A/N: There has been some speculation regarding Kagura's pregnancy and the timeline of events. Without giving too much away in the story, I will say this: All of your questions will have answers by the time this story is finished.

Now on with the chapter!

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Chapter Eight

Talk Is Cheap

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"Kagome!" Sango squealed excitedly as she thrust her arms around her best friend for a hug. Kagome smiled, returning the embrace. She hadn't seen Sango outside of work since the afternoon they'd been jogging in the park and it felt good to finally spend some time with her. With all the drama of the past month, Kagome needed to unload what had been going on to someone she could trust. Well, not everything but a good deal of it.

The two decided to meet up at Sango's apartment. Kagome had stopped at their favorite burger restaurant on the way and picked up two specials with a side of vanilla milkshakes as a surprise lunch.

"And you've come baring gifts!" Sango laughed, taking the restaurant bags out of Kagome's hands and making her way into the apartment "We should wait this long for some girl time more often."

"Very funny," Kagome plopped down on one of the bar stools surrounding the island in Sango's kitchen, "I just wanted to do something nice for you since I've been missing in action these past few weeks." She watched as her best friend dug through the bags, distributing the contents between them.

"Well I hope you have something juicy," Sango glanced up "For example, the reason why you're glowing like a sun beam right now?"

"I'm not glowing—"

"Oh please Kagome," She took a sip of her milkshake "You haven't stopped smiling since you walked through my door and you brought me food. Spill it girlfriend."

Kagome giggled, "Why can't I just be happy to see you?"

"Because, I know you. You might be happy to see me but I'm not the one that has you all giggly and smiley. Only a man can do that, so Sesshomaru must've finally gotten off of his high horse and done something right."

Kagome lowered her eyes. She hadn't told anyone about her break up with Sesshomaru yet. A part of the reason why was because she'd been too busy with Naraku to really say anything. The other reason why was because she was still coming to terms with it herself. Naraku had been doing a good job at keeping her mind distracted but Kagome had to admit, when she actually had time alone, she did think about the way things ended with Sesshomaru.

"Actually," Kagome chewed her bottom lip "Sesshomaru and I broke up a month ago."

Sango's eyes went wide as she coughed on her milkshake, "You...what? Are you serious?"

"We broke up."

"I heard what you said. Awe Kags," Sango hugged her friend again "What happened? Why did you take so long to tell me? Are you okay? Did he—"

"Sango relax," Kagome smiled, pushing her back gently "I'm fine. I'm okay."

"I can see that. And you still have not answered my question. Why didn't you tell me this a month ago? You know, like when it happened? I see you at work almost every day and now you decide to dish?"

"There's been a lot going on. Besides, I'm here now silly."

"Well start from the beginning and don't leave anything out."

Kagome took a deep breath. She told Sango all about the visit to her parent's house, her mother's Kohutsu story, and returning home to find that Sesshomaru had tried to surprise her with rose pedals and candles all over the place. Then Kagome explained about the argument she'd had with Sesshomaru before leaving the house for good. When she was finished Kagome sat back and sighed. Repeating all that happened was almost the same as reliving it.

"So let me get this straight," Sango clasped her hands together "Sesshomaru had some type of epiphany and made an attempt to woo you but you didn't accept it because it caught you off guard?"

Kagome nodded, "Exactly. I was so angry with him. I tried so hard to make things work and he waits until I've had enough to do something."

"Well...wait a minute Kags. Isn't that what you wanted?"

"Huh?"

Sango shifted her weight in her seat, "Hear me out Kagome. Up until now, the only thing you've ever wanted was for Sesshomaru to show that he cares. Well, from what you're telling me, it seems like he tried but you didn't give him a chance. I totally agree that Sesshomaru could've done all of that way sooner but…what about better late than never? I mean what if he had an explanation for his behavior and he was planning on telling you that night?"

Kagome furrowed her eyebrows. She'd never considered that idea.

"I mean it sounds like he was finally where you wanted him." Sango added.

Silence worked its way between them as Kagome mulled over the point her best friend had made. Maybe she should've given Sesshomaru a chance to explain himself. But then again, when had he ever given her one throughout their entire relationship?

"I don't know if you have any idea what it feels like when the person you care about treats you like you don't even exist. But that's how I felt about Sesshomaru that night and I'd had enough. It didn't matter what he tried to do at the last minute, he was too little and way too late."

"But there had to be a reason for the sudden change in him right?"

"Whose side are you on anyway?"

