InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Special delivery ❯ Family Bonding ( Chapter 72 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: saphira404 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.27.2011 | Pages: 5 | Words: 8.3K | Visits: 250 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.27.2011 | Pages: 5 | Words: 8.3K | Visits: 250 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 72: Family bonding
A/N: Hello me again. Once again a long chapter. It will feature an explanation of family ties and feelings; especially, on Sesshoumaru’s end.
Syzhale
Sesshkagufan13
Little25victor
Candyredlov e
Lemonz V
Roguereader (Glad to see you’re back! I feared you’d given up on the story :) Not to worry Sesshy will get his chance at revenge, maybe sooner than you think… Kanna and her mother have come a long way, but will all their efforts be for naught? We’ll see.”
Cool (Always a pleasure to hear from new people. I am glad to see you enjoed the fic!)
Thank you once again Dogsfang for the delightful PM.
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…
“Talking”
‘Thoughts’ ;
“How long will you remain mad at me?” Sesshoumaru’s golden eyes briefly averted from the road in front of him to look at the quiet woman seated in the car next to him. Ever since he had pulled out of the parking lot of the penthouse, the wind sorceress has been unusually quiet. He was not sure what was wrong, but intended to find out.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but my mood does not rely entirely on you.” She said, then quickly regretted it. The last thing she wanted was to take her anger out on Sesshoumaru. He was not to blame, and was suffering as much, if not more than she was.
‘Ah so the witch is mad at herself.’ He thought to himself. Even though he had initially thought that Kagura was over what had transpired the previous day with Sousuke Yamashita, seeing how silent and thoughtful she had been all evening let him quickly know that she had yet to get over things.
“I’m sorry for being such a bitch… It’s wrong of me to take my anger out on you; you’re the last person who deserves it. It’s just that I thought you accepting my past would have been enough to keep it all away, but now all of a sudden everything’s being thrown back in my face.” She sighed, her sad darkened crimson eyes staring out of the car.
Hearing her words, the dog demon quickly realized that the reason for her upset was more than Yamashita’s attack. Just before they left the house, Sesshoumaru had received a phone call from his lawyer, Myouga, informing him that the judge presiding over their adoption case had heard rumors about Kagura’s past, and especially her time working for Naraku. He had therefore decided to take a closer look to their petition, which would make them have to wait even longer now to officially make Rin their daughter.
“Kagura, you have no cause to worry. As Myouga explained the judge is just being a little difficult. The matter will be resolved very quickly. In the meantime, do not blame yourself.” The dog demon hoped that his words would be enough to reassure his fiancée, and get her back to her usual mood.
“I hope you are right. I just hate the fact that I’m the reason why Rin is still stuck in that orphanage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that the bastard of Yamashita attacked you yesterday… ”
“Did we not agree not to refer to that incident again?” He interrupted her before she finished her thought. To him the attack was water under the bridge, and did not need to be brought up again.
“I don’t even know why I’m mad. I should have guessed this would happen. After all the second Touran gave the information to the newspapers, I knew everyone would find out about my past. I just never realized it would be an issue in our adoption procedure….” She started, but then something caught her eye, and she changed her train of thought. “Wait… we’re going to pick up Kanna, why are you driving towards the orphanage?” Kagura had been so lost in thought earlier that she only now paid attention to the route they were taking.
“As planned we shall be bringing both of our daughters to dinner at Inuyasha’s. I have called Haruka in advance, and she has assured me there should not be any trouble with Rin spending the night at the penthouse.” The dog demon informed her.
“Didn’t Myouga tell you the judge said we should reduce the time we spend with Rin in case our petition is rejected?” She asked her fiancé. His answer first came out in the form of a grin.
“I do not care what the old fool says. Rin is our daughter, and we will spend as much time with her as we wish. Moreover you are more than fitting to be her mother.” To emphasize his point, he removed his right hand from the wheel, and placed it over Kagura’s hand before giving it a small squeeze.
‘Sesshoumaru is right, who the fuck does that damn judge think he is. He has no right to critic me without knowing me, or to try to prevent us from seeing Rin. I love her as if she was already ours, and besides she’s already lost her biological parents, and she would be devastated if Sessh and I suddenly dropped out of her life. Not to mention that Kanna’s become so attached to her as well…’ Kagura thought to herself, suddenly feeling a strong resolve to mend her family together burn inside her.
“You are right. We promised the girls a dinner out tonight, and this is what we will do.” She then paused before speaking again. “I don’t know how you do it, but you always know what to say to make me feel better.” She said gratefully even as she took his large clawed hand, and brought it to her lips to give it a small kiss. The tender gesture made him chuckle huskily.
“Wind witch you know I prefer to be the one doing the kissing.” He groaned, causing her to chuckle in mirth.
“That may be but you’ll just have to wait until tonight. For now I want to see our kids.” The wind sorceress said as she let go of his hand, allowing it to regain its spot on the wheel.
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Kanna curiously looked inside her mirror, her dark eyes thinning as she concentrated. She let out a sigh of relief when she managed to make the image inside it tremble then vanish.
“I did it!” The child eagerly exclaimed, averting her gaze from the mirror resting on her lap to look at the woman seated next to her, overlooking her hard work.
“Yes you did. Great job. Grandma is very proud of you Kanna-chan.” Sakura smiled at her granddaughter, then smoothed her white hair back before getting up from the comfortable and expensive couch placed in her living room. She then picked up Kanna’s half empty juice box, and handed it back to the child, who happily resumed sipping her sweet drink.
“I think we should end here for today. Your mommy is going to come pick you up soon anyways.” Sakura commented as she took her place back next to her granddaughter. It still felt surreal for her to spend time with not only Kagura, but also Kanna. On that day she had spent the afternoon teaching the young void youkai how to control her powers.
“Wow already?” Kanna exclaimed surprised. When her mother had dropped her off a few hours earlier, she had been a little apprehensive. It was the first time that for one of her sessions with Sakura, Kagura had left her alone with the older demoness. Not that Kanna minded much, Sakura was always very nice to her, gave her tons of delicious snacks, and best of all really helped her stop seeing horrible things in her mirror.
“Time passes quickly for me too when I get to spend time with you honey.” The older demoness smile fondly.
“Grandma?” Kanna suddenly asked, slightly unsecure.
“Yes, dear?”
“If I invite you to my birthday, will you come?... You can also bring Morio…” Kanna asked, her voice now dimmed.
Tears of joy suddenly sprang to Sakura’s eyes, and she had a hard time getting back her voice. “Yes sweetie. I would love that. Also tell me what you would like as a present. It is after all my duty as your grandma to get you anything you want.”
Kanna’s dark eyes suddenly sparkled at the prospect. “Really? Can I get a pony?”
Her request made Sakura laugh heartily. “I do not think your parents would really like it if there was an animal running around the apartment… Maybe I could get you something smaller.”
Seeing the look of hard concentration on the child’s face, Sakura added “Why don’t you think about it, and let me know what you want when we see each other next week?”
“Hello ladies, we have some company.” Morio announced in a loud voice interrupting Kanna’s conversation with her grandmother, and preventing Kanna from giving an appropriate answer to the older woman.
The illusion demon walked inside the living room, three familiar forms following closely behind him.
“Mommy! Daddy!” Kanna exclaimed as she slid off the couch, and hurried towards her parents. “Hi Rin.” She then added when she noticed her soon to be sister was with Sesshoumaru and Kagura as well.
“Oh what a delight! Kagura you should have told me you would be bringing your other daughter along as well. I would have gotten her a little snack ready.” Sakura said, overcome with glee. It was one thing to have Kagura introduce her to her biological granddaughter as she was helping her with her powers, but quite another be presented to Rin. It was indeed something Sakura had never expected to happen.
“That’s okay, we’re on our way to have dinner with Sesshoumaru’s stepmother anyways. I mean we wouldn’t want to ruin the appetite of our little girls. In fact we have to run before we are late. I hope everything went well today.” The wind sorceress answered her mother even as she crouched to give her daughter a big hug, which was eagerly returned by Kanna.
“Oh yes everything was lovely.” Sakura assured her daughter
“This is my grandma. She is mommy’s mom, so she’s your grandma too.” Kanna pointed out to her sister. As soon as Kagura had freed her from their embrace, the young void demoness had skipped over to Rin’s side.
Kanna’s words caused a huge smile to appear on Rin’s lips, and joy to spread through Kagura. She had for a long time worried that Kanna would be resentful of Rin, but now the two of them seemed to have formed a true bond, to Kagura’s relief. Her crimson eyes looked down at the two children, and she could not help the smile that appeared on her lips. She then and there swore to herself that no matter what happened, she would do her best to keep her family together.
“I’m Rin.” The young human said looking up at the older woman who looked so much like Kanna, yet had Kagura’s crimson eyes.
