(A/N: I know Kagome was born on a hospital and that they only relocated at the shrine after her father's death but I changed it for my convenience in writing. I hope you don't mind. Thank you. ^^)

Chapter 21: The Center of the Universe

…

17 years ago, Spring...

"Is this where she lives?"

"Yes, father. This is what the informant said. Also, Kagome told me about this place when we were in the past—about her living on a shrine. This sakura tree—" Shippo pointed at the enormous Goshinboku that is now on full bloom. "—is where Inuyasha always takes his rest when he's here, or go to whenever they have a fight." He chuckled. "She always forced him to come down with the use of the necklace's powers."

Sesshomaru paused at the sudden memory of his brother, but quickly pushed away the thoughts for the sake of his purpose. "The girl is ready to come out of her mother's womb. Am I correct?"

"Yeah, yeah. I know you've been anticipating this for the past nine months. But do you have any plans on how you will approach the parents? The mother will only know about us when she turned 15 you know."

The dog demon uncharacteristically stood still—seemingly at a loss of what to do next.

"And you call yourself the greatest demon of all?" He ignored the dangerous glare his father's giving him. "Let me do the thinking." He placed his right elbow on his left knuckle, and then positioned his thumb and point finger under his chin as if he's in deep thoughts. "Ah! I'll shape-shift as one of their neighbors!"

"What about this person?"

"You? You can just wait here."

"I will not allow that."

"But that's the only way we can give our gifts in peace!"`

Just then, a loud cry echoed through the whole place.

"THE MIDWIFE! I-I-I HAVE TO CALL THE MIDWIFE!"

"SHE'S OUT OF TOWN HIGURASHI-SAN!"

"W-W-WHAT?"

More loud noises can be heard inside the house then suddenly, a man in his late 20s scurried his way outside—almost breaking the door in the process.

"We have to bring her to the hospital!" The man said while putting on his jacket.

"Onee-san won't make it!" A girl in her teens followed behind.

Sesshomaru and Shippo are now behind the sakura tree, watching the two.

The fox is pacing back and forth. "We need to do something!"

"You studied medicine." The dog demon calmly said.

"What are you implying?! That I-I-I should deliver the baby?!" He turned blue. "I can't! It's not my major!"

Instead of answering, Sesshomaru approached the other two who are still in argument. "Good evening."

Both of them jolted because they didn't hear anyone approaching—and then their eyes bulge at the sight of him. After all, who wouldn't have known the infamous leader of Inu Group of Companies?

…

The name Inu Sesshomaru has been known to the public as an inheritance—since immortality is an incomprehensible thought any human can't think of. That is, after the beliefs for yokais were mostly banished from humans' memories, people began following the Inu Clan for almost a century when they became famous to the business world. When the "media" was invented, they deduced that "Inu Sesshomaru" will only appear when he reached a mature age. The reason for that is because any woman or a wife—and a child has never made public. Even Shippo's name and existence was changed over time—from a butler's son, to a love child, to a niece, and then finally an adopted son named Inu Takeru. The old clan became known as a noble family in which adulthood and retaining their youthful appearance are of outmost importance and that an inter-marriage is a tradition.

They are not yet aware that 17 or 18 years from now, marriage outside of the family will be announced.

…

"M-May I help you Sir?" The girl nervously asked.

"I-I'm sorry Lord Sesshomaru, but the priest is currently not home." He bowed his head in recognition.

"This person took notice that you are in a predicament, am I correct?"

The man gripped his jacket. He noticeably wanted to go in a hurry but the visitor is enabling him to. "Y-Yes, sir. My wife is in labor and I need to get her to the hospital. So if you'll excuse me…"

"No need. I am with someone who studied and has experience delivering a baby. Let us help you." The dog demon seems composed, but beneath the façade, he's in turmoil.

They were both lost for words, but the man seems more inclined to get help at the moment. "Yes please! Please help us!"

Suddenly, a beautiful brunette woman with foxy green eyes anxiously comes out behind the tree. "She" gave Sesshomaru a, "Are you sure about this?!" look which he only gave a nod.

"Please! Come this way!" Mr. Higurashi ushered them inside.

"The husband and Sesshomaru-sama should stay here." The 'woman' said before entering the room.

The Lord was about to insist in going but he remembered that delivering a child means it involves woman's private parts and more blood. So he settled himself standing at the door like Mr. Higurashi.

After the seemingly never-ending hours of laboring, a loud cry of an angel is now present at the peaceful shrine.

…

"Is it appropriate to make my entrance." Sesshomaru said to Shippo-shape-shift-as-a-woman.

He grinned. "Let them have their moment first. Wait until the wife passed out from exhaustion." Then the fox silently laughed. "You should see yourself at the mirror! No one except your family will know about what you're really thinking right now."

"Hn. Do not speak nonsense."

Yes. The ever-composed Inu Sesshomaru has beads of sweat not visible to the human's naked eye. His back is crouched while his arms are crossed to his chest and his hands are twitching. No normal person would think that the great dog demon is currently on the verge of nervous breakdown.

"You'll be a doting parent for sure." He chuckled and then it became silent.

Silence continues to drag on until Sesshomaru finally spoke."If I am being honest, this person is not entirely sure how I can fulfill my duty as her guardian. Will I be her godfather like Tamaki Suoh? Her older brother? Or perhaps…her mate."

"WHAT?! MATE?!" He held his face in horror. "Is that even possible?!"

Mrs. Higurashi's sister peeked outside of the room. "Please refrain from making loud noises. My sister and niece are sleeping."

"Can I come in?" Sesshomaru didn't ask. It's an order. So the girl instantly became nervous.

"U-Uh…why would you…"

"I wish to see the infant."

"Please let him see her." Shippo interfere in his sweetest woman's voice. "Sesshomaru-sama has never seen a baby in his entire bachelor life." He then felt a deadly glare behind his neck which he ignored.

"Uhm…okay. Just let them sleep."

"We will. Thank you."

He said thank you?! That's super rare! Shippo thought while entering the room.

It's awfully quiet when they entered. You can't hear anything except for the silent breathing of the woman lying on the bed and the soothing voice of Mr. Higurashi, lulling Kagome to sleep—she must have woken up with Shippo's loud voice. His back is facing the door but you can also hear the quiet mumbling of the baby which is getting affected by her father's cradling. Just then, Mr, Higurashi noticed their presence and slowly faced them.

At that exact moment when Sesshomaru laid his eyes on her angelic face, her eyelashes suddenly fluttered open.

And that's it.

For him, it feels like the universe swirled around at the very center, at this one focal point.

All it took is just one look and he's now ready to give her everything.

Be it himself or the whole world.

Nothing else matters.

…

…

(A/N: Yes I know it's been half a year since I last updated and for that, I sincerely apologize for making you wait. I do hope this chapter will put the lid of your anger towards me and I will make sure to make it up to you on the following chapters to come. Please be patient with me my dear readers. TT^TT)