-Keiko...
-That slut tricked you with that false belly, took all the money from the sale of the house and all the other things WE worked TOGETHER to get, and now you come back expecting me to accept you back with my arms wide open? Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, Akira: It's not gonna happen.-She crossed her arms and leaned on the bathroom's locked door. She'd never forgive him for what he had done.
-I know that I've done was wrong, Keiko. It was a terrible mistake, and I should burn rotten in hell for this, but please, I beg you another chance.
On the stairs, Inuyasha and Kagome sneaked to get a better point to see and hear what was going on, without being spotted. Hidden behind the edge of the wall's turn, Kagome was laying on her belly on the floor, Inuyasha balancing himself on his arms over her, whispering above her ear what he was hearing about the talk/argue between her parents.
-Do you think they will make peace again, Inuyasha?-She murmured as silent as she could. He looked down at her.
-I don't know, Kagome, but you from all people will lose hopes?
-I didn't say that.-She looked her dad kneeling in front of the bathroom's door, closed fists against the dark wood.-I just... wanted to have a dad once again. It's not only Souta who misses one.
-Kagome...-The hanyou was going to say something more to comfort her, but Keiko started talking again.
-You have no idea... how much you hurt me those days, Akira.-She murmured in between sobs of pain and sorrow, almost too low for Inuyasha to hear her.-I ask you: did you think about our kids? Did you think about Kagome? About Souta?
Inuyasha felt Kagome tense beneath him. The scene of little seven-years-old Kagome, in the middle of the cold snow, with shining gray-blue eyes begging answers from her father, appeared before his eyes. Had he thought, at least, about his daughter and his younger son before he left? The same question in Inuyasha's mind was tormenting even more intensely in Kagome's mind. Akira would had thought about, at least, one of them before leaving?
-No...-He lowered his head, a sob escaping among the words.-I didn't. But I thought a lot after I realized the awful mistake I did. And I'm sure you are regretful for all the things that happened between us. Regret for trusting me. Regret for...
-I don't have any regret, Akira.-Keiko's voice was steady.-I could never feel regret for bringing Kagome and Souta to the world. It's because of them that I don't feel sorry for meeting you, falling in love with you, marrying you. I don't feel sorry for any of our moments together, because it's because of their results that I'm keeping on living, HAPPY. Do you feel regret for having Kagome and Souta with me?
Inuyasha felt Kagome get tenser.
-Of course not, Keiko! Our kids are beautiful!
-What about the kid you had with her? Was he as beautiful as ours?-She said sarcastically.
-She... was never pregnant.
-Ha! I already knew that, you moron! She kicked your ass and you came back weeping like the dog you are, hoping me to comfort you.
-Keiko...
Inuyasha felt insulted now, but Kagome raised a hand and touched his cheek, like she was saying: 'it's ok, she wasn't talking about you'.
-...I felt happy that she kicked my ass. Because it made me realize I made this mistake. The mistake of getting involved with another woman. I promised myself to not do it ever again, even if you don't accept me back. You're my only one, Keiko. My Keiko.
There was a heavy silence.
-For God sake, Keiko! I love you! You're everything I need! You and our children! I don't need anything else!
Even more silence. But this time, the door parted a little slot. The woman looked at her husband, EX-husband, in a critical way.
-Why did you come back now?
-Because I needed to recover all the things I sold, and that WE fought TOGETHER to get.-He took and envelop from his pocket.-I bought back the house I sold, and all the family's belongings. Even if you don't accept me back, I want you to underwrite this.-He passed the paper through the door's slot.-Everything will be yours only.
-And you?-She asked coldly.
-I only need you, love. I know that you don't need me, but I can't live without you.-He bit back a sob.-Please... just a chance.
Inuyasha and Kagome gulped, crossing their fingers and thinking "say yes!" Inuyasha looked at Kagome and then at her bedroom's door behind him, thinking about Souta.
-"Their father was an asshole for sure. But I can feel he's feeling bad for it. Why can't Mrs. Higurashi see it? Keh, of course. Because it's difficult for her to forgive him for what he's done."
-I promise you that I'll be a better husband to you, and a better father to our children.
Keiko laughed coldly.
-For Souta, maybe. But what about Kagome? She's already sixteen years old and I bet she remembers pretty well what you've done.
-You... told her, didn't you?
-Kagome isn't as naïve as you think she is, Akira. I didn't tell her anything, but she knows. She remembers what happened between us, and now she understands. And now? How do you expect her to accept you? And Souta? Maybe he can't remember so well, but he knows you left us. How do you expect him to accept you?
-I know... that I opened a wound in our family that's impossible to heal, Keiko. But I came to start it again. I just want a second chance.
Keiko sighed.
-I forgive you, Akira.-She heard him breathing in relief, but immediately interrupted him.-But even so, I can't forget what you did. Go away. You're not welcomed here anymore.
With vanishing hopes, Kagome laid her head on her crossed arms and let her tears fall, but fighting the sobs.
-Kagome...
Inuyasha lowered his head and touched her cheek with his own.
-He's going away again, Inuyasha. He's going away and we're never going to see him again. What are we going to do now?
-Calm down, Kagome. Don't cry, please. I'm here for you.-The half-demon didn't know what to do. Lowering his head a bit more, he kissed each tear while caressing her back. Resting his head gently on hers, he kept an ear on Akira as he stood, ready to give up, but not without one more try.
-Do you remember, love... that day under the tree?
-How can you expect me to forget? You proposed to me that day.
-Yes. And do you remember... what you told me? That you wanted me to be happy?
-Yeah?
-And I told you that I'd be if you stayed with me?
-Like it was just yesterday. So what?
-Well... here I am.
Inuyasha peeked with one eye when he heard Mrs. Higurashi slowly standing up leaning against the door. His ears perked and he raised his head when he saw the passage open a few inches, and Keiko looked at her husband with watering eye again, but with a different emotion this time.
-You're... serious about that... aren't you?
Akira smiled lovingly.
-I love you, Keiko. You're the woman of my life.-He smiled playfully and turned around.-It's a pity I'm too imperfect for a woman so perfect as you...
He didn't made even the first step, and Keiko got out of the bathroom, grabbed his wrist and pulled him to her, kissing him passionately for the first time in many years of separation.
Inuyasha smiled and poked Kagome to see what was happening. The girl felt her eyes watering yet, but with joy this time. She felt Inuyasha sliding a hand on hers and intertwining their fingers. She squeezed his hand gently.
When Keiko and Akira parted, he sighed in joy.
-Ah, Keiko...-She called him with a finger on his lips.
-One more word, and I kill you.
One more kiss, and this time, Akira lifted Keiko in his arms, taking her to the stairs. Inuyasha held Kagome and dragged her to a dark corner to not be spotted. They held their breaths when the couple proceeded to their room. As soon as the door closed and locked with a click, the two stood and proceeded to Kagome's room.
Inuyasha entered and crossed his arms, watching as Kagome carefully closed the door. Then she turned around and jumped on his arms, laughing, making both of them fall on the bed, startling once sleeping Souta.
-Hey! What's going on?!-The boy asked shocked.
-Our father is back, Souta. It's all over now. Everything's ok.-Kagome gave him a bear hug, which the boy responded in joy.
-For real?
-Told you everything would be fine, silly! But as always, you never believe what I say!
Inuyasha relaxed on the bed as he watched the siblings hugging each other and crying in happiness. He also noticed the 'sleeping' geezer smirking, still drooling on his pillow. Ah, this old geezer couldn't fool him. Never in a million years.
After all the commemoration, they almost jumped out of their skin when they looke at the clock: 4 AM. Souta snuggled himself on a mattress Kagome prepared for him, while she settled herself down on her own bed. Inuyasha sat beside the footboard, keeping watch as always.
-Hey, Inuyasha.-Kagome called him in a low whisper.
-Hum?
-I just wanted to say... thanks.
-What are you thanking me for, Kagome?-He looked confused at her from over his shoulder.
-For... staying with me when I needed someone. It... means a lot to me.
-Keh. It was nothing.-He turned, blushing.-You... would do the same for me.
-Well, I was thinking...-She was a bit embarrassed now.-We're safe here. There's no yokai here, and you don't need to keep watch. Why don't you try to sleep and relax a little?
Inuyasha understood that doing that, he'd need to lay down somewhere. And there was no mattress left.
-If... you don't mind...-He answered, accepting the suggestion. He was no pervert, but he wasn't so interested in listening to the sound of the other room either.
-Of course not. Go ahead.-Kagome moved to give space to the half demon. He climbed on the bed beside her, keeping distance to preserve both their personal space. They were only going to sleep together, on the good way!! He didn't want Gramps or Souta having ideas in the morning.