I disclaim everything that needs to be. Your reviews are so sweet; it honestly makes it more fun to write knowing y'all actually wanna read it. (which is hard to know in my career as a poet/writer) … Please know I appreciate them SO much.
Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts, typically. Rin means "dignified", Kama means "love", Haru means "Eternal Treasure", Lev means "love", Kei means "blessings", Caia means "rejoice"
Love Letters- Chapter 25, Letter 27
Kagome stretched and sat up at the sound of the twins crying. It was time for the 2 AM feeding. Sesshomaru didn't move, and Kagome suppressed a giggle. She figured he would be up late, even later than they stayed up half-watching late night cartoons. Lifting Rin into her arms first, she nestled her into one arm and freed her breast for her to latch. After Rin started eating, Kagome scooped up Haru in her other arm, letting him latch onto her other breast. Balancing the two, she carefully sat herself on the edge of the bed to feed her babies. The TV was low, playing old Aqua Teen Hunger Force reruns on Adult Swim.
Kagome's mind wandered; this was a way to spend the early hours of her birthday. The vague thought to change the channel to something more baby appropriate crossed her sleepy mind but her mind couldn't focus on the location of the remote. Sesshomaru let out a snore behind her, and she giggled again. Rin was the first to finish her feeding, moving her mouth away to yawn before snuggling into her mother's arm. Kagome waited for Haru to finish before kissing both of her babies' heads, watching them for a minute before lowering them into their cribs.
Pulling down Sesshomaru's t-shirt that she wore as pajamas over her body once again, Kagome crawled back under the covers with her husband. Sesshomaru, still fast asleep, snuggled next to her, reaching his arms out to wrap around her. Sleepily, he kissed the side of her neck before settling himself back into sleep. Kagome aligned herself with the breathing of her husband and sleeping babies.
Sesshomaru didn't wake up until he heard his babies cry for their morning feeding. 8:30 AM. As he sat up, he noticed that Kagome was already sitting up, balancing the crying twins onto each breast. They quieted as they latched and started nursing. Sesshomaru snuck a picture of the trio with his phone, or so he thought. Just as he snapped the photo, Kagome looked up at her husband, sticking her tongue out at him.
He smiled, "good morning birthday mama."
Kagome yawned, "that's right, it is my birthday. Good morning, love."
He leaned over and kissed her head before lowering his head to kiss the heads of his twins. Straightening up, he looked at his wife, "Tati is making your favorite breakfast. If you want to shower, I can get the kids ready?"
"Oh, how sweet of her…I thought she was off today?" Kagome asked as Rin finished her meal and blinked her eyes open.
"Birthday present, she said," Sesshomaru reached for his daughter and lifted her to his chest to burp her.
Kagome smiled softly, "Even when I say no gifts…", she lifted Haru from her chest to burp him, as her pajama shirt fell back over her body.
"We cannot help but spoil you, Kagome, you know that," moving from the bed, Sesshomaru stood with Rin securely in his arms, "do you have anything in particular that you want them to wear?"
Kagome stood as well, Haru's eyes locked onto her face, "you can choose. I know you'll probably end up taking pictures…so I'll have to look halfway decent too."
Sesshomaru laughed as he reached out for his son, "you always look perfect."
After passing the infant, Kagome walked into her closet to try and find something comfortable and cute. Her eyes landed on an aquamarine silk wrap dress Aia had made for her years ago. She only hoped it would still fit properly as she pulled it from the rack and walked into the Master bathroom for her shower.
Sesshomaru carried his children to the nursery they had yet to spend a night in. After laying them in their cribs, he opened their closet to find outfits for his kids. He settled on one of the matching sets Bankotsu and Jakotsu created for the twins. He put Haru in the mint green t-shirt and linen pants combo, and Rin in the sky-blue version. As he dressed them, he realized that his twins could only truly be told apart by their eyes at this point. Both twins' hair was coming in dark, curly, and thick, like their mother. Haru's inquisitive amber-colored stare and Rin's bright-eyed blues were their current defining features.
