InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ For the Love of a Child ❯ The Meeting ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

 

It is a stormy day, dark and gloomy.  One quite appropriate for the activities the young woman has gone through earlier.  She enters her apartment followed by a tall, slender young man strikingly handsome with neatly cut blond curly hair and brown eyes.  After laying her umbrella aside Kagome walks to her closet putting away her raincoat while the man lays his wet hat on the side table, takes off his jacket, and laying it over the arm of the couch.  He walks to the young woman who’s, looking out her window, placing a caring hand on her shoulder while giving a look of concern.

 

“Hey.  You ok Kagome?” he asks quietly.  “Why don’t I fix you a cup of tea?”

 

Kagome gently covers his large hand with hers while slightly shaking her head.

 

“No thank you,” she replies quietly.  “I’m alright.”  The young woman watches the heavy rain falling down onto the meager sized parking lot below and sighs.  “It wasn’t supposed to rain today.”

 

“Yeah, but that storm seems kind of appropriate, don’t you think?  It would be in poor taste if it was sunny, considering what we’ve just gone through.”

 

“You really think so?”  Kagome looks up at the man, trying her best to smile then returns her gaze to the window.  “Lisa loved sunny days Roger.”

 

“I know she did.  But storms like this…it seems so right somehow.  It’s like the heavens themselves are crying for a soul who’s left this earth much too soon.”  Kagome again sighs before walking away from the window.  “So, what now?”

 

“Hm?” asks Kagome looking slightly confused.  “What do you mean?”

 

“Well now that sis is gone do you have any plans on moving out?”

 

“Move out?  Why?  There’s a lot of good memories here.  It would be like leaving Lisa behind if I moved out now.  Besides, where would I go?  I don’t have a job so I really can’t afford any place decent.”

 

“You don’t need to worry about money Kagome.  I’m sure sis left you something in her will.”

 

“Why?”

 

“She cared a lot about you.  You were like a sister to her.  You were there when she needed you when her family just...  Sis would have wanted you to be taken care of if anything were to happen to her.”

 

“I see.  Lisa and I do have a joint bank account, for the baby when it came.  It’s still in there, you know.  If you want, I’ll make arrangements to give it back to you.”

 

“Nah, you keep it.”

 

“But…”

 

“Sis would haunt me forever, Kagome if I took it from you.  Besides, I kind of think of you as my little sis too, so I want to make sure you and my nephew are well taken care of.”

 

“You don’t need to worry Roger.  I’ll be fine.”

 

“Do you think, I’ll just forget about you when I go back to the states?  Well, you can think again Kagome.  When Lisa needed you, you were there for her.  When she was forced to come here, she thought she didn’t have a friend in the world but then you came along and befriended her.  I loved my little sister a lot, and knowing you were her friend, meant a lot to me.  I could tell just by reading her letters, how so very fond of you she was, that she had someone like you who actually cared about her.  You made her feels safe and loved like she was actually important.  You were someone who kept her strong and motivated Kagome.  You made her happy.  You were there for her when she really needed someone.  And, I’m going to be there for you.  So if you or my nephew should need anything, anything at all just call me and let me know.  I’ll get it to you.  And don’t you dare forget that.”

 

“Thanks Roger.  I appreciate it.  But really, I wasn’t anyone special.  Before I met Lisa, I had no one.  I was a loner until she came along.  We were good for each other.  So you really don’t need to worry me, ok?”

 

“You’re going to be taken care of Kagome whether you want to be or not.  It’s what sis would have wanted, and it’s what I want.”  Kagome gently smiles and nods.  “Anyway…what was the deal with that bastard today?”

 

“Who?”

 

“Oh, you know.  The whiny ass man who showed his ass today.  The one by sis’s coffin…crying and shit like some child?  He really pissed me off.”

 

“I wasn’t so happy with him either.  Really.  I wish he didn’t even go to the Lisa’s funeral if he was going to act like that.  I was so embarrassed with him, hugging me like he did.  I tried moving away but…he just hugged me closer and starting crying even louder.”

 

“Yeah.  I mean the guy’s a man, right?  He should have acted like one.”

 

“Houjo has his problems, I guess.”

 

“Well what about you Kagome?  You had problems too, you know.  It was hard enough on you as it was, he sure as hell didn’t have to add to your misery by making it worse.  You should have been respected, not be harassed by that fucking bastard.  The shit he said… it was disgusting.”

 

“It would have made things easier on me, I guess, if he’d just waited until after the funeral to talk to me about that.  It would have been better for everyone involved.  But the way Houjo handled it.  The way he went on and on about it…in front of all those people.  They were all looking at me Roger…pitying me…I wanted to cry.”

 

Roger wraps his arms around Kagome, pulling her to his chest.  “I know.  You should have just slapped him Kagome, to shut him up.  Hell I wanted to clobber the creep, but it was my sister’s funeral.  I wasn’t going to disrespect her by getting into a fight with the bastard.”

 

“I thank you for that.  Though I think a tiny piece of me was really wanting you to do it.  But you’re right.  It was no place for a fight.”

