Second to last chapter guys! Thanks for sticking with me! I hope this chapter makes up for the past few!
Kagome stood in her nice dress. It was the first time she had dressed up in work attire in months. She officially resigned from her job two days after Inuyasha arrived home. She had no need to work having her fiancé to provide for her, she also was carrying a child, and she claimed her feet were too swollen to wear heels, which she said were required for work. She stood in front of the court house. Inuyasha was already inside conversing with his lawyer and some other men who had come to the hearing.
The past months had been a blur for Kagome. She was now five months pregnant, her stomach blatantly showing through her loose fitting dress. She was wearing a horizontal black and white striped sweater dress with leggings and boots, formal yet casual enough to be comfortable. She had never been to court before. Inuyasha's mother waved to her as she too began to walk up the steps into the court house.
Kagome remembered the day she met Inuyasha's parents. It was after Inuyasha had proposed, he had yet to tell his family about Kagome. His HIV being enough news to keep them busy for years. Kagome however insisted on meeting them, considering she was having their grandchild. Kagome's three month baby belly made it through the door before she did. Inuyasha gave his parents no warning when he brought Kagome over, he had just explained he was coming for a visit. His middle aged parents eyed her with confusion when Inuyasha introduced her as his fiancée, until Inutashio threw his head back in roaring laughter. He clapped Inuyasha on the shoulder and said, "Like father like son." Inuyasha's mother pulled her into a hug and shuffled her into their kitchen for tea and gossip. Inuyasha later explained that his father has similarly left Sesshomaru's mother for his mother whom his father was having an affair with. Kagome loved Inuyasha's mother. She was beautiful, even in her older age, she was also kind and rambled on and on about her pregnancy with Inuyasha. Kagome loved his father as well, he often made her laugh and teased Inuyasha mercilessly which caused her a lot of laughter.
Inuyasha had met her mother as well. Her mother nearly fainted at the sight of Inuyasha. She told Kagome she had picked a hell of a man and she wished her well. Inuyasha was kind to her mother, and seemed to get along well with her younger brother Souta. Kagome's grandfather lectured Inuyasha about never hurting Kagome and they all rejoiced over Kagome's pregnancy.
Kagome felt a nudge in her stomach, she cooed, "yes I feel you little one. It's cold out here isn't it?" She rubbed her belly as she continued to feel little kicks and nudges. She eyed her engagement ring, it was beautiful. Inuyasha had picked the perfect ring. It was elegant and showed how much he cared, but it was simple enough to keep people's eyes from bugging out of their heads to Kagome's relief. He had planned to propose to her in a sweet and kind way, but the night had not allowed so, she giggled at the memory.
Kagome was rather moody that day. Inuyasha had invited her to dinner with the intention of proposing, but Kagome ended up wailing on the bathroom floor about how Inuyasha was a "stupid jerk" and she was a "fat cow". Inuyasha had ended up proposing to her on the bathroom floor while she had smeared makeup all over her face and her dress halfway on, not going on all the way because of her small but bulging belly. While neither of them found the night humorous then, they both laughed at the thought now. Their wedding was actually coming up soon. They were just waiting for the divorce papers to be finalized, which would happen today if everything went well.
Inutashio stirred Kagome from her thoughts, "what's got you standing out here in the cold?" He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and began to lead her up the stairs. She smiled, "just a little nervous I guess." He patted her back, "no need to be nervous, just flash them one of your million dollar smiles and the judge will listen to anything you have to say." He kissed her temple and parted from her to go sit amongst Inuyasha and his lawyers.