“Oh yes I know, I have heard so much about you from your mother. It is a real pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Sakura, and this is my husband Morio.” The void youkai walked to stand next to her husband while doing her best not to let loose the tears she could feel gathering in her eyes.
“Oh before we leave, I want to give you something.” Kagura rummaged in her purse for a folded piece of paper and handed it to her surprised mother. “It is an invitation to Kanna’s birthday party. It may be a little early to hand them out, but she made the cards herself, and was so eager to give them to everyone.” The wind sorceress chuckled. She then handed the paper to her mother.
“Thanks you so much, it is a beautiful drawing. As I said before, it will be a pleasure for Morio and me to attend your party.” Sakura smiled fondly, clutching the piece of paper to her heart before placing the card proudly on the mantel of the fireplace amid pictures of her two sons.
“And you will bring me a big present too? Don’t forget!” Kanna reminded her grandmother of their earlier conversation.
“Kanna!” Her mother scolded her.
Morio and Sakura simply laughed in response. “Don’t worry about it Kagura, it is our job to spoil your daughters rotten.” The purple eyed illusion demon said, already thinking about what to give his step granddaughter.
“Now you guys better run along, I would not want you to be late for dinner. Besides I am sure that Kanna and Rin must be hungry now.”
“Yeah you’re right. Come on girls let’s go. We’ll see you next week.” Kagura said as she smiled to Sakura and Morio as she ushered Rin and Kanna out of the room after they said their own goodbyes.
As per his habit, the silent Sesshoumaru simply nodded in the direction of his future in-laws before following behind Kagura and their daughters.
“How am I ever going to get that silly grin off your face now?” Morio teased his wife after the foursome had left their presence. He then wrapped an arm around her waist before giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“Oh you horrible man.” His wife chuckled, even as her smile did not leave her face. “I never would have expected things to go so well, and Kagura to accept me so completely.”
“I told you all these years ago that we would get your daughter back. Except that now you got two granddaughters and a son in-law at the same time.”
“Hum and I am not complaining one bit. The more the merrier, no?”
“That may be, but now we are faced with a monumental problem…” Morio said with a deep sigh.
“What is wrong love?” His worried wife asked.
“Well what the hell are we going to get our granddaughter for her birthday?” He replied, gently rubbing his chin as if deep in thought.
His wife threw her head back, and laughed before answering. “Do not worry honey, I am used to you not being able to give good gifts. I will figure something out; I always did when it came to the birthday and Christmas presents of Byakuya and Hakudoushi.”
“Ah indeed. I knew I had married you for a reason, you awesome gift giver.” He fired back.
“You really are just horrible.”
“And just what will you do about this?” He chuckled.
“Hum just get me up to our bedroom, and I will show you.” She answered, whispering huskily to his ear.
“I stand corrected, that is the reason I married you.” He grinned even as he led his wife towards the staircase.
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“Oh Kagura, Sesshoumaru… and this must be your adorable daughters! Please come in! Now that winter is almost upon us, it is becoming quite chilly, so hurry up.” Izayoi smiled as she opened wide the door to Inuyasha’s apartment, letting the guests walk in.
“Kanna! Rin!” Shippou exclaimed as he appeared from behind his grandmother, and headed towards his two cousins. “My grandma got me this awesome new game, you’re got to come and see.” He started walking towards his bedroom, Kanna following him eagerly.
“Is it alright if we go play?” Rin, ever the dutiful child paused to ask their parents.
“Of course.” Sesshoumaru answered. The young dark haired child wasted no time to join Shippou and Rin in the fox demon’s room located at the back of the apartment.
“Aw look at you, you’ve become a real father Sesshoumaru.” An emotional Izayoi said before heading towards Kagura, and looping her arm with hers. “And we have you to thank for the change in my step son.”
“Feh! Please don’t you start getting all emotional mom.” Inuyasha grinned when he noticed the slight scowl on his brother’s face.
“Don’t worry honey, I will not embarrass you and your brother.” She grinned back to her son before dragging Kagura and walking back towards the kitchen where she had spent the best part of her afternoon. “Since Kagome couldn’t help me with the cooking, I volunteer you. I am sure that with your extra help, dinner will be done very soon.”
Before Kagura had time to protest, Izayoi had already whisked her away. She repressed the urge to growl when the desperate look she had thrown over her shoulder to her fiancé had simply been responded to by a grin appearing on Sesshoumaru’s lips.
“So since the women are in the kitchen, and the kids playing in the runt’s room. I guess it leaves just you and me here…” The hanyou noted, absentmindedly scratching the back of his furry ear. He almost cursed when he realized how stupid his remark had been; it was after all most unusual for him and his half brother to be alone together. He however still had the urge to talk as unlike Sesshoumaru he was not comfortable with silence.
For some reason his older brother could not help but be reminded of the night when Sakura had dropped by to help Kanna, and he had been stuck with Morio.
‘If my idiot of little brother thinks he can get away with giving me life advice as well, he will find himself at the receiving end of my fist.’ His ego had not yet recovered from Inuyasha’s mocking words after Sousuke Yamashita had attacked him in front of his office.
“Keh! Why are you scowling? Did you think I was going to ask you to share our feelings or something?! You should know me better. Anyways wanna drink something?”
“Yes.” Sesshoumaru said with a relieved sigh before walking over to the living room, and settling in on the couch.
After getting both of them a glass of whisky, Inuyasha joined his brother before speaking.
“From what the damned mangy wolf told me, the bastard who attacked you has been thrown in jail while waiting for his trial.” The inu hanyou tried to sound as casually as possible. Despite his assurance of the opposite, he had been worried about his brother when Kouga had told him about Yamashita’s attack. He wanted the snake demon to pay as much as possible.
“Which I consider him getting off easy.” Sesshoumaru growled before taking a sip of his drink. Inuyasha almost gasped in shock. His usually calm and collected older brother was obviously openly upset, which was very surprising.
“If as he wanted he had managed to harm Kagura in any way, he would be finding himself in a much direr situation.” The dog demon said.
“If you ever need anything… you know where to find me.” Inuyasha grinned, smiling as he spied from the corner of his eye his brother nodding in gratitude.
‘The thing I want most is for Kagura to stop blaming herself. However I doubt you will be able to help in that regard.’ He thought to himself as he tossed down the rest of his drink, and extended his glass towards his younger half brother for a refill.
“Feh! I knew I should have given you the cheap sake Miroku gave me, my expensive liquor would be lost on a drunkard bastard like you.” The hanyou grumbled even if he did go to serve his brother once more.
“Quit whining, it is highly unbecoming.” Sesshoumaru shot back to his scowling brother. ‘At least arguing with the idiot is an effective way to ease my mind.’ He chuckled to himself, getting ready for the rejoinder Inuyasha would be sure to throw at him soon.
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“You can relax Kagura. Izayoi isn’t going to grill you; she’s really cool.” Kagome smiled from her seat on the nearby small table. Unlike the wind sorceress the young human was not helping Izayoi set up the finishing touches to the meal. The first reason being that she was a horrible cook, and had the tendency to burn any dish she attempted, and the other that as of late merely the smell of certain foods had been enough to cause her stomach to heave and her ‘morning’ sickness to set in.
“I’m not worried at all.” The wind sorceress lied effortlessly as she finished chopping mushrooms, and added them to the simmering pot on the stove.
“And you have no reason to be. I was not lucky enough to have daughters of my own, but I truly wish you can come to think of me as a second mother. All I want is for Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha to be happy, and I can tell the two of you make them happy.” The older human woman paused in her plating efforts to turn around and look at her two ‘daughters in-law,’ a contented smile on her lips.
Her words caused Kagura to let out a relieved sigh. She had not expected Izayoi to be like Sesshoumaru’s biological mother, and oppose their relationship, but having his step mother openly accept her inside their family was something that meant a lot to her. She was so happy she could feel tears of joy pooling in her eyes.
‘Acceptance is really a wonderful thing. I can now understand better why it meant so much for my mother that I forgive her, and trust her with Kanna.’ The wind sorceress smiled to herself. ‘And also why it always feels so wonderful to have Sesshoumaru accept me and my past without trying to change me.’
“Well the soup’s done, so I guess we can go eat now before everything turns cold.” Kagura said. She quickly poured the steamy tasty liquid inside a serving dish present on a nearby kitchen counter.
“Wonderful. You truly are a wonderful cook. At least I know that Sesshoumaru is finally feeding himself properly. If only Inuyasha could be the same…” Hearing Kagome let out a gasp behind her, Izayoi quickly turned around, an apologetic smile on her lips. “Don’t worry honey, being a good cook is not the only quality you have at your disposition to make your husband happy. In fact I am sure Inuyasha appreciates your sweetness and sense of humor more than anything.”
“I don’t know about sweetness, but I sure can laugh!” An eager Kagome sprung to her feet, and took a plate of noodles in her arms. “This smells amazing, and thankfully my nausea is gone for now, so I’ll be able to enjoy all the food you guys made.” She then added before heading towards the dining room.
