InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Special delivery ❯ Putting things in place ( Chapter 51 )

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

Chapter 51: Putting things in place
 
 
A/N: It's been a while, no? Well I decided to post early since I found a little time. Caution long chapter ahead, but will it reveal all you want to know?
 
 
Thanks for reviewing:
 
Syzhale (Like the new name. Congrats on leaving the 600threview)
Little25victor
Soojinyeh
Sesshkagufan13
BlackMagicWhiteMagic
Rudhu (x29! New record!)
Soul.fleur
Jinxy-sama (x2)
 
Kagura's number one fan (Revelations are coming, but Kanna and Rin being friends? We'll see about that.)
 
Random reviewer (New reviewer yay! Thank your friend for me)
 
Nice stry (Always glad to have new reviewers)
 
Arlaen (Another new reviewer! No worries Rin isn't going to be a big part of the story.)
 
Double thanks to Dogsfang who I forgot to mention last time!
 
 
On MediaMiner.org
 
Zetsuii (There will be more of the new characters, count on it. Kanna jealous of Rin? Where did you get such an idea?... lol.)
 
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…
 
 
“Talking”
`Thoughts'
 
 
 
“Just give me a second.” She murmured to the threesome trailing behind her just as she fished her keys out of her purse.
 
To his surprise Sesshoumaru saw Kagura retrieve a long white envelope from her mailbox. His heartbeat suddenly quickened. `Naraku' He thought remembering the time the spider hanyou sent him unmarked letters before contacting him. Even though he did not detect the foul scent usually coming with Kagura's father, he had no doubt he was behind it.
 
`I should have guessed he would try to get to Kagura when he failed to get to me.'
 
“I forgot to check my mail yesterday, so it's no wonder I have so much…” She said as she reached for the pile of envelopes and papers, aiming to check them, but he, without letting go of Kanna, shot his hand forward to stop her.
 
“Kagura, there is no need to try wasting time. Get Kanna ready for bed, I will read them a story, then the two of us need to talk.” He said knowing that it was time for him to come clean. Her crimson eyes widened slightly as his words. She knew where he was going, but was not sure she would appreciate it.
 
“Okay…” The wind sorceress breathed out, her heart picking up speed. She could tell that the confrontation she had been dreading and trying to avoid was to take place in just a few minutes.
 
Without bothering to speak another word, Kagura walked past the door of her building and took the stairs, Rin and Sesshoumaru following closely behind her, him with Kanna in his arms.
 
“Well here we are. Nothing grand like your penthouse, but Kanna and I do feel at home here.” She said as she inserted her key into the lock and opened the door to the one bedroom apartment Kagura shared with her daughter.
 
`For now…' Sesshoumaru thought to himself. `If I were you I would not get too used to this place. You will be back by my side soon enough…' His confidence at getting Kagura to resume their relationship was back. After all she had agreed to let him inside her home.
 
He tried his best not to groan as he stepped inside the wind sorceress's new living space, but only his legendary self-control helped him. From as far back as he could think he had never been in a living room this tiny. Seeing Kagura's delighted smile gave him a reality check.
 
`I can see why she thinks that there is a large difference between our economic statuses. I know that I would not be able to stay in such a small space, but Kagura seems so content…' He thought reflecting of the argument he had had with Kagura before she had left him. `At least her apartment does not look as shabby at Naraku's house…' He thought, his golden eyes resting on a small table ornamented with a bunch of colorful artificial flowers. He knew it was a small attempt from Kagura to try to liven up her living space.
 
“You guys make yourself comfortable. Rin do you want something to drink?” Kagura asked just as she walked towards the little side table to deposit her mail. She took off her coat and hung it behind the door before stepping towards Sesshoumaru.
 
“Nuh-uh. Rin is good.” The little girl beamed. “Your home is very pretty.” She added walking over to the window to look at the dark night sky. She then did her best to prevent the adults from noticing her yawning, but it did not escape Sesshoumaru and Kagura's sharp eyes.
 
“Here let me take Kanna. I'll get her ready for bed.” This time Sesshoumaru did not protest when Kagura took her daughter from his arms. “We'll be back in just a few minutes.” On this last note Kagura walked towards the back of her apartment where the only bedroom was.
 
“Rin likes Miss Kagura and Kanna very much.” She commented just after the wind sorceress disappeared from sight. “I can see they like Sesshoumaru-sama very much too.” The little girl smiled at her mentor happily. She could tell that he cared for the mother and daughter as well, and only wanted him to be happy. She was glad he had introduced them as well.
 
“Rin. There is no need to be this formal when addressing me.” The dog demon said. He had told the little girl that before, but she would always simply respond with a big smile, and go on using the honorific when calling his name.
 
“Miss Kagura said that too.” Rin grinned at her mentor.
 
`Did she now?' Sesshoumaru thought to himself. Any indication that pointed to the fact that Kagura still cared about him made him rejoice.
 
“Sesshoumaru?... Is it really okay for Rin to call you like that?” She asked brown eyes staring up at the inu youkai's face.
 
“Yes of course. As I am sure you noticed, Kanna does.” He commented his sharp golden gaze straying to the table where Kagura had deposited the long white envelope she had received. Sesshoumaru was itching to open it, and see what it was Naraku wanted from her, but he did not dare. If Kagura was to catch him in the act of opening her mail, she would never forgive him.
 
“Oh yes that's true.” Rin beamed suddenly reassured.
 
`This Sesshoumaru will only have to wait until she comes back. I want her to trust me, so I need to trust her in return.' The dog demon thought unhappily.
 
 
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Kagura quickly changed her dear daughter in her new pair of white pajamas, a recent and much needed purchase, which had been made possible thanks to Kagura's new jobs.
 
`She grows up so quickly, no wonder I have to keep buying her clothes.' The wind sorceress thought as she took out the little girl's white flower hairpins before gently brushing her short white locks.
 
“Kanna. You know I love you and that I would do anything for you, right?” She gently asked the little girl settled on the bed next to her.
 
“I love you too mommy.” Kanna responded gently. She had expected to receive a scolding from her mother as soon as the two of them would be alone, but she had not anticipated Kagura using such a gentle tone.
 
“Rin is a nice girl, don't you agree?” The wind sorceress added, but did not receive any answer from her daughter. “She really wants to be a friend of yours since she's so important to Sesshoumaru.”
 
“I want Kanna to be important to Sesshoumaru, not her.” The little girl sighed, unnerved no one tried to understand her reasoning.
 
“One doesn't prevent the other. Sesshoumaru will always care a lot about you, no matter how many other little girls he cares for.” Kagura tried making her daughter understand.
 
“Why do you say that? Are you going to have a baby with Sesshoumaru?” Kanna gasped. That had been one thing she had never thought about. How would it be to have a younger sibling?
 
`That would be okay because if mommy had a baby with Sesshoumaru, then they would get married, and he would stay with us forever. We would all live together.' Kanna felt a smile etch on the lips as the thought occurred to her. She did not know how babies were made, but from what she had gathered from her mother's words, `daddies' were supposed to place babies in `mommies' bellies. The young girls figured that if she were to suggest the idea of it to Sesshoumaru and her mother, then it probably would happen, after all the two of them loved her very much, and would like to please her.
 
“Kanna would like it if that happened.” She turned around to stare up at her mother, her face lightened up in pure happiness and longing.
 
“Kanna!” Her mother gasped, not even knowing what to say. `How in the hell did she come up with such an idea?!' Kagura wondered just as an image of a silver haired, crimson eyed baby flashed in her mind. `Sesshoumaru and I definitely would make a beautiful baby, but that is so not going to happen any time soon.' She blushed at how easily her thoughts had strayed from the problem at hand.
 
“Sorry to disappoint you honey, but that is not going to happen any time soon. Besides we weren't talking about that, but rather of how horrible you've behaved with Rin today. She's been nothing but nice and welcoming to you, while you've bullied her.”
 
“I already said I was sorry…” Kanna sighed disappointed her idea had not been heard by her mother. `Well I can always ask Sesshoumaru…' The thought made her brighten up.
 