The hearing was long and boring, Kikyo still had no idea Kagome was who Inuyasha left her for. Kagome sighed as she heard Kikyo drone on in her monotone voice about how she too agreed with the divorce. The judge called Kagome forth to read her reports. Kagome slipped on her glasses and appeared before the judge with her well-rehearsed speech in front of her. "Yes, well, I must admit, the couple had me completely vexed at first. I couldn't believe such a couple could have any marital problems." She heard Inuyasha scoff behind her back and she had to hold back a smile, "However, after several weeks of therapy, I realized that this couple was quite the disaster your honor. Both of them were adulterous, as well as liars, and both might as well have tried to kill one another for how much I could see they disliked one another. All in all, while I don't deem in necessary, I feel a divorce is justifiable. And I feel Mr. and Mrs. Takahashi should go their separate ways. Thank you." She closed her file and walked back to her seat, slightly waddling from her round stomach. The judge glanced at Kikyo and Inuyasha, both of which looked as though they really wanted to leave. "I won't deny the couple any longer then. I see they clearly want to be apart. I regret saying this but I grant your divorce, you are officially separated." Kagome had a slight smile on her face as she turned and walked out the building. Inuyasha stayed behind to speak and finalize things with the judge. Kikyo followed her out.
Kagome felt a frail hand on her shoulder and turned around to see Kikyo. She definitely wasn't the beauty she was all those months ago, her skin was papery and pale, her cheeks were sallow and her eyes held bags bellow them, her hair no longer held its sheen. Kagome realized she was facing a defeated woman. "I hope you treat him well." She gave Kagome a sickly smile. Kagome's eyes widened, Kikyo knew? "Wait!" Kagome called out to Kikyo's retreating form. "I don't want you to feel as though you are unwelcome in our lives. Please, come to us any time you are in need." Kagome gave a sweet smile, her newly chubby cheeks were red with the cold. Kikyo gave a gentle smile back, "Thank you Kagome. I wish you well, as well as your little one." Kagome felt a twinge of guilt. She knew how bad Kikyo had wanted children. "It's a boy." She called out to Kikyo. Kikyo froze and turned around. "A boy?" A ghost of a smile formed on her face. "Yes, we've decided to name him Kyou." Kagome lovingly stroked her belly. "I would like you to meet him someday." Kagome reached out her hand to Kikyo who hesitantly took it. Kagome brought her hand to her stomach and Kikyo felt the kick from the little boy. "Thank you Kagome." Kikyo smiled and removed her hand. "We will keep in touch." Kikyo waved and walked down the steps to her car. Kagome's heart relaxed with relief. Kikyo didn't hate her, and for that she was happy.
Inuyasha walked out of the building to see his ex-wife and fiancée talking, Kikyo's hand on Kagome's stomach, his heart swelled. His Kagome was so kind, he could tell how happy she had made Kikyo. As Kikyo walked away Inuyasha approached Kagome and wrapped his arms around her, kissing the back of her neck. "I love you." He murmured as he rubbed a hand over her protruding belly. "And I, you." She turned around and kissed his nose.
Kouga walked down the street to his apartment. The snow from the night before caked the pathway, getting his shoes damp. He had just gotten off work and he was exhausted. Ever since Kagome left he had delved himself into work. His work had led to his promotion to manager, which allowed him to choose his own hours. He sighed as he rounded the corner to his street. As he was turning a body slammed right into his. Both he and the other person fell to the ground in the snow, "damn it!" He growled as he rose from the snow, now with damp pants. The woman he had ran into jumped up and began apologizing "I am so so so sorry!" She was cute. She had her auburn hair into a high ponytail. She had the most beautiful green eyes. She was tall and had a lithe but full figure. Kouga's anger faded as he noticed how truly beautiful she was. "It was an honest mistake don't worry about it." He smiled at her as he wiped some snow off his pants. She smiled nervously, "well, do you mind if I make it up to you by buying you some coffee? I know a place right around the corner." Kouga chuckled, "I could go for some coffee." She smiled and grabbed his hand, leading him down the street away from his lonely apartment. "I'm Ayame by the way." She beamed up at him, her eyes sending butterflies into his stomach. He felt like his heart began to work again after so long, he smiled and squeezed her hand, "I'm Kouga."
Yay Kouga has a happy ending too. Thanks for sticking with me guys. -Ainsley