InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Gods' Opinion ❯ Procedures ( Chapter 14 )

The Gods' Opinion

 

Disclaimer: Almost all characters belong to Takahashi Rumiko.

 

Warning: This is a mature story and I mean that in more than this story only containing sexual situations and bad language. It contains adult themes.

 

Summary: Kagome is trying hard to have a baby. But when things don't work out, she visits the best fertility doctor in the world. She finds her feelings and beliefs challenged as she struggles to hold onto her dreams.

 

xxxxx-----xxx-----xxxxx

 

Chapter Fourteen Procedures

 

Friday. Everything always seemed to happen on Fridays. It had been two weeks since the incident in Dr. Takahashi's office. An event not only spurred by the letter, but as Kagome learned at the meeting she had with Dr. Takahashi, Dr. Miroku and Sango the Friday before today, the hormones she was being injected with were responsible for any out of the ordinary mood swings. It did explain a lot. And that was what she was willing to believe; that all of her strange emotions and the thoughts that sprouted from the different feelings were all because she was being injected with artificial hormones.

 

The meeting covered issues Kagome was already aware of since she had been through the IVF procedure several times prior and most of the information was more of a reminder of what to expect than learning anything new. First, they went over her hormone levels to let her know that everything was progressing normally and with that and the ultrasound pictures of her ovaries, they were able to predict a time for ovulation. The egg retrieval would happen a day or two before ovulation so that they didn't lose the eggs.

 

Like an Easter egg hunt.

 

Miroku brought up intercourse, even though he knew it was a moot point. Sex was possible before the procedure, but none at least three days prior in order for them to receive a healthy semen samples from Hojo. After the IVF procedure, no sex was allowed for at least a month so that it wouldn't interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg. Kagome assured Miroku that she would easily be able to follow those guidelines. And secretly, the three doctors knew she could.

 

Both Miroku and Inuyasha tossed a bunch of statistics at her as well, twin rates, triplet rates, and chances of birth defects. Kagome watered up at the thought of having a child with extra problems after everything she was going through just to have a child. Sango had reassured her that it didn't mean her child would be affected, but they couldn't deny the possibility either. It happened, but their first step was to get her pregnant and keep her pregnant. Then after that, they would worry about the health of the fetus.

 

Kagome had attended the meeting without Hojo. It was her idea. He'd already been to the other meetings on the IVF procedure with their previous doctors. And it was easier for her to tell him that he didn't have to be there than not have him show up like last time. It was just like Hojo had said; they were to schedule a time for him to come in so they could retrieve a semen sample from him. No one dared questioned Hojo's absence and carried on as normal. Inuyasha didn't want to have to watch her have some kind of emotional breakdown in front of him because with an audience, he might be too cruel or even too nice.

 

Late Wednesday evening after that Friday appointment, Kagome received a call informing her that it was time for her hCG injection, another hormone her body needed to sustain pregnancy. After the injection, Kagome returned home knowing that Thursday was going to be a day spent lying in bed reading cooking magazines. A side effect of the injection was some abdominal discomfort. She also took the time in bed to grade papers and work on her portfolio, which was almost completed.

 

Back to this Friday. Eight in the morning. And as she sat in the reception area, all she could think about was food. Not because she was a chef, well almost, but she wasn't allowed to eat until after the egg retrieval. Why couldn't they invent an anesthesia that actually required food? It would make the process more relaxing. And the empty belly made her seem much more nervous that she should be. She was an old pro at this procedure, but why the fluttering in her stomach?

 

Shiroi, the pale pink-tinted hair nurse she had from a previous appointment, escorted a sleepy and hungry Kagome into the bathroom where she was instructed to change into the clinic-provided gown and to empty her bladder. There was a metallic locker in the bathroom for her to safely store her purse and clothing until after she had recovered from the procedure.

 

In what Kagome could only call a pale green muumuu, Shiroi laughed at Kagome's disgust with the frumpy and drafty outfit. “Dr. Takahashi picked these out himself.” Shiroi explained to Kagome about the origins of the outfit.

 

“Maybe I should recommend a stylist.”

 

“Well, Dr. Miroku did recommend satin and lace baby dolls in the flattering colors of red, black and pink. White he saved for the wedding night.”