Hearing the shower turn off, Sesshomaru blinked out of his thoughts and checked the babies' diapers before scooping them up to head downstairs. Chef Tati was busy in the kitchen, making Kagome's favorite. She had decorated the breakfast nook with flowers, with the help of Hitomi and Souta. The center of the breakfast table had an arrangement in the shape of a heart. It was gorgeous, and they knew Kagome would love it.
Her favorite breakfast was one her father used to make, egg-in-hole toast used as the makings of a breakfast sandwich, with turkey sausages and cheese in the middle. Chef Tati also made hashbrowns, and individual fruit bowls for everyone in the house. The breakfast table was set with a latte, with the latte art spelling out their names.
Sesshomaru set the twins in their infant chairs before meeting Inuyasha at the bottom of the stairs. He had a box wrapped in gold paper in his hands.
"Where should I put this? I know we're not doing gifts yet…"
"Out under the gazebo," Sesshomaru answered, "let Souta and Hitomi know too." He passed his brother and hurried up the stairs to meet his wife back in their bedroom. He stepped into the room just as she'd finished tying the short-sleeved dress into place. Her hair was still wrapped up in a t-shirt, drying.
Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her close to him. Kissing the soft exposed skin between her neck and collarbone, where the wedding tattoo would be, he whispered, "you look beautiful."
Kagome leaned into his touch and twisted her head to kiss him, "Thank you. I'll head downstairs and let you shower now…"
He kissed her again before releasing her, "now I know what to match, I'm glad you're ready first." He looked her over again, "You're radiant. Happy Birthday, my love."
Kagome smiled and tugged on the t-shirt holding her hair up, her damp curls fell down her shoulders and she ran her fingers through it before checking herself out in the mirror one time before leaving the room.
Sesshomaru went into his closet and pulled out a cream t-shirt with artistically placed aquamarine splotches adorning it. Adding matching cream linen pants, he pulled his hair into a low ponytail. Looking himself over once more, he nodded and hurried back to the darkroom to finish his photographs. On his main work table, two photo albums lay open on empty pages, for his twins. That was a project he wanted Kagome's involvement in, and he made a mental note to ask her to set aside some work time to create with him.
He slid his favorite image, Kagome holding both of their newborns, into its frame before securing the back panels and wrapping it in his signature butcher paper. He would hang it on the wall in their bedroom, wrapped, and she could unwrap it when they were alone. His other gift, a custom carved set of paintbrushes, were carefully wrapped next to the frame, with a message written on top in sharpie:
'from your forever admirer
Happy 26th birthday'
Collecting his packages, he returned to the master suite to hang the photo up. He'd found the perfect space for it, in the front room above the fireplace.
Then, he headed downstairs to the breakfast nook, where he could hear laughter and chatter. Sneaking by them to put the smaller parcel of butcher paper with the letter onto the gazebo outside, Sesshomaru paused at the edge of the room on his way back in. Kagome was sitting with Inuyasha, Souta, and Hitomi, laughing as they ate their breakfast. Looking at her tending to their children, laughing at the joke Inuyasha told, Sesshomaru's heart thumped. After all this time, she still left him breathless at the most natural things. He couldn't be anything but enthralled by her.
She didn't look up until he was next to her, pulling out his chair to sit down.
"Nice fit, Sessh." Souta gruffed, "Hitomi was hoping you'd match in a subtle way."
"Neutrals are very in this fall, you're ahead of the curve as always, Sesshomaru." Hitomi added, excitedly pouring a cup of coffee.
"I think this married life is breaking some habits," Inuyasha took a sip of his Irish coffee, "don't think I'll see you in a suit anytime soon."
"the wedding?" Sesshomaru offered, filling his plate with fruits and toast.
"You used to wear them literally every day!" Inuyasha laughed
"till he got home," Kagome giggled, pouring herself a glass of apple juice, "he would change his clothes before even saying hi to me sometimes…or say it half undressed."
Inuyasha laughed, "that's news to me! He's such an ice prince most of the time unless he's with you, Kags."
She laughed, filling the room with one of her husband's favorite sounds, "it's also probably not too practical to wear suits around newborns."
"and Sesshomaru is nothing if not practical!" Souta joked.
The group continued to enjoy the sunny breakfast nook long after they'd finished eating. After a few hours, Miroku and Sango arrived- drinks in hand. Miroku snuck outside to place their gifts, a black velvet wrapped parcel from each of them, onto the table outside before Kagome could notice. When he returned, he slipped back into the conversation easily, winking at Sesshomaru. They enjoyed each other's company as the afternoon sun rose. Soon, Sesshomaru could hear stomach growling.
"Let's hang out outside," Kagome suggested, "I know Sessh will want to start getting things on the grill soon."
The group agreed and they filed out into the backyard, settling at a large table shaded by trees. Next to it, in the sun, was the barbeque. There was a pack n play set up with newborn inserts set up in the shade. Sango joined Kagome in placing the twins down, fast asleep before settling at the table.
Kagome looked at the table under the gazebo, filled with gifts. She gave Sesshomaru a look, and he shrugged, "they aren't all from me if that's what you're thinking. Only one of those gifts is from me. Actually, these aren't even the gifts Father said were sent to the office. You are beloved, my dear, not only by us."
"So, how much longer are you an exhibit at Simplicity?" Sango asked, changing the subject, "and what's next?"
Kagome lifted her lemonade to her lips, taking a sip before answering, "Best Parts is up until the end of October. Next, I think Eri has a whole calendar of commissions that go from large canvases to custom flower-tree arches for permanent installation in homes."
"Kaggie, that's amazing!" Jakotsu gushed as he and Bankotsu walked into the backyard. Bankotsu was carrying a large Matcha crepe cake, homemade by his partner. On top in beautiful white icing letters read 'Happy Birthday Mama 'Gome'. Jakotsu carried two sea-foam green gift bags that nearly touched the ground as he walked.
"It's going to be a busy season for sure, between that and the wedding planning." Bankotsu noted, "we'll help in whatever way we can." Jaken lifted the cake from his hands, hurrying to put it in the fridge.
"I'd love a task after that wonderful baby shower." Jakotsu grinned, sitting in the chair his boyfriend pulled out for him.
Sesshomaru started up the grill, closing the lid to let it heat up before turning toward the door. Jaken stepped out, bringing out the platter of seasoned lobster tails and chicken breasts Sesshomaru had prepared the night before to the table closest to the grill. Over the sizzling, Inuyasha, Miroku, and Bankotsu gathered around Sesshomaru, commenting on the cooking and chatting about their lives, passing the twins around.
As they talked, Kagome giggled and took photos of her friends holding her twins. Sango had a look in her eye while holding Rin, and Jakotsu pointed it out right away.
"Oooh, Kaggie you started something! I think Sango is thinking about tossing that birth control down the garbage disposal." He laughed, sipping his drink.
Kagome laughed, "Inuyasha said that too. I just think they want all of our kids to be close in age so they can be friends too."
"Miroku and I have some steps to take before that, too." Sango added, passing Rin to Jakotsu, who cuddled her as she smiled her gummy smile.
"Leave it to a lawyer to avoid getting married." Jakotsu joked, "as non-committal as ever."
"It's not a lawyer thing," Kagome laughed, "it's a Miroku thing!"
"He's terrified of the official commitment, but if you ask him we've been married since the moment we met." Sango lifted her drink to her lips with a smile, watching her friends giggle. She'd talked to Miroku about the possibility of marriage after Sesshomaru surprised everyone with a marriage license. He wasn't against it, but Sango could feel the nervousness coming from him whenever she brought it up.
"What do you think that fear really is?" Kagome hummed, sending Sango a knowing look.
"That once I'm stuck with him, I'll hate him for not living up to the perfect husband." Sango rolled her eyes, "at some point he'll realize that I love him even with those shortcomings."
"A baby is a much bigger commitment, though."
Sango nodded, "he talks about it more than being married. He'd be a great dad."
As the conversations continued, the food slowly filled the tables. Sesshomaru was putting the last of the grilled chicken onto a platter as the sliding door opened once again- this time revealing Ken, Aia, and Izayoi, arms full.
"Oh jeez Papa, didn't Sessh say no gifts?" Kagome laughed, rushing to help them.
"These are from the office, dear" Izayoi grinned, "our gifts aren't here yet. You'll get them sometime this week, with all of the twins' things, our orders are so backed up."
"We ran into Eri at the office, she'll be here soon with the rest." Ken smiled, adjusting the gifts in his arms and dumping them onto the gift table.
"But my gift is right here," Aia handed over a heavy book-like parcel wrapped in lilac silk.
"Oh it's heavy!" Kagome quickly moved to hold it with both hands. Immediately Sesshomaru was at her side, lifting the heavy gift from her hands as well as taking the gifts from Izayoi's arms. As he organized them on the gift table, he took inventory of some names and notes on the tags:
"for princess kaggie on her most recent turn being my sun
forever,
Akitoki"
"xoxo, yura"
"for the creative genius
all my love,
Tsubaki"
Gifts from his clients, her clients, old friends, people who wanted to work with her littered the table in different sizes. Sesshomaru arranged the presents from their friends and family closer to the front, while sliding the package from Akitoki to behind the clients' gifts in the back.
"You're petty." Inuyasha's voice came from behind him, amused.
"Perhaps," Sesshomaru replied quietly, turning back towards the tables of food.
"She's literally married to you. With two very newborn babies, and you're still feeling jealous over her first serious boyfriend." Inuyasha laughed as they walked back to their family, getting louder when Sesshomaru merely shrugged.
"Did Akitoki send a gift?" Sango asked, hearing the end of Inuyasha's comment.
"Probably," Jakotsu answered before Kagome or Sesshomaru could, "He'll always dote on his first love."
"First obsession." Bankotsu corrected, earning a laugh from most.
Sesshomaru shrugged again from his seat next to Kagome. He was more focused on his love, and his babies. Izayoi and Aia were holding the twins now, cooing at the sleeping babies. Ken was talking quietly to Inuyasha, sneaking some work talk into the family function. Jaken was leading Eri into the backyard, her arms full of packages for Kagome. In Jaken's hands, a thick folder that he attempted to pass along to Sesshomaru, but was waved off with a stern look.
"I'll put it in your study, sir." Jaken's voice was almost a whisper, "No work on Milord's day of celebration."
Sesshomaru nodded once, sending Jaken off. His attention was once again on his friends, and Kagome. She was laughing now, at the joke Jakotsu told her. They were teasing Miroku and Sango about their hesitance to get married, but not to have children. Plates and glasses were filling, emptying, and filling again.
"I'd say pregnancy is much harder than a wedding." Kagome grinned.
"We haven't done a wedding yet," Sesshomaru reminded her, taking Rin from his mother's offering arms.
"Still, though." Kagome shrugged, "Pregnancy was tough on the body and emotions, all wedding planning has been, so far, a lot of thought-energy."
Sango nodded, "physical energy is….different."
"Who knows," Inuyasha laughed, "maybe Sessh will surprise us all and demand an adventure themed wedding."
"Zip lining to get to the ceremony and a triathlon between the ceremony and reception." Sesshomaru smirked, earning a laugh from the rest of the group.
"Guess I gotta say fuck the doctor ordered bedrest, and get training!" Kagome giggled, earning a look from Sesshomaru and a giggle from Rin.
"It was your own joke!" Inuyasha laughed harder, "but let Kags joke about pushing herself and it's not funny anymore."
"He doesn't joke about her," Ken smirked, "I was like that in the early days of my relationships too. It's his instinct, even from the harmless things."
"I'm just glad I'm not pregnant anymore," Kagome giggled, "I felt like I was made of glass, the way he treated me. The way you all treated me."
"I know you are the strongest among us, love," Sesshomaru replied quietly, looking at Rin asleep in his arms, "my intent is always to keep you safe."
"And we were not about to be the ones to let something happen to you when he wasn't around," Inuyasha laughed, "hell Jak told me you got a papercut one day while Sessh was out of town and I told you I couldn't be implicated!"
Jakotsu laughed, "I do remember that! Kaggie was a bit too rough opening one of her paints. The foil covering sliced her finger ever so slightly, and Inuyasha walked in at the exact moment she bled. It was chaos."
