully.
Miroku peeked over Inuyasha's shoulder at the baby in Asami's arms. He grinned, and patted his friend's back. "Well well well." He tsked. "It looks like someone has been pretty busy. And you Kagome, shame on you for not being more forthcoming." He added. Kagome blushed, rolling her eyes at Miroku's antics as she took a seat next to her mother. "I seem to remember asking you a while back what your intentions with Kagome were. Looks like you were a little more serious back then than you let on my friend."
"And I remember telling you that it was none of your damn business." Inuyasha growled warningly.
"Fair enough. Fair enough."
"What are you talking about? I'm still confused." Sango said. "Whoes baby is that?"
"Sango my love, haven't you noticed the baby's hair? Or ears perhaps?" Miroku said, offering a small hint. Sango took a second look, more carefully this time. After a moment or two her eyes grew wide with realization, and she turned to Kagome.
"She's yours?" Sango gawked. Kagome nodded. "But, you never looked pregnant!"
"I didn't, did I." Kagome agreed, blushing nervously.
"What about your relationship with Inuyasha? Obviously that baby is evidence that you knew each other a lot longer than you led us to believe." Sango pointed out, her temper rising as quickly as her tone.
"She's right dear. Why didn't you tell me that first night I invited Inuyasha to dinner?" Asami asked.
"I, well..." Kagome stammered, unsure of how to answer.
"I asked her not to." Inuyasha said, stepping in.
"But why?" Sango asked.
"My brother and I were in the middle of negotiating the requisition of a smaller company when Kagome and I first met. I asked her to keep it secret until everything was settled down." he explained. Kagome smiled, glad her mate was so quick to think up a reasonable lie.
"Alright, fine. You fooled us. But how in the world did you hide the fact that you've been pregnant this entire time?" Sango demanded. Kagome could see it in Sango's eyes, she felt betrayed.
"I wasn't hiding it from you. I didn't even know that I was pregnant. I never gained so much as a pound." Kagome said, taking her cue that is was her turn to think on her feet. "I was in complete disbelief until Inuyasha handed her to me. I mean, how do you prepare for a baby you didn't know you were expecting?" At least that last part had been true, She really hadn't been expecting Aiko.
"And how do you expect me to believe that Inuyasha didn't pick up on it from the beginning. Don't pregnant women give off hormones or something? Wouldn't her scent have changed?" Miroku wondered.
"My nose is good, but that doesn't mean I always know what I'm smelling. She smelled more like me, but I just figured it was because we started seeing each other more often."
Kagome sat in her seat silently, doing her best to hold back her tears. It hurt that her best friend was so angry with her. "Sango, I..." Kagome tried to explain.
"Kagome, just don't. " Sango cut her off as she turned away.
Aiko let out a cry and squirmed in Asami's arms. "She needs changing." Inuyasha said, wrinkling his nose.
"I'll take her." Kagome offered, scooping Aiko up. She cuddled the fussy baby against herself, glad for the distraction. Grabbing the diaper bag from Inuyasha, she left the room.
"What does it matter that they kept us in the dark for a little while?" Kagome heard her mother say as she headed up the stairs to her old bedroom. "All that matters is..." the rest of it was cut off as she shut the door behind her.
Suddenly, it was like the flood gates opened. Aiko's wails intensified as Kagome's unshed tears fell unbidden down her face. She put a changing pad on the bed and set the baby down.
"It's alright. Shhhh. Everything's alright." Kagome said, although, she wasn't sure if she was talking to herself or the baby at this point. "Mama's got you." She busied herself with the task at hand. The mess had escaped the diaper, and smeared all up Aiko's back. "Oh, baby. What a mess."
She heard the door open and close behind her as she removed Aiko's clothing, careful not to smear anything, and began wiping the baby down.
"Kagome?" Inuyasha asked softly. Finally, she looked up at him with her tear streaked face. Without hesitation he pulled her to his chest and held her.
"Did you see the way Sango looked at me? She hates me now." Kagome wailed.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Sango doesn't hate you." He said.
"She and I have been best friends since grade school. I've never kept secrets from her, and now I've betrayed her trust. How can she not hate me?"
Inuyasha thought for a moment. He would never understand how women could create so much drama out of nothing.
"She'll come around. Just give her time." He offered comfortingly. Kagome sniffled. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, smearing her maskara. "Now would you stop crying? You look like you've got two black eyes." He teased.
