I disclaim everything that needs to be.

Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's inner demon talking, or flashbacks.
(Kagome means "Lost", Shynah means "she is a victor", Aia means "ruler of the house", Haru means "eternal treasure")

Love Letters- Chapter 16, Letter 17

Sesshomaru sealed his envelope and put it with the rest as Kagome released steam and heat from their bathroom into their bedroom. She was dressed in one of his old shirts, her growing belly lifting it to slightly above her knees. Her hair was damp, curls piled on top of her head in a bun. He stood and moved to kiss her head as she pulled back the covers of their bed.

"I love you, Kagome" He said gently.

"I love you back" she yawned.

He moved to the bathroom, getting into the shower and contemplating the next day. By the time he was ready for bed, his Kagome was fast asleep and curled her body towards his the instant they were in bed together.

*The Next Morning*

Kagome rarely woke up before Sesshomaru, especially during this pregnancy. When she stretched to see her love still deep in sleep, she smiled at his peaceful look, he worries so much for her and their babies.

Turning to her phone, she saw the time- 10:13 AM. Two missed calls from her mother, one from Hiro, and three texts from Eri, Sango and Inuyasha. Hiro left her a voicemail. Terrified, her fingers lingered over the play button for a few minutes before moving on to her texts.

Eri was updating her on Aia's gift, with the first sets being sent for the gender reveal party in two weeks. Sango texted to ask about baby names, and the art pieces for the gallery opening. Inuyasha was the most casual, but the most serious, "you're loved, you're safe. All of you."

Kagome smiled and replied with all of the answers she had, sending Inuyasha a heart. Sesshomaru moved next to her, shifting in his sleep. Checking her pregnancy app, she was entering her fourth month tomorrow. Her second trimester was about to begin and Dr. Kadae warned her that her body would be changing even more quickly. Every day her belly felt a little heavier, looked a little rounder, soon it would be impossible to hide. She moved to get off the bed, hoping to not wake Sesshomaru. As she tried to stand, she found the edge of her shirt in-between Sesshomaru's pointer finger and thumb.

"You're awake?" She asked, watching his grip tighten

A smirk phantomed onto his face, "you can't leave the bed without paying the toll."

She smiled, and leaned down to kiss him. He let her shirt go and she walked into her closet as he sat up. Looking through his own phone, he asked, "Where do you want to go for lunch?"

In the closet, Kagome was digging in her drawers for a pair of leggings. She wasn't really hungry, Hiro's message was in the back of her mind, destroying her appetite. Pulling on a pair she knew would fit, Kagome turned her attention to her shirt options.

"Kagome?" Sesshomaru called, poking his head into her closet. Usually the mention of food would trigger something in her brain, but she seemed to lost in her thoughts. She didn't move at his voice, just thumbed through the shirts Aia sent before tentatively pulling one over her head. The taupe tank top was light and clung to her a little bit, from what Sesshomaru could see from the back. Not wanting to startle her, he gently put a hand on her shoulder, "Kagome?"

She didn't look at him, "Hiro called me".

The color left his face, lunch plans out the window, "did you answer?"

She shook her head, "he left a message, I haven't listened to it."

Sesshomaru led Kagome to the lounge chair in the corner, near her shoes. He then retrieved her cell phone, holding it to his ear as he listened to Hiro's message.

"Hello sweet Kagome, I'm surprised that mutt of yours didn't make it harder to find your new number. I know you know I've been looking for you. I know you know I love when you make me chase you down. I found a little keepsake I made when you were a young girl, I kept it from your mom. Mmmm, I watch it all the time. Don't tell, she won't believe you anyway. Remember what happened last time? But you were so beautiful and innocent then, now you're all grown up. I bet that dog of yours taught you some tricks, huh? One day soon you'll be showing me exactly what you can do. You can drink now, little one, and that will make the games I planned for you way more fun. I didn't get my proper taste when I had you, those dogs made sure of that. Now, though, they'll do everything in their power to keep you from me. It won't work. I'm telling you it won't work. Daddy Hiro loves you, my sweet little lost one. You'll be lost with me again soon."