“And I know you didn't mean it. I'm not saying Rin and you should be best friends, but at least try to be nice to her. Who knows you might end up becoming friends. From what Sesshoumaru told me, Rin is going to be a part of his life for a long time…”
 
“Really?” Kanna interrupted her mother, sighing unhappily. “He should not. Sesshoumaru promised me he would have me forever. He bought me lots and lots of gifts, and he kept my hair flower for me! He no need Rin. He has me. He should only care about me.”
 
“Kanna you need to realize Sesshoumaru does not belong to you. He is free to do as he pleases, and to be friends with as many children as he wants. Were you not just speaking about how you wanted Sesshoumaru and me to have a baby?” Kagura asked her daughter trying to reason with her.
 
“No you don't understand. If you have a baby with Sesshoumaru you will get married, and he won't leave! Then he will be with us forever.” Kanna said in one breath. She really could not fathom why her mother had not had her idea before.
 
“Kanna-chan this is not a reason for two people to make a baby, or to get married. Things don't work like that…”
 
“Why not?” Kanna frowned unhappily. “Otherwise you don't need a baby.” The young girl pouted.
 
“Kanna, having a baby is a wonderful thing. The day you were born was the greatest day of my life. If I were to have another child… well first of all it wouldn't be any time soon, plus I'm sure you would get along well with the child. You are a loving little girl with a big heart, am I wrong?”
 
“Yes… Maybe I would like the baby… because it would be the baby of mommy and Sesshoumaru.” Kanna admitted. Now the more she thought about it, the more attracted she was to the idea of her two demonic parent figures giving her a younger sibling. “But Rin is not the same. We don't need her.” She still persisted with her idea.
 
“Kanna!” Kagura scolded her. “When did you become so mean?!” `Sesshoumaru is always assuring me that the time spent with Naraku didn't affect her, but I'm not so sure.' “The way you're acting… it reminds me of Naraku. Being mean to someone for no apparent reason like that… not to mention the lying and cheating.”
 
“Naraku.” The child breathed out, her dark eyes clouding over. She still remembered the dark figure, who would hurt her mother so badly. A reason why she was so attached to Sesshoumaru was the gratefulness she felt for the dog demon for saving both her mother and her from the clutches of Naraku.
 
“I am not like him.” The idea that she had disappointed her mother enough to be compared to the spider hanyou was painful to her. Before she realized it; she was crying hot tears.
 
“No of course you're not baby. Mommy is sorry for saying that. Come here.” After wiping Kanna's tear stained cheeks, Kagura placed her on her lap, holding her close to her chest.
 
“I don't want to be like him… I will try to be nice to Rin now. Really I promise I will.” Now that her mother had mentioned it, Kanna did see that how she had treated Rin was less than honorable. Unlike her Rin had behaved admirably, smiling even as Kanna hurt her, and the young human had not even told on Kanna. `Maybe it's because Rin is so nice that Sesshoumaru likes her so much… but Kanna can be nice too.' She assured herself. `If I become more nice, mommy and Sesshoumaru will like me even more!'
 
“That's my girl. I'm so proud of you.” Kagura placed a loud smacking kiss to Kanna's pale bangs before lifting the young girl from her knees and sliding her under the covers of their bed. “Sessh will come read you your story soon.” She said aiming to uplift her daughter. The wind youkai felt bad for making her daughter feel so horrible. She had wanted her point to come across, but regretted the method she used.
 
`Comparing anyone to Naraku is harsh, but I'd rather hurt Kanna now, and make her realize the gravity of her actions before things take a turn for the worse.' Kagura took the time to place another kiss to her daughter's forehead before leaving to fetch the dog demon.
 
“I know a very impatient little girl, who's requesting a bedtime story.” Kagura said as she walked back into what qualified as both her living room and dining room.
 
“Do you want to join her?” The wind sorceress asked Rin, whose smile suddenly grew; she could barely mask her excitement.
 
“Then let us go.” Sesshoumaru gently nudged the slightly hesitating little girl forward, silently telling her to go rejoin with Kanna.
 
