AN: Thanks everyone for all the reviews! I am so sorry about the wait on this one. This chapter had me stumped for SO long. I can't count how many times I've opened up my laptop to read and stare at the screen and then not make any progress. Then with school and work my free time has been restricted. I really hope you all like this chapter because I'm not very confident with it. I ask you forgive any typos and grammar mistakes. If there are any really bad ones message me and I will fix ASAP. So please let me know what you think when you're done :)

The next couple of days Kagome got her first taste of how Sesshomaru felt on almost a daily basis. She had not seen her son since breakfast with Sesshomaru and she missed him terribly. She empathized with Sesshomaru in more ways than one. He missed his son all the time that was for sure, her heart was broken the longer she went without him. She also realized why Sesshomaru would be so upset over Koga and Kenichi's relationship. To imagine Kenichi spending time with another woman while his loving mother missed him was an awful thought. She resolved that they would figure something out to keep Sesshomaru more involved in Kenichi's life. She just wasn't sure what.

They already spoke on the phone a few times a day, as well as the occasional video chat, but what more could be done when they lived so far away? Not much. The only thing she could think of would be not to rub Koga's good fortune in Sesshomaru's face. They would meet this one time, and then after that she would not mention her boyfriend again. Ignorance is bliss and it might help Sesshomaru not to know that there is always someone else there.

On her third day without Kenichi, Kagome woke up with anticipation. She would finally see her baby, in just a few hours!

Sesshomaru held back a sigh as he pulled into the park's parking lot. He turned his head to the child in the back seat and smiled at the boy who returned the gesture. As he found a spot and turned off his car he got out and scanned the area. He did not see Kagome nor her boyfriend.

Sesshomaru was quick to let Kenichi out so the child could play on the jungle gym.

"Come on dad," the boy climbed up a ladder, "follow me!"

Sesshomaru smiled. "I am too big, Kenichi."

"Fine," the child pouted, his father was right. "Well, just stay next to me, okay?"

"Okay."

After ten minutes, Sesshomaru noticed the boy stop at the top of the slide and point a small finger into the distance.

"Look!" he shouted before rushing into the slide. In seconds he was running towards his mom. "Mommy!"

Sesshomaru walked over to the group, ignoring the male standing near Kagome. The woman hugged her son tight; it was obvious that she missed him. He knew the feeling well.

"Sesshomaru," she greeted him with relief on her face.

He nodded to her.

"Kenichi," Kagome said, "go play. The adults need to have a little bit of time."

"But I missed you."

"And I missed you too." Kagome smiled with love shining in her eyes. "I will be right here the whole time."

The child tilted his head, as if contemplating he words. Then he nodded and ran off to the jungle gym to play with the other kids."

When Kagome watched Kenichi move from hearing distance she turned her attention to the two males. Her eyes widened as she saw Sesshomaru glowering at Koga. Kagome turned to Koga, he was returning Sesshomaru's look with his own.

After a few seconds passed, Kagome realized that neither male would start the conversation. Apparently glaring at each other was enough for them.

"Sesshomaru, this is Koga." Kagome introduced. "Koga, this is Sesshomaru."

They stayed silent so Kagome cleared her throat.

"So you're the boyfriend." Sesshomaru said, making sure he established that he was a man and Koga was nothing more than a boy.

Koga smirked, clearing hearing the jab. "So, you're the baby daddy?" He responded with equal condemnation.

"I am Kenichi's father." Sesshomaru corrected sharply. A frown marred his face. He did not like Koga, nor the ever widening smirk on the man's face.

After a few more moments of the staring contest, Kagome sent a sharp elbow into Koga's ribcage.

He sent a look her way before turning back to Sesshomaru and sticking his hand out.

"Koga Wolfe." His hand was met by Sesshomaru.

"Sesshomaru Takahashi." They held the grip for a second until a thought crossed Koga's mind.

"Inuyasha's brother." Koga stepped back and turned to Kagome. "I knew Kenichi looked familiar."

Kagome's face turned red, hoping Koga wouldn't make any assumptions about her having a baby with her high school crush's older brother. She stayed silent so that the guys could focus on each other instead of her growing anxiety.

"You were friends with him?" Sesshomaru asked. Inuyasha was a little shit in high school; he could only imagine the type of riff raff the kid associated with. Kagome was the only exception, of course.

"Nope." Koga answered, fully expecting Sesshomaru to dislike him even more for it.

"Hn." Sesshomaru revealed no more information, though he thought slightly higher of the guy for his answer.

Koga was much more social than Sesshomaru so he was the first one to steer the conversation in a more productive direction.

"So," he said, "Kagome wanted me to meet you so that you'd feel better about me hanging around your kid."

Sesshomaru frowned at the man's words. He did not appreciate Kagome coaching Koga about meeting him and divulging into any needs he would have. "Kagome was mistaken. I wanted to meet you so that you would know exactly who I am."

Kagome's eyes widened at Sesshomaru's obvious show of disrespect.

"Yeah?" Koga stepped forward. He was never one to back down. "So what is that supposed to mean?" He didn't see Kagome glare for encouraging the rivalry.

"It means that you have been warned." Sesshomaru paused, wanting to use the right words. "I will not start a fight without being provoked. Do not provoke me." His icy glare reflected his cold words. If he heard one bad thing about Koga from Kenichi, he would make sure the man never came within a hundred feet of his son again.

"Point heard." Koga almost laughed. He'd recognized Sesshomaru Takahashi; being into athletics. He'd even seen a couple of his fights, but he'd back down from no one. "You might be here because of Kenichi but I'm here because Kagome and Kenichi want me to be." That was what he said. What he meant and what the two listeners understood was that Sesshomaru was here because of blood but if Kagome and Kenichi could choose they'd pick Koga. Was it true? Maybe not, but that didn't matter.

"Koga!" Kagome gripped her boyfriends arm in warning. He was crossing the line and he shouldn't have said that. She knew Sesshomaru would be insecure about the relationship between Kenichi and himself and Kenichi and other men.

"Kagome." Sesshomaru sent a sharp look her way.

"What?" She looked back at him and asked with the same tone he used. She was protecting his feelings and he chastised her they same way she did Koga, without the physical contact of course. "I'm just trying to help."

He narrowed his eyes even more so. She wasn't helping; she was making him look like he needed her to fight his own battles. He turned his attention back to Koga. The man was trying to get under his skin, but Sesshomaru knew the game well. He was brothers with Inuyasha, after all.

"Do not attempt to upset me with your words, Koga. I am sure they would pick you when I am the one taking care of their financial needs." The insult had been sent, and heard loud and clear. "There is nothing you have that I want, nor is there anything you can say to rile me."

Kagome's mouth dropped open, she was angry that he was using his money against her boyfriend. This was one of the main reasons she had not wanted to accept at first.

"I might not be as rich as you but I have more than enough to take care of my woman and her son." Koga decided he would talk to Kagome later about the whole financial situation later.

"Okay!" Kagome stepped between the guys, pushing them apart with a hand on each guy's chest. She hadn't realized just how much they had moved to get close. "That's enough. We are getting way off track."

"I do not like you." Sesshomaru said to Koga, in a manner resembling how one would comment on the weather.

"Yeah?" Koga smirked. "The feeling's mutual."

"I do not want him around my son." Sesshomaru told Kagome. He was being petty now, but he did not want him to get the last word in on their verbal spar.

"Sesshomaru!" Kagome rotated to face him and have her back to Koga. "You can't say that." If there was a valid reason she would honor his request but this was downright ridiculous. "You have no right!"

"He is my son." Sesshomaru reminded her. "I have the right."

"You don't."

"I do." He turned on his heel and started walking to the jungle gym. The argument was over and he won. Well, he did not win; they all lost. Though, in that moment, his pride was happy.

"Well," Kagome called out towards his retreating form, "I don't want your girlfriend, or whatever she is around Kenichi." Her arms crossed over her chest, and though he was not looking, Sesshomaru could hear and visualize her stance.

"She won't be." He called out over his shoulder without sparing a glance.

Kagome, with her mouth hanging open, watched Sesshomaru get their sons attention before the child ran over to her.

"Mom," he hugged her around the legs, "me and dad are going, but I'll see you tomorrow."

"Oh," Kagome leaned down to hug the boy. "Okay." She was surprised that he was so eager to leave her. She missed him so much. Did he not miss her?

After exchanging goodbyes to Koga and Kagome, the child ran off to be scooped up into his father's arms and carried to the car.

Kagome watched with a frown, and Koga with a glare, as the black car drove off.

Kagome's sigh caught her boyfriend's attention. Koga looked at her, mentally replaying the whole interaction with Sesshomaru in his head.

"Kagome, we need to talk."

Kagome woke up on the wrong side of the bed the next morning. She was alone in her apartment and spent the first hour of the morning reflecting on her situation.

Yesterday, Koga and Sesshomaru met. Both men were immature and too concerned with being alpha male that the meeting was a disaster in her eyes. Sesshomaru apparently had two reasons to meet Koga. Meeting the stranger that Kenichi took a liking to, and asserting his dominance over him. Kagome couldn't really blame Koga for being an ass, he was sticking up for himself; Sesshomaru was the first one to make a rude comment. But then, Koga not only stood up for himself, he kept it going. They were like two canines fighting over a bone.