Sesshomaru's blood boiled, hearing Hiro croon his disgusting filth at Kagome. He could feel his heart beating in the floor underneath his feet. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before his grip on her phone broke it. Taking a seat on the floor next to Kagome, he put his head on her knees and immediately relaxed to her touch.

"It was bad, wasn't it?" She asked quietly, feeling him nod against her.

"You will not be listening to it. I'll have Father listen to it when we go into the office today. I'll do my work at the studio, if you'd like. I don't want you alone, ever." He kissed her knees and stood. Looking at the time, nearing 10:30, he picked out his clothes and handed Kagome a pair of shoes, sneakers. She tied them and stood herself, taking her hair out of the bun she slept in and letting her hair fall around her shoulders.

He wanted to distract her. Her eyes still looked so far away, he hadn't seen that look in her eyes since the last chaos Shynah and Hiro brought into their lives. When Jii-chan, Souta, and Kagome were in court at least once a week trying to get away from them, Kagome spent every night at Tashio Manor. She clung to Izayoi and Ken as they exuded strength and security. Sesshomaru drove her and Inuyasha to and from school, making sure she was never left by herself and vulnerable during the school day. Now, he looked at her, she was scared. He could see the fear in her and all he wanted was to ease it, take it from her somehow. Sitting where she once was, he brought her into his arms. She melted into him, tucking her head into his chest.

"Can I tell you a story about your dad?" He asked her, smiling a little bit when she nodded.

*17 years ago*

It was Sesshomaru's 9th birthday. Things were weird two houses over at the Higurashi Manor, so he planned his birthday party around the times he knew his brother would bring his friends around. His dad was best friends with Haru Higurashi, meaning his entire family knew the ins and outs of the famous painter's life and family, including his impending messy divorce with the ballet-dancer-turned-model, Shynah. Souta was nearly 4, and adored spending time with his dad and Ken. Kagome was 8, fresh from celebrating her birthday in her backyard two weeks prior.

Sesshomaru's friends, Hakkaku and Aryan were already at his house, playing in the arcade. He was waiting to greet the last of his guests, The Higurashi's. Kagome ran straight to Sesshomaru, a warm grin on her face as she handed him a large box.

"This is the present me and Souta made. Daddy got you something too! Happy Birthday Sesshomaru!"

He smiled softly, "Thank you Kagome. Hi Mr. Haru, thank you for coming to my birthday."

Haru laughed, hugging Sesshomaru, "happy birthday my boy! You know you're such a great big brother? And such a wonderful friend to my Kaggie. I have a very special gift for you."

Haru walked with Sesshomaru into the living room as Kagome bounced around the house looking for Inuyasha, Souta playing with Izayoi in the kitchen. Sitting on the floor, Haru handed Sesshomaru a medium sized box. Inside was a camera bag, and inside that was Haru's favorite 35mm camera. Next to it were rolls of film, ready for use.

"Sesshomaru, you know I like photography, too? This is my very first camera, I got it on my 9th birthday, from my Dad. I want you to have this camera, and always remember that great art comes in love. The best things to create are the things created in love. I know you'll make great art with this camera, and you are welcome in my home, and my darkroom to work on stuff any time you want."

Sesshomaru was speechless, he'd seen Haru use this camera all the time, and now it was his? He'd been watching him use it, asking questions about aperture and shutter speeds and composition. It was a beautiful camera, too, in pristine condition. His hands trembled as he took it from Haru, "Thank you, so much."

Haru grinned, the same way Kagome did when she was especially proud of herself, "of course, son."

*present day *

Kagome kissed Sesshomaru's hands, "I was wondering what happened to that camera. Daddy said he gave it away, I'm glad it's yours."

"He told me you were looking all over the place for it. Do you want to see it?"