“When I am done with the children, we will talk.” He whispered to Kagura as he walked past her, following after Rin.
 
Kagura entertained the idea of refusing, she knew she could if she pointed to him that Rin needed to go back to the orphanage to sleep, but knew she was done running away.
 
“Okay. I'll be waiting.”
 
 
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“I hope you are satisfied with the story?” Sesshoumaru asked as he closed the book splayed on his knees. He was sitting on the edge of the only bed of the apartment. Kanna and Rin were lying closely next to each other on the bed. Both little girls had listened to him in silence, taking in the captivating tale of the princess and the mighty unlikely hero who had come to save her from a nasty dragon.
 
The dog demon's golden eyes scanned the barren room around him. Kagura's bedroom was too small and did not look comfortable enough to him. He once again wished she could just move back in with him. Another reason for the sigh that just escaped his lips was the scents in the room. As soon as he had walked inside the small room shared by Kanna and Kagura, his very sensitive nose had been assaulted by a concentrate of the wind sorceress's delicious smell, making him remember how much he had missed her.
 
“Thank you Sesshoumaru.” Kanna smiled happily. Having the dog demon read her a story reminded her of the happiest time of her young life; the time she had lived in Sesshoumaru's penthouse with her mother. Kanna had then felt secured, protected and loved.
 
`Soon we will go back. I know it.' The young void demoness thought to herself as she snuggled against Sesshoumaru's side.
 
“Rin had so much fun too. I loved this story.” The young human said just before letting out a big yawn. She uselessly tried to hide how tired she was since his sharp eyes could easily see it. Sesshoumaru observed her with interest. He did not know how long his talk with Kagura would last, and he did not want Rin to have to suffer, if it was to take too long.
 
`I could always drop off Rin at the orphanage, but I do not know how Kagura would welcome me back if I were to leave. This is the perfect opportunity to get everything out in the open. Besides if Rin falls asleep here… I will have no choice but to remain here as well. I am her mentor, and should stay by her side at all times.' The dog demon thought to himself just as he stood up. He reached for Kagura's side table where he placed the book he had just read the girls from.
 
“Rin. Do you wish to spend the night here?” He heard himself ask before thinking.
 
“Can I really? Rin never had a sleepover before!” She clasped her hands together, the prospect of having a new experience enough to bring a bright smile to her lips. The idea of not having to go back to the orphanage, where she was sure Rumi would tease and annoy her, was even more pleasant.
 
“Does she have to stay?” Kanna did not bother hiding the sigh that escaped her lips. She may have promised her mother to be nicer, but changing took time, and a lot of effort.
 
“Unless you want us both to leave…” Sesshoumaru answered, raising an eyebrow. The pout appearing on Kanna's lips was enough of an answer.
 
“Come Rin. I will ask Kagura to lend you something to sleep in.” He extended a clawed hand towards the young human, who quickly took hold of it. The two of them walked towards the door of the small bedroom, when Kanna's voice interrupted them.
 
“Sesshoumaru can I get a goodnight kiss?” As soon as the young void demoness spoke, Sesshoumaru walked back towards her and bent over her small form to press a gentle kiss on her forehead. “From mommy too.” Kanna added.
 
“I will be sure to send her to you. Now go to sleep.” After making sure Kanna was well covered by the hand knitted woolen blanket, the dog demon exited the room, Rin in tow.
 
`I promised mommy I would be nice to Rin, but it's not easy… Maybe I can try harder. I don't want Mommy to be disappointed in me anymore.' Kanna thought to herself, letting another sigh escape her lips.
 
 
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The young void demoness could not prevent a smile from appearing on her lips. Her day had gone well beyond her expectations. She was sure that right now her mother and Sesshoumaru were making up, and she was convinced that soon they would be living together again as one big happy family. Of course she could have done without Rin, but she could bear having the young human around.
 
“Kanna?” She heard Rin whisper. The latter was dressed in one of Kagura's much larger T-shirts, nicely tucked into the bed, taking the place the wind sorceress occupied every night next to Kanna.
 
