InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Living The Promise ❯ All is Calm ( Chapter 26 )

Chapter 26: All is Calm

 

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Kagome nervously rubbed her belly while she waited for Ayame and Sango at their table. Today would be the first time she had seen them in over three weeks; it would also be the day she finally told her friends that she was expecting.

 

She resisted the urge to look at her watch for the umpteenth time, opting instead to sip at her water. Kagome had arrived at the little café a bit early and now was waiting upon the arrival of her two friends.

 

Ayame and Sango walked into the restaurant together, slightly surprised to see Kagome already waiting for them. Sango squealed and made her way to the table and grabbed Kagome in a big hug.

 

“Congratulations on your story, Kagome! It is totally amazing!” Kagome blushed and managed an embarrassed thank-you as she exchanged hugs with Ayame.

 

“Great job, Kagome! I am glad to know that the guy who was after you has been caught. Who would have thought that you would help capture an international criminal?” Ayame said as she took a seat. Sango started to take hers when she hesitated and her eyes grew big.

 

“Um, Kagome….” she asked quietly.

 

“Yes Sango?” Kagome held her breath. `I know that she has figured out that I am pregnant,' she thought worriedly to herself.

 

“Is there something you need to tell us?” Ayame looked confused, but caught Sango staring at Kagome's stomach. She looked up at Kagome in surprise.

 

“Kagome…”

 

Kagome flushed and looked at her hands where they rested upon the table. “Um, guys, guess what….I am pregnant.” She looked up and gave her two stunned friends a huge smile.

 

Sango and Ayame exchanged glances and glared at their friend. “How far are you? Do you know what you are having? Why didn't you tell us?” Sango asked, trying to keep the feelings of hurt and betrayal from her voice.

 

Kagome reached out and grabbed one of Sango's hands and gave it a squeeze. “We didn't tell anyone for a couple of reasons. First of all, I didn't think I could ever get pregnant and had a hard time accepting that fact.” Sango nodded her head, remembering the conversation they had when Ayame had the twins.

 

“Well, when we found out, we wanted to wait and be sure that I wasn't going to loose the baby. The second reason we didn't tell anyone was because of the story. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were afraid that if word got out to Kikyo and Neitzel that I was pregnant, I would become even more of a target. Even though Kikyo is still out there, I can't hide the fact that I am pregnant with this little guy much longer.” Kagome smiled as she patted her rounded stomach.

 

Ayame smiled, “Little guy? Are you having a boy then?” Kagome nodded.

 

“Yeah. He should be making his appearance in about 3 months.”

 

Sango shook her head in disbelief. “I can't believe you hid the fact you were pregnant from us for six months! I should have picked up on it.”

 

Kagome gave her a sad look and dropped her gaze to her lap. “I am sorry I didn't tell you guys earlier. I hope that you can forgive me.”

 

Ayame slugged Sango on the shoulder and hurried to assure Kagome that they were not angry with her, rather they were very happy for her and Inuyasha. “Besides,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes, “we have more important things to do.” Sango looked at Ayame and slowly grinned in understanding. Kagome was confused.

 

“What is that?”

 

“We have to plan your baby shower!” The mother-to-be blushed and stammered that it was not necessary, but she was quickly overruled by Ayame's and Sango's enthusiastic planning. Talk of baby furniture, clothes, pregnancy, labor, and parenting dominated the conversation of the three friends while they ate their lunch.

 

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Sango sat back and sipped her coffee while Kagome finished the last of her meal. “So what else has been happening with you, Kagome?”

 

The woman in question dabbed at her mouth with her napkin before setting it aside. “Well, you've read the story, obviously, and I am sure that Miroku has told you that there is indeed a temple buried near the children's shelter. The Japanese government is starting excavation and there are plans for building an interpretive center at the site.”

 

Sango nodded. “Miroku did mention that. Did he tell you that there are also plans to rebuild the temple and get it running again?” Both Kagome and Ayame shook their heads.

 

“No, but that does not surprise me. Anyway, Neitzel is awaiting trial in Switzerland. It is amazing the number of charges against him. I don't think that he will be able to avoid paying for his criminal activities this time around.”

 

Ayame looked satisfied as she spat out a resounding “Good!” Sango nodded her agreement.

 

Kagome smiled briefly before settling a more serious look on her face. “Kikyo is still missing and nothing has been heard of her whereabouts. Inuyasha is still worried that she will try something, but it has been quiet these past few weeks. In fact, we have moved back to our house, but only after Sesshomaru installed a state-of-the-art security system.” Kagome took a sip of water before she continued.

 

“Inuyasha still wants me to have a shadow, but now that he is back in school teaching, and the story has come out, I personally don't think I need one. I did promise not to go anywhere secluded and to always be aware of my surroundings. He isn't happy, but he has accepted that.”

 

Ayame reached over and gently grabbed Kagome's arm in concern. “You still be careful, okay? We know what Kikyo is capable of and now you have another one to take care of.”

 

Kagome smiled and patted her friend's hand. “I promise I will be careful. Don't worry.”

 

Neither Ayame nor Sango were at ease with the fact that Kikyo was still running around, but they knew that their friend would not allow herself to be hidden away.

 

The three friends stood and went up to pay their bill. After promising to get together over the weekend to go shopping, they separated, each going their own way.

 

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Kagome parked her car in the driveway and got out and shut the door, only to be attacked by a small, dark haired blur.

 

“Mama, mama, look what Rin made!” The small child held out a chain of asters. Kagome took it and placed it on her head and modeled it for the giggling girl.

 

“Well, how do I look? Do I look like a princess?” Rin laughed and shook her head.

 

“No, silly! You look like my mama!” Kagome laughed and took her daughter's hand and walked up to the door where Kaede greeted her with a smile.

 

“Rin has been looking for you since her nap. I taught her how to make the flower chains and now even Kirara is sporting one.” Kaede pointed to where the small, cream colored cat lay sleeping on the couch, oblivious to her collar of flowers. Kagome smiled at the sight.

 

Kneeling down beside Rin, Kagome looked at her and said, “How about you and me go down to the park and play on the swings?” Rin squealed and clapped her hands in glee. Kagome laughed and stood upright, admonishing the child to take a jacket as there was a slight chill to the air. Rin readily agreed and ran down to her room, returning a minute later wearing a yellow sweater. With a promise to return in a couple of hours, Kagome and Rin walked down to the little park a few blocks away.

 

 

 

Just down the street, an observer sitting in a silver SUV made a quick phone call and told the person on the other end, “It is time.”

 

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TBC

 

A/N: I hope that you all like this chapter better than the last one - I didn't get very many reviews for it. I hope that I have not lost my audience as there is still a bit to go before this story is complete. If people review, I will update sooner.

 

Thanks goes to my wonderful beta, Breezie for her willingness to suffer through my madness and her ability to keep me on track.

 

As always, Read, Enjoy, and Review!