InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Paradox: The Power of Letting Go ❯ Meet the Takahashis ( Chapter 12 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer: InuYasha is owned by Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan Inc. and Viz Media.

Story and all original characters created are owned by me.

Meet the Takahashis

-x-x-x-x-

Sesshomaru sat pondering after Yash left his office. After a few moments he picked up the telephone. “Rini, get the Kitsune Temple in China on the line. I need to speak to Shippo Takahashi.”

It was time for some intervention.

-x-x-x-x-

“I can't believe we're going to Sesshomaru Takahashi's house! He never invites any of his staff to his place!” exclaimed Sakura as she smoothed down the skirt of her multi-coloured cocktail dress for the hundredth time.

Kagome glanced at the woman seated across from her. The excitement radiating off of the inu-youkai was contagious, and Kagome couldn't help but smile.

She's gorgeous, Kagome thought as she took in Sakura's flirty ensemble. It was bright and feminine and suited her outgoing personality to a tee. Her dress was crossed in front cinching in at the waist with a skirt that flared out in a swirl of colour. Her trademark hoop earrings were a bright pink to match the flashes of magenta in her outfit. Kagome watched her research partner from the corner of her eye. Kazuki sure likes that dress.

Beside Sakura, Fuji fidgeted with his tie with one hand and studiously wiped his pant leg with the other. “Do you think I look okay? I wasn't sure what to wear. I had two suits: a black one and this moss green one.” He looked at Kazuki's outfit. “Do you think I should have worn black instead? Did I make the wrong choice? Kami, I'm so nervous.”

Kazuki leaned across his seat and slapped Fuji's hand away from his tie. “You look fine. Stop fidgeting like a girl,” he mockingly growled.

“Hey! What does that mean, `fidget like a girl?' I resent that remark,” huffed Sakura.

Kagome tuned out Kazuki's reply as she looked out the window of the limousine and mused as the scenery changed from concrete grey to forest green. I wonder why Sesshomaru invited us to dinner? From the sounds of it, it's not something he would normally do. She was feeling a bit apprehensive or maybe it was just nerves. She wasn't sure what she was feeling; she couldn't really pinpoint it down. All she knew was that tonight was a big night — something was going to happen — she felt it in her bones. She wasn't sure if it was premonition or just anticipation. Whatever it was, it put her on edge.

Lost in thought, she didn't realize Kazuki had inched closer to her until his words broke into her reverie. “Penny for your thoughts.”

Kagome turned to give her friend a half smile. “You know, you owe me a lot of pennies. You're in major debt now.”

Kazuki blew out his breath. “Yeah, well, if I'm in debt, at least it's to you, Kags.” He looked at her closely. “Are you okay? You seem a bit down.”

Glancing at their companions who were twittering away like two overly excited birds, Kagome slightly shook her head. “No, I'm fine.”

“Are you still mad at me for keeping you in bed?”

Kagome gave a small chuckle. “No, I'm not mad. Although, I do think two days was overkill.”

Kazuki grinned and shrugged. “Hey, that was Sesshomaru's orders. Keep you in bed until you were well rested.”

“Two days, Kaz?”

“Look, Kags, it wasn't like we found a solution without you in those two days. Come on — admit it, you needed that.”

“Okay, I'll admit it, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.”

“Hey, at least Sesshomaru has promised to keep his staff away from you. No more miko duty for you, young lady.”

“I have to admit, that's a relief. I had such a hard time saying `no'.”

“Really, you don't say,” Kazuki mocked as he watched Kagome shift in her seat, pulling down the skirt that kept threatening to ride up her thighs.

He eyed her outfit with admiration. She was wearing a sexy strapless cocktail dress with a white square-line bodice that displayed her cleavage to its full advantage. The empire waist accentuated her hour glass figure and the fitted black skirt fell to above her knees, showing off her shapely legs. Damn, she's got great legs. “Hey, did I tell you how gorgeous you are?”

“Yes, you did, three times. You're pretty handsome yourself.” Kazuki was wearing his black Hugo Boss suit that showed off his tall, lean physique and flaunted the width of his muscular shoulders. Under the suit, he wore a slate blue shirt and a black silk tie with charcoal stripes.

“Yeah,” Kazuki laughed lightly, “I clean up pretty good, eh?”

“More than good.” She reached over and adjusted his tie knot. “Okay, this is the second tie I've seen you in. Do you have a collection that I don't know about?”

“Well, I have to look respectable, don't I?” He glanced at their friends, rotated his finger in the air and leaned in to whisper, “After all, we're going to meet the Takahashis. Wheee!”

Kagome burst into giggles and slapped his hand down. Sakura and Fuji stopped their conversation and looked at the two of them, which made Kagome laugh even harder.

“Now that's more like the Kags I know.”

It felt good to laugh and it eased some of the tension Kagome was feeling.

Fuji caught Kagome's gaze when she looked up. “Are you nervous, Kagome? I mean, you'll probably be the only human there tonight. That's got to be nerve wracking, right?”

Kagome smiled at him. “No, I'm used to it. I'm not nervous. Well, maybe just a little,” she admitted. “I am curious to see who will be there tonight.”

Fuji looked curiously at her. “I heard that you know the Takahashis quite well. If I'm not being too nosy, can I ask how you know them?”

Sakura leaned forward, her interested piqued as well.

Kagome looked over at Kazuki who simply raised his eyebrow. It's up to you to decide how much to tell them, darling.

Thanks a lot. She turned to her friends. “Well, I've known them for a while, before I started at the Masumoto Corporation. Umm - I was friends with InuYasha…”

“You used to date him, didn't you?”