Kagome moved to let Sesshomaru up. Going to his closet, next door, he returned with a lock box engraved with ornate flowers and trees. Inside was the camera, some photos, a few letters from Haru, and a key. Picking up her father's favorite camera, Kagome was overwhelmed. She knew how much her father adored Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, and would've been so excited to see her life now.

"He's so proud of you, Kaggie. So so proud of you. He wanted you happy more than anything."

"Have you used it?"

"Not in a while. I think when we moved in this house was the last time. I'm going to shoot your maternity shoot with it. And the birth….hopefully."

"So the pictures you took of the house…that book you made me for my birthday…", she trailed off.

"yeah love, they're from this camera." Sesshomaru smiled against the top of her head as tears welled up in her eyes.

Her father's energy was running through the leather bound photography book Sesshomaru made for her 24th birthday. They had been in their new house only a few months, and they spent almost every night in the West Library working on all of the additions. Her birthday was spent laying on the floor of her new studio, drinking champagne and popping paint balloons on one of the walls. He'd given it to her after her traditional birthday cupcake, after she blew out her candle. His own digital camera was set to the side; he was taking photos of her all night for their own family archives. He wrapped her gift the way he wrapped everything, butcher paper with his neat calligraphy expertly drawing the name. She unwrapped it carefully, as always, and blinked away tears when she saw the book. The card spoke of their new lives together, his love for her, and his excitement to share that book with her. He filled with pictures not only taken with her father's camera. But of their lives together thus far. Sweet moments Kagome had almost forgotten about; nights she didn't even know were documented in any way. It was on her bookshelf now, in the bedroom, and he found her looking at it all the time.

Kagome's fear and anxiety melted as she felt Sesshomaru's arms wrap around her again. She felt so safe in his presence, protected. She felt adored. Her fear of Hiro was nothing compared to her protection. And that was only Sesshomaru. Her mother's dog insults aside, she was in a pack now. She knew that the moment she saw Inuyasha's ears. Both Papa Ken and Aia taught her everything else about their legacy and line. Aia especially kept Kagome informed on everything she'd need to know about being with Sesshomaru. She knew they'd be together before they did.

"Are you ready for lunch, baby?" Kagome asked, thinking about the time spent in the closet.

"You hungry now?" He smiled

Kagome's stomach growled, "they are", she laughed.

"Well let's go, babies. What do you wanna eat?"

"Noodles…and chicken…and…fries…and ice cream cupcakes…and one oreo cupcake."

Sesshomaru held in his laughter, "what kind of noodles? And chicken. And fries."

Kagome grinned at him "ravioli, spicy nuggets and curly fries."

He sighed and lifted her to her feet, "your wish is my command."

She giggled and slipped into her shoes. Sesshomaru changed into dark jeans and a button down in a similar shade to Kagome's shirt. He led her to the backseat of their Matte Black G Wagon, getting in after her. Ah-Un drove them to their first stop. A mom-and-pop Italian restaurant called Roma's that they've frequented since their childhoods, serving Kagome's favorite ravioli. Sitting in their regular booth, Sesshomaru ordered a glass of red wine, and Kagome a peach lemonade. Ah-Un and their body guard, Shin, sat two booths over with Eri and Jaken. Ken ensured that the entourage was near the couple at all times as they worked out Hiro and Shynah's plans. The paparazzi remained close by as well, trying to get a good shot of Kagome's belly and asking them questions about their recent announcements.

As they ate their food, Kagome was telling Sesshomaru things about her father that he never knew. Things he wasn't sure his father had known.

"Daddy and Hiro were business partners for years and years, but you knew that. Hiro's art dealings were going sour because he was selling counterfeits of Daddy's paintings, and it was killing his reputation. That's when Daddy started doing his own art deals, keeping his best work from Hiro's manipulation. Hiro was also starting to pay an unusual amount of attention to me and how I've been developing, and Daddy noticed. He started keeping us away, which only led to Hiro sneaking around to see Shynah under the guise of "catching up with family". Leading to the affairs. Hiro sneaking into my room after, telling me he couldn't wait until I was old enough…I started spending more and more time at your house, do you remember?"

He nodded, Kagome never told him why she started insisting to spend more nights with Inuyasha at their house. Izayoi was thrilled to have all the sleepovers, and Sesshomaru frequently "babysat" the two.

"When he finally decided to work with Papa Inu instead," she continued, "and start the House, Hiro was furious. But he convinced Daddy to do one last show before they ended their relationship, like a peace offering. The night of the show is when Shynah told him she was leaving him for Hiro."

Sesshomaru remembered that night. His father brought Haru's bags to one of the guest wings, without a word after the show that night. Kagome was 11, and spent almost every afternoon either in ballet class or playing music in the basement with Inuyasha. On that night, she was in the darkroom with Sesshomaru. Inuyasha and Souta played video games in the game room all night. Kids weren't allowed at the art show, and his 12-year-old maturity, and the watchful eye of their nanny Mai, left them the run of the house while the adults were gone. Haru stayed with them for a month, and it was a time Sesshomaru remembered as one of the many times Kagome lived with them as well.

"Well, when Shynah moved Hiro into the house after Daddy left, he was furious. Papa was too, they were trying to use it in all the divorce stuff. Hiro and Shynah's lawyers were trying to paint Daddy as a flighty artist, incapable of taking care of his children on his own. Shynah, the pristine stepford wife she is made her a 'natural choice'. But Daddy bought us a house, he let us paint our rooms. He was showing the courts he was ready and willing as he always was. Shynah developed a pretty nasty coke habit, I imagine that's what's keeping her alive at this point. Hiro was violent but when they were both coked out they smashed everything in the house and fucked each other's brains out in whatever chaos they created…she had a few miscarriages, two that Souta remembers."

That, Sesshomaru had no idea about. He remembered seeing Shynah less and less, and when they did see her she was always wide-eyed and irritable. Kagome took on responsibility of Souta when they were at their mom's house. And took care of Jii-chan. The court was getting close to making a permanent decision on where Kagome and Souta would live for the majority of the time when Haru was in a devastating fire touring the location for his new office, two doors down from Hiro's main offices. After that, they had no choice but to live with Shynah and Hiro. They married the summer before her freshman year of high school, two and a half years later.

Their meal ended before Kagome finished her story, Ah-Un drove them toward the main offices of Image Productions, the newest expansion of Tashio Inc. The managers and celebrities that went through the company were booking the biggest deals in music, breaking records. Kagome walked in front of Sesshomaru, holding his hand as he tried to shield her from the flashing lights of the cameras. After entering the main lobby, Sesshomaru saw Kagura arguing with the receptionist. He quickly ushered Kagome into an elevator before she spotted them, heading to the 18th floor, where he and his father's offices were. Kagome wandered into Sesshomaru's office and made herself comfortable sketching some ideas for the nursery, while Sesshomaru took Kagome's phone and stepped into his father's office. Ken wasn't there yet, so he took his notebook out of his briefcase, and a gold envelope.

My dearests,

You are so sacred. So treasured. So protected. Your mama has been through so much harm and heartbreak, so much devastating loss. And yet, she is a beacon. I am always in awe of her strength. You will be so immensely proud of her when you hear all she worked through in order to get to you. You are the greatest gift she has ever given me. I thank her every second of my life, and every second of yours. It is the three of you that make up my universe. And my only hope is that you flourish and grow happily. You will hear many stories about your grandfather, Haru. He is the reason your mama is so full of love. If one of you is a boy, my hope is to give you his name as one of yours. We'll see what mama thinks.

Love more than there are grains of sand,

Daddy

*that's it for this chapter! The next one will be more on Hiro, Haru, and Ken's relationship. And the voice mail. There'll be a time skip to Kagome's 19th week of pregnancy soon! That's the gender reveal party and baby shower. Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *