A New Addition
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
A/N: Wow, I have to say, your reviews sure motivated me! Thanks so much for the reviews:
Mariathebaka
Kagome2u
Tido Monkeey
Angel Eyes
WaterAlchemist27
I-Have-Not-Found-The-One-I-Luv-But-I'm-Still-Searching
Sango45
Angeldeathstone
Brandtishot
Sarinya967
inugirl123mystic
singerme5791
How wonderful my readers all are! Here's the chapter you all waited for!
Sorry I haven't been able to update! I have been working 5 days a week, at least 5 hours a day if not more, so I haven't had any free time! Please stick with me! And if you ever need to know the status of my fics, you can always go to my profile page. I promise to stay true to my word and finish this! ;-)
'Italics'-thoughts
Chapter 3: Trouble in Paradise
Inuyasha grumbled as he rolled out of bed to answer the telephone, "Who the fuck would be calling at four in the morning?" Kagome sat up and flicked on the light. She rubbed her eyes and stretched. Less than a minute later, Inuyasha came dashing into the room and ordered, "Get dressed! Sango's having the baby. Miroku wants us to watch the kids while they get to the hospital." Kagome jumped out of bed and threw on a light blue skirt and a white blouse as she said, "I thought she wasn't due for another month." "She isn't. It's coming early." He replied as he pulled a white shirt over his head. "I hope it's not another false alarm." She said as she tossed him his beige slacks. "I don't think so, Miroku sounded like he was panicking." He said as he grabbed his keys off the dresser. They both ran out of the house and jumped in their SUV.
Luckily, there wasn't much traffic out since it was so early in the morning. Once they arrived, Sango was already in the car huffing and puffing. Miroku was so relieved to see Kagome and Inuyasha hurrying over to the porch. "Thank you-" he began, but Kagome and Inuyasha shouted in unison, "Go!" Miroku nodded, got in the car, and sped off. "Their third kid and they don't seem like they're used to this procedure." Inuyasha noted as he stood in the doorway. Honestly, seeing Sango in pain and their panicked state scared Inuyasha a little. Wouldn't it have been faster to call an ambulance? He thought. At least he didn't have to worry about that quite yet. Kagome still hadn't become pregnant.
Kagome brought him out of his thoughts when she called his name and asked, "Are you alright? You look pale." "We were just rudely awakened from our sleep and came over here in a rush. Of course I look pale." Inuyasha responded as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Go take a nap on the couch, then. I'll watch the kids." She stated with a soft smile. He didn't think he'd be able to sleep worrying about his friends.
Little Miro wandered into the living room and spotted his Uncle Yash. He gasped happily and ran to him, jumping into his lap. "Where are Mama and Papa?" He asked as he held onto one of Inuyasha's soft, pointy ears. He simplified the best he could, "Your mama went to the doctor to have your little brother or sister." "Oh, like she did with Takai?" Miro asked. Inuyasha nodded and said, "It's still bedtime, kiddo. Let's get you in bed." He lifted up Miro and carried him to his room where Kagome was sitting in a chair beside Takai's crib. Her head was leaning against the wall as she snoozed. Inuyasha smiled at the sight. She had told him to take a nap when she was still tired herself.
He lay Miro in his bed and covered him with a light blanket. He felt the way he imagined a father would whenever he held his kids or tucked them in. "Stay here. I'll be right back." Inuyasha whispered, then, lifted Kagome effortlessly. He carried her bridal style, her head resting against his chest as she continued to sleep, into the living room. He lay her down gently onto the white sofa. Her silky, raven hair veiled her sweet face. He gently brushed aside her long, dark locks and kissed her gently on her slightly parted lips. He sat there for a few minutes watching her sleep. Her breathing was steady and shallow.
Inuyasha's eyes fluttered open. He glanced around at the unfamiliar surroundings and where he was came back to him. He turned to look on the couch behind him where Kagome still slept soundly and breathing softly. He glanced at the wall clock. It was six in the morning. He decided he'd have to call his work and Kagome's to let them know they'd be out for the day. He knew he wouldn't be missed much at work, but Kagome required hiring a substitute teacher.
Kagome awoke and jumped up when she noticed it was already past 8AM. She jolted upright, eyes wide with realization that she hadn't called into work. Just when she was about to head for the phone, Inuyasha strolled into the living room. "Don't worry, everything is taken care of." He said right on cue. She swore sometimes he could read her mind; he just knew her so well and she loved it. She wrapped her arms around him and they engaged in a morning kiss.
The phone interrupted and Inuyasha answered. Kagome leaned in to listen. "It's a girl!" Miroku excitedly exclaimed. "Congratulations!" They praised. "Sango will be coming home tomorrow. Kohaku's going to be staying with us to help out, so you and Kagome can get back to things." He explained. "It's no problem," Inuyasha stated, "We'll watch the kids for you today until Kohaku gets here." "That'd be great, thank you both. I really appreciate it. You can count on us when you have your own kids-" Miroku expressed. "You don't have to get all sentimental about it, I told you it's fine." Inuyasha remarked. Honestly, he was glad to be there for his friend, but he wasn't comfortable gushing about it. Kagome rolled her eyes. It was just like Inuyasha to play off his emotions. Miroku chuckled to himself on the other line. He expected nothing else from Inuyasha. "Okay, see you tomorrow." Miroku wrapped up and ended the conversation. The second Inuyasha hung up, Kagome danced with excitement and exclaimed, "They finally have their girl! We have to go out and get them a few things!" "That's what baby showers are for-" Inuyasha began, but Kagome cut him off, "C'mon, it'd be great to take Miro and Takai out. You know they're going to need diapers and girly clothes!" He looked into Kagome's determined, yet soft, bright brown eyes and agreed, "Fine, but I choose where we eat."
-o0o0o-At the Shopping Center-0o0o0o0-
"Stop fussing, would you! Look, you're upsetting Takai." Kagome scolded.
"Why are you taking his side?"
"I'm not taking sides, don't even think like that."
"Then why are you yelling at me!"
"I'm not yelling at you!"
"You just did!"
"Inuyasha, stop it would you, please! You're acting like a little kid. We'll eat in a minute, okay?" Kagome sighed heavily as she pushed the stroller. Inuyasha wanted to eat as soon as they got there, but she wanted to do a little window shopping first. Inuyasha argued there was plenty of time for that after they ate. Walking together with the kids like this, I feel like a mom already! Kagome thought to herself with a slight blush. Looking at Kagome as she pushed the stroller, Inuyasha couldn't help but feel like he had his family already.
After eating, they Inuyasha had finally given in and let Miro ride on his shoulders. He winced as Miro tugged on his ears. Just then, he heard an all too familiar voice shout with excitement, "KAGOME! It's been a while and you look as beautiful as ever." He turned to see none other than Koga. If she hadn't been pushing that stroller, Koga would've been grabbing her hands as he greeted her.
Inuyasha jumped between them and Miro squealed with glee at his Uncle Yash moving so fast. He acted like he was on a theme park ride. "Koga, I see you're still as annoying as ever." He remarked. "Oh, it's you. I didn't notice you standing over there," Koga stated then asked, "Kagome, don't tell me you actually married and had kids with this creep?" Kagome sighed at Koga's remark. She thought, at least they seem to be watching their language around the kids. "Well, actually, these aren't our kids. We're watching them for Miroku and Sango." She replied with a bright smile then asked, "So, Koga, whatever happened to you? You just moved out and we never heard from you again."
"Well, I had to finish school to graduate on time and I was offered a job almost immediately. I didn't have time to give much notice. I thought Kaede would tell you or something." He replied rather solemnly. "She did tell us, but all of us were working so much that she could never catch us to tell us in time. It's good to see you now, though." Kagome said, still smiling.
"So, Kagome, how has dog face here been treating you?" Koga asked as he shot Inuyasha a threateningly glare. "How dare you even ask her that! I wouldn't treat her bad at all! Why you-I've had enough of you!" Just as Inuyasha was going to continue, Miro tugged on his sleeve and looked up with big, teary blue eyes and said, "Pwease stop yelling Uncie Yash. You're scaring me." "No-no don't cry!" Inuyasha pleaded as he lifted him up. But, the water works had already started. "C'mon, boys don't cry!" Inuyasha said as he patted Miro's head. "I see you two have your hands full," Koga stated, "I have to get going anyway." "It was nice to see you again, Koga." Kagome said as he handed her a business card. "Keep in touch," he said, "and when you decide to leave dog-boy there, give me a call." Koga winked before walking away. Inuyasha shot Koga a death glare. He swore the next time he saw him he'd kick his ass.
Miro finally quieted down after giving him an ice cream cone. They all sat down at a bench outside the ice cream parlor. Kagome looked over at Inuyasha and asked, "Are you still mad about Koga?" He crossed his arms over his chest and replied, "Keh! Like I care about that guy. It's you who's always so chummy with him!"
"I was just being polite to him. Nothing more."
"You're always giving him special treatment."
"Inuyasha, you have nothing to be jealous about."
"I don't know, he gave you his number and I didn't see you throw it away."
Kagome sighed heavily trying not to get angry. "Inuyasha, what are you implying? He's just a friend that we lost contact with. You have nothing to worry about." She scooted closer to him and placed a hand on his arm and looked deep into his golden eyes. He looked away with a slight blush and said angrily, "You know how that guy pisses me off." She smiled softly and replied, "Inuyasha, I love you and you're the only one I want to be with." He didn't want to admit he needed her reassurance and simply replied, "Let's get these kids home. I think they've had enough excitement for one day." She agreed. But, as she pushed the stroller toward the exit, she couldn't help feel a tinge of sadness. Inuyasha still wasn't willing to open up to her completely. His pride still got in the way of admitting his feelings to her.
-0-0-0-0-
Kohaku greeted Inuyasha and Kagome at the house. They were surprised to see him. "Hey, kid, how's it going?" Inuyasha greeted. "Just fine. I hope they weren't much trouble." He replied, referring to the children. "Are you sure you can handle both kids on your own? Inuyasha and I can barely keep up with them." Kagome said. "It's fine, really. I know you both are used to me being Sango's kid brother, but I'm older now. I watch them all the time. I just couldn't get over here fast enough to watch them." He assured. Kagome handed Takai to him. She knew he'd be just fine. "Now, Miro, be a good boy for your Uncle Kohaku, okay? Mom and dad will be home soon." Kagome said as she knelt down to his size. "Yes, Aunt Kags." He promised. "We'll see you soon." Inuyasha said. "Definitely, I want to see that adorable baby girl!" Kagome exclaimed. She handed the things they bought for the new baby to Kohaku. It was so sweet and cute to see Miro waving 'goodbye' to them.
Inuyasha opened the door to their empty home. Kagome flicked on a light in the living room. She didn't realize just how tired she was until she sat down on the couch. It's so quiet here. She thought. She rested her arm over her eyes. She was suddenly lifted by Inuyasha and she couldn't help but giggle as he carried her to the bedroom.
Inuyasha dreaded going back to work, but he knew that if they wanted to maintain their home and start a family it was the only way. He just hated seeing Sesshomaru everyday. Kagome on the other hand was happy to go back to work. She had just hoped the substitute teacher had followed her lesson plan. She knew how crazy the class would get; acting like it was a free day just because she hadn't been there. It was going to be a rough day getting them back on track. Maybe she would assign them extra homework for good measure.
Later that day, Kagome headed out of the teacher's lounge. She preferred to eat her lunch in her own classroom. Just because she was a relatively new teacher, the teachers who had been there longer criticized her; sure, they did it behind her back, but she could sense when she wasn't accepted. She could care less what they thought. They knew she was a great teacher even though she was young and that was the only reason they criticized her.
She watched as some kids played handball and "tag" on the school yard as she headed to her classroom. Suddenly, she heard a young girl crying and children laughing. Her instincts kicked in and she ran over to the scene. Three kids were surrounding a small girl with lavender eyes. One girl was throwing pebbles at her, another girl was tugging on her hair, and the third was a boy was taking her ball away. "Hey! Shingo, Mayu, Kaori! Leave her alone! Detention for all three of you! And we're calling your parents!" She couldn't believe these three kids were from her own class. She ordered them to stand in the corner. They did as they were told. Kagome checked on the girl, "Are you okay?" She nodded, "yes, it's nothing. Please, don't call my mom."
"You didn't do anything wrong, but we have to tell her what happened. What's your name?"
"Shiori."
"Okay, Shiori, let's walk to the principal's office."
Kagome escorted the children. The nurse checked on Shiori and tended to a few scrapes on her knees. The principal dealt with the three trouble makers while Kagome waited out front with Shiori for her mother.
She sat with Shiori on the stone steps of the school. "Why were they picking on you?" Kagome asked. "It's because…" Shiori hesitated to answer. "It's okay, you can trust me." Kagome assured. "I get picked on a lot." She muttered. Kagome decided not to press the girl and waited for her mother to arrive.
When Shiori's mother arrived, Shiori clinged to her mother's leg. "I'm sorry, mom." She whispered. "It's not your fault, Shiori. I keep telling you that." Her mother cooed. Kagome stepped in, "I'm the one who found the kids picking on her. I'll make sure my students are punished."
"Miss-"
"Please, just call me Kagome."
"Kagome-sama, thank you for watching after my daughter."
"Can we talk for a moment, please?"
Kagome and Shiori's mother walked over to her vehicle. Shiori got inside as she waited for her mother. "You see," she began," Shiori is picked on because she's a half-demon. It happens almost on a daily basis. I've thought of home schooling her, but since I am a single mother I can't afford it. Besides, she says she likes school." Kagome sympathized, "I can't believe that's the reason she's being picked on." "I know, but that's the way things are." She sighed. "It shouldn't be like this. There must be something we can do. Maybe we should have an assembly and let the students know this kind of behavior won't be tolerated." Kagome suggested. "That's very nice of you to care. I'm afraid it would only put more negative attention on Shiori and any other half-demon students. I must be going now. Thank you again."
At home, Kagome couldn't stop thinking about Shiori's situation. "There must be something that can be done." She thought aloud. "What's wrong?" Inuyasha asked as he looked up from his bowl of ramen. "Today at school, there was a girl being picked on." She replied. "So what? It happens all the time to kids." He stated as he slurped some noodles. "It was because she's a half demon," she said solemnly, "I mean, I know you told me about it, but to see it for myself...I couldn't help think that's what it must've been like for you." "She'll grow up strong and fine. I wouldn't worry about it. It's just a big deal to you 'cause you never experienced it yourself before." Inuyasha stated.
"I don't think that's the right attitude to have about it."
"Kagome, there's nothing you can do about it. She just needs to stand up for herself."
"Inuyasha, I don't condone fighting and on top of that, she's a girl."
"And is this how you're going to react when it happens to our kids?"
Kagome was quiet and stared deeply at Inuyasha before replying, "And is this the attitude you're going to have for our kids? They need more support than that. They need someone to stick up for them." "Kagome, it's more complicated than that! I remember seeing my mother cry when I was first picked on…as a child, I didn't understand it then, but my mother was crying for me because she knew what my LIFE would be like, not just my childhood. You know that it's already hard enough trying to fit in and be accepted as a kid, but when you're a half demon, you're even more of an outcast. If you want something else for our kids, then maybe they shouldn't be part demon at all."
Kagome stood from her seat and exclaimed, "If it's as hard as you say it is, then why do you want to have children at all! It's not about what they are, Inuyasha; I just want them to be loved and accepted as much as I will them and as much as I do you!" Inuyasha responded sternly, "Kagome, you can't eliminate the prejudices from the world. Yes, being a half demon is hard, but I made my place in this world and I'm going to be there for my children just like my mother was there for me. I'm not going to put my life on hold or not have any children of my own just because the world is a fucked up place. There's more to life than that. Unless, you're saying that you don't want to have kids with me now."
Kagome's eyes glistened with unshed tears. She felt powerless and angry at the injustices she had no way to fix. She worried for her children's future, but there was one thing she was sure of. She wanted to have children with Inuyasha. "Don't ever doubt the choice I made to be with you!" She exclaimed. "I don't doubt you, Kagome. It's just our children being part demon is something you have control over. It's something you can decide," He explained, "You had a glimpse into the kind of life they might have." "You said it yourself, you're not going to put your life on hold and neither am I. I told you, I chose you for who you are. I love you for who you are and I wouldn't want things any other way! So, why would I want my children any other way?" Inuyasha looked at her seriously. He knew she meant it with all her heart.
Inuyasha pulled Kagome into a tight embrace. "You're going to make a damn good mother," He replied confidently, "just as you are an incredible wife."
-0o0o0o0-
A/N: I am SO SORRY it took me so long to update! I WILL finish this story and the ones I'm working on. So, here was a nice long chapter for you. I double spaced it so it would be easier on the eyes to read…thank you all my loyal readers and thanks in advance for any reviews I get. I hope you liked this chapter. I'm my own worst critic so I think it could be a little better. Lol. Stay tuned!