Sango raised her hands in defense, "I'm on your side. I'm just having a problem trying to understand why this made you give up. Sesshomaru has done a lot worse than surprising you with dinner. No matter how many times I've seen you cry over him, you always fought for him, hoping that things would change. So I'm just wondering, were you really done with him this time or is there something else to this?"

"I'm really done," Kagome folded her arms "Besides Naraku and I—"

Sango raised an eyebrow. She definately remembered hearing the name before, "Naraku? You mean the guy that sent you all those roses at work?"

"Yes."

"Are you dating him now?"

Kagome felt her mouth dry up. She was still debating how much she should tell. It wasn't that she wanted to hide anything from Sango…but she knew that if Sango knew the truth she'd go ballistic, "We've been on a few dates," Kagome offered "Sango he's a really nice guy. He appreciates me and I want to get to know him."

"Oh, I see." Sango said after a few moments had passed "Kagome, I'm happy for you. I'm sure Naraku is the best thing ever for you right now. But can you really sit here and say that you honestly feel nothing for Sesshomaru anymore? That the past three years of that relationship are truly over?"

Kagome exhaled. Sango was starting to make her rethink a few things, "To be honest…no. But a part of me feels like Sesshomaru will never change. So why should I spend my life waiting for him? Weren't you the one who said that maybe we could use some space apart?"

"I also said that something could be up with him and that you should try finding out what it is. And if that didn't work than do what's best for you."

"Oh."

"If you feel like Naraku is what you need at this point in your life than by all means, be with the man. But I think you owe it to yourself to give Sesshomaru a chance to explain his behavior before you completely cross him off. Maybe there was something that he needed to deal with on his own."

Kagome's mind raced. Until that moment, she had been secure with her decision to leave Sesshomaru, and now she was thinking twice. Sango did make sense. What if she had ruined the moment she'd been waiting for all of this time? Things were becoming too complicated and Kagome needed to figure them out. Though she didn't want to admit it, there was only one way to do so…

"I think you're right…" Kagome finally said. She stood up, collecting her keys and purse in the process.

"Wait, you're leaving? You just got here."

Kagome nodded, "Yeah. Apparently there are some things I have to take care of."

Sango got up and hugged her friend once more, "I understand. Call me later if you need to talk."

"I will. Thanks Sango…for everything."

With that being said Kagome left the apartment. She waited until she was in her car to finally pull out her cell phone and dial the number. It rang one time before an anxious voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Sesshomaru…it's me. Would you mind meeting up with me somewhere?"

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Sesshomaru checked his watch anxiously as he waited for Kagome to arrive. He knew that she would be there any minute and his nerves were definitely on edge. Though Sesshomaru was more than elated that Kagome had asked to talk to him face to face, he wondered what the reason was for her sudden change of heart. No matter what it was, Sesshomaru was grateful that he'd have a chance to make things right….and this time he wasn't going to blow it.

In all actuality, the past few weeks of his life had been miserable to say the least. Sesshomaru hadn't realized how much of his existence was connected to Kagome until the night she'd left him standing in his living room alone. Without her he couldn't function. No matter how hard he tried, simple tasks like eating and sleeping had become impossible. What made matters worse was that Kagome's essence was everywhere in the house. Sesshomaru could barely use the bathroom without staring at her towel or her toothbrush in disgust with himself. How could he have let this happen?

He'd been a wreck. It was like an entire half of his soul was missing. Sesshomaru wondered if the way he felt during the past few weeks was the same way Kagome felt when he hadn't been around before… No wonder why she wouldn't forgive him. Sesshomaru wouldn't have forgiven himself. For the first time in his life he was…incomplete.

Sesshomaru had let his mistakes and guilt ruin the best thing in his life. And no matter how badly he wished he could turn back the hands of time, he knew that the only way to fix things was with the future.

Sesshomaru jumped as the sound of the doorbell brought him out of his thoughts. He got up, made his way to the front door and opened it without a moment's hesitation.

Kagome stared up at him with the same buttermilk eyes he'd grown to miss. Her body language was cautious but she offered him a small smile, "Hey…"

"Kagome…I—I mean, hello…um, please, come in." She had him completely tongue tied. Sesshomaru wanted to draw Kagome into his arms and hold her close but he wasn't sure if that was the appropriate thing to do. Instead, he moved out of the doorway so that she could come inside.

Kagome walked into the house and made her way to the living room. Although she tried to hide her facial expression, she couldn't help but feel just a little comforted. She'd missed the house. Though Naraku's was more than suitable, Kagome had always loved this house and the good memories it carried with it….

She frowned…that time seemed so long ago now.