 

Kagome chuckled at the thought of having to dress up in something Miroku picked out. “So, you're saying I should be grateful that Dr. Takahashi has no taste?”

 

“This isn't about style, this is about protection. Remember, you'll be in there, given medication, no panties and Dr. Miroku with no Sango around.”

 

Kagome could only shake her head. “I'll just have to be grateful that Dr. Takahashi is in there to make sure I make it out of that room without being taken advantage of.”

 

“Absolutely. Though, I wouldn't be surprised if Sango made her presence known at some point during the procedure. You know, just to remind him to behave.”

 

The two women continued to joke as they made their way to the procedure room, a pale minty green colored room with sterile white linoleum floors and ashy gray colored cabinets. Shiroi helped Kagome into the bed, covering her up with a soft, warm blanket the color of cotton and clouds. The door then opened and an unknown doctor made his way in. Kagome looked over at Shiroi, frightened as to why a strange man was in her room.

 

“Kagome, this is Dr. Suikotsu, our local anesthesiologist. He's here to make sure that all of your questions regarding the anesthesia are answered and then we'll set up an IV that'll deliver the medication into your body. Okay?”

 

“Yeah,” she replied, visually relaxed from the explanation.

 

“Hi Kagome. I've been informed that you've been put under before for the same type of procedure, so I won't have to ask about that. So, do you have any other questions?” His kind calm face calmed Kagome down more, as if he were the anesthesia itself.

 

“Not really.”

 

“Great. You'll be out for no more than three hours.” The anesthesiologist had Shiroi set up an IV on Kagome. Once the line was in, he inserted a needled and deposited the clear liquid into her line. “Just relax, taking in deep breaths. In a few minutes you'll start to get drowsy. Then you'll be asleep before you know it.” He made a snap of his fingers to illustrate how fast the drugs worked.

 

Dr. Suikotsu left Shiroi and Kagome alone to wait for the medication to take effect. “Are you comfortable?”

 

“Yes. I am. Thanks.”

 

The doors burst open announcing the arrival of Miroku, with Inuyasha right behind him. Both were in matching pale green scrubs with caps over their heads, covering their hair and had masks tied around their necks, but not tied over their mouths just yet.

 

“Good morning Kagome. Ready for the hunt?” Miroku sang out, waggling his eyebrows at Kagome, hoping to make her even more relaxed by being in their care. His jokes were not working.

 

Kagome glanced over at Shiroi. “On second thought … “Shiroi just chuckled as she went over to the preparation area to scrub down with Dr. Miroku and Dr. Takahashi. Kagome looked up at the ceiling, counting the tiny holes scattered randomly on each square tile. Soon, she was having trouble counting the holes as well as actually being able to see them clearly. She'd even lost track of her counting.

 

Oh well . . .

 

“Kagome.”

 

Kagome turned her head to look at the source of the voice. She smiled softly, her eyelids dropping close as they grew heavier from the medication.

 

“Everything will be fine. I'll make sure of it.” Inuyasha had found her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.

 

Since the stay at the Shrine, he had been mentally kicking himself for saying those awful, hurtful things to her. He had no right to. But dammit, he just couldn't stand by while she suffered. He knew Hojo hadn't called at all during the weekend stay at the Shrine. It was wrong. Wrong for Hojo not to call, not to even try and it was wrong of Inuyasha to even pry.

 

He hadn't apologized for it either. He wasn't going to. There was no reason to, really. Inuyasha had kept his distance since dropping her off at home. And at the appointment last week, he had let Miroku take charge. The guy liked to talk too much anyway.

 

Whether or not she was mad at him for that, he didn't know. And her smile at this moment was most likely the result of the anesthesia. Still, he'd take any of her smiles despite how he received them.

 

“Close your eyes and have sweet dreams.”

 

She did as instructed, her long thick eyelashes gently fluttering shut. The smile never left her face.

 

“Dream of me if you want, I don't mind.” Miroku shouted from his place at the sink as he sunk his hands into the gloves Shiroi held open for him.

 

“Mmmm … “Kagome moaned out as the fog of drug-induced sleep quickly rolled. “Sweet dreams … white … fuzzy doggie ears … “Her head fell limp and to the side as the anesthesia took full effect and left a deeply sleeping Kagome to dream of the last words she spoke.

