Hidden Innocence
Chapter 18: Least Expected
The next day went by pretty fast. Inuyasha had thought a lot during his classes but since Kagome was in basically all of them his thoughts always made it's way back to her. He couldn't stop thinking about the way that she looked at the club or the fear that built in her eyes when they were at the house. There was just so much going on and he wanted to know what it all was about.
Maybe I'll get some answers today, thought Inuyasha as he looked at his watch. The bell would ring in a couple more minutes and he'd be done for the day. Miroku was sprawled on the floor beside him tired from the gym class activities. Since it was raining outside they were stuck inside having a game of soccer.
"Man that was a tough game. The girls are insane!" he said out of breath.
"Naw it's just that you need to pick up on your athletic skills," said Inuyasha as he spared a glance at Miroku.
"You know I agree with you, I've never been this out of breath…" Miroku just closed his eyes and waited for the sound of the bell. Inuyasha looked over at the girls and saw Kagome and Sango talking, from the looks of it Sango was trying to get some information out of Kagome, but wasn't getting anywhere with it.
"Sango not now! Please, I'll tell you later!" yelled Kagome for the whole class to hear. When she felt the stares from the students she just glared and turned back to Sango with the same glare.
"Okay, okay fine don't go getting your panties in a bunch!" said Sango with a laugh.
"Okay class the bell has already rung so go on home!" said the teacher.
"Well looks like we should go get changed, after all you have a study date with Inuyasha!" said Sango before running into the change room before Kagome could reprimand her.
Inuyasha smirked at the conversation. "Study date, eh?" he sauntered over to the change room getting excited about Kagome going over to his house.
-
"Well are you ready to go?" asked Inuyasha as he leaned against the lockers. Kagome looked up from her book bag and saw him smirking at her.
"Yeah just give me a sec," said Kagome as turned back to her bag so that she could shove a few more things into the bag. "So I was thinking for the song, from what we have we should spin it out of the love theme and take it to friendship and family. Since it's so obvious that for a duet we should do a love song."
Inuyasha watched her as she talked not registering anything she said. His eyes were watching her mouth move and he so desperately wanted to shut her up with his own mouth on top of hers.
"So? Inuyasha are you even listening to—" when she turned to look at him, Inuyasha captured her in a kiss. She let out a muffled shriek as he brought his hands up to her face.
She pushed back from his hold and looked at him. "Are you crazy?! Do you not know where we are?!" asked Kagome, her eyes bulging out.
"I know exactly where we are, and I couldn't care less. I haven't been able to do that to you since Friday and that wasn't even done properly then," said Inuyasha as he rubbed her cheek.
"What the hell! You're just trying to make my life horrible at this school," said Kagome with a groan as she took a step back.
"Oh come on Kagome weren't you the one who bitched out Kikyo at the club and slapped her around some?" asked Inuyasha.
"Well actually it was punched around if we want to get technical," she said with a grin.
"See that's what I like to hear. Now how about we take this back to my car?" he asked wiggling his eye brows.
"Inuyasha I'm not that kind of girl you jack ass," said Kagome with a huff as she shut the locker.
"What are you talking about? I just asked if we'd take this conversation to my car so that we can head over to my house, sheesh Kagome I never knew you were so perverted," said Inuyasha with a smirk.
"ARGH! You're so infuriating!" said Kagome as she marched away from him. He just let out a laugh and followed her. He was excited to push her buttons a bit more but at the same time he was worried about how Kagome would react to know that his mother was best friends with hers.
Letting out a sigh he pulled open his own door and got in. He just sat there waiting and Kagome looked at him like he was stupid. "What?" he asked as he looked at her.
"Well aren't we going?" asked Kagome.
"Well I have to wait for my sister too. Man you're selfish." Kagome looked stupidly at him. She didn't know what to say to that. Then she heard him laugh. Her stupid gaze turned into one of anger. Anger that rose quickly and furiously. "You know you're really cute when you're like that," said Inuyasha as he pushed back her hair. The gesture caused her to freeze.
"What are you doing?" she asked as she moved back just a little.
"Nothing just admiring you," said Inuyasha as he rubbed her cheek with his thumb.
"Well you can stop. You stay on your side of the car," said Kagome crossing her arms over he chest in an act of defiance.
"Fine we'll have all night to fill the gap," said Inuyasha as he reclined his chair and turned on the radio to stop her from responding. Kagome just sat back in her seat with a grumpy look on her face as she wished Rin would hurry it up.
-
"Hey Kiki are you okay?" asked Yura as she sat at the café with her. Kikyo looked like she was off in some distant space.
"Huh? Yeah I'm fine," said Kikyo as she turned back towards her friend.
"What the hell is wrong with you? You usually try so much harder than this. Why aren't you going after Inuyasha? That Kagome bitch has nothing on you," said Yura as she sipped her drink.
