Chapter Six

Too Little Too Late

…

InuYasha wrapped one arm around his wife as he settled down beside her on the couch. It had been a long day for him at the office and all the Hanyou wanted to do was relax and spend a little quality time with his woman. Kikyo smiled as InuYasha kissed her forehead before reaching for the remote and turning on the television.

"What kind of movie do you feel like watching?" InuYasha asked as he flicked through the channels.

Kikyo snuggled closer to him, "See if you can find something funny. That horror movie you picked the other night was completely disgusting."

"You didn't like the Human Centipede? That movie is a classic."

Kikyo nudged him playfully, "No and it worries me that you enjoy that kind of genre."

"Okay," InuYasha chuckled. The Other Guys was just beginning on HBO so he decided to settle and put the remote down.

"Babe did you order the Chinese?" Kikyo asked after a few minutes had passed. She looked up knowingly at her husband. As she'd suspected, the expression on his face suggested that he'd forgotten.

"I was just about to go get the menu in the kitchen," InuYasha offered her a teasing smile.

"Sure you were."

"What, you don't believe me?"

Kikyo climbed onto her husband's lap. Her deep hazel eyes stared into his, "InuYasha we've been married for four years now. I know you." She leaned forward and kissed him lovingly on the lips, "So no, I don't believe you."

"Alright, you got me," InuYasha pulled her closer to his chest. The feel of her legs straddling his waist was beginning to excite him "So what's my punishment for lying?"

"Oh I'll think of something…but right now I'm hungry." Kikyo giggled. She slid off of his lap then turned towards the kitchen, "You want sesame chicken right?"

"With an egg roll and extra duck sauce."

"I know."

InuYasha smirked inwardly. He enjoyed the fact that his wife knew everything there was to know about him and then some. In all actuality, he was beyond grateful for her. Kikyo had stuck by his side through all of his ups and downs and he loved her unconditionally for it. The two of them were like a team. He couldn't find a better woman to be in his life if he wanted to.

A few moments passed before the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the house. InuYasha sat up slowly. They hadn't been expecting any guests that night and there was no way that the delivery boy for their Chinese food could've arrived that quickly. The Hanyou sighed as he got up and made his way towards the front door, "I got it."

…

Sesshomaru couldn't believe what he was doing. Throughout his entire life he'd always been able to handle his own problems. He'd always viewed those who ask for help as weak and had never dared to put himself in that category.

But things had gotten too deep. The situation with Kagura was much more complicated now, and Sesshomaru knew that if he didn't do something soon it was only a matter of time before things got worse.

Sesshomaru needed someone to talk to. But not just anybody…

There was only one person on the planet that had ever seen him in distress once before…

Sesshomaru knocked on the door again, this time with a bit of urgency. His nerves were beginning to get the best of him each moment he stood on the dimly lit porch.

A few moments passed before the door finally swung open.

InuYasha couldn't mask the look of surprise on his face as he stared at his brother. Sesshomaru wasn't the type of sibling to occasionally drop by to visit his family. Hell, unless business was involved, Sesshomaru didn't even call. So before his older brother could even open his mouth, InuYasha knew something was up.

"I'd like to speak with you." Sesshomaru said lowly. His face was still but his eyes were pleading.

InuYasha nodded and stepped aside as Sesshomaru entered the house.

"Hey babe it came out to twelve fifty—oh," Kikyo stopped short as she entered the living room with the phone in her hand. Her eyes panned curiously between her husband and her brother-in-law, "Sesshomaru, what a nice…surprise. I didn't know you were stopping by."

Sesshomaru nodded in her direction, "Please forgive my sudden intrusion."

"Oh nonsense," Kikyo smiled "You always welcome in our home." She looked at InuYasha inquiringly, who simply shrugged his shoulders in return.

"Honey we're going to take care of some things in the office," InuYasha kissed Kikyo's forehead lightly "The money for the food is in my wallet on the table."

With that being said, the two men disappeared up the winding staircase.

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"I've cheated on Kagome."

"You did WHAT?"

InuYasha turned around in shock as Sesshomaru sank into one of the plush armchairs beside his desk. He must have been dreaming.