 

Inuyasha couldn't believe what his white, fuzzy dog ears actually heard. He just stared at her peaceful and even more beautiful sleeping form. What conclusion could he draw from that? Was it because his ears were the last thing she saw before succumbing to the anesthesia? He didn't want to delve any deeper into the matter for he'd only find damning hopes and curses; a cruel form of mental torture that he was getting really good at.

 

“Ready?” Miroku asked as he joined up with Inuyasha.

 

“Yeah.”

 

Shiroi appeared behind them and tied up Inuyasha's mask followed by Miroku's. She rolled in a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine that would be used for the procedure. It was the newest version that the researchers at the Izayoi Clinic introduced a few months ago. Debates about anesthesia use were still trembling and until they had government approval, they would use new technology with old methods.

 

Shiroi lifted the bottom of the blanket up and folded it over, up to Kagome's chest, then went to position Kagome's legs and feet into the stirrups. During this time, Inuyasha and Miroku tended to the ultrasound machine.

 

“Whachya doing later tonight?” Miroku asked as he made sure the collection tube was hooked up to suction pump and the sonographically-guided needle.

 

“It's still morning,” Inuyasha replied as he fine tuned the image on the monitor. “Check the imagery.” Inuyasha growled when an image he never wanted to see appeared on the monitor. “Miroku … “

 

“Sorry. Couldn't help it,” he giggled as he pulled up his pants. “Oh, sorry Shiroi.”

 

She rolled her eyes as she finished up with Kagome. “Nothing Sango hasn't already complained about. Dr. Takahashi, she's ready.”

 

“Thanks.” Inuyasha sat down on the stool which put him at the correct height.

 

“Will you be able to do this?” Miroku's voice was lowered so that Shiroi couldn't hear. Miroku was concerned about Inuyasha. He knew that Inuyasha had a strong attraction to Kagome, even if Inuyasha tried denying it.

 

“Give me the needle.” Miroku handed Inuyasha the needled and stepped back to watch the monitor as well as the collection tube. He could do it. He had to. He promised her and he wasn't one to easily break promises. There was a little bit of self-control stored somewhere within him. Now he had to find it.

 

Taking the needle attached to the ultrasound probe, he carefully inserted it into her womb. Her body unconsciously responded to the intrusion and he took a deep breath to calm the raging youkai within him screaming at him to stop this forced intrusion at once.

 

“Okay, here's the uterine cervix.” Miroku pointed out on the monitor. Inuyasha nodded as the ultrasound probe hit the fleshy wall. A button was pushed and the ultrasound probe activated, the electron filled beam penetrated the uterine cervix wall and sought out Kagome's overripe ovaries. “Okay, there is one. You've got a perfect angle.”

 

“Right. Inserting needle into ovarian follicle.” Inuyasha remained calm as he went through a process he had done a countless number of times. Only because of Kagome did it feel different. “Needle inserted.”

 

“Turning on suction pump.” The silent room hummed with the mechanical moaning of the tiny vacuum.

 

“Watch the level of the collection tube.”

 

“Yes. Yes. It doesn't even take five minutes.”

 

“Still … “What he failed to say was that this was Kagome. Everything had to be perfect. For her. Even if it wasn't going to be his child, he just wanted her to be happy.

 

“So, what do you plan on doing tonight.” Inuyasha just shook his head. “What? You didn't give me an answer last time.”

 

“I don't know. Fight traffic. Make it home. Work out. Shower. Eat some ramen. Catch something decent on TV.”

 

“Ugh. That doesn't sound fun. I'm meeting up with Sango later. There's this dessert café called The Aphrodisiac that I'm taking her to. I'm guaranteed to score.” Miroku glanced over at a giggling Shiroi and ignored Inuyasha's scoff. “Oh, Shiroi, eh, right. Uh, please don't tell Sango about any of this. It's supposed to be a surprise.”

 

“What's in it for me?”

 

“Well … “Miroku waggled his brows at her. Shiroi, with a blank face, just shook her head. “No? Well, how about a gift certificate to Hands On, the massage and spa parlor downtown?”

 

“All day? The works?”

 

“It can be.”

 

“Deal.”

 

“Nice. You'll have it in your box on Monday.” Miroku checked the level of the collection tube. “Okay. Turning off suction pump.” Miroku switched off the machine.

 

“Retracting the needle.”

 

Miroku pulled off the collection tube, snapped a sterile plastic lid close on the test tube and handed it to Shiroi. She placed a sticker around it and placed it in a tube rack. Miroku slipped on another test tube to collect the follicular liquid.

 

“All right. Second tube in place.”

 

Inuyasha shifted the probe around so that it faced toward the opposite ovary. He watched the monitor carefully until the ultrasound probe was aligned with the uterine wall and ovary.

 

“Inserting needle into second follicle.” Inuyasha retracted the needled up until the total length was extended. “Needle inserted.”

 

“Rightie. Turning on suction pump.” Again, the machine hummed on and started to suck out the fluid from Kagome's ovary and into the collection tube. “Inuyasha, I have a movie for you to watch.”

 

“No.”

 

“But … twins. Angry, sexy twins with handcuffs and nightsticks.”

 

“No.”

 

“Not into twins? I have others. Ninja chicks, pirate chicks fighting for the bounded babe. Pirate vs. Ninja lesbians. Guess who wins?”

 

“I said no. Now watch the damn collection tube.”

 

“Inuyasha … “Miroku started, concern sewn into his voice, but he stopped. He couldn't talk to Inuyasha about his problems with an audience. He shook his head. “Nevermind.”

 

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the gynecologist, but dropped it as he was still doing a rather delicate procedure. He could still get back at the man later on. A quick call to Sango would do the trick. They waited in silence as the collection tube steadily filled up.

 

“Turning off suction pump.” Miroku switched off the pump and repeated his actions of sealing the tube and handing it to Shiroi.

 

Shiroi placed the second tube next to the first in the tube rack. “I'll take these to the embryologist in the lab right away.” Shiroi disappeared.

 

“Extracting needle and … removing ultrasound probe.” Inuyasha pulled out the ultrasound probe and handed it to Miroku. Miroku took care of the ultrasound machine, wheeling it into the corner where one of the nurses would clean and sterilize it for the next patient.

 

Inuyasha glanced down at the dozing Kagome. He'd heard her grumbling in her sleep and was pretty sure he was the only one who could hear it. Reaching up, he gently lifted one leg out of the stirrup, placing it down on the bed, and then the other. He pulled her gown down to give her some decency.

 

Miroku pulled his mask down. “I'm going to the café for breakfast, want to accompany me?”

 

“Maybe. I've gotta get her drug therapy started first.”

 

“Right. I'll wait. Give me a call.” Miroku exited the procedure room, the sound of snapping latex following right behind him.

 

Inuyasha pulled down his mask, but kept his gloves on. He pulled down her blanket and made sure both her feet were securely tucked in. Seeing her asleep like this, he decided he really liked it. Not only did she look calm and beautiful, but whatever she was dreaming about made her happy.

 

Gently, he brushed her bangs away, hoping to get a good look at her face and was surprised that she turned her head into his latex covered hand. Again, he didn't want to stoke his hopes up.

 

Shiroi reentered the room. Inuyasha pulled his hand back and turned to face the nurse. She picked up Kagome's chart and clicked a pen ready for use already anticipating her duty.

 

“The usual. Prescribe tetracycline, four times a day for seven days. Orally, not the liquid shit. I'll make sure she understands how it should be taken. Medrol, oral, two times for seven days. Then she'll need progesterone, most likely the injection, once a day for a week.”

 

Shiroi jotted down everything Inuyasha had said. “Anything else?”

 

“Not right now. I'll talk to her when she wakes up. Just get the prescription ready so I can explain them to her. We'll have to schedule progesterone injections. Actually, just make it for the same time as the ovulation ones.”

 

“Sure thing Dr. Takahashi. I'll give you a buzz when she wakes up.”

 

“Right.” He ripped off his latex gloves as he left Kagome to sleep off the rest of the anesthesia. Breakfast did sound like a good idea. He didn't have time to eat this morning before the procedure. But did he really want to eat with Miroku?

 

xxxxx-----xxx-----xxxxx

 

Kagome's eyes flapped open as light entered her orbs and her own consciousness filled her brain. And as soon as she was fully aware, she wished to go back into that drug induced sleep. Even though she felt drowsy, she wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. Not with the abdominal pains she was experiencing.

