InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Cheating Fate ❯ Wonderfully Chaotic ( Chapter 7 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

The bitter cold wind pushed Kagome up against the front door. She grunted as she pushed back. She was so tired. Working two jobs and waking up in the middle of the night to feed Ami was getting to her. As it would anyone.

She fumbled with her keys, trying to find the right one, when the door opened for her. The bright hallway light had Kagome squinting to see. Her mother stood there holding a steaming cup of coffee. Kagome felt relief wash over her and she had to fight her fatigue, that was threatening her to give out. How she longed for her bed, but she knew her first priority was seeing her daughter before completely passing out.

“Oh Sweetheart,” her mother sighed as she helped her daughter inside the warm house. “I wish you would let me help you with your money issues. I don’t like it that you’re out this late every night. It’s not good for you.”

Kagome leaned into her mother’s warmth as she said, “I’m fine Mom. Really, and I don’t need your help. At least not with finances. I need to be able to take care of, not only myself, but Ami too.”

“I understand.” her mother said solemnly before she said, “At least let me help you get a decent job. One where you’d only need it to support you. None of this second job stuff.”

“Mom, as much as I’d love that, I just don’t think you could find me a job like that.” Kagome answered regrettably. “I only have a high school diploma. No well-paying job is going to hire me.” With that said she hung up her coat and started walking down the hallway toward her daughter’s room. No matter how much regret she felt toward not being able to go to college she could never regret Ami. It was amazing how much she loved her. She had never thought it was possible to love someone so much.

She slowly opened the door wide enough for her to slip in, then made her way over to the crib. She looked down at her sleeping miracle. Kagome gently swept some of her daughter’s black hair out of her face to get a better look at her. She was so beautiful. Though no matter how many times she’d look at her one name would always pop into her head. “InuYasha . . .” she whispered softly as she removed her gaze on her daughter and stared at the wall.

She hadn’t heard his voice in a month. Not since she made that heat of the moment phone call. How stupid she felt. She never should have called him. Maybe it wouldn’t have been so hard if she hadn’t heard the woman in the background’s voice. Maybe she could have been able to salvage a little piece of him and made herself believe that he still loved her. Although now it was impossible. He really did move on. How could he do this to her? How could he leave her with this great responsibility? Granted he didn’t know, but still! How could he?

Kagome looked back down at her daughter, wiping the moisture that had run down her cheeks off. Despite her desolate mood, a small smile appeared on her lips. She leaned over the crib’s railing and tenderly kissed Ami on the forehead. She then slowly backed out of the room.

When Kagome was back out in the hallway, she quietly closed the door. She turned to see her mother hanging up the phone. It was twelve thirty at night. Who could she possibly be calling? Her mother seemed to notice Kagome staring at her because a smile suddenly appeared on her face. “How was Ami?”

“Fast asleep.” she answered cautiously. “Who was that?” She hadn’t heard that phone ring, so she knew her mother had to have made the call.

“Oh that? Oh, I was just talking to Mr. Carlati.” she said innocently. Kagome recognized the name. He was the superintendent of the hospital where her mother worked. “I just wanted to ask a little favor of him.”

“At twelve thirty in the morning?” Kagome asked suspiciously. “Why couldn’t you have waited until you saw him today? He probably would have appreciated it.”

Her mother nodded. “You’re right. He probably would have appreciated it, . . . but then you wouldn’t have an interview at noon today now would you?

Kagome was silent for a minute. Whether it was disbelief or shock she didn’t know. “How? . . . I mean, are you serious?” she asked as the excitement grew.

“Well, it wasn’t as simple as it looks and nothing’s set in stone yet, but I asked him if it were possible for you to get a permanent internship. I mean, it would be like an internship. Only you wouldn’t be able to handle any medicine, but you could fill out paperwork.” her mother described. “I know it’s not the dream job you wanted but . . . You’d be working in a hospital.”

Kagome looked her mother over. At first all she did was stare back at her, but after a minute she looked away. “Mom, “ Kagome said with a sigh. “What are you having to give up for me to get this job?”

“I’m not having to give up anything.” her mother answered honestly. Kagome narrowed her eyes in further suspicion.

“But you said yourself that it wasn’t as simple as it looked.” she said. “There must be some catch. Something that is an inconvenience to you. ’Cause I’m sure they wouldn’t just all of a sudden offer to interview me.”