Kagome looked at the black smear on the back of her hand and giggled. She could only imagine how her face looked.
"I think I'll go to the bathroom and clean myself up." She sniffled, grabbing Aiko's dirty diaper to be rinsed.
"Alright. We'll be here."
Aiko laid quietly on the bed, wearing nothing but her skin. She was much happier now that she was clean and dry. Inuyasha quickly set to work rediapering the naked pup. His long silver hair created a curtain around them as he hovered over her.
"Hey there pup." He greeted, nuzzling his nose with Aiko's. She tilted her chin upward, taking the tip of his nose into her tiny mouth to suckle. Her breath was sweet with the scent of milk. He pulled his face back, earning a soft whine at the sudden loss of her 'nipple', but it was quickly replaced with his finger and his offense was forgotten.
"Hungry again, huh?" He teased softly, rubbing her soft belly. Aiko bit down on his finger, hard. She might not yet have teeth, but she did have quite a strong bite. It wasn't much to his finger, but to something as sensitive as a nipple she could really do some damage. "You better not bite your mother." He scolded softly, earning a tiny smile in return. "You think that's funny huh?" He asked, adding a soft playful growl.
Aiko tilted her head at the sound, her tiny ears swiveling in recognition. She stared up at him, studying his face, then answered with her own tiny growl and a swat of her hand, a clear challenge to his authority.
He growled again, lower and deeper than before. The pup whined, flattened her hears to her head, and averted her gaze in submission. "That's right. Papa ain't going to put up with that. I'm the boss around here." He growled again to show he meant it.
Aiko whimpered, groveling profusely, proving to Inuyasha that she might only be a few weeks old, but her instinct for the inu 'language' was well developed. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, and rubbed her tiny ears as a sign of forgiveness. "Little stinker." He sighed. The scent of their lunch drifted to his nose from downstairs, making his stomach rumble expectantly.
As if right on cue, Kagome returned from the bathroom looking fresh faced once more. "I feel much better now." She hummed, dropping the diaper into a wet bag to be washed later. Inuyasha stood up from the bed, cradling the baby in the crook his arm. "How is my little cutie pie doing?" She asked, tickling Aiko's little foot. "Were you good for Papa?"
"Keh, little stinker growled at me." Inuyasha said. "Challenging my authority."
"But she's such a teeny baby, how did she know what she was doing?" Kagome asked.
"Pups are born with instincts Kagome. She knew exactly what she was doing, and she knew exactly how to submit when I put her in her place."
"Alright, I believe you. Human babies aren't capable of such things at this age. By the time they're old enough to start questioning authority, they're old enough for a good spanking."
"Believe me, I won't have any issue putting her over my knee when she's older. I have a funny feeling it'll be needed every now and again. She's far too small for physical punishments now though. A good warning growl does the trick just fine."
"You might be surprised how quickly sweet little babies become defiant toddlers. It happens faster than you might think." Kagome said, remembering well how defiant her younger brother had been as a toddler.
"We still have two years. We'll handle it when we get there. Now can we go eat lunch? My stomach is growling I'm so hungry." Aiko fussed loudly and began smacking her lips. "See, even the pup is hungry."
"Alright, let's go eat then." Kagome agreed.
00
Only after Kagome had run out of the room with tears in her eyes did Sango feel the full gravity of what she'd done. Inuyasha hadn't said a word, but his expression had spoken volumes. He shot her a cutting glare before following Kagome upstairs.
"What does it matter that they kept us in the dark for a little while?" Asami said, addressing everyone still in the room. "All that matters is that Kagome is happy, and both she and the baby are healthy."
"I completely agree." Grandpa seconded. Sango crossed her arms over her chest and shifted in her seat.
Miroku shot her a disapproving look, then indicated to the door and stood up. Sango rolled her eyes, but followed close behind.
"Sango, what is wrong with you?" Miroku accused as they crossed the hall into the kitchen.
Sango glared up at him. "Oh, so I'm the only one upset about all the lying and sneaking around Kagome's done in the last nine months?" She spat.
Honestly, Sango, you were way out of line. Think of how Kagome feels. She's probably still shaken up over being attacked by that youkai, plus that whole mess with Hojo. She and Inuyasha are newly mated, everything was already in upheaval for her and then she gives birth to a baby she didn't even know she was pregnant with. The poor girl is probably a hormonal wreck right now. She just shared something with you that should be the happiest moment of her life, and you rejected her because you felt wronged. I'm ashamed, really."
Sango stopped for a moment to let Miroku's words sink in. Her heart sank like stone to the pit of her stomach. She couldn't imagine being where Kagome was right now, scrambling to suddenly accomodate an unexpected child.
"Well, I feel like a complete ass." She groaned, sinking into one of the kitchen chairs.
"As well you should."
"I owe Kagome a huge apology." She moaned.
"Probably more than an apology." Miroku agreed.
"How do I fix this?"
Miroku sat there for a moment thinking, then smiled brightly. "We still don't have a flower girl for the wedding." He pointed out.
"Miroku, the wedding is only in a few months. The baby won't be big enough to walk down the isle carrying a basket of flowers." Sango said, sounding slightly annoyed.
"Hey, I just thought that we could solve two problems with one go. We need a flower girl, and Kagome needs to know that you support her new role as a mother."
Sango leaned over the table and planted a chaste kiss on Miroku's jaw. "You're absolutely right. "
Miroku's deep violet eyes lit up brightly at the compliment.
"Perhaps you could show me how much you appreciate me?" He offered, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. Sango did her best not to laugh at Miroku's antics.
"Maybe."
Miroku stood from his chair and headed back to join everyone in the sitting room once again. He turned when he realized that Sango wasn't following him. "Are you coming?"
"I think I'll wait for Kagome, actually." She answered.
00
Kagome followed Inuyasha back down to the sitting room to join everyone else once more. She was about to walk through the door when she heard someone behind her clear their throat loudly.
She turned, coming face to face with Sango, who stood in the kitchen door. "Do you think we could talk for a bit?" She asked, her voice rueful.
Inuyasha turned and growled. Kagome looked at him and nodded her head. "You go eat. I'll be fine." She said, joining Sango in the kitchen.
The two women sat down at the table together. They were silent for a moment, until Aiko began to fuss, rooting around for her next meal.
"Do you mind if I...? " Kagome asked tentatively.
"Not at all." Sango answered. She watched as Kagome pulled up a small slit in her shirt, offering her breast to the squalling babe in her arms. Without hesitation, the infant latched on and began to suckle, gulping loudly. Kagome smiled, patting the baby's bottom encouragingly.
Honestly, it one of the sweetest things Sango had ever seen. Mother and child bonding in one of the most innocent of acts. Aiko was so small, but she was striking with her silver hair and puppy ears. She was adorable.
"Kagome, I am so sorry." Sango finally said, breaking the silence.
"It's alright Sango, I understand. You didn't deserve to be lied to." Kagome chimed in.
"No, it's not alright. Your relationship with Inuyasha is none of my business, and I had no right to feel entitled to it like that."
"Sango, I... don't know what to say." Kagome said, tears welling up in her eyes once more.
"Say you'll forgive me." Sango offered. Kagome smiled.
"Of course I forgive you."
"She's beautiful." Sango said, looking in amazement at Kagome's daughter. "Looks like she takes after Inuyasha."
"And I love it." Kagome admitted happily.
"I wanted to ask you something. You don't have to say yes right away." Sango blurted out.
"Okay."
"Miroku and I were talking, and he pointed out the fact that the wedding is coming up fast, and we don't have a flower girl. I would love it if Aiko could fill that roll."
"Sango, she won't be walking by the wedding." Kagome pointed out.
"You or Inuyasha could carry her down the aisle." Sango offered. "You are like a sister to me. I would love nothing more than to include my beautiful new niece in my wedding."
"Alright, I don't see why not." Kagome agreed, smiling brightly.
"Thank you Kagome!" Sango squealed excitedly, pulling Kagome into a loose hug, so as not to interrupt Aiko's meal.
00
"Well, that was delicious. Thank you Inuyasha." Asami said, smiling contentedly as she set her plate in her lap.
"It was my pleasure." Inuyasha said with a nod. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, and pulled it out. "Excuse me for just a minute." He said, quikcly ducking out of the room.
New Message*
Kikue: I've been doing some digging to find out more about Aiko's case, and I found something that you're going to want to see.
Me: Sure. What time?
Kikue: Would it be alright if I swung by around six?
Me: That'll work. See you then.
He wondered what Kikue could have found that might be so important. Inuyasha's brow furrowed as he considered all of the possibilities, none of them were encouraging.
"Inu... Is everything alright?" Kagome asked as she stepped out of the kitchen, followed closely by Sango. He turned quickly, stuffing his phone back into his pocket.
"Yeah, everything is fine. It was just Kikue." He explained.
"How is she doing?" Kagome asked, adjusting a very squirmy Aiko in her arms.
"She's fine. She asked if she could stop by this evening. She has something important she wants to discuss with me." He explained. "Here, let me take the pup. You go eat." He added, lifting Aiko up, securely tucking her against his shoulder.
The baby cooed in recognition of her father, sweetly resting her head in the crook of Inuyasha's neck, giving a large yawn.
"Let's go have a nap." He said, heading back up the stairs to Kagome's old room. He knew from experience that it was was the perfect place for some peace and quiet.
00
The Higurashi house was much quieter than it had been earlier that day. Sango and Miroku had already left, Grandpa had decided to take a nap, and Sota had disappeared into his room to text with his friends.
Kagome lounged on the couch with Inuyasha on the floor, leaning against her legs. His head was tilted back so she could easily rub his ears. She smiled as she watched her mother rock Aiko, cooing softly.
Mama seemed to be relishing her new role as grandmother. Kagome had the funniest feeling that she would be spoiling Aiko every opportunity she got.
"Oh, did I tell you that your Aunt Suki had another set of twins? Boys they named Logan and Carson."
"That's exciting. What do the others think?" Kagome said, looked over at her mother.
"Well, Carrie and Kari weren't too happy about not being the only twins in the family, but they got over it. I think for the older ones it's routine at this point."
"Other ones? How many kids does your Aunt have?" Inuyasha asked.
"Let's see... There's Davin, Henry, Collin, Laurel, Johnny, Susan, Karri and Connie, Andrew, and Emma. Now Logan and Carson, so... twelve I guess."
"Holy shi-!"
"Watch you mouth." Asami scolded.
"Sorry." Inuyasha apologized. "Why in the world would someone want that many kids?"
"Aunt Suki and Uncle Jack are Catholic." Kagome explained. Inuyasha still looked completely baffled.
"It's just what they do dear." Asami said, doing her best to end the matter.
"Hey! Guys, you have to turn the tv on!" Sota exclaimed as he came rushing through the door. He quickly grabbed the remote from the stand and flicked the screen on. A young woman in a soft pink dress and a large bow in her hair stared at them through the screen.
" ...The man voted Tokyo Buzz's Sexiest Millionair Bachelor, Inuyasha Taishio is now the proud father of a baby girl. No news on who the mother is, but one of our correspondents caught the two of them and their little one lounging at the airport earlier today."
The screen switched to footage of Kagome and Inuyasha, sitting at the airport earlier that day. They watched as Inuyasha leaned over and kissed the top of Aiko's head, then Kagome's cheek.
"And how could we not notice that our handsom hunk's hair has suddenly turned that lovely shade of silver the men in his family have been famous for! Looks like his daughter takes after his side of the family. We still have no word on the name of Inuyasha's lady love, but whomever she is, she is one lucky lady! Let's watch that footage one more time, shall we?"
"Are you kidding me? What the hell?" Inuyasha fumed, jumping up, fists clenched at his sides.
Kagome felt her heart sink as she watched the footage of them together, completely unaware of the fact that they were being filmed. Suddenly, everything was crashing down around her, and she began to feel like she was running out of air.
All of the memories of Hojo taunting her with those photos and threatening messages, and the fear and anxiety they invoked in her surfaced, bringing hot burning tears along with them.
"Kagome!" Asami yelped, jumping from her chair. Aiko began to cry, sensing her grandmother's upset.
Inuyasha turned around to find his mate hyperventilating on the couch, tears streaming down her cheeks. He sat down next to her.
"Look at me Kagome." He said. Kagome shook her head, and continued staring at the ground. Inuyasha growled in frustration, hooking his finger under her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye.
What he saw in those warm pools of chocolate broke his heart. She looked terrified, and broken. " Just take deep breaths Kagome" he instructed gently.
"Kagome, are you alright dear?" Mama asked, watching her daughter, powerless to do anything to help.
"He can't hurt you, not while I'm here." Inuyasha said. He leaned his forehead against Kagome's. He felt her take a shaky deep breath, then another. "Good girl. Just keep breathing." He coached.
Kagome forced herself to take several more deep breathes. Eventually her sense of dread lessened, and she was able to force it away.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset anyone." She apologized.
"You have nothing to apologize for dear." Her mother gently corrected, bouncing gently in an attempt to calm Aiko's wails. "I'm just glad you're alright."
"Thanks Mama."
Inuyasha stood up from the couch. "Here, I'll take her." He offered, reaching to take the baby from Asami.
"It's probably time we went home. You're probably exhausted from your trip." Kagome said, getting to her feet.
"I am feeling a bit drained." Asami agreed, covering a large yawn with her hand. "I am glad I got to spend time with you though. Thank you again for picking us up, and providing lunch."
"We were glad to help." Kagome said as she picked up Aiko's diaper bag from beside the couch.
Inuyasha knelt down and strapped Aiko scurely into her carrier.
"Well, it still meant a lot to me." Asami admitted, pulling Kagome into a warm hug. "Do you want the leftover food?"
"You keep it." Inuyasha shrugged.
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. You enjoy it."
"Sweet!" Sota enthused, punching the air excitedly.
"Can I help you get your things to the car then?" Asami offered.
"I think we can handle it." Kagome said, following Inuyasha to the front door.
"Alright. You three be careful then. I love you."
"Love you to Mama. We'll see you soon." Kagome called over her shoulder as they made their way to the car.
0000
Kagome had just gotten Aiko out of the bath when there was a knock at the door.
"That's got to be Kikue." Inuyasha said as he got up to answer it.
A small red streak whizzed passed Inuyasha's feet as the door swung open.
"Shippo, walk!— Hi Inuyasha, sorry that I'm late. Michio had to stay late at the office, so I had to pick Shippo up from the daycare." Kikue explained breathlessly.
"That's fine I guess." Inuyasha shrugged, "Come on in."
"Shippo, take your shoes off, and say hello to Inuyasha." Kikue said, grabbing her son by the arm as he ran by again. Shippo was a small boy about the age of three with a mop of unruly red hair and large green eyes that sparkled mirthfully.
"Okay Mama. Hello Inuyasha sama." The little kit said, offering a polite bow. He held a small package wrapped in pink paper between his little hands.
Inuyasha squatted down to Shippo's level and smiled. "Hiya squirt. Is that gift for me?" He teased.
"No! It's for the baby!" Shippo giggled.
"Ohhhhh, I see." Inuyasha nodded, getting back to his feet. "Well, she's just gotten done with her bath, and her Mama is getting her dressed. Would you like to watch some television while you wait?"
"Yeah! Is that okay Mama?" Shippo asked, giving his mother a large cheesy smile.
Kikue rolled her eyes. "Yes, that's fine. We have some important grown up things to talk about, so I need you to be nice and quiet." She instructed.
"I will Mama." Shippo said, settling himself down on the couch.
Inuyasha flipped the television on to some cartoons, earning a cheer from the boy as he settled in.
"We can sit in here." Inuyasha said, leading Kikue to the kitchen island. Kikue set her breifcase down and pulled out a beige file folder at least an inch thick.
A moment later, Kagome came down the stairs with Aiko wrapped securely in a blanket. She set the baby down in her swing, and joined Kikue and Inuyasha in the kitchen.
"How are you settling in?" Kikue asked, offering Kagome a hug.
"Pretty well I think. We had a few rough nights in the beginning, but not much anymore. " Kagome said as they all took a seat.
"Is she nursing well?"
"Oh yeah. She eats every three or four hours."
"That's good." Kikue nodded. "Well, I've been doing some more digging, off the record of course, into Aiko's files." She said, pulling some papers from the folder. "I looked into Aiko's foster parents, naturally, since she was with them before she disappeared."
"What did you find?" Inuyasha asked, leaning in.
"Not much unfortunately. All of our reports indicate that they were exemplary foster parents. Both hanyo themselves, so they knew their stuff. They never had any complaints filed against them, and several of the children they fostered have done very well for themselves. By all accounts they were good people."
"Do you suspect someone might have paid them off?" Kagome asked.
"It's possible." Kikue admitted. "I sincerely doubt it though. I contacted them, and they seemed genuinely grief stricken over her death. I looked into which hospital they took her to when she fell sick, but all of their paperwork was in order. According to their files, Aiko was doing fine, until she just stopped breathing due to unforeseen complications. She was transferred to the hospital coroner where they performed an autopsy, which confirmed her cause of death, and she was supposedly cremated the next morning."
"But we know that wasn't what happened." Kagome pointed out.
"Yes. And actually, I think I've stumbled onto something bigger. In the last few weeks, Inegawa Research Hospital has seen at least four more deaths of yokai children in the foster system. All of them fell ill within days of one another, all died of unforeseen complications, and all of them were cremated within a day of their death." Kikue leaned back in her chair to let the information sink in.
"My god." Kagome whispered, brushing her bangs out of her face. She looked over at Aiko still laying contentedly in her swing. What would have been her fate had Inuyasha not stumbled upon her at the children's home?
"That's messed up." Inuyasha growled, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yeah. Still, the deaths were random enough that it wasn't flagged by the hospital. None of the children shared the same doctor, so there doesn't' appear to be any connection other than they were all in foster care at the time of their deaths."
"Children nobody would miss." Inuyasha said somberly.
"But that isn't all I found." Kikue added, handing Kagome a black and white photograph still taken from a security camera. Inuyasha leaned over to take a look.
"Is this some sort of joke?" He accused.
"No, it's not a joke. I assure you. That is a still photo taken from a convenience store security camera the night Aiko's mother and father were gunned down." Kikue explained.
"But, that looks like us." Kagome said, leaning in to study the faces in the photograph more closely. The man in the photo had long silver hair, and a striking resemblance to Inuyasha. Upon closer inspection though, there were slight differences that made it easier for her to tell them apart. The man in the photo had a more angular jaw than Inuyasha, and a small mole just to the left of his nose; the biggest difference being their ears, of course. However, the family resemblance was undeniable.
It was the woman in the photograph that made Kagome question it's authenticity. It looked so much like herself, the other woman could have been her twin sister. "Are these Aiko's parents?" She asked.
"Yes. That is the last picture taken of Isas and Kikyo Fujitsu before they died."
Inuyasha gave Kagome a knowing glance. Neither of them were willing to push this off as coincidence. With everything that had happened to them recently, how could it be?
"Have the police found out who killed them?" Kagome asked, sliding the picture back across the table.
"According to the report, no. They couldn't identify their suspect, or even find the gun used in the shooting. Neither Isas or Kikyo had any ties to any criminal activity, and by all accounts had a relatively quiet existence." Kikue explained, though she sounded skeptical.
"You don't sound convinced that their death was an accident." Inuyasha said matter of factly. Kikue shrugged.
"I can't say either way really. It just seems a bit odd. You told me about Kagome's ex, and how she was targeted by a yokai. I almost wonder if their deaths were a case of mistaken identity. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought the couple in the photograph were the two of you." She said.
"I think you're right. It's a little too convenient to be coincidence." Inuyasha agreed.
Kagome gasped sharply as something occurred to her. "Inuyasha, the news report we saw earlier today. If Aiko's parents were targeted because someone thought they were us, then whoever did it will realize their mistake! They might come after us."
"Wait, what?" Kikue asked. "Why were you in the news?"
"My brother's doing. He's punishing me for all of the bad press shutting Sakura Children's Home caused." Inuyasha spat in irritation.
"Buy why would he do that? Doesn't he know what kind of danger that would put Kagome in, let alone Aiko?" Kikue said, sounding completely aghast.
"No, I hadn't told him. I don't think he realized how much attention the leak would generate though." Inuyasha grumbled. "He probably just figured it would upset a few fan girls, then blow over."
"That's petty, coming from someone as high ranking as him." Kikue snorted.
"Well, Sesshomaru always did enjoy making my life harder. I am just his half breed brother." Inuyasha sneered.
Kagome looked up at Inuyasha, her heart aching with sadness for him. He sat, shoulders slumped forward slightly, a scowl marring his handsome face. Inuyasha was such a good person, what did it matter that his mother had been human? Did it really bother Sesshomaru so much that he would give Inuyasha trouble without cause?
The pensive silence was interrupted when Kagome felt a light tug on her sleeve. She looked down at Shippo and smiled.
"Hi there." She greeted cheerfully.
"I wanted to give this to the baby." He said, handing her the wrapped gift. Kagome took the package, patting Shippo on the head.
"Shippo, was it?" She asked, earning a nod from the little boy. "That was very sweet of you Shippo."
She carefully unwrapped the gift, exposing a stuffed pink puppy with a pink ribbon wrapped around its neck. "This is so cute! Thank you Shippo. " Kagome praised, leaning over to place the toy next to Aiko in the swing. The baby's small hands grasped the puppy by the ear, immediately pulling it into her mouth for investigation.