“Psst! Kanna are you awake?” The young youkai sighed, but did not respond. Even though she had decided to get along better with Rin, and that she had quite enjoyed being read a story by Sesshoumaru with Rin by her side, Kanna decided to pretend she could not hear the other girl calling her name.
 
“Are you sleeping? Rin can't sleep. I don't like the dark.” The older of the two children breathed out. She hated the idea of having Kanna know of her deepest fear, the one that reminded her of the horrible car accident that took away her parents from her. The girls she shared a room with at the orphanage, especially Rumi, had mocked her at first due to her fear of the dark, but had grown tired of it. However Rin was sure Kanna was going to be different. Even though the young void demoness had been mean to her all day long, Rin still felt that she had to have a nice side.
 
`Kanna is Miss Kagura's daughter, and Sesshoumaru's friends after all…' Rin reasoned in her mind.
 
Kanna wondered what to do. She too used to be afraid of the dark; especially, when her mother left her with their old neighbor Kaede because Kagura had to work late. To help her feel better the old woman had given Kanna a little something her mother still placed under her pillow. It, paired with the framed pictures of herself and her mother, had always been a source of comfort for her when her mother was not near. But Kanna felt like she did not need the object anymore. Now she had her beloved and precious Kuma-chan, and the mirror her mother had given her. Thinking about her treasures made the young demoness hug the white teddy bear the dog demon had given her to her chest. Reaching under her pillow Kanna fished out a small object and placed it in Rin's hand.
 
“Here, it takes the monsters away. If you have it they don't come. Goodnight.” Not bothering to explain further, Kanna closed her dark eyes and did her best to fall asleep.
 
`I gave it to her, so she don't cry for Sesshoumaru to come. I want him and mommy to make up, so Rin should fall asleep too.' The young demoness smiled slightly at the prospect that the new day would bring happier times for her. The idea that she might be warming up to Rin did not even cross her mind.
 
“What is it?” Rin tried feeling with her fingers to find out what she was now holding. She brought it closer to her eyes, and through the sliver of moonlight coming from the window she could tell it was a worn orange bow. A bright smile displayed on her lips, she quickly slid it around her wrist.
 
“Thank you Kanna. Goodnight to you too.” Rin said happily to who she now saw as a new friend. Even if the young demoness had not said it outright, Rin knew that the orange bow was a gift to try to make amends.
 
 
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After leaving the two girls, the dog demon took the time to give Haruka a quick phone call to let her know Rin would be having a sleepover at his friend's place. To his surprise she had easily accepted.
 
Sesshoumaru then stepped inside the living room area, and froze. Kagura was reading her mail.
 
“What is it?” He asked, tensed. He already anticipated Kagura breaking down after reading the letter, which he was sure related to Naraku's blackmail.
 
“Not much. It's from my school.” She said closing the envelop back before placing it back on her side table with the rest of her mail.
 
Sesshoumaru felt an emotion he not often associated with himself, stupidity. He had been so afraid of Naraku trying to get to him through Kagura that he had been sure the seemingly unmarked envelop was his doing.
 
`I should have trusted my senses. I knew the letter smelt nothing like the disgusting vile scent of that infernal hanyou.' He sighed relieved.
 
“Are you sure it's okay for Rin to sleep here? I wouldn't want you to get in trouble with the orphanage.” Kagura broke through his thoughts. She turned around to stare up into his golden eyes.
 
“Do not worry about it. Haruka will not mind.” `We have much more important things to deal with and discuss.' He thought to himself. “You sound so concerned for my well being. I must admit I am surprised you managed to forget about our past different.” He said aloud. `It seems to me that she is trying to avoid our talk.'
 
“I guess this the end of our truce.” She answered with a snort before adding “By the way I didn't forget, but I can forgive. So what is it you wanted to talk about?” She did not want to be the first one to disclose.
 
"Very well. Kagura... there is something I have been meaning to tell you for some time now. Something I think you deserve to know." He struggled to find the words to tell her. Knowing her, and her temper he was sure things could easily take a turn for the worse.
 