Her mother sighed. “You’re right. I did have to bargain with him. He wanted to know why you’d never gone to college and what was holding you back.” she paused when she saw Kagome wince and look away. “I assured him that it was all strictly ethical.”

“Mom, how is any of this ethical?” Kagome asked in disbelief. “I’m a single teenage mother.”

“But you’re accepting the responsibilities of your actions.” her mother noted. “And I made him see that. . . . There is one condition, however.”

“I knew it.” Kagome said under her breath. “Mom if this puts you in any inconvenience, it’s not worth it.”

“Nonsense.” was her mother’s response. “If you’re hired, you’ll be on probation, so to speak, for period of time. After which you’ll full member of the staff.”

Kagome studied her mother. There was no way that was all there was to it. It had to effect her someway. “What else is there?”

Her mother let out another sigh. “I’ll just have to put in a couple more shifts,” she replied. “. . . and while you’re on probation I’ll be responsible for everything you do.”

Kagome shook her head in astonishment, “Mom, I’m not worth all this trouble you’re going through.” She didn’t want her mother working double shifts for the mistakes she had made. It wasn’t her burden to carry.

“It is too worth it. Helping my daughter and my granddaughter is worth every minute I spend in the office.” her mother told her firmly. “Now, he’s supposed to call back around noon tomorrow to tell you what time your interview starts.”

“But Mom--” Kagome started, but her mother interrupted.

“Not another word.” she said with authority. She pointed down the hallway. “Now off to bed with you. I want you to look nice and rested for tomorrow.”

Kagome rolled her eyes. “Yes ma’am.” she replied as she turned and walked down the hallway. She knew what her mother was doing was in her best interest, but she still couldn’t help but feel guilty.

Kagome was amazed by how comfortable she felt when Koga placed his arm around her shoulders and he led her to his truck. Usually when she went on dates any slight touching seemed awkward for her, but it was the complete opposite with Koga.

Koga opened the passenger side door for her with his free hand and then helped her inside. After Koga shut the door, Kagome turned and looked out the window. It wasn’t dark outside yet, but the sun was going down. It made the sky look pinkish. Kagome loved the sunset. It made her feel peaceful and relaxed.

Koga drove for twenty minutes before finally pulling into a parking lot. The appearance of the building gave nothing away to what it might hold inside. Kagome was forced to think of what might be on the other side of the walls for a few more moments.

When they walked into the building, a lot of different scents hit Kagome’s nose. It smelt like food. Lots of food. As they walked through another set of doors, Kagome knew why it smelt like it did. The room was huge. It was divided into eight different kitchens. One for each of the other couples that were there.

Kagome looked over at Koga, hoping for him to explain. “I signed us up for a couples’ cooking class.” he said with a shrug. “It sounded fun.”

Kagome smiled brightly at him before grabbing his arm and dragging him towards one of the empty kitchens. She loved cooking. Whether it was learning how to make something new or cooking something she already knew how, it didn’t matter to her.

As soon as Kagome and Koga stepped foot into their kitchen, an ancient looking woman walked through the back door. She didn’t look like she was very friendly and Kagome wondered if this would put a damper on her outlook on cooking.

“I’m going to be your instructor tonight ladies and gentlemen.” squawked the woman, “My name’s Haori.”

Kagome looked over at Koga only to find him staring at the ancient woman with wide eyes. With a small smile, Kagome nudged him gently in the ribs. “Don’t stare. It’s not polite.”

Koga cleared his shocked expression and said, “Sorry, but look at her. She looks like she’s older than death.” Kagome fought back a smile as she held composer. “Come on Kagome. You know you want to laugh.” Koga started poking her sides, watching her slowing crack.

Kagome tried to grab his hands to stop him, but that only made him start to tickle her. Kagome was now in full out laughter. “Koga please! I can’t breathe.”

“You two!” squawked the old woman. “Stop fooling around. We have work to do.” This only made Kagome laugh harder.

Kagome clapped her hand over her mouth and tried hard to swallow down the laughter that was ready to burst from her. The woman glared at her then turned her attention to the other couples in the room.

“Tonight we will be creating an American dish.” she screeched. “The recipes are taped to the fridge; I will be coming around to help. You need to start by turning on and filling up the steamers for the lobster. Then I’ll go over with you how to do the vegetables. Well get started.” She started around the room helping couples. Kagome let her hand drop and looked to Koga.

She gave his arm a playful punch and smiled at him. “Getting me in trouble again,” she commented, “just like high school.”

“Well then let’s get started before she comes over and reprimands you again.” He walked over to the fridge and grabbed the recipe. “Surf and Turf for two with a side of sautéed vegetables.” He read further down, “Sounds delicious.”

“Only if it’s made right, and at the moment we’re falling behind.” Kagome pointed out.

“Well then what are you slacking for?” She rolled her eyes. Koga ignored the look and moved over to the steamer. He turned a few knobs and pushed a green button. The machine made a loud noise that closely resembled the screech that followed it. Haori rushed over and was know yelling a Koga.

“You need to fill it with water first, or you’ll be paying for a replacement.” She snapped and walked off.

Kagome giggled as she walked over with a pitcher of water in her hands. She opened the door and poured the water in, added a cup of sugar, and closed it.

“Now try it.” She laughed as he mocked Haori.

“What’s next?” He asked as he set the timer for 15 minutes. They consulted the recipe for a moment then went to the fridge to select their cut of meat. Kagome picked out a Filet, and Koga decided on the NY Strip.

Back at their kitchen they went through a tub of spices debating which combination would taste the best. Kagome watched as a neighboring kitchen got the third degree.

“Blackened does not mean you cook it to death!” she yelled at a small blonde girl. “It means you season it with Cajun seasoning!” Kagome laughed catching the old woman’s attention and quickly turned away with one hand up to hide her face. Koga went over to the fridge and pulled out some veggies. She decided on a combination of seasonings for their steaks and went over to Koga with the seasonings in her arms.

“This should be good.” She told Koga, he didn’t look up from the cutting board as he slowly cut a green pepper into four perfect slices.

“I trust you not to poison my steak,” he joked. She gave him a half hearted ‘ha ha’ then went over to the grill. She took a pan from a cabinet and placed the two steaks in it. She seasoned them and then let them soak.

As she finished, the buzzer on the steamer went off. She walked over and shut it off and went to work on preparing the lobster.

“Koga you need to put the steaks on the grill.” She said to him, he looked up and acknowledged her then went over to the fire. Kagome went back to work slowly freeing the lobster from the shell.

“Ow!” she pulled her hand back from the lobster on the pan. Koga gave her a concerned look. “It bit me!” she exclaimed pointing at the long dead lobster on the tray.

“I’m sure it did!” he laughed at her turning back to the steaks on the grill.

“Feh.” She said and quickly clamped a hand over her mouth in shock. ‘Oh my God! Where did that come from?’ Kagome looked to Koga to make sure he hadn’t heard her, ‘Calm down girl, just act like it never happened you can panic later.’ Kagome gained her composure and went back to fighting the lobster that lay lifeless in front of her.

After she was successful in her attempts to free the meat from the shell Kagome buttered the meat as the directions said and placed them in the steamer. She set the timer for 20 minutes this time, then went over to see how Koga was doing. He kept the steaks on the low side of the grill not wanting to burn them.

“How do you want yours cooked?” he asked.

“Well I don’t want it bloody so about medium well will do.” He flipped the steak and then went over and started butting up the veggies again. Kagome got out two sauté pans and put them on the stove top. She greased them lightly and added a bit of salt and garlic to the mix for extra flavor. She went and checked the recipe and in her concentration missed the move Koga made under the table he was working at.

“I think we’re doing pretty well.” she said as she turned to help him, but she was stopped in her tracks as he screamed out in pain. Kagome rushed to his side. He was on his knees holding his hand and all Kagome saw was red. She screamed and hurried over to where Haori stood in the middle of the room. “Oh my God! Call 9-1-1!” she yelled, as she reached Haori, “My date’s cut his hand, he’s bleeding!” Kagome took a few deep breaths remembering what her mother told her about emergences, she had to stay calm or she’d hyperventilate.

Koga came up behind her and turned her with his ‘good’ hand. He wiped some of the red blood on her cheek. His shoulders shook and his head was down. Then it hit her. He was laughing.

She brought her hand up to her cheek and wiped off the red substance. She sniffed her finger and then started to boil over with anger as she wiped the ketchup off on a towel on the counter to her right.

“KOGA! YOU JERK!” she screamed so loud that most of the other couple stopped what they were doing to see where the sound had come from. “I thought you were seriously hurt!” He held up his hands in surrender and backed away slowly.

“Now Kagome, it was only a joke, let’s not do anything rash.” Haori glared daggers at the couple and then gave up. She stalked off completely ignoring them. Kagome glared the same daggers at Koga, only hers would have killed if they’d been real. She punched him as hard as she could in the arm.

“Ow! What was that for?” he joked.

“For scaring me!” she pushed past him and went back to their kitchen.

“Oh Kagome, I didn’t know you cared!” He gave her an ogle eyed expression behind her back.

“I can’t believe you.” Was all she said in response. She walked to the grill and flipped their steaks, relieved they hadn’t burned.

He went back to cutting veggies with a chuckle. After they were all cut up he dumped them into the sauté pans, and turned on the heat high. Kagome let her anger simmer and began planning her revenge. She watched Koga try to flip the veggies and lose half of them over the side. Kagome looked away with a giggle as Koga looked up to make sure no one had seen him. He tried and failed again, then just decided on moving them around with a pair of tongs. The buzzer on the steamer went off just as Kagome was setting out plates for their meals.

Kagome walked over to the machine still debating whether she should stoop to Koga’s level and get revenge. She pulled the handle on the steamer and jumped back with a gasp as a hissing noise was released from the machine. She righted herself, mentally laughing at herself, and walked up to the machine. Grabbing the handle she pulled hard and the door swung open with enough force to cause Kagome to release the handle. And as fast as the door swung open it slammed closed. The force was enough to cause a cup of crab forks on top of the steamer to fall off and crash to the ground. Koga spun around at the noise and looked to Kagome with a weird look.

“You okay?” he asked he saw the forks scattered around the ground and Kagome on the floor in a heap rushing to pick them up. He came over to her and helped her, they bumped into each other and they both stopped a mere head apart. They looked up at each other and stared for a moment. Kagome panicked as Koga’s head moved closer. She hadn’t been this nervous in years. Well at least no more nervous than a woman with a three year old could be. She looked down breaking the spell between them and reached under the table to grab the last few forks. She looked up and for the second time that night saw red.

“Oh my God!” she said again “FIRE!” she pointed at the pans on the stove that were now ablaze. Koga stood up quickly knocking over the cup of forks. He turned off the burners and grabbed the hot pans. He ran over to the double bin sink and threw them down as if, well they were on fire. He turned on the water and they sizzled till the heat was gone. He then put both of his hands under the cold water to cool the burns he was now suffering from.

Kagome came over to him and checked his hands out.

“Are you okay?” she asked worry etched into her voice and shown on her face.

“Fine, but I think dinner’s off.” He nodded in the direction of the old woman, who was standing behind them.

“You need to leave now! You’re destroying my kitchen! Neither of you has any respect for the art! Get out! Now!” Koga dried his hands and took Kagome’s hand despite the pain. He dragged her to the door and they left. They were halfway to the truck when Kagome spoke.

“Sorry,” was all she was capable of saying, shock still on her face.

“Don’t worry about it; I prefer a greasy burger to that any day.” He grinned and she loosened up a bit. They drove to the nearest burger joint and laughed about how uptight the old woman had been. They enjoyed their burgers and fries, but mostly they enjoyed each others company.

The ride home was quite, but pleasant. Koga stared straight ahead as if his mind was miles away. Kagome debated whether or not to ask what he was thinking about. In the end, she decided to let the silence continue.

When Koga pulled into her driveway, he turned to her and smiled. “I had a really great time tonight. Despite the old hag kicking us out. I was just glad I was with you.”

Kagome smiled shyly. “I had a great time too.” Was all she could say before turning away in embarrassment.

Koga walked her to her door. She turned and faced him with a relaxed smile. “Thanks Koga. I really did have fun. Probably the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”

“It was my pleasure.” Koga said with small smile. He took her hand and leveled it with his chest. “I had fun too. I hope to do it again soon.” His eyes took an intense look as his free arm wove its wave around her waist.

Kagome blushed when she found herself pressed up against him. She could feel her heart racing and she had to concentrate on her breathing even. She saw Koga’s face slowly inch toward hers. “Can I kiss you?” he asked in such a soft whisper than Kagome had to lean in to hear.

She gasped slightly, but felt herself nod. Koga leaned in a little further before Kagome closed the little distance that was between them. She felt her heart soar into her throat. She couldn’t believe what she was doing! She was kissing Koga! And what a kiss it was! He was no amateur like she felt. He was the dominate and started the kiss gently. After a few seconds he applied more pressure and Kagome responded eagerly. She hadn’t known that she had been repressing such strong feeling.

When Koga pulled away, Kagome was trying to steady her breathing. She felt Koga’s thumb caress her cheek and only then did she notice that her eyes were still closed. She opened them to find him staring affectionately at her with the same small smile as before.

“Can I call you tomorrow?” he asked as if he where afraid it would be too soon., but Kagome’s face lit up with joy.

She nodded with the goofiest smile on her face. “Of course!” she said a little too loudly, then lowered her head in embarrassment.

Koga laughed at her shyness. He cupped her chin in his hand, making her look at him. “Don’t be embarrassed. I’m just as excited at you are.”

Kagome looked away with her eyes, since her face was pretty much stuck. “You have better control over your emotions than I do. I’m not exactly use to this.” she muttered not knowing how else to put it.

Koga snorted before lowering his lips to hers in a chaste kiss. Kagome was stilling grasping in the short kiss when she felt herself being lifted up in the air. “Wooohooo!! I got to kiss the most beautiful, caring woman in the world!” Koga bellowed to the neighborhood. He laughed out loud when Kagome started to playfully smack him on the shoulder.

“Koga!” Kagome shrieked but couldn’t help but laugh. “What are you doing?”

Koga gently lowered her to the ground and smiled widely at her. “I just wanted you know exactly how thrilled I am.” he said enthusiastic voice.

Kagome couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “I forgot how much fun I could have with you.”

Koga brushed her bangs out of her eyes. “You bring out the best in me.” he whispered. “Do you mind if I say goodnight to Ami as well?”

“I think that would be alright.” she said still smiling as she turned and opened her door. Koga followed her inside and noticed the woman, who had been watching Ami, was sitting on the couch flipping through the TV channels.

“Hey Sango, where’s Ami?” Kagome asked as Sango looked up at her. She looked beyond bored.

“She’s been asleep for a couple hours now.” she said as she placed the remote on the end table. “I didn’t think you guys were ever going to come inside.”

Kagome blushed as she realized that Sango had known they were outside the door the whole time. “We were talking.” was the best excuse she could come with.

“Uh huh. Right.” Sango said with a smile. “I guess I’ll hear about it tomorrow huh?” Kagome nodded slightly, embarrassed that she was talking about gossiping about her date in front of said date.

“I guess I should introduce you guys.” Kagome said awkwardly. “Koga this is my friend and coworker Sango Taijiya. Sango this is Koga Henge.”

“Nice to met you Sango.” Koga said as he stuck out his hand for her to shake, which she gladly accepted.

“Nice to met you as well Koga.” she said as she looked over to Kagome, who was slightly behind him, and smiled. “Well, I’m sorry I have to leave, but I do have to be at work in the morning. So do you Kagome. Don’t stay up too late.” She winked at Kagome, who’s eyes were the size of golf balls. Sango walked passed Kagome with a huge smile on her face. “Night Kagome.” she said and then she walked out the door.

“I’m so sorry about her.” Kagome apologized. “She doesn’t normally act that way. She’s normally a very courteous person.” Kagome could tell Koga was holding in his laughter, so she walked right past him down the hall to check on her daughter. She could hear Koga following her.

Kagome noticed Ami’s bedroom door was already open, so she slowly walked toward her bed. She watched as Ami’s chest rise and fall with her even breathing. Kagome sat down on the end of Ami’s bed and just watched. Still fascinated by how fast she was growing up. Koga sat down beside her.

“I guess I won’t get to tell her good night, huh.” he said as he took Kagome’s hand into his. She didn’t mind. It felt nice there.

“There’ll be other times.” Kagome whispered. “Don’t worry too much about it.” She looked over at him to find him studying her expression. “What?”

“You mean that right?” he asked timidly. “This,” he gestured to their interlocked hands. “doesn’t bother you? I know that a relationship is probably the last thing on your mind, what with Ami and the hospital, but I really do care about you Kagome. I always have.”

Kagome had to look away. His intense gaze was making it hard to concentrate. She stood up, feeling that this was the most appropriate place to have this conversation, and lead him out of the room. When they were in the living room again, Kagome replied to his question. “I know you care about me Koga. I care about you too. I want to see where this’ll go.”

Koga grinned. “I want to see where this’ll go too.” Kagome smiled along with him, then put her arms around his neck and brought his lips to hers. She was slowly getting back into the hang of it.

Koga hesitated only for a moment before kissing her back. After a minute or so Koga pulled back. “I guess I should go. You have to get up early.” he said and Kagome groaned in annoyance. “I don’t want to leave either, but you can thank me later.”

Kagome reluctantly let go of him and walked him to the door. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow?” she asked hopefully.

“I told you I would.” he said as he stepped outside. “You’ll be hearing my voice again before you know it.”

Kagome smiled as she watched him walked toward his truck. When he honked as he drove off, she waved after him. She smiled to herself as she walked over and sat on the couch. She had really enjoyed herself. Cooking dinner and then getting kicked out before they got the chance to eat it made her feel young again. Even though she wasn’t the old in the first place. She was pretty sure she just felt old because she was a mother.

Her thoughts flickered to Ami, but then quickly shifted to InuYasha. Why had she said his pet peeve at dinner? She tried to convince herself it was only because Ami had said it earlier that night. She didn’t want it to be any other reason then that.

It was just too complicated. She forced herself to think of other things. Happier less complicated things. Like Koga’s phone call. She felt herself become giddy and it made her feel like a school girl again.

She sighed happily as she looked at the clock. It was ten o’clock. She really needed to get to bed. Unwillingly, she pushed herself up off the couch and started picking up some of Ami’s discarded toys. After the living room was somewhat decent, she made her way to her bedroom.

Setting the alarm for the morning, Kagome drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face.

The next morning, Kagome dropped Ami off with nurses. “See you soon Sweetie.” Kagome kissed Ami on the top of the head. “Be good alright. I promise you and I will go to the park after Mommy gets done.”

Ami smiled brightly at the sound of the work park. “Okay Mommy!” Ami skipped over to the bin of toys as Kagome walked over to Kaede.

“I’m sorry about yesterday, Kagome. It was such a busy day.” Kaede explained tiresomely.

“It’s alright. I know she’s a handful. I’ll be the first to say she knows how to sneak out of people’s sights.” Kagome looked over at Ami, who was playing with building blocks. “I just hope she’s not as much of a handful today.”

“I as well.” Kaede agreed.

Kagome looked at the clock. “Well, I guess I’d better get busy. Don’t want to fall behind.”

“Well, have a good day Kagome, and don’t worry about Ami. She’ll be fine.”

Kagome smiled, then walked out of the nursery. Ami watched with confused eyes. She didn’t understand why she had to wait to go to the park. Maybe if she went and helped her mother things would get done faster.

Ami looked over at Kaede, who was fussing over a newborn. The other nurses were still arriving and they wouldn’t acknowledge her until they were sure all the newborns were taken care of.

She stood up and slowly tiptoed out of everyone’s sight. She had to be careful. She didn’t want Kaede to notice she was gone right away. Once she was around the corner she realized she didn’t know where her mother was.

She decided to try the doors that opened to a new place every time you got in them. She went over and hit the button she always hit when she was with her mother. Thinking it would take her right to her.

Kagome sighed as she walked into the empty room. She walked over to the bed, pulling in the cart of clean linens behind her. She pulled out a pillow case and started shaking the pillow into it, when she realized she didn’t have any music playing.

She placed the half clothed pillow on the bed, then went over and switched on her walkman, that hung on the side of the cart. A bouncy beat flowed out of the speakers and Kagome was already feeling motivated.

She swayed her hips as she reproached the bed. She picked up the pillow as she shook it into place, then she fluffed it up and put it on the bed.

Kagome danced over to the cart and took out some clean sheets and then went back toward the bed, twirling along the way.

Kagome continued to dance as she made the bed. She was so lost into the song that she didn’t notice the figure watching her.

InuYasha snickered as he quietly walked up behind her and placed his hands on her hips. Kagome froze when she heard him start singing along with the song.

Kagome whirled around with wide eyes. “What are you doing in here?”

InuYasha couldn’t suppress his laughter. Her expression was priceless. He smiled at her shocked and angered face A slight blush graced her face as well. “I wanted to witness your bed making skills for myself.” he said jokingly. “And I must say it was quite entertaining. I might even hire you myself.”

Kagome rolled her eyes as she turned around to finish what she started. “You’re such an idiot.” she muttered.

Despite her muttering, InuYasha heard what she said and it only made his smile widen. “Well since I’m such an idiot, maybe I’ll eat the snack I brought for you instead.”

Kagome looked over her shoulder and gave him a bored look. “What are you five? You’re actually trying to guilt me with food?”

“Well since you think it’s so inappropriate for us to share out lunch break, I decided I’d bring food to you and I’d just eat in your presence.” InuYasha explained with a grin as he pulled out two candy bars. He offered on to Kagome.

“Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not hungry.” she replied and started walking over to the linen cart thinking how retarded he could be, when her stomach betrayed her. A loud, low rummble came from Kagome’s stomach. She groaned. She could practically hear the smirk form on InuYasha’s face.

“Not hungry huh?” he joked.

Kagome looked at the candy bar in his hand. She hadn’t realized how hungry she really was. She hadn’t had time for breakfast that morning.

“Here.” InuYasha started to give her the bar, but at the last second pulled it out of her reach. “Wait. Shouldn’t I get something for doing this for you?”

Kagome stared blankly at him with her hand still waiting for her food. “Uh, you get to eat in my presence. Now give me the darn candy bar.”

InuYasha chuckled as he gave her what she wanted. “Someone’s grumpy this morning.” He went over and sat on the bed Kagome had just finished making.

“Hey! Do you mind? I just made that!” Kagome yelled. InuYasha just rolled his eyes, then reached over and grabbed her wrist, pulling her onto the bed next to him. “Will ya just sit and eat your food.”

“You’re such a jerk,” Kagome said as she straightened herself on the bed. She opened the wrapper around the bar, then mumbled, “but thanks for the food.”

“It was no problem.” he said as he took a bite out of his candy bar. They ate in silence until he asked, “So, do you live on your own or are you still with your mom? If you don’t mind me asking?”

Kagome didn’t answer at first. “. . . I have my own house.” she replied, “It’s not much. I can barely afford it.”

“Why don’t you just get an apartment?” InuYasha asked confused. “It’s gotta be cheaper than having to pay for mortgage.”

Kagome shook her head. “I’m renting it. I’ve checked around for apartment prices and believe me, it’s cheaper this way.”

“I’d like to see where you live.” he said slowly, as if debating whether or not he should have asked. “Maybe I could come over sometime?”

“I really don’t think that’s a good idea.” Kagome said hurriedly.

InuYasha gave her a puzzled look. “Why not? It’s not like we’re going to have sex.”

“You are such a pervert!” she said as she pushed herself off the bed. “I don’t need you to tell me we’re not gonna do it ‘cause I already know!”

“. . . What?” he asked after a moment.

Kagome rolled her eyes, then walked over to the cart to put some distance between them. “I don’t have time for this InuYasha.” she said in frustration. “Don’t you have something you should be doing?”

InuYasha shrugged his shoulders. “Not really.”

“Well I do, so get up so I can finish what I started.” She made her way back over to him and pushed him off the bed.

He landed in a heap on the ground. “What the hell are you doing?”

“My job.” Kagome quickly tidied up the bed, then walked out the door pulling the cart behind her. She went into the next room, redoing the motions she did in the last.

InuYasha stared after her before getting up off the floor. Every time he thought he was starting to make progress with her she would prove him wrong by putting up her defenses.

He walked out the door an started in the opposite direction Kagome had gone. He didn’t think it was necessary to push her even more over the edge than she already was. He just about to the corner, when he happened to notice someone walking his way, then stopped dead in his tracks.

“InuYasha!” Ami yelled with difficultly in the tiny voice she had.

He looked at her in shock. It was the first time he had seen her without her sunflower hat, so he wasn’t prepared for the sight that he saw. She had ears almost identical to his. InuYasha couldn’t remember a time when he’d met someone with ears like his.

“InuYasha?” Ami said as she pulled on his hand, causing him to slip back into reality.

“H-hey kid.” InuYasha stumbled for words. “What’re doing out here by yourself?”

“Going to my mommy.” Ami fiddled with the hem of her shirt. She looked up at InuYasha and smiled. “Do you want to met her? I know where she is! She went into that room!” Ami started to pull him towards the room she had caught Kagome going into when she rounded the corner. InuYasha didn’t fully grasp that detail. InuYasha looked at Kagome them around the room. His eyes widened when he saw that she was the only one in the room.

“Mommy!”

“Ami?” Kagome answered bewilderingly, “Sweetie, what are you doing--” Kagome stopped mid-sentence when she realized who was standing next to Ami with a shocked expression oh his face.

All Kagome could do was stare back at him. It was over. Her carefully kept secret was exposed before his very eyes.

“Mommy, this is InuYasha.” Ami said happily, being to young to feel the tension between the two adults. “He has ears just like me!”

It was as if that little statement brought InuYasha back to reality. “How. . .? When . . .?” There where so many questions going through InuYasha’s mind that he didn’t know where to start. “. . . Why didn’t you tell me?”

He said it was such a firm voice that Kagome was stammering for words. “W-what do you m-mean why?”

“Didn’t you think you should have told me that, I don’t know, I have a daughter!” InuYasha all but shouted at her. “She is mine right?”

Kagome was furious, and not only because he had found out, but because he had the nerve to yell at her. In front of Ami too. She looked over to where Ami was standing.

She looked stunned, like she couldn’t grasp what was going on. Kagome walked over to her and lifted her up into her arms. When she was safely secured in her mother’s arms, she buried her face into the hallow of her mother’s neck.

“Of course she’s yours!” Kagome finally answered, somewhat reluctantly, as she tightened her grip on Ami. “How many dog demons do you think I’ve been with?”

“I don’t know! Usually when a woman gets pregnant she tells the father!” InuYasha yelled, trying to make sense of the situation.

Kagome brought her voice down to a whisper, “You left me, InuYasha. You weren’t anywhere near ready to become a father. You could barely even stay with your girlfriend two months after you got what you wanted out of her.”

InuYasha didn’t say anything for a minute. “. . . If you had told me . . .”

“You’d what, InuYasha?” Kagome asked tiresomely. “Stopped making out with Kikyo to be a devoted father? ‘Cause that’s bull.”

“You don’t know that.” was InuYasha’s pitiful response.

“Don’t give me that. All you cared about was parting and sex!” Kagome said, trying to keep her voice in check. “And let’s face it. You got what you wanted right? Not only did you get virgin Kagome Higurashi in bed with you, you knocked her up too!”

“Damn it Kagome! I don’t give a rat’s ass what you think of me!” InuYasha yelled, furious not too. “This whole time I’ve had a daughter and I’ve never known. My whole live is turned upside down!”

“And mine wasn’t?” she asked incredulously.

InuYasha was about to reply, but Kaede walked into the room. “What is going on in here? The whole floor is complaining about noise.” she said, then looked form InuYasha to Kagome. She noticed little Ami shaking in her mother’s arms. She suddenly knew what all the yelling was about.

Kagome spoke before Kaede could get a word in edgewise. “I’m sorry for disturbing everyone, Kaede.”

Kaede looked over at InuYasha, who was scolding at the ground. “Maybe ye two should go outside and talk this out?”

“No. I was just leaving. Sorry about the disturbance.” InuYasha said indifferently as he walked passed Kaede and out the door.

Kagome glared at his retreating form. She was looked over at Kaede, who was staring at her with pity. “I’ve gotta go.” Kagome said, praying that her voice wasn’t as shaky as it sounded. She walked out into the hallway and the sound of her daughter’s voice startled her.

“Mommy, why did you and InuYasha fight?” Ami asked timidly as she played with Kagome’s hair.

Kagome sighed as she placed Ami on the ground and then squatted down to her level. She smoothed out Ami’s ruffled sleeves as she said, “Sweetie, I’m so sorry that you had to hear all that.” Kagome looked at her for a minute, trying to figure out how much of the conversation she understood. “Do you know what we were fighting about, Ami?”

Kagome felt relief overcome her when Ami shook her head. She didn’t know if she had what it took to explain to her that the man she had been fighting with was her father. Kagome stood up and stuck out her hand, which Ami happily took. “Come on, let’s got see Grandma.”

InuYasha slammed his fist into the side of the building as soon as he walked outside. His knuckles were bleeding, yet it was the last thing on his mind. Why hadn’t she told him? Above all the other questions, this was the one he kept coming back to. He was a father. The fact was hard to grasp. He knew what it meant, but he wasn’t sure if he could handle it.

Another question suddenly came to him. What would happen next? This question led to another. What did he want to happen next? Did he want to be a father to this little girl or did he just want to ignore it? Making it seem like nothing had changed?

InuYasha crinkled his nose at the very thought. She was his and he’d be damned if he let Kagome cut him out of his daughter’s life anymore than she already had.