Sesshomaru cradled his head in his hands. The words felt like poison dripping from his tongue and he felt thoroughly disgusted with himself, "It wasn't recent. It happened a long time ago."

"You cheated on Kagome!"

"I just said that."

InuYasha folded his arms across his chest. He didn't know whether he should punch his brother in the face or listen to what pathetic excuse he'd come up with; "Are you insane? Don't you know how much Kagome loves you? How could you possibly betray her with some whore—"

"INUYASHA," Sesshomaru snapped, his dark eyes narrowing "I didn't come here for your criticism."

InuYasha scoffed, "Oh yes you did. You didn't think you could just come here and say something that foul and not expect me to tell you how much of a jackass you are did you? I don't know about you, but I love Kagome. No matter what she may have done to you to make you upset, she didn't deserve to be cheated on!"

Silence filled the space between them as the two siblings glared at each other. Sesshomaru would've said something back in response but he couldn't. Everything that InuYasha had said was true. Kagome didn't deserve what he'd done. Sesshomaru no longer deserved her love…well, what was left of it after this horrible mess.

InuYasha exhaled slowly, "How long was a long time ago?"

"At least a year."

"Did you tell Kagome?"

Sesshomaru clenched his jaw, "I couldn't…it would hurt her too deeply."

InuYasha went behind his desk and pulled two small shot glasses from his drawer. The moment called for something strong and alcoholic if they were going to talk without fighting. No matter how much InuYasha wanted to yell and criticize his brother for his infidelity, he knew that it was no easy task for Sesshomaru to admit a mistake. InuYasha filled the glasses with cognac and handed one to Sesshomaru.

"It only happened once," Sesshomaru said after a few moments had passed "And I've never touched that woman again. I haven't even thought about it."

InuYasha nodded slowly, "Do you regret it?"

"Every waking moment of my life."

"Well that explains your attitude changes lately…and Kagome's missing picture from your office."

"I couldn't stand being around Kagome knowing what I've done. I don't deserve her but I can't imagine my life without her." Sesshomaru rubbed his temples. What made him disregard the most important thing in his life for Kagura…that treacherous bitch? The very bitch that was ruining his life by the second. He had no one to blame but himself.

"You need to tell Kagome and ask her for forgiveness." InuYasha sighed "Yes, she'll be hurt but it's not worth losing her in the long run."

"I know Kagome will find it in her heart to forgive me…but telling her the truth about my betrayal is not the part I'm torn about."

InuYasha raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

Sesshomaru swallowed his shot. The dark liquor burned as it flowed down his throat and he welcomed the pain, "The woman I cheated on Kagome with…is pregnant. She claims her offspring is mine."

InuYasha's jaw dropped. He had more than a piece of his mind to give, but at that moment, his words were overcome by shock. Sesshomaru…a father? The idea alone seemed crazy enough. And the fact that his brother may have impregnated some random whore…that was even worse.

"I know what you're thinking," Sesshomaru said solemnly "How could I have been so careless? I realize I've made a horrible mistake InuYasha…I do. But I feel as if there's no way to fix it at this point. Kagura demands payment to take care of her child or else she'll tell Kagome. I don't even know if it's mine."

InuYasha shook his head in disbelief, "If you tell Kagome before…Kagura does, what power will she have over you then?"

"You don't get it, Kagome must never know. She'll leave me if she does."

"And she should!" InuYasha could feel his anger rising and he fought hard to keep himself from exploding. He didn't feel sorry for Sesshomaru. His heart ached for Kagome. How could his brother betray the best woman he's ever had? How could he be so heartless? "What makes you think Kagome would put up with someone who doesn't love her? You don't deserve that woman. As long as I can remember she's always been there for you. Yet in spite of everything, you still chose to take her for granted? You have no right to keep her from the truth or from making her own decision you selfish bastard."

Sesshomaru felt as if a dagger had been thrown into his heart. How could he argue? His life had become a complete mess and it was his entire fault.

"Look," InuYasha exhaled angrily "If you're not going to be man enough to tell Kagome the truth…then you need to figure out if that baby is yours."