 

Roger smirks.  “Say um, do you think that bastard will be coming around here today?”

 

“I hope not.  I don’t want to be upset any more than I already am.  Besides, everything needed said was said, right?”

 

“I hope so.  It’s just I wanted to make sure to plant my fist in that pretty boy face of his before going back home tonight.  The things he said to you Kagome… the bastard should have just kept his damn mouth shut or stayed away if he was going to act like that.  Accusing sis and you of…and then to stand there bawling like some baby over someone he didn’t really care about…doesn’t that bastard have any pride at all?”

 

“I’m sure he didn’t mean what he said Roger,” defends Kagome.  “He was just angry.”

 

“Angry or not, Kagome where I come from, we’re taught to show respect at funerals.  Not walk around, yelling, acting like an ass at one.  And to accuse you and sis of being so underhanded as to try and push a baby on him well....”

 

“I know.  But I think Houjo was expecting Lisa to leave the baby with me, not with him.  He was just surprised.  He’ll calm down soon enough.”

 

“Yeah well, I’d still like to kick his ass, just once, before I leave here.”

 

“It’s over now Roger so let it be.  After all it wouldn’t do for you to go home and let the kids and your wife see you angry like this.  Lisa wouldn’t like that at all.”

 

“Tell me something Kagome.”

 

“If I can.”

 

“What exactly did sis see in that bastard?”

 

“I don’t understand.”

 

“What made her fall in love with him?  Our dad was a prick, never showed any love or respect to mom or any of us.  He did perverted things to sis, making her feel ashamed all the time.  And when sis finally said something, mom wouldn’t believe her and forced Lisa to move out, made her move all the way here to Japan.  Then after going through all that, Lisa goes and takes up with some bastard who’s just like him.  Why was that?”

 

“I don’t know Roger.  I wish I did but I just don’t know.”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“I just don’t know,” whispers the young woman slightly shaking her head.  She deeply sighs remembering the sad distant memory then once again looks around the restaurant.

 

It’s Friday night and like most weekend nights, almost every table in the exclusive restaurant, The Samurai Club is occupied.  The dining area of this particular club is quite large and unique in itself with its high dark red patterned walls, and thick heavy black curtains, hung over the windows to keep those passing by the club from looking in.  Few gilded framed pictures, depicting a world of colorful birds and flowering water gardens are seen hanging along each wall, taking away some of the room’s harsh decor.  In each corner of the room stands a large statue of an unsmiling samurai, each dressed in armor or colorful garments embellished with symbols showing which land or lord they may have served centuries ago, wielding a different dangerous looking weapon in his hand, while poised as if at any moment they’re expecting to do battle.  They are such a magnificent sight many a patron has had their pictures taken with them.

 

The dining tables are decked out in dark red linen tablecloths, with neatly folded black linen napkins, nestling bright shining gold plated silverware within.  Fine etched crystal water goblets, are sparkling from the flames from small flickering candles placed on each table as well as from the light of three large chandeliers strategically hung from the ceiling above.

 

Yes, the Samurai Club is a most auspicious place indeed, where only the many well to do patrons often frequent.  They’re attired in costly array, flaunting their wealth as they sit at their tables eating very expensive meals and speaking in hushed tones while listening to the music, piped in from the speakers hidden above.

 

It would seem as if everyone in the restaurant is having a good time.  However, among these well to do patrons, we find a young woman who is not having a good time.  She is sitting alone at a table, quietly munching on a complimentary bread stick, and wishing she were somewhere else.  Listening to the soft music, she nervously looks around trying her best not to be noticed by those surrounding her.  The gleam and sparkle from the expensive watches and jewelry she sees, gives the young woman a strong feeling of shame, and not belonging.

 

Kagome sighs and finally looks down at her menu.  (Why must I be here,) she thought slightly shaking her head?  (I can’t understand why he insists on bringing me her, knowing I don’t belong.  Why just look at them all dressed up like fancy peacocks and then look at me.)  Kagome looks down at her unadorned hands plucking at her clothing purchased from a second-hand shop and slightly smiles.  (Compared to these people, I must look like a beggar, begging for scraps.)  The young woman smirks.  (Maybe I am a beggar now that I think about it.  It’s why I’m here, isn’t it, to beg for any scraps he’s willing to give?)  Kagome looks up seeing a rather heavy middle-aged woman taking her seat at the table in front of hers and slightly shakes her head.  (It doesn’t seem fair, does it?  All these people.  Do they actually realize how lucky they are or are they just taking their wealth for granted?)  Kagome looks down at her menu.  (And these prices.  The money they pay for just one meal alone here could easily feed a family of four for a week.  Heck it, could feed both Souta and me for two weeks, if not longer.)  Kagome heavily sighs.  (I wonder what it’s like to be rich.  To be like them or even have half as much as they seem to have.  Souta would certainly be a lot healthier than what he is now.  I could afford his medications and everything else he needs.  And I’d be able to do it without,) the young woman frowns, (without him.  I’d never have to beg for scraps from him again.) 

 

“Excuse me dear,” says a woman at the next table.

