InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ En Famille ❯ Let's Fall in Love ( Chapter 15 )

------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------

 

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.

 

~ Robert Frost

 

------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------

 

“Ouch! That's hot!”

 

Smiling, Kagome blew on her cocoa with a nod. “I told you to blow on it before sipping.”

 

“Yeah, I guess you did,” Souta shrugged and followed her example.

 

They walked away from the vendor and ambled on down the path. His aunt had needed to buy some gifts in the city and Souta had taken the chance to visit with Kagome. They had kept in touch by phone but it was nice to see each other again.

 

“So what did you have in mind for your aunt?” Kagome asked, sipping her drink carefully.

 

“I don't know,” Souta walked quietly along for a few minutes. “Things are different with aunt Asami; she's not used to kids being around.”

 

“And of course, Christmas won't be an easy time for either of you,” Kagome draped her arm around his shoulders and tucked him into her side. “Do you guys have any plans yet?”

 

“We were going to visit my uncle's family in Boston, but his kids got the chicken pox and I haven't had them.” Souta sighed, “So it'll probably just be the two of us at her home again.”

 

Kagome bit her lip, understanding how difficult this month would be. She'd spent the first Christmas after her parents died quietly curled up between Mushin and Miroku, silent tears slipping from her eyes most of the night. It had hurt too much to even pretend to be happy. Luckily they'd all understood.

 

“Why don't you come over and spend Christmas with us?” Kagome suddenly blurted out. “We'd be happy to have you, it's always much more fun when you're with a group. You know, the more the merrier and all that.”

 

Souta brightened considerably at that, “That sounds great! I'll ask Asami and see if we can. I hope she says yes.”

 

Laughing a little at his enthusiasm, Kagome was taking another sip of her hot chocolate when her turtleneck's collar was suddenly opened and a chunk of ice slid along her back. Dropping her cup with a shriek, she jumped from foot to foot while struggling to pull her shirt out of her jeans so the ice could slip out. She glared at the guys laughing at her, both relieved and annoyed to see Miroku and Inuyasha had found them.

 

“Very funny you guys!”

 

Souta sure seemed to agree, he'd dropped his drink too, after choking on a sip when he started laughing his head off. Grudgingly, Kagome admitted that it was nice to see him laugh at least.

 

“Sorry Kagome, it was just too good an opportunity to pass up,” Miroku chuckled and wiped at his eyes. He knew some folks were staring, but honestly, who cared?

 

Inuyasha, who was still holding his side and trying to calm down, was immediately brought out of his laughter by a snowball to the stomach. “Hey!”

 

“Serves you right!” Kagome leaned down and grabbed some more, tossing it at Miroku this time, who was expecting it and managed to duck.

 

“This is war!” Inuyasha pronounced, leaning down to grab his own ball. A shot to the head hit him by surprise and he quickly changed targets from Kagome to Souta. Miroku joined in and pretty soon the group was dodging between trees, hitting innocent bystanders, and laughing too hard to aim properly.

 

The fight ended when Souta suddenly tripped and fell into Kagome, knocking her onto her back. Unfortunately they had been on top of a small slope and went sliding down to the bottom. They both shrieked and ended up soaked and giggling like mad once they stopped, unable to answer the guys when they asked if they were ok. Still holding each other tight, Kagome and Souta managed to nod and after a few minutes, finally calmed long enough to stand up.

 

“They rent sleds not far from here,” Inuyasha pointed over in the right direction, “We could grab a couple and slide for a while.”

 

“I think I'm too wet already,” Kagome shivered and dusted off Souta's hair. “But I could go for it if you want to.”

 

“Sure!”

 

Skipping ahead beside Inuyasha, Souta unintentionally gave Kagome and Miroku the perfect opportunity to share a smile and hold hands. The boy's hero-worship of Inuyasha was kind of cute in Kagome's mind, but she could tell that he found it a bit surprising.

 

(- He's pretty good with kids too. -)

 

“Kagome!”

 

Turning at the sound of the familiar voice, she was delighted to see Shippo rushing towards her, leaving his poor grandmother behind. It had been some time since she'd seen the little one and she knelt with a big smile on her face, sweeping him into his arms when he reached her.

 

“Shippo!”

