InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Enlightenment ❯ Chapter 16 ( Chapter 16 )

Chapter 16

 

The next few days had been nothing but hectic for Inuyasha. He was relieved that it was Tai was spending the next two weeks with Kagome. He had enough trouble controlling himself from staying in the office too late. And because of that, he had begun to bring his work home with him, staying up until the wee hours of the night. He and Sesshomaru had split the duties and what needed to be done between the two of them for the presentation to be a success.

 

He was more than relieved to know that he didn't have to spend countless hours with Sesshomaru working on this project. They just called each other whenever they had a question about something.

 

So far, he was right on schedule with what he needed done. He and Sesshomaru had agreed that everything should be done in the next tow days, and then they would spend another two days putting their work together. After that was done, they would have to review everything to make sure that all was in order and up to par with their father's expectations.

 

“I need a break,” the half demon grumbled, as he pushed his chair away from the desk.

 

Inuyasha glanced at his digital clock on his desk and read that it was 1:00 in the morning. He had barely gotten any sleep since his father had assigned him to work on this project. He only had five hours of sleep every night until he had to get up early for work. Soon this project would be over and his father would go back to ignoring him again. He didn't know whether he preferred it when his father paid attention to him or ignored him.

 

Inuyasha brought a hand to rub his eyes. He was just so tired and exhausted. He guessed that it didn't help that he hadn't had a decent meal in days either. It was either take-out or ramen for dinner. The last time he had had a home cooked meal was when Tai had brought him home some pasta that Kagome had packed.

 

The dim light provided by his desk lamp was the only light that lit the room. Being part demon had its advantages of course. He had better eye sight than most humans, especially in the dark. His eyes lazily wandered around the dark room of his office.

 

During the past three years he had done some redecorating around the house. He found that it was the best way to keep himself occupied while Tai was spending two weeks with Kagome. He had remodelled the kitchen himself and replaced the kitchen tiles. He also replaced some of the hardwood floors around the house and removed the carpet in other rooms. Eventually, the house had become more masculine, nothing like how it was when Kagome lived there.

 

Tai had been excited about the renovations around the house and wanted to help. Of course he wouldn't let his young son around sharp objects. In the end Inuyasha promised Tai that if he wanted, they would repaint his room and maybe even give it a theme. He had to admit, Tai's room was incredible. They had spray painted some rocket ships, stars, moons, and planets using stencils. It was nothing short of a great father and son project.

 

For a moment he thought about calling Tai to say good night, but then remembered that it was already late and Tai had probably been asleep for hours. He really missed the little tyke.

 

Inuyasha allowed his eyes to drift up to a lone picture frame sitting at the top right corner of his desk. It was a picture of Tai, him, and Kagome from Tai's third birthday. He couldn't believe that this picture was only taken three years ago.

 

Without thinking, he had grasped the frame in his hand and studied the smiling faces that looked back at him. This had been one of his favourite days. He didn't mind at all either that Kagome was in the photo. The picture wouldn't have been the same without her nor would it hold the same sentimental value. This photo reminded him that despite his selfishness, his son still had a family to turn to.

 

Another reason why he treasured this particular photo so much was that it provided a form of escape for him. Deep within his thoughts, his heart, he sometimes looked at the photo as a direct portrait of what could have been; what he knew his future would have been if it weren't for his mistakes.

 

He missed having a woman's company; specifically, a wife. It was more than having someone warming his bed. He missed having a best friend to turn to whenever he had something plaguing his mind. He missed the home cooked meals that wafted as soon as he opened the door to welcome him home.

 

“Keh! When did you become so pathetic?” his callous voice whispered to him.

 

Have you ever been alone and felt so secluded that you were practically alone, forced to listen to your thoughts? Well he hated moments like those. He hated being alone with his thoughts because they led him to question everything that he has done and happened in his life. What scared him most was the uncertain future that lay waiting for him.

 

He had of course never thought this way before. Having a lot of time during the past three years left a lot of free time for him to ponder about certain things. Moments alone at night were when these thoughts were most prevalent and recurring. Maybe getting his job back would distract him for his senseless anxieties and bring into perspective what he should be focussing on right now.

 

Inuyasha finally decided he had had enough. He pulled out the remote to his ipod speakers, and immediately, soft soothing music filled the room. This would be enough to chase away the silence he so despised. As for now, he had to get back to work.

 

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“Inuyasha please come see me in my office now.”

 

“Keh!” Inuyasha could only roll his eyes at his father demand.

 

Would it kill the old man to issue a greeting now and then?

 

Before Inuyasha knew it, he was walking through the glass doors of his father's office just down the hall from his own. As soon as he entered the sunlit office, he walked in on his father speaking on the phone. He watched as his father gestured for him to sit on the chair in front of the large desk.

 

Before Inuyasha could make himself comfortable on the large cushy chair, his father had ended his conversation to whomever he was speaking with and looked at him expectantly.

 

“I've just finished speaking to Patterson-san about their decision,” Inutaisho paused to take a sip of his coffee. “They were highly impressed with the presentation that you and Sesshomaru prepared.”

 

“So they've agreed to the merger?” Inuyasha asked trying to contain his obvious curiosity.

 

“Thanks to Sesshomaru's persuasion-” he knew it! His father was overlooking him again despite the obvious efforts he had invested into this merger. “and your input in the presentation had Patterson-san more than willing to sign on with us.”

 

Wait. Was he hearing this correctly? Had he imagine it? Did his father just compliment him and acknowledge his contribution to the merger's success?

 

“Don't look so surprised son. A man should learn to recognize when he has done good work. And you have done just that,” Inutaisho chuckled at his son's dumbfounded expression.

 

“Keh,” was the only reply he could think of because he was absolutely speechless.

 

“It's good to finally see that you have gotten your life and priorities back together. This merger will bring our company great partnerships abroad. This is only the beginning Inuyasha. What do you say son?”

 

“What do I say to what?” Inuyasha asked with a baffled expression. He didn't know what his father was getting at. He wished his father would just cut the crap already and get straight to the point.

 

“What I mean is that this company has a bright future ahead of it. And so do you as long as you keep doing the same good work that you've put in for this merger to be possible.”

Inuyasha couldn't believe what he was hearing. His father was praising him for his good work and acknowledging that he was a valuable asset to their company.

 

“As a reward, you will now be trusted to work on larger projects. Having you work on this project with Sesshomaru is proof enough that you can handle larger responsibilities in this company. And it's about time I started relying on both my sons to handle my affairs.”

 

Inuyasha felt his eyes grow wider as his father proceeded through the conversation. During the years he had worked for his father, never in his wildest dreams did he expect it to finally pay off now.

 

He began in his father's company as nothing more than a janitor. He decided that he would earn his father's respect by working through the company's lowest job, up to Sesshomaru's level.

 

After working as a security guard and then finally attaining a small position in the accounting department, his father only quirked an eyebrow at his accomplishment.

 

Then after that, he had become the accountant supervisor in his section in accounting after only two years. His father had merely dismissed the news.

 

Three years later he had been promoted to the positions as the accounting director of the whole company. And still, his father had barely acknowledged his impressive move upwards in the company.

 

Sesshomaru had always been his father's pride and joy next to the company. He, Inuyasha, was nothing more than another employee.

 

“Is that all?” Inuyasha said in attempt to seem indifferent about the situation.

 

Inutaisho sighed and gave a slight nod to his son to indicate that he was finished. As Inuyasha turned to push the door open his father's voice echoed behind him.

 

“I'm proud of you son.”

 

 

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“Hey Sango, is Miroku there?” asked Inuyasha.

 

Sango told him to hold on for a moment since Miroku was just getting out of the shower. Fortunately for him, Sango had begun to warm up to him and treat him civilly. He didn't know what Miroku had to say or do, but things were a lot different. Sango had begun treating Inuyasha him more tolerably and less hostile.

Miroku was allowed to speak to him again without Sango freaking out about it. Now he didn't feel like he was having some sort of secret affair with Miroku. No pun intended of course.

 

Sometimes he was also welcomed by Sango to join them for dinner. Those times he truly savoured because it was as if he had his old life back with his old friends. Although there were of course certain changes that he couldn't ignore, such as Kagome's absence and the presence of the children. Still, it was sometimes hard to ignore and just go along with the changes that life brought him.

 

He had opted to call Miroku for the evening. He needed an opinion to what he should do with the change in his father's demeanour towards him and his recent success. Normally he'd ask Kagome, but that would come later if there were some changes necessary. One thing he was careful to mention around her and that was his career.

 

“Inuyasha?” Miroku's voice came on in the other line.

 

“Hey, sorry to call so late,” Inuyasha answered as he relaxed in his favourite new, leather recliner in front of his fire place. He had gotten home an hour ago but decided that he didn't want to go to bed yet.

 

It had become gradually colder as winter had begun and the living room was the cosiest part of the whole house. So before calling Miroku, he had gotten dressed in his flannel pyjamas and matching robe and poured himself a small glass of wine. He then lit the fire place and sat in his recliner to watch the dancing flames and bathe in the warmth it offered.

 

“It's alright, Sango likes to take her time getting ready for me-” Miroku was cut off by a rather loud and resounding slap on the flesh.

 

“Damn perv,” grumbled Inuyasha. He didn't know what to be disturbed by; the fact that his friend was getting ready to get some lovin' for the night or the mental image of Miroku wearing nothing while they were on the phone. That last thought caused Inuyasha to shiver in disgust. “Look if you're busy-”

 

“Don't be silly my friend, like I said,” Miroku's voice dropped to a whisper, “Sango is still getting ready.”

 

“Keh!”

 

“So I heard about the merger. Congratulations Inuyasha,” Miroku's mirthful voice said.

 

“Keh. No big deal,” he said once again trying to sound nonchalant.

 

“I take it your father is pleased?”

 

“More than pleased… The only way you'd believe me was if you were actually there to witness the old man,” Inuyasha replied while swishing the wine inside the delicate glass he was holding.

 

“Care to fill me in?”

 

“It was strange Miroku. Normally father would just shrug of anything that I've hand my hand in. Though this time he was literally gushing,” Inuyasha said dryly.

 

“Inutaisho Takahashi gush? Now you're exaggerating my friend,” Miroku chuckled.

 

“I told you that you wouldn't believe me. He even complimented me. Miroku, he said that he'd be able to trust me with more responsibilities in the company,” Inuyasha's tone had switched to a more serious tone.

 

“Isn't that a good thing? At least he doesn't regret rehiring you.”

 

“I know but…that's not it,” he seriously didn't know why he was stressing about this. Inuyasha took a sip of his wine to calm his nerves.

 

“Then what is it?”

 

“I'm just…I don't know if I can trust myself to work and to spend time with Tai,” Inuyasha admitted slowly. “How do you do it Miroku? How do you not obsess with your work and make time for your family?”

 

“Well, I try to remember why it's important for me to work and to earn a salary and that is to provide for my family. At the same time I also remind myself that there really are some things that money can't buy.”

 

“You make me sound like a greedy idiot hoarding money,” scoffed Inuyasha.

 

“What I mean is that while it's important for Tai to be taken care of financially, he also needs his father. Understand?” Inuyasha knew that Miroku couldn't see him, but proceeded to nod his head anyway. “And as for not trusting yourself, just think of last time as a learning experience.”

 

“A learning experience huh? That's one way of putting it,” Inuyasha mumbled.

 

“At least this time you'll be aware of how you're acting and how it affects Tai,” Miroku said it as if it was most simple thing in the world. Maybe it was. Maybe he was just too dense to realize what Miroku was trying to say.

 

“So you think I should keep going with this? You think I should keep working?” Inuyasha asked, hoping that his friend would make the choice for him.

 

“Well you do have to support yourself. You can't live off of the money you've saved. Just try not to let your job completely consume your life Inuyasha.”