 

Where's that damn nurse at?

 

“You're awake,” Shiroi greeted a cranky Kagome. She checked Kagome's IV and was satisfied with it. “How are you feeling?”

 

“Like I've been kicked in the gut by a horse,” her voice cracked. Even her throat hurt.

 

“Here, have an aspirin.” Shiroi helped Kagome to sit up. Kagome tossed the two white pills into her mouth and swallowed them with a gulp of water. Shiroi then helped her back down onto the bed, fixing the blankets. “It'll take about 24 hours for the anesthesia to wear off, so you might feel a bit hung over.”

 

“Good thing tomorrow's Saturday.”

 

“Dr. Takahashi should be in after his appointment to explain to you the medications that will be prescribed. Also, I do need to warn you that you may feel nauseated if you eat, so watch that. Also, stay clear of spicy or strong foods for a day.” Kagome just nodded along. She'd heard this before. “One more thing, you may experience some vaginal bleeding. It's very light if it even occurs at all. However, anything heavy and come in right away.”

 

“Sure.”

 

“If you're hungry, I can get you something from the cafeteria.”

 

Kagome shook her head with a scrunched up look of disgust. “No thanks. I've been properly warned. I'll just wait.”

 

“No need.”

 

Shiroi turned and Kagome moved her head to see Inuyasha walking in still dressed in scrubs, but with his white lab coat on. He held up a paper bag and a paper cup. He set the items down on the table next to Kagome's bed.

 

“The medication is all there Dr. Takahashi. Bye-bye Kagome.”

 

Kagome waved as Shiroi left the room. Once the nurse was gone, she eyed the bag and the cup suspiciously. “What's that?”

 

“Food. For you,” Inuyasha said as he checked the prescription bottles to make sure his instructions were clearly and correctly printed out on each bottle.

 

“For me?” Kagome pressed the button that raised the back of her bed up so she was in a more comfortable sitting position. Reaching over, she picked up the bag, opened it up and peeked inside. She pulled out a wrapped item. Tearing the paper away, she had in her hand a ham, egg and cheese bagel sandwich.

 

“Every … “Inuyasha began as he turned towards Kagome. He stopped when he caught her scarfing down the food. “Good thing there's two.”

 

“Sorry,” she said, the word muffled from the amount of food in her mouth.

 

“Keh, its fine.” He pulled over the chair and sat down, placing two translucent orange bottles on the table. Since she was busy eating, he decided to use that time to describe the meds to her. “This one is tetracycline, an antibiotic. Take it about an hour after you're done eating. Only take it on an empty stomach. It's four times a day for one week. Make sure you finish off the entire bottle.”

 

Kagome nodded as she pushed the last bit of the first bagel sandwich into her mouth while reaching into the bag with her other hand fishing around for the second one. Shiroi's warning about eating while under the anesthesia was already forgotten.

 

“This is Medrol, a steroid hormone. Has a few dozen uses, but in your case, it assists with pre-embryo implantation. Twice a day for a week. You can take it with or without food.”

 

Kagome nodded again as she chewed on her breakfast. She was listening to everything he was saying. She knew how important it was.

 

“Lastly, we need you to come in for progesterone injections. It helps to thicken the lining of the uterus which is essential for pre-embryo implantation. Also, because of the FSH injections, this will make sure you establish a normal hormone ratio. Two o'clock daily still work?”

 

nod nod

 

“During your nap, the embryologist did his thing. He found some healthy, mature eggs and fertilized them. Right now, they are in a dish in a nutrient environment that somewhat resembles your own body. We'll keep them for a few days to allow them to divide. So, Monday or Tuesday, you'll be back in for the embryo transfer.”

 

Kagome swallowed the last piece of the second bagel sandwich down. “Sounds good.” She found that there was tea in the cup. Drinking some of the warm liquid, the last remnants of breakfast was washed down. “Thank you.” She reached out for the bottles and Inuyasha handed her the Medrol which she could take now.

 

“Since the anesthesia is still in your system, Dr. Suikotsu would like me to tell you to take it easy. No operating a car, heavy machinery or power tools. No alcohol and do not make any important decisions. He just wants you to relax.”

 

“So, if Hojo were to ask me to marry him, I'd have to say no?” she said as a joke.

 

“Basically.” Inuyasha didn't see it that way.

 

Kagome laughed. “Guess that's settled.” She sighed as the quiet enveloped the two. “Dr. Takahashi . . . ?”

 

“Mmmm . . . “

 

“I-I … I want to apologize about what happened at the Shrine. I never meant to say that I didn't want you as a friend.” Kagome turned to look at the drape-covered window, avoiding the look she knew he had on his face. “I can't even believe I said something so mean. I was being honest when I said I enjoyed our conversation. I did a lot. I guess I thought I was somehow betraying Hojo, but … I believe that it's okay for me to have friends that are male. I mean, Hojo has female friends. My taken female friends have male friends as well. I should be able to have them if I want to.” Kagome turned to look right at Inuyasha. “And I do.”

 

Inuyasha gulped at her look. She was determined to be his friend. It touched him in a way he didn't realize was possible. Her looked showed him loyalty … to him … for him … That's what it looked like, and it's what he felt. She must have known that he shared with her a part of him he never shared with anybody. Miroku and Sango knew bits and pieces, but it was barely enough to shed any light on his past.

 

“It's okay Kagome.”

 

“No, it's not … I'm sure that it hurt … to hear those things. I didn't want to hurt you. I hope … I hope that we still can be friends.”

 

“Keh. Sure. But you owe me some ramen.”

 

“Ramen? What? Wait. What for?”

 

“Breakfast.”

 

Kagome realized she hadn't asked about where her breakfast came from, or who paid for it, instead, she just ate it all. She smiled when she knew. “Okay. How about a late lunch? I don't think you'd let me take the bus after the procedure and I still need a ride home.”

 

“You cooking it?”

 

“Of course. Unless you wanted to go to a restaurant? I know of this soup shop … “

 

“No. You'll cook. Consider it a down payment.”

 

xxxxx-----xxx-----xxxxx

 

Inuyasha hung out in the kitchen with Kagome as she worked on their ramen lunch. She confessed that she had planned to make him a huge pot of it as her apology earlier in the week, but she got busy with school work. The dough had been made Wednesday as she pulled it out of the fridge and ran it through the pasta machine. He'd never actually seen ramen being made before. For him, the ramen process just included hot water.

 

In a large stainless steel pot, she poured in the broth and waited for it to boil. In the meantime, she sliced up pieces of pork, mushrooms and green onions. As the soup came to a boil, she dumped the noodles in, also adding the pieces of the pork. The ingredients were all stirred up, swirling around the pot as the pork whitened and the noodles softened in the heated whirlpool.

 

“You always make it with pork?” he asked to get a conversation started.

 

“Not always. I … well, you approved of the pork last time, so I decided to just stick with that. I didn't want to make anything too exotic.”

 

“The first stuff was chicken.”

 

“Yeah, I had leftover chicken broth from an assignment.” Kagome added the mushrooms and then turned off the burner. She mixed the ingredients around a few more times to really mix in the mushrooms. Walking to one of the cabinets, she opened it and pulled down two large soup bowls. Carefully, she filled them up, making sure to fill Inuyasha's with more substance than broth. The green onions were sprinkled on top as garnish.

 

Inuyasha carried the bowls out to the balcony. It was such a nice day out that Kagome suggested that they bask in the sun while they shared lunch. Kagome carried two glasses of iced lemonade with bits and pieces of freshly crushed cranberries and strawberries mixed in.

 

Quieted `itadakimasu' were whispered and the two started in on their lunch. It was Inuyasha that started the newest conversation. “I didn't get to thank you or your mom for the stay at the Shrine.”

 

“Don't worry about it. You fixed the leaky shower. For her, that was enough.”

 

“Your mom's really nice.”

 

“She's an everybody's mom. Always has been.” A smile formed on her lips as she thought about her mother. “I can only hope to be half as good of a mother as her.”

 

“Why do you say that?”

 

“She's just so … perfect. She's loving, caring, attentive to everyone's needs, even if they don't know what their needs are, it's like she has this mental-mom-ESP gift. When she punished us for our bad behavior, she would follow it up with a hug and a smile, letting us know that it was going to be okay. She's a natural. I-I just don't know if I can be like that.”

 

“Keh. Good people make good parents. You'll do just fine.”

 

“Eh?”

 

“You're a good person.”