 

“I've missed you Kagome! When are you coming home?!” The bright eyed little boy hugged her tight and gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek. “Huh? When? Are you still in trouble? Saul said you had to go `cuz you were in trouble and that creep Inuyasha was helping take care of it.”

 

“Oi, kid! Watch who you're calling a creep!” Inuyasha shouted back.

 

Kagome and Shippo's eyes widened, his voice lowering to a whisper, “How did he do that?”

 

Giggling, Kagome gave him an Eskimo kiss and lifted him higher into her arms. “He's wicked that way.”

 

“What a delightful surprise Kaede!” Miroku gallantly escorted the older woman over.

 

“Indeed, I'm rather glad I gave into Shippo's pleas and brought him to the park today.” Kaede took his arm with a smile. “It's been some time since he's seen his dear Kagome. She's always so good with him, we've missed her at the apartment, all of us.”

 

“She does have a way of making a person miss her when she's gone,” Miroku agreed, watching her set Shippo down and introduce him to Souta.

 

They boys took to each other really well, despite their age difference, and were soon racing down the slopes set up for sledding. Inuyasha and Kagome took turns sliding with them both and later Miroku switched places with Inuyasha. When the boys could barely drag themselves up the hill, never mind the sleds, they decided it had been enough and led them out of the park and to a nearby restaurant for some lunch.

 

“Can we have pizza?” Shippo asked, snuggling into Kagome's shoulder.

 

“Yeah, can we?” Souta agreed, holding her free hand and sticking close to her side.

 

Kagome shrugged, “It's not up to me. Ask the others too.”

 

“That sounds fine with me too,” Inuyasha watched her bend slightly to her left to keep Shippo on her right hip and sighed. “Isn't the runt a little old to be carried?”

 

“I'm not a runt!” Shippo glared.

 

“But you are getting too big for me sweetie,” Kagome bussed his cheek before setting him down. “Come on now, it's not too far to Dino's.”

 

Shippo cheered, leaning forward to explain to Souta, “Dino's has the best pizza!”

 

Indeed, his words proved to be true, Souta happily decreed he'd never had a bigger or better pizza in his life. There was plenty of laughter and teasing during their lunch, and even Inuyasha managed to enjoy himself with the kids, much to his surprise. Kaede and Shippo left after the meal, both of them rather tired from the outing. They parted with hugs and promises to meet up again before Christmas.

 

Kagome and Souta headed into a nearby boutique, where she helped Souta buy a vintage overcoat for his aunt he'd seen through the window. They didn't take long, much to the guys' relief. Kagome beamed when Inuyasha handed her a cup of coffee.

 

Inuyasha grinned when she exclaimed about how good it was, “You use two sugars and three creams right?”

 

“Right!” With a grin, Kagome looped her arm through his and settled her head on his shoulder. “I'm getting tired.”

 

“Hear that kiddo? Time to go.” Hailing a cab, he let Souta and Kagome climb in first and was stopped from joining them when Miroku slipped in too.

 

“I don't think we're gonna fit in the back old man.”

 

“No shi-“

 

“Inuyasha!”

 

“Sorry,” glaring at Miroku, he closed the door and climbed into the front seat.

 

“I really hope she likes the coat, the one she's got is pretty old but kinda shabby, not nice and old like this one.” Souta held he bag on his lap and smiled up at Kagome. “Did you really mean it when you invited us over for Christmas?”

 

“Of course I did, I'd love to have you over!” With a ruffle to his hair she leaned against Miroku and yawned. “My, it's been a long day.”

 

“Is that because I'm here?” Souta quietly asked, “My aunt says she's never been so tired before and that's exactly why she never wanted kids. I don't think she likes me living with her much.”

 

“Oh no,” Kagome reached out and brushed his hair out of his eyes. “I'm sure she's glad to have you with her.”

 

“Nah, I heard her talking to one of her friends on the phone three nights ago, after I was supposed to be in bed.” Souta insisted, “I went downstairs to get some water and she was saying that she didn't know how we'd go on like this. She never wanted kids and here I am, a rambunctious kid running around the house. It's already small enough and she had to give up her office to make it into a room for me. She said she doesn't know what to do.”

 

Inuyasha and Miroku shared a look, hearing the kid's hurt in his voice, “You couldn't go live with other family members?”

 

“No, I only have an aunt and an uncle, the others are all second cousins to my parents and don't really know me.” Souta shrugged. “I guess I could go to a foster family, if she gets tired of me, but I try to behave!”

 

“We're here,” the cab driver interrupted.

 

After climbing out and making their way into the apartment, they removed their outerwear and settled into the living room. Kagome sank into the loveseat and dragged Souta down next to her.

 

The poor boy was still defending himself, “I don't make a mess, my room's clean and I tried to do my laundry but I put too much soap. She had to wash them again after they were done but it wasn't too bad. I try to keep to my room but the noise from the Nintendo bothers her so she makes me go play outside.”

 

“Don't take it to heart kiddo, she's happy to have you, she's just getting used to things too. If she never did want kids then having you live with her is a big step, and you have to understand that she's still very young.” Kagome reminded him.

 

“She's twenty four,” Souta mumbled.

 

Kagome laughed, “If you think that's old, I can't imagine what I am at 28.”

 

“You're not old.”

 

“I'm older though, and even at my age I know women who aren't ready to have kids,” she insisted.

 

“But you are, aren't you? You'd make a great mom!” Souta cuddled closer into her side.

 

“Thanks,” biting back a chuckle, Kagome sighed and kissed him on the head. “Now as for your aunt, don't worry, things will work out. And I'll talk to her about those Christmas plans we made, ok?”

 

“Sounds good,” Souta looked up when Inuyasha came into the room.

 

“Hey runt, I just got the latest Final Fantasy game, you any good?”

 

“Am I any good?” Souta jumped from the sofa and followed him over to his room. “I'm the best!”

 

Listening to their arguing, Kagome and Miroku shook their heads with a roll of their eyes. Kagome got up and made her way into the kitchen, “I need to put the chicken in the fridge for tomorrow's dinner. I don't think we'll be eating much more tonight after all that pizza we had.”

 

“I'm sure Inuyasha will,” Miroku followed her and waited until she was done fixing things up before tugging her back into the living room.

 

Crawling onto the sofa, they turned on the TV and made themselves comfortable. Miroku waited until she'd settled against him before resting his hand over her tummy. Kagome smiled as his fingers gently outlined her belly button. She was on the verge of sleep when he finally spoke again.

 

“He's right, you know, you really will make a great mom.”

 

Kagome laughed and poked him the stomach playfully, “As if there was ever a doubt about that.”

 

Laughing along with her, Miroku shook his head at her teasing and flipped on the TV. They still hadn't quite settled on anything, although she had let him off the hook the moment she'd asked for his help, there was too much between them now for him to just walk away. Looking down at the girl in his arms, he smiled and tucked her closer, tugging the throw blanket from the back of the sofa down over her sleeping form. She tired very easily now, a fact Inuyasha had brought up earlier that day during lunch. It was a good sign, and especially because she'd taken to napping here and there during the day.

 

Even though he hadn't brought the issue up yet, Miroku was pretty sure about his plans for the future. He already had an appointment at Tiffany's to find a ring the next day.

Hopefully she'd like her Christmas present from him this year.

 

(- Maybe she'll even have something extra nice for me too… she did get that Victoria's Secret catalog the other day… -)

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------

 

“Merry Christmas Dr. Houshi.”

 

Miroku turned and smiled at Ayame, surprised to see her without Kouga hanging around. They'd been dating since Halloween, almost two months now, and they seemed to be doing pretty well. The guy hadn't shown up for Poker at Inuyasha's place in weeks, luckily Kagome was glad to replace him. Damn if she didn't wipe the floor with them a few times too. The guys were considering banning her, but it was difficult when she lived in the place.

 

“Merry Christmas to you too Ayame. Got any plans?”

 

The young woman blushed, “Kouga's taking me to meet his parents. We fly out tomorrow morning.”

 

“Flying barely four days before Christmas sucks,” Miroku chuckled, “Believe me, I've done it enough times to know.”

 

“Speaking of which, how is your work going? I've been curious as to how you were handling things; I always thought you were based in L.A.” Ayame sipped her champagne and took the arm he offered so they could stroll around the room.

 

It was the annual Christmas party for Sesshomaru's firm, and living with Inuyasha, neither Kagome nor Miroku had been allowed to cry off from coming. Not that they would, Sango wouldn't let them skip out on one of her parties. Sisters could be downright ornery when it came to that.

 

“I've asked for a transfer, it's still unofficial, but I'll soon have my main office here at Mount Sinai.” Miroku shrugged, “It's about time I chose a city and settled down, plus all my family is here on the East Coast. Makes more sense to just stay here.”

 

Ayame smirked, “Come on! You can't fool me Miroku; you have another reason for staying in town, don't you?”

 

To his credit, he did manage to appear bland when he spoke, “And what other reason might that be?”

 

“Oh, I dunno, a particular young lady perhaps?” Ayame grinned, “One we both know quite well?”

 

“I have no idea who you refer to, unless it's my dear sister of course,” Miroku insisted.

 

“Hmm… and here I thought it was the young lady you came with tonight.” Ayame shrugged, “You know, the one in the blue dress that adds a bit of color to her plain brown eyes? I'm so very glad mine are a pretty green, brown is so dull.”

 

“Her eyes are not plain brown,” Miroku snapped, “They're a pretty light brown and there's nothing boring about her.”

 

“Ahh, right, but she has nothing to do with your moving to New York right?” Ayame smirked and leaned up to kiss his cheek. “It's about time you two came out of denial, I think the only one who's still clueless is Inuyasha, and even he's starting to see the light.”

Smiling, she released his arm and excused herself to go join Kouga again. Miroku was left there, bemused, looking for the young woman they'd been talking about. He spotted her a few yards away, talking animatedly to Mushin and Aoi.

 

He moved to her side and casually slung a shoulder over hers. He'd done it so much in their lives that neither of his parents made a comment about it, it seemed Inuyasha wasn't the only clueless one.

 

“I was just telling them about last night,” Kagome beamed, “You remember, when I whipped your sorry tails at poker, again?”

 

“You still think you win on your own?” Miroku teased, “Hell no! What kind of gentlemen would leave a lady penniless after all? And you have to know that your beaming grin has most of the guys at the table dropping money into your lap just to see it again.”

 

“That's not true!” Kagome gasped and smacked him on the chest. “You do not let me win out of gentlemanly courtesy, as if! Why, Inuyasha said more expletives than your crazy uncle Saku used to say at New Years, and Manten belched five times in front of me!”

 

She sniffed in disdain, “Gentleman, ha!”

 

“Hey Kagome?”

 

“Hmm?” She turned and beamed at Kouga. “Merry Christmas!”

 

“Thanks, Merry Christmas to you too,” Kouga gave her a smile and held out a package for her. “This is from Ayame and me, we're leaving for Boston tomorrow, but we wanted to give you your gift before going.”

 

“Oh Kouga, you shouldn't have,” Kagome whispered, taking the box, gasping when something inside it shifted and nearly made her drop it. “What's in it?”

 

“You're going to love it Kagome,” Ayame assured her, “Although your roommates might want to kill us later, at least, one of them.”

 

“Thank you!” Kagome gave her a hug with her free arm before taking a seat in the chair Miroku pulled up for her.

 

“Open your gift already,” Aoi insisted, “Why's the box moving like that?”

 

A soft mewl elicited another gasp from Kagome, while she promptly tore off the glittery green paper and yanked off the top of the box. “Oh my god!”

 

“Ohhh!” Aoi agreed.

 

“Awww”

 

“Oh no”

 

Kagome spared a second to glare at Miroku while Aoi smacked her husband. Neither woman appreciated their remarks apparently, while the other couple just laughed.

 

“It's so cute!” Kagome reached into the box to lift the tiny little kitten.

 

“Careful, she's just a baby,” Kouga told her. “My neighbor's cat died while having her kittens, and they offered me one, but I'm allergic.”

 

“Sango already has to babies to take care of,” Ayame explained, “And we didn't want her to go to the pound or someone we didn't trust…”

 

“And then I remembered you mentioning you wanted a cat,” Kouga interrupted. “At least, you had one didn't you?”

 

“No,” Kagome shook her head while raising the frightened kitten up to her eye level. She fell immediately in love with the little dear. Small and a light yellow color, with wide blue eyes and the cutest button nose she'd ever seen. “You're sweet!”

 

“What the hell is she holding?” Inuyasha demanded, “You've got to be kidding me!”

 

“Isn't she cute?” Kagome tucked the kitten close to her chest and stood up, gladly hugging both Ayame and Kouga. “Thanks so much you guys! This is the best gift ever!”

 

“Oh no you don't!” Inuyasha huffed, “You're not sticking me with the cat your crazy neighbors gave you Kouga! You take it back!”

 

“He's not sticking you with anything!” Kagome argued, “He gave her to me, I'll take care of her, you won't even know she's there.”

 

“I will too,” Inuyasha insisted. “She'll stink up the place.”

 

“She will not!” Kagome glared and turned away when Sango joined them. “Look!”

 

“How cute!” Sango petted the kitten and asked to hold her.

 

“Careful now,” Kagome handed her over and watched Sango pet her. “What should her name be?”

 

“Hey sweetie, oh listen she's purring,” Sango cooed and rubbed the kitten's ears.

 

“If I hear how sweet she is one more time…” Inuyasha muttered.

 

Kagome laughed and slipped over to his side, grabbing hold of his arm. “Aww you wouldn't really make me give her back, would you?”

 

“I hate cats.”

 

“But she's so cute, and she's an orphan, and I promise to take care of her,” Kagome pouted and batted her eyelashes at him. “Please can I keep her?”

 

“Don't do that!” Inuyasha turned to grab a drink from one of the servers passing by and gulped it down in one swallow. “That's cheating Kagome.”

 

She nodded, “I know, but it usually works.”

 

At that, Mushin choked on an appetizer he'd been munching on, Miroku stifled a chuckle, and Aoi ducked to hide her smile while she thumped her husband across his back. Behind Kagome, the other trio was starting up their bets.

 

“Fifty bucks says she keeps it.” Kouga mumbled.

 

“It's too easy” Ayame replied.

 

“Yeah, someone would have to be stupid to take up that bet.” Sango nodded, still holding the kitty.

 

Kouga huffed, “Fine, fifty bucks says she gets to keep it by midnight.”

 

“What time is it?”

 

“Ten thirty five,” Sesshomaru answered for him, “And I give raise you fifty bucks and say she gets it by eleven.”

 

Sango and Ayame shared a smile, “Amateurs.”

 

The former turned to her husband with a confident grin, “So a hundred bucks Sessh? Even eleven's too late, she'll have him by ten forty-five, mark my words.”

 

“Sango you took my bet!” Ayame exclaimed.

 

“I'm splitting it with you,” Sango explained.

 

That worked to placate the other woman, “Oh, ok.”

 

“Will you guys stop that already?” Inuyasha snapped, “Miroku, take this woman off my arm.”

 

“Sorry, can't do that,” Miroku shook his head, “She seems rather attached to that arm of yours and I wouldn't want to risk hurting her.”

“Aww that's so sweet Roku!” Kagome gave him a beaming smile.

 

“Great, Kagome, I think I'm going to be sick,” Inuyasha rolled his eyes and tried to step away. “Could you please let go? I'm not going to give in; I don't want that fur ball in my apartment.”

 

“But Inuyasha that's not fair!” Kagome tagged along as he moved away.

 

Exactly nine minutes later she was making her way back with a smile so big that Sesshomaru and Kouga were pulling out there wallets. Sango and Ayame shared another grin and eagerly held out their hands.

 

“So what should I name her you guys?” Kagome took her pet back and made another cutesy sound when she settled on her shoulder.

 

They were still debating the idea when a yawn caught Kagome mid-sentence. Miroku, noticing how tired she looked, glanced around and found Sesshomaru and Kouga across the room, speaking to a couple of men he didn't know. Making his way over, he quickly explained that they were on their way before coming back to pick her up.

 

“I'm exhausted,” Kagome admitted, handing him her cat so she could hug Ayame. “Merry Christmas babe! Have fun with Kouga's parents, they're really nice, I'm sure they'll love you.”

 

“Thanks! You have fun too,” Ayame hugged her tight and stepped away, giving Miroku a quick hug before Sango dragged her off to find their guys. She just waved the pair off, since she was spending the next few days with them anyways.

 

Kagome played with her kitten on the way home, curled up on her seat. “Isn't she cute?”

 

“You still haven't named her?” Miroku shook his head with a grin. “Any ideas?”

 

“I dunno,” Kagome shrugged. “I'm just glad I got to keep her.”

 

Miroku grinned wider when he thought of the bet and Inuyasha's scolding after the girls had gotten paid. “We'll buy her stuff tomorrow.”

 

“Yeah, we can leave her in the bathroom with a small couple of shoe boxes tonight,” Kagome agreed. “Did Inuyasha say what time he'd be home tonight?”

 

“He won't be,” Miroku replied while parking the car. “I'm sure you saw the new young lady he met tonight?”

 

“Oh right, the blond,” Kagome shrugged and slipped out of the car, careful of her sleeping pet.

 

They were soon home and settling in, after leaving the kitten in the bathroom, Kagome was surprised to find Miroku following her into her room. Shrugging it off, she headed to her closet and kicked off her shoes. She was coming out of her room when he turned on the TV and flipped the channel to a music station.

 

He'd guessed at the channel, and when he realized it was the `great classics' station and that it was playing a song from way back in the day, he frowned and scanned the guide for the next best channel. Kagome started humming to the song playing and gave him a mysterious smile while she slipped the control from his hand before he could change it.

 

“This music's bor-“

 

“Birds do it; bees do it
Even educated fleas do it”

Miroku interrupted, “Do what?”

 

Kagome shook her head at him, slipping her earrings off while she went on.

”In Spain, the best upper sets do it
Lithuanians and Letts do it”

“Kagome can't I change-“

 

“The Dutch in old Amsterdam do it”

 

Kagome tossed the control over her shoulder and tugged him forward by his tie.

”Not to mention the Finns”

 

His frown softened as she playfully undid his tie, slowly slipping around his neck as she kept singing.

”Folks in Siam do it”

 

She shook her head when he opened his mouth to protest and winked.

”Think of Siamese twins”

 

She kept in time to the music as she skipped her fingers up to his shoulders and pushed his jacket off.

 

“Some Argentines, without means, do it”

 

Next she focused on his shirt, using it to tug him down so she could tease his neck with kisses while she undid the buttons and kept whispering softly.

”People say, in Boston, even beans do it”

 

That brought a chuckle out of him, and he slipped his arms around her back to unzip her dress. Her voice got a little louder as she sang the song's main line.

”Let's do it!

Let's fall in love!”

 

With a laugh, Miroku brought his lips down over hers, cutting off the rest. No wonder she'd wanted to keep the song on, it was kind of cute. Although they both knew it was already too late.

 

They were already in love.

 

Still, it was nice to see her so playful, and to his good fortune, her playfulness didn't stop there.

 

------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------

 

 

 

“Well look at what the cat dragged in! Come in sweetie, it's too cold to be standing out there.” Mae waved Kagome in and frowned at Saul behind her, “You can get back to work.”

 

“Witch, you know my shift is over now, and I haven't seen her in a while either,” Saul nudged his wife inside and grinned at her scowl.

 

“Let him stay,” Kagome giggled at the older couple's antics, “I brought him a present too.”

 

“Why'd you waste your money doing that?” Mae chuckled and followed the young woman into her kitchen where they always took their tea. Kagome was already putting the kettle on the stove and pulling out the tea cups.

 

“Do you have that flavored black tea?” She asked, winking at Saul while he shuffled through her bags and found what he was looking for.

 

“Chocolate raspberry! Darlin' if I was just a few years younger, I'd sweep you away and marry you.” Opening the box of cookies, he bit into one and hummed with joy.

 

Mae grinned and pulled out the tea bags she bought for her chats with Kagome. They both knew he'd leave them alone as soon as the cookies were gone, which never really took very long.

 

“How is everything at your new apartment?” Saul asked, patting the chair beside him for her to sit.

 

“Nice, although it's a little frustrating being led around everywhere,” Kagome sighed and took her seat. “I had some trouble a couple of weeks ago and had to visit the hospital.”

 

“Are you ok?” Both of them sat up a little straighter and leaned close.

 

She gave a nod and bit her lip with a smile, “Actually, I'm pretty great.”

 

Sharing a look, Saul and Mae stayed silent for a moment while the tea was served and the cookies set out on a dish in the middle of the table. Finally, Kagome broke the silence. “You guys can't tell anyone.”

 

Mae nodded, “Of course not.”

 

“You know we wouldn't.” Saul took her hand and made her turn, “So you're sure huh?”

 

“Yeah, the hospital's doctor had to run a lot of tests and my own confirmed it last week,” Kagome gave his fingers a squeeze as she saw the worry setting into his eyes.

 

Mae hummed and sipped her tea for a second, “Is he going to marry you?”

 

“I don't know,” Kagome's smile dimmed a little. “He doesn't have to, you know, that was our deal. I was the one who wanted the baby.”

 

“Miroku's a good lad, he'll do the right thing,” Saul let go of her hand to cuff her chin playfully before reaching for another cookie.

 

Rolling her eyes, Kagome beat him to the big one he'd been eyeing, “How'd you know it was his?”

 

“Your eyes don't light up like that for anyone else,” Saul bit into his cookie and sipped his tea.

 

Mae nodded and reached for her own, “He's right; you have always had this sparkle in your eye when you're around him. We never imagined it would take you two this long to realize that your feelings were deeper though.”

 

“Well, we've realized it now,” Kagome sipped her tea and changed the subject. “But what about you two? Any news from your kids?”

 

The next two hours were spent laughing and chatting, sharing the latest gossip and tales of Shippo's misadventures. Saul suddenly looked out the window and noticed the darkness outside. “Sweetheart, not that I don't love having you here, but it's awfully gloomy out there. Will they be picking you up soon?”

 

“Oops! I lost track of the time!” Kagome jumped up from her seat and glanced at the clock. “I need to get some things from my apartment before I call for a ride.”

 

“Well, come back down to wait with us after you find them.” Mae instructed her as she headed to the door.

 

“Sure thing, be right back,” grabbing her keys, Kagome hurried up to her room, stopping for a moment to chat with Trevor and give him a quick hug. After a quick chat, she was finally up in her old apartment and looking around slightly wistfully. She missed having her own place.

 

Dropping her keys onto the side table, she slipped off her shoes and made her way over to the washer. Climbing on top of the cover, she was shuffling through a few boxes she'd stored on the shelves there when the lights suddenly went out.

 

“Shit!” With a gasp, she dropped the box she'd been looking through and crouched down closer to the washer's lid. From outside the open doorway, she could hear her neighbors arguing, relief flooding her as she realized it was not just her own place that had lost power.

 

(- What is with me and powerless buildings? This is ridiculous! -)

 

“Hey, what's going on?!”

 

“Obviously the electricity's gone out!”

 

Shippo's voice brought a smile to her features, “Ok, who didn't pay his bill?”

 

Her laughter was cut off by the sound of her door being closed. The sound of footsteps heading her way sent a chill down her spine and she held her breath as she tried to slip off the washer without making any noise. Suddenly the footsteps stopped.

 

“Scream and that cute little boy outside will rush in and get hurt,” a hushed male voice informed her. “The lights will be back in a few minutes so we have to make a quick exit. Just come down off the washer and head over to the door.”

 

“I'm not that stupid,” Kagome whispered back, heading into the opposite direction towards the kitchen. His voice was just down the hall, but maybe she'd be able to get some sort of weapon by the time he reached her.

 

“This way my pet,” the voice implored, “I promise not to hurt you so long as you listen.”

 

(- Oh god, I can't see anything, why isn't he moving? -)

 

With her eyes glued to the front of the hallway, she felt her feet touch the tile of her kitchen and sucked in a relieved breath. Just a few more paces and she'd be at the counter.

 

Slim arms wrapped around her suddenly, a hand stifling her gasp with a handkerchief as she was lifted off the floor. “You should have listened sweetheart.”

 

Kicking and squirming, Kagome attempted to scream, only to gag at the foul smell coming from the cloth over her mouth. “That's right, breath deeply so you can go to sleep.”

 

Kagome whimpered as she tried to fight back, her movements slowing as the chloroform took effect. Her head was swimming and she could barely register the words he whispered into her ear.

 

“It's ok baby, we're going home now.”

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------

 

The End

 

For this chapter.

 

Don't hate me, I had to do it, I swear I did. Thanks for all the reviews and e-mails you guys, you totally make the struggles against writher's block worth it! I hope this chapter was to your liking, let me know, just don't leave any death threats ok? I'm getting so many nowadays, it's kind of scary.

 

I'll update soon, I promise. Not much left to the story though, sorry to say. I've decided this story will have at most 20 chapters, to end on an even note, maybe an epilogue, if there's enough requests.

 

So yep, don't forget to click that little button k-?

 

Thanks!