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, "You didn't mention that time, Kagome…"
She laughed, a glowing smile on her face, "why would I? I knew you would fly home if I stubbed my toe. I cut my hand and had terrible morning sickness. Papa would have fired you in an instant."
"If I would've been let in on the little secrets," Ken laughed, "I would've let Sesshomaru go home no problem."
"You would NOT have been able to keep that secret, Pop!" Inuyasha opened a new beer, watching Jaken clear Kagome's empty plates. Sesshomaru still had half a plate, his focus entirely on the twins and Kagome.
"Let's do gifts!" Izayoi smiled, moving toward the table overflowing with gifts.
Kagome sighed, "I really did tell you all no gifts."
"But why would we listen," Sango giggled, "do mine first!" Her brown hair bounced in its ponytail as she skipped to the table to retrieve the two parcels Miroku put on the gift table. Doing a quick look over, she handed Kagome the lighter of the two.
"This one's from me. The heavier one is from Roku."
Kagome nodded, carefully peeling back the velvet to reveal a box she recognized as her favorite ballet slipper brand. Inside was a beautiful pair of pointe shoes. The fabric is a soft moonstone silk. Under were a smaller pair, a toddler sized pair of ballet slippers.
Kagome gassed, "Oh Sango they're beautiful!" She stood up and hugged her best friend, "thank you!"
Sango beamed back as Jakotsu rushed forward with the bags he and Bankotsu brought, "Our turn! You know your home studio is never complete without a Jakotsu original."
Kagome giggled, he and Bankotsu always got a beautiful statement art piece for her art studio. They'd started the tradition with her dorm, and then her first apartment, and every painting studio she'd had in the houses she shared with Sesshomaru. She pulled the tissue paper from one gift bag to reveal a statue. The crescent moon was heavy, and Sesshomaru rushed over to help Kagome lift it from the bag.
"Oh you opened the house one first," Jakostu pouted, "I just know Sessh is going to put that on the mantle. It was the first thing I said when we saw it, isn't that right Bankie?"
Bankotsu nodded, "it's true. But Jak was the most excited about the other one."
"It's gorgeous, Jak," Kagome examined the carved piece, "Is it opal?"
"It is! See Bankie, I told you we wouldn't even have to tell her."
Kagome smiled as she pulled the tissue paper of the other gift bag. Inside was a red and pink crystalline hibiscus flower. Etched into the petals were images of dragons, one for each person in the Tashio house.
"Oh my god…" Kagome gasped, echoing the gasps of the other Tashios in attendance.
"I swear, Jak, you always find the coolest pieces. Curation is your gift." Kikyo's voice came from the sliding doors. She looked freshly showered, eyes tired from a long day of surgery and delivering babies. Sitting next to Inuyasha, she wiggled her finger at Rin, smiling when she
"It's gorgeous, Jakkie, thank you. Bank, thank you both. I'm so grateful." Kagome's eyes misted with tears.
"We love ya, babe," Bankotsu pulled her into a hug, "Happy Birthday."
"Me and Kiks can go next." Inuyasha stood, lifting the gold papered box from the gift table and into Kagome's vision.
"Guys! I know I texted Kikyo to not get me anything."
"You can't do this with every gift!" Inuyasha laughed, "it's too late. Everyone bought everything before you sent your futile texts. I swear none of us planned these gifts after you sent that text."
Kagome laughed again, carefully unwrapping the box. Inside were two smaller boxes. The first of which had gold writing 'Gibson'. That box had an embossed note:
Kagome,
Your brother-in-law informed me of your birthday. My family and I were such a fan of your dad's, his art still hangs in my house. I do apologize that the actual gift will be late, but I promise this Korina will make up for it. And the picks should hold you over until it's ready. He told me you like red and moonstone, I hope he wasn't designing with himself in mind.
Happy Birthday
Leo Swan, CEO Gibson Brand
18/19
"18 of 19…" Kagome started, "Inuyasha you didn't…"
"He said your dad painted on the sample 1958 Korina Explorer at his father's request. He's kept the original, of course, but he's had a special one made for you identical. The red and moonstone is for the case." Inuyasha grinned, "Happy Birthday Kaggie."
"I can't believe it." Kagome cried, launching herself into Inuyasha's arms, "You're the best brother ever."