"You don't get it do you? He doesn't like me and he obviously likes that stupid slut. I can't believe he'd pick her over me, like seriously what the hell does he see in that bimbo?" asked Kikyo as she looked down at her drink. Her mood was as dark as the tea she drank but her voice contradicted it.
"Well then stop being so passive I highly doubt she'd do anything to you, after all your dad has the rep to stop anyone in their tracks and it's been days since Friday," said Yura.
"You know you're right I can probably get daddy to get her in trouble with the school or something along those lines. Yura you're a genius!" said Kikyo her spirits lifted she got up and went to her car. She needed to talk to her father and plan out how to ruin the girl who was taking away the one guy who she wanted.
-
"Sorry I took so long Kohaku was being an idiot and couldn't find his books," said Rin as she rested her self against the car trying to catch her breath. When she got no response she looked at the occupants in the car and raised a brow. Inuyasha looked as if he was sleeping and Kagome was in her own gloomy world.
"Hey guys you okay?" asked Rin.
Still no response…
"GUYS!!" it was just loud enough to cause Inuyasha to jump.
"Damnit Rin could you be any louder?" he asked as he glared at his sister.
"Yeah sure, you wanna hear?" she asked as she opened her mouth.
"No thanks just get in the car, and no Kohaku today," said Inuyasha.
"I know this is your day to have the house. I'll go over to his house later, and Nazu will be coming with me."
"Not sure why you're telling me but that's good for you," said Inuyasha as he started the ignition motioning for her to get in.
"I'm telling you because I need a ride there and if you sat no then I'll have to call him over to our house," said Rin with an innocent smile.
"You're such a brat, why don't you just go with him now?" asked Inuyasha.
"Because He's getting a ride with Miroku and there's no room for me in the car," said Rin with a pout.
"Well then I'll just drop you off now if that's okay? Cause we'll be busy with our project, Right Kagome?" asked Inuyasha as he looked at her. She was still dazed off annoyed with him. He just smiled, quite excited for the challenge.
"Well then…how about you take me home so I can change and then you can drop me off," said Rin.
"Why do you have to change?" asked Inuyasha.
"Because I don't want to wear this anymore, now say yes or I'll tell Haku to come over."
"Okay fine," said Inuyasha as he drove off.
Kagome looked out the window during the whole drive. She didn't know why she was in such a pissy mood but Inuyasha was just making it a hundred times worse. He was pushing all the buttons and she didn't want them to be pushed. To add to the fact that Kikyo was no where when ever she wanted to pound the girl into the ground didn't help. She looked over as Inuyasha out of the corner of her eye and saw him in a foul mood made by his younger sister. At that Kagome smiled if she was going to be in a bad mood then he deserved be too.
"Well hurry up, you only get ten minutes to change starting now," said Inuyasha. Kagome was so confused at why Inuyasha was saying what he was saying that was until she noticed that they had stopped in front of a mansion that would rival her gramps'.
"This is his house?" she whispered to no one as she watched Rin run out of the car and into the house.
"Yeah this is the Takahashi mansion," said Inuyasha when he heard her speak. Kagome turned to him and furrowed her brows.
"Don't think that I'm not mad at you anymore cause I am," said Kagome as she crossed her arms again and looked at the entrance. She heard Inuyasha chuckle but ignored it as she saw a tall man open the door. He looked so regal and handsome that Kagome swore she felt her eyes bulge out. He was so pretty that he looked like a model with a bit of years behind him.
There was a wide grin on his face when he looked at Rin and he picked her up in one swoop giving her a smacking kiss on the cheek. Kagome wished she could hear what they were saying because both looked so happy.
"That's Dad. I don't know what he's doing home but you can meet him once we drop the brat off," said Inuyasha.
"Your Dad…?" she asked as she watched him. Their father who openly loved his children. She felt such a pang of longing in the pit of her stomach, thinking about how her dad would have been like with her if he were still alive. Her heart yearned to be held like that, by her father. To be greeted with such love just on your way home was one thing she missed all her life. Her grandparents were always there for her but that open show of affection wasn't there. She knew they loved her and they made sure of that but she wanted those careless hugs and quick pecks on the cheek.
Letting out a sigh Kagome thought about her father and how he'd have looked if he were alive now. Would he still look as handsome as he did in his picture or would the years have slowly started to creep into his appearance?
She had her head rested against a window; she glanced outside and saw that they were moving again. She looked around and saw Rin sitting in the back wearing low rider jeans with a white three quarter sleeve and a small black tailored vest with a black beaded necklace. "Where did you space off to Kagome? Are you okay? You've been kinda out of it for a while," asked Rin and a smile.
"Oh I was just thinking…" she murmured.
"About me right?" asked Inuyasha as he spared her a glance wiggling his eye brows.
"Oh please she has better things to do than think about a pea-brain like you," said Rin with a scoff.
"Yeah what Rin said…I was actually thinking about how lucky you guys are," said Kagome as her gaze fell to her hands that were resting on her lap.
"What do you mean lucky? You're house is amazing!" said Rin.
"Yeah Kagome what are you talking about?" asked Inuyasha.
"You're Dad. The way he hugs you and welcomes you into the house when you get home. You're so lucky to have that. I wish I did……sorry I didn't mean to ramble," she said when she realized when she'd said.
"Kagome…" There were no words that Inuyasha could say, nothing he could think of could compare to her loss.
"No it's okay I'm just being stupid. Don't worry about it Inuyasha," said Kagome with a faint smile. Her sour mood now turned depressing and she didn't want to feel like that. It was just that lately she'd been thinking about her parents again. She wanted to know more about them who they were and what they were like to each other and to her.
Inuyasha didn't say anything he didn't know what to say and hoped that her spending a day with his parents would actually knew her parents. He looked at her once more second before looking back onto the road. He sighed as he pulled into Sango's drive way.
"Okay kid you just tell Haku to get a ride for you cause I'm not on call tonight," said Inuyasha.
"I know thanks Nii-chan!" she said as she got out of the car and leaned into the front giving him a kiss on the cheek before bounding off to the house. He shook his head with a smile in place. Then he looked over at Kagome. She looked so sad and he didn't like seeing it on her face. He got out of the car and skirted around to the other side.
He opened Kagome's side door and pulled her out and into his arms.
Startled Kagome let out a gasp as she held onto his arms for balance. "Inuyasha what are you doing?" He looked down at her and smiled. Then took her into a tight hug.
"I'm sorry." She looked at him totally confused.
"Why are you apologizing?" asked Kagome as she rested her head on his shoulder. It felt right being held in his arms. She wondered if it would feel like this if her dad was holding her.
"For pushing you too far. For not comforting you; you're sad and I don't like seeing you like that. I'm going to make you feel better," he said in a hushed voice as he pushed her back as he kissed her square on the lips. He smiled into it when he felt her melt in his arms.
It felt like paradise to him and he loved it. She wasn't fighting it, no; she was giving in and matching him. It was so tender and sweet the way they fit together almost perfectly. When he pulled back Inuyasha had a lazy smile on his face. She looked up at him dazed and content.
Her arms came around him and she rested her head on his shoulder. "Thanks. You know exactly how to make me feel better," said Kagome as she nuzzled her face in the crook of his neck.
"You're welcome. Now let's get back to my house I have things to do and people for you to meet," said Inuyasha with a brilliant smile.
"Does this mean I get to meet your mom?" asked Kagome with a faint smile.
"Oh yeah I nearly forgot," he said with a grin happy that she was reverting back to herself.
"Oh I can't wait!" she said as she let go of him, gave him a quick careless kiss and jumped back into the car and waited for Inuyasha to get in his side.
He let out a chuckle as he walked back to his side of the car. Mom I hope you can cheer her up, he thought as he got in and started the car heading back to his house.
-
"I wonder where that boy went off to with Rin," said Tashio as he looked out the window.
"He's dropping her off to Kohaku's house, really dear don't you listen to them at all?" asked Izayoi with a affectionate smile.
"Well there are things I'd rather not listen to when my baby girl is dating some delinquent boy," said Tashio with a frown.
"Kohaku is a delightful boy. Why would you call him a delinquent?" asked Izayoi as she watched her husband pace by the window.
"Because any boy who looks at my baby will not be good enough for her," said Tashio with a grin.
"Oh sweetie you're so adorable," said Izayoi as she got up and walked over to him. She placed her hand on his cheek and that was all it took for her to soothe him. He leaned into the touch and smiled at his wife. "Shouldn't you be getting back to work?"
"I can't I want to see the girl that has bewitched our younger son. From what Rin says she is quite the looker," Tashio.
"Is she now?" asked Izayoi with a smile on her face.
"It's what I'm told," he said with a knowing smirk.
"Well I guess you'll be able to get a look since our son just pulled into the drive," said Izayoi as she looked out the window.
"Well let's go greet the kids then." He strode to the front door with his wife just as the doors opened. Inuyasha led a smiling girl into the house. Tashio beamed at the two and took his son in a head lock.
"Come on Dad what's with all the touching?!" whined Inuyasha as he tried to shove him off.
"I'm just glad to see you! Can't a father hug his own son?"
"Yeah sure but this doesn't look like hugging does it?" asked Inuyasha.
"Oh be quiet now who is this lovely girl?" asked Tashio as he turned to Kagome who was standing stock still watching his wife.
"This is Kagome, we're going to finish our music assignment in the studio today," said Inuyasha.
"Well it's nice to meet you," said Tashio and before she could register what was happening Kagome was held in a tight embrace. Inuyasha smiled warmly knowing that that was exactly what Kagome needed.
Kagome looked up at the tall man; she didn't know what to say or how to respond. So she snaked her arms slowly around him. "It's nice to meet you too sir," she said in the hug which was slightly awkward but also slightly perfect. She smiled when she felt him squeeze her once more in response to her greeting and then let her go.
"My Rin didn't do you justice. You can almost match my wife," said Tashio.
"Oh stop now, you're embarrassing the poor dear," said Izayoi.
Kagome blushed as she looked over at her Idol. To be standing right beside her in flesh and blood it was amazing. She bowed formally and when she looked back at Izayoi she saw her brows raised.
"What am I not good enough to receive a hug as well?" asked Izayoi. Izayoi pulled her into a hug. She needed to hold the girl as much for herself as she did for her best friend who never got a chance to. Izayoi just knew that she was Kimiko's daughter. They had the same eyes and the pretty hair. The nose and the complexion looked almost identical to Kimiko. "You look just like her…" she whispered as she pulled out of the hug.
Kagome looked at her and didn't know what to say. Did she hear correctly or was it just her imagination. When she was about to speak she was cut off by Inuyasha. "Mom Kagome is a big fan of yours," said Inuyasha with a wide grin.
"Well is that right, well then once you are done with your homework we'll sit down and get to know each other a little better, I'm sure we'll be seeing each other quite often as it is, and there are some things I'd like to discuss with you and show you," said Izayoi.
"Sure thing…"
Inuyasha smiled at Kagome's star dazed looked and took her hand in his leading her to the studio where he usually practices. "So what did you think?" asked Inuyasha with a grin.
"Your parents are so beautiful, they both look like models. Such pretty angles and lines to their faces. I always knew Izayoi Takahashi was but your father too," said Kagome.
"Yup I no doubt got those pretty genes too eh?" he asked.
"No doubt about it. Oh I wanna see your brother! He must be so pretty," said Kagome with excitement.
"Yeah that he is, sometimes I forget he's a guy," said Inuyasha which received a smack from Kagome. Both of them broke out in laughter. "Well here we are this is the studio that Dad built just for me!"
"Wow spoiled much?" asked Kagome as she stepped into the room. It was quite a marvel to take in, with the huge recording both and a fairly large open space with half of it littered with a bunch of couches to the right and the rest of the space was left empty so that instruments could be set up for any practices.
"You can close your mouth now," said Inuyasha. Kagome just turned at him and glared.
"Ha ha funny, now let's get to work so that we can finish this song today," said Kagome as she walked over to the couches and plopped down on it. She pulled out the few lyrics that they had made and looked at him.
"Well I guess it's time to get down to work," said Inuyasha cheerfully as he went and grabbed his acoustic guitar before sitting down beside Kagome. They got down to work.
-
"Ah! Finally I thought we'd never get it done!" said Kagome as she stretched trying to get the kinks out of her neck. Inuyasha got up behind her and tried to help her by messaging her neck. "Thanks that feels much better," said Kagome with a contented sigh.
"Well now that we're done let's go find some food and then mom since I promised that you could talk with her way back when," said Inuyasha.
"Okay let's go! Lead the way Inuyasha!!" she said with enthusiasm.
In the kitchen Inuyasha's found Totosai cooking up a storm and his mother right alongside him. They were moving in perfect harmony. Neither got in each other's way and the end result smelled delicious.
Inuyasha walked in first and plopped himself down on a chair by the end of the small kitchen table. He looked back over at Kagome and saw her watch in amazement. He never thought of his mom as anything other than his mom so to see her being idolized by the girl who he was slowly falling for was something else. He shook his head as her and went back to bring her to the table with him.
"Sheesh Kagome it's just mom. You'll get used to it since you're apart of my life now," said Inuyasha with a grin.
"Yeah I guess but it's just so awesome. She's so down to earth and I'm in touching distance," said Kagome.
"Well at least you haven't fainted just at the sight of her or tackled her like some crazy fan," he said with a laugh.
"Ha-ha funny…" she rolled her eyes as she sat down on the chair.
"So what would you like to eat? I'm sure that this is all for dinner which by the way you'll be staying for," said Inuyasha loving the expression that rose on her face.
"W-what!?" she sputtered.
"Yeah when I told mom that I was bringing you over she decided that you'd be staying for dinner and there's really no way you can get out of it cause you won't be able to refuse her." His grin irritated her but she couldn't be mad at him since he didn't do anything.
"Well if that's the case then I'll have to call home, if you'll excuse me. Could you get me a drink when I get back?" she asked as she stepped out of the kitchen.
Letting out a breath Kagome called Naraku. She told him that she'd be going over to Inuyasha's house to finish the project but that she'd be home by six. Checking her watch she realized that it was already six.
"Kagome are you still at Inuyasha's place?" asked Naraku.
"Yeah we just finished the project—"
"So you'll be home in a bit?" he asked cutting off what she was going to say. He seemed as if he wanted her back at his house. That her being there was wrong.
"Well actually I'll be staying for dinner, if that's okay," said Kagome.
"No!" Naraku cleared his throat trying to get the urgency out of it, "I mean you have to come home now Kagome you gramma wants you to come home."
"Why? They're already making dinner and Inuyasha said that I can't go unless I can tell Izayoi and I can't do that," said Kagome.
"Kagome you're coming home right now okay?"
"But—"
"No but's Kagome you're coming home and that's that." When Kagome heard the dial tone she looked at her phone like it was some alien monster.
"Well that's weird, he never tells me to come home. What if something's wrong?!" her mind was spinning as she ran back into the kitchen. "Inuyasha I can't stay I have to go home!"
All head in the kitchen turned to Kagome and she was too excited to even notice. "Why what happened?" asked Inuyasha as he crossed over to her in a second.
"Gramps keeps telling me to go home and he never does I think something is wrong." The worry in her eyes made him falter.
"Are you serious?" at her nod he turned to his mom who was watching Kagome intently.
"Kagome if it's not too much trouble could I speak with your grandfather?" asked Izayoi.
"Uh sure," said Kagome she dialled the number and handed it to Izayoi who brushed her hands on her apron.
When the phone was answered Naraku just started stating in a strict voice how there was no arguing. "Naraku long time no see huh?" Izayoi's voice stunned Naraku to silence. She liked the fact that he stopped talking and smiled to her son who was smiling right back. Kagome stood watching in amazement. Why did she know his name and why was she saying long time no see?
"Look Naraku I intend to tell our Kagome about her and you are not going to scare her to go home. And you're not going to stop me. She has a right to feel the love they had for her and I have a right to be the god mother I thought I'd never be," said Izayoi.
"Look Izayoi I don't think it's a good idea for Kagome to be exposed to all that. I let her come over and that's enough I don't want her having dinner with your family and then getting things in her head. The thing that happened to her is still a soft spot…" 'And I don't want anything to slip from Kagome.' He thought.
"Well I want to show her things that Kim left me. I know it's what she needs."
Kagome looked at Izayoi and her eyes went wide. Kim, that was her mother's nickname, why did Inuyasha's mother know that? She looked at Inuyasha and he just shrugged his shoulders even though he knew what was happening.
"I know she's a right to them but she's too young for it. I will in time tell her so I'd appreciate it if you leave it alone for now," said Naraku. Izayoi snorted.
"She's sixteen if I'm not mistaken and that seems old enough. Besides I need to tell her just as much as she needs to hear it. Now if you don't mind I still have dinner to get to," said Izayoi as she hung up on Naraku. She handed the phone back to Kagome with a smile.
"What was that all about?" asked Kagome.
"Well you can stay. Your grandfather was just being a tad over protective but all is settled, now if you two could be so kind and leave the kitchen so Totosai and I could finish up dinner before the rest of the family comes home?" asked Izayoi.
"Okay Kags let's go I'll give you a tour of the place. By the time I'm done the food should be ready," said Inuyasha as he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the kitchen. Kagome let him drag her out since she was too dazed to object. When she realized what just happened she stopped.
"Wait, Inuyasha what's going on? What was your mom talking about? Why did she talk to Gramps like they were old friends?" asked Kagome as she looked him straight in the eye.
"I've no idea but I don't want to argue it since you're able to stay for dinner," said Inuyasha with a playful smile.
"Well I want to know," said Kagome as she turned to go back to the kitchen. As she turned Inuyasha grabbed her by the shoulder and turned her around and trapped her against the wall, his hands on either side of her.
"Kagome just let it go you'll get the answers later right now it's my time with you," said Inuyasha his body pressing slightly against her. She narrowed her eyes on him and willed herself not to fall for him.
"Inuyasha this is important to me. If she knows about my mom……then I want to know," said Kagome as she looked at him. The emotions eased his heart.
"This is important to me Kagome…" Before she could say anything to it he closed the small gap between them and found her lips. The kiss was tender and sweet just the way she knew he was when he wanted to be. She melted into him again as she pulled him closer to her. Pulling back she looked at him with clouded eyes.
"What was that for?" she asked.
"Trying to take your mind off things. So did it work?" asked Inuyasha with a grin.
"It did until you reminded me," she said as she rested her head against the wall.
"Well then I guess I'll have to try again," said Inuyasha as he leaned in and lost himself. Going under he pulled Kagome along with him.
-
Traffic was a nasty mess as Sesshomaru drove home. He rarely left during peak traffic hours but father just had to make him leave early. Some big family dinner, he said. When did they ever have dinner together, he wondered. They always had dinner at separate times but today was a special occasion.
Royally pissed Sesshomaru held the steering wheel with malice as he drove. When he finally got home he let out a sigh of relief. He hated traffic and was one of the main reasons why he tried to work at the home office as much as possible. The meeting had made him go to the office downtown and he hated going downtown.
Stepping out of the car he walked over to the door. When the doors opened he handed his keys to the butler to park his car in the garage. He took off his coat and hung it up before he set his brief case down on the table before walking into the kitchen. He saw his step mom humming away as she mixed something in a pot. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
In his eyes she was his mother. His blood mother left him when he was just a baby because she couldn't handle mother hood. She left him and his father and when Tashio told him all he felt was hatred for the women who gave birth to him. He rested his head on Izayoi's shoulder and squeezed her tightly.
"Hey Mother, food smells good," he said with a smile when Izayoi brought her hand up to touch his face affectionately.
When Sesshomaru was six years old he saw Izayoi on TV and instantly fell in love with her. When he told Tashio all he got was a laugh. Tashio said yes she is a beautiful lady and looked at her with more interest than he led on.
When she stepped into their lives Izayoi fell instantly in love with the little boy. She took him as her own son and they were a happy family of three. And when Izayoi said she was expecting again Sesshomaru was both delighted and a little displeased. He was happy the way they were but then when Inuyasha was born he only felt love for his little brother, though Inuyasha would never know of that story.
"I'm glad you like the smell, now out of the kitchen. I don't get to feed you guys my own food much so today you all get to eat it after so long. How was your day at work?" asked Izayoi as she turned the heat to low and turned in her son's arms so that she could look as him.
"It was horrible. The meeting took forever and the fact that Kenji was talking like a robot didn't help at all. I swear if they just left everything to me the company would be running a lot smoother than it is now," said Sesshomaru.
"They will in time after all you are my little genius, well not little any more but I know in a few more years it'll be yours to take hold of," said Izayoi with a proud smile.
"Yes I hope so. They just don't take me as seriously since I'm only twenty-three."
"Yes but they're probably just disheartened that you know more about it than they do and they've dedicated their life to the work," said Izayoi.
"Yeah sure. So tell me why father was so adamant that I come home for dinner tonight?" asked Sesshomaru.
"Well we have a special guest tonight," said Izayoi.
"Oh really and who may that be?"
"Do you remember my friend Kimiko Higurashi?" asked Izayoi with a pang of sadness.
"That lady that got murdered when Inuyasha was a baby?" asked Sesshomaru.
"Yes, well her daughter survived and she's Inuyasha new friends. You remember Rin talking about that Kagome girl?" When Sesshomaru nodded she continued. "Well she's Kim's daughter."
"Well isn't that something?" said Sesshomaru with a grin. "You must be happy then I can see it in you eyes."
"Can you?" She laughed as she kissed his cheek affectionately. "You were always able to see through me weren't you. I love you Sesshy."
"And I you, just don't tell Dad I said that." He grinned when he saw her laugh merrily.
"Mum's the word." Then she pushed him out of the kitchen and went back to her cooking. Sesshomaru had a grin on his face as he went to pick up his brief case and went to his room. He changed into homely clothing before he made his way back downstairs.
When he entered the living area he saw his younger brother sitting on the couch with a girl snuggled up against him. They were talking and seemed to be rather content in each other's arms. He thought it would be better if he just left them alone and so he turned to go away but Inuyasha caught his scent and turned to look at him.
"What are you doing here so early?" asked Inuyasha with a brow raised. He had his arm securely wrapped around Kagome waist which Sesshomaru didn't fail to notice. The girl was staring at him with intensity which made him grin.
"Father ordered me to come home early for dinner. So I came and I see the reason why now. You're quite beautiful, miss Kagome," said Sesshomaru as he walked up to the couple and took her hand in his as he raised it to his mouth.
"Hey watch it!" Inuyasha's outburst was just what Sesshomaru had anticipated and grinned.
"He is beautiful…" Kagome whispered as she looked at Sesshomaru's face.
"Well thank you but I'd rather be looked at as handsome or gorgeous, than beautiful."
"Well you are it's the only way to describe you. Why are all of you so pretty?" she asked as she looked at them.
"Well Inuyasha wasn't lucky enough to get those genes but the rest of us did," said Sesshomaru with a sneer. Inuyasha just snorted.
"No even Rin has it and she's not even blood related, it's just so…I don't even know how to describe it. But I like looking at you all," said Kagome.
"Well you sure know how to boost a person's ego don't you dear, but enough of flattery to my son's it's time for dinner and Tashio is back from work as well," said Izayoi.
"Oh okay, well let's get going then," said Kagome as she got up when Sesshomaru held his hand out to her. She took it without a second thought and followed him into the dinnig hall. Inuyasha just gawked at his brother as he stalked behind them. Izayoi laughed as she followed the kids to the dinning area.
-
Once dinner was over everyone was sitting in the living area again. Tashio turned the fireplace on. Kagome sat with Inuyasha on the couch. Tashio and Izayoi were sitting on a loveseat as they watched the two and Sesshomaru who held an indifferent face watched them as well.
Kagome bit her lip. She was nervous as to what Izayoi would say to her and what it would all mean, but she just didn't know how to approach it. Inuyasha saw the nerves in her eyes and he linked his fingers with her. All other occupants in the room noted it and all three smirked.
"So Kagome you seem like you have something on your mind," said Izayoi.
"Well…uh…I wanted to—…why were you talking to gramps like that?" asked Kagome.
"Oh were you listening in on our conversation dear. That's not very nice," said Izayoi enjoying Kagome squirm.