Her heartbeat quickened. Something told her she was not going to enjoy the discussion they were about to have. She had planned on coming clean about all her secrets that night, and she had anticipated that it would not be a conversation she was going to enjoy, but the cold and closed off look on Sesshoumaru's face worried her.
 
'He hasn't looked this grim since the day we first met...' She thought to herself.
 
"What is it? I have a lot of stuff I think you deserve to know too, so I guess we should just come out with it as fast as we can." She risked a small chuckle, which he did not return.
 
'Maybe she wishes to tell me about her past herself. Perhaps I should let her try to explain herself.' He wondered, torn about the best course of action to take. Then as his golden eyes rested on the long and thin white envelop Kagura had carelessly deposited on her dining table, he knew that he thought about the threat Naraku still posed for the wind sorceress, and decided he was done leaving things to chance.
 
`The letter she has received today may not be from her father, but the bastard may try to get I contact with her at some other time, through some other way. He did not appreciate me dismissing him, and I am willing to bet anything that right now he is trying to find a way to hurt Kagura and Kanna.'
 
"Kagura. I know all about your past." He suddenly let out. Finally speaking the words he had dreaded for so long caused a surge of relief to run through him.
 
"What?!" She gasped, taking a step back in complete shock. "What do you mean?" She asked him, not willing to understand.
 
'It can't be! How would he even find out? I've worked so hard to keep it all a secret!'  She thought to herself.
 
Noticing the look of alarm in her wide crimson eyes, and her sudden pallor, he quickly walked up to her. He placed his strong hands on her shoulder, and used his thumbs to massage her skin, trying to soothe her.
 
"What exactly do you know?" She looked up at him. Since she was pretty sure that the dog demon could not know about her past employment of all things, she felt slightly reassured.
 
"I know that your previous… occupation… in your father's so called business went beyond being a simple escort." He decided to remain vague in his explanation.
 
“Oh… but how?” She breathed out, her usually vibrant dark red lips suddenly looking very pale. `I've come to such great pains to hide it all from him.' Her heart sinking in her chest she took two steps away, not wanting to look into the dog demon's deep amber eyes, nor to see disgust or condemnation. To her horror she did not get to step far from him; her back had encountered the white washed wall of her living room.
 
“Your father… Naraku. He tried to blackmail me, and informed me of your past at the same time.” He informed her. Seeing the look of shock and pain in her crimson eyes hurt him in turn, but he knew that the situation was a necessary evil. They would only be able to move forward if they were to have this talk.
 
“Did you…”
 
“Give into his demands and pay him off? Of course not. This Sesshoumaru will never give into blackmail.” He assured her stepping forward, stopping at only a few inches from her.
 
“When did all this happen?” Kagura wondered aloud, trying to understand what had taken place. She was sure that after being blackmailed by Naraku, and hearing of her secret, Sesshoumaru's behavior towards her would have to have changed, but she could not discern him ever being repulsed by her, or try to get rid of her.
 
“The same day you left.” He answered her. He wanted to touch her, to reassure her, but did not dare lift a finger to her creamy skin.
 
`Ever since then?! I never would have wanted for him to find out like this. I wanted to tell him myself…' Kagura thought to herself, aching inside.
 
“This is not how I wanted things to turn out. I wanted to be the one to tell you. I should have explained all this to you sooner… This was what I wanted to tell you tonight.” She sighed after taking a deep breath; aiming to get some strength back.
 
“It isn't too late. I am willing to listen…now.” He added remembering how he had dismissed her explanation the night of the gala. He had now come to realize she had probably wanted to tell him everything. He was not sure how much he could trust Naraku's words, and since he had not read the spider half demon's black book, he did not have that much information about Kagura's past. “I want you to tell me everything. How you started working for him, and what made you into the woman you are today.”
 
`For all I know Naraku's words might have only been lies.' He told himself, slightly hopeful.
 
After briefly hesitating on how to explain, Kagura opened her mouth to start speaking; she knew it was time to come clean.
 
 
To be continued…
 
 
A/N: Ku ku ku you didn't think I'd just give you the whole discussion, did you? I promise that next time almost everything will be explained. The chapter will accordingly be named All in the open. See you guys next week!