 

Kagome looks up surprised.  “Huh?” she asks.  “You mean me?”

 

“Yes.  I’d dropped my fork and the waiters here look to be so busy.  Could I possibly trouble you for one of yours?”

 

“Oh.  Take mine.”  Kagome smiles handing the lady a fork.  “I won’t be needing it.”

 

“That’s so kind of you dear.  Thank you so much.”

 

“Yeah…sure.”

 

The woman turns around and begins talking to those seated at her table.

 

Two large hands touch Kagome’s shoulders and she cringes. 

 

(Well here we go again.  Smile Kagome, smile.)  Kagome plasters a fake smile on her face and looks up finding a young man, in his mid-thirties, smiling down at her. 

 

He stands tall, at five feet, eight inches, wearing a black dinner jacket and expensive white silk shirt which clings to his slim and slightly muscular body like a second skin.  The man has straight sandy hair, neatly cut to the top of his dark sparkling blue eyes, giving him a sweet, innocent, almost boyish charm, the young woman knows well not to trust for it has deceived her as well as others on more than one occasion.

 

“Been waiting long,” the man asks in a deep voice and leans in to kiss Kagome’s cheek.

 

“Um, no,” replies Kagome trying and failing to elude the hated show of affection.  “I…well I just arrived a few minutes ago Houjo.  I was surprised though to see you weren’t here before me.  Problems?”

 

“My wife,” replies Houjo walking around and taking his seat across from her.  “She called before I left the office.”

 

“Tory called?”  Kagome watches the man wave for a waiter.  “She’s alright, isn’t she?”

 

“She’s fine.  It’s just that old crone again.”  Houjo sets his gaze upon the young woman sitting across from him.  “Tory said she’s sick and had me drive her out to her mother’s tonight.”

 

“I see,” says Kagome quietly.  “Her mother does seem to be ill a lot these days, doesn’t she?”

 

“Hmph!” says Houjo with a dismissive wave.  “Hardly.  You ask me I think the old bitch is faking it …to get my wife to feel sorry for her.”

 

“You should say that, Houjo,” says Kagome.  “Tory loves her mother very much so of course if she’s sick, she’d want to go to her.  Why I think it’s sweet of her, taking such good care of her mom like she does.”

 

“Yeah right,” says Houjo looking disgusted.  “REAL sweet.  Why the way that old bitch goes on and on about her many, MANY ailments, you’d think she was going to die tomorrow.  Wish she’d just die already and get it over with.”

 

“Houjo!  What’s wrong with you?” says Kagome.  “You know Tory would feel just devastated if she lost her mother.”

 

“So?”

 

“So, you should respect your wife’s feelings.  Not belittle her because of them.  Tory’s probably feeling very worried now and, and lost.  How would you feel if your mother was sick?  You’d worry too, wouldn’t you?”

 

“Kagome.  The bitch isn’t sick.  She’s just pretending, that’s all.”

 

“But what if she’s not pretending?  What if she’s really sick and Tory needs you?  I think you should go be with her Houjo …to give her your support.  I’d understand, if you left now to go be with you wife.”

 

“You would understand, wouldn’t you?” replies Houjo.  Kagome gives a nod.  “That’s just like you my sweet...always thinking of others.”

 

“No one could ever replace a mother, Houjo.  Even if they’re not the best, it’s still good to have them around.  That’s why I think you should…”

 

“I should do nothing.”

 

“Houjo.”

 

“Drop it, alright?  It gets annoying listening that shit.  Besides Kagome, you should know by now, I’d never allow anything or anyone to interfere with our time together.  You’re special and…”  The waiter arrives, lays Houjo’s drink in front of him and walks away.  “Look.”  Houjo reaches across the table and takes Kagome’s hand to lightly rub her fingers with his thumb.  “Let’s not talk about Tory’s problems.  Alright?  Tonight’s about us.  Just you and me.  I want to know how you’re feeling, about what’s been happening with you.  So …how much did you miss me this week?”

 

“Not much,” replies Kagome slowly pulling her hand free from his grasp.  Houjo gives a slight frown.  “It’s um,” she continues, “well it’s been so hectic this week, I really haven’t had time to think about anyone.”

 

“You haven’t been ill, I hope.”

 

“Oh no I’m just fine, but...”  The young woman gives a questioning look.  “Houjo?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“I’ve been thinking.  Isn’t it about time you told Tory?”

 

“Told her what exactly?”

 

“About Souta.  It would be much better for both of us, if Tory knew about him.”

 

“Out of the question!” Houjo replies, harshly, while sitting back in his chair.

 

“Why not?” says Kagome.

 

“You know why not.”

 

“But it would make it so much simpler for me…and for you too if you’d only tell her.”

 

“Kagome.”

 

“The meals here are so expensive,” continues Kagome.  “Too expensive really.  You probably don’t have any money left for the rest of the week because of what you’re spending here.  So, I’ve been thinking if Tory knew about Souta, it would mean we wouldn’t need to meet here, anymore.  You’d be able to save all your hard-earned money for other things, and as for me… I could stay home with Souta more and could maybe call if there’s an emergency or if I should need money for what he needs.  Tory wouldn’t care, I’m sure.”

 

“Oh, she’d care alright,” explains Houjo irritated.  “That wife of mine, if she knew about that brat, the first thing she’d do is run and tell that mother, of hers.  And then the old battle axe would go call the head of the company.”

 

“Would that really be so terrible?” asks Kagome.  “You’re only seeing to Souta’s welfare, making sure he’s ok.  Any company would love to have such an honorable, caring, loyal employee as you working for them, and as for Tory and her mother… I can’t really see any reason why it should bother them at all.”

 

“Tory’s mother is a bitch Kagome, a very important bitch.  She owns forty percent of the company, and her father owns twenty percent.”

 

“What’s that got do with Souta?”

 

“Forty and twenty, is sixty.  That’s more than half of the company stock.  I own exactly zero so if I or anyone else for that matter,” Houjo gives Kagome a pointed look,” should ever let it slip about that cursed brat,” he continues sounding even more irritated.  “Those damn people would throw my ass out on the street so fast it would make your fucking head spin.  Is that what you really want, Kagome?  Well is it?”

 

“No!  Of,” Kagome looks down at the hands.  “Of course, not Houjo.  I never want to be responsible for you losing your job.”

 

“Good.  Now leave it.”  The young man takes a deep breath and picks up his menu to browse through it.

 

“But Houjo …”

 

“I said leave it Kagome.  It doesn’t concern you.  So just forget all those nasty little problems and concentrate on us, alright.  Let’s make a night of it.  I plan for us to have a wonderful evening, my sweet.  In fact order anything your little heart desires.  The sky’s the limit tonight.”

 

(Limit huh?  I wish you’d be just as generous toward your own son, you…you,) thought Kagome angrily.

 

“And after we eat, we’ll do a little dancing, and since Tory’s at her mothers, we’ll go to my place to sort of unwind,” continues Houjo.  “You’d like that, now wouldn’t you, the two of us…alone?”

 

(As if I’d ever want to be alone with you?)  Kagome closes her eyes and takes a deep breath to dispel her angry thoughts and feelings.

 

“Well?”

 

“To tell the truth, Houjo, I’m not all that hungry tonight.”

 

“Not hungry?” asks Houjo looking up from his menu concerned.  “Are you sure you’re not coming down with something?”

 

“Oh I’m sure.  It’s just, well I’d already ate something before I left home.”

 

“Then why come to a restaurant, if you’d already eaten?” asks the man looking suspicious.

 

“Because you wanted me here, that’s why.  I don’t belong here Houjo.  I feel so uncomfortable being in places like this.  So, could we just please talk for a bit and then call it a night?”

 

“If that’s what you want,” replies Houjo still looking suspicious.  “So?  What should we talk about?”

 

“Souta.”

 

“I thought so.  Well we might as well get it over with,” replies the man calmly placing his menu aside.  “So, what about him?”

 

“Well, Houjo, Souta,” begins Kagome looking down at her hands.  “He just turned three last month.”

 

“I know he did,” says Houjo slightly shrugging his shoulders.  “What does that have to do with me?”

 

The young woman looks up.  “He’s your son, that’s what,” she replies, “your own flesh and blood.  Did you know he lost one of his front teeth?  And he’s always telling me how he’d like to be an astronaut someday, and fly to the moon.  Any other parent would love to know these things about their child, but for some strange reason you don’t show any interest in him whatsoever.  Not about what’s going on with his life or what he thinks about.  And though he really tries to hide it from me, I think that, on some level, it hurts Souta to think, his own father doesn’t really care about him.”

 

“What do you suggest I do about it, Kagome?  Throw a party for the brat or perhaps you’d like me to take him to the zoo or to a ballgame where everyone could see us together?”

 

“I think that would be great but…well I know you’re a very busy man.  Your job takes up most of your time.”

 

“Yes, it does.  And?”

 

“Well I just can’t see why at the very least you can’t send Souta a card or a letter once in a while telling him how proud you are or you care about him?  If you’d only do that much, I think his health would improve…a lot.”

 

“Care about him?” replies Houjo angrily.  “Kagome that brat should never have been born.”

 

“What?!” asks Kagome surprised.

 

“You heard me.”

 

“I know you don’t like the idea of being a father Houjo but you…”

 

“Look Kagome.  I’m not going to sit here and lie saying I love the brat when I don’t.  I don’t want anything to do with it.  Why if I’d known what that damn bitch was up to, I’d…well you honestly didn’t think I would fall for it, did you?”

 

“For what exactly?”

 

“That whole pregnancy thing of course,” replies Houjo with a smirk.  “You know… the trap?  But it didn’t work so Lisa just took it upon herself to have the brat anyway and tried to leave him with me.”

 

“No!”

 

“Don’t give me that.  You know damn good and well she did.  Lisa wanted a husband Kagome … one with money.  So, when I came into the picture, Lisa thought she’d found one and low and behold…the bitch gets herself pregnant.  It’s the oldest trick in the book.”

 

“You’re wrong,” says Kagome with a shake of her head.  “Lisa wasn’t like that at all.  And you shouldn’t be saying such things about her now.  It’s disrespectful.”

 

“How is it disrespectful?  I’m only speaking the truth here, and we’re all about the truth, right?”

 

“Yes, we are, but Lisa she’s…”

 

“Like I would ever fall for something so blatantly obvious,” continues Houjo and he sips his drink.  “Trying to trap me of all people…well it just goes to show Kagome she wasn’t the smartest dog in the pound.”

 

“Lisa was plenty smart Houjo,” says Kagome, becoming irritated with the man.  “Smarter than you, at least.”

 

“Evidently my sweet, she wasn’t.  Or we wouldn’t be having this conversation.  Besides, you and I, both, know and Lisa knew it too that she was way too sick to be having a baby in the first place.  But the bitch just had to push her luck, and look where it’s got her.  Six feet under in some damn cemetery.”

 

“How dare you speak of her like that, you…you jerk?” asks Kagome angrily.  “Lisa loved you!  She gave her life to give you a son!  Surely that must mean something!”

 

“The doctors told her, didn’t they?  They said she was physically unable to carry the baby full term?”

 

“She would have if…”

 

“The bitch is dead, Kagome.  End of story!” replies the man in a clipped tone of voice.

 

“You can’t possibly be that cold hearted, Houjo!” says Kagome feeling tears fill her eyes.  “You were her life.  Everything she did was for you and you only!  Lisa gave her heart, her soul…her very being all for you!  How can you not at least, appreciate that?”

 

“Appreciate what?” asks Houjo with a smirk.  “Appreciation a bitch trying to… to saddle me with a brat I didn’t want?!  And a sickly brat at that?  I don’t think so Kagome.  What did that bitch hope to gain from it anyway?”

 

“I can tell you it wasn’t money.”

 

“Oh please.”

 

“It wasn’t!  All Lisa wanted was you, Houjo.  She wanted your love and your happiness and that was it,” replies Kagome wiping a tear from her eye.  “Lisa… her fondest wish was for you and her and Souta to be a family together.”

 

“That was never going to happen, alright,” replies Houjo picking up his glass and taking a sip.  “Never in a million years!”

 

“Oh,” Kagome narrows her eyes, “So instead of being honest with Lisa you just kept leading her on, is that it?”

 

“Kagome.”

 

“You slept with her, got her pregnant,” the young woman continues angrily, “and just tossed her aside as if she were nothing more than some stray dog on the street!  Just what kind of man are you?!”

 

“A man who knows a good thing when he sees it of course.”  Houjo sips his drink and lays his glass on the table and looks into Kagome’s angry eyes.  “Oh, stop glaring at me, like that, would you?”  He leans over the table and lowers his voice.  “It wasn’t my fault Lisa died Kagome.  She would still be among us if she had taken my advice and had that abortion.”

 

“No way,” says Kagome with a slight shake of her head.  “Lisa loved and wanted her child!  Not a day went by where Lisa didn’t tell me how much she loved him… and you.  She constantly talked about all her plans… of what she wanted for her baby, and that included you.”

 

“That’s all well and good, but I never once told her I wanted a brat, now did I?” asks Houjo angrily.  “And if that bitch told you I did; she was lying through her damn teeth!”

 

“But Lisa…you…”

 

“Look… I’m not a monster, alright?” says Houjo seeing the sadness in the young woman’s eyes.  “I just know what I want and a life with Lisa wasn’t it.  Why if she had only come to me, told me about her pregnancy, I would have told her I wasn’t looking to have a family.  Not with her.  I would have told her to get rid of it and that I would have paid to have it done.  But did she listen…no.  The bitch just went behind my back and had the brat anyway!”

 

“Lisa told you she was pregnant, Houjo.  She told me she did!”

 

“And she was supposed to have told me…when exactly?”

 

“She,” Kagome bows her head.  “Oh, alright, I’ll admit, she didn’t tell you right away.  But it wasn’t to trap you.”

 

“Uh huh,” says Houjo with a smirk picking up his glass and swirling the dark amber liquid.  “Then I suppose when she did tell me, her looking like an overstuffed walrus, was just my imagination.”

 

“Now that’s not fair.  It wasn’t her fault,” reasons Kagome.

 

“Then whose fault was it, Kagome,” he asks and sips his drink, “yours?”

 

“It was yours, Houjo.  Lisa wanted the time to be right before telling you but you just started avoiding her for no good reason, making it impossible for her to do so.”

 

“Don’t give me that shit.  Lisa had plenty of opportunities to tell me.  But she just came up to me…her fatter than usual self, and said…oh did I fail to mention Houjo…I’m pregnant?  The bitch was trying to play me Kagome, pure and simple.”

 

“She wasn’t.  I know she wasn’t.  Lisa worshiped the ground you walked on.  She would have done anything for you.  Why all you had to say, was I’m sorry, that you weren’t interested and she would have understood.  She would have left you alone, left town just to protect your reputation.”

 

“The bitch tried to trap me, Kagome.  She lost so, get over it already.  I was just too damn smart to be caught by the likes of her.  So now she’s dead, and as far as that brat is concerned…I think it should have done us both a favor and died along with her.”  The man again picks up his glass.  “It would have made things much easier, between us, if he had.”

 

“Why you…YOU...callous, unfeeling…”  Kagome’s face becomes red from anger.  “That child is your son Houjo and he has a good and proper name!  And it’s not Brat alright?  It’s Souta!  S.O.U.T.A!”

 

“Oh please,” replies Houjo with a deep frown.  “I know full well that damn brat’s name!”

 

“Will you stop calling him that?!” 

 

“I call them as I see them, Kagome.  Now if you’d like, I could call him by another name.  One more suitable for him perhaps?”

 

“Don’t you dare,” says Kagome heatedly.

 

“Then brat will just have to do now, won’t it?”

 

Kagome slowly shakes her head, disbelief shining in her eyes.  “I just don’t understand how you…  You should be grateful.”

 

“For what?” replies the hated man with a laugh.  “For a damn brat I never said I wanted?  I don’t think so.”

 

“But just think of all those couples out there Houjo…couples who want children and can’t have any at all.  Couples who would just love to have a son like Souta.”

 

“And your point?”

 

“My POINT is you should feel blessed.  But instead, you’re acting like an ass …as if you think Souta’s some kind of curse to you.  Well he’s not ok?!  None of this is his fault!  He didn’t ask to be your son.  He didn’t ask to be born a preemie or…or to have a bad heart.  So, quit blaming him for it.  Why if you ask me, I think there’s a lot more wrong with you than with Souta.”

 

“Oh, you do, do you?”

 

“Yes, I do.  You’re the one who played your sordid little game, with Lisa.  You’re the one who got her pregnant!  Now you’re a father, Houjo, so grow up, and live up to your responsibilities!” whispers Kagome heatedly.  “That’s what a real man would do!”  Kagome becomes quiet, fear clutching her heart when she sees the dark look in Houjo’s eyes.

 

“A real man, huh?” asks Houjo calmly, blue eyes flashing.  “Is that what you said?”  The young woman gives a quick nod.  “Interesting.  Then tell me Kagome…does that brat WANT for anything?”

 

“No,” replies Kagome quietly.  “Not much at least.”

 

“And what of his health…its well taken care of, isn’t it?”  Kagome remains silent.  “Well isn’t it?”  The woman responds with a shrug of her shoulders.

 

“You have food, on your table,” continues Houjo, “and aren’t your bills being met?  I think that’s more than enough to qualify me as a ‘real man’ as you put it.”

 

“Yes, Houjo we have some food …and yes some of the bills are being met, but only because I’m forced to have these meetings with you,” replies Kagome angrily.  “Why if it weren’t for Souta’s wellbeing I wouldn’t be sitting here or be seen with you at all.”

 

A small smile touches the man’s lips.  “Quite blunt, as always, aren’t you, Kagome?  An admirable trait indeed for a female.  But might I suggest you tone it down to a quiet roar?” suggests Houjo calmly.  “You don’t wish others to know of our situation, now do you?”

 

The young woman looks from side to side finding a few of the patrons curiously staring at her, some with pity in their eyes.  Kagome leans back in her chair, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves then sips a little water and attempts a tentative smile.

 

“Look Houjo,” she says doing her best to stay calm.  “Souta’s a very bright and, loving, child.  One anyone would be very proud of.  He deserves some acknowledgement from his father.  Now I’m not asking for the moon here, just a little show of concern for him.”  Kagome bows her head and whispers.  “Besides what little money you do give me, barely helps in paying the doctor’s bills each month.”

 

“Oh, so that’s it.  You’re wanting more money from me.”

 

“Just a little more,” says Kagome.  “I have money of my own for household expenses but it’s running out.  It’s going to be awhile before I get anymore and Souta… he needs more than what I have at the moment.”

 

“Hmm, I see,” says Houjo giving a thoughtful look.  “That does sound like you’re in a bind.”

 

“Oh I am.  So, can you please give me just a little more?”

 

“Yes, it does sound like you could use a little more help from me.  I might be able to swing it...maybe give you a little more each week.”

 

“You could?”  The young woman looks up hopefully.  “Really?”

 

“Why of course, my sweet.  After all I am a… generous man at heart.  But you must do something for me in return.”

 

“Huh?”  Seeing the suggestive look in the man’s eyes causes her countenance change to one of anger and disappointment.  (I might have known there’d be a catch.)  “I can’t do it.”

 

“Why not?” says Houjo leaning over the table.  “Don’t you think it’s worth it… for him, I mean?”

 

“You mean worth it for you, don’t you?” replies Kagome with a slight shake of her head.  “Well it’s not possible Houjo.  I need to be with Souta.”

 

“THAT!” the man replies angrily hitting his fist on the table causing the plates and silverware as well as Kagome to slightly jump.  “You’ve used that same fucking excuse for the last three months Kagome,” says Houjo angrily, “and I’m getting damned tired of hearing it.”

 

“It’s not an excuse!” says Kagome angrily.  “It’s the truth!”

 

“No, it’s an excuse.”  Houjo sits back.  “Oh, why must you be so damn stubborn about this?”  He waves a hand toward the woman.  “Look around you, Kagome.  Then look at yourself, wearing that shabby thing you call a dress, no jewelry.  Wouldn’t you like to be as well off as these people?  To be able to walk among them, walk into any store and walk out with everything your heart desires.  Just think of it…the money…prestige…the power…it can all be yours …and that brat’s too if you’d only do as I ask.”

 

Kagome gives an uncertain look, giving Houjo the feeling he’s won until he hears her answer.  “I personally don’t need those things, Houjo.”

 

“Sure, you do.  You’d like nice expensive jewelry, to wear the latest fashions.  To go to places one can only dream about.  I can do all that for you, Kagome and more.  There’s nothing, I can’t…won’t do for you.”

 

“I don’t need them, Houjo.  It’s Souta… your son who needs your support now!”

 

“Can’t you just forget that damn brat for one damn minute and focus on what I’m saying here?” whispers Houjo, attempting to keep his voice down.  “I’m telling you; you CAN be just like these people here Kagome.  There’s just so much this city has to offer that you don’t even know about and I want to see to it you get it all!  I can move you to a better apartment.  One located in a much safer part of town.  I can introduce you to the right, influential people.  Just say the word, my sweet.  Say you’ll stay with me and it will all be yours.”

 

“I don’t have the time.”

 

“Then MAKE,” the man deeply breathes in, gritting his teeth.  He closes his eyes, sighs and smiles.  “You have the time, sweetheart.  You’re not with that brat every single minute of the day, now are you?”

 

“It’s true, Houjo,” whispers Kagome looking down and plucking at her dress.  “I’m not.”  She looks up into the man’s eyes.  “But when I’m not with Souta, I’m doing something for him.  Or I’m forced to be here with you when I should be home taking care of him.”

 

“Then why are you here Kagome?” asks Houjo with a knowing smile.  “Huh?  There aren’t any chains on your wrists.  You can come and go as you please.”

 

“I’m here because unlike you, I’ve devoted my life to do whatever I have to for Souta’s comfort and wellbeing.”

 

“Then as you’re so fond of reminding me, as his father, you should want to devote some of your time in taking care of me as well.  I really don’t think I’m asking for too much here, my sweet.  Just weekends…two single nights a week, with me, while Tory’s away with her folks.”

 

“I can’t do it.  Besides, Houjo your wife would be angry with you if I did as you ask… she’d feel betrayed!  You’d be risking your marriage, maybe lose everything for those weekends with me.”

 

The man across from the young woman smiles.  “Is that why you’re refusing me Kagome…Tory’s feelings?”

 

“No,” explains Kagome.  “But Tory is your wife.  You promised to love and cherish her, to stay faithful only to her.”

 

Houjo shakes his head and gives a slight laugh.  “I should have known it was Tory you were concerned with.  You’ve always worried over other people’s feelings before your own.  Well don’t you worry your pretty little head about it any longer my sweet.  I’ll take care of Tory’s feelings.  In fact, I’ll make sure she doesn’t know anything about us at all.”

 

“What?  You not serious,” says Kagome, shock registering in her eyes.  “As if I’d ever…”

 

“Why not?  It’s a win, win situation here, don’t you think?” he says smugly.  “I’ll get what I want and you’ll get what you want.  That is when you agree, to my little request.”

 

“Request?” asks Kagome suspiciously.  “Is that what you call it?”

 

“Of course,” replies Houjo.  “Oh, you know how it goes don’t you?  You scratch my back and all that.  So, what’s your answer?”

 

“I’m not your whore, Houjo,” replies the woman angrily, “and what’s more, I don’t intend to be!”

 

“Now, now Kagome,’’ begins Houjo looking around him.  “You’re making a spectacle of yourself again.”

 

“Yeah?!” replies Kagome angrily.  “Well I don’t really care at this point, so deal with it!”

 

“This is getting embarrassing,” says Houjo through his teeth as he looks around while smiling.  “So quiet down before you’re asked to leave, ok?”

 

“Let them!” says Kagome angrily.  “I don’t care.  I’m starting to get a headache, anyway so I should leave.”  Kagome throws her napkin down onto the table.  “Do enjoy your meal sir… alone!”  She stands to leave.  “I’m going home to be with my son!”  When the young woman begins walking away the hated man grabs her wrist pulling her back.  “Let go of me Houjo!” commands Kagome trying to jerk her arm from him.  “I mean it!  Let go!”

 

“Tell me Kagome,” asks Houjo quietly, “would you rather I not give you any money at all?”

 

Kagome pauses and her eyes widen.  “What?”

 

“You heard me.”

 

“But you… couldn’t… wouldn’t do that!  Would you?”

 

“I would Kagome… and I will.”

 

“Why?  Just because I won’t be with you?  Souta’s your son, for gods sake!”

 

“Well you see that’s the real question here, isn’t it?  Is he my son?”

 

“You know he is!”

