AN: Thank you everyone who reviewed! Okay here's our next chapter and it's only been 4 days! I hope you all like it.

The last couple days that Sesshomaru was in town, he went with Kagome and Kenichi each night, taking them to dinner followed by watching a movie at the apartment.

On Saturday, he picked up Kagome and Kenichi in the morning. His step mother had yet to meet the child and neither Inuyasha nor Toga had seen the boy since encountering him at the hospital. The family would be leaving in the late afternoon, so Izayoi had planned an early brunch.

Sesshomaru knocked on Kagome's door and was greeted by Sango. She smiled.

"Good morning, Sesshomaru." She stepped over to let him in, closing the door behind him. She had joined them the previous night in watching a move with Kagome and Kenichi.

"To you as well." He walked to stand near the living room. Within seconds his son was running up to him.

"Daddy!" Kenichi latched himself onto his father's legs. Sesshomaru smiled at the boy and patted his head. He was happy to see that Kagome dressed him in some of the clothes that Sesshomaru brought for him the other day.

"Where is your mother?"

"Bafroom."

Apparently Sango had informed Kagome of his arrival. He could hear her voice from the door.

"I'll be out in a second!"

He did not answer her but moved to sit down on the couch. Kenichi followed and climbed up to cuddle with him.

Sango was sitting on the loveseat with her laptop on her lap and a book on the coffee table. He remembered Kagome telling him that Sango was in school, she must have been doing homework.

Soon enough, Kagome had walked out of the bathroom.

"Ready."

Sesshomaru turned his head too acknowledge her and his eyes widened at her appearance.

She looked great. Her hair was straightened; he did not realize its length before. She had her bangs swept to the side and a small bump that was not too big, but large enough to use a lot of hairspray. She had no foundation on, and the darkening from her black eye was gone as well as the scratches on her face and body. She must have been given the same medication as Kenichi. She dressed simply. A grey tank top with a white half sleeve cardigan. A long necklace hung below the curve of her breasts. She had light jean shorts and silver sandals. Her toenails were red and perfectly manicured.

She noticed him taking in her appearance and smirked. He was not one to be caught staring so he threw an elusive mask on and turned away.

"You look okay." It was a lie, but he'd be damned if he'd admit it.

Kagome sneered. She knew she looked more than just okay.

"I guess we could say the same for you." She threw out nonchalantly as she reached into the closet to pull out Kenichi's car seat.

Sesshomaru smirked as he stood. He knew she was lying. He looked great, he always did, and he always will. He took the bulky object from her hands and they all said goodbye to Sango before leaving.

The adults were both quiet during the drive to the Takahashi residence. Kenichi talked the whole time about how excited he was to see his uncle and grandfather. He also had another grandmother to meet as well.

Sesshomaru looked forward to showing Kenichi around the house; maybe the boy could get to know a little more about his father himself. He had many of his old trophies there that he wanted to show the boy, as well as the gym. MMA was Sesshomaru's passion; he wanted to share that with his son.

Kagome was not too happy about brunch. She hadn't seen Toga and Izayoi since the day of her high school graduation. They were aware of her obvious crush on their youngest, so seeing them after all these years with a child from their oldest would be a bit out of her comfort zone. When put that way, it just didn't make her look good. Of course she hoped they would never know the circumstances of Kenichi's conception but she wasn't sure if what they imagined was better or worse.

Sesshomaru could sense the woman's anxiety as he parked the car. He turned it off and grabbed her arm before she could move to exit.

"They already like you, Kagome." He did not allow her a chance to respond as he let go and got out of the car.

Kagome sat in the seat pondering on his words. Sesshomaru was the one to let Kenichi out of the car, since he had the child safety locks on the back doors.

The two males stood outside of the car waiting for Kagome to get her nerves under control. She sighed as she slowly got out,praying his words were true.

They were barely on the porch when the front door swung open. Izayoi was standing in the doorway, grinning. One would think she'd been waiting for their arrival from the moment Sesshomaru left.

