InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Stealing Heaven ❯ Epilogue ( Chapter 42 )

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

"Midoriko! Lunch is ready," Kagome called . . . only for the declaration to be met with silence.

She groaned, her head falling back as she stepped from the kitchen. "Excuse me, Dr. Taisho?"

Sesshomaru didn't lift his gaze from the newspaper before him. "Dr. Higurashi, whatever you're yelling about, I didn't do it."

Laughing, Kagome shook her head, strolling over to run her fingers through the long, silky locks of his silver hair. "I was only going to ask you whereyourdisappeared to."

He finally looked up, catching her hand in his and pulling her fingers to his mouth, kissing the tips. "Why is she alwaysmychild when you imagine she's causing trouble somewhere?"

Leaning down to brush her lips over his, she said, "That's simply how it is. I have to get ready for Sango's baby shower this afternoon. I don't have time for one of her mastermind-edition games of hide and seek. Where's Midoriko?"

"I believe she's in the backyard, proving that she'sourchild."

Once more, Kagome groaned, hanging her head. "She's excavating the garden, again, isn't she?"

Holding in a chuckle, Sesshomaru returned to his paper. "More than likely, yes."

Sighing, Kagome turned, heading for the backdoor.

"And so then, mommy said I can't put the digging tools back until after I clean them off," the little girl said, pouting as she scooped another bit of pale stone from the hole she'd dug.

"That sounds reasonable."

Midoriko shrugged, holding the stone up in the sunlight to examine it. "They brought me on a dig once . . . but I didn't get to do anything."

"How unfortunate. You do seem quite intelligent for your age."

She nodded, beaming at the praise. "I know! I was skipped ahead two whole grades in school! Mommy says I should be humble, I'm not sure what that means. But," she paused, leaning closer to whisper. "Daddy says that I should be proud, so who cares who knows I'm smarter than them?"

"Humble means one does not brag about their abilities."

"Oh," she shrugged, still smiling. She looked so much like her mother, her long black hair tied back from her innocent, wide-eyed face, yet those wide eyes were the same amber hue as her father's. "Then maybe mommy is right."

"Your mother and father sound interesting."

She bounced to her feet, holding out her hand. "Why don't you come meet them?"

"Midoriko!"

The girl turned her head to see her mother on the porch. The woman folded her arms under her breasts, tapping her foot. She almost looked like daddy, with the way one eyebrow arched up her forehead.

"Yes, mommy?" Midoriko said, her voice sweet.

Kagome sighed. Their daughter was a handful now, she didn't want to think what this child was going to put them through as a teenager. Suddenly Souta's youth seemed downright angelic.

"It's time for lunch. Come get cleaned up."

"Okay, just a second."

Smiling, her mother nodded and retreated back into the house.

Alone, again, she turned back to her friend. "Do you want to meet them," she repeated. "They're really nice!"

"I am certain they are. I met them before."

Her brow furrowed as she watched him kneel down before her, clasping one of her hands between both of his. She always found his clawed fingers funny—but with those, and his sharp, pointy teeth, she always thought he was probably some sort of cat-person.

"You have?"

"Yes," he nodded, smiling serenely. "And I would love to be reunited with them. But it's too soon."

"Oh," she said, disappointment lacing her tone, "Okay."

"Keep speaking to me, but do not tell them. When I meet them again, I want surprise them."

Once more, her expression brightened. "Okay!"

"I need your promise that you will keep speaking to me."

"Of course I will, you're my friend!" She slipped her hand from his and waved. "See you later!"

He waved back, smiling, still. His crimson eyes crinkling at the corners. "See you, little priestess."

(Thank you all for reading, and for all the love and support this story has received over the years. I love you, all :) )