"Hey!" Souta laughed, "actual brother here!"
"It's not your turn yet," Miroku laughed, "we're all going to be the best brothers ever when she opens our gifts."
Souta nodded, "true. She's gonna cry at what I got for her."
"The hormones make her cry at everything," Inuyasha laughed again, wiping Kagome's tears and setting her back in her seat. Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around her, kissing her head before handing her the small wrapped butcher paper.
"My turn, love," he whispered.
"My forever admirer," she read, blushing as she unwrapped. The custom carved paint brushes revealed themselves and gave everyone pause. They were carved to fit perfectly into Kagome's hands, no matter how she held them. As if they were crafted exactly for her. When she held them, her fingers slipped comfortably into the grooves, as if she'd been painting with them for years. When she studied them, she noticed the words engraved onto each:
a heart translated
"Love," Kagome whispered as Sesshomaru kissed her head over and over, "I love them, thank you."
"They look made especially for you," Souta commented, "they fit perfectly."
"That was my intention. It took a lot of photos of Kagome's hands for the woodworker to get things perfect."
The real tears came as she read the letter he'd added. He kissed her cheeks, never allowing the tears to run too far. He almost didn't notice the sound of camera shutters as he soaked in the moment with her.
"I love you," Kagome's whisper was just for his ears.
"I love you more. Happy Birthday my love. It's not the only one," he added, "the big gift is in our bedroom for later."
"The big gift? Sessh…"
"Don't argue!" Souta interrupted, "open mine next."
Kagome laughed as Sesshomaru wiped the stray tears going down her face. Souta handed her a small rectangular box.
"You got me a new phone," she guessed, opening it. She was right, though, her baby brother had built her a brand new phone. It was basically a custom upgraded version of her old phone, with apps and features only phones Souta upgraded would have.
"I stole your last night so it should be updated," he said between mouthfuls, "plus I made this new baby monitor app. Customizable notifications for the type of sound heard. I got a solid guess on most of 'em, but you can change it. Plus found an old voicemail, put it on there for you too."
"From….?" Sesshomaru beat Kagome to the question.
"Daddy," She answered for her baby brother, tears welling up in her eyes once again, "it's from the phone he had…right?"
Sesshomaru gasped softly when Souta nodded, remembering Kagome was grounded the day her father died. He'd taken her phone. It was tradition, after she was grounded each time, she would have a voicemail from her father explaining how much he loved her. How he knew she'd make better choices, be kinder in her words, whatever applied. When Haru died, Kagome was only 13 years old. She screamed at her dad for suspending her art lessons because she'd snuck out to ride her skateboard one too many nights. The night she was grounded, Haru was waiting in her bedroom when she climbed back through her bedroom window at sunrise. It wasn't even his weekend, but Haru was tech-savvy, a trait Souta picked up, so he was notified when his children were out past curfew. Her little pink flip phone, decorated with moon and galaxy stickers, was only taken after she'd screamed about the art lessons. On the day of the devastating office fire, her phone was in her father's backpack, where he kept all his daily-use things.
Kagome looked at the audio recording, tears running down her face. The voicemail she'd never heard. The voicemail she cried to Sesshomaru over when they were in the darkroom that night. Her wails, knowing she'd never know if he forgave her for the terrible things her 13 year old mouth spewed. He held her for countless hours over it, watched her write devastating songs of apology she shared with no one else but him.
"Later…" she took a deep breath, "I'll listen to it tonight. You wanna hear it too, Souta? Papa?"
They shook their heads. "It's for your ears only, my girl," Ken reached over and took her hand, "I have his voice in my heart."
Souta nodded, "yea, sis. Those letters…that's more than enough. It's for me."
Miroku smiled, "I think it's my turn to be the best brother ever."
*that's all folks! That's it for this chapter. Next, more birthday. Kagome's is almost done and it'll be parenthood vibes before Sesshomaru's. But something fun is gonna go down around Sesshomaru's birthday, since it's nearing the anniversary of Haru's death. What does Shynah have planned, I wonder? I really appreciate y'all taking the time to read my stories! I know it's been SO long but I'm working on these for ya! Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *