So as promised...I'm back after two weeks!

Loved the reviews! You cannot know how hard it was to not respond and submit this chapter early from some of the responses. Many of you are getting good at spotting my Easter eggs! I had to go back and reread my own story to make sure I didn't slip up and give any spoilers! So great job! Love our interactions very much!

NOTE: There is currently two tropical storms headed towards me so...I'm not sure if I will have power to deliver next week or afterwards. But just know I plan on updating on time...weather unfortunately is out of my control.

Chapter 25 has been brought to you by...

Thank you Chapter 24 Reviewers!

Madam Fluffy – She should no doubt…but….that does not make up for the past. And we will dive into more of Rin's abilities in the story. Shippo and Shiori are so cute too! I thought about putting their side story in this chapter but…that would have ruined the heaviness of this one. And right! Mess up everyone's pairing! Sounds like a good story tho! Hope to read you later!

Eimeren914 – Thanks for your review! Define powerful? Both are strong in their own way.

MissNikki537 – Thank you so much love! This next chapter is about to twist!

OrihimeKurosakiInoue – LoL! Thank you so much for your review! But we can't swallow Kaguya yet! She has something important to do! Maybe later. And all of the Sesshomaru fans have voiced similar expressions. It could go either way…you never know. We still have more work to do though. I really enjoyed reading your review. So funny!

Aimee Rose – Nerd on my love! Yassssssss! And I will add you to the list of those in Team Inu!

Emmydebby123 – Thank you for your review! This is a drama so there is going to be lots of internal dialogue in this story as well as dramatic scenes. I love novellas, day stories, etc. So, this is my version. This is just my choice of writing for this specific story as it is not an action/adventure fanfic as stated in the description.

As stated earlier, Rin and Sesshomaru have a previous bond together. That plays a part in their relationship which isn't a normal human one. They are demons and behave/think differently so keep that in mind when reading this story. Do not compare them to human standards of reactions, experiences, etc.

And there wouldn't be a story here if none of these lovely involvements existed. In this story, there are going to be jumps in time and scenes playing out dramatically while some will be only mentioned taking place. But I'm excited as well for Kikyo's matchmaking as well as everyone else's continued involvement in each other's lives. Hope you enjoy this next chapter! xoxoxo

Angeleyes20876 – Thank you! When I get a message that people reread my fanfics like it gives me such joy and I know I'm writing some good shit somewhere! And how right you are….this next chapter is going to go right up your alley!

And thank you for understanding that sentiment about grief! Grief is very powerful and can cause people to do rational/irrational things. And that grief comes from loss not necessarily at the death. You don't need to have someone die to experience grief. A profound loss of something can do that. *high fives you* You get it!

And we still don't know who he dreamt! I'm keeping that hush hush until later! Muahahahaha Loved your review! It was very insightful for me as well and even I had to go back to make sure things lined up. Hahaha. So thank you for that! Hope you enjoy love! I look forward to another review from you!

Youkai55 – Kikyo has a lot but will she be able to pull through? Thanks for your review! I loved it! Muah! xoxo

kagomeLove2 – Lmao! You might see her in a negative one after this chapter or not…lol The twist is real! Right! My godmother does it all the time. She love matches and sets "lunches" for me and her nieces. It's annoying but it's hilarious! I have stories for days!

Right! Kikyo better watch out about having so many hands in the kitchen. Someone will get burned! And omg…I got to watch you. Your guesses are too good! I hinted it as an Easter egg in three chapters but only you caught on! *Gold Star for You*

And I can't wait to write more for the side stories! Yasssss *starts typing furiously*

Nyghtelf – True, true. I like to write Kimi as someone who we question "How much of what she 'says' she knows is true?" Definitely an interesting curveball she presents as a character.

I can't wait to get into Kagome's side of things! Which will be coming up soon! Hope to hear from you! Much love!

NarukoSon – Thanks my love! Omg so many plot twists you presented! I would die as a reader if someone did that to me! Like I would write a blazing flame…like how dare you drag me through this relationship and not deliver the goods! LoL You sure you don't write fanfiction somewhere?