Then Koga made the really messed up comment about Sesshomaru only being around because she was obligated to have him there. That was wrong. Except Sesshomaru did one further with the comment about supporting not only Kenichi, but Kagome as well.

Kagome shifted in her place on the bed. She grabbed a pillow and covered her face, groaning loudly. What happened after her son and his twin left made her bad day even worse.

Kenichi didn't even call her! By the time it was late and she finally called Sesshomaru, she was informed that the boy was so worn out from his father-son time that he passed out as soon as the guys made it back home. It was the perfect ending to a shitty day since she didn't call till after the long conversation with Koga.

When he said that he had to talk her, her heart dropped. She thought he was breaking up with her. Had Sesshomaru scared him away? Was just the thought of dealing with Sesshomaru been enough to make him not want to be with her anymore? Was the fact that if they worked out and he'd have to be a step dad finally get to him?

Well he didn't break up with her, and he didn't plan on leaving because of his feelings about Kenichi's father. He was upset about the fact that she was being financially supported by Sesshomaru. He didn't like that his girlfriend was relying on another man to pay her bills. She understood his point though, he was old fashioned, and it made him look bad that someone else was doing his job. If she needed money she could go to him; he assured her of that.

"What am I supposed to do?" Kagome grumbled.

She decided to get up and make some coffee. Maybe the wonderful drink would get her mind working and bring some ideas into mind about the predicament she was in.

Sesshomaru had Kenichi in the car and they boys were en route to Kagome's apartment. It was earlier than expected but Sesshomaru wanted to surprise the woman who was so upset with him. She'd expressed her anger over his behavior with Koga the previous day and she was also upset over missing their child. He was slightly glad to give her a taste of her own medicine, but he did not want to be spiteful towards her either. So instead of spending the morning with just himself and Kenichi, they would go to see the child's mother and spend the day with her instead. Sesshomaru also thought it would make an easier transition for Kenichi, since he had to leave for the airport later in the night. A tiny part of himself also felt uneasy with his behavior towards Koga the previous day. He had acted petty, and it was unbecoming and unusual for him to do so. He had no reason to prove himself better than the man, yet he bickered with him like a child and demanded the man stay away from his son. It was immature and he knew it.

When the pair made it to the apartment complex, Sesshomaru helped Kenichi get out of the car and the men went to the trunk and got all the contents out. Kenichi practically ran to his home as Sesshomaru rushed to keep up.

A scream caused Sesshomaru to flinch as the door swung open and Kagome reached forward to hug her son.

"Kenichi!" She lifted him up, giving him kisses. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Surprise," the boy said between giggles.

"Wow," Kagome grinned. "I wasn't expecting this." She gave Sesshomaru an appreciative look as she invited them in.

"Kenichi," she set the boy back down. "Go put your things away and come back out here."

The child followed her directions and Sesshomaru entered the living room after closing and locking the front door. He was smirking as he walked in the room. Kagome turned away from the hallway and looked at him; her smile was replaced with a pout.

"I am still mad at you," she informed him.

Sesshomaru fought the urge to roll his eyes. What happened between him and Koga could not be changed; she needed to deal with it. Though, he had prepared for her to not be over it.

"Hn, I hope this makes up for it." He handed a small bag out towards her. "I apologize for my immature behavior yesterday. I do not have any objections to Kenichi being around your boyfriend."

"Okay." Kagome narrowed his eyes at his words and reached out to take the bag from him. His apology was sufficient and worded beautifully. He apologized for his behavior and took back what he said about keeping Koga from Kenichi. As long as he was sincere she'd have to let it go, but that was easier said than done. "What is this?" she asked as he released the item into her hands.

"It is a gift."

"How you acted was wrong, Sesshomaru." She said, having yet to open the bag. "Don't think you can just buy your way into my good graces."

This time the urge for him to roll his eyes was too strong.

"Just open it."

Kagome glared at him before looking at the bag in her hand. She didn't want to accept the gift but curiosity got the best of her and she carefully reached into it to pull out a long jewelry box. Her heart sped in anticipation.

"What is it?" she asked more to herself than him. She opened the lid to see a beautiful diamond bracelet. "Wow," she breathed out, "it's beautiful."

"I hoped you would like it." Sesshomaru stepped up to her, confidently.

"Is this all real?" she asked while carefully running her fingertips along the tennis bracelet in the box.

"Eighteen karat white gold," he explained, "the total diamond weight is a little under a carat."

"Oh!" Kagome's mouth dropped open as she stared at the sparkling object. She pulled her hand away and held it away from her. It must have cost him a pretty penny. "I… This is too much. I'm sorry, as much as I would want to, I just can't accept this." She closed the box and held it out towards him.