“Oh how this brings me back. When I was pregnant with Inuyasha, on a daily basis I ate about my own weight in food, at least that is when I got over the vicious morning sickness… What about you Kagura? How was carrying your daughter?” The older woman who was walking in front of the wind sorceress asked her.
“Good…” Kagura said soberly. The last thing she wanted was to remember how horrible and difficult her pregnancy had been. What should have been one of the most exciting times of her life had been ruined by Naraku. A time when she was supposed to be looked after and congratulated had been spent escaping blows. Jakotsu and Bankotsu’s center had helped her out, but having instead the love and support of her family would have been something she wanted.
“I am sure that the next one will be even better.” Izayoi commented lightly. She after all had been able to see right through the wind sorceress. She may not know her well enough to dare ask her about the circumstances of her daughter’s birth, but she could easily tell that there was a sad story behind it.
‘However I know that now that she is with Sesshoumaru, she will be protected and happy.’ The older human woman thought sadly. She had enough confidence in her step son to know that he would take good care of Kagura, and help heal the wounds she could see the young wind sorceress had.
“What next one? Kagura! How come you didn’t tell me you were having a baby too?!” Kagome exclaimed as she turned around to face her former coworker and friend.
The wind sorceress blushed slightly before stammering. “No… It’s… I’m not…”
“Oh my Kagome, it seems that you have taken too seriously the wishful thoughts of an old woman.” Izayoi chuckled before displaying a dazzling smile. “Unlike you our dear Kagura is not with child… yet. Now come on let’s go and have a nice Takahashi family dinner!”
‘Old woman?’ Kagura scoffed. ‘This woman is way sharper than she lets on… What have I just gotten myself into?’ She then wondered as she silently followed the two other women towards the dining area.
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“Ugh I’m so stuffed right now, I can barely walk.” Inuyasha sighed happily just as he dropped his body on his living room couch. He closed his eyes, and breathed deeply, hoping to ease his full stomach. He did not even move when the other dinner guests sat around him in the living room. Izayoi sat on her son’s side, leaving him sandwiched between his mother and fiancée. A drowsy looking Shippou settled himself on the lap of the father. Just like Inuyasha he had indulged a little too much, and was finding it harder to stay awake. Sesshoumaru, Kagura and their daughters took the opposite couch.
“I must admit that I am surprised to see you can eat things other than ramen.” Kagome teased her fiancé. She then reached up to gently smooth back Shippou’s red mane. Just as the young fox and his father, Kanna and Rin had stuffed their faces with the feast Izayoi had cooked for dinner; to the point where just like their friend Shippou all they could do was snuggle in between their parents, and do their best to follow the conversation taking place around them.
“Oh my Inuyasha has always had a healthy appetite; especially, when I make Chinese food. It probably has to do with our heritage. Half of my family is from the old country after all.”
“Mom! Why are you talking about me as if I wasn’t in the fucking room?!” The irritated hanyou interrupted his mother.
“Mind your language!” Izayoi scolded him. Instead of growling in annoyance as he wanted, Inuyasha’s ears flattened against his skull; there was nothing he hated more than having his mother lecture him.
“As much as I would love to lounge around and enjoy the conversation, I think the little one are about to fall asleep on us.” Izayoi noted as her dark eyes looked at the bleary eyed Shippou, Kanna and Rin. “Anyways I need some volunteers for the clean up.” She added as she stood up.
“I didn’t do any cooking, so the least I can do is clean.” Kagome said as she took to her feet, and picked up the dozing Shippou from Inuyasha’s lap before placing him on the spot she had vacated on the couch.
“Oh no no. You and Kagura just need to rest and relax. Inuyasha is going to clear the table…” Izayoi started, but her scowling son interrupted her.
“Keh! Why me?”
“Because you love me, and you want to keep your old mother happy.” She turned to her left, and sent him her most innocent smile. He of course had no choice but to reluctantly agree, and she conveniently turned a blind ear to his grumbling. “And Sesshoumaru will help me wash the dishes. I would use Inuyasha’s dishwasher, but the thing is already full from his weekly dirty dishes.” Izayoi ended her sentence with sending a pointed glare to her son, who simply shrugged his shoulders in response.
“Oh I don’t think this is such a good idea… I can help with the dishes.” Kagura quickly suggested. The thought of her fiancé standing behind a sink, and washing dishes was not something she could fathom. After all the image of how dirty his kitchen had been when she had first met him was still engrained in her brain. Ever since she had entered his life, he had started making efforts to keep his clutter to a minimum, but he had yet to meet earn her stamp of approval, so did his best to stay clear of the kitchen.
“Do not tell me you doubt his abilities, how unbecoming for his wife to be…” Izayoi remarked in a fake casual way.
As much as Sesshoumaru knew his meddlesome step mother was just trying to manipulate him, and get him to do as she wanted, he could not help but raise to the bait. He would be damned if he was to let Kagura think he was a good for nothing when it came to the domestic arts. “This Sesshoumaru is as capable as washing dishes as anyone.”
“Oh marvelous, then why don’t we get started, it would be just like old times.” She then took a pause as she thought back to the years she had spent with the three dog demons. Izayoi ignored the pain stabbing at her chest thinking about her late husband never failed to cause, and smiled as she stood up, and took Inuyasha, then her step son by the arm, and lead them both towards the kitchen.
A stunned Kagura waited until the three of them had disappeared before speaking, her voice full of admiration. “Izayoi is quite the terrifying woman.”
“I wish she’d teach me how she always gets the two of them to do whatever she wants.” A pouting Kagome sighed wistfully. Her words caused Kagura to dissolve in laughter.
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“Thank you for accepting to help with the dishes; you did not have to. I also wanted to thank you for taking such good care of your brother. I would stay and watch over him myself, but my aunt needs me, and since she pretty much raised me, the least I can do is watch over her during her last years of life. At least I can stay away for long stretches of time without having to worry about Inuyasha, and that is thanks to you.”
“As idiotic as Inuyasha is, he is a grown man, and has no need of me. And I have never been concerned with his well being.” Sesshoumaru retorted. He then extended his hand to take the soapy dish Izayoi was extending to him, he then rinsed it, and put it away.
“We both know that is not true. For example if you had not taken over the agency, Inuyasha would not even have a job. I never really got to tell you, but I am really grateful. He would be so proud of the man you have become, just as I am.” The human woman smiled with affection.
The dog demon refused to answer. He knew the ‘he’ she was referring to was his father, and his father was a topic he never broached with Izayoi. The first reason being that ever since his unexpected passing, he was aware that his step mother had had trouble talking about his father, or even speaking his name. The most important reason was however the fact that Sesshoumaru always felt uncomfortable discussing his father, and his feelings towards him.
Izayoi let out a sigh. She could tell that Sesshoumaru did not want to talk, and therefore simply decided to reorient their conversation on safer grounds.
“Why is it that the little darling Rin is not yet a Takahashi? I would have thought that Myouga would have had been able to do so already, he has after all always been so effective...”
Sesshoumaru clenched his jaw at hearing her words. “The judge has heard of Kagura’s past through the newspapers. Since she is to become Rin’s adoptive mother, the procedure has slowed down.”
“Considering the recent revelations in the press about Kagura, I cannot say I am surprised…” She said eager to see her stepson’s reaction to her words.
“Do not think of dishonoring my fiancée.” He growled, dropping the plate he had been rinsing at the bottom of the sink, not even caring if the fine china broke into pieces. Just as he had done with his mother, Sesshoumaru was ready to defend Kagura; he would not let her be demeaned by anyone.
“Hum you are quite protective of this one. Sorry to disappoint you, but I am not disapproving of her. In fact I rather like her, and think Kagura is a fantastic young woman. She however seems to have suffered a great deal. Even if I am sure many of them have been exaggerated, I have read the nasty reports on Kagura’s past in the press, and all I can say is that the memorial service is not the only thing that led me to come back for a visit...” She commented with a shrug of her shoulder. She then went back to washing dishes, acting as if what she had said was not monumental.
“You came for Kagura?”
“And for you as well… I figured the two of you could use as much support as possible. I know that I am not your mother, and have never tried to take her place, no matter how awful the woman might be…” She then paused as her lips turned into a grim line. Thinking about the vindictive dog demoness always annoyed her, but she knew now was not the time to give thought to her late husband’s first wife. She then sighed before speaking again. “Even if things between us have not always been as… comfortable as they are today, I have always cared for you a great deal, as you know.”
Sesshoumaru wished he could leave. In fact the last thing he wanted was to talk about his feelings and his relationship with Izayoi. However his pride commanded him to stay. He was not a coward, and would not run away.
