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. Happy New Year!
BTW y'all the gifts from Naraku/Shynah/Hiro are gonna be gross. Traumatic and gross. So TW for stalking/threats and mentions of SA and abuse
The events of part of this chapter are happening at the same time, Sessh and Kagome will reunite after her appointment ends. This chapter is LONG though, lots to do and I didn't want to split the day into three chapters.
Love Letters- Chapter 28, Letter 30 & Letter 31
Kagome was trying to stop herself from crying. Dr. Kaede wasn't even there yet and she was feeling so overwhelmed. The breast pump was in her purse, and that didn't provide the relief that she thought it would. Instead, she felt worse for doubting herself. She was happy but she felt frazzled. Anxious. Like she was constantly forgetting something. Her only anchor was her trust in Sesshomaru. She knew that he could help her sort out any problem they'd come across. But it didn't ease her anxiety. Sesshomaru would only be off work for six months, and it was a long time to not be present in the office. What if she needed more time? What if she couldn't get a handle on motherhood by then?
"Kagome? Are you alright?" Dr. Kaede moved into the room slowly, "Kikyo's here too, to check you out. If you are ready…"
Kagome sat up, she didn't even realize how she'd curled into herself as she was lost in thought. She didn't even hear the knocks on the door before they came in.
"I'm alright," she sniffed, "I'm okay. I feel all over the place."
"It may be postpartum, do you typically feel okay when you're at home?" Dr. Kaede was taking notes.
"Yea, because everything I could need for the twins, or us, is there. I don't know how I'm going to manage everything when I'm working again, Sessh is working again, and they're bigger. More active. They'll be learning to crawl and I'll be in a fucking product meeting. Sessh will be in the office…" Kagome dissolved into tears, covering her face with her hands.
Kikyo hugged her sister in law tightly, "You're not alone in this, Kags. Any support you need, we've got you. This is a brand new experience for you, and you're doing a wonderful job."
"Diaper and all?" Kagome sniffle-laughed.
"Diaper and all," Kikyo agreed with a giggle.
"Maybe you should talk to Dr. Bea? I know with everything going on…" Kikyo asked after a beat of silence.
Kagome paused, "I thought about calling her…when Hiro popped back up. Is it that bad, you think?"
"Well, off the record," Kikyo started, "Papa Inu has already made an appointment for Sessh, with Dr. Taylor. He thinks he's seconds away from a snap."
Kagome tilted her head, thinking, "He's been really on edge but I just thought it was the Hiro stuff. It always made him more angry than scared."
"I think he is scared. We don't know what's going to happen and he would do anything to not lose his family. I think it's a good idea with the combination of changes and hardships."
Kagome sighed, "Okay, I'll…call Dr. Bea."
"We're here to support you both, Kags," Kikyo reassured.
"Now," Dr. Kaede smiled softly, "let's get on with our checkup, hm?"
Kagome nodded and adjusted herself to a straighter sitting position.
"Tell me, before we get a look at how things are healing, how are you feeling?"
"I mean, it's like I said. Emotionally, I'm all over the place. I feel like I never want to leave my house, I just want to be home with my babies. If I know where they are, and who they're with, I'm good. Papa has put them to bed a few times! I'm just so anxious about leaving the house and something happening." Kagome sighed, "God, you were asking about physically, weren't you? I feel okay. Sore, and gross. Sesshomaru still treats me like glass, but the faja I sneak under my clothes helps."
Kagome lifted up her sweatshirt to reveal the full body faja underneath.
"Well, it's actually a good thing for you to wear that for a few hours a day," Kikyo noted, "It helps get your organs back in their spots, ease the skin stretching. I know Sesshomaru doesn't like it but if you're not uncomfortable, then you're good. Ready to get checked?"
Dr. Kaede nodded, "You can also belly bind, if you wish. That may be a good compromise with Sesshomaru, since it is a more traditional technique. Izayoi and Aia can help you with that."
Kagome sighed, pulling down her joggers, unsnapped her faja from the waist down, and took off the granny panties she'd stacked with cooling pads before getting back up on the exam table and putting her legs in the stirrups.
Kikyo sat in front of her, examining and mumbling notes to Kaede. After a few minutes of soft poking, Kikyo stood up.
"It's only been a week but you're healing well. Minimal tearing, probably from all the pelvic floor training Mama Izayoi had you doing. You'll definitely still be spotting for a week or two. If you start bleeding heavily, go straight to the ER. You can sit up."
Kagome nodded, "got it." She slowly moved off the table and reassembled her outfit.
"How's your milk production, child?" Kaede asked, "are things going well?"
"Yea," Kagome nodded, "I pump at least 40 oz a day, I'm thinking of pumping a little more frequently while the babies sleep so there's more stockpile."
Kaede nodded, "do not force it. If it slows down while you pump, don't try to force more out. I know your husband is keeping you on a very healthy diet, so no worries there. I'd say add more iron rich foods and proteins if your milk production feels low."
Kikyo studied her notes, "You're basically all set, Kags. Eri called and let me know that you are all going to Fashion Week, so we will fly out for the appointment. I know the twins' pediatrician, he makes house calls all the time so he can come to NYC too."
"Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it." Kagome smiled as she gathered up her things. Kaede and Kikyo hugged her before they left the room, leaving Kagome to her thoughts.
Eri had already sent her a text about an appointment with Dr. Bea. She would make a house call in the next few days. Kagome knew it was only a matter of time before someone suggested therapy. She thought she was keeping it together, but she knew her absolute refusal to leave the property for any reason over the last week was starting to get obvious. She barely left the main house, which was why Hakakku was so surprised to see her at the security house that morning. She was in the house or the back yard, no more than 30 feet away from the babies if they weren't with a safe person.
Kagome sighed, standing up, adjusting her outfit one more time before gathering her things. Slinging her purse over her shoulder, she walked down the hallways toward the room her husband and kids were in. She could hear the pediatrician's kind voice as she opened the door.
Sesshomaru wasn't immediately nervous when it hit him that he was basically stuck. It took a few minutes. Holding both babies at the same time isn't usually difficult, because someone else was around if his nose started to itch. Like now. His eyebrow itch was getting worse, and furrowing his brows over and over wasn't helping.
Sesshomaru shifted when Haru started to cry. Rin was still fast asleep. He sighed, this was his first time truly alone with his twins. He couldn't fuck this up. He tried rocking them both, waking Rin in the process of trying to calm Haru. Her face was scrunching up into the incoming scream.
Right as she started, the pediatrician walked into the room. He was tall and dark-haired, with kind eyes.
"I'm Dr. Suikotsu." he smiled, "Can I give you a hand?"
Sesshomaru nodded and handed Rin to the Doctor, using a free hand to scratch his face. The two rocked the newborns at different paces, with Sesshomaru humming a lullaby softly. Rin settled first, giving Dr. Suikotsu the opportunity to place her back in her car seat.
"So," the doctor started, "Rin and Haru Tashio. Born just one week ago! This'll be a short visit then, just checking weights and talking about how things have been so far," he nodded at Sesshomaru, "let's do the oldest first. First test, Dad, which baby came first?"
Sesshomaru stood, Haru in his arms, "My son. He was 6lbs 9oz, do you need his onesie on?"
"Down to the diaper, if you don't mind," Dr. Suikotsu smiled as he walked to the baby scale and placed a blanket on it before calibrating it for Haru. When it was ready he motioned for Sesshomaru to join him.
Sesshomaru laid the discarded onesie on the exam bed and took his son to the scale, placing him down softly. Thankfully, he'd fallen asleep soundly.
"He's a calm one," Dr. Suikotsu commented, "eating well?"
"They both eat and latch well. They sleep for 2 to 4 hours at a time, eating nearly every time, even if it is just a little bit."
"Mmhm," he hummed, "Very good. Haru is 6lbs 13oz. 6oz gain, right on target."
Sesshomaru's attention was on Rin, taking off her onesie so she could switch places with her brother. Dr. Suikotsu was holding Haru now, smiling still. Sesshomaru placed Rin on the scale and took Haru from the Dr's arms to re-dress him. Kagome had picked a onesie he liked, a black long sleeve with little elephants embroidered on it.
Sesshomaru could tell immediately that his boy was a little cold in his diaper so he tried to dress him quickly. Just as he snapped the final snap, the door of the doctor's office opened and Kagome walked in, looking calmer than when he'd left her.
"Oh you must be Mama," Dr Suikotsu smiled at Kagome, "I was just giving Dad here the last question of his quiz."
"Oh?" Kagome raised her eyebrow as she moved toward her husband, lifting Haru from his arms.
"Indeed," Sesshomaru tried to keep the irritation from his voice, "Rin was 5lbs 12oz at birth."
"A for Dad," Dr Suikotsu took some notes as he checked Rin over, "you have no idea how many couples choose the co-appointment that turns into 2 separate appointments because we have to sit and wait for Mom to be done to get any accurate information."
"Sessh is a wonderful dad. Very attentive and involved." Kagome confirmed with a smile.
"You both are doing an exceptional job in the first week. It's a big adjustment with just one baby, twins doubles everything. This little lady had a 7 oz weight gain, which is right on. She's catching up at a whopping 6lbs 4oz." Dr Suikotsu handed Rin to Sesshomaru, and he immediately started dressing her in the purple long sleeved onesie Kagome had dressed her in that morning, embroidered with little brown bears.
"She's still under Haru's birth weight," Kagome commented, "is that a concern?"
"No, she's petite. And growing right on target. She's just learning how to drink, so it'll be a catch up," Dr Suikotsu checked his notes, "Dad said they eat every time they're hungry, even if it's just for a bit. Do you know the oz?"
Kagome thought for a moment, "We're breastfeeding, and bottle feeding breastmilk. Haru eats more, he's a bit bigger, maybe 11 oz a day. Rin doesn't drink her full bottle every time, I think she's around 8oz. Maybe we should only breastfeed Rin, she eats more that way…"
"They both could stand to eat a bit more," Dr. Suikotsu, "we shoot for 2.5 oz per 1 lb. Their current weights will have them eating at 15 oz of milk a day, each. Sounds good?"
Sesshomaru studied Kagome's face, and she still seemed calm. He was worried about what a correction would do, considering her minor meltdown about potentially forgetting the breast pump. He watched her nod, and answer all of the Dr's questions about their first week as a family. As he listened, he was learning about the milestones to look out for, what was normal and what wasn't.
"Okay guys, we will see the four of you at the 4 week appointment, right?"
Kagome stood, "We may be in New York? Dr. Kaede said you would be willing to travel with her?"
"Ah, yes," Dr. Suikotsu smiled, "Kaede did mention that. I will be able to accompany her, accommodating our very elite little patients. We intend to maintain your privacy. No one knows I am their doctor, despite the calls."
"Calls?" Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome before pulling out his phone and stepping out of the room, "excuse me for a moment."
Kagome tried to change the subject, "So, any other tips?" she asked as she secured Haru in his carseat, and checked Rin to make sure she was secure in hers.
"Get as much sleep as possible, and take all the support you can get. If anything gives you the scaries, feel free to give me a call. Have Dad change most diapers." He handed her his business card, shook her hand and left the room. Running right into Sesshomaru, who was hanging up his phone and heading back.
"You two are all set! Judy at the front will check you out and confirm the next appointment."
"Thank you Doctor," Kagome smiled, "have a good day."
"You as well, Mr. and Mrs. Tashio."
As Dr Suikotsu waked away, Sesshomaru bent to pick up the diaper bag and Rin's car seat.
"It's a hospital, Sessh. They cannot give anyone any information unless it's someone we've written down."
"I was confirming who will be told any information. It is you and I only. They have both our direct contact information and contacts for Eri and Jaken."
Kagome wanted to sigh, "Thank you for being thorough."
"I'm not trying to stress you out," Sesshomaru motioned her ahead of him towards the elevators, "Jaken was also warning me that the paps have found out we're here. I'm going to have you three wait as I bring the car around."
Kagome nodded, "let's go check out."
The two didn't say a word as they carried their twins' car seats to the front desk near the elevators. Kagome put a smile on for the receptionist, Judy, handing her a debit card to pay for the appointments.
"Thanks Mrs. Tashio! Your next appointment will be October 20th, and the twins' next appointment will be October 23rd."
"They cannot be the same day?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Dr Suikostu will be traveling for a different high profile appointment, Mr Tashio. His earliest available appointment, due to the travel, is the 23rd. 10 AM."
"That's perfect, I'll make sure it's open." Kagome shot Sesshomaru a look, "Thank you Judy. We'll see you next time."
Sesshomaru sensed the annoyance and tried to shake it off. The twins were still asleep and he wanted to know how her appointment went. How she was healing. If she was too annoyed, she wouldn't feel like talking.
The elevator ride was silent. Kagome was scrolling on her phone with one hand, and holding Haru's car seat with the other, her purse slung over her shoulder. Sesshomaru, holding Rin's car seat and the diaper bag, fiddled with his car keys until the elevator stopped at the garage floor they were parked on.
Stepping out, Kagome sighed, "Kaede thinks we have postpartum anxiety. The both of us."
"I would be inclined to agree with her," Sesshomaru nodded, handing over Rin's car seat as they approached the tinted doors, "I'll be back in a minute, we'll talk about it on the way to the office."
Kagome nodded, tossing her phone in her purse and taking the car seat from her husband. He didn't react the way she thought he would to her news. Maybe he was hiding it, since the second he stepped out into the garage, the cameras started flashing and the questions from behind them.
Kagome moved to the bench near the doors, setting down one car seat to get her sunglasses from her bag. Making sure her eyes were protected, she pulled the visors on the car seats, covering the twins' faces and most of their bodies. She was thankful that Inuyasha had ordered specialty visors that would reflect the flashes of the cameras, so they couldn't get any photos, and the newborn eyes were protected. They hadn't shown the twins' faces on social media yet, and they weren't planning on it. They both experienced a minimal amount of media attention throughout their childhoods, despite famous parents, and felt it was best to maintain the utmost privacy.
Adjusting herself and the carseats one last time, Kagome sighed as she saw the car pull up. Sesshomaru rushed out, immediately opening the backseat to make their exit quicker. Kagome moved as quickly as she could, ignoring the screaming questions.
"Guys, can you please? My babies are asleep." Kagome smiled at them, handing Rin's car seat to Sesshomaru and moving to get Haru's buckled in.
"We're sorry," The paparazzi tried to whisper back to her, but the combined voices made it a little over regular volume.
Now the twins were awake. Thankfully, not crying at all. Kagome glanced at the clock on the dashboard, noting that they would need to eat soon. She saw the diaper bag sitting on the floor of the passenger seat, and figured Sesshomaru saw the time as well, preparing for her to pump in the car.
The questions from the paparazzi continued, but Kagome ignored them as she made sure the twins were secure in the car. Sesshomaru finished first, moving around to her side of the car just as she finished with Haru's car seat. Closing the door, he took his wife's hand and helped her into the passenger seat of the car. Buckling her in, he kissed her forehead before closing the door and making his way to the driver seat.
To his surprise, Kagome rolled down her window, "I heard someone say happy birthday. I don't know if it was to me or the twins, but thank you." she smiled before rolling the tinted window right back up.
Sesshomaru smirked, they both knew it would be a nightmare to get out of the parking garage unless they got a soundbite. So Kagome gave them one.
"Good one," he complimented as he shut the door.
"Thanks," Kagome giggled as she pulled the breast pump from the diaper bag, "I'm gonna pump so don't look."
"Don't look?" He raised an eyebrow, "Kagome I see your-"
"No distracted driving." Kagome interrupted.
Sesshomaru laughed, "Fine, tell me about your appointment then."
Kagome sighed, "It was fine. They said I'm healing well and everything's going okay, physically."
"What did she say about the anxiety?"
"That it's probably postpartum anxiety. Kikyo snuck in Dr. Bea's name, so I'm anticipating that call."
Sesshomaru glanced at her as they pulled into the parking garage of his office, "Well with everything going on…"
"Oh please," Kagome sighed, switching out the full breastmilk bottle for an empty one, "that's exactly what Kikyo said. It was only a matter of time for someone to suggest it. And I'm happy to start therapy again, I'm not a 16 year old emo kid. You don't have to trick me into wanting to feel better."
"Of course," he agreed as he made his way to his parking spot, "I was thinking I'd call Dr. Taylor, catch up. I can't say that I haven't shared your anxiety."
"Well, that's good then. We'll both be getting help." Kagome adjusted herself as she tried to re-secure her faja without revealing it to Sesshomaru. He parked the car, unbuckling his seatbelt and turning to look at her.
"And you got permission to keep wearing that god forsaken corset thing?" Sesshomaru asked, amused, "hand me that bottle, I'll sit in the back and feed them."
Kagome blushed as she handed him the two full bottles she'd filled as they drove, "What are you talking about?"
"I pick you up on a regular basis, Kagome," Sesshomaru chuckled as he slid into the middle seat without jostling the car seats, "I can feel that thing I didn't want you to buy."
"It helps! Kikyo even said!" Kagome argued, her face bright red. Somehow, she didn't realize that her husband would absolutely feel the rigid garment under all of her comfy, loose clothes.
"Well, I'm assuming you've gotten permission? From Dr Kaede?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"She said it was fine, and if I didn't want to do that I could belly bind. So I'm gonna call the Moms to see if they can teach me."
"I'm sure they would be thrilled." Sesshomaru shook his head, turning his attention back to the infants drinking their bottles in their car seats. They were both eating well, and Sesshomaru was trying to remember what the Dr said. When they slowed down, he took the bottles away and studied them.
"Rin ate almost 4 oz this time," he said, "Haru ate 5."
"That's good, they shouldn't be hungry after their next nap." Kagome nodded, typing on her phone. One of the apps Souta created had a nursing and breast milk production tracker. When she was finished, she texted the link to Sesshomaru, so he could keep track too.
"This app is on my phone already, I had Souta do it before bed yesterday." he unlocked his phone, "Jaken is meeting us down here. Did you track the weight gain from the Dr appointment?"
"No, you can," Kagome smiled at her phone. Papa Inu texted her.
'Your birthday present is here! It will be in my office, so come straight here to give me the babies'
"Papa is waiting," she unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for the door. It opened without her, though, as Jaken was on the other side.
"Ah, Ms. Kagome, unfortunately you need to use the back elevators."
"Hi Jaken," she slowly lowered herself from the car, "what are you talking about?"
"I wish you'd wait, Kags." Sesshomaru grumbled, "you're healing."
"It seems there's a designer here looking for photographers for Fashion Week. He is insisting that the photographer meet the main models and go to a test shoot right this minute. We are expressing caution because of the business card he gave." Jaken handed the card to Kagome, looking nervous. Sesshomaru had moved out of the backseat as he explained himself, getting the double stroller from the trunk and getting it set up.
Kagome didn't see anything particularly weird about the card, until she turned it over to see the logo. It was the spider tattoo that Naraku shared with his friends. She looked at the name again. Just one name, Rasetsu. She shook her head and passed the card to Sesshomaru, who was coming around with Rin's car seat to secure it in the stroller.
"We'll go up the back. Thank you Jaken, he needs to be turned away without a scene." Sesshomaru said as Rin's carseat clicked.
"Sir, we tried that," Jaken looked nervous, "he's asking for either you or Mr. Tashio."
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, "Of course," He looked at the stroller holding the twins. They would be getting fussy soon, so the sooner they were in his office the better.
"Kagome, go with Jaken up to my Father's office. I will meet you there when I have taken care of things."
Kagome nodded, wheeling the stroller through the parking lot and toward the elevators Jaken was referring to. Sesshomaru walked with them, carrying the diaper bag that he passed to Jaken as soon as they reached the back elevator bank.
Jaken pressed the up button, hoisting the heavy diaper bag over his shoulder.
Sesshomaru kissed Kagome's head, "I'll see you in a few minutes."
"Be safe," she whispered, her anxiety spiking.
"Of course, my love," Sesshomaru reassured, "It will be just a little while."
Kagome nodded before pushing the stroller into the elevator, Jaken holding the door. She watched the door close and the numbers climb to the second-to-last floor at the top of the building.
When they stepped out of the elevator, the Tashio Inc logo was front and center on the wall.
Under was the logo she'd designed when she was 16. This was where the main offices of the agents were. Sesshomaru and Ken's offices were on the top floor, but Ken had a dummy office on this floor, for when he or one of the boys needed to be close by. It was usually Inuyasha working in there, or Kagome when she wasn't at the studio. The Image Productions' offices were two floors below them bustling with meetings and clients. Ken called it "The Assistants' floor".
Pushing the stroller through the halls, the agents and managers waved and greeted her kindly. Those who weren't on the phone made small talk as she passed, commenting on how beautiful the twins were. Ken was in the dummy office, the door wide open. Seeing Kagome coming down the hall with the stroller, he jumped right up.
"My sweet girl, and the babies!" Ken rushed over and took over the stroller, hugging Kagome in the process.
"Hi Papa," Kagome hugged back and let the stroller go with a smile, "Sessh is down in the lobby, someone's here."
"Oh I saw. My dear boy will take care of it. Now, are my little twins awake? Do you have work to do here today, Kaggie?" Ken nodded his thanks at Jaken and closed the office door behind him.
"Nope," Kagome made herself comfortable on the couch, "we're coming from the doctors. I think we're stopping at the Studio after this. Eri was over this morning, and she'll come back with us from the Studio. I know you have some things for us, though."
Ken nodded, "I absolutely do. For your husband, mostly. But I have some things to update you both on. Plus, we're going to the house for lunch with Mama. Where you can open your birthday gift."
Sesshomaru opened the office door and stepped inside, Jaken filing in behind him.
"It's been taken care of," he confirmed, "What do you have for me, Father?"
Ken sat behind the desk, "Rasetsu is not the only one who has come by the office. Hiro has a new assistant, Layla, who has been making frequent deliveries to the Assistants' floor. We've had to have an emergency meeting about revealing client information, what was okay to say, things like that. And," he gestured to the large gift bags on the floor next to the desk, "Hiro sent over some birthday gifts."
Kagome sighed, "Naraku got one to the house through his new assistant."
"I didn't want to open it without you here, sweetie," Ken said softly, "But if you don't want to…"
Kagome got off the couch and lowered herself to the floor in front of the bag, "No it's fine. It's better all in one day. Easier."
Sesshomaru was splitting his attention between his newborns and his wife. She looked perfectly calm sitting on the floor opening her trauma filled gifts. Haru was fussing a little, so Ken picked him up and rocked him, trying to get him to settle. Rin fussed too, in Sesshomaru's arms, and he moved to try and burp her.
Kagome pulled the tissue paper out from the first gift bag. She immediately recognized the handwriting on the notecard sitting on top.
For the baby weight, birthday girl
Love, Mother
Kagome knew what it was before she fully opened it. A gift bag full of laxatives and appetite suppressants. She rolled her eyes. It wasn't nearly as bad as she thought it'd be. Hiro's gift would be worse, since her mother would have nothing to do with it.
The other gift bag surprised her. Besides her childhood ballet slippers, the bag held three leotards, a crusty blanket, and a few old stuffed animals. Hiro had hidden his note, making Kagome dig through the fabrics to find it. When she finally found it, written on thin paper from the prison library, it disgusted her.
Happy Birthday, little bunny
Daddy Hiro misses you so much. Lucky you'll never get too old for me, sweet Kagome. Since you were a little angel in your little pink tutu, the sparkly leo. You know? That first dance recital? Mmmm sweet little prey. Those dogs you play with could never capture you, not the right way. Don't worry, I'll always have reminders of you, no matter what I send you. I just want you to remember, too. And I know you do, deep down. Enjoy the memories, little bunny. Daddy Hiro will be seeing you so soon
xx,H
Kagome didn't bother opening the gift fully. She'd pulled out her ballet shoes, and that was all she wanted to salvage. When she was digging around, she saw enough. Standing, she kicked the bags toward Ken.
"Here, Papa," She shook her head in disgust, "do whatever you need to."
Ken nodded, moving to hand her Haru as she sat on the couch next to Sesshomaru.
Once she settled with her baby, she sighed, "Naraku's gift was an old bra of mine. Crusty. I'm sure one of the guys will bring it over."
"You are so brave, my dear," Ken shook his head, "everything you've been through, you're still so nurturing and kind."
"Is it not against his order, and his sentence, to send her something like this?" Sesshomaru was angry, this had to stop.
Ken sighed, "Technically, Shynah sent these. And there isn't a restraining order against her. That can be filed, and probably immediately accepted."
Sesshomaru looked at Kagome, "is that something you want?"
"She's going to run straight to TMZ," she sighed, "Let me talk to Souta first, and we can do it together."
Ken nodded, "Whatever you want, my dear." he turned to Sesshomaru, "I've sent the files along about Delila, so you could work on things at home. But, basically, she's renegotiating. More money, less public restraints. Her usual."
Sesshomaru shook his head, "Of course. Every two or three years she gets like this." he sighed, "I'll take care of it. I'll have a meeting at the old house, so she doesn't post anything crazy."
Ken shook his head in agreement, "Perfect. Everything else, I've sent over with Jaken. Approving accounts, media blasts, things like that. Eri has all the approvals sent for you, sweet girl. You just focus on healing, and being with the twins."
Kagome nodded, "Whatever you need. I really want to try and integrate more work in a couple months when I'm settled."
"Don't rush yourself," Ken agreed, "Everything will be waiting for you as soon as you're ready to come back. Eri can handle any marketing things that could come across your desk."
Kagome scrolled through her calendar on her phone, "Eri's paused all my commissions until the second week of October. Even then, it's only one. A massive canvas mural similar to the Dream Room, for the Carters."
"Mm, yes," Ken thought for a moment, "Eri mentioned that. She said you'd have to go back to New York? I wasn't aware that you were going to be in New York for a first time."
"We're going to Fashion Week to support Mother and Hitomi," Sesshomaru looked up from Rin's sleeping face, "We'll be spending my birthday at the loft, maybe a few weeks longer."
Ken nodded, "I understand, son, I didn't think your mother had asked for your presence, with the babies still so little…"
Kagome interjected as he trailed off, "I want some space between us and…..all this," she gestured to Shynah and Hiro's gifts, "We don't have any court dates, right?"
Ken shook his head, "Oh god, of course not. The lawyers say November at the earliest for the hearing. They're debating a trial for Hiro, if he doesn't take a plea. If you want, we can all come out for a birthday dinner and we'll figure out the holidays then. You know Mama Izaoyi loves to winter in the city."
"We haven't spent a holiday in New York since College, I think." Kagome thought for a moment, "We'll have to talk to Souta. If he wants to invite Hitomi, we should invite her family upstate."
"She's a nice girl," Ken tapped away on his phone, "I know her mother. She does Bridge with Izayoi. They have a place in the Hamptons, and one in Connecticut. It's where they usually spend the holidays."
"Serendipitous," Sesshomaru leaned down to put Rin back in her carseat, "We should head out. Jaken's texts say the paps are distracted by Resetsu, and I can hear Kagome's stomach growling."
Ken nodded, walking Haru to his carseat and strapping them in, "We will walk down together."
Kagome positioned herself behind the stroller as Sesshomau walked ahead of them, the diaper bag and Kagome's purse over his shoulder. Ken followed behind, holding his briefcase and chatting quietly on the phone. It didn't take them long to get to the elevator, and they were back in the garage 45 minutes after they'd left it. It was then that Kagome realized that Ken had parked in her regular parking spot, putting their cars right next to each other.
Sesshomaru reached the car first, opening the backseats and making sure the bags were within arms' reach. As Kagome rolled up with the stroller, Ken clicked Haru's carseat into the car while Sesshoamru took care of Rin's. They didn't give her enough time to get the stroller to the trunk, Sesshomaru folded it and lifted it away from her as soon as she pressed the button to open it.
Kagome sighed, "You'll have to let me do something eventually," she tried to keep the frustration from her steps as she walked to the passenger seat of the car.
"Stomping will not help your case," Sesshomaru's voice was low as he gently lifted her into the car and buckled her in, "you know I will carry you, prevent you from lifting anything heavier than your paint brushes or your camera or our babies, keep you from climbing, or straining yourself in any way until after the babies' first birthday, if you tempt me."
"Tempt you," Kagome giggled, "You would anyways."
He kissed her cheek, "And I just might, now that you mention it."
"Okay kids, I'll see you at the house. Lunch should be served as soon as we get there," Ken barely looked up from his phone as he got into his sports car.
"Put your phone away, Father," Sesshomaru sighed as he closed Kagome's door and made his way to the driver's seat, "I don't want to have to impose a driver again."
Ken tossed his phone onto the passenger seat, rolling down his windows, "Oh son, I'm the safest driver."
"Sure you are," Sesshomaru grumbled, "Kagome, please text Charlie that his services will be needed for both Tashios in the house as of now."
Kagome giggled, pulling out her phone, "I got it."
Ken pulled out of the garage first, passing the flashing cameras surrounding Rasetsu and a man Kagome recognized from that morning- Renkostu. They were standing at the front of the building, answering questions.
"Keep the windows up," Sesshomaru reminded, "we don't need them getting a look at you or the babies."
Kagome nodded, rolling the window up the final bit so the paparazzi couldn't even see her eyes. Some recognized their car, she watched as Rasetsu's face darken as the attention turned to their cars, away from his sudden appearance in the US. Their yells could be heard inside as they crowded the car.
"Show us the twins!"
"Kagome! Kagome, how was your birthday?!"
"Sesshomaru, will you be posting your kids' faces?!"
"Kagome! Are you going to fashion week?!"
Sesshomaru honked to break up the crowd, startling them back onto the sidewalk and towards Rasetsu. Soon, his voice was heard among the paparazzi.
"My collection is VERY exclusive. We are only hiring 2 models from Auditions! Everyone else is in Haus and exclusive to my brand. Naraku Onigumo will be the opener AND closer. AND a special surprise guest!"
That got the attention of the paparazzi, and Sesshomaru took that opportunity to leave the parking lot as quickly and safely as possible. They were only around a half hour from Ken and Izaoyi's house, if traffic wasn't too horrible. Kagome clicked on the radio, checking the mirrors reflecting the sleeping faces of their rear-facing twins. They didn't stir, even when Sesshomaru turned the music up a little bit.
After a while listening to Kagome singing along softly, Sesshomaru spoke.
"Be honest," he glanced at her, "do you want to do the Holidays in New York?"
"I haven't put much thought into it, honestly," Kagome thought for a minute, "I guess it'd be nice to have a really picturesque holiday, with the snow and all the lights. New York is so pretty during the holiday season. You could get some really good photos."
"I guess I could, and you could paint some incredible things. But do you want to be away that long?"
"Is it really away? We used to live in New York. Mama Aia completely remade the music room of the loft into a nursery, we have that gorgeous historic apartment. With all that pretty warm wood and cozy rugs. It'll be pretty and quiet."
"I haven't been without you." Sesshomaru confessed, "that last trip, before the twins were born- I insisted on a room at the hotel where all the Associates were staying. I couldn't bear waking up in our bed without you in it, in a home you wouldn't be coming back to."
Kagome reached over and took his hand, kissing the top softly, "and now we're gonna go back as a new family."
"If you're okay with it, I am." Sesshomaru kissed her hand in return, "I will be where the three of you are."
With her other hand, Kagome was texting her brother. Trying to update him on their very eventful day thus far, and their trip plans. He only responded to one message, the trips.
NYC for fashion week AND the holidays? I'm in. Will ask Tomi
"Souta knows Hitomi is working fashion week, right? If he's going to be up under her, he's going to be backstage, holding purses and being ignored, " Kagome giggled, "He's going to be so bored. I should have Eri get him seats with us if he wants."
"His concern will be the afterparties. He will want to accompany her to dinners and parties. Things we would not be at, typically."
"Well there's a few dinners…" Kagome trailed off, looking out the window. An ambulance sped past, going the opposite direction.
"I asked Eri to set up some…private… dinners for us so you do not miss out. I know Mother and her friends would like to see you." Sesshomaru focused on the slow moving traffic.
"Okay, if you want. Private like back rooms during main dinners or Private like…separate dinner? Can we go to the beach this weekend? Or next weekend? Or soon?"
Sesshomaru smiled, "Whatever feels best for everyone. Of course, love. Want a family day at the beach? Or just us?"
"Family day," Kagome smiled, "I think Kouga and Ayame are back from Greece, they can meet the babies. We could all use a relaxing day, don't you think?"
"Yes, my love," Sesshomaru almost sighed as they pulled into his parents' neighborhood, "I'll ask Yash, he'll get things set up for when everyone is in town."
"Tell him to look at the weather, so we don't get rained on." Kagome bounced in her seat a bit, pulling her purse into her lap and digging through it.
"Are you hungry?" Sesshomaru glanced over, "We're almost there."
"I have a cookie in my purse," Kagome kept digging, laughing when the ziplock bag of soft chocolate chip cookies was unearthed from her bag.
"Mmmm," she happily took a bite of one, "I was thinking about chocolate for the last 15 minutes."
"I bet Mama Izayoi has some brownies for you. We can take some home, too."
"If there's any left," Kagome giggled as they pulled into the driveway, waiting for the gates to open. The security guard recognized Sesshomaru's car, and the little decal on his license plate cover, and scrambled to open the gates quickly. When Sesshomaru nodded at him, he let out a huge sigh of relief.
"He's tense," Kagome commented through cookies as they drove toward the house, "was there a changing of the guard?"
Sesshomaru thought for a moment, "Maybe. Or Father was chased by some overzealous paps on his way in."
Pulling to the front of the house, Jaken was waiting. He looked more nervous than usual.
"Stay here," Sesshomaru said quietly, "Let me see what's going on."
Sesshomaru got out of the car and walked quickly to Jaken.
"What's happened?" Sesshomaru kept his voice quiet, "the gate guard is on edge."
"Everyone is a bit on edge," Jaken explained, "Lady Izayoi found a letter in the mailbox. When she opened it, a soft white powder floated up her nose, and she fainted. I'm waiting for the police to come and finish their investigation."
"What?!" Sesshomaru raised his voice, getting Kagome's attention. He waved for her to stay in the car before turning back to Jaken, "Mount Sinai?"
Jaken nodded and Sesshomaru rushed back to the car, clicking in his seatbelt and turning the car back on.
"Izayoi was attacked," He said quietly, speeding down the driveway toward the hospital, "Call Eri or Jaken, now."
Kagome scrambled to dial her phone, calling Jaken. He picked up on the first ring, rushing to explain what he'd told Sesshomaru. Afterwards, she called Eri.
"Eri, I don't know. I don't know! I'll call you when we get there, just meet us. Bring whatever from the Studio and Papa's house, use your spare to put them in Sessh's car and come up. Okay, love you, too."
Sesshomaru was driving as fast as he possibly could across town, his knuckles red from the grip. He was sick of all of this. Finally, Hiro or Naraku made a move that would solidify a change. But how were they not caught in the act? Something was wrong here.
A trip that would typically take 45 minutes to an hour only took 20. Sesshomaru screeched into the parking lot, spotting his Father's assistant waiting at the emergency doors. He stopped directly in front of him, leaping out to get the stroller and car seats. Kagome got out quickly and carefully, bags in hand, going straight to him.
"Avi, what happened?"
"They're checking her out but have ruled out the bad ones. Not arsenic. Not anthrax. They're doing a tox screen now to narrow things down."
Kagome took a deep breath, "Thank you. Will you park the car and wait for Eri?"
Avi nodded, "I got y'all. She's in 556."
Sesshomaru hurried past them with the baby-filled stroller, tossing the keys to Avi and taking Kagome's hand as he passed. They rushed to the elevators, pressing the button and headed up. Sesshomaru scrolled on his phone, speeding through the security camera footage Jaken sent him. The man who dropped off the envelope was wearing a hood and gloves. The small glimpse of his face didn't ring any bells for Sesshomaru. When the elevator dinged on the fifth floor, he took the bags from Kagome's shoulder and let her push the stroller, allowing her to go in front of him to Izayoi's room. It didn't take long to find it, as Inuyasha was pacing outside of it. Seeing Kagome, he rushed to check her over.
"You guys are okay right? You didn't get your mail yet today?" He slid his hands over the material of the car seats, checking for powder residue.
"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru stopped him, "Is she okay?"
"She's fine. Tox just came back. Meth and Fentanyl mixture, ground extra fine so it could be breathed in. She overdosed. Lucky Gaia was right behind her, caught her, called me and 911. She's asleep now, Dad's with her."
Kagome pulled Inuyasha into a hug, "She's okay, Yash. She's gonna be okay."
When they pulled away he gave her a sad smile, "go on in, I'll stay here with the kids and Sessh."
Kagome nodded, heading into the hospital room and leaving the brothers alone.
"We know who did this." Sesshomaru said quietly.
Inuyasha nodded, "we know who ordered it at least. I told Jaken to send the police to check your mail too, I have a feeling Dad's house wasn't the only target."
"Can we order another drug test?"
"The original covered everything. Full panel, piss and hair. Hiro for parole, and Shynah to avoid her own legal charges. I've drafted the petition for a restraining order for Shynah, but with this…we may need protection orders from Naraku and his gang."
Sesshomaru sighed, turning when the hospital door opened and their father stepped out. He swung his arms around the shoulders of his sons.
"You're good boys. You take care of each other, and our family. No matter what, okay?" he said quietly.
"Dad," Inuyasha replied quietly, "we're okay. Mom's okay too."
"I know," Ken whispered, "I know. I just want you boys to know that I'm proud of you two, and I know you'll take care of this family when we're gone."
"Of course we will. But that will not be for a long time." Sesshomaru reassured, "Let me go see her. Find comfort in your grandchildren."
Ken nodded, turning his attention to the sleeping babies. Sesshomaru shared a look with Inuyasha before moving into the hospital room. Kagome was sitting next to the bed, holding Izayoi's hand. She was awake, to his surprise.
"I'm so so sorry." Kagome said softly, "this is all because of my mom and Hiro…"
"Oh, please," Izayoi smiled, "I'm just fine. I've been through worse." she patted Kagome's hand, "sweetie, call Gaia and tell her I want the brownies wrapped up and dropped off at your house. I'm sorry we couldn't sing your happy birthday song."
"Mama, don't worry about that. My birthday isn't important. I want you to be okay." Kagome tried to keep herself from crying.
"Mom," Sesshomaru's voice was quiet, "we will punish them for this. They won't get away with it."
Izayoi giggled and took Sesshomaru's hand with her free one, "You are your dad, I swear. That's what Ken and Yash said. You Tashio boys." she trailed off, shaking her head.
"We should let you rest," Kagome stood, "wanna see the babies?"
"Of course I do!" Izayoi moved to sit up, Sesshomaru rushing forward to support her with pillows.
Kagome left and came back quickly, pushing a now empty stroller. Inuyasha and Ken came in behind her, carrying a baby each. The group cooed over the babies for a while, until Kagome's stomach growling got to be loud enough so everyone could hear.
Kagome checked her phone, Eri had successfully come and gone, leaving quite a bit in their trunk from the Studio and Ken's house. Jaken had sent several texts in their groupchat, updating them on the information from the Police.
When Ken had to step out for a phone call, Sesshomaru checked his watch. It'd been much longer than he'd expected. It was nearly 6pm, the twins had not made a singular hungry sound since the afternoon. They were both content, looking around the room and grabbing the fingers of whoever was holding them.
Ken's return to the hospital room shifted the energy in the room, handing Sesshomaru his car keys.
"Yash, they're getting ready to discharge us. You should get down to the station. I'm going to drop Izayoi at Aia's and meet you, okay?"
Inuyasha nodded, "Yea." He leaned over and kissed Izayoi's cheek, "I'll call you tonight, Ma."
"Love you Yashie," Izayoi smiled, turning her attention back to Sesshomaru and Kagome, "You two be safe. I love all four of you. Send me a picture of bedtime tonight!"
"Of course, Mama." Kagome settled the twins into their stroller and made sure they were ready to leave. They needed diaper changes, but she would do that in the car. Or at home, if it wouldn't take too long to get there.
They followed Inuyasha out with the stroller, to the elevator and down to the parking garage. The energy around them was steeped in thought. By the time they reached their cars, they'd realized that no one said a word since they left the hospital room.
"Okay guys, we know this was Hiro, right? Or Naraku? Or both?" Inuyasha unlocked his truck, but didn't get inside.
"Of course it was," Kagome sighed, pulling Rin from her Car Seat to lay her on the passenger seat to change her. Sesshomaru had done the same in the driver's seat with Haru.
"I'm just checking," Inuyasha shrugged, "Your place should be clear. Your guys are on high alert anyway, they screen your mail. They had exactly what the police needed when they got there."
"Good," Kagome nodded, "the postpartum anxiety has helped something, at least."
The diaper changes went quickly, and Inuyasha kissed both babies' heads after they were back in their car seats. Kagome buckled herself into the middle of the two, a bottle in each hand.
"Be safe, Yash." Sesshomaru called, "Let me know what they say."
"Of course."
Sesshomaru drove back to their home with the music low. The babies finished their bottles and settled into sleep, leaving Kagome in the backseat to scroll on her phone. She was more shocked than she expected. She never thought that Hiro would go after the family to get to her. It'd never been his strategy before. Over and over, she tried to think of what their next move could be.
"Don't stress yourself out, love." Sesshomaru tried to be calm, "Yash and Jaken will let us know everything we need to know. The court can take care of the rest."
"This is just so fucked up," Kagome sighed, "What was this even supposed to do? Contaminate my breastmilk? Somehow get onto the kids and then they'll call CPS? I just don't get it."
"I know, love," Sesshomaru soothed, "I know. It's insane, they're truly grasping at straws."
"They're so stupid, I don't know." Kagome groaned, "I can't wait to be in New York. We're gonna have the guys in the house so it looks like we're home, right?"
"Yes," Sesshomaru confirmed, "After fashion week, we'll get photographed getting back on the plane to LA, and the guys will have their meals, and spend evenings in the house, so it can look as normal as possible."
"Okay," Kagome said slowly, "So what do we do for tonight?"
"Pick up dinner, Jaken called Perri's and ordered ahead for us. Eat dinner, bathe our children, and put them to bed. Act as if we are unshaken, because we are."
Kagome nodded slowly, looking at the faces of her sleeping babies, trying to find some peace.
Sesshomaru reached back and squeezed her knee, "I got you, okay? They will never hurt our family again."
Kagome put her hand on top of his and squeezed, "okay…but we aren't beefing up security again."
"We are," Sesshomaru smirked as he pulled into the take-out parking lot, "that's non-negotiable. Now, hang out here, I'll run in and grab the food."
He was only gone for 5 minutes. He managed to get in and out without too many people noticing. With the food safely in the passenger seat, they were on their way home. It didn't take long, with the side streets having almost no traffic. The twins were asleep the entire time, resting comfortably. They didn't wake up when Kagome and Sesshomaru transferred them back into the house, and into their bassinets. Sesshomaru plated their dinners, and met Kagome back in their bedroom where she was changing into lounge clothes and skipping through channels on the TV.
"Oh, let's watch this," Sesshomaru stopped her on Dinner in America, "I read it was good."
"Sounds good to me," Kagome tossed the remote on the bed and pulled Sesshomaru's t-shirt over her head, settling onto the bed. She accepted the plate handed to her with a smile, and immediately got sucked into the movie.
Sesshomaru, plate and journal in hand, settled next to her and began eating.
Hours later, with food finished, cleaned up, babies fed, bathed, and put back to sleep, they were watching anime. Sesshomaru waited until Kagome was distracted, then he snuck down the stairs and cut a piece of the birthday cake Jakotsu brought. He dug her favorite candle, a heart one, from the drawer and lit it.
Moving up the stairs slowly, he pushed the door open with his foot and started singing softly.
"Happy birthday to you," He held the slice of cake in front of her and waited for her to blow out the candle.
Kagome took a few seconds to make her wish, and blew the candle out.
"Thank you love," Kagome whispered, "Wanna know my wish?"
"No," he kissed her head, "I want it to come true."
While she ate, Sesshomaru moved to his desk to write.
My eternal love,
Life is terrifying. Every day that passes, with you and our babies, restores my faith in humanity. Even though danger looms around us, we are safe and happy within our bubble. Any weapon thrown our way has been thwarted. We're good. We're safe. And soon, there will be no more monsters seeking us. The monsters that have hunted you, hunted us since we were children, will be vanquished and we will be able to live the remainder of our lives without even a sliver of worry at their half baked plans. Even in dealing with them, I have no worry in my heart. Because we are together, love. Our family is together. We're strong and united and unshakable. And watching you eat your birthday cake, after the day we had, reminds me of this fact.
Forever yours,
Sesshomaru
*That's all folks! That's it for this chapter. Next time, beach day and a bit of a skippy to the NYC trip. 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 *