At Kagome's surprised look, Fuji stammered, “I mean, you did right? That's what everyone's been s-saying…” He trailed off, embarrassed to be repeating rumors about his supervisor.

Kagome lowered her eyebrows in concern. “Oh really.”

Kazuki patted her knee. “Kagome and Yash were, are friends. And rumors are just that, rumors. We're too busy to pay attention to what other people are gossiping about. You two should be too. Life's too short to worry about what others say or think.”

Sakura and Fuji looked abashed and mumbled apologies.

“Well, there'll be one person I know there tonight, my uncle Haru.” Kazuki turned to Kagome. “You missed meeting him the other day.”

“I was too busy sleeping,” she said peevishly.

Kazuki laughed. “Yeah, you were. In my arms.”

“What?!”

“Oh, riiight. I forgot to tell you. Remember that day I carried you home?”

Kagome narrowed her eyes. “Yes…”

“Well, I ran into my uncle and Sesshomaru.”

“Kaz!”

“Oh, and by the way, Yash was there too. He's the one who told me to take you to bed.”

“Kazuki Matsumoto! You didn't!”

“Well, of course I did. What's the problem, Kags? You were tired. I was just carrying you home.”

“But, but… what must people think of you carrying me home?” What did InuYasha think? Was he mad? Oh Kami, I hope not!

“Well, I think it's kind of sweet,” Sakura said.

Kazuki flung an arm out. “See, she thinks it's sweet.”

Kagome buried her face into her hands. “Oh, I can't believe it. Kaz, why didn't you tell me?”

“Oh, it's not that bad, Kagome,” reassured Fuji. “No one thinks less of you since it was your boyfriend who carried you home.”

“What?!” both voices rose above Fuji's.

Kazuki's voice was dead calm when he asked, “What did you just say?”

“I-I….umm... what did I say?”

Sakura eyed their research chairs and slowly said, “Well… you two are a couple, aren't you?”

“No!”

“Absolutely not!”

Kagome was speechless. If her friends thought that she and Kazuki were dating - that Kaz was actually her boyfriend - what must other … people … think… InuYasha… Kagome went numb as thoughts clicked into place. Oh, Kami! Did InuYasha think that she and Kaz… that they were… Oh, Kami!

She turned shocked eyes to Kazuki who looked equally as surprised. “What makes you two think that we're a couple?”

“That's what some of the employees are saying, and, well—” Sakura glanced at Fuji. “Well, we just assumed there was some truth to the rumors. You two are just so close and,” a blush heated up Sakura's face as she pointed at Kazuki, “you're always calling her darling and… you're always… touching.”

“Oh.” Kagome could only stare open mouthed as Kazuki burst out laughing.

Punching him in the shoulder, Kagome glared at her friend. “It's not funny, Kaz!” she hissed.

“Y-y-yes, it is,” chortled Kazuki. “They think just because we're touchy-feely, that you and I are dating.”

“Kaz! I'm not touchy-feely, you are!” Pushing him to calm down, Kagome focused her attention on their friends. “First off, we are not, I repeat, not dating and, Kami, we are not a couple. We are just friends. Really good friends, but just friends.” Kagome rubbed her forehead. Oh Kami, how do I explain my relationship with Kaz? I forgot that in Japan people are more reserved in showing their affections.

Lowering her hand, she looked directly at her friends. “You have to remember Kazuki is Canadian. He grew up in a western culture where displays of public affection are common. He's just a product of his environment. He's open with his feelings and isn't afraid to show his emotions. His whole family's like that. I've been in Canada for so long, it's just natural for me to hug a friend or display friendly gestures.” Wringing her hands in dismay, she asked Kazuki, “What must everyone have thought of us?”

“Well, obviously they thought we were dating,” Kazuki retorted. He started to pat Kagome's knee to calm her down and stopped an inch away when she glared at him. Grinning madly, he made an exaggerated show of moving his hand away. “Sorry, habit.”

Sakura wasn't sure how to broach the subject, so she treaded slowly. “There's probably something else you two should know…” She looked for reinforcement from Fuji who shrugged helplessly at her. Taking a deep breath she spat it out in a rush, her words jumbling over one another. “There's a rumor going around about the two of you - that you're getting married.”

Kagome stared at her speechless. Even Kazuki stopped his laughing fit to gape at the youkai.

“Who the hell started a rumor like that?” Kazuki demanded.

“I-I think that Amara did. She's been going around telling people. And, oh… I'm so sorry —”

“That bitch!” Kazuki was outraged. That damn wolf youkai bitch!

“We're so sorry, Kagome, Kazuki,” Fuji said apologetically.

“We are. We should have tried to stop the rumors,” added Sakura.

Kagome took a deep breath. “No, it wasn't your fault. You two thought that Kaz and I were…” She looked over at her friend who was watching her with concerned eyes. “Kami, Kaz, how did this happen?”

“I'm sorry, Kags. That was one rumor I didn't hear.”

A barrage of emotions crossed Kagome's face, and Kazuki could read every one of them: Shock, embarrassment, anger, worry. Proprieties be damned, he leaned over and hugged her. “It's okay, Kags, don't worry about it.”

Uneasiness flooded her eyes. “But what if InuYasha heard those rumors,” she whispered.

“Then you'll just have to set him straight.”

Kagome nodded. Hopefully, InuYasha didn't hear the rumors and if he did please don't let him believe them. But, if he did… Oh Kami, do I ever need to talk to him.

Their conversation was cut short as the limousine started ascending up a low mountainside, and a white stone citadel came into view amidst the forest canopy.