"See Shippo, she loves it." Kikue said. Shippo quickly ran to his mother's side, raising his arms to be lifted up. Kikue smiled and pulled her son into her lap. "I think it's getting late little man. Why don't you and I head home?"
"Awwe."Shippo pouted. "Do we have to?"
Kikue nodded her head. "We do." She said matter of factly.
"Okay." The kit conceded. "Can I have some pocky?" He asked with a hopeful smile.
Kikue chuckled as she grabbed the papers from the table, sliding them back into her briefcase. "I think you earned a few pieces of pocky. What do you say to Kagome and Inuyasha for letting you watch cartoons?" She asked, setting Shippo on his feet.
"Thank you!" Shippo said dutifully, bowing out of respect.
"You're welcome squirt." Inuyasha said with a smile.
"And thank you for Aiko's gift." Kagome added.
"Hey, thanks for keeping us updated. It means a lot." Inuyasha said as he led them to the door.
"Of course. That's what friends are for, right?" Kikue said with a smile. "I'll let you know if I find out anything new." She added as she and Shippo headed down the stairs for their car.
"Well, that was a lot to take in." Kagome said, brushing her bangs to one side. "Do you think there is any chance that whoever killed Isas and Kikyo will come after us?"
"Who knows for sure. I'll definitely be asking Sesshomaru to beef up security a bit. It can't hurt." Inuyasha decided.
Kagome nodded. "That makes me feel a little better." she said, lifting Aiko out of the swing. "Come on little one, I think it's time for you to go to bed."
0000
"My Lords and Ladies of the court, I would like to introduce myself." Naraku said, offering a respectful bow to the five youkai sitting before him.
"By all means. " Lord Daichio said, with a sweep of his hand.
"Of course. I am Onigumo, and this is my sister Kagura. We have traveled here from the continent seeking to become part of the yokai community here in this great city." He explained, offering a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"And what is your purpose for seeking an audience with us this evening?" Lady Saki questioned.
"We just wished to start off on the right foot. You see, we deal in yokai relics and rare antiques. We are hoping to expand our business here." Onigumo explained.
"Our father was originally from Tokyo, and he always spoke highly of the council." Kagura added.
"We thank you for being so forthcoming Onigumo san. Of course you are welcome here. Perhaps at some point we may be in need of your services." Lady Usagi added, licking her lips hungrily. It was apparent that she found Onigumo pleasing to the eye. Perhaps, she thought, he might be her next sexual conquest. "Perhaps it would be prudent to extend you an invitation to our next council gathering." She said, glancing at the other four elders.
Naraku, of course, hadn't missed the glint of attraction in the Harpy yokai's eyes. He could use that to his advantage.
"We would be honored. Thank you for your generosity. Before we take our leave, please, take our card. If there is anything you might wish to acquire, don't hesitate to give us a call." Naraku said silkenly, offering his business card to Lady Usagi with a wink.
"You are dismissed." Sesshomaru said. He was unamused by this silver tongued stranger. Onigumo seemed harmless enough, but appearances were hardly a reliable way of gauging someone's true intentions.
"Of course. Thank you again." Naraku bowed once more as he and Kagura took their leave.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Onigumo. I hope we will meet again in the near future." Lady Usagi added, smiling seductively.
Out on the street Naraku's smile changed to a sneer. "That went better than expected." He decided.
"What was the purpose of drawing attention to ourselves like that?" Kagura snarked.
"It really is none of your business, but since you asked I will tell you. Did you happen to notice that one of the elders was an inu?"
"The one with the silver hair?"
"Very good." Naraku praised sarcastically. "Yes. He, dear Kagura, is the Older brother of Inuyasha."
"So what?"
"You're as unperceptive as usual. I want you to become acquainted with him. Use him to glean any information about Inuyasha you can." Naraku instructed.
"And how exactly am I supposed to do that? He didn't seem very impressed by your charming personality." Kagura scoffed.
"I would suggest you turn on your womanly charms, dear sister. Sesshoumaru is a man after all, and men have certain needs. I dare say, you are quite the female specimen." Naraku hummed, running his hand over Kagura's curves.
The wind sorceress did her best not to gag. If she was to be pawned off as a whore, she would rather take her own life. Unfortunately, there was no point. If she even tried, Naraku would just bring her back.
"Come, there is work to be done." Naraku barked as he headed off into the crowd. Kagura scowled, a fire burning in her eyes as she followed her master.
Someday she thought, Someday I'll be rid of you.