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Chapter 25: Roses

Kagome sat in a long white T-shirt on her shabby blue couch that late night drinking a hot cup of chamomile tea. She shifted in lotus style on the couch under the dim lighting of a single lamp in the living room looking between her laptop and her hand written notes with feigned interest. Her stomach was in knots all night and her mind couldn't find peace to drift into a deep slumber. She was so tired before she thought she couldn't get Rin and herself tucked into bed fast enough. She had been eager to finally get a restful night of sleep in her own bed, in her own place, with her young one tucked right underneath her side. But sleep just avoided her like a true champion of the game.

She kept rolling over telling herself that she had to get some sleep. She made plans with Miroku to finish the final details the next day in the morning regarding the restaurant and the fall menu production. Then there was the menu for restaurant week that needed to be sent as soon as possible to Sesshomaru. Afterwards, she planned to finally have a mother-daughter outing together with Rin. It was long overdue. She thought Rin would like to spend time in her favorite flower shop with Jinenji. She would let Rin bring her beloved cactus back to him for a little check-up. Then they would go to the park to play and enjoy at treat at Esmerelda's chocolate bar. Maybe she and Rin would deliver her proposed menu to Sesshomaru and he could probably join them.

It sounded heavenly to Kagome as she leaned her head back against the couch. She looked at the ceiling concentrating on the white crowned molding outlining the room and the old architecture that had been around for hundreds of years. She wondered what all did this place see during its time. What stories did it have to tell about those that lived within its walls or hung closely to its exterior? What stories would it say of her? It would probably think her boring. That's what most people thought of her.

Kagome looked at her cellphone at her side and picked it up for what felt like the hundredth time. Kagome had called her sister's cell but she didn't answer. She pulled up the last message she sent and reread it again. When was the last time she said she loved her sister? When was the last time Kikyo said it back? It weighed heavily on her heart to see those words sent to her. It felt so good to just read them and prayed they were genuine. They hadn't been on the best of terms since the first falling out they had back when their family was shattered to bits. This gave her some glimmer of hope that things could get better with time. Maybe she was right for doing what she did? Time and space is what everyone needed. Now, maybe Souta would come around soon. Maybe?

Does Souta even think about me?

Does he think about Rin?

What is he doing?

I hope he's happy. Wherever he is.

Kagome took a sip from her cup when her phone began to buzz in her hand making her swallow her tea harshly. She placed her cup down on the table and looked at name that came up on her screen. She frowned before swiping the phone to answer and held it up to her ear. "Inuyasha? What's wrong?" She asked unfolding her legs and frowning.

"It's your sister." He stated simply.

Kagome's mouth moved but no sound came out. "W-what?"

"Kikyo is here in the emergency room. Get your ass down here! They're asking for close of kin." He shouted over the phone.

She winced at his tone but soon her lips went into a firm line. She could feel her heart beat in her ears as the blood rushed. He spoke on the phone but his words barely registered in her mind. Her sister's name echoed in her ears as he said it to her. "K-Kikyo." She muttered standing slowly to her feet and holding the phone closely to her ear with both hands now holding on for dear life.

H-how?

When?

Why?'

"W-what? What happened!" She yelled over the phone as questions fought inside her head to be vocalized all at once. It wasn't possible. Kikyo was in Tokyo!

"Look I know Kikyo and she is here in the hospital. Hurry and come down here! She needs you." He yelled before he stopped all together as someone was speaking in the background.

She could hear the sound of a deep voice and a curse escaped from his lips. "Inuyasha!" She nearly yelled into the receiver before racing to her room and quickly looking for anything to put on.

"Fuck it! I'm coming to get you." He rushed as someone kept speaking in the background.

"Inu-" Kagome started but the sound of the dial tone caught the rest of his name. Everything seemed to spin out of control. Her heart was breaking into pieces yet again. How was this even possible? Kikyo was in Japan. If she was here, she would have seen her by now. Kikyo would have come to her. But what if this is Kikyo and she was hurt or ill? She couldn't take another death. And why now? Right when things seemed to be getting better too? Her heart couldn't take it. Not another one taken from her. Kikyo, Souta, and Rin were all she had left. Tears were already streaming down her face rapidly as she quickly found her old blue sundress and threw it on. Her family had suffered so much. Why! Why did pain have to always follow her?

Kagome sloppily wiped her face to stop the tears from falling before she rushed to grab a pair of pink leggings for Rin. She carefully pulled them onto Rin's legs careful not to jostle her in her rush to cloth her sleeping pup. She didn't bother to change her out of her purple nightgown. She found her a pair of tiny rainbow socks and pushed them onto Rin's little feet quickly with thoughts racing a mile a minute. Kagome picked Rin up into her arms taking the yellow cardigan with her as she went. Kagome could feel her feet pounding to the base of the rhythm beating in her chest. Panic, confusion, distress…all of it was overwhelming her at the moment. Rin stirred when Kagome laid her on the couch and put a light sweater on her body. Her feet slipped into a pair of black flats while her eyes scanned the living room for her things. Kagome grabbed her phone and keys quickly, tossing them all in a brown cross-body bag.

With speed she didn't know she had left in her, she picked her pup up into her arms and rushed out of her apartment. She would wait outside for loud steps echoed in the halls with every step she took down the black iron staircase. Rin's arms came up to grip her tightly and Kagome turned her head to kiss the crown of her head as she went. "It's gonna be ok. We're not going to lose Yo-yo." She muttered over and over like a mantra. She prayed Kami would hear her prayer and save this one.

But he had already taken three.

What's one more in his eyes?

Kikyo listened to the hum of machines and the constant notification of the stable heart beat she kept. The intravenous fluid bag slowly dripped into the tube running into her wrist keeping her hydrated. Various chords attached to her wrist and chest ran upwards to the sides of her peripheral vision. Her fists were clenched tightly as she glared at the monitors watching the lines rise and fall letting her know how alive she was. The dull pain in her lower abdomen subsided thanks to the emergency operation and medication administered to her. Tears had fallen from her eyes like silent raindrops that had been held back for too long. Her uterus felt swollen and it pained her to place her legs together. Her fist shook before gliding down to her belly and rubbing her stomach gently.

She had miscarried.

Kikyo licked her dry lips and closed her eyes as the tears flowed heavily now. Confusion and grief flooded her along with so many other emotions. There was a saying she had heard from a woman in the states once. You don't miss your well until your water runs dry. But what if you didn't know the well even existed? She didn't know. She didn't know the consequences of her actions were far more cosmic than she initially thought. She went to the hospital in Tokyo and even completed the drug and alcohol treatment to the best of her ability. How did no one catch this? She went through the detox, passed the tests, and the specialists said she was clean and could begin sobriety outside of those hospitalized walls. How did they not know!

She clutched her stomach tightly with both hands now. Good. She didn't need a child. Besides what child wants to have its origins founded from drunken nights of anguish, sadness, and absurdity. Not to mention the father would be nonexistent. No child needed that. And who's to say this was a child. It wasn't even considered human. It was just under the first trimester into gestation. It was still just a fetus. So this worked out great. It ended before it even began. No one needed to get hurt. No one needed to know about one of the many dark moments in her life that she could barely remember. She would endure this as she always did everything else. Alone. This…thing never existed and she just avoided possibly the biggest hurdle in her life.

But why did it hurt?

Why did she feel like shit?

Now that she knew it was there…did she really want it gone? When the doctors told her she was stunned. She couldn't believe it. Now all of a sudden it felt as if something was missing. She thought about all the times she smoked and drank. All the heavy stress she put onto her body to cleanse herself from addiction. She killed it. Just like how her family came to see her art show. They died because of her. If they weren't there and back home at the shrine on higher ground…they would have been safe.

But no.

She killed them.

Just like the fetus that was inside of her. She killed that too. What kind of woman was she? What kind of miko couldn't protect or sense life inside of her own body? How did she not feel this little body growing inside of her? What kind of woman did not know life was there inside of her womb? She knew she placed a heavy barrier to block her scent from others all the time but…damn. Kikyo covered her mouth as a silent sob racked her body. Her nose ran and she found it almost impossible to breathe. Despite the heavy sterile blankets covering her body, she felt chilled to the marrow of her bones. Her body shook against the cold mattress and she couldn't stop the sadness from swallowing her whole. Something soft and warm was laid by her head and she reached for it pulling it to her face before stilling.

Her body went stiff under the thin paper nightgown feeling remnants of her pride teeter on the edge of self-destruction. It made no sense to hide what she was sure his nose could smell by now. Her stomach quivered threatening to spill its contents. She fought down a gag as her sadness and disgust came to crosswords. She felt ill. They knew. They knew everything. Her head began to thrum as more tears rimmed her sockets. Embarrassment began to flood but she quickly focused on her thoughts to control them. She would not show any additional weaknesses in front of anyone. It was enough that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru had seen her sorrow and witnessed a dark chapter in her ongoing saga. She refused to show any more than she already had. She shifted her head not even bothering to wipe her tear stained face to look at the demon who's presence she finally felt in the large private room with her.

But why was he here?

Where was Inuyasha?

Kikyo's stare directed itself at the Inu demon sitting nonchalant in a comfortable couch by the window looking out of the open blinds at the night sky. The low florescent lighting in the room made his skin ethereal as he simply sat looking quite rumpled than usual. His black pants had a wrinkle in them and his black shirt seemed less crisp than the usual presentation he gave. Kikyo slipped naturally into old habits for reason of self-preservation and to salvage pieces of her pride that could be at the moment from this situation. She was too tired to fully scan his aura but from the slight hint of his Inu energy flaring she could take an educated guess. Something was off about him tonight. But she was too weak to pinpoint why. Was he angry? She had to be careful. She was in no position to fight off anyone especially an enraged Inu demon. How easy it was for others to forget the nature of a demon just because they shared similar attributes and functioned under public laws policing their society. But even then, demons always found a way around them and did what they wanted knowing not much could be done to stop them. All demons stuck to their basic instinct and customs when it was all said and done. Why they did things…how they did things…none of it could be boxed in so easily. And that is where all of man failed in the end and mostly when someone lost their life when dealing with demons. His golden eyes traveled towards hers catching her stare as they locked eyes silently.

He hated hospitals. Loathed them actually. They reeked of old blood, chemicals, sickness, and death. Yet here he found himself sitting inside of one that held centuries of stories. His body sat at the bedside of what once was his species sworn enemy. At one point in time, their swords and arrows would collide as both demon and holy being clashed with the desire to eliminate the other off the face of the planet. With this woman in particular, her dagger would be reaching to soar through his jugular as his claws moved to rip out her heart. But now, all that clashed were haunting stares and auras. Never had he seen the legendary miko Kikyo so…broken.

Sesshomaru didn't need to know what happened. Inuyasha didn't say a thing knowing his nose would explain everything for him. His brother nearly went into a rage trying to explain over the phone what was needed of him. Inuyasha was never one to ask for help, but when the rare occurrence came about, he obliged. Then her name was given…and he had to see for himself if what he was hearing was true.

Curiosity fed into his senses the more he heard spill from Inuyasha's lips. He had to see for himself. He had to witness her Achilles heel. The great and powerful legendary Kikyo of the Higurashi Clan dating back five hundred years had fallen. The Kikyo that threatened him countless of times to his face and even dared to blackmail him in a sense lay in a bed somewhere in France. The same Kikyo that had made him a deal not too long ago regarding his situation. He had to see what brought her down to her knees. What had now become of her.

He expected the smell the scent of blood, holy energy, or the residue of an angered demons aura lingering in the air. Yet the moment he arrived at the hospital, that curiosity began to dissipate and he could feel something amiss. He rode the elevator in silent focusing on the strongest spiritual aura in the building. From down the hall he had smelt her tears thick with despair. His talons began to twitch searching for the danger when he arrived but found there wasn't a physical threat. There was no battle to fight and no physical threat to attack yet the danger was real. His instincts were on edge feeling the mortal loss in the room yet not knowing how to save it. Whatever it was.

His erratic aura scared off a few doctors and nurses that trembled before his person. His feet took him pass the nurse's station caring not for their rules and regulations regarding visitation times and hours. He entered her room and his nose was assaulted. Death followed the miko and lingered despite the doctors' best efforts to clean her up. Even as she lay in the bed, the scent of her loss grew heavy in the room. The heavy grief and sadness clung to her like a second skin. This was not something new to her. This grief was one with her. Nothing on the battlefield could prepare him for the claustrophobic sorrow that choked him upon entering the room of a grieving mother. Not even his father's heirloom would help what was lost. In Inu tradition it was a sign of respect and remorse to provide strength from ones pelt. He felt the need to summon his pelt and do so given the circumstances.

It was disturbing.

But there was nothing he could do or say in a moment such as this.

This was not the Kikyo he wanted to see.

Sesshomaru watched her lay pale and seemingly fragile in the bed tucked under white and beige blankets. He could end her life right then and there simply to appease his nature and the balance between there species. But she served a purpose. A purpose that was almost ruined by whatever male that failed to protect her. His claws flexed at this thought. Her hands would move to lie at her side and then roam down to caress her stomach with ghost touches almost afraid to apply a firm grasp. Was this why she always blocked her scent? What mate would allow their female to hide herself like so? Was she in danger? If she was in danger than Kagome and Rin could be as well. He had no answers for any of these questions.