“Oh Kami, it's a castle!” blurted Fuji. “Look at that fortress! It's huge!”

They were awestruck as Sesshomaru's impressive `home' came into clearer view. Even the ever talkative Kazuki was speechless. None of them had ever seen anything like it.

The flat-land mountain castle was one of a handful of original castles left in Japan that had not been destroyed by war or fire. It was built on top of a low mountainside offering a 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding forests. 500 years earlier, when his young ward, Rin, still travelled with him, Sesshomaru had the fortress built to eradicate their nomadic lifestyle. Over the centuries, the great inu-youkai had fortified the residence with a myriad of defenses including a stone wall and surrounding moat to combat the threat of war.

A natural stone bridge stretched across the water to lead into the castle. As their vehicle came to the end of the bridge, a torri gate came into view. The Inu no Taishou family crests in black and gold lacquer trim were portrayed over the surface of the gate with the phase “Between Two Worlds” inscribed across the front.

As the car drove under the wooden gate, Kagome craned her neck to catch a glimpse of the decorations adorning the underside of the gate and noticed that it was embellished with carvings of white demon dogs and lords.

How odd, Kagome thought. Only temples and sacred places used such gates to mark the gateway between the physical and spiritual worlds. It seemed very strange for an inu-youkai having one lead to his very house.

The transition between two worlds. Kagome suddenly understood the double meaning as she felt a tingling sensation vibrating in her body. They were entering a barrier. She turned to address Kazuki and, without surprise, noted the previously dark-haired occupants of the vehicle suddenly had silver hair.

Kagome had no more time to reflect on the meaning behind the gate as the limousine pulled up in front of the main residence: a large, multi-story tower which was franked by surrounding watch towers, various walls and more gates.

The four of them exited the car into an inner courtyard that was lit up with hundreds of lanterns, casting ghostly shadows throughout the enclosure.

Taking a deep breath, Kagome turned towards the staircase leading up to the `house'.

It was time to meet the Takahashis.

-x-x-x-x-

The group was ushered up the stairwell and into the main residence. Upon filing inside, they were greeted by Sesshomaru, immaculate as always in a custom tailored Caraceni suit. Standing beside him was a female inu-youkai, breathtakingly beautiful in a floor length, navy strapless gown.

Kazuki took the lead and bowed politely. “Good evening.”

Sesshomaru returned the bow and greeted his guests. Turning to his companion, he made introductions. “I would like you to meet my wife, Amaterasu.”

Amaterasu bowed politely and greeted their guests, “Welcome to our home.” Her voice had a musical lilt to it, and they all stood in awe in the presence of the attractive youkai.

Kagome didn't think that she would ever meet a youkai equal to Sesshomaru's beauty, but she was wrong. Amaterasu was like a female version of her husband: ethereal, exquisite, graceful and elegant. Her aura pulsated with power. The two stood side by side, so unearthly in appearance that they seemed untouchable.

A side door opened and two younger inu-youkai entered the foyer. Even before the introductions were made, Kagome knew who they were. Celestial and sophisticated, Daichi and Chouko were younger versions of their parents.

Daichi could easily have been mistaken for Sesshomaru's twin if it wasn't for the mischievous glint in his eyes and the flirtatious way he greeted their guests. Hmmm, not as stoic as his father.

Sesshomaru's daughter, Chouko, was relaxed and friendly as she dispensed with all formalities by extending her hand to greet them.

After introductions were made, Chouko turned to her mother. “Rei had a question about dinner and,” shrugging an elegant shoulder, “I wasn't sure what the answer was.”

Amaterasu sighed and excused herself before she left for the kitchen with Chouko in tow.

Fuji took the opportunity to compliment the inu-youkai on their impressive castle, and Daichi offered to take him on a tour of the `house.' Fuji enthusiastically agreed and after some discussion, Sakura decided to join them as well. Kagome and Kazuki declined and stayed behind with Sesshomaru. They watched as the trio headed out an open archway.

Noticing the paintings hanging on the walls of the wide corridor, Kagome wandered over to take a closer look. Most of them were familiar faces: Sesshomaru's wife, his children, and a few of the inu-youkai lord himself. There was even one of InuYasha. It was at this portrait that Kagome stared at longingly. InuYasha was dressed in his red hoari, Tessaiga at the ready, his hair whipping in the wind casting a silver halo around him. What did these two brothers endure together over the years that would make Sesshomaru finally accept his younger sibling enough to hang a portrait of him in his house? Kagome smiled at the thought.

Turning to the youkai, Kagome commented, “Nice portrait.”

Sesshomaru gave her a slight smirk. “I figured you would like this one.”

“Is InuYasha here?” she asked casually.

Not taken in by Kagome's blasé question, Sesshomaru gave her a knowing look and explained, “Yash will be arriving shortly. He went to the airport to pick up Shippo.”

Shippo! Kagome's eyes shone. “I didn't know that Shippo was coming home today.”

“Neither did Yash.” If she didn't know any better, Sesshomaru sounded a little smug with that remark.

Her thoughts consumed with seeing the little kitsune again, Kagome barely glanced at the rest of the portraits as she and Kazuki continued to follow Sesshomaru down the hallway. She came to the last portrait and suddenly stopped.

She stared up at the portrait. It was an exquisite painting with a tapestry lovingly draped around it. Kagome traced the portrait with her eyes, tears welling up as she stood looking at the little girl dancing in a field of butterflies. Her orange kimono gently swirled around her, and a look of happiness radiated from her face. Time stood still as Kagome heard Rin's voice floating out through the frame… Sesshomaru-sama, wait for Rin!... Thank you, Kagome-chan…. Jakan-sama, let's go! … Dear, sweet, little Rin that followed the tai-youkai lord everywhere.