“Just yesterday when your brother told me you had been injured, I was concerned. Even if I have been married to a youkai, and knew you would heal fast, I was still worried. Although the fact that Inuyasha seemed so very amused by the situation should have told me that things were not as horrible as I had imagined…” The woman handed her the last of the soapy plates.
“Of course the imbecile would laugh.” Sesshoumaru muttered under his breath as he rinsed the serving plate, and put it away as well. He was very relieved to see that they were done with the dishes as the one thing he wanted the most at the moment was to be away from Izayoi.
“You have no need to worry about this Sesshoumaru. I am more than capable of looking after myself.”
“You may think I am foolish, but no matter how many times you may assure me you are fine, I will still worry…. Especially due to your… ah… condition. How have you been doing?” She asked tentatively. His blood condition was something Sesshoumaru never wanted to talk about; especially with her.
“This Sesshoumaru is fine.”
‘Back to the third person… means there’s something he’s not telling me.’ She thought to herself, worriedly. She could still vividly remember the first time the young Sesshoumaru had been victim of one of his migraines in front of her. He had just moved in after his father had been granted full custody, and his father and Izayoi had not known what to do. For weeks they had tried medication as advised by the doctors, but to no avail. The only thing that had managed to ease his pain was the herbal medicinal tea she had made up after reading about ancestral Chinese remedies. It had taken her a long time to perfect the recipe, and manage to brew the ideal balance of herbs and roots for him.
‘If I had any indication that my grandma’s love of plants would have been so helpful, I would have paid more attention to her lessons. If I had, I probably would have found a way to help Sesshoumaru sooner.’ Even if the events had occurred close to twenty years ago, she still felt guilty about not being able to help him at first. Even if they had never told him, she and her husband had been able to hear Sesshoumaru cry in pain at night due to his migraine. The sounds of him hurting alone tore at her heart. As much as she wanted to go comfort the lonely little boy who had been neglected by his mother, she knew better; she seeing him writhing in pain would make too much damage to his pride. Even as a young boy Sesshoumaru had been extremely stubborn and prideful, and she, even then, had known that not taking that into consideration would have ruined their burgeoning relationship.
“You never asked me for the recipe, I can only hope that you are indeed better. Am I right to think Kagura might have something to do with it? I have noticed that your migraines had a tendency to recede when you were happier and more relaxed.” Izayoi grinned with a knowing smile.
As much as Sesshoumaru hated the idea of his step mother feeling like she could read him, he refused to reveal to her that the reason he had refused to ask her for her recipe, was not that he was feeling better. In fact it was rather that he hated the idea of asking Izayoi for any kind of assistance. The last thing he wanted was to have to rely on her. During his childhood he had made sure not to, and he did not see why that would be different now.
“As I stated previously, I am doing fine, and you have no need to worry.” He reiterated before stepping away from the sink, and grabbing a kitchen towel to wipe his hands off. He then wasted no time hurrying over to the door, eager to gather his family and go home. As usual the dog demon had managed to keep his clothes spotless, so unlike Izayoi, he did not need to towel himself, and set his clothes to right.
“Wait a second, there’s something else I want to talk to you about.” She interrupted Sesshoumaru when she noticed that the dog demon was walking away, and getting ready to leave.
He turned around, and did his best to keep in the sigh of annoyance he wanted to let out. It was always draining for him to spend time with Izayoi as she never failed to ask questions he did not want to answer. He was sure she would once again manage to worm herself under his icy veneer.
‘From the second I met the woman, I knew she would annoy me… She truly is Inuyasha’s mother…’ He thought even as he did as asked, and turned around to face his stepmother.
“What do you want?”
“It just occurred to me that there’s something I have been meaning to give you for a long time now.” Izayoi fished inside her pocket for a small shiny object. “I have stopped wearing it now, and believe it should come to you as your father would have wanted. It has been passed down in the Takahashi family for a long time after all.”
Sesshoumaru knitted his brows as he looked at the gleaming piece of jewelry Izayoi had just taken out of her pocket. Then as he looked at it more carefully, he realized that the ring was familiar.
“It is half of the ring your father gave me when we got married.” She explained when she noticed the question clear on his face.
“Half?” He echoed.
“Well it was actually two different rings he had fusion together because I could not pick one of the two.” She paused to let out a small chuckle as she remembered how thoughtful her husband was. “I just had a jeweler separate them. After all there are two of you. Following the family tradition, Inuyasha has already given his half to Kagome. Men of the Takahashi family have been offering these rings to their intended for centuries now, and I think it’s about time you did too. I had seriously not thought you would find someone you would like to give it to, but I think Kagura would be a more than worthy recipient.”
When she extended her hand to give him the ring, he did not hesitate to take it. Ever since it had occurred to him that he had not given Kagura the engagement ring she deserved, he had been looking for a fitting ring, but could not find anything to fit her. He was aware that she would refuse all the rings he would have picked up for her, considering them to be too expensive. However the idea of giving her a family heirloom was very appealing. She may want to protest, but he knew the elegant small silver band incrusted with diamonds would be perfect for her. Not to mention that by giving it to the woman he loved, he would also be honoring his father’s memory.
‘If I remember correctly, father did mention that Inuyasha and I would get the rings as part of our inheritance. I did not really pay attention as I never really expected meeting a woman I would want to propose to.’ Sesshoumaru thought to himself as he rolled her delicate ring in between his thumb and forefinger.
Now that he took a closer look at the small piece of jewelry, he even remembered that his father had once talked about the two rings, and their respective names. ‘This is the Tenseiga. Well it is indeed much more fitting for Kagura than its ostentatious counterpart the Tetsusaiga. Its gold band and loud assortment of colored jewels would indeed be more to the taste of Inuyasha and Kagome.’
“I am sure Kagura will love it. Not to mention that the next time you guys run into your mother, seeing Kagura with one of the rings she’s wanted for so long will drive her crazy. How I wish I could see the face Asuka will make. ” The human woman could remember vividly the look laced with envy and hatred Asuka had given her when she had seen that her former husband had given his new and younger wife both the Tenseiga and Tetsusaiga. No matter how much Sesshoumaru’s mother had begged, his father had never agreed to give her the precious rings, and to add insult to injury when they had divorced he had taken back with him every single piece of jewelry he had ever given her.
Even if she was usually a kind hearted woman, Izayoi always made an exception with Asuka, she never considered her husband’s first wife to deserve any type of sympathy.
Even if he did not voice it, the dog demon could see the truth in his step mother’s words. He could already imagine Kagura wearing the simple ring, and knew it would fit her perfectly.
‘Besides it would indeed show mother once and for all that I do consider Kagura to be my future wife.’ He thought to himself, agreeing with Izayoi.
After giving a quick nod to his step mother, Sesshoumaru walked towards the door. He paused as he was about to walk through it to speak over his shoulder.
“Thank you.” He simply said.
She had had to strain her ears to hear his faint murmur, but she had heard him, and that was all that mattered to her. However before she had the time to respond, he had made a quick escape.
‘Ah my dear Taisho, if only you could see how your sons have grown into such wonderful men.’ Izayoi thought as her dark eyes looked at Sesshoumaru’s retreating form, a contented smile on her lips.
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“Goodnight mommy.” Kanna sighed before rubbing her eyes with her small palm. In answer her mother tucked her blanket higher to reach her chin then leaned forward to press a kiss over Kanna’s forehead.
“Goodnight Kanna-chan.” The wind sorceress murmured to the sleepy little girl she had just settled in her white crib. “Goodnight to you too Rin.” She added addressing the young human already fast asleep in the bed of the guest bedroom the wind sorceress herself used to occupy.
Making sure to make as little noise as possible she backed out of the bedroom the two children shared, turned off the light and closed the door.
“Are they asleep?” She was slightly startled when she heard Sesshoumaru’s voice say behind her.
“Yeah, but who can blame them, they had a pretty exhausting day…. By the way I meant to ask you. What did Izayoi want to talk to you about?” She did her best not to sound worried. However it had taken Izayoi and Sesshoumaru so long to wash the dishes that she had the suspicion that something had gone on when the two of them had been alone in the kitchen.
“Unlike what you may think, Izayoi approves of you. In fact the only think we talked about was some family issues having to do with the business.” He effortlessly lied to his fiancée. He knew firsthand how upset she had been because of people throwing her past back in her face, and the last thing he wanted was to add to her upset.
“What made you think I was worried?” She asked, doing her best to keep a pout of her lips. She still could not stand the way he so easily managed to see right through her.
“My dear wind witch it has always been very easy for me to read you.” He smiled to himself.
“Fine fine. Well since Izayoi didn’t use our time in the kitchen to grill me either, so I should’ve guessed she wouldn’t do the same to you. Well I’m exhausted, so how about we go to bed?” She suggested, already making her way towards their bedroom.
He entertained the idea of giving her the Tenseiga engagement ring now, but decided to wait for a more special moment. Unlike his usual self, he actually thought about doing something a little more thoughtful this time around.
To be continued…
A/N: Next time there will be a romantic lemony chapter named A special proposal. I am sure you can guess what will happen :p
Converting /tmp/phpHJROYs to /dev/stdout
A/N: Hello me again. Once again a long chapter. It will feature an explanation of family ties and feelings; especially, on Sesshoumaru’s end.
Syzhale
Sesshkagufan13
Little25victor
Candyredlov e
Lemonz V
Roguereader (Glad to see you’re back! I feared you’d given up on the story :) Not to worry Sesshy will get his chance at revenge, maybe sooner than you think… Kanna and her mother have come a long way, but will all their efforts be for naught? We’ll see.”
Cool (Always a pleasure to hear from new people. I am glad to see you enjoed the fic!)
Thank you once again Dogsfang for the delightful PM.
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…
“Talking”
‘Thoughts’ ;
“How long will you remain mad at me?” Sesshoumaru’s golden eyes briefly averted from the road in front of him to look at the quiet woman seated in the car next to him. Ever since he had pulled out of the parking lot of the penthouse, the wind sorceress has been unusually quiet. He was not sure what was wrong, but intended to find out.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but my mood does not rely entirely on you.” She said, then quickly regretted it. The last thing she wanted was to take her anger out on Sesshoumaru. He was not to blame, and was suffering as much, if not more than she was.
‘Ah so the witch is mad at herself.’ He thought to himself. Even though he had initially thought that Kagura was over what had transpired the previous day with Sousuke Yamashita, seeing how silent and thoughtful she had been all evening let him quickly know that she had yet to get over things.
“I’m sorry for being such a bitch… It’s wrong of me to take my anger out on you; you’re the last person who deserves it. It’s just that I thought you accepting my past would have been enough to keep it all away, but now all of a sudden everything’s being thrown back in my face.” She sighed, her sad darkened crimson eyes staring out of the car.
Hearing her words, the dog demon quickly realized that the reason for her upset was more than Yamashita’s attack. Just before they left the house, Sesshoumaru had received a phone call from his lawyer, Myouga, informing him that the judge presiding over their adoption case had heard rumors about Kagura’s past, and especially her time working for Naraku. He had therefore decided to take a closer look to their petition, which would make them have to wait even longer now to officially make Rin their daughter.
“Kagura, you have no cause to worry. As Myouga explained the judge is just being a little difficult. The matter will be resolved very quickly. In the meantime, do not blame yourself.” The dog demon hoped that his words would be enough to reassure his fiancée, and get her back to her usual mood.
“I hope you are right. I just hate the fact that I’m the reason why Rin is still stuck in that orphanage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that the bastard of Yamashita attacked you yesterday… ”
“Did we not agree not to refer to that incident again?” He interrupted her before she finished her thought. To him the attack was water under the bridge, and did not need to be brought up again.
“I don’t even know why I’m mad. I should have guessed this would happen. After all the second Touran gave the information to the newspapers, I knew everyone would find out about my past. I just never realized it would be an issue in our adoption procedure….” She started, but then something caught her eye, and she changed her train of thought. “Wait… we’re going to pick up Kanna, why are you driving towards the orphanage?” Kagura had been so lost in thought earlier that she only now paid attention to the route they were taking.
“As planned we shall be bringing both of our daughters to dinner at Inuyasha’s. I have called Haruka in advance, and she has assured me there should not be any trouble with Rin spending the night at the penthouse.” The dog demon informed her.
“Didn’t Myouga tell you the judge said we should reduce the time we spend with Rin in case our petition is rejected?” She asked her fiancé. His answer first came out in the form of a grin.
“I do not care what the old fool says. Rin is our daughter, and we will spend as much time with her as we wish. Moreover you are more than fitting to be her mother.” To emphasize his point, he removed his right hand from the wheel, and placed it over Kagura’s hand before giving it a small squeeze.
‘Sesshoumaru is right, who the fuck does that damn judge think he is. He has no right to critic me without knowing me, or to try to prevent us from seeing Rin. I love her as if she was already ours, and besides she’s already lost her biological parents, and she would be devastated if Sessh and I suddenly dropped out of her life. Not to mention that Kanna’s become so attached to her as well…’ Kagura thought to herself, suddenly feeling a strong resolve to mend her family together burn inside her.
“You are right. We promised the girls a dinner out tonight, and this is what we will do.” She then paused before speaking again. “I don’t know how you do it, but you always know what to say to make me feel better.” She said gratefully even as she took his large clawed hand, and brought it to her lips to give it a small kiss. The tender gesture made him chuckle huskily.
“Wind witch you know I prefer to be the one doing the kissing.” He groaned, causing her to chuckle in mirth.
“That may be but you’ll just have to wait until tonight. For now I want to see our kids.” The wind sorceress said as she let go of his hand, allowing it to regain its spot on the wheel.
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Kanna curiously looked inside her mirror, her dark eyes thinning as she concentrated. She let out a sigh of relief when she managed to make the image inside it tremble then vanish.
“I did it!” The child eagerly exclaimed, averting her gaze from the mirror resting on her lap to look at the woman seated next to her, overlooking her hard work.
“Yes you did. Great job. Grandma is very proud of you Kanna-chan.” Sakura smiled at her granddaughter, then smoothed her white hair back before getting up from the comfortable and expensive couch placed in her living room. She then picked up Kanna’s half empty juice box, and handed it back to the child, who happily resumed sipping her sweet drink.
“I think we should end here for today. Your mommy is going to come pick you up soon anyways.” Sakura commented as she took her place back next to her granddaughter. It still felt surreal for her to spend time with not only Kagura, but also Kanna. On that day she had spent the afternoon teaching the young void youkai how to control her powers.
“Wow already?” Kanna exclaimed surprised. When her mother had dropped her off a few hours earlier, she had been a little apprehensive. It was the first time that for one of her sessions with Sakura, Kagura had left her alone with the older demoness. Not that Kanna minded much, Sakura was always very nice to her, gave her tons of delicious snacks, and best of all really helped her stop seeing horrible things in her mirror.
“Time passes quickly for me too when I get to spend time with you honey.” The older demoness smile fondly.
“Grandma?” Kanna suddenly asked, slightly unsecure.
“Yes, dear?”
“If I invite you to my birthday, will you come?... You can also bring Morio…” Kanna asked, her voice now dimmed.
Tears of joy suddenly sprang to Sakura’s eyes, and she had a hard time getting back her voice. “Yes sweetie. I would love that. Also tell me what you would like as a present. It is after all my duty as your grandma to get you anything you want.”
Kanna’s dark eyes suddenly sparkled at the prospect. “Really? Can I get a pony?”
Her request made Sakura laugh heartily. “I do not think your parents would really like it if there was an animal running around the apartment… Maybe I could get you something smaller.”
Seeing the look of hard concentration on the child’s face, Sakura added “Why don’t you think about it, and let me know what you want when we see each other next week?”
“Hello ladies, we have some company.” Morio announced in a loud voice interrupting Kanna’s conversation with her grandmother, and preventing Kanna from giving an appropriate answer to the older woman.
The illusion demon walked inside the living room, three familiar forms following closely behind him.
“Mommy! Daddy!” Kanna exclaimed as she slid off the couch, and hurried towards her parents. “Hi Rin.” She then added when she noticed her soon to be sister was with Sesshoumaru and Kagura as well.
“Oh what a delight! Kagura you should have told me you would be bringing your other daughter along as well. I would have gotten her a little snack ready.” Sakura said, overcome with glee. It was one thing to have Kagura introduce her to her biological granddaughter as she was helping her with her powers, but quite another be presented to Rin. It was indeed something Sakura had never expected to happen.
“That’s okay, we’re on our way to have dinner with Sesshoumaru’s stepmother anyways. I mean we wouldn’t want to ruin the appetite of our little girls. In fact we have to run before we are late. I hope everything went well today.” The wind sorceress answered her mother even as she crouched to give her daughter a big hug, which was eagerly returned by Kanna.
“Oh yes everything was lovely.” Sakura assured her daughter
“This is my grandma. She is mommy’s mom, so she’s your grandma too.” Kanna pointed out to her sister. As soon as Kagura had freed her from their embrace, the young void demoness had skipped over to Rin’s side.
Kanna’s words caused a huge smile to appear on Rin’s lips, and joy to spread through Kagura. She had for a long time worried that Kanna would be resentful of Rin, but now the two of them seemed to have formed a true bond, to Kagura’s relief. Her crimson eyes looked down at the two children, and she could not help the smile that appeared on her lips. She then and there swore to herself that no matter what happened, she would do her best to keep her family together.
“I’m Rin.” The young human said looking up at the older woman who looked so much like Kanna, yet had Kagura’s crimson eyes.
“Oh yes I know, I have heard so much about you from your mother. It is a real pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Sakura, and this is my husband Morio.” The void youkai walked to stand next to her husband while doing her best not to let loose the tears she could feel gathering in her eyes.