Sesshomaru stared back unwilling to break her gaze finding it a submissive act that he would never do to another. She would break first rather she wanted to or not. Silence filled the space between them as they just sized each other up. Her eyes were sharp and haunting as she stared at him. He watched as she simply laid there neither taking comfort in his mokomoko nor hiding her pain from his gaze. Her jaw tightened and he could feel her aura prickle against his warningly. For the first time he was witnessing an unprecedented event. Kikyo's guarded walls were down. Behind the bold and brave front she always held, he could glimpse behind it for once without trying. It was insulting.

"Why?" Kikyo asked with a raspy voice lying on her side, looking at him with a hard gaze and a flushed face. She knew he understood and didn't need clarification.

Sesshomaru paused thinking over precisely how the events unfolded. "Inuyasha needed to collect your sister and our car service had retired for the night. Kagome would want answers that I cannot give her so he thought it was best that he retrieved her himself to answer them. My brother was adamant about you not being left alone." He spoke with a glaring golden gaze in the corner.

Kikyo stilled at this. Anger swelled in her that they would involve her sister into this. This did not concern any of them. They should know their place. But she couldn't react. Salvaging. That was what was in order. A cool mind and a stone heart was needed right now. She simply lay on her side looking at Sesshomaru contemplating her life circumstances and working through her anger issues until she got to the root of the problem. She looked around the room not knowing where her things were. Normally they place the items in some safe place in a plastic bag. It wouldn't surprise her if they gave it to Inuyasha since he was the one that brought her there. Kikyo continued to just stare at Sesshomaru going over the variables and outcomes that this was going to have in the next twenty four hours.

Sesshomaru continued to watch her lay on her side haloed by her long silky black hair against the pillows. Her hand slowly crept upwards and played in the soft tufts of thick fur of his mokomoko. He could feel her light brushes against the hairs of his skin like a ghost moving against him. Sesshomaru sat stoic and unmoving in the stiff chair. His long silver hair hung around him as he lost himself in his own thoughts. The last few hours were unpredictable to say the least. He never liked fate's interference in his affairs. However, tonight he would make an exception.

"Kaguya will not like it if she found out you were here."

Sesshomaru watched as she broke eye contact to grab tissues nearby to wipe her face. He took in the almost subtle quick transformation of her statue. She was cold again. Her fingers folded the tissue gently and set it to her side. "This Sesshomaru cares not." He spoke glaring at her as she moved her arms to sit up in her bed. Her lower half seemed to drag and a small hiss from her lips came out at the movement.

Kikyo shook her head and stopped moving further. How was she going to get the demon with her sister if he wouldn't play his part until she could fully investigate the situation and help him get out of it? "I just don't get you at all." Kikyo said looking down at her belly. She had to heal herself but the medicines in her body that was administered felt more like toxins. Not to mention she wasn't sure exactly where to direct her energy to. She looked at her IV cords and other things attached to her with the desire to pull them out. She'd much prefer a youkai clinic as they were more prone to using organic medicines that human ones. "What do you have to lose by just cutting Kaguya out right now?" Kikyo asked reaching for his mokomoko and carefully folding it in her lap to give back to him.

"Keep digging."

Kikyo stopped moving and looked at him in question as he shifted forward in his chair. The question in her gaze was there as she watched his golden eyes take her in.

Sesshomaru stood up fluidly and with smooth strides he went towards the door. He grasped the door tightly in his hand and looked at her with cold searching eyes. "Prepare yourself. They're here." He warned before exiting out of the door.

Kikyo blinked hearing his words and processing his actions. She pushed up carefully and hissed a bit from the pain in her lower back hoping to sit up as straight as possible. She licked her lips and folded the blankets on her neatly. She looked at the mokomoko left on her bed and paused in her pursuits. Suddenly the door was thrown open and it hit the wall from the force.

Kikyo swallowed thickly taking in a ghost of a life past. In walked a much older little sister wearing an expression that was so memorable to their mother's. Large brown eyes that could suck in light stared back at her. Kikyo felt odd that she could see her for once instead of the other way around. That blue dress from her high school years still fit snugly around her as she took slow steps into the room. Tears stained her face showing that she had been crying.