“She lived a good life.” She detected a slight catch in the normally impassive voice behind her.

“I'm glad,” Kagome said softly.

“She always did like butterflies.” He paused and looked pointedly at Kagome as if waiting for enlightenment, but the miko was too absorbed in the painting. “500 years ago, they were always in abundance.”

A flood of emotions overcame Kagome. It happened every time she was given a reminder of the Feudal era. She merely nodded, the words caught in her throat. “I-it's a beautiful portrait. Did Shippo paint it?”

The youkai snorted, and Kagome jumped in surprise at the unlikely sound coming from Sesshomaru. “No, he did not. I trusted this portrait only to one who knew her.”

What was it with Sesshomaru's cryptic responses? Couldn't he just be straightforward for once?

Wanting to compose herself before meeting the rest of his guests, Kagome turned to the youkai and requested a few moments alone.

Sesshomaru regarded her solemnly before giving his agreement. He asked Kazuki to escort Kagome down to the reception chamber at the end of the hall when they were ready.

Kagome felt his aura move away, replaced by Kazuki's more soothing presence.

“Did you know her?”

Glancing behind her, she answered, “Yes, her name was Rin. Sesshomaru saved her life, and she followed him everywhere.”

Kazuki snorted. “I can't imagine Sesshomaru allowing a snippet of a girl to follow him.”

Kagome slanted her gaze at him, a smile playing on her lips. “How do you think we felt 500 years ago, when that Sesshomaru wouldn't have hesitated to kill us all?”

“That much of a bad-ass was he?”

Kagome laughed out loud. “You have no idea.”

One of the doors to the left of them opened, and they were joined by Sesshomaru's daughter.

“It's a beautiful painting,” Kagome complimented as she slanted a look at the beautiful youkai who came to stand beside her.

Chouko smiled. “It is. It's also the only thing that my mother ever fought my father over.”

Kagome looked over, startled at the admission.

It was Kazuki who voiced the question that they both wanted to ask, “If I'm not being too bold, why would your parents fight over a picture?”

“Because it was Rin.” It was stated plainly as if that alone answered the question.

Kagome suspected what the youkai was trying to say, but Kazuki not privy to earlier knowledge of the individuals, had no quarrel in asking further questions. “What does that mean?”

Chouko looked pointedly at Kazuki. “Properly raised inu-youkai do not show jealousy. Once married or mated, as that antiquated term is still used, it is forever. Because we join for life there is no reason to be jealous. But this,” she raised an elegant hand towards the picture, “this show of devotion from my father; it was too much, even for my mother.”

Chouko gave them a sly grin before she moved away.

Kagome was curious. “Who painted it?” she asked the retreating figure.

Looking over her shoulder, Chouko replied, “Father did not trust anyone else to paint that.” She paused and asked out of the blue, “Do you know what my name means?”

At their confused looks and slight shake of their heads, Chouko smiled. “My name means `butterfly child'. Who do you think I was named for?” With that, she walked down the hallway, leaving Kagome staring at her in awed silence.

“What is it with this family and their cryptic answers?” grumbled Kazuki.

Looking at the portrait, Kagome felt a twinge in her heart. What was it with these Takahashi brothers? They showed the world only what they wanted them to see: cold, ruthless bastards. In reality, they both had hearts as solid as gold and as big as the heavens. Sesshomaru.

Kazuki noticed the look of softness on Kagome's face. “Okay, what gives? I feel like I'm the only one who's not in on the secret.”

“Sesshomaru, he painted it himself.”

Kazuki's eyes bulged. “He painted it?”

Kagome smiled, nodding. “Didn't you hear Sesshomaru? He did say he wouldn't have trusted anyone else to paint it. And he named his biological daughter after her, Rin, his first daughter.”

Butterfly child. She returned her attention to the portrait. The colours used were beautiful; gold and red blended perfectly to create the sunrise. The little girl danced among the tall grass as butterflies gently fluttered around her… Butterflies were always in abundance … 500 years ago …

Kagome stood there transfixed as time shifted in her mind and, with crystal clarity, the missing piece of their research puzzle fell into place. Butterfly youkai no longer existed in this time, but 500 years ago, they were in abundance.

She whipped around and caught Kazuki by surprise. Her eyes sparkled with exhilaration as she exclaimed, “I've got it! The missing link, Kaz! Butterfly youkai! I can go through the well and bring back what we need!”

Kazuki's eyes widened at the sudden implication as he looked at the portrait, then down at Kagome again, her infectious excitement infusing into his own chest as he caught on to her idea.

“Do you think it will work?”

“It will! I know it will. That's our missing youkai. I can go back…”

-x-x-x-x-

After a few minutes of frenzied discussion, the two scientists composed themselves enough to enter the reception hall. They found themselves standing at the threshold.

“Inus and wolves, oh my,” Kazuki remarked nonchalantly as he casually scanned the room. “No wonder you were so well versed in the art of youkai being around this den of canines.”

Kagome wasn't listening to her friend as her gaze honed in and locked with mesmerizing sapphire eyes. The eyes lit up with recognition and, quicker than Kagome could react, she was enveloped in an exuberant bear hug.

“Kagome!”

Trying to catch her breath, she gasped, “Koga!”

The wolf let her go to pick up her hands and engulf them in his own. “Kagome, it's so good to see you again! Sesshomaru told us you would be here.” He looked fleetingly around to make sure no one was listening and leaned in to whisper, “I wasn't sure I believed him when he told us how you crossed over to the past, but now,” he straightened up and grinned, “seeing you here, I believe it!”