 

“No, I don’t.  I haven’t seen any proof.  My name’s not on any birth certificate … or any other document that could connect him to me.” 

 

“What does that have to do with anything?”

 

“You have nothing to substantiate such a claim, Kagome.  I’ve already checked into it myself.  So, face it my sweet.  You’ve lost.  The cards are all stacked against you.”

 

“You uncaring son of a…” Kagome bites her tongue while angrily jerking her wrist free from his grasp.  “So, what if your name’s not on his stupid certificate?  Huh?  Not having it on some silly piece of paper doesn’t make you any less his father!”

 

“I’d say it does,” replies Houjo.  “And that is the reason you came here tonight, now isn’t it?”

 

“I’m here because Souta needs whatever support I can get for him, including your time.  And that’s the only reason!  Now I sincerely wish I didn’t have to ask or, or beg you for anything, Houjo, but that’s simply not an option, here!”

 

“Then get a job if you’re having such a hard time making ends meet,” says Houjo with a shrug of his shoulders.  “I hear lots of mothers…real women are doing it these days.”

 

“Why you…”  Kagome grits her teeth to keep from yelling at the smug man.  “I can’t get a job, and you know it!  Souta needs me with him most of the time!”

 

“Then give the brat away to one those poor unfortunate couples you told me about earlier.  I’m sure they would just love to have a lovable, sickly, brat, to look after.”

 

“There’s no way, I’d ever give Souta up!”

 

“Then you have nothing to complain about, now do you Kagome?” says Houjo, taking her hand again.  “Except perhaps going hungry.  So why don’t you just sit down and enjoy a nice expensive meal here with me?  I’m sure after you’ve had a little wine… some dancing, you’ll come around to my way of thinking.”

 

“I’m going home, that’s why!”  The woman tries jerking her hand free but he tightens his hold.  “Home to my son, Souta!”

 

“Pity.”  Houjo makes small circles in the palm of her hand.  “And here I had such a glorious evening planned for the two of us.  But if you must insist on going back to that little rundown hovel you call an apartment then...’’  He smirks as he leans over and kisses Kagome’s hand.  “I’ll have no choice but to send the usual amount, as always.”

 

“Just because I won’t sleep with you?” asks Kagome worriedly.  “The money’s for Souta, Houjo, not me.  Surely you can afford, just a little more!”

 

“Depends,” replies Houjo smugly with a shrug of his shoulders.  “Are you willing to give me a little more of your free time…like this weekend perhaps?”  The young woman gives a look of uncertainty.  “No?  Then I guess we’ll just have to see, now won’t we?”

 

“Please Houjo,” begins Kagome with a pleading tone to her voice.  “I’m begging you…please!”

 

“I’ll call when it’s time for you to be back here again, Kagome,” commands Houjo.  “And you’re not to be late.”

 

“And if I decide I don’t want to be here?!” challenges Kagome.

 

“You really don’t want me to answer that, now do you?” replies the man with a small laugh.  “After all we, both, know full well what I’m capable of.”  Kagome becomes still as her face slightly pales.  “You will be here,” continues Houjo.  “Only next time… dress a little… differently.”  The man kisses and bites the inside of her wrist.  “A body such as yours wasn’t meant to be hidden under such ugly rags as these.  Hiding such a delightful sight from one who can fully appreciate it…well it’s such a shame, don’t you think?”

 

“I’ll wear what I want to wear you jerk!” whispers Kagome angrily jerking her hand free from his grasp.  “You go find your ‘delightful sight’ somewhere else!  I’m going home!”  She turns, from the man, and angrily makes her way out of the building.

 

Houjo turns his attention back to his menu and smiles.  “Ah, my sweet, sweet Kagome,” he whispers, “always playing hard to get.  Well my tempestuous little vixen, you will come back to me.  And when you do, I’ll have you right where I want you…in my bed.”  The man raises his glass to watch the amber liquid slowly swirling around.  “Now that’s certainly something to look forward to.”

 

The plump woman from before, pushes her chair back, bumping it against Houjo’s chair, causing him to spill his drink on his expensive silk shirt.

 

“Damn it, bitch watch what the hell you’re doing!” yells Houjo grabbing the napkin and blotting the alcohol from his shirt.  “This shirt didn’t come cheap.”

 

“Oh, clumsy me,” the woman replies with a smile.  “Didn’t know anyone was sitting here.  This restaurant is for the elite class only you see.”

 

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

 

“Only that perhaps you should have stayed back in the kitchen where the hired help is supposed to stay.”  A few of the other patrons laugh and snicker at Houjo’s embarrassment.

 

“You fucking bitch,” seethes Houjo, his face reddening.  “You’re gonna pay for that remark.”

 

“Oh?  Am I supposed to be scared?” replies the woman laughing.  “Your price isn’t too high, is it?”

 

“What do you mean?  Too high for what?”

 

“Why for me to sleep with you, of course.  It’s such a lovely shirt, you see.  So, my services should be payment enough…right?” the woman replies with a smirk.  The other patrons loudly laugh at the woman’s remark as Houjo’s face reddens more from anger and embarrassment.