"Kagome." She stepped out and pulled the young lady into a fierce hug. "I haven't seen you in years. You've always been lovely but look how much you've blossomed."

"Thank you." Kagome smiled and visibly relaxed in the woman's arms. This was such a relief, especially after the fiasco with Sesshomaru's biological mother.

They parted and stepped away from each other. Izayoi wasted no time in looking for the guest of honor. She placed her hand over her heart as she saw a little Sesshomaru holding onto her stepson's hand. She bent down to be at eye level with the child.

"And you must be Kenichi." She gave him a warm smile. Sesshomaru reached their adjoined hands out to pull the boy forward. Kenichi took a couple of steps towards the stranger and looked to his mother for approval.

With a nod from Kagome, the boy let go of his father's hand and moved closer to the kind woman in front of him. He clasped his hands together and nodded with a small blush on his face.

"Of course you are. My name is Izayoi," she patted her hand over chest for emphasis. "I am you father's other mother." She was aware of the visit to Inukimi, but Izayoi raised Sesshomaru as if he was her own and so, in her heart, he was her own. Sesshomaru still addressed her as Izayoi. When he was young he did it because he already had a mother, and refused to call this woman his mom. As he was older and started to see her as a mom, the name just stuck. He may refer to Inukimi as mother, but in his heart Izayoi was his mom.

Kenichi turned his head to the side, his eyes wide as saucers while talking to his father.

"You have two mommies?"

"I do." He confirmed. Kenichi stared at him while the information was processed. Then the child smiled.

"Cool." He looked back at his new grandmother, moving to give her a hug. Izayoi squeezed him tight.

"It is so nice to meet you, Kenichi."

The small child blushed at her adoration.

"Izayoi," Sesshomaru suggested, "let us take this inside." The woman nodded.

"Yes." She stood up. "Your father and brother must be waiting."

"Indeed."

Izayoi led the group in the house that Kagome remembered so well. The young woman held her son's hand as Sesshomaru followed, closing the door behind them.

Kagome felt so strange being back inside the Takahashi residence. She used to come over all the time in adolescence, but she was a different person back then. Even more, the last time she was here was when she hooked up with Sesshomaru. Images flashed in her mind and she tried to hide her blush from the group.

They walked into the formal dining room where Inuyasha and Toga were found. Toga sat at the head of the table drinking out of a mug while Inuyasha stood looking out of a window. Izayoi's voice rang out to grab their attention.

"Look who I've found." She stepped out of the way to show their new guests. Kagome and Kenichi stood near the doorway as Sesshomaru took his seat to his father's left.

"Hello," Kagome said to the men. She was so nervous about facing Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's father. It was also the first time she'd see her old friend since the car accident. Inuyasha turned around to look at the woman and her child.

"Hey guys."

Kagome guided Kenichi to the table. She sat down two chairs over from Sesshomaru so that Kenichi could sit between his parents as she took the chair to the left.

"What's up kid?" Inuyasha sat across from Kenichi he tilted his head up in greeting. "Do you remember me?"

"Yeah," Kenichi said excitedly, he jumped out of his chair and ran around the table to give his uncle a hug. He liked Inuyasha, Kenichi told him all his favorite superheroes and Inuyasha was 'genuinely interested,' or so the child thought. His grandfather's voice got his attention.

"I hope you remember me as well." Toga smiled at the boy.

"Grandpa!" Kenichi let go of Inuyasha and gave the older man a hug as well.

"You've been spending a lot of time with your father lately haven't you?"

"Uh huh!" Kenichi nodded up and down. "He's the best!" Kagome, Toga, and Izayoi smiled at the child's sweet proclamation. Sesshomaru smirked at the boy and Inuyasha rolled his eyes.

"Kagome," Izayoi said, "would you mind helping me in the kitchen?"

"Of course not." Kagome quickly stood up and started to walk out of the room behind the woman.

Kenichi moved away from his grandfather to follow his mother. She noticed and turned to stop him.

"Kenichi stay here." She pointed in the direction of the table.