A laugh escaped Kagome's lips as she looked up at her friend. It was so good to see a familiar face again. “Koga, you look great! I never expected to see you again.”

He beamed down at her. “Well, if you're hanging around the mutt mansion, you'll see lots of me. My son is courting Sesshomaru's daughter.” He looked around and pointed to a handsome wolf youkai across the room. “There he is with Chouko. I'm sure you'll meet him later.”

“So, if they get married then the inus and wolves will finally be one big, happy family.”

“Well… I'll take the big, but happy?” Koga grinned down at the girl. “Sesshomaru's not too pleased with his daughter's decision but, lucky for us, it's not for him to decide.”

“Ah-hem…”

The two turned at the throat clearing.

“Oh, Kami, Kaz! I forgot you were standing there. I'm so sorry!” Kagome laughed.

Pulling her hands out of Koga's she grabbed Kazuki by the arm and pulled him up beside her. “Koga, this is my friend, Kazuki Matsumoto. Kaz, this is Koga… Koga… Koga, do you have a last name? Or is it Takahashi too?”

“Hell, no! Why would I take the mutt's name? It's Koga Nakamura.”

Kazuki extended his hand to the wolf. “Nice to meet you, Koga.”

Koga shook the offered hand and eyed Kazuki quizzically. Turning to Kagome, he gave her a toothy grin. “What's it with you and hanyou?”

She was spared from answering as a female wolf appeared by Koga's side, putting her arm possessively through his. “Hello, Kagome. How nice to see you again.”

“Ayame! How nice to see you too.” Kagome looked at the two wolves and smiled. “So, I take it you two are married?”

Koga wrapped his arm around his wife. “Yes, I finally let the she-wolf catch me.”

Nudging her husband, Ayame smiled at Kagome, a little of the trepidation she initially felt seeping out of her. When she was informed about the miko, the wolf youkai was a little leery on having Kagome in their lives again. After all, this was the woman her husband declared his undying love for — albeit that was 500 years ago — but still, feelings of jealousy were hard to ignore. “I caught him and beat him into submission until his memory came back about his lunar rainbow promise.”

“Hey…” Koga tried to protest.

Kagome laughed delightedly and quickly introduced Kazuki to Ayame.

“I hear you two are the new scientists over at the Takahashi Group.”

“Yes, but it's only temporary until we finish the project that we're working on.”

“Hmmm.” Ayame looked thoughtful. “My cousin works there. Perhaps you know her? Amara?”

“What? That little bitc— ?” Kazuki cut his words off, chagrin at almost insulting Ayame's family.

Shooting Kazuki a dark look, Kagome tried to cover for her friend. “Yes, we know Amara. We're not exactly friends.”

Koga gave a bark of laughter. “I'd be surprised if you were! She's such a bitch!”

Koga guffawed so loudly that Ayame elbowed her husband in the sides. “Koga, stop that. She's not that bad, really.” Looking at Kagome and Kazuki, she grinned and shrugged. “Amara is a bit different. She takes some getting used to, but —” She looked over at her husband, still snorting with laughter. She finally gave in and laughed too. “All right, I'll admit it. Koga's right, she can be a bitch.”

Nodding enthusiastically, Koga said, “Just stay out of her way. She's a nasty piece of work sometimes. She's been trying to get her claws into Yash for years.” He chuckled, not noticing Kagome shifting uncomfortably at the news.

Kazuki shot her a look. See, Kags, what did I tell you?

Finally noticing Kagome's glower, Koga patted her arm reassuringly. “Yash is an idiot, but even he won't touch Amara with a ten foot pole.”

Kazuki grinned. I'm going to like this wolf.

Eyeing Kazuki's grin, Koga asked, “Are you a friend of Yash's?”

With a quick shake of his head, Kazuki replied, “Nope. Not a chance.”

Koga's smile widened revealing two sharp fangs among even white teeth. “Then, you and I, we're going to be good friends.”

Kazuki's laughter joined Koga's as they found common ground in disliking Yash.

Ayame simply rolled her eyes at their antics while Kagome glared at the two, finally punching Kazuki lightly in the shoulder to get him to stop.

Ayame stepped in. “Okay, enough. So… Kagome, are you and Kazuki —”

“No!” Kagome flushed, a bit embarrassed at her hasty denial. She knew exactly what Ayame was going to ask. Was she and Kazuki a couple? Absolutely not. Now that she knew what people were thinking, she wanted to nip that particular rumor in the bud.

Kazuki gave her a grin as if reading her mind, making her flush even more.

Ayame brightened and took in Kazuki's air of confidence and charismatic personality. “Well, in that case, come with me, Kazuki. There's someone I'd like to talk to you about. She's my cousin's daughter....”

Koga watched as his wife linked her arms through Kazuki's and dragged him away. He waited until they were out of earshot before he turned to Kagome and casually said, “I wondered why mutt face's been so agitated lately.” He looked appraisingly at the woman in front of him. “Now, I know why.”

“What do you mean, Koga?”

“Shit, 500 years and he still hasn't caught you yet. I always knew he was an idiot.”

“Koga…” Kagome gently admonished.

He shrugged and gave her a cheeky grin. “Sorry, Kagome. I can't help it.”

The wolf leaned in close, put an affectionate arm around her bare shoulders and whispered into her ear, “I love Ayame and my children with all my heart, but if you and mutt face ever get together again, just remember, you were my woman first.” A toothy grin spread across his face.

“Oh, Koga, I've missed you!” Kagome laughed and hugged the wolf. He returned her hug and gently patted her back.