"You were talking loud enough Mother, stop hassling her and tell her the truth." Inuyasha snapped at his mother which amused his family immensely.
"Okay, okay. Sorry Kagome I was just having a little fun, but on a serious note tell me what do you want to know?" asked Izayoi as Tashio held her hands in his. He knew how emotional Izayoi got when she talked about Kimiko and they haven't talked about her in years now. She looked at him and smiled then turned back to Kagome.
"Well what was with all those things you said to gramps? Like you greeted him like an old friend and you said you had a right to being the god mother you never thought you'd get to be. What is this all about?"
"Well I guess to start off I should tell you that your mother and I were best friends all our lives…" Izayoi saw the information register in Kagome's face and smiled before continuing on. "And we grew up together. She and I were inseparable since we became friends. She was the shy yet strong one with the voice of an angel and I was the outspoken one who wavered from time to time. We were perfect for each other what one lacked the other had."
"Sound's like mom had the hot's for your mom Kagome," Inuyasha whispered into her ear. Kagome was too shocked to respond and just waited for Izayoi to continue. Tashio heard what Inuyasha said and couldn't help but laugh.
"That was exactly what I said son." Inuyasha smirked at his father and then turned his attention back to his mom when she cleared her throat.
"Well I think we both met our soon to be hubby's around the same time. I made it big in the filming industry—which is how I got the attention of Tashio—but Kim wanted a less public life. So she settled in to work with her dad and she met Kira at his company. He was a handsome man. His hair was more brown, you got your hair from your mother. The eyes were the same colour as yours though. All three of you had those deep chocolate eyes. Your father was ruggedly handsome and a lot of girls always swooned after him whenever the three of us went out. At that time I was still single and Tashio was too scared to make a move on me. But that's another story for another time which I'll be happy to indulge in since I love the story to bits."
"Tell me more about them. Did you get to see them when I was born?" asked Kagome her voice quiet.
"Yes actually we visited you a lot. Inuyasha was four months older than you so we thought it would be cute to have you play even though you were babies. The last time we came to visit was I think two month before the tragedy happened. Actually we took a picture," said Izayoi as she got up. There were tears in her eyes as she grabbed the picture off the mantle. She handed it to Kagome and Kagome held it like it was a delicate item. Worth all the wonders of the world.
"Mom looked so happy," said Kagome as she touched her mother's picture.
"She loved you very much. They both did. They were such a happy couple. You all came here more than once. Kim and I would have nights to ourselves while we were pregnant. Kira and Tashio would sit in the den and be men while Sessh would join us as he talked and indulged in the gallons of ice cream that we craved."
Sesshomaru who sat quietly had a smile on his face. He remembered those nights. He enjoyed listening to his mother. He was still infatuated with her and loved everything she said. He saw the tears in her eyes and knew how much it hurt her when they died.
"How was dad like? I always wished I got to know him, feel him holding me like a dad does his daughter, cause gramps barely shows that kind of affection." The tears that were held at bay for so long fell down freely. Inuyasha wiped them away and held her now to him. "Was dad loving or more formal?"
"Kira was the loveliest man. He always showed how much he loved both you and your mother. He would always touch her and with you he couldn't get enough of you. Whenever he came into the room he'd pick you up and keep you in his arms. It warmed my heart to see that my best friend had such an amazing guy," said Izayoi as she brushed away as stray tear.
"Yes he doted on you and Kimiko. You could see it in his eyes how much he loved you," said Tashio.
"Kagome you have to know that you were loved through and through and if I'd have known that you were still alive I would have been apart of your life being that I am you god mother," said Izayoi with a smile.
"You're my god mother? Wow that's so much to take in… so if my parents were still alive I would have grown up here? With all of you?" she asked in disbelief.
"Yes, and destiny brought you back to us." Izayoi beamed at the thought as she smiled at Kagome. "You'll be like another daughter in the family now Kagome. You are welcome here whenever you'd like to come though we won't always be home."
"I can't believe I have a god mother, you and mom must have been really close," said Kagome.
"Yes we were. We did most everything together. We went on our first dates together, our first movies together. Our first concert. We got married almost the same time and when we were pregnant at about the same time it was the most joyful time of our life," said Izayoi with a wistful smile.
"Can you tell me more about her? Do you have pictures? We don't have any of her at home because Gramps left everything at the old house and since Dad didn't have any blood relatives and they never traced mom back to her family and so the police never gave it to anyone and the new owners of the house got rid of the pictures," said Kagome.
"Oh Kagome you missed a lot," she said as she got up from her seat and walked over to Kagome. "But I'll make up for it. We'll spend time together and I'll show you the things she gave me that I still keep with me. The videos we have from childhood. I'll show you how much love your parents had for you, the love that was cut short because of some heartless person," said Izayoi as she pulled Kagome into a tight hug.
"Thank you…" Kagome relished in the feeling of being hugged by her own god mother. She was the closest thing to her real mother.
"You're more than welcome, now dry those tears. We just found a new member in our family so there shouldn't be tears," said Izayoi. Kagome smiled as brushed away her tears and then Izayoi's which had fallen down as well.
"Thanks I know it'll never be enough but thanks. I never thought I'd find my mom's best friend not here," said Kagome with a wistful smile.
"Father don't you think that banquet next week would be the perfect place for us to get to know Kagome better?" asked Sesshomaru as he looked at his father.
"That is an excellent idea Sesshomaru. Kagome how would you like to join us at the banquet? I'm sure Inuyasha would love to escort you," said Tashio.
"A banquet? I couldn't go to something like that. I'd stick out like a sore thumb," said Kagome.
"Nonsense I'd love to show you around. There are many ladies who knew your mother there, since she had an amazing voice she used to sing at these functions once I got a little bit in her so she was loose enough," Izayoi said with a laugh.
"Yes she had quite the voice our Kimiko did," said Tashio with a sigh.
"Life is so unfair that I got to spend so much time with them both while you got so little but if you come you'll be able to see what your mom lived as," said Izayoi.
"Is it really okay for me to go?" asked Kagome as she turned to look at Inuyasha.
"Yeah since you never let me go until now," said Inuyasha.
"Well that's cause you are a baboon and even though you're still immature you need to start mingling with possible clients," said Sesshomaru.
"Oh shut up fluffy," said Inuyasha and was proud to see that it pissed him off.
"Boys will you two settle down?! Now Kagome what do you say? Would you like to come?" asked Izayoi.
"Sure if you are positively sure that I'm allowed."
"Of course you are dear. If you're with the takahashi's then it's fine," said Tashio with a grin.
"Okay, well I'll need to go shopping for a dress then. When is it?" asked Kagome.
"Saturday," said Inuyasha.
"Oh my god that short notice!? Well I guess I'll be going shopping tomorrow then," said Kagome.
"Oh dear could I take you shopping? I'd love to and I know Rin would too. We could make a girls day out. I'll just change my schedule around a little with my agent so we can go in the afternoon," said Izayoi.
"You'd be willing to?" asked Kagome in disbelief.
"Of course I am willing."
"I'm home!" Rin yelled as she came into the house.
"Oh great the brat is back already, it's only…" Inuyasha looked at the grandfather clock sitting in the clock and his eyes went wide. "Ten already!? When did that happen!?"
"Oh wow it's already this late? I guess I should be getting home," said Kagome as she got up.
"Yeah let me just go grab my keys," said Inuyasha as he left to get his keys that he left in his room.
"Kagome you're still here? I thought you were supposed to be home by six?" asked Rin.
"Yeah I stayed for dinner and then your mom and I had to talk," said Kagome with a smile.
"Oh really what about?" asked Rin.
"Well you're mom knew my parents she was best friends with my mom. She's my god mother!" said Kagome.
"Well that's cool!" said Rin. "Now I finally have a sister in spirit!"
"Yeah, I also got invited to the banquet will you be going?" asked Kagome.
"No I'm too young to go," she said with a pout.
"Rin you know why you can't go so stop trying to get an invite. You'll be old enough soon," said Tashio.
"I know, I know."
"Okay I'm all set," said Inuyasha as he came back in the room.
"Well thank for having me. It was really really nice meeting all of you and everything else. I'll see you tomorrow then Aunt Izayoi," she said uncertainly but the beaming smile Izayoi sent her eased her back to comfort.
"It was our pleasure, now Inuyasha get her home safely," said Izayoi.
"Of course, come on Kagome," said Inuyasha as he held her hand and led her out of the house. Once they were in his car he let our a sigh. "So how are you feeling?"
"I'm actually feeling really good, and it's all because of you," said Kagome with a smile as she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
"I didn't do much but if I get that then you're welcome," said Inuyasha with a grin.
"So you'll be my date?" asked Kagome.
"Yeah, if that's what you want. I'd be honoured to be your date to the stupid banquet," said Inuyasha.
"Well I can't wait I've never been to a formal party like this, and I get to go shopping with your mom. Oh this is so exciting," said Kagome.
"Yeah now let's get you home before your gramps gets mad. God only knows how he was when Mom hung up on him," said Inuyasha. Kagome laughed at the thought and felt content. She was slowly finding pieces to her puzzle that was her life.
Now that last piece was to find out who Bankotsu was and kill him for not only hurting her but also hurting Izayoi who lost more than a friend but a sister. She looked over at Inuyasha and a smile was stuck to her face. It was all because she met him that she was starting to find more about her parents. Thank you Inuyasha, she said in her mind as she rested her head on the head rest and listened to the music as they made their way back to her house.
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A/N: Well I finally got around to updating again! I hope you liked it. Another chapter read and more details into Kagome's life. I wonder what'll happen to Kagome at the banquet and how will she finish that last piece in her puzzle? Well I'm just as excited as you are so please keep reading and always if you ever think something would fit well in the story don't hesitate to tell me! Now thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!