"Kagura is being tested as soon as she gives birth…in about three months."

"Shit…" InuYasha shook his head. He couldn't believe Sesshomaru had let the situation continue this far, "And if you really don't want Kagome to know...you need to get rid of that Kagura bitch…for good."

"How?"

"That's your problem."

Sesshomaru stood up. He'd heard more than enough and he'd come to a decision. From now on, he was going to try to work things out with Kagome. The thought of losing her scared him more than anything and he was willing to do whatever it took to keep her. And as for Kagura…he'd figure out a way to keep her as far away as possible.

"This conversation stays between us." Sesshomaru growled, staring at his younger brother. He didn't need any more problems on top of the ones he already had to deal with.

"Trust me; I don't want to be involved in your twisted lies. Unlike you, I would never hurt Kagome. You're the one who needs to come clean." InuYasha spat.

Without another word between them, Sesshomaru left the study. The Han-you sighed. As a brother, InuYasha would always be there for Sesshomaru no matter what mistakes he made. But as a man, he'd never been more disgusted with Sesshomaru in his entire life.

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Kagome rubbed her neck sorely as she sat up in the old leather recliner. She'd fallen asleep in an awkward position and now there was a huge knot in her neck. She got up and stretched, noticing a wool blanket fall off of her in the process. Kagome picked up the blanket and folded it neatly. Her mother must have put it over her while she snoozed.

Kagome sighed as she made her way to the bathroom. In truth, she was hiding. There was so much going on in her life that she needed somewhere to sort it all out in peace. Staying at Naraku's was out of the question. He'd only distract her from her thoughts. Going home was even more out of the question. When Kagome had stopped by her house to pick up a few things, she was greeted with emptiness as usual. She could've stayed. Knowing Sesshomaru, he wouldn't have been home anytime soon. But for some reason being in the house only made her angrier. The emptiness reminded Kagome of why she was in this situation to being with…

She'd considered going to Sango's house but Kagome knew her friend. Sango would've known something was wrong and bombard Kagome with questions she wasn't ready to answer. So after ruling out the first three options there was only one place left…her parents house.

Kagome hadn't visited her parents in months. Though her mother had constantly asked her to stop by, Kagome would always be too busy. It's not like they lived very far. Her mother and father owned a cozy house only about an hour outside of the city where Kagome lived with Sesshomaru. Given the current situation, Kagome thought it would be the perfect time to get away spend a few days with her family. They'd been more than elated to hear the news.

Kagome splashed cool water on her face then looked in the mirror. There were dark circles underneath her eyes and her skin seemed paler than usual. Look at you Kagome sighed this stress is turning you into a zombie.

There was a light knock on the door, "Kagome, darling is that you?"

"Yes," Kagome dried her face with a towel then opened the door.

Mrs. Higurashi stood before her with a wooden spoon in her hand, "I thought I heard you wake up. Did you have a good nap sweet heart? You looked awfully tired in there."

"Yeah I guess I was…Is dad home yet?"

"No, he'll be at the office until about seven."

Kagome nodded. The smell of garlic and oregano floated past her nostrils, "Are you cooking?"

"I'm making spaghetti for dinner," Mrs. Higurashi beamed "Your favorite! I figured since you don't really come home that often, we might as well have a nice family dinner while you're here. Would you mind coming to help me finish?"

"Sure mom."

Kagome followed her mother into the kitchen. Mrs. Higurashi had a full spread of vegetables and tomato sauce on the counter already. There were two huge pots of water boiling on the stove and a loaf of bread on a pan near the oven.

"Wow, look at all this." Kagome gestured to the array of ingredients.

"Well you didn't think I'd just make spaghetti by itself did you?" Mrs. Higurashi chuckled "We'll also be having garlic bread, some steamed broccoli and corn, there's cherry pie in the oven, and a chocolate cake for dessert."

Kagome smiled. Her mother was a professional homemaker. She always went over the top when it came to cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Although there had only been four of them living in the house, Kagome remembered how her mother would prepare banquet sized spreads for dinner when she was a child. It made her happy to see that things haven't changed.

"Kagome, why don't you start putting those meatballs together? The eggs and bread combs are over there by the bowl." Mrs. Higurashi handed her daughter an apron then made her way to the cutting board where an onion and a yellow pepper awaited her.

Kagome did as she was instructed.

After a few moments had passed, Mrs. Higurashi broke the silence, "So dear, how's Sesshomaru doing these days? It's a shame he didn't come with you, I would've liked to see my soon to be son-in-law too."

Kagome cleared her throat. Her mother always talked about how her daughter and Sesshomaru would one day be married…mostly out of the desire for grandchildren. Once upon a time, Kagome entertained the thought of a union with Sesshomaru too. It had been her dream to become his wife and to have his children. But with the way things were going lately, she knew there was a slim chance of that ever happening. However, there was no way she about to let her mother know, "He had a business conference out of town" Kagome lied. She was a horrible liar but the fact that the two of them had their backs facing each other made it a bit easier.

"Really," Mrs. Higurashi said genuinely, "That's too bad. How is everything going between you two?"

"Things are…fine."

Kagome heard the chopping of the onion stop for a moment. She didn't consider her mother a fool. Ever since she was a child, Kagome's mother had always known when something was wrong. It was a mother's intuition she guessed, and this time would be no different. Kagome continued to roll the meatballs, silently praying that Mrs. Higurashi wouldn't ask any more pressing questions.

"You know sweet heart," Mrs. Higurashi finally said "Relationships aren't always peaches and cream. Sometimes they require a little bit of work."

"I know."

"Then you should also know that when you have a good relationship, you fight to keep it…no matter what rough patches may come up."

Kagome sighed. She didn't want to confide her relationship problems in her mother but she needed advice from someone. It wasn't that Kagome didn't trust her mother; she just felt awkward trying to relate. However, something was better than nothing, "Mom can I ask you a question?"

"What's that honey?"

"Have you and dad ever had any…issues in your marriage?"

Mrs. Higurashi raised an eyebrow, "I don't understand what you mean. Every relationship has issues dear."

"Well, has dad ever paid you any less attention than he does now?"

Mrs. Higurashi chuckled. She opened a box of pasta and poured it into one of the boiling pots of water, "You father has always been quite persistent with his affections towards me. I was the one who never gave him the time of day."

"Really?" Kagome turned to face her mother.

Mrs. Higurashi blushed, "Yep. When I first met your father I was dating a man named Kohutsu. I thought for sure that Kohutsu and I would end up being married with a family one day. Your father was so jealous of him. He would constantly try to get my attention even when Kohutsu was around."

"So what happened?"

"Well," Mrs. Higurashi sighed "After a few years, Kohutsu and I started having issues. We were arguing a lot and I didn't feel happy with him anymore. Your father was one of my close friends and he let me confide in him when Kohutsu and I would fight. Eventually, I realized that your father was the man I truly loved. He was always there for me, kind and gentle. I was so caught up in trying to work things out with Kohutsu that I didn't notice I had a good man right in front of me."

Kagome nodded slowly. It was interesting that her parents had gone through something similar to her current situation. What if Sesshomaru was her Kohutsu? What if Naraku was like her father? Kagome chewed her bottom lip. Was it possible?

"Are you alright sweetie?" Mrs. Higurashi eyed her daughter.

"What did you do when you realized that you loved dad?" Kagome answered.

"It wasn't an easy decision. I had to really weigh it out. Kohutsu and I had a great history together but things weren't the same anymore. I hoped that they would return to normal but it was useless. Your grandmother used to tell me that people entered your life for a reason, season, or a lifetime. I had to realize that Kohutsu's presence had run his course in my life."

"Then what did you do?"

Mrs. Higurashi smiled, "I followed my heart. I broke things off with Kohutsu and allowed a new relationship into my life with your father…and it was the best choice I've ever made."

Just as Kagome was about to ask another question, the front door handle jiggled then swung open.

"Speak of the devil," Mrs. Higurashi beamed. She put down the vegetables and met her husband with a kiss as he entered the kitchen.