Two hanyou watched the exchange; both with similar reactions.

How close was Kags to that wolf?frowned one hanyou while the other, who discreetly entered the room, scowled, Fucking damn, stinking wolf - still can't keep his hands off of her.

A blur of movement rushed past Yash in the doorway as a young man suddenly appeared. “Where's Kag —”

His words were choked off as a flurry of arms launched themselves at him. “Shippo!”

The kitsune wrapped his arms around the young woman. “Kagome!”

“Hey, Kagome! How come I didn't get a welcome like that?” Koga called out.

Yash stood silently witnessing the scene. Yeah, you and me both, wolf shit.

-x-x-x-x-

Kagome was looking around the room trying to locate InuYasha. She was sure that she had seen him from the corner of her eye, not more than five minutes ago, when she was talking to General Matsumoto. Now, craning her neck to search him out, he had seemingly disappeared on her. Trying not to appear too frustrated, she walked over to the doorway and was accosted by an overzealous kitsune.

Shippo had wanted to re-connect with the woman he thought of as a mother, but every time he tried to get her alone she would be pulled into another conversation. Now, he dragged her into a corner to get some privacy. “Hell, Kagome, you're a popular person. I've been trying to get you alone for the past half an hour! You haven't changed a bit. You look great!”

Kagome laughed. “Well, I haven't changed much. It's only been five years since I've been back through the well.”

The kitsune lowered his brows. “Five years? But, the last time…” He stopped suddenly, a frown marring his young face.

“What is it, Shippo?” Kagome looked concerned.

The Kitsune brightened. “Nothing, nothing at all. Kami, it's good to see you, Kagome!” He wrapped his arms around the young woman and squeezed.

Kagome returned the hug. She couldn't believe that this was the little kitsune that used to share her sleeping bag. “It's so good to see you too, Shippo!”

Holding him at arms length, Kagome looked him over. Shippo was all grown up. He was like a lanky, overgrown teenager. His bright red hair, spiky at the top, was tied back in a loose ponytail that flowed down his back. His green, stripped shirt was tucked neatly into a pair of dark grey trousers, and a matching jacket hung snuggly around his slim shoulders.

“I hear you're a Kitsune Master now. I'm so proud of you, Shippo,” Kagome gushed.

Shippo's face lit up with the praise and his emerald eyes flashed with merriment.

He seems so carefree, so well-adjusted. He's a happy-go-lucky kitsune without a care in the world. Oh, InuYasha, you did a fine job of raising him. I'm so proud of the both of you.

Looking at her dress, Shippo whistled. “You sure are beautiful, Kagome.”

Kagome blushed, embarrassed at the way the kitsune was eyeing her over. “Thank you, Shippo, but I don't think I look any different from the last time I saw you.”

“He's right,” remarked a voice from behind her, “you are beautiful.”

Kagome's heartbeat quickened and the breath caught in her throat as she turned around. “Hello, InuYasha.”

The hanyou was simply gorgeous in a black Ralph Lauren suit that accentuated his chiseled body. His cranberry shirt contrasted against the strand of rosary beads around his neck. His hair flowed uninhibited down his back and Kagome had to resist the urge to reach up and brush a stray tendril off of his cheekbone.

Yash stared at her. He couldn't believe how utterly beautiful she was. Her form fitting dress left nothing to the imagination, and he had to suppress the shudder of need that threatened to overtake him.

Shippo regarded the couple hopefully and had to squash down the laughter tickling his throat. Uncensored longing and desire were written all over their faces, but both of them were holding back, too afraid to admit their true feelings to one another. Some things never change. The kitsune smiled impishly to himself. This might be easier than I thought.

-x-x-x-x-

Dinner was served in the formal dining room around a long rectangular table. Everyone waited until Sesshomaru took his seat at the head of the table before sitting down. Kagome found herself in between InuYasha and Koga with Kazuki directly across from her.

As soon as she sat down, Kagome turned to InuYasha and said under her breath, “We need to talk.”

Flicking his eyes at her, he asked, “About what?”

Boy, he wasn't making this easy for her, was he? “We just do.”

InuYasha barely nodded when the appetizers were served.

Kagome looked at the plate of sashimi placed before her and had to bow her head to hide her grin. Peeking up through her bangs, she noticed Kazuki trying to stifle his revulsion at the thinly sliced pieces of raw seafood.

Kazuki stared at his plate. It wasn't exactly sushi, but it was close enough. Raw seafood. He was definitely getting worms tonight. Shit. Looking up, Kazuki caught Kagome trying desperately not to laugh. Scowling at her amusement, he watched as she carefully dipped a piece of the seafood in soya sauce.

Looking pointedly at her friend to do the same, Kagome mouthed, It'll taste better with soya sauce.

Hiding his grimace, Kazuki picked up his chopsticks and mimicked Kagome's actions. He was prepared to be the perfect guest and eat his dinner. Damn, I'm going to need a pizza after tonight.

InuYasha glanced at the woman beside him. Why the hell was she giggling over raw seafood? He then noticed the by-play between her and Kazuki. Repressing the urge to growl, he proceeded to attack his dinner with vigor.

The rest of the meal passed by uneventfully, and Kagome was surprised at how delicious everything was. Even Kazuki ate with renewed enthusiasm once he discovered that the appetizer was the only raw item on the menu, everything else in the eight course meal being cooked to perfection. Well, it really shouldn't be surprising, Kagome thought. This was Sesshomaru's dinner party, after all. Nothing less than perfection for this particular inu-youkai.

