A New Addition

Chapter 9: Family Matters

Inuyasha wouldn't let Kagome even walk to the bathroom anymore. He carried her everywhere. At first it was sweet, now she wouldn't mind some alone time. The constant barrage of visitors and phone calls. Even the media had tried to contact her. People wanted to donate things, but she insisted they give their wealth to more needy people. She texted Miroku in the other room. "Thank u 4 everything. I've a favor to ask tho. Plz get IY out the house. He's driving me crazy."

Miroku briefly read the message under the table. He knew just how to get Inuyasha out of the house. "Why are you smiling down at your crotch, dare I ask?" His best friend complained. "Kagome is having a craving. I'll just run out and get her caviar and yogurt." He said. "What the hell? No way! I know what she needs. My mother had some pretty good recipes. Only thing is, I have to go to some specialty shops just for the ingredients…"

"Make a list, I can get them for you."

"Feh, I can't remember them enough to write them down, but when I see them at the store I'll know. Or I could order them online."

"No, it'll be faster if you go out. You're faster than any drone delivery system."

"True. OKAY! Stay here and wait on her hand and foot. I trust you cuz you've dealt with pregnant women before. Don't let her out of bed or you're in deep shit."

"Sure thing." The younger man promised, putting his hand up as if to swear. "Take me with you!" Shippo called out. "No way, you're still going to school today." Inuyasha insisted.

"I'm going to get exactly what you need." Inuyasha vowed. He kissed his wife deeply. She put her hands on his cheeks, holding him in place. "Woman, you're gonna eat me alive." He jeered. She smiled against his lips. "Maybe I will." She said, reaching down. "Kagome…you need to rest." His voice rumbled deeply in his chest. "I'm going to be late for school." Shippo said from the doorway in a sing-song tone. Inuyasha pressed his head against his beloved's and promised her he'd be back in a flash.

"Miroku, how's Sango and everyone?" Kagome asked as he cleared up her breakfast in bed. "She's great. She's getting to spend a lot of time with Kohaku. She can't wait to visit you, but I think with the kids it would be a bit much right now." He answered gently. He added, "I'll draw you a bath. Then I'll get out of your way."

Kagome slipped into the tub slowly. The water smelled of the herbs Kaede had sent. She gently rubbed her belly, but it was too soon to notice she was pregnant. She hummed softly, her voice echoing off the walls of tile. She tried to ignore that the grout needed cleaning. She refused to make Miroku do anymore than he had already. Though he loved his family, he did mention that "spreading his wings" and having a break was nice. She loved Inuyasha with all her being and soul, but he had started to get on her nerves. She was used to being independent. She missed her classroom and wondered how the sub was handling her class. She probably wouldn't be able to go back to work until a few months after the baby was born. She thought about the hobbies and things she used to enjoy doing on her own. Reading something besides baby books was one. Maybe taking some online courses, she mused. Though, she needed to not stress. She didn't want to be cliché and take up knitting. She decided she would call Sango and some friends later to chat about this.

She hung up the phone and couldn't remember why she'd called her friends in the first place. She mostly ended up listening to them. She finally had alone time and all she did was chat with people. Okay, she told herself, it was time to catch up on her own series.

She flipped through episodes of her favorite romance novella to play her favorites, even though she'd seen them hundreds of times already.

She woke up and Inuyasha had already returned. Something cooking in the house didn't smell good and she wretched into the pail beside the bed. Inuyasha heard her and came running in. She put her hand up and forced a smile, "I'm okay. But, what is that?" "Oh, it's something my mom used to give me when I was sick. I thought it might help you." He answered sincerely. His voice was soft and he smiled sweetly at her. "I'm not sick, I'm pregnant." She laughed nervously. "It's making you feel the same way, right?" He asked innocently. She wrapped her arms around him and drew him closer to her. "Whatever you made, I'll eat it." She promised. "Drink." He said.

She pinched her nose and threw back the recipe her beloved had made. She did not want to know what was in it. She chugged from the water bottle beside her to wash it down. "Thank you." She said as leaned on her husband.

"I was thinking that it's okay if you go back to work soon." She recommended. "Don't you want me around?" He asked half-heartedly. He looked crestfallen. "I love it! Of course," she proclaimed. "It's just healthy for you to do your own things, too. You know what I mean?" He nodded in understanding. He was aware he had been extra clingy lately. Work was so dreary, though. Sesshomaru hadn't even gone back yet. He spent his time with Rin. She had started physical therapy for walking again. His half brother was a private person and hadn't shared the extent of the child's injuries.

"Mmmm," she moaned as she pressed her nose into his long hair. Gods, it was silkier than hers. "I have more of my mom's remedy if you want." He said in a low tone. "Not yet," she pleaded. "I want you."

He looked down at her. She didn't look any different yet, other than the glow she had on the T zone of her forehead. She'd been so frisky lately, but he would be too afraid to go all the way with her even if the doctor approved of it. Lately, it'd been all about his pleasure. She had said it brought her pleasure to please him, but he felt selfish. "Relish in it." Miroku had suggested. Of course.

"I'm going to send Miroku home for the weekend," He stated. "We got things under control here, I think." "I think he likes being away." Kagome said with a laugh. She lay in her husband's arms and sighed with contentment. "I just want to stay in bed with you all day." She said. "Oh, now you don't want me to go?" He teased. "Let's just have my mom come help out." She suggested. "If that would make you happy." He agreed.

Shippo was out back playing catch with Miroku when Inuyasha came out. He joined them for a bit.

He had had reservations about the kind of father he'd be. After all, his own father had died long ago and he remembered very little, none of it about his being loved by him. He left behind a legacy and made sure his sons were cared for and learning valuable lessons he'd set in place. His father's friends, Myoga and Totosai, were there to fill in some gaps about his old man and even provide council.

Then, Shippo came into his life. They'd had a rocky start. Though, they were more like brothers than father and son. They still hadn't had as much time together, but they still had 7 months or so to prepare.

And there was Miroku, of course. He's been raising two kids already. Even Sesshomaru's been a father figure for Rin. So, even if he struggled with this, he had support around him.

"Inuyasha!" Shippo called as ball came flying. He caught it before it hit him in the face. "What are you yelling about? I'm not gonna get hurt anyway." He said arrogantly. "You had a spaced out look on your face. You're not focusing." Shippo complained. "Alright, fuzz ball." He teased as he chased him around the yard.

Shippo was crying. "I hate you!" "Shippo, I was just playing." Inuyasha defended. "You're mean! I'm just a little kid!" He cried and ran back into the house calling for Kagome.

Inuyasha hung his head and kicked the ball away. Miroku came up from behind him and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm no good at this. Kagome on the other hand—" Miroku interrupted him, "parenting is a learning experience. You can follow the books or take advice, but it's all trial and error." "Did you see his face, though, I did that! When it's my own kid…if it looks like Kagome…I can't even stand it if she looks upset. Shippo is great, but he just pushes my buttons. I don't want him to think that because he's adopted that he somehow means less." Inuyasha complained. Miroku slapped his hand on his back, "stop! You'll do great! If you didn't care, then you wouldn't be a good parent already. Shippo'll get over it. You're going to love your kids. You'll be too overprotective, but you'll do what's best for it and Shippo. Relax."

"Thanks, Miroku," he said crossing his arms. The uncertainty caused his voice to remain low. "Kagome's mom is going to come stay with us and help out so you can go back to taking care of your own family." He informed as he sat beside his friend on a lawn chair. "That's fine," Miroku said with a smile. "Sango wants to get back to work and applied for a sales position at some fancy Interior Design shop. Maybe Kagome's mom wouldn't mind babysitting?" "I'm sure she'll love it." He assured. "It'll be good practice for you, too." He said, nudging his temperamental friend.

(-)

The doorbell rang. The half demon answered. It was Kaede. "Haven't seen you in a long time." He greeted. "Sorry I couldn't get here sooner," she stated. "I've been tending to Sesshomaru's girl." "How's that house for students doing?" He inquired. "Oh, always got new kids coming in. The house is almost empty in the summertime." She replied with a smile. He led her through the foyer to where Kagome was resting.

"Kaede!" Kagome happily greeted with open arms. "Has this one been treating you right?" The old woman teased as she sat beside the recovering woman. "He spoils me rotten. I worry about him spoiling our child." She said with a smile and placed a hand over her non-existent baby bump. "Oh! Congratulations!" Kaede cheered. "Kagome, I thought you were superstitious?" Inuyasha asked as he stood in the doorway, tucking his arms into his sleeves as he crossed them. "It's Kaede!" She excused. "Well, he doesn't spoil me." Shippo said as he came in the room, sitting on the other side of Kagome. "Why, you, I give you everything!" Inuyasha said through clenched teeth. "He acts tough, but he's a big softy, isn't he?" Kaede asked Shippo. They all laughed at his expense.

"Actually, Kaede, my mom is going to help care for me. But, Miroku and Sango need some babysitting, too, if you want to help as well." Kagome requested. "I would love to!" She accepted. Inuyasha liked the idea of a full house. Seeing Kagome so happy elated him.

(-)

Inuyasha sat up beside Kagome's sleeping form. He was going to go back to work the next day, but couldn't sleep. He knew it was too early to tell she was pregnant, but he looked down at her womb anyway and rested a hand over her abdomen. She stirred in her sleep. Her features were scrunched up a bit and she groaned. He caressed her head, pushing back her bangs. He frowned. She felt a little too warm.

In her sleep, Kagome dreamed she could see a long stretch of road. It was quite beautiful and expanded to the sea. It was getting dark. Rin was in the car with her. She was laughing and bouncing happily in her seat holding her charm bracelet. She heard the blaring of a horn. The car was spinning. Tires screeched. She jolted awake.

"Kagome!" She heard Inuyasha call out as he pulled her into his arms, embracing her. She buried her face in his chest. He wiped away tears. "What happened?" He asked. "A nightmare. The accident." She said, trying to even her breathing. "You're safe." He reassured as he cradled her head. She clung to him tightly and cried harder, "I was so scared."

Kagome's mother arrived early in the morning. Inuyasha decided he'd take Shippo to school, so Mrs. Higurashi could stay with Kagome. After last night, he didn't want her to be alone at all. His wife was sleeping soundly for now.

"You look terrible," Sesshomaru remarked as his little brother came into the office. "Rin has been having nightmares that have been keeping her up, too." The elder brother stated. "You're perceptive." Inuyasha remarked. Sesshomaru looked pensive and said, "It's to be expected after such an incident."

"Listen, Sesshomaru, can we just put off the vacation?"

"Of course. Nothing was set in stone. Now, let's get to work. I'll let you go early today."

Inuyasha half wondered if his half brother wanted to get off early so he could go be with Rin. He hoped his mother-in-law and Kaede were enough to keep Kagome's mind off the accident for now. He did worry a bit if they'd ever get to that vacation once the baby was here. Then again, Sesshomaru might not let him forget it.

-0-o-o0-o-To Be Continued-o0o-0o-0o-0o-

Doing my best to keep up with monthly updates. I'm so grateful if you're reading this, favoriting it and following this story and me! Lol. A special thank you to my reviewer "ShoesareCool and a guest reviewer.