Kagome allowed the door to close behind her and she dropped her purse in a daze. It was like a dream. A mirage. In the bed before her sat a porcelain doll with long braided hair spilling over her shoulder with eyes that use to dance whenever they shared in on a laugh or a meal. She hadn't seen her sister in so long, she nearly forgot what she looked like. Even sitting in a hospital gown she was elegant and beautiful. Kikyo looked so much smaller sitting there that her heart ached with despair. She could see the sunken features and it was just too much. Kagome's hands moved to her mouth as she shook.

"Kikyo."

"Kagome."

Kagome rushed over to the bed and pulled Kikyo into her arms shocking Kikyo for a moment. Tears rolled down Kagome's cheeks and into the paper cloth that covered Kikyo's body. Kikyo hesitated unsure of what to do having gone without hugs and physical touch for so long. The warmth that slowly spread through her skin was joyous. She felt the sting of tears arise as the joy moved everywhere Kagome's arms and head rested. Slowly Kikyo's arms came up and gripped Kagome by her shoulder blades loosely. As seconds passed her hold grew with strength until it resembled the hug that Kagome was giving. The two sisters sat on the hospital bed reunited and locked tightly in a deep hug. They began rocking and just holding each other in silence afraid the other would be taken again if they were to let go.

Kagome pulled back and gripped Kikyo's head feeling her soft skin and hair. "I was so worried." Kagome cried brushing the few hairs to escape the braid out of Kikyo's face. "I thought-I thought."

"I know." Kikyo leaned forward to kiss her little sister on her forehead and pull her into her arms. "I'm ok. Nothing like that happened. It's going to be ok."

"No! It's not ok." Kagome said fighting the tears in her voice and the hiccups. "I'm so, so sorry!" She said as she hugged her sister for dear life.

"Kags." Kikyo said holding Kagome back while calling on every ounce of will to keep herself together. "See, I'm alive and well." She gave as if it was a simple matter of fact. She didn't know if they told Inuyasha or anyone what was wrong with her but she didn't want to go there right now. Her sister was here for once at her side and that was all that mattered. She could push her skeletons in her closet for later sorting.

Kagome looked up through her tears. "I-I know, Kikyo." Kagome swallowed trying to clear her throat to say the rest. "The d-doctors…they told me." She stuttered out before hugging Kikyo with all the strength she could muster to give.

Kikyo stilled at this. She inhaled sharply and with all the strength she could muster she pulled away to sit Kagome up and hold her at a distance. Before she had so much she wanted to say and now the words seemed to have left her. There was nothing to say about what has passed. Kikyo brushed her sister's thick hair and felt her tanned skin against the back of her fingers. "I'm going to be just fine. I always pull out of everything, right?"

Kagome didn't respond. So much had happened between them as well as in the space and absence of the other. She looked at Kikyo and heard her speak but it was foreign to her ears. She knew Kikyo but she didn't know this Kikyo. It hurt to think about the fall out of the decisions that had to be made. Kagome leaned back in her seat and they simply sat in the room. She reached for Kikyo's hand and simply held on to it. No more tears fell and no more hugs were given. At times they would ask a question and the other would answer. Grief clashed with relief. Fear clashed against understanding. Present clashed with the past. They both could feel the delicate strand holding them together through the bondage of sisterhood. The dance in conversation was complicated to avoid saying anything to throw kerosene on a fire that was smoldering in the wake of their untimely conjoining. Losses had been taken by both sides with minor victories but the battle very much still waged. Their connection to the Tashio's came up between them in conversation. Each one answered in similar ways of how the thread that connected them all. Telling what they wanted but keeping the details to themselves. During the tales of the silver lining in which the Tashio's had interfered in their lives was enough to bring them together for a moment in time and push everything to the side for a later day.

Conversation became fluid like water again and eased them as they began diving into their current lives. Kagome's laughter filled the room as Kikyo told her particular story of a sun and crescent moon she had tattooed onto the back of her left thigh during a moment of liquid courage. Kikyo hated needles and how she let one get anywhere near her to mark her skin was astounding. They traded stories in which Kagome spilled about all the lives in her restaurant and the various customers she encountered. Kikyo listened intensely happy to be guided back into her sister's life and learning intimate details about her day to day comings and goings. Soon the laughter died down a bit their body language had shifted to one of comfortable acceptance and truce. They sat closer and leaned inward playing in each other's hair and looking at marks and scars they had encountered while apart. Somehow, Kagome had managed to sit her body on the bed next to Kikyo's giving them both the nostalgic feeling of being young again and playing together in their childhood home back in Japan.

Kikyo looked at the mokomoko and unfolded it from her lap as Kagome finished a funny tale about Rin's recent engagement with Inuyasha's ears. Kikyo hummed in humor while looking at the personal pelt radiating with strong power in her hands. Kagome eyed it feeling the vibration in the demonic aura laced in its composition. She wasn't trained as a seasoned miko but she wasn't a fool to haven't picked up a few tricks of the trade. "I can't believe he gave it to you." Kagome spoke in awe that the stoic demon would show remorse in his own silent way.

Kikyo shifted uncomfortably as the conversation shifted back to her current predicament. In many cultures and among various demonic species they observed the practice of seven days of mourning. It was in the Inu's nature to show respect to those that suffered deep loss to those revered as a mighty friend or foe. He was giving her his strength to endure by laying his pelt at her side during her time of mourning. She held it up to Kagome. "Go ahead. Touch it." Kikyo said with humor in her voice. "Rub your human-miko essence in it."

Kagome laughed at this knowing what she was hinting at. "But I'll get it dirty. And this Sesshomaru doesn't like the stench of miko." She voiced humorously as Kikyo chuckled and lifted it up carefully to put it around Kagome.

Kikyo secured it tightly in the front and let go watching Kagome revel in how soft it was. "Maybe later, we can let Rin play on it before it is returned." She said cheekily wishing to hug her little niece.

Kagome ran her hands down the sides and laughed. "Rin would run away with this. Sesshomaru would never see this again." She responded laughing at the truth of her words. She could picture it now. Rin walking around draped in a white fluffy pelt holding onto her yellow cardigan while wearing her newly beloved sunglasses from Lady Inukimi. She looked at the soft item in thought. Her smile faded some as the silence once again made its presence known. She was surprised no nurses or doctors had come in by now to tell them to part ways. She had a feeling the two brothers had something to do with it. She looked at the pelt and ran her fingers through the soft fur as everything came back into perspective.

Kikyo watched Kagome as she played with the fur around her shoulders. She could feel the presence of the Inu demons outside lingering with a smaller one nearby. She was perplexed as to the reasons they did this. Surely they did not value her life. Maybe Kagome's but not hers. Yet here she was in a private quiet room reunited with who once was her most precious person. She was sure this was more Inuyasha's doing and she wanted to know how he of all people figured it out. Also, where did he get the balls to do this? She supposed she owed him for what he did. He was truly a dear friend to have the mind to keep this a private matter. She remembered the last words she said to him. They were ugly words. He deserved better. Kikyo looked at Kagome then in a different light. Kagome had said anything about any attraction she may have had. Clearly, Inuyasha had them. Her sister was always naïve when it came to men and their attractions. It humored her to see at least somethings never changed. 'I'll throw you a bone, Inuyasha.' Kikyo thought reaching for the mokomoko but then shrinking back at the dull reminder that she was apparently ill.

Weariness had crept onto her or the medicine was finally kicking in. She cursed at the effects it had which apparently wasn't for pain relief. She touched her abdomen and grimaced in slight pain catching Kagome's attention. Kagome shifted to help move her pillows and fluff them up so Kikyo would be more comfortable. She watched as the strain took its toll on Kikyo right before her eyes and she felt remorse. She could have helped her. "Why didn't you tell me?" She whispered looking down at her hands afraid to hear the answer.

Kikyo stilled and turned her head to face the window. This is not how she wanted to have this conversation. But she wasn't one to back down once something was started. She pushed her pain to the back of her senses refusing to call the nurse to administer anything else into her system that she wasn't aware of. She would endure it all to the very end. "And then what would that have solved?" She answered her question with another one. Kikyo carefully kept her pitch down and placed the cold steel tone she was known for into her words. "You never came back when we asked the first two times. Why would I think to tell you things knowing you wouldn't come the next several?"

"I could have done something! I-I thought-" Kagome stilled her lips taking a deep breath to keep her temper under control. She was always told she had her mother's looks but her father's temper whereas Kikyo had it in reverse. Kagome opened her mouth the say something but soon there were scratches on the door. Both women looked up to see the door open revealing Inuyasha stand there with a nervous Rin at his feet holding onto another white pelt.