When dessert was finally served, Kagome turned to Koga and asked, “Koga, when your pack lived in the Eastern Mountains, do you remember butterfly youkai in that area?” Kagome didn't notice the sudden interest in her question from the two hanyou, as well as the kitsune. Sesshomaru was currently speaking to the general, but, he too, discreetly cocked his head to catch Koga's reply.

The wolf, oblivious to the attention they were now getting, furrowed his brow in thought. “I'm not sure, Kagome. I don't think there were any near our caves.”

“There was a colony of them west of the Northern Mountains,” interjected Ayame who was also listening in. She leaned over from Koga's other side and addressed Kagome. “I had to stop there once on my way down from the North. They were very passive youkai and quite friendly.” She thought for a moment. “You know, come to think of it, their caves were fairly close to that slayer village. I remember because I passed by there directly after leaving the colony.”

Kagome smiled brightly. She must be talking about Sango's village. Perfect. Kagome grinned over at Kazuki and happened to catch the look that Shippo shot Yash. Feeling InuYasha stiffen beside her, she turned to the hanyou just as he looked away. Before he had adverted his head, she had caught the guilty expression on his face.

Now, why would he look so guilty? Something is wrong. He won't even look at me and he's acting really strange. Kagome widened her eyes as it finally occurred to her… Wait — If I go back through the well, I'd see him in the Feudal era, and he'd have memories of it… He knew about the butterfly youkai…

Yash caught Kagome's sharp intake of breath. She's figured it out. Everything was falling into place… and his heart was falling apart. Soon she would travel back to the Feudal era and when she returned, she was going to get married.

“InuYasha, we need to talk,” Kagome hissed at him.

He nodded slightly. There was no sense avoiding this forever. Better get it over with.

InuYasha waited until dinner was over. Then with a heavy heart, he led Kagome through a pair of doors and out onto a back terrace.

Kagome followed silently, secretly hoping that it was all a mistake. Kami, please let him have a good explanation for this.

-x-x-x-x-

Kazuki stared out the window at the two standing in the moonlight. A slight movement to his right halted his solitary watch and he looked over at the youkai who stood beside him.

“They belong together,” the youkai finally said, a slight defensive tone to his voice as if daring Kazuki to say otherwise.

Kazuki looked thoughtfully at his window companion before slowly nodding. “They do. Only they're both too stubborn to do anything about it. And you have to admit, Yash is being really asinine about the whole thing.”

The youkai nodded his agreement. “It's a shame we can't hear what they're saying.”

Kazuki chuckled. “It's bad enough we're spying on them. We don't need to listen to every word they say.”

“No, as long as the baka doesn't screw this up.”

“I won't argue with you there.”

“He's running out of time,” the youkai said quietly.

Kazuki glanced sideways. “You know, this family has a real bad habit with enigmatic comments.”

The youkai snorted and shot Kazuki a guarded look. “Yash is jealous of your relationship with Kagome.”

“I know.”

Raising a brow at that answer, the youkai stated, “You love Kagome.”

“Yeah, I do, but she's got her heart set on another hanyou.”

Looking sharply at Kazuki, the youkai demanded, “Then why are you doing this? You know she loves Yash. Why didn't you say anything?”

Kazuki shrugged. “It's not my problem that Yash is too stupid to see what's right in front him. He's not my friend. Kagome is.” He slanted a look at the youkai and countered with a question of his own. “Do you think she's worth fighting for?”

“Of course.”

Kazuki nodded towards the couple outside. “If he truly deserves her then he'll think she's worth fighting for, too.”

The youkai looked at Kazuki shrewdly as if sizing him up before a grin formed on his face.

The two turned in comfortable silence and continued to witness the scene unfolding before them.

-x-x-x-x-

“Please let me explain —”

“Then explain.”

InuYasha winced at the impatient tone he heard in Kagome's voice. Now that he had her complete attention, he didn't know how to begin. “Ah…”

“I'm waiting.”

“Okay, so I did know about the butterfly youkai!” Yash blurted out.

At Kagome's insistent silence, Yash swallowed the lump in his throat and continued, “I'm sorry, Kagome! I really am! I meant to tell you!”

Kagome's voice cut through the air. “Then why didn't you?”

It was the moment of truth. It was now or never. InuYasha gulped, “I-I didn't want you to go through the well.” Well, it was partially the truth, wasn't it?

“And why not?”

“Because, because —”

“Spit it out.”

“Because of Kazuki…” he finally burst out.

“What?!”

“Ah…”

“That's it? You didn't tell me because of Kaz? You jeopardized our project because of how you feel about him?”

“No, yes — I mean no!”

“What is it then, InuYasha?” Kagome's voice was turning into ice.

Because you'll go through the well, and you'll leave me again.

Because this time, I'll lose you for good.

Because I don't think I can handle it.

Because I'm afraid.

InuYasha didn't know how to voice these thoughts out loud and said the only thing he could, “I'm just so sorry, Kagome.”

“Sorry doesn't cut it, InuYasha. You knew all this time and you didn't say a word? All because you don't like Kaz? How could you?”

“It's not like that, dammit! Besides, it's not like you minded all those late nights with that bastard!” InuYasha was getting angry, and his eyes flashed as he flung the accusation at her.

Kagome opened her mouth in amazement. “You're jealous!” she said incredulously. “That's what this is all about. You think Kaz and I... that we… and you didn't tell me about the butterfly youkai because you were jealous? I can't believe you, InuYasha! You jeopardized my project for that!” Kagome shouted, as tears started to stream down her face.

“Stop fucking crying, wench!”