"But-" he didn't want her to leave him. He'd never been here before. Izayoi was the one who stopped his protests.

"Your mother and I will be right back." She spoke kindly. "Why don't you wait with the guys while we ladies go to the kitchen?"

"Stay with us." Toga called out to the boy. "We're more fun than them."

Kenichi smiled at the thought and nodded, paying his mother no mind as he sat beside his father.

Sesshomaru patted his son's back, lightly.

"It is better to be here with the men."

"Yeah," Kenichi grinned, "and I am a man. Right daddy?"

Sesshomaru nodded. "Yes, you are."

Toga watched the small exchange. He smiled at his grandson. "You will fit right in."

The ladies brought all the food in from the kitchen and Kagome was delighted to be drinking a mimosa; it was delicious. She loved champagne.

"How are you Kagome?" Toga started of the conversation. "It has been a long time since I've been in your company." His question made her blush. She could hear the curiosity in his voice as he spoke. He remembered the way she used to look at his youngest son. Now that was gone, and she had a child with Sesshomaru. He and Izayoi were still wondering just how that all worked out.

"I've been good." Kagome steeled herself; there was no sense in acting nervous. "My wrist is still sore from the car accident, but it's nothing that won't go away in time."

The man smiled. He would love to know what happened between her and his sons. Soon enough he'd find out, before they left today. That much he was sure of. He made idle chit chat with Kagome while Inuyasha and Sesshomaru stayed silent. Sesshomaru was just watching the interaction between his father and his child's mother; he was uninterested in their pointless conversation

Inuyasha was starting to feel uncomfortable though. He was seated directly across from the 'family' and he just did not like what he saw.

'This is too fuckin weird,' he thought. He frowned while chewing his food.

It seemed like they were already in a relationship and they just didn't go together. Not Kagome and Sesshomaru; anyone but him. Inuyasha wanted to continue having a friendship with Kagome, but it would be awkward if she was with his brother though. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru liked to keep their friends separate from each other.

"So Kagome," Inuyasha interrupted the conversation, earning a glare from his mother. "What's up with you and Sesshomaru now?" His question had her blushing with embarrassment and Sesshomaru glared daggers for the brash inquiry.

"Um," she started, "well I don't know exactly."

"That's none of your concern." Sesshomaru said sharply. Inuyasha glared right back at him.

"It's just a question." He defended. Although, it was not just a question. It was loaded with accusation, but of what? Kagome, having recovered from her embarrassment decided to humor him.

"Sesshomaru and I are just two parents trying to raise our son."

"Kenichi," Izayoi changed the subject, "do you know what you father and uncle do for a living?"

"Mm," the boy finished chewing and swallowing his food before speaking. "They work."

"Mhm," she smiled. "Well do you know what they do for work?"

The child shook his head.

"Well, your father will have to show you his trophies."

"Trophies?"

"Yes," Izayoi nodded, happy to have caught the boy's interest. "He has earned many trophies and belts." Sesshomaru decided to humor his stepmother and looked at his son.

"I will show them to you when we finish eating." With that said Kenichi put his fork down on the table.

"I'm done."

"No you're not." Kagome said sternly.

Kenichi turned to look at his mother and pouted.

"You're grandmother made this food." Kagome told him. "Don't be mean and let it go to waste."

"Oh," Izayoi laughed. "Grandmother!" She held a hand over her mouth and the other over her chest. "Now I feel old, I don't know how I'll get used to that."

"My love," Toga said, "you do not look any older since the day I fell for you." He reached out to hold her hand on the table. His thumb brushed against her knuckles.

Izayoi blushed at his words.

"Thank you." She said sweetly.

Kenichi scarfed his food down, almost choking and earning a glare from both of his parents.

"Now I'm done!" He said excitedly once his plate was cleared. Sesshomaru nodded, but the child would still have to wait.

"I am not finished with my meal Kenich-" he was interrupted by his half brother.

