AN : Thank you everyone for the encouraging reviews! I had someone mention a few typos. I apologize. I usually try to go over the chapters prior to posting. I will also go back and fix previously posted chapters as well if I notice anything wrong or someone points something out. My spelling is pretty good, I believe, my grammar sucks. I don't know anything about betas… I've been on the site a few years but still don't. So hopefully you can bear with me and my writing. I have had to stop reading stories due to spelling/grammar but hopefully mine isn't THAT bad!
I am not sure how happy I am with this chapter, I hate when stories seem to drag on but I also hate when things move at a hard-to-believe pace. I spent many hours writing and then deleting things. I think that everything in this chapter is pretty important to the storyline so hopefully you will agree. Things are about to start speeding up a bit in the next few chapters. Not unrealistically of course, but when Sesshomaru leaves… well I'll just let you all read and you'll find out.
Kagome was…
"Beautiful."
Kagome's lips parted as she took in his words. Sesshomaru complimented her! Well, he could have been commenting on the scenery but a part of her sincerely hoped otherwise. Why? She wasn't sure.
"Thanks." Kagome whispered just loud enough for him to hear it. He could now confirm or deny that the compliment was aimed towards her. She meekly looked underneath her lashes for his response.
"Hn." His facial expression was that of boredom as he drove.
Kagome pouted and looked forward. Sesshomaru was such an odd character. 'At least he didn't deny it.' With that thought a small smile found its way on her lips. She would not tell him, but this was the first time a man complimented her outside of work in months; other than Kenichi and Miroku, of course.
It took a good half hour before the family made it downtown. Sesshomaru was unsure of neither Kenichi's food preferences nor Kagome's so he settled for a well known steakhouse. They pulled up to the valet spot before everyone stepped out of the car. It took a few minutes longer than Sesshomaru was used to since the third person in the group needed a little help getting out of his seat.
Sesshomaru put his valet ticket in his wallet as he waited for Kagome and Kenichi to grab their things from the car and walk it around to meet him on the sidewalk. Once back together they went into the building. Sesshomaru didn't fight the unusually happy expression that crept up as he observed Kagome and Kenichi's antics upon entrance.
Mother and son deeply inhaled the delicious aromas coming from all over the restaurant. Wide grins spread across both faces and because the two were standing beside each other Sesshomaru finally noticed that Kagome and Kenichi really did share the same smile.
They walked up to the podium and Sesshomaru informed the hostess of the number of people in their group. He was unsure if they would have to wait or not. They had arrived in what was probably the middle of a dinner rush, but it was a Wednesday night.
Luckily, there was a table ready and the hostess led them there. She set the menus down and bid them a good meal. The table was made to be seated for four people. So naturally one person would sit by his or herself in the event that it was a party of three. Almost every time Kagome and Kenichi went out to eat they would sit across from each other. If Sango joined them, Kagome would sit beside Kenichi.
As expected, Kagome moved to take her place next to Kenichi when he said something that shocked her.
"No," he placed a small hand on the chair to stop her from pulling it out. "I want to sit next to Daddy."
"What?" She barely heard him repeat himself as her brain registered what her son just told her. Kagome pursed her lips and furrowed her brows when the reality of his words hit her.
"Oh," she looked crestfallen for only a moment before slipping a forced smile on. "Okay." He didn't mean to hurt her feelings by rejecting her. She reasoned with herself that it was only natural that he'd want to sit with his new dad.
With that in mind, Kagome gathered her pride and moved to sit across from her son as Sesshomaru wordlessly took his place beside the child. She found it slightly eerie just how similar he and his son looked alike. They were like twins and it was glaringly obvious when they were seated right next to each other. But even identical twins had slight distinctions. She shamelessly scanned her eyes over the two males, scouring over each detail looking for the differences. They noticed her staring since didn't try to hide it; she didn't care, it only helped her examination. Kenichi had a dovelike appearance as he watched his mother look him over with a careful eye. Sesshomaru's poker face was on; no surprise there.
Kagome grinned as she started spotting small contrasts. It seemed as though Kenichi may have more of his mother's features than everyone originally thought. He had his dad's eye color but shapes were just a little different. Kenichi's eyes were more open than Sesshomaru's. Although, that may just be because kids always have that doe eyed look. Kenichi also had his father's high cheek bones, but his face was a bit more round. Then again, that could be due to his youth as well… Her study was interrupted by Sesshomaru.
"What are you doing?" He now looked annoyed and Kagome gave him a cheeky smile before responding.