“Oh before we leave, I want to give you something.” Kagura rummaged in her purse for a folded piece of paper and handed it to her surprised mother. “It is an invitation to Kanna’s birthday party. It may be a little early to hand them out, but she made the cards herself, and was so eager to give them to everyone.” The wind sorceress chuckled. She then handed the paper to her mother.
“Thanks you so much, it is a beautiful drawing. As I said before, it will be a pleasure for Morio and me to attend your party.” Sakura smiled fondly, clutching the piece of paper to her heart before placing the card proudly on the mantel of the fireplace amid pictures of her two sons.
“And you will bring me a big present too? Don’t forget!” Kanna reminded her grandmother of their earlier conversation.
“Kanna!” Her mother scolded her.
Morio and Sakura simply laughed in response. “Don’t worry about it Kagura, it is our job to spoil your daughters rotten.” The purple eyed illusion demon said, already thinking about what to give his step granddaughter.
“Now you guys better run along, I would not want you to be late for dinner. Besides I am sure that Kanna and Rin must be hungry now.”
“Yeah you’re right. Come on girls let’s go. We’ll see you next week.” Kagura said as she smiled to Sakura and Morio as she ushered Rin and Kanna out of the room after they said their own goodbyes.
As per his habit, the silent Sesshoumaru simply nodded in the direction of his future in-laws before following behind Kagura and their daughters.
“How am I ever going to get that silly grin off your face now?” Morio teased his wife after the foursome had left their presence. He then wrapped an arm around her waist before giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“Oh you horrible man.” His wife chuckled, even as her smile did not leave her face. “I never would have expected things to go so well, and Kagura to accept me so completely.”
“I told you all these years ago that we would get your daughter back. Except that now you got two granddaughters and a son in-law at the same time.”
“Hum and I am not complaining one bit. The more the merrier, no?”
“That may be, but now we are faced with a monumental problem…” Morio said with a deep sigh.
“What is wrong love?” His worried wife asked.
“Well what the hell are we going to get our granddaughter for her birthday?” He replied, gently rubbing his chin as if deep in thought.
His wife threw her head back, and laughed before answering. “Do not worry honey, I am used to you not being able to give good gifts. I will figure something out; I always did when it came to the birthday and Christmas presents of Byakuya and Hakudoushi.”
“Ah indeed. I knew I had married you for a reason, you awesome gift giver.” He fired back.
“You really are just horrible.”
“And just what will you do about this?” He chuckled.
“Hum just get me up to our bedroom, and I will show you.” She answered, whispering huskily to his ear.
“I stand corrected, that is the reason I married you.” He grinned even as he led his wife towards the staircase.
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“Oh Kagura, Sesshoumaru… and this must be your adorable daughters! Please come in! Now that winter is almost upon us, it is becoming quite chilly, so hurry up.” Izayoi smiled as she opened wide the door to Inuyasha’s apartment, letting the guests walk in.
“Kanna! Rin!” Shippou exclaimed as he appeared from behind his grandmother, and headed towards his two cousins. “My grandma got me this awesome new game, you’re got to come and see.” He started walking towards his bedroom, Kanna following him eagerly.
“Is it alright if we go play?” Rin, ever the dutiful child paused to ask their parents.
“Of course.” Sesshoumaru answered. The young dark haired child wasted no time to join Shippou and Rin in the fox demon’s room located at the back of the apartment.
“Aw look at you, you’ve become a real father Sesshoumaru.” An emotional Izayoi said before heading towards Kagura, and looping her arm with hers. “And we have you to thank for the change in my step son.”
“Feh! Please don’t you start getting all emotional mom.” Inuyasha grinned when he noticed the slight scowl on his brother’s face.
“Don’t worry honey, I will not embarrass you and your brother.” She grinned back to her son before dragging Kagura and walking back towards the kitchen where she had spent the best part of her afternoon. “Since Kagome couldn’t help me with the cooking, I volunteer you. I am sure that with your extra help, dinner will be done very soon.”
Before Kagura had time to protest, Izayoi had already whisked her away. She repressed the urge to growl when the desperate look she had thrown over her shoulder to her fiancé had simply been responded to by a grin appearing on Sesshoumaru’s lips.
“So since the women are in the kitchen, and the kids playing in the runt’s room. I guess it leaves just you and me here…” The hanyou noted, absentmindedly scratching the back of his furry ear. He almost cursed when he realized how stupid his remark had been; it was after all most unusual for him and his half brother to be alone together. He however still had the urge to talk as unlike Sesshoumaru he was not comfortable with silence.
For some reason his older brother could not help but be reminded of the night when Sakura had dropped by to help Kanna, and he had been stuck with Morio.
‘If my idiot of little brother thinks he can get away with giving me life advice as well, he will find himself at the receiving end of my fist.’ His ego had not yet recovered from Inuyasha’s mocking words after Sousuke Yamashita had attacked him in front of his office.
“Keh! Why are you scowling? Did you think I was going to ask you to share our feelings or something?! You should know me better. Anyways wanna drink something?”
“Yes.” Sesshoumaru said with a relieved sigh before walking over to the living room, and settling in on the couch.
After getting both of them a glass of whisky, Inuyasha joined his brother before speaking.
“From what the damned mangy wolf told me, the bastard who attacked you has been thrown in jail while waiting for his trial.” The inu hanyou tried to sound as casually as possible. Despite his assurance of the opposite, he had been worried about his brother when Kouga had told him about Yamashita’s attack. He wanted the snake demon to pay as much as possible.
“Which I consider him getting off easy.” Sesshoumaru growled before taking a sip of his drink. Inuyasha almost gasped in shock. His usually calm and collected older brother was obviously openly upset, which was very surprising.
“If as he wanted he had managed to harm Kagura in any way, he would be finding himself in a much direr situation.” The dog demon said.
“If you ever need anything… you know where to find me.” Inuyasha grinned, smiling as he spied from the corner of his eye his brother nodding in gratitude.
‘The thing I want most is for Kagura to stop blaming herself. However I doubt you will be able to help in that regard.’ He thought to himself as he tossed down the rest of his drink, and extended his glass towards his younger half brother for a refill.
“Feh! I knew I should have given you the cheap sake Miroku gave me, my expensive liquor would be lost on a drunkard bastard like you.” The hanyou grumbled even if he did go to serve his brother once more.
“Quit whining, it is highly unbecoming.” Sesshoumaru shot back to his scowling brother. ‘At least arguing with the idiot is an effective way to ease my mind.’ He chuckled to himself, getting ready for the rejoinder Inuyasha would be sure to throw at him soon.
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“You can relax Kagura. Izayoi isn’t going to grill you; she’s really cool.” Kagome smiled from her seat on the nearby small table. Unlike the wind sorceress the young human was not helping Izayoi set up the finishing touches to the meal. The first reason being that she was a horrible cook, and had the tendency to burn any dish she attempted, and the other that as of late merely the smell of certain foods had been enough to cause her stomach to heave and her ‘morning’ sickness to set in.
“I’m not worried at all.” The wind sorceress lied effortlessly as she finished chopping mushrooms, and added them to the simmering pot on the stove.
“And you have no reason to be. I was not lucky enough to have daughters of my own, but I truly wish you can come to think of me as a second mother. All I want is for Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha to be happy, and I can tell the two of you make them happy.” The older human woman paused in her plating efforts to turn around and look at her two ‘daughters in-law,’ a contented smile on her lips.
Her words caused Kagura to let out a relieved sigh. She had not expected Izayoi to be like Sesshoumaru’s biological mother, and oppose their relationship, but having his step mother openly accept her inside their family was something that meant a lot to her. She was so happy she could feel tears of joy pooling in her eyes.
‘Acceptance is really a wonderful thing. I can now understand better why it meant so much for my mother that I forgive her, and trust her with Kanna.’ The wind sorceress smiled to herself. ‘And also why it always feels so wonderful to have Sesshoumaru accept me and my past without trying to change me.’
“Well the soup’s done, so I guess we can go eat now before everything turns cold.” Kagura said. She quickly poured the steamy tasty liquid inside a serving dish present on a nearby kitchen counter.
“Wonderful. You truly are a wonderful cook. At least I know that Sesshoumaru is finally feeding himself properly. If only Inuyasha could be the same…” Hearing Kagome let out a gasp behind her, Izayoi quickly turned around, an apologetic smile on her lips. “Don’t worry honey, being a good cook is not the only quality you have at your disposition to make your husband happy. In fact I am sure Inuyasha appreciates your sweetness and sense of humor more than anything.”
“I don’t know about sweetness, but I sure can laugh!” An eager Kagome sprung to her feet, and took a plate of noodles in her arms. “This smells amazing, and thankfully my nausea is gone for now, so I’ll be able to enjoy all the food you guys made.” She then added before heading towards the dining room.
“Oh how this brings me back. When I was pregnant with Inuyasha, on a daily basis I ate about my own weight in food, at least that is when I got over the vicious morning sickness… What about you Kagura? How was carrying your daughter?” The older woman who was walking in front of the wind sorceress asked her.
“Good…” Kagura said soberly. The last thing she wanted was to remember how horrible and difficult her pregnancy had been. What should have been one of the most exciting times of her life had been ruined by Naraku. A time when she was supposed to be looked after and congratulated had been spent escaping blows. Jakotsu and Bankotsu’s center had helped her out, but having instead the love and support of her family would have been something she wanted.
“I am sure that the next one will be even better.” Izayoi commented lightly. She after all had been able to see right through the wind sorceress. She may not know her well enough to dare ask her about the circumstances of her daughter’s birth, but she could easily tell that there was a sad story behind it.
‘However I know that now that she is with Sesshoumaru, she will be protected and happy.’ The older human woman thought sadly. She had enough confidence in her step son to know that he would take good care of Kagura, and help heal the wounds she could see the young wind sorceress had.
“What next one? Kagura! How come you didn’t tell me you were having a baby too?!” Kagome exclaimed as she turned around to face her former coworker and friend.
The wind sorceress blushed slightly before stammering. “No… It’s… I’m not…”
“Oh my Kagome, it seems that you have taken too seriously the wishful thoughts of an old woman.” Izayoi chuckled before displaying a dazzling smile. “Unlike you our dear Kagura is not with child… yet. Now come on let’s go and have a nice Takahashi family dinner!”
‘Old woman?’ Kagura scoffed. ‘This woman is way sharper than she lets on… What have I just gotten myself into?’ She then wondered as she silently followed the two other women towards the dining area.
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“Ugh I’m so stuffed right now, I can barely walk.” Inuyasha sighed happily just as he dropped his body on his living room couch. He closed his eyes, and breathed deeply, hoping to ease his full stomach. He did not even move when the other dinner guests sat around him in the living room. Izayoi sat on her son’s side, leaving him sandwiched between his mother and fiancée. A drowsy looking Shippou settled himself on the lap of the father. Just like Inuyasha he had indulged a little too much, and was finding it harder to stay awake. Sesshoumaru, Kagura and their daughters took the opposite couch.
“I must admit that I am surprised to see you can eat things other than ramen.” Kagome teased her fiancé. She then reached up to gently smooth back Shippou’s red mane. Just as the young fox and his father, Kanna and Rin had stuffed their faces with the feast Izayoi had cooked for dinner; to the point where just like their friend Shippou all they could do was snuggle in between their parents, and do their best to follow the conversation taking place around them.
“Oh my Inuyasha has always had a healthy appetite; especially, when I make Chinese food. It probably has to do with our heritage. Half of my family is from the old country after all.”
“Mom! Why are you talking about me as if I wasn’t in the fucking room?!” The irritated hanyou interrupted his mother.
“Mind your language!” Izayoi scolded him. Instead of growling in annoyance as he wanted, Inuyasha’s ears flattened against his skull; there was nothing he hated more than having his mother lecture him.
“As much as I would love to lounge around and enjoy the conversation, I think the little one are about to fall asleep on us.” Izayoi noted as her dark eyes looked at the bleary eyed Shippou, Kanna and Rin. “Anyways I need some volunteers for the clean up.” She added as she stood up.
“I didn’t do any cooking, so the least I can do is clean.” Kagome said as she took to her feet, and picked up the dozing Shippou from Inuyasha’s lap before placing him on the spot she had vacated on the couch.
“Oh no no. You and Kagura just need to rest and relax. Inuyasha is going to clear the table…” Izayoi started, but her scowling son interrupted her.
“Keh! Why me?”
“Because you love me, and you want to keep your old mother happy.” She turned to her left, and sent him her most innocent smile. He of course had no choice but to reluctantly agree, and she conveniently turned a blind ear to his grumbling. “And Sesshoumaru will help me wash the dishes. I would use Inuyasha’s dishwasher, but the thing is already full from his weekly dirty dishes.” Izayoi ended her sentence with sending a pointed glare to her son, who simply shrugged his shoulders in response.
“Oh I don’t think this is such a good idea… I can help with the dishes.” Kagura quickly suggested. The thought of her fiancé standing behind a sink, and washing dishes was not something she could fathom. After all the image of how dirty his kitchen had been when she had first met him was still engrained in her brain. Ever since she had entered his life, he had started making efforts to keep his clutter to a minimum, but he had yet to meet earn her stamp of approval, so did his best to stay clear of the kitchen.
“Do not tell me you doubt his abilities, how unbecoming for his wife to be…” Izayoi remarked in a fake casual way.
As much as Sesshoumaru knew his meddlesome step mother was just trying to manipulate him, and get him to do as she wanted, he could not help but raise to the bait. He would be damned if he was to let Kagura think he was a good for nothing when it came to the domestic arts. “This Sesshoumaru is as capable as washing dishes as anyone.”
“Oh marvelous, then why don’t we get started, it would be just like old times.” She then took a pause as she thought back to the years she had spent with the three dog demons. Izayoi ignored the pain stabbing at her chest thinking about her late husband never failed to cause, and smiled as she stood up, and took Inuyasha, then her step son by the arm, and lead them both towards the kitchen.
A stunned Kagura waited until the three of them had disappeared before speaking, her voice full of admiration. “Izayoi is quite the terrifying woman.”
“I wish she’d teach me how she always gets the two of them to do whatever she wants.” A pouting Kagome sighed wistfully. Her words caused Kagura to dissolve in laughter.
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“Thank you for accepting to help with the dishes; you did not have to. I also wanted to thank you for taking such good care of your brother. I would stay and watch over him myself, but my aunt needs me, and since she pretty much raised me, the least I can do is watch over her during her last years of life. At least I can stay away for long stretches of time without having to worry about Inuyasha, and that is thanks to you.”
“As idiotic as Inuyasha is, he is a grown man, and has no need of me. And I have never been concerned with his well being.” Sesshoumaru retorted. He then extended his hand to take the soapy dish Izayoi was extending to him, he then rinsed it, and put it away.
“We both know that is not true. For example if you had not taken over the agency, Inuyasha would not even have a job. I never really got to tell you, but I am really grateful. He would be so proud of the man you have become, just as I am.” The human woman smiled with affection.
The dog demon refused to answer. He knew the ‘he’ she was referring to was his father, and his father was a topic he never broached with Izayoi. The first reason being that ever since his unexpected passing, he was aware that his step mother had had trouble talking about his father, or even speaking his name. The most important reason was however the fact that Sesshoumaru always felt uncomfortable discussing his father, and his feelings towards him.
Izayoi let out a sigh. She could tell that Sesshoumaru did not want to talk, and therefore simply decided to reorient their conversation on safer grounds.
“Why is it that the little darling Rin is not yet a Takahashi? I would have thought that Myouga would have had been able to do so already, he has after all always been so effective...”
Sesshoumaru clenched his jaw at hearing her words. “The judge has heard of Kagura’s past through the newspapers. Since she is to become Rin’s adoptive mother, the procedure has slowed down.”
“Considering the recent revelations in the press about Kagura, I cannot say I am surprised…” She said eager to see her stepson’s reaction to her words.
“Do not think of dishonoring my fiancée.” He growled, dropping the plate he had been rinsing at the bottom of the sink, not even caring if the fine china broke into pieces. Just as he had done with his mother, Sesshoumaru was ready to defend Kagura; he would not let her be demeaned by anyone.
“Hum you are quite protective of this one. Sorry to disappoint you, but I am not disapproving of her. In fact I rather like her, and think Kagura is a fantastic young woman. She however seems to have suffered a great deal. Even if I am sure many of them have been exaggerated, I have read the nasty reports on Kagura’s past in the press, and all I can say is that the memorial service is not the only thing that led me to come back for a visit...” She commented with a shrug of her shoulder. She then went back to washing dishes, acting as if what she had said was not monumental.
“You came for Kagura?”
“And for you as well… I figured the two of you could use as much support as possible. I know that I am not your mother, and have never tried to take her place, no matter how awful the woman might be…” She then paused as her lips turned into a grim line. Thinking about the vindictive dog demoness always annoyed her, but she knew now was not the time to give thought to her late husband’s first wife. She then sighed before speaking again. “Even if things between us have not always been as… comfortable as they are today, I have always cared for you a great deal, as you know.”
Sesshoumaru wished he could leave. In fact the last thing he wanted was to talk about his feelings and his relationship with Izayoi. However his pride commanded him to stay. He was not a coward, and would not run away.
“Just yesterday when your brother told me you had been injured, I was concerned. Even if I have been married to a youkai, and knew you would heal fast, I was still worried. Although the fact that Inuyasha seemed so very amused by the situation should have told me that things were not as horrible as I had imagined…” The woman handed her the last of the soapy plates.