"Nonsense." He shook his head. "I bought it for you; it would be rude not to accept."

"But-"

"Do you forgive me?" He interrupted.

"Ah," her breath hitched, "yeah. I forgive you, okay?" She shook her head. "Still," she pushed the jewelry box against his torso, "I can't. This is too nice."

"You do not want it?"

"It's not that I don't want it." She explained. "It's beautiful, but it is too expensive for you to be buying me."

"Fine." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. He took the gift from her hands and walked into the kitchen. Kagome followed him, curious as to what he was doing. He tried not to smirk when he heard her gasp as he tossed the gift into the garbage.

"Sesshomaru!" Kagome shoved her way past him and grabbed the item out from the trash. "Are you crazy?" She looked at him with wide eyes.

"I am not going to return it. If you do not want it, then it is useless."

Kagome stared at him, at a loss for words. He was apparently the king of getting his way because there was no way she'd let him throw something so expensive away.

"You will keep it?" He asked, already knowing her answer.

"I… yes," she gave him a small smile. "Thank you Sesshomaru, it really is beautiful. I am grateful that you would get something so nice for me."

"You are welcome." He smirked.

Kagome grinned as she took the jewelry out of the box and put it on her left wrist. She held it out and rotated her hand, making the diamonds sparkle in the light. A small part of her felt guilty for accepting such an expensive bribe. Bribe, because that's exactly what it was and she knew it. Naturally though, what kind of person, in their right mind, could actually deny such a lovely gift? She tried to refuse, but if he insisted then how could she say no?

Kenichi ran into the room and quickly noticed the shining bracelet on his mother's wrist.

"Did she like it daddy?"

Sesshomaru smiled at his son. "I believe so."

"Yay!" Kenichi clapped his hands while jumping up and down.

"Did you know about this?" Kagome asked the boy.

He nodded his head. "I helped pick it."

Kagome turned her gaze onto Sesshomaru. This bracelet was still a bribe, but much more than that too.

"It was between this and a pair of earrings." Sesshomaru explained. "Kenichi made the final decision."

Kagome smiled. This was probably one of the nicest things anyone had ever done for her. Without thinking, she reached forward and wrapped her arms around Sesshomaru's body.

"Thank you," she said, hugging him tight.

Kagome and Sesshomaru got along really well throughout the rest of the day. Kenichi and his dad went on a shopping spree the previous day and Kenichi made sure to show his mother every single thing he was bought.

They had ice cream for lunch and an early dinner that Kagome made. After Kagome cleaned up the meal, she found they guys in the dining room still, Kenichi talking about how great of a time he had with his dad.

Kagome looked at the time on her phone before frowning. "Sesshomaru," she said.

The handsome man turned to her, his face was unreadable but if you knew him well enough, you could tell he was unhappy.

"I am aware," he turned looked at his son. "Kenichi, it's time for me to go home."

"You're leaving again?" The child frowned. He remembered this from last time. His eyes watered and his lower lip trembled.

"Sweetheart," Kagome started, "in a few weeks you and I will be flying out to visit him. You guys had a great time together this week. Now he has to go home but you will still talk to him every day." She looked at Sesshomaru. "More than once every day this time."

"Hn." Sesshomaru nodded in thanks. So it seems Kagome realized that it wasn't so easy being away from their child.

"I don't want you to leave!" The child pushed his chair away from him and ran over to his dad, throwing himself onto him. "Didn't you have fun?"

"I enjoyed myself very much this week Kenichi. I do not wish to leave but I have to go home. I promise I will see you soon and you will have even more fun than you did this time."

"Promise?"

Sesshomaru nodded as he held his son.

They stood there, embracing each other as Kagome watched with tears in her eyes. Her heart broke for both of them.

The alarm on Sesshomaru's phone interrupted the moment. He sighed and reached with one hand to turn it off. Kagome walked over to the pair and was able to pry Kenichi's arms from around Sesshomaru's neck. The boy then clung onto his mom instead.

Sesshomaru ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated. This sucked. He walked to the doorway with Kagome and Kenichi following.

"Have a safe flight, Sesshomaru. Maybe call when you get to the airport? He should be calmer by then."

Sesshomaru nodded and was slightly surprised when Kagome leaned forward to wrap her free arm around him in a goodbye hug. He wrapped his arms around Kagome and their son for a moment. The boy trembling in her arms made his heart heavy.

Three weeks. Three more long weeks without his son. He hoped it would go by fast.

AN: Am I 100% happy with this chapter? No. But Ive been stuck on it for so long that this is the best that I can do and I'm ready to move forward to whats coming up. I promise the story will improve with the future chapters. I look forward to writing them so please review!