Mr. Higurashi wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her close to him. Kagome sighed as she observed her parent's embrace. What if she and Naraku could be like that? Kagome could almost see herself with an apron on, in a nice little kitchen, cooking dinner for Naraku and smiling as he walked in the door from a long day at work…things she used to do for Sesshomaru such a long time ago.

"Hey, there's my baby girl," Mr. Higurashi made his way to Kagome and kissed her on the forehead.

"Hey dad,"

"How was work dear?" Mrs. Higurashi asked as she went back to her place at the stove.

Mr. Higurashi unbuttoned his tie, "Great. Things are really picking up with this new merchandise the company put out." He paused, "Something smells good."

"It's spaghetti. It'll be done in about fifteen minutes."

"Mmm, mmm. Then I guess I better go wash up before supper."

Mr. Higurashi kissed his wife on the lips as he made his way back out of the kitchen and disappeared down the hall.

Kagome bit her lip again. She couldn't deny it. Something inside of her yearned for the type of chemistry her mother and father had. It was obvious that they were in love…and happy. They'd been married for almost twenty five years….married. Kagome wondered if she'd ever have her chance to walk down the aisle and with whom, "Hey mom?"

"Yes, honey?"

"Did you ever think that maybe you were making the wrong decision when you decided to break up with Kohutsu?"

Mrs. Higurashi shook her head, "My heart knew that he was the one. Once I got out of my own way and realized it for myself, I knew I was certain."

"And what happened to Kohutsu?"

"You know, I'm not that sure. I heard from a mutual friend of ours that he ended up marrying someone a few years after I married your father."

"Do you ever think about him?" Kagome wondered.

Mrs. Higurashi turned to face her daughter, "I did at first…but the happiness I felt being with your father made all of my old feelings disappear. I thought about what life would be like, had I stayed and tried to save my relationship with Kohutsu…but it was nothing compared to the life I was building with your father."

Kagome mulled over her thoughts. What if she had a good man waiting for her too? Could life with Naraku be better than her life with Sesshomaru? There were a lot of 'what ifs' running through her mind but Kagome knew she needed to make a decision.

"Kagome?"

"Huh?"

Mrs. Higurashi narrowed her eyebrows, "Are you sure you're alright? That's the second time you've gone off and stared into space. Is there something you want to talk about?"

"No, I'm okay mom." Kagome rinsed her hands in the sink then dried them with a paper towel "Hey do you mind if I go back to the city after dinner? There's something I need to take care of."

Mrs. Higurashi pouted, "But you just got here."

"I know. I promise I'll come back to visit next weekend. There's just something really important I need to do…tonight."

"Well…" Mrs. Higurashi shrugged "I guess that's alright. Just make sure you tell your father."

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Sesshomaru carefully lit the lavender scented candles one by one. He'd placed them along the banister, the countertops and everywhere else he could fit them. Lavender was Kagome's favorite fragrance. Sesshomaru glanced at his watch. It was well past ten 'o' clock that evening and he wondered where Kagome had gone. It wasn't like her to be out so late. But then again…how would he know? Sesshomaru couldn't even remember the last time he'd come home before Kagome went to sleep.

All of that was about to change. Sesshomaru looked around at the decorations he'd put into place. Yes, decorations. He'd littered white rose petals all over the floor, there was soft music playing in the background, and the candles were a nice touch. Sesshomaru made his way into the kitchen to check on the food. He'd prepared three types of hand rolled sushi that he knew Kagome would love. There was red wine chilling in a bed of ice and strawberries lay neatly on a tray.

Sesshomaru smirked to himself. He'd done better than he thought. Kagome would be thrilled to see the romantic side of him again and he had to admit…it was refreshing to see it himself.

A few moments passed before the sound of a door slamming echoed from outside. Sesshomaru stepped into the hallway and waited for Kagome to enter. He wanted to see the look of surprise on her face once she saw everything he'd done.

The doorknob twisted and Kagome entered the house slowly. Her eyes widened at the sight.

"Hello Kagome," Sesshomaru walked up to her and kissed her forehead lightly.

Kagome remained still, her eyes panned the living room, observing the candles and rose petals. She gestured to them skeptically, "What is all of this?"