“Of course the imbecile would laugh.” Sesshoumaru muttered under his breath as he rinsed the serving plate, and put it away as well. He was very relieved to see that they were done with the dishes as the one thing he wanted the most at the moment was to be away from Izayoi.
“You have no need to worry about this Sesshoumaru. I am more than capable of looking after myself.”
“You may think I am foolish, but no matter how many times you may assure me you are fine, I will still worry…. Especially due to your… ah… condition. How have you been doing?” She asked tentatively. His blood condition was something Sesshoumaru never wanted to talk about; especially with her.
“This Sesshoumaru is fine.”
‘Back to the third person… means there’s something he’s not telling me.’ She thought to herself, worriedly. She could still vividly remember the first time the young Sesshoumaru had been victim of one of his migraines in front of her. He had just moved in after his father had been granted full custody, and his father and Izayoi had not known what to do. For weeks they had tried medication as advised by the doctors, but to no avail. The only thing that had managed to ease his pain was the herbal medicinal tea she had made up after reading about ancestral Chinese remedies. It had taken her a long time to perfect the recipe, and manage to brew the ideal balance of herbs and roots for him.
‘If I had any indication that my grandma’s love of plants would have been so helpful, I would have paid more attention to her lessons. If I had, I probably would have found a way to help Sesshoumaru sooner.’ Even if the events had occurred close to twenty years ago, she still felt guilty about not being able to help him at first. Even if they had never told him, she and her husband had been able to hear Sesshoumaru cry in pain at night due to his migraine. The sounds of him hurting alone tore at her heart. As much as she wanted to go comfort the lonely little boy who had been neglected by his mother, she knew better; she seeing him writhing in pain would make too much damage to his pride. Even as a young boy Sesshoumaru had been extremely stubborn and prideful, and she, even then, had known that not taking that into consideration would have ruined their burgeoning relationship.
“You never asked me for the recipe, I can only hope that you are indeed better. Am I right to think Kagura might have something to do with it? I have noticed that your migraines had a tendency to recede when you were happier and more relaxed.” Izayoi grinned with a knowing smile.
As much as Sesshoumaru hated the idea of his step mother feeling like she could read him, he refused to reveal to her that the reason he had refused to ask her for her recipe, was not that he was feeling better. In fact it was rather that he hated the idea of asking Izayoi for any kind of assistance. The last thing he wanted was to have to rely on her. During his childhood he had made sure not to, and he did not see why that would be different now.
“As I stated previously, I am doing fine, and you have no need to worry.” He reiterated before stepping away from the sink, and grabbing a kitchen towel to wipe his hands off. He then wasted no time hurrying over to the door, eager to gather his family and go home. As usual the dog demon had managed to keep his clothes spotless, so unlike Izayoi, he did not need to towel himself, and set his clothes to right.
“Wait a second, there’s something else I want to talk to you about.” She interrupted Sesshoumaru when she noticed that the dog demon was walking away, and getting ready to leave.
He turned around, and did his best to keep in the sigh of annoyance he wanted to let out. It was always draining for him to spend time with Izayoi as she never failed to ask questions he did not want to answer. He was sure she would once again manage to worm herself under his icy veneer.
‘From the second I met the woman, I knew she would annoy me… She truly is Inuyasha’s mother…’ He thought even as he did as asked, and turned around to face his stepmother.
“What do you want?”
“It just occurred to me that there’s something I have been meaning to give you for a long time now.” Izayoi fished inside her pocket for a small shiny object. “I have stopped wearing it now, and believe it should come to you as your father would have wanted. It has been passed down in the Takahashi family for a long time after all.”
Sesshoumaru knitted his brows as he looked at the gleaming piece of jewelry Izayoi had just taken out of her pocket. Then as he looked at it more carefully, he realized that the ring was familiar.
“It is half of the ring your father gave me when we got married.” She explained when she noticed the question clear on his face.
“Half?” He echoed.
“Well it was actually two different rings he had fusion together because I could not pick one of the two.” She paused to let out a small chuckle as she remembered how thoughtful her husband was. “I just had a jeweler separate them. After all there are two of you. Following the family tradition, Inuyasha has already given his half to Kagome. Men of the Takahashi family have been offering these rings to their intended for centuries now, and I think it’s about time you did too. I had seriously not thought you would find someone you would like to give it to, but I think Kagura would be a more than worthy recipient.”
When she extended her hand to give him the ring, he did not hesitate to take it. Ever since it had occurred to him that he had not given Kagura the engagement ring she deserved, he had been looking for a fitting ring, but could not find anything to fit her. He was aware that she would refuse all the rings he would have picked up for her, considering them to be too expensive. However the idea of giving her a family heirloom was very appealing. She may want to protest, but he knew the elegant small silver band incrusted with diamonds would be perfect for her. Not to mention that by giving it to the woman he loved, he would also be honoring his father’s memory.
‘If I remember correctly, father did mention that Inuyasha and I would get the rings as part of our inheritance. I did not really pay attention as I never really expected meeting a woman I would want to propose to.’ Sesshoumaru thought to himself as he rolled her delicate ring in between his thumb and forefinger.
Now that he took a closer look at the small piece of jewelry, he even remembered that his father had once talked about the two rings, and their respective names. ‘This is the Tenseiga. Well it is indeed much more fitting for Kagura than its ostentatious counterpart the Tetsusaiga. Its gold band and loud assortment of colored jewels would indeed be more to the taste of Inuyasha and Kagome.’
“I am sure Kagura will love it. Not to mention that the next time you guys run into your mother, seeing Kagura with one of the rings she’s wanted for so long will drive her crazy. How I wish I could see the face Asuka will make. ” The human woman could remember vividly the look laced with envy and hatred Asuka had given her when she had seen that her former husband had given his new and younger wife both the Tenseiga and Tetsusaiga. No matter how much Sesshoumaru’s mother had begged, his father had never agreed to give her the precious rings, and to add insult to injury when they had divorced he had taken back with him every single piece of jewelry he had ever given her.
Even if she was usually a kind hearted woman, Izayoi always made an exception with Asuka, she never considered her husband’s first wife to deserve any type of sympathy.
Even if he did not voice it, the dog demon could see the truth in his step mother’s words. He could already imagine Kagura wearing the simple ring, and knew it would fit her perfectly.
‘Besides it would indeed show mother once and for all that I do consider Kagura to be my future wife.’ He thought to himself, agreeing with Izayoi.
After giving a quick nod to his step mother, Sesshoumaru walked towards the door. He paused as he was about to walk through it to speak over his shoulder.
“Thank you.” He simply said.
She had had to strain her ears to hear his faint murmur, but she had heard him, and that was all that mattered to her. However before she had the time to respond, he had made a quick escape.
‘Ah my dear Taisho, if only you could see how your sons have grown into such wonderful men.’ Izayoi thought as her dark eyes looked at Sesshoumaru’s retreating form, a contented smile on her lips.
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“Goodnight mommy.” Kanna sighed before rubbing her eyes with her small palm. In answer her mother tucked her blanket higher to reach her chin then leaned forward to press a kiss over Kanna’s forehead.
“Goodnight Kanna-chan.” The wind sorceress murmured to the sleepy little girl she had just settled in her white crib. “Goodnight to you too Rin.” She added addressing the young human already fast asleep in the bed of the guest bedroom the wind sorceress herself used to occupy.
Making sure to make as little noise as possible she backed out of the bedroom the two children shared, turned off the light and closed the door.
“Are they asleep?” She was slightly startled when she heard Sesshoumaru’s voice say behind her.
“Yeah, but who can blame them, they had a pretty exhausting day…. By the way I meant to ask you. What did Izayoi want to talk to you about?” She did her best not to sound worried. However it had taken Izayoi and Sesshoumaru so long to wash the dishes that she had the suspicion that something had gone on when the two of them had been alone in the kitchen.
“Unlike what you may think, Izayoi approves of you. In fact the only think we talked about was some family issues having to do with the business.” He effortlessly lied to his fiancée. He knew firsthand how upset she had been because of people throwing her past back in her face, and the last thing he wanted was to add to her upset.
“What made you think I was worried?” She asked, doing her best to keep a pout of her lips. She still could not stand the way he so easily managed to see right through her.
“My dear wind witch it has always been very easy for me to read you.” He smiled to himself.
“Fine fine. Well since Izayoi didn’t use our time in the kitchen to grill me either, so I should’ve guessed she wouldn’t do the same to you. Well I’m exhausted, so how about we go to bed?” She suggested, already making her way towards their bedroom.
He entertained the idea of giving her the Tenseiga engagement ring now, but decided to wait for a more special moment. Unlike his usual self, he actually thought about doing something a little more thoughtful this time around.
To be continued…
A/N: Next time there will be a romantic lemony chapter named A special proposal. I am sure you can guess what will happen :p
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