"I'm done." Inuyasha took a sip of water. "You can come with me Kenichi. I'll show you some of my trophies that I got as a kid."

Kenichi nodded and moved from the chair. Inuyasha started to walk out of the room with the child following behind when Sesshomaru made a comment.

"Yes, Inuyasha," he smirked, "how many do you have? Five?"

Inuyasha turned snap back at him when Kagome beat him to it.

"Sesshomaru! Be nice." She shook her head. "I can't believe you."

Inuyasha wasn't sure how he felt about that little interaction. If he didn't know any better he'd say they acted like a couple! Not knowing what else to do he just kept his mouth shut and continued on his way out to show his nephew some of his awards. And there were much more than five.

After the rest of the adults finished eating, Toga and Sesshomaru went to find Kenichi and Inuyasha. Sesshomaru would show his son just how many trophies he had; twice as many as Inuyasha did. Toga went along to enrich the child's knowledge about the family and unfortunately to supervise as well.

The trophies and awards were kept in the family dojo.

"Kenichi," Toga smiled as he found his youngest son and grandson near the trophy case. "What did your uncle tell you about his and your father's careers?"

The boy shrugged. "I don't know." They had instead spent their time with Inuyasha pointing out which trophy belonged to whom.

"Well," Toga grinned, "I don't believe you're ever too young to start learning martial arts."

Kagome decided to leave the men to themselves. The family would be leaving that day and she wanted Kenichi to spend as much time as possible with his father before his departure. She instead volunteered to help Izayoi in the kitchen.

"Izayoi." Kagome said, while pouring champagne into a flute. "I want to thank you for your kindness. I met Sesshomaru's mom the other day." That was all she needed to say to explain the need for thanks.

"Ah, yes." Izayoi laughed. "I have had the pleasure of meeting Inukimi a handful of times. I'm sure she was not happy to meet another woman out to steal Sesshomaru from her. I only hope she was nice to the little one." Kagome blanched at the words.

"Steal Sesshomaru? I uh, I get what you're saying but we're not like that." Kagome blushed madly while explaining.

"Oh," Izayoi said. She took a sip of her drink. "Well, why not?"

Kagome's mouth dropped open, she had no words.

"Forgive my forwardness." Izayoi placed a hand over her heart. "I am just curious. I remember years ago when you used to be fond of my Inuyasha."

Kagome blushed even more, looking away as Izayoi continued to speak.

"I am so confused." She pouted. "I practically watched you grow up over the years when suddenly you disappear from our lives, then out of nowhere you have reappeared, and with a child. The part that I keep stumbling over is that the child is not Inuyasha's, but Sesshomaru's…"

There was a silence in the room as Kagome distracted herself by taking a sip of her drink.

"I am not asking all the details," Izayoi said gently. "I'd just like a little clarification."

"I know." Kagome sighed. "It's hard to understand even when you do know the details, so I'm guessing you and Toga are pretty confused."

Izayoi put a comforting hand on the young mother's shoulder.

"You don't have to tell me anything you're not comfortable with."

Kagome smiled at the woman, feeling bittersweet. As a teen she was so blessed, having such a loving mother, and then to have Izayoi there like a second mom. She was always so kind.

"Well it did happen three years ago, so I guess it wouldn't be that bad if I tell you Inuyasha had his own graduation party while you guys were out of town."

Izayoi pouted. It may have been three years ago but she was not happy to hear about underage parties at her home. Sesshomaru was supposed to keep things under control, so…

"Was Sesshomaru there?"

"He was there with his own friends." Kagome laughed. Deep down she enjoyed telling on them, she was unsure why. Maybe because they wouldn't get into much trouble over something so long ago, it now felt like a prank to tell.

"And was there drinking?"

Kagome nodded not wanting to say too much.

"He was old enough to supply Inuyasha the alcohol too." Izayoi frowned deeply. Her sons would get a good lecture later.