"Would you like some coffee?" Sesshomaru stopped at the threshold of the living room, "I just brewed a fresh pot before you called."

"No thanks," Kagome started towards the kitchen "I'll just have some tea out of the…" She paused. Reality reared its ugly head as Kagome took a few steps back. This was no longer her house. She couldn't just walk into the kitchen and do whatever she wanted anymore…

Sesshomaru noticed her hesitation, "You can have anything you like. Allow me to get it for you."

"You know what, it's okay. I'm not that thirsty anymore."

"Kagome, it's really no problem at all."

"I know. But really, I'm fine…besides; I came here so that we could…talk."

Sesshomaru's jaw clenched. He was ready to hear whatever Kagome had to say but he wasn't sure if he would be able to handle being rejected twice. No matter what came of the conversation that they were about to have, Sesshomaru was not going to give up.

Kagome sat down slowly. In all actuality, she wasn't sure what to say first. On her way over she'd been able to come up with a list of things to address but at that moment Kagome's mind was blank.

"Allow me to go first," Sesshomaru sat next to her. Their eyes locked and for a moment all he could do was stare…as if searching for forgiveness "Kagome you are the greatest person who has ever come into my life. I understand I've done a terrible job of showing you that in our time together…and I apologize. I don't know if there's an acceptable excuse for my actions, but I'm hoping that you'll give me a chance to make up for them."

"That's just it," Kagome lowered her eyes "If what you're saying is true…then how did we end up like this?"

Sesshomaru frowned. He could see the pain in her expression. The one look that he had tried so hard to avoid was the same one he was forced to face now, "Because I have been incredibly selfish. Kagome, I've given a lot of thought about what you said the last time you were here. The way I treated you was unacceptable. And to be honest…since you left my life hasn't been the same."

Kagome took a deep breath to keep the tears at bay. Her body was slightly shaking and feelings she'd thought she'd gotten rid of were all beginning to surface at once. It was so frustrating. A part of her nearly hated Sesshomaru…yet, the other part of her desperately wanted him to understand how much he'd hurt her, "Sesshomaru, we were supposed to be a team. You used to tell me everything, no matter what was going on. We used to work through our problems together. But something changed…all we've been doing is arguing and neither of us has been happy for a long time."

"You're absolutely right," Sesshomaru agreed lowly "Kagome you deserve to be treated much better than I have been treating you….And if you allow me the chance, I promise to make it all up to you."

Kagome bit her lip. The idea of being with Sesshomaru again was intimidating. She had to admit, there was a part of her who missed him. That much was clear. And although the last year of their relationship had been a complete disaster…there were two years before that, which she hadn't completely forgotten. Two of the happiest years of her life actually…but things were different now. For one she was dating Naraku. Naraku had been everything a woman could ever ask for and Kagome enjoyed spending time with him. Yet, something in her heart was still connected to Sesshomaru in a way she couldn't understand. More than that, how could she be sure that Sesshomaru was serious now? Had a few weeks apart really changed him? Or was he trying to ease a guilty conscience?

Suddenly, Kagome felt a strong hand entwine with hers. Slowly, she gazed up at him until their eyes met again. The expression on Sesshomaru's face was one Kagome had never seen before. His white around his eyes had turned slightly red and the look behind them was something between sadness and regret, "Kagome I know I don't deserve another chance to make you happy…but I'm hoping you'll grant me one anyway. I can't change the things that have happened between us no matter how much I wish I could. But the truth of the matter is…I need you in my life and I was a fool to take you for granted. I'll do whatever it takes to prove that to you…if only you'll let me. I don't want to lose you Kagome."

Kagome wiped misty eyes with the tips of her fingers. Sango had been right. This is exactly what she'd wanted once upon a time. A sliver of the man Sesshomaru used to be had appeared and she couldn't help but long for him to stay…however long that would be, "You're serious about this?"

"Absolutely."

Kagome ran a hand through her thick mane. She was trying to make sense of the decision she was about to make. Thoughts of Naraku invaded her mind. Kagome was in a good spot with him. They were dating, living together and her feelings for him had grown in their short time together. She'd be a fool to abandon something so perfect for something that was such a risk. And Sesshomaru was a risk. There was definitely the possibility of being hurt or let down again and Kagome wasn't sure if she was ready for that heartbreak. But love could drive one to do the craziest things. Even if it seemed completely unreasonable.

What if things with Sesshomaru weren't completely finished? What if there was still something left?...something worth saving?

"Kagome please say something." Sesshomaru gently titled her chin towards him with the tip of his thumb. His touch only confirmed what her mind had been thinking.