Inuyasha opened his mouth to speak when he stilled at the picture he was seeing. His hand clutched the yellow cardigan dropped by Rin in her haste to rush into the room. His nose wiggled catching the scent of roses and that of his brother's scent and power filling the room. His eyes went to Kagome where it radiated the strongest. His breath hung into his throat at the visual sign before him. Kagome sat at Kikyo's front draped in Sesshomaru's pelt around her body. His mouth moved to say something but nothing came out. He watched as Rin ran forward with his own pelt towards the hospital bed fighting to get on top of the bed with her claws. She was sleeping soundly in his lap until a few minutes later when she woke up anxious. He and Sesshomaru suspected her nose would pick up on the scents of her immediate pack. They shifted her between them to keep her busy until she started making running breaks towards the door holding Kikyo and Kagome behind them. Inuyasha didn't think it was a good idea for Kikyo to see Rin when she just suffered a heavy loss. He wasn't sure under the circumstances this came about but nobody deserved to go through what she just went through.

Especially alone.

But Rin had other ideas. They knew she would start whining and so they both thought it was time to let her go in. Sesshomaru had left him with a nod of his head and simply left to go somewhere. He knew it wasn't back to Kaguya that was for sure. Her scent was all over him and he knew what he just interrupted. But he didn't feel bad about it at all. In fact the way his brother responded it was like he saved his life in a way. Inuyasha summoned his pelt and thought it would be a nice gesture if Rin took it to Kikyo. He was sure his ears were going to bleed when she saw him for doing what he did. But she needed her family and he would stand by that. He just hoped he didn't lose anyone because of this. But unfortunately it looked like he lost to a whole other circumstance.

His brother's pelt was wrapped around the shoulders of Kagome. A clear Inu statement of the claiming of a potential mate. Inuyasha felt something sting inside of him that was foreign. It bothered him to see it there. Inuyasha stood still as a statue as his emotions plagued him. He felt like a balloon that had just been popped in his chest. His edges of his pride felt charred. He felt foolish now. Was this why his brother treated Kaguya the way he did? He wanted another? It made sense. The more he stood to watch them interact, the more proof had begun to build up.

Thoughts rushed him at once as he simply stood in the doorway like an intruder. He felt suddenly out of place. He watched as Kagome lifted Rin onto the bed and helping her hold his pelt out for Kikyo to take. Rin's body barreled into Kikyo who immediately held her tightly to her body and began assaulting her with kisses. Immediately Rin growled out 'Yo-Yo' through her vocal chords. Kikyo shrieked and hot tears poured down her face from the sound. The scent of salt mingled with that of profound joy in the room. Joy that he felt he had no part in.

Kikyo hugged Rin to her body finally feeling a sense of peace and happiness in her soul. She thought she was hearing things when Rin growled out her name. It was the most beautiful sound ever. She looked up at Kagome who had her hands over her mouth nodding at Kikyo's expression. Kikyo swallowed thickly and just hugged Rin close to her. Rin had come such a long way. She rocked Rin against her steadily while feeling the soft fur belonging to Inuyasha grow cool beneath her fingers. So much goodness had come from this tragedy. She had to protect her family now more than ever and give them what they needed. She looked up at the doorway where Inuyasha stood desiring voice her deep gratitude for him. But as she opened her mouth to speak, she caught the somber gaze on his face. As if caught, he backed away and quickly made his exit.

"Inuyasha?" Kikyo called out careful of Rin's sensitive ears.

Kagome happily hopped off the bed to run to the door to catch him. She felt as if he should be here. He had earned a space in their small dysfunctional family and deserved to be thanked for what he did. Kagome frowned looking down the hall seeing nothing of the Inu. "Inuyasha!" She called out just in case he didn't hear them. Kagome looked down to see the yellow cardigan was dropped onto the floor at her feet. Confusingly, she bent down to retrieve it in her hand.

Kikyo looked at Kagome's back in confusion as she turned around and raised her shoulders in uncertainty. Kikyo looked down to his pelt attached to Rin's lap. She ran her fingers through it when she stilled. She looked at Kagome who had walked out of the room towards the waiting area to see if he had gone back. The pelt was wrapped tightly around her and Kikyo nearly face palmed herself at the symbolism. "Oh no." She voiced while placing a finger on her lips to silence herself. 'Shit!'

That Twist tho!

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