“Oh, so now I can't even cry even if you're being the baka? Do you know how much this project means to me?” she railed at him. “Do you know why I work so hard? Why I took the job in the first place? It was for you! It's always been for you! You had no right to do this to me. You baka! I can't believe you. Because of your jealously and your misconceptions, you want vengeance for something you wrongly believe. You think I betrayed you, and you're punishing me for it!”

InuYasha blanched at her accusations. “No, Kagome, it's not like th —”

“I don't want to hear your excuses, InuYasha! How could you do this to me? How?”

“Kagome, let me explain —”

“No! You've had your chance. You've watched me struggle for the past two weeks. Were you laughing at me behind my back? Did you get your revenge? Are you happy now?”

“Kagome, please —”

“No!”

“Dammit, Kagome! You've never been unreasonable before!”

“And you've never been a liar!”

The two stared at each other, panting, trying to catch their breaths. Kagome looked at him with eyes full of anguish. “I thought… I thought…” I thought we still had a chance. Agony wrapped its twisted hands through her heart until it clamped down on her chest, crushing her. With a strangled sob, Kagome whipped around and flew down the staircase. Her footsteps echoed in the silence.

She was running away from him again. Fuck!

InuYasha crouched, ready to spring after her, when a voice suddenly sounded behind him.

“What the hell did you do now, you bastard?”

Yash jerked around and came face to face with Kazuki. Eyes blazing and fangs bared, he growled a low warning, “Fuck off.”

Kazuki shook his head. “You're a real piece of work you know that? Kagome's laid her heart on the line, and you're such a bastard that you can't even see what's in front of you. The way that you keep hurting her, you don't deserve her. I keep telling her that, but Kagome keeps defending you! You asshole — you can't even see that she's still in love with you!”

InuYasha saw red and started advancing onto Kazuki. I'm going to kill the fucking bastard!

Kazuki bared his fangs. “If you think I have time for this shit, you're mistaken. Kagome just ran off into the night alone and all you can think about is your pathetic excuses.” With a look of disgust, he took off into the night after Kagome.

InuYasha was ready to leap after the retreating figure. That fucker! I'm going to fucking kill him. First for taking Kagome away from me, then for talking to me like that… Wait! Did he just say that Kagome is still in love … with me? Wha —?!

Yash halted, dumbstruck, all the rage deflating out of him like a punctured balloon. On the heels of Kazuki's words came Kagome's shouting through his mind… It was for you. It's always been for you …

InuYasha tried to calm his racing heart as realization struck him like a lightning bolt. Kagome still loves me? Me?! What the hell — Shit! What the fuck have I done?!

“InuYasha, you baka.” The voice was low and harsh.

Not bothering to turn around, Yash ignored the figure that stood behind him.

“You love her, don't you?” hissed the voice, persistent.

Yash continued to ignore the youkai as he stood there, silently trying to make sense of his jumbled thoughts.

Suddenly a clawed hand whipped him around and he was roughly pushed up against the side of the castle. “Then fucking fight for her, you idiot!”

Normally, he would tear anyone apart that would dare threaten him, verbally or physically. Only two individuals in the world could get away with it. One was Kagome, the other stood in front of him, fury radiating off his small frame. Only the love and trust that had built up over the centuries saved the little kitsune's life.

Yash pushed the kit away, growling low, “Shippo, stay the fuck out of it!”

“I fucking won't!” Shippo was furious. He had spent years waiting for this moment, and damn if he'd just sit by and watch as Kagome left them again.

Yash began to growl a low warning and was abruptly cut off as the kitsune brought his hands up to grip the hanyou's collar, wrapping the fabric around his small fists. “I'm not going to fucking stand here and watch you let her get away again!”

Yash started to push the kitsune away but was stopped by the stench of tears. Shippo's tears.

Shaking his adoptive father slightly, the kitsune let go. His shoulders were slumped as he stood back, not trying to hide the tears that fell from his eyes. “InuYasha… I love you like a father. I love Kagome like a mother.” Looking up, the kit continued brokenly, “I've seen you two fall in love. I've witnessed the devotion you two share. I've been with both of you from the very beginning, and I want to be there for the end. You love her. She loves you. You belong together … You are the father I never had. I've seen you fight demons with your bare hands. I've seen you fight Naraku and Sesshomaru, I've seen you fight so many things. So, please…” the kit swallowed and begged, “please fight for her.”

Yash stared at the kitsune, then reached out and swatted his head. “Stay out of it, runt.” There was no anger in his voice this time, just patience and love.

Shippo looked up, surprise written all over his face. “Wha —”

Giving him a lopsided smile, Yash said, “I've already decided to go after her, you baka. But that was a nice display of emotions, Shippo. Too bad you weren't an actor, you would have won an award.”

Shippo was incensed. “InuYasha! Y-you, you baka! You made me worry for nothing! You had it figured out all along!”

“No, Shippo. I finally came to my senses. I was too blind to see what was in front of me all along. I believed something for so long that it was hard to see the truth. I've been a fool, Shippo, a big one. It finally makes sense. After all these years, it makes sense.”

Shippo nodded his agreement. “InuYasha no baka.” The insult was levied at the hanyou, but without malice or heat.

Yash laughed and pulled a surprised kitsune into his arms, engulfing him in a hug. “Thanks, runt.”

Shippo returned the hug as relief filled his heart. He pushed away from his adopted father. “Kazuki went after her. Are you just going to stand here and let him have her without a fight?”

Yash growled low, “Hell, no. Kagome's mine.”

A feral gleam came into Yash's eyes. His face was half hidden in the shadows and an ominous aura pulsated around him. He gave the kitsune his trademark smirk and, without another word, he took off into the night to reclaim what was rightfully his.