Kagome couldn't picture herself living with any "what ifs". She needed to know if her life with Sesshomaru was completely over or if there was more for them to share. She owed it to herself and her sanity. Only this would be the last time. It was all or nothing now. Everything else would have to wait. She breathed in heavily, "Prove it."

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Kagura flipped through the pages of a magazine as she spooned another mouthful of cookie dough ice cream down her throat. Her eyes greedily scanned its contents for a new pair of designer shoes to add to her growing collection.

Being pregnant by a wealthy man had its perks. For one thing, thousands of dollars were at her disposal. In the past few months she'd bought everything from purses, to shoes, to the new Mercedes 350 parked in her garage. Kagura snickered to herself. All those years of learning how to manipulate and control those around her were finally paying off. Thanks to her unbecoming childhood and whore of a mother. But none of that mattered now, she was living the high life. And this was only the beginning.

Kagura doubled over abruptly, clutching her abdomen as a sharp pain shot her side. In spite of all the perks, she would be more than glad when this pregnancy piece was over and done with. She'd sacrificed her perfect physique and her stomach had swollen to the size of a large beach ball. She'd been hormonal, suffered from morning sickness, and developed the oddest craving for cream cheese and peanut butter sandwiches. Not to mention the kid wouldn't stop kicking her!

It had been the worst seven months of her life but Kagura knew that everything would work in her favor in the long run. She was more than willing to give a little to gain much more. Now all she needed to do was figure out what to do with the kid. Being an actual mother had never been a part of the plan. Oh no, she'd definitely have to hire a nanny or something to keep it out of her way since adoption obviously wasn't an option. She wouldn't get her money that way.

Kagura rubbed the tender side of her stomach, "You little wretch." She hissed. The kid would be lucky if she didn't lock it up somewhere for the physical burden it was causing her.

As if only to annoy her further the phone began to ring. Kagura cursed as she leaned to the right as far as she could to reach the phone without actually getting up on her swollen feet. After two or three rings she finally managed to knock it off the hook with her fingers and pull it towards her, "What?" She spat.

"It's me."

Kagura's lips curled into a smile as she straightened herself up. This was certainly a surprise, "To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected call?"

The voice on the other end of the line was silent for a few moments and Kagura could hear muffled sounds coming from the receiver, "I have a proposition for you." He finally said lowly.

"Oh?" Kagura purred "I'm listening."

"Five hundred thousand. If you disappear for good. No more calls, no more emails, no more appearances, and no more contact."

"And why on earth would I do that?"

"Because all you want is money. So I'm offering you a deal."

Kagura couldn't stop herself from laughing. She couldn't possibly believe he was serious. "Sesshomaru, why would I buy the milk if I could get the cow for free?"

"I'll add ten thousand a month if the kid is mine."

She paused for a moment. Now here was something that sparked her interest. But Kagura had to wonder why the father-to-be was willing to cough up a lifetime of money now when he'd refused to do it before, "Let me guess," She queried "You and girlfriend are working things out and Junior here would only complicate things a bit wouldn't he?"

"That's none of your concern." He snapped pointedly. "Wait...do you just say he?"

"Well, I wouldn't dream of robbing you of the joys of fatherhood. And yes, I said he you idiot, congratulations." Kagura mused "But if you insist. I'll think about this for a while and-"

"You have until Friday, or the deal is off."

Kagura sucked her teeth. When would he learn to stop trying to control the situation? In all honesty, the conversation was beginning to annoy her and Kagura was only two seconds from hanging up the phone, "And what, may I ask, is the hurry?"

There was another brief silence followed by more muffled sounds.

"Well?"

"I have more important things that require my attention than you and your bastard child."

"This child is not a bastard Sesshomaru. I know very damn well who his father is and it's you." Kagura growled. For some reason the word 'bastard' had struck a nerve. Though she knew Sesshomaru would object the idea that he had fathered a child, there was something about the way men always tried to cover their screw ups so willingly that absolutely disgusted her. No matter. This was business and he was right.

"Do we have a deal or not?"

"Yeah, whatever."Kagura snapped "You know where to put the money." She hung up the phone and threw it on the floor. In a way, Sesshomaru had just made her plan much simpler. She'd barely have to lift a finger now. Kagura narrowed her eyes bitterly. If that was the case, then why was she so angry?

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A/N: I'm actually surprised that I had the time to get this out! Finals are soon which means updates will slow down a bit but once the semester is over they'll pick back up. Thanks for reading! While you're here, why not review?

Courageous Pearl