Sesshomaru smiled. For some reason the look on Kagome's face showed more confusion than surprise but he figured she was simply in shock at it all, "It's for you." He took her by the hand and began walking towards the kitchen.

Kagome lingered behind him is silence as she saw the tray of strawberries, the wine, and the finely rolled sushi set out on the table.

"I figured we could have a light dinner and—" Sesshomaru paused as Kagome withdrew her hand from his. He turned to face her, "What's the matter?"

"I ate at my parent's house," Kagome said lowly. She put her keys on the table and sighed "Sesshomaru, we need to talk."

Sesshomaru blinked twice. His heart sped up a little, but as always, his face remained calm. He reached for a tiny remote by the stereo and turned the music off. Kagome chewed her bottom lip and averted her eyes, something she only did when she was bothered, "What's the matter love?"

Kagome suddenly narrowed her eyes. Did he just call her love? Anger began to slowly rise within her. After all this time, after all the emotional abuse, how could he say something like that as if nothing had changed between them? It made her livid, "I can't believe you." She scoffed.

"Come again?"

"I've been trying for months, to figure out why you were being such a jerk to me." Kagome's face flushed crimson as she stormed towards Sesshomaru and poked him in the chest "And now, you want to pull this stunt? Now that you're ready, you can finally stop treating me like dirt?"

Sesshomaru was at a loss for words. He'd thought that Kagome would be elated at his attempt to surprise her. However, the complete opposite was happening, "Kagome, please calm down so that we can talk."

"Talk?" Kagome could practically feel steam coming from her ears. The nerve of this bastard! She'd been trying to talk to him for weeks and all he ever did was blow her off. Her blood began to boil as she thought about all the times he'd hung up on her when she called or ignored her when she tried to approach him, "Now you want to talk to me? After all those times I practically begged you to let me know what was wrong with you. You hung up in my face and ignored me like I didn't matter! Do you have any idea how that felt Sesshomaru? Do you? To think that something was wrong with me, virtually driving myself crazy, when the real problem was that you were being an arrogant asshole! Let me guess, you've had some kind of epiphany and decided to change your ways?"

Sesshomaru reach out to grab her hand but Kagome angrily snatched it away. He exhaled, "Kagome I apologize. These past few months have been very rough for me and I realize we've been having some issues but—"

"Some issues?" Kagome shook her head "Sesshomaru please don't insult me by trying to make light of what's really going on. No, try the words emotional neglect. I'm supposed to be your girlfriend, you're partner. But for the last year you've been nothing but cold and distant to me and I've done nothing to deserve it. I tried so many times to fix things between us but you never let me in…" Tears suddenly began to flood Kagome's eyes and she brought her hands to her face. All of the pent up emotion she had towards Sesshomaru was finally coming out but it was like word vomit. She couldn't control it.

Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest. He felt like the most selfish man in the world. He knew that his actions towards Kagome had taken some affect on her but he never imagined it would be this much. Sesshomaru hugged Kagome tighter as she cried in his arms. He vowed to himself that he would make things right, "Kagome, I'm so sorry."

She pushed away from him. The look Kagome gave Sesshomaru had him speechless. Her eyes were puffy and water logged but the expression on her face was anger, "I'm sorry too." She said solemnly.

"Kagome?"

She picked her keys up off the table, "I can't do this…with you, anymore."

Sesshomaru felt his heart drop. He didn't believe the words he had just heard. Everything he had tried to prevent was slowly becoming a reality, "Kagome, please…don't do this."

Kagome wiped her eyes, "Sesshomaru, I thought that we would last forever but…things have changed…I'm sorry."

Without another word she brushed past him and headed towards the door. Sesshomaru remained still, unable to process what was happening. He wanted to move but his body wouldn't let him. Was this for real? Was she really leaving him? It wasn't until the front door slammed moments later, that a single tear fell from his eye.

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A/N: Hey everyone! I truly apologize about the delay. When I began this story, it was during my winter break from school. Now I'm back and I've just started my spring semester. Things have been a little busy for me but I'll try my hardest to update more often. To make up for the setback, I've decided to combine two chapters into one nice long chapter for you guys! How did you like it?

Xoxoxo

Courageous Pearl