 

Inuyasha began to contemplate Miroku's advice. More than anything he wanted to be a good father to Tai. Inuyasha personally knew what it was like to have a father that was obsessed with making his mark on the world. He swore that he would try his best to prevent that from ever happening to his own son…

 

“Inuyasha? I have to go. I'll speak to you another time my friend. Have a good nigh.”

 

Inuyasha had barely taken into account that he was no longer on the phone with Miroku. He was just so worried that the bond he had established with his son would be subjected to be ruined by his uncontrolled ambitions.

 

He didn't know how much time had passed as he sat in front of the crackling fire. The wine in his glass had long disappeared, with the glass placed on a stand to his left. Inuyasha sighed and rubbed his temples. All this worrying wasn't going to do him any good. He just had to take it one day at a time.

 

A yawn escaped his mouth as he continued to snuggle deeper into his recliner in front of the fire place. He felt his eyes begin to sting and finally closed them. Upon closing his eyes, he imagined he was in a different place, a different time in his life.

 

A woman's giggle resounded through the dimly lit room, with shadows dancing around them and fire crackling in the background.

 

“What do you think?” asked the young woman with flushed rosy cheeks and glittering brown eyes.

 

“I think that if we keep feedin' him, he'll burst and I will not let my first son explode from too much baby food,” he said taking the squealing baby from Kagome. “He's getting heavier by the day! By the time he's ten months old we'll be hauling him around in a wheel barrow!”

 

It was a cold autumn night when Kagome had suggested that they snuggle up in front of the warm cozy fire place. So that was what they did. All three of them were snuggled in an old, beaten recliner under a heavy blanket. Kagome sat partly on the recliner and partly on his lap, while baby Tai was snuggled in between them.

 

“I think it's cute. I love chubby babies,” Kagome cooed at her baby boy.

 

“Keh!”

 

A calming silence passed over the couple as they listened adoringly to their infant son's burbling.

 

“Kagome?” Inuyasha asked slowly. He waited until she looked at him to continue. When she met his eyes his breath caught in his throat. He could never tire from the love and warmth that her eyes always held for him…never.

 

“What's the matter Inuyasha?” she asked beginning to sound worried.

“Do you ever think about how he'll turn out?” Inuyasha asked glancing down at the baby in his lap.

 

“All the time…” Kagome paused to stroke Tai's cheek delicately. “I think about what favourite sport he might like when he grows up, what subject he'll hate at school, whether he's as stubborn as you,” she laughed.

 

“Kagome…what if I can't take care of this family? What if I can't give him a future? What if-” he was silenced by Kagome's hand gently cupping his cheek.

 

“Inuyasha you're more than capable of caring for us,” she assured him. “I believe in you. You're a great father Inuyasha. What ever comes our way, we'll handle it together. We will take care of this baby and give him all the love in the world. I have absolute faith in you.”

 

Through the whole time that she was talking he remembered just how much he loved this woman. She always believed in him. She was always there to comfort him, to support him in everything that was important to him. It broke his heart to think that he'd fail her and their son.

 

“I wish I can be as sure as you are,” he said as he attempted to turn away from her touch.

 

Her hand never left his cheek and applied a slight force to prevent him from turning away from her touch. “I've never doubted you, please don't doubt me when I say this,” she paused and drew herself close enough to him to place a chaste kiss on his lips. “I love you Inuyasha Takashi and I have absolute faith in you that you will do your best to take care of this family.”

 

Inuyasha remained still as Kagome continued to place chaste kisses over his face. She was just so sure, so trusting that he would be able to provide them with a good future. Though his accounting job at his father's company paid enough to support both he and Kagome, he wasn't sure if it would be able to support all three of them. Not to mention any kids that they may have in the future.

 

His worried soon began to melt away as his wife kissed him passionately, waiting for him to return it. He kissed her back with as much passion as she had put into her kiss. They finally pulled away from each other panting, their foreheads resting upon the other's.

 

Kagome snuggled her face into his neck while Tai burrowed further on both their laps. He felt so suffocated by the happiness and love that he felt for the two treasures in his arms.

 

He prayed to anyone who was listening from the heavens that they wouldn't take his family away from him. Was it right to feel so much happiness? Would he have to pay for all his good fortune one day?