"Well anyways," Kagome didn't want them getting too off track, but she didn't want to get into too many details, so she gave her the shortest version that still would explain everything. "I got really messed up and the next morning I woke up…" she struggled to admit it to a woman who she respected so much. " I woke up in Sesshomaru's bed." Kagome put her glass on the counter and looked away, ashamed.

"Kagome," Izayoi pulled the girl into a hug, "we all do things we aren't proud of, but we cannot let those things define us."

"I know," Kagome hugged the woman back. Grateful to have a motherly touch given to her for once. "It's just really embarrassing. I've never done something like that before or again. I'm not that kind of girl."

"What?" Izayoi pulled back with a shocked expression. "Kagome," she looked the teary girl in the eyes, "I know you're not that kind of girl. I would never assume as much and neither would anyone who knows you."

Kagome let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

"You are welcome sweetie." Izayoi smiled kindly to the girl. "Now may I be so bold as to ask what you and Sesshomaru are planning to do in regards to each other?"

Kagome stepped back to grab her drink of the counter. She took a gulp before shrugging.

"Well, I don't know. He wants to be there for Kenichi, and I would like the same."

"Ah huh." Izayoi nodded up and down. "Will you guys try to pursue a more than platonic relationship though?" She really wasn't beating around the bush.

"Oh!" Kagome's eyes widened at the question. She had not expected that. "Probably not."

"Really?" Izayoi was surprised with Kagome's answer. "I know he's different than most men but I always thought of him to be a great catch. He could make the right woman happy if he wanted to. You guys already have a child together…" she could think of no reason why they shouldn't just try it out.

"He is great," Kagome confirmed, "but I don't think he sees me as anything more than Kenichi's mother." Izayoi nodded in thought.

"And what about you?"

Kagome tilted her head at the question. "What about me?"

"Do you see Sesshomaru as anything more than Kenichi's father?"

There was a pause, as Kagome struggled for the right words.

"We don't know each other," she started. "I didn't even like him at first."

"At first?" Izayoi raised an eyebrow. She was playing matchmaker and she knew it. Though, who could blame her? Sesshomaru was her son, and she was proud of the accomplished man he had become, but he had never brought a woman to the family, and it seemed as though he never would. She knew he had his fair share of escapades but even he understood that those women were not of his caliber.

"Well, I can look at him as a friend now. The more I get to know him, the closer I feel to him," she admitted. "He's so great with Kenichi…" her voice trailed off as she reminisced over the last week.

Izayoi smiled, she had tried to plant the seed, so hopefully it would sprout in Kagome's mind with more time. For now, she would not push the matter any further. She did not want to go too far and risk it backfiring.

"Come, Kagome." Izayoi gracefully turned to walk out of the kitchen. "Let us find our men."

The women found the Taisho men in the gym. It was a sight to see.

They were grouped around the large pull up bar suspended from the ceiling. Toga was leaning on the wall a few feet away with a smile tracing his mouth as he watched his family. Inuyasha was slowly doing pull ups on the left side of the bar, and Kenichi was on the right side. Sesshomaru held the boys hips and raised him up and down. The boy was obviously unable to lift his weight but his elders encouraged him to try.

The child ignored the fact that his father was helping him. Sesshomaru did not do all the work and made sure Kenichi still had to use his small muscles a little bit.

Toga was the first to notice the women's appearance.

"Hello ladies." His voice drew the attention of his sons. Inuyasha dropped down and turned to nod at them.

Sesshomaru smirked as he saw Kagome.

"Kenichi," he said, his hands still on the child who never noticed the women. "Show you mother what you've learned."

"Huh?" Kenichi turned his head towards the door. "Mommy!" He grinned at Kagome's entertained expression. "Look how strong I am, mom!"

He faced forward and Toga counted how many pull ups the boy could do; with the guidance of Sesshomaru, of course.

He reached ten, and it was a good thing that Sesshomaru held the boy's hips. Kenichi let go and started clapping.

"Oh my," Kagome said, "you are so strong."

Sesshomaru set the boy down gently and he ran up to his mom, holding his arms out.

"Look at my muscles." He made fists, but was still unable to flex. Kagome laughed.

"Yes," she nodded, playing along and squeezing his upper arms. "They're bigger than your dad's."

The boy beamed at his mother's words. Everyone else laughed, even Sesshomaru chuckled and walked over. He quickly bent his arms and flexed his biceps in front of Kagome.

He smirked and spoke haughtily.

"So you have been looking."

Kagome's mouth dropped open and she inhaled sharply. A red tint covered her cheeks. She didn't know how to respond to him, thankfully Kenichi spoke instead.

"Daddy," the young boy turned around to look at his father. "Can you do ten?" Inuyasha had been doing pull-ups alongside him the whole time; he had yet to see his father do any.

He earned a smile from Sesshomaru. Can he do ten pull ups?

"With ease." He walked over to suspended bar and lifted himself up.

"One, two, three…" the child counted along, "…Ten!" He jumped up and down excitedly.

Sesshomaru continued to lift himself up and down. He would not stop at ten.

"Humph," Inuyasha grunted at his brother who insisted on showing off. He too, moved to do the same. Izayoi shook her head at their game.

"You boys, always a competition." With her words, Sesshomaru let go.

"To be a competition," he eyed his half brother who dropped down, "one needs an actual competitor."

Inuyasha pursed his lips together and held his hand out to his sibling. His middle finger was shoved in Sesshomaru's face. At least he watched his language around his nephew.

"So Kagome," Toga started. "Will you be coming out to Sesshomaru's next match?"

At her confused gaze he continued.

"It's in two months. You and Kenichi will have VIP seats."

"I don't know if I feel comfortable with Kenichi there." She frowned and Toga nodded, remembering that the boy was only three.

"Ah yes, my apologies." He raised an arm to rub the back of his neck. "I get so used to it all that I forget how inappropriate it can be for youngsters."

Then Izayoi chimed in.

"I rarely attend the events. I can watch him while you go, Kagome."

"Oh." Kagome's eyes widened at the invitation. "I suppose that wouldn't be a problem then." Toga was happy that she agreed.

"Great," he nodded, smiling. "Inuyasha will be in the match before him."

"Wow," she said, "I have to admit I've never seen either of you guys fight before." Sesshomaru smirked at her admission.

He was about to speak when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and looked at the screen. It was his alarm.

"Kagome," he said as he swiped to shut the alarm off. "It is time for us to leave. Kenichi, say your goodbyes."

The child frowned and reached for the family member closest to him, Izayoi.

It took a few minutes before everyone said their goodbyes to both Kenichi and Kagome. Soon enough, Sesshomaru guided them outside to his car.

The whole group was in a melancholy mood when they made it to Kagome's apartment. Sesshomaru walked the two inside and prepared to say goodbye to his son. It was harder to do than he expected.

They were all gathered in the living room when Sesshomaru could put it off no longer.

"Kenichi," he frowned at the child. "I have to leave now."

Kenichi nodded. "Okay daddy, I'll see you tomorrow." Sesshomaru sighed and Kagome spoke for him.

"Sweetheart," she said gently, putting an arm on her son's shoulder. "He is going to go to his home now. He lives very far away."

"What?" Kenichi turned away from his dad, bringing his attention to his mother.

"He will be back in a few weeks to visit you." She gave him a comforting smile.

"What?" His voice rose a little higher and he shook his head. "No."

Sesshomaru spoke. "I will call you every night, and you can call me whenever you want."

"No!" The child stomped his foot. His eyes began to water.

"Kenichi, it will not be that long." Kagome frowned, seeing her child upset. "I promise."

The child had tears running down his face and he looked at his dad for confirmation on Kagome's words.

"I promise as well." Sesshomaru said.

Kenichi sniffled and threw himself into his father's arms.

"I love you, dad." He proclaimed loudly. Sesshomaru held his son tightly, and kissed him on the top of his head.

"I love you too."

AN: Please review. I'm working a lot more now, so writing time is hard to find. Reviews motivate me to ditch friends in favor of writing ;)