"Looking for differences between you two." She nodded back and forth to them, emphasizing her point. "Now that I can compare you guys side by side, I'll be able to pick out more features he inherited from me." Sesshomaru was surprised at her answer.
"Hn." The corners of his mouth twitched up for a moment. "Don't waste your time." He jested, though there was truth to this. Kagome knew; that's why she blushed at his comeback.
He let out a short breath at her reaction. It was resemblant to a chuckle and that was the closest to him laughing that Kagome had ever heard. She saw his eyes glittering with amusement.
"Hey," she scolded him, but her voice lacked seriousness. "Don't laugh at me."
Sesshomaru's lips curled into a half-smile as he raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. They had a three second staring match until Kenichi stole both of their attention by falling into a fit of giggles. Kagome watch him laugh with a loving expression.
They were interrupted by the waiter asking what they'd like to drink. As the man walked away, Kagome made herself busy by looking over the menu; trying to figure out what she wanted to eat while looking at the kids' section to order for Kenichi.
"Mommy…"
"Hm?" Kagome lowered the menu so she could fixate her gaze on the small boy in front of her.
"I have to pee," he pouted and Kagome nodded while repositioning herself to get up take him to the restroom.
"Oh my gosh!" Kagome's face lit up as an idea hit her, stopping Kenichi's movements. "Sesshomaru," she got his attention, "now that you're here you can take him to the bathroom." This was a first for her, Kenichi had never even been in a men's bathroom before. He was never really with any men, only having met Miroku a few times in his young life.
"Alright." Sesshomaru nodded, he moved to stand up and pushed his chair in. Kenichi did the same and Sesshomaru took a few steps, waiting for the boy to follow, which he did. Halfway to the bathroom, Sesshomaru took hold of his son's hand so that the small child didn't get lost in the foot traffic.
They walked into the men's room and Kenichi stopped in the middle of the room to look at the urinals. With no idea what they were he tilted his head to one side and pointed out towards the strange objects on the wall.
"What are those?" Kenichi then tilted his head the opposite way, trying to study them from a short distance. He was a curious boy, but cautious as well.
The question took Sesshomaru by surprise. Then he thought it over and concluded that Kenichi must have been going to the woman's restroom with his mother. He felt a slight anticipation build in his chest. This was the first significant father-son moment they would have. He doubted Kagome would ever teach the boy how to use this toilet since she would never have a reason to be in the men's lavatory.
"This," he walked in front of one, "is a urinal. It is what men use when we need to use the bathroom." Kenichi frowned and stepped up to the large porcelain object behind his dad.
"Urnal?"
"Urinal." Sesshomaru repeated himself, but put emphasis on the pronunciation of the second syllable. The boy took a moment to concentrate, wanting to say the word correctly.
"…ur…inal?"
"Yes," Sesshomaru nodded. He was not completely satisfied but it didn't matter if the child could say the word or not. Kenichi needed to know how to use the contraption. "Come here," he guided Kenichi to stand beside him. "I want you to follow my directions carefully."
"Okay." Kenichi's voice was full of confidence. He was so excited for his dad to teach him something.
"Unzip your pants and reach through the hole in your underwear to pull yourself out."
Kenichi unbuttoned his jeans and drug the zipper down revealing his tighty-whiteys with superheroes on them. He did exactly what his dad told him.
"Now wrap your hand around yourself and aim ahead," he explained, "you do not want to get anything on the floor."
"Okay." Kenichi narrowed his eyes ahead, picking a place to aim. He then relaxed and let himself go. Miraculously Kenichi did not make a mess, and Sesshomaru counted his blessings for that. He told Kenichi to shake the last few drops when he was done, and showed him where the toilet handle was.
After supervising Kenichi's hand washing, Sesshomaru led his son back to the table where Kagome was waiting with a concerned appearance.
"Was everything okay?" she asked Sesshomaru. He nodded curtly as he took his seat.
"Yes. I taught him how to use a urinal," he explained, feeling proud. His time with Kenichi would be too infrequent for his tastes, and the majority of his contributions would be financial. So to teach the child a lifelong lesson was an accomplishment for both of them.
"Oh really?" Kagome looked surprised and turned to Kenichi for verification.
"Yup!" The boy beamed up at his mother. "I'm a man!" He rocked his body from side to side in his seat from excitement.
The waiter came over and took their food order. While waiting to receive their meals, the adults did not speak very much as Kenichi did most of the talking. He spoke to his dad about anything and everything he could think of, from his favorite superhero to the fun places he'd been to. Kagome sat back and enjoyed herself; she loved how happy Kenichi was, and it was nice to have a breather. She liked having Kenichi all to herself, but it was a relief to know that she could share some responsibility with Sesshomaru. Plus she could let her mind wander while Kenichi talked Sesshomaru's ears off.
After the food came, they all ate in a comfortable silence. Kagome and Kenichi were too engrossed in the delectable cuisine to bother speaking. They weren't scarfing it down like a last meal, just savoring the taste. Sesshomaru was also silent but he wasn't much of a talker to begin with. Everyone practically cleaned their plate and the waiter offered the dessert menu. The young man gave the menu to Sesshomaru to look over while verbally naming a few of the most popular things off the list such as French silk pie, ice cream, and lava cakes.
Nothing on the list was appropriate for Sesshomaru to eat since he was on a strict diet.
"I must pass," he said, looking towards Kagome, "would you or Kenichi like anything more?"
"No, thank you." Kagome smiled at him and then at the waiter while shaking her head. "I'm stuffed."
"I want Ice Cream!" Kenichi chirped, waving a hand in the air. He frowned as his mother ignored his request and sent their waiter to get the check. "Mommm," he whined. His father specifically mentioned his name when offering the extra goodies.
"No, honey," she told him. "We're not getting dessert."
"Why not?" He griped, "Daddy said we could." Sesshomaru and Kagome were both taken aback at the boy's words. Kenichi was too young to try using one parent's words against the others. Kagome gave her son a stern look, followed by the ultimate mom verse.
"Because I said so." That was as much of an explanation as the young boy would need and should need. She was surprised when he insisted on being noncompliant with her.
"Yeah, but Dad said-" she lifted a hand and effectively cut him off. Narrowing her eyes she lectured him with a strict tone.
"Well I said no." She spoke slowly, enunciating each and every word. Yet he still protested.
"But Dad sai-" This time Sesshomaru cut him off.
"Kenichi, do not speak back." He frowned at his son's behavior. Yes he was only three but he was acting out.
Kenichi pouted, but he did not argue with his father. Kagome gave Sesshomaru and appreciative look. Then she turned her gaze back onto their child, crossing her arms against her chest.
"We are not going to sit here just so you can eat ice cream. Especially when we have some at home." At the mention of the frozen treat at home, Kenichi visibly relaxed, ending the dispute.
"Okay," he told his parents. Kagome could see the wheels turning in the boy's head and already knew what he was expecting when they got dropped off at the apartment. She would teach him not to argue with her.
"You will not be getting any ice cream tonight since you don't want to listen to me."
Kenichi groaned at her statement and his face turned red with anger, but he did not say anything.
They received the check after a couple minutes of silence. This time because Kagome was aggravated, Kenichi knowing he was in trouble, and Sesshomaru not knowing what to even think of saying.
Sesshomaru was more than relieved to pay and leave the building. They all stood outside the restaurant for a few minutes, waiting for the valet to bring Sesshomaru's car. Then he paid the valet guy and got in the vehicle while Kagome put Kenichi in his car seat. When Kagome entered the car and buckled her seat belt they were on their way.
The ride back to Kagome's house was quiet. It was a bit strange for the adults because sometimes it felt like they were a family, but they weren't. As time passed they would become more accustomed to whatever rolls they were living, but for now, everything just felt strange.
Kenichi was sleeping when they pulled into the parking lot. So Sesshomaru volunteered to carry the car seat with the sleeping boy in it up to Kagome's apartment. That was great because Kagome didn't have enough strength and finesse to do that not wake the boy up. He made it look so easy! She was slightly impressed at how strong he was; what girl wouldn't be? They did not speak on the way up to her apartment so not to wake Kenichi.
Kagome opened the door with her key and walked in first. She saw Sango and Miroku sitting in the living room and shushed them as Sesshomaru brought his precious cargo into the apartment. Sango and Miroku hushed their voices to be considerate towards the little family. Plus, life is more fun when the kids are asleep. That was a saying of Kagome and Sango's.
Sesshomaru followed Kagome to her room and gently placed the car seat on Kagome's bed. The left the light off so that if Kenichi woke up, it'd be dark enough for him to want to go back to sleep. The door was left ajar just as much as it needed to let a sufficient amount of light in to let the parents see what they we're doing.
Somehow, without speaking they were able to work as a team with no more communication than pointing, facial expressions, and nods in the low light. Kagome carefully unbuckled all the safety belts since she was the car seat pro and could do it faster than Sesshomaru. She gently pulled each arm out from the arm straps and lifted him up by his underarms just enough for Sesshomaru to drag the seat away from under the boy.
With the car seat out of the way, Kagome gently paced the child down on her bed. She pointed towards the door so that Sesshomaru would take the seat out of the room. Sango knew that it was kept in the closet by the door and would tell him. He nodded and walked out as Kagome turned away to grab some pajamas out of a dresser drawer. She carefully took off his shoes, unbuttoned, and unzipped his jeans to slide them off, and then she slowly maneuvered his arms into his t-shirt. Pulling the shirt up to his neck she rolled it and lightly pulled at the neck hole to get some leverage to slip it over his head.
Sesshomaru walked back into the room and quietly sat down on the corner of the large bed, waiting to offer any assistance needed.
Kagome easily put a pair of sweatpants on Kenichi's sleeping form. Then she slid his pajama shirt over his head and put each arm in the sleeve, pulling the rest of the shirt down. She moved away from the child and walked over to his bed, lifting the covers up and taking a few steps back. Sesshomaru took the opportunity to scoop the boy up and place him in his bed, tucking child in. He bent over to place his lips on Kenichi's forehead and gently pressed down for a kiss after whispering goodnight. After standing up, Sesshomaru left Kagome's room. Kagome walked to sit beside Kenichi's little bed. She cusped his right cheek in her hand and ran her thumb along his cheek bone. She gazed lovingly at him, her son, her everything, her whole world.
"Goodnight," she whispered. "Sweet dreams, I love you." Slowly she leaned forward to kiss his opposite cheek. Then his nose, then she moved her hand to kiss the right cheek, and kissed his forehead twice. She sat back up and smiled. She loved him so much! Giving herself a few more seconds to watch him sleep, she reluctantly stood up and left the room, closing the door behind her.
She walked over to the living room where she found Miroku and Sango laughing on the sofa, and Sesshomaru sitting on the loveseat playing with his phone. Kagome sat down beside him but scooted close to the opposite corner so they didn't have to sit so close to each other.
Sesshomaru locked his phone as she sat down and turned to her. He was preparing to say his goodbye to everyone in the room, as not to be rude, but Kagome spoke before him.
"So Kenichi didn't take a nap today." She crossed her fingers together and put her hands in her lap. "I figured that's why he was so frustrating at the restaurant."
"I see." He nodded. "I was unaware the effect of a nap, or lack of." Sango and Miroku had both turned to look at them. Sango frowned.
"Wait," she asked Kagome, "what happened?"
"Sesshomaru offered to get us dessert and Kenichi got upset that I wouldn't let him get ice cream. Since daddy gave permission, he tried to use it to manipulate me into changing my mind."
"Awh," Sango sympathized, she loved her godson, but he could be difficult at times. After the 'terrible twos' it's the 'me threes,' where they want everything and they want it now.
"Yeah, and then," Kagome grimaced, "the only way to get him to stop whining about it was when Sesshomaru told him not to talk back." Kagome crossed her arms and legs and pointed her thumb towards the man sitting next to her. Sango laughed at Kagome's annoyed expression.
"That's funny." The brown eyed woman laughed. "It's kind of cute." Sesshomaru smiled when her recognized Kagome's jealousy. It probably annoyed her to no end that regardless of how many times she told the boy no, Kenichi would not drop the subject. Then, Sesshomaru chides him one time and he stops.
Miroku who had been waiting for the ladies to finish their chat decided it was his turn to speak.
"Kagome, Sesshomaru," he waited until they both looked at him to continue. "Tomorrow I go back to the university so Sango and I bought some drinks." He held his liquid filled glass out to emphasize what he was saying. "Drink with us. It's only nine o'clock and we're all in good company."
"I'm down." Kagome answered quickly. She had only seen Miroku a few times in his two day visit. He was her son's godfather and she missed him hanging out with him. Sure they texted often, but it Kagome had very few friends, so time spent with them was cherished.
"Great." Miroku grinned. "What do you think Sesshomaru?"
Everyone looked at him as they waited for his answer.
"I do not know." He said uncertainly. He wasn't a very social person and only liked to hang out with his close circle, none of whom were part of his current company. Not only that, but alcohol was detrimental towards his training. On the other hand, his nerves were still a bit on edge from seeing his mother that afternoon; it would be nice to relax and have a drink. Maybe it would help alleviate up the ever-present tension between him and Kagome as well. They had to somehow become friends eventually. You can't raise a child together when you are nothing more than strangers.
"Come on," Sango pressured, "what's the worst that could happen?" Sesshomaru took a few seconds to think about it. Really the worst that could happen would be if he gets drunk and hooks up with Kagome, thus getting her pregnant and having a baby with a woman he barely even knows. Oh wait, he did that already. So then the deciding factor was…
"What exactly do you have to drink?" Sesshomaru asked smoothly.
"Awesome!" Sango stood up, setting her glass down on the coffee table. Answering his question was unimportant; he was already this far deep into the idea of hanging out that he wouldn't back out depending on the alcohol choices. She started to walk towards the kitchen. "Come in here and pick something. You too, Kagome."
Kagome got off the couch and walked into the kitchen with Sesshomaru following behind her. They found Sango stacking shot glasses together. Then she pulled three different bottles out of the refrigerator, placing them on the counter. Moving back to the fridge and took out an energy drink, a bottle of pop, and an orange juice carton.
"Okay," Sango closed the fridge and rubbed her hands together. She turned to her friends with a large grin on her face. "Help yourselves. I just need to grab another drink for Miroku."
"This is some hard liquor here," Kagome mused as she looked at the bottles in front of her. "I would think you guys planned on inviting Sesshomaru and I from the start."
"Maybe." Sango laughed as she confirmed her friend's thoughts. "Okay, yes." She had been drinking for well over an hour now and would be blatantly honest about everything. "It was Miroku's idea," she added with a blush. With that said and her fiancé's drink mixed, Sango left the room.
Kagome shook her head as she poured herself a weak vodka and orange juice. Behind her stood Sesshomaru waiting to making a drink of his own.
"What are you drinking?" She asked him innocuously. "I'll make it for you."
"Jack and coke please." He leaned against the counter opposite of the one she was mixing spirits on. "I'll only be having one before I leave." Kagome nodded as she opened the freezer for a few ice cubes.
"That's fine. Thank you for staying. Sango and Miroku are Kenichi's godparents," she informed him. "It would be good for you guys to be more than strangers."
"Hn."
"They both love Kenichi very much," she continued. "They want to get to know you now that you're going to be in his life."
"I know." Sesshomaru was very perceptive. "It is what swayed me towards staying to have this drink." That and his mother, but they agreed not to mention it.
"Well I appreciate it," she told him genuinely. "Thankfully when we have drinking nights, all we do is get a little tipsy and watch TV."
"Good to know." His words were honest. He'd rather relax and let his mind drift than to conversate with people he did not know. True, he would have to get to know them eventually for Kenichi's sake, but he still had a lot of things on his list concerning his son. If he was going to put effort into acquainting himself with anyone right now, it would be Kagome.
The young woman turned around with a smile and handed him the drink. "I hope that tastes alright, I never drink that stuff so I'm not that great with the proportions." Her nose scrunched up as she spoke, she couldn't even stand the way it smelled.
Heeding the warning, he took a small sip of the concoction and nodded. "It tastes fine." Kagome let out a sigh of relief at his favorable judgment.
"Good." She nodded and lifter her own drink up for a sip, her drink was good. "Maybe I should be a bartender." He caught sight of a twinkle in her sapphire orbs as she teased him.
"Hn," Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at her, "no comment." He lifted the glass to his lips and slowly took a sip. His eyes never leaving her. Somehow, she knew his fierce look was feigned.
They both went back into the living room. Walking up to the loveseat, Kagome made a mental note about it not being fair that the engaged couple get the large sofa, but the uncomfortable acquaintances have to share a loveseat.
Kagome and Sesshomaru both sat against their respected side's arm. It was one or the other; mental or physical comfort. They both chose mental. All while Sango and Miroku snuggled in the center of the large sofa.
On top of the coffee table were the shot glasses filled almost to the brim. A bottle of Jagermeister and an energy drink was placed beside them.
"Shots, Sango?" Kagome said disapprovingly.
"I wanted to make a toast. Besides," she defended, "you love Jagerbombs." She put down her drink and grabbed two of the small glasses, handing one to Miroku. They both lifted them in the air.
Kagome sighed but still reached out and picked up a glass, reaching it up towards Sango and Miroku's.
Sesshomaru was hesitant because he meant what he said about only wanting the one drink. He found it obvious that Kagome didn't want to take the shot either, but if she was still going to then his pride dictated he was obligated to do so as well. He picked it up and raised it closer to everyone else's.
"Okay," the gym trainer stood to her full height with a grin. "To new friends, new family, and new beginnings." Her meanings were for Sesshomaru being a new friend of Miroku and herself, Kenichi getting a dad, and the effects it would have on the rest of their lives.
"Cheers." Miroku and Kagome called out.
Sesshomaru stayed silent, but he did raise his glass a few inches higher.
All four knocked back their bombs simultaneously.
Miroku grabbed a remote to turn up the volume on the TV. Sesshomaru turned to it until he heard Kagome moan. He tore his eyes off the television to see what she was doing.
"That was delish," Kagome exclaimed, "one more." She started to pour her shot. Instead of closing the lid to the bottle she looked at her companions. "Anyone else want one so I don't have to do it alone like an alcoholic?" Her best friend was the first to answer.
"I will," Sango handed her glass to her friend. "Pour it for me?" Kagome took the glass and carefully poured both drinks into it.
"Miroku?" Kagome smiled wryly. "What about you?" He shook his head at her question.
"No, thank you, Kagome."
"Okay." She nodded, turning slowly towards Sesshomaru. "You wouldn't happen to want one, would you?"
Sesshomaru gave her a blank stare. He already told her earlier he didn't want to drink more than his one glass. He did not want to have to repeat himself constantly throughout the night. She got the hint as she turned away and clinked glasses with her roommate.
"What is this?" Sesshomaru asked Kagome as he stared at the television screen.
"It's a funny show," she explained. "They put together video clips and put them into a countdown. Number one is supposed to be the funniest."
"We will see." He was sure it was more stupid than it was funny.
It turned out that the videos were all about drunk people fighting. With his profession as a UFC fighter, it was more than amusing to watch the fail videos.
When the others in the room where laughing hysterically, Sesshomaru even let out a few chuckles. Sometime later he felt Kagome's hand on his wrist.
"I made you another drink since yours was empty."
Sesshomaru looked at the coffee table where he previously placed his empty glass. He was so engrossed in the show that he never even noticed Kagome getting up to fix him and herself another drink. He reached forward and took a small sip to thank her for the hospitality, but he did not plan to have any more. He had to drive home and had too much on the line to risk getting an OVI.
He heard a door close loudly, bringing his attention towards the sound. He didn't even realize that the nearby sofa was now empty.
"Sango and Miroku are done for the night." Kagome said as she moved to sit on the sofa and stretch her legs.
"Hn." He looked back towards the flatscreen. He wanted to see the last videos in the countdown before leaving.
Sesshomaru shared a few smiles and Kagome a few laughs as the show concluded. Then the man stood up, ready to leave.
Kagome followed him to the small entranceway; she wanted to lock the door after he made his exit.
"Oh," she exclaimed with a surprised tone. "Let me grab the money for my dinner today. How much was it?" She began to turn around and find her purse when Sesshomaru's voice stopped her.
"Do not concern yourself with it."
"No please," she frowned. "I saw the prices, that place is really expensive." Sesshomaru exhaled sharply, he almost laughed.
"I don't care." He answered in a light manner. He found it comical that she'd believe such a meager amount would mean anything to him.
"Are you sure? I just don't want you to feel obligated to do anything more than what Kenichi needs."
"What kind of man would I be to take you out to dinner and make you pay?" Kagome blushed at his question.
"I guess." She leaned all her weight on one leg, unhappy with his decision. She felt weird when people did things for her. It was a habit; she didn't want to feel like a charity case to anyone.
It seemed as though the recent events had been giving them a sort of camaraderie. Kagome acted without thinking and took a step closer to the man in front of her.
He was surprised when she threw her arms around his neck and squeezed, bringing her face against his chest.
He stood awkwardly, arms to his sides. He did not expect a hug from the woman, but she had been drinking. He slowly moved his hands up to politely return her embrace. His body was still stiff, even with his arms lightly enveloped around her.
"Thank you." She whispered, the alcohol in her system releasing her inhibitions. She had thanked him for dinner, which he comprehended. He did not know everything that she meant though. She thanked him for returning the hug, for his effort concerning Kenichi, for being kind to their son, for trying to understand why he didn't know about Kenichi for so long instead of condemning her, for his DNA helping her create the perfect child, and for the hope that with him there maybe her life wouldn't be so hard anymore.
AN: Please review and let me know what you think.