 

“But … “

 

“I didn't say you were perfect. You'll make mistakes. Your mother will admit to mistakes as well.” Inuyasha stopped when he saw Kagome's dreamy look on her face, her eyes sparkling … “What?” he snapped.

 

“That … that was just about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.” Kagome stuck her chopsticks into the ramen and picked up some noodles. “My friends tell me not to worry so much about it. But how can I not?”

 

“You'll always have your mother to help you out.”

 

“Oh, don't I know it. She's already pulling out the crib and polishing it up. As well as the rocking chair. I think she's more prepared than I am.”

 

“Grandmothers.”

 

“Totally. However, I will not rule her out. She'll be a tremendous source of help and support. I know that much. I can depend her.”

 

“What about Hojo's family? Or … are they … ?”

 

“No, they are alive.” Kagome carefully set her chopsticks down on the table, parallel to the table's edge. “They … I'm not really sure how to describe them. They are nice, but very, very proper. I think they feel that since Hojo is a man, he needs to be responsible for his life, like the man they raised him to be. That he shouldn't need help. They still exchange gifts, but they aren't the type to come over for a visit. Nor do we go to visit them. I think it's why Hojo doesn't come with me when I go to visit my mother.”

 

“That sucks. I like the Shrine. It doesn't feel like you're in the city when you're there.”

 

“I know. It's kinda weird, but it's a nice place to go and get away from it all, to relax.” Kagome stirred around her noodles as her thoughts focused on the here and now. Even though she thought that maybe she was sexually attracted to the hanyou, but despite that, yes, they could be friends. How she felt in his company and the conversation was comfortable and enjoyable. “You're free to go and visit whenever. I think my mom gets lonely now that … now that she has no one to take care of. Even though Souta and I were convinced that my grandfather was senile, mama always defended him … “

 

“You're not having this pup for her, are you?”

 

“No … well, maybe both. I want a child for me, for Hojo, for us. I want a child because … I want my mother to be a grandmother. Also, I want a child because … “

 

“Kagome?!”

 

“Oh, uh, out here!” Kagome yelled to the familiar voice. She smiled when Hojo walked outside to join her and Inuyasha out on the balcony.

 

“Hey Kagome … oh, uh Dr. Takahashi, what a surprise.”

 

“You're home early. Sit down. Dr. Takahashi was kind enough to offer me a ride home after the procedure, so I cooked him lunch.”

 

“You could've called me.”

“I didn't want to interrupt you. You've been working so hard lately.”

 

“How did it go?”

 

Kagome deferred the question to Inuyasha. “Oh, fine. The ovarian follicles were ripe with eggs. The embryologist had no problem finding them. He inseminated them with your sperm and we're letting them develop for a few days before we implant them. It's looking like that'll happen on Tuesday.”

 

“Do I need to be there? Can I?”

 

“No need to be there. Again, we recommend that someone drive her home afterwards.”

 

“That's good then.”

 

“Thanks for lunch Kagome, but I've got to head back to the clinic for my late afternoon appointments.”

 

“Here, let me walk you out.” Kagome leaned down to Hojo and whispered, “I'll be right back.” She then trotted off after the hanyou.

 

Hojo watched as they disappeared into the kitchen only to reemerge a minute later, a container of sorts in the doctor's hands. They exchanged unknown words, Kagome smiling the whole time and then the hanyou left. She returned to the balcony and sat down in her seat.

 

“Everything okay at work?”

 

“Actually, it's great.”

 

“Really? Can you … eh-er, that's nice.”

 

“What were you going to ask?”

 

“I was going to ask you about it, but you can't discuss work. So, as long as things are going great then I'm happy for you.”

 

“Actually, I can tell you this. Our proposal got approved. We're going to live species trial in a few weeks time.”

 

“Congratulations. That's good to hear. Are you excited?”

 

“Yeah. I am. It's been a long journey, even though it's not over with yet.”

 

“Well, at least you'll get a bit of a break to freshen up for the trials.”

 

“Speaking of break … I know I've been … neglecting you these past months. I am so deeply sorry for it too. I feel that I've dumped this whole baby issue on your lap. I should've been the one to drive you home and not that Dr. Takahashi. I am really sorry.”

 

“I've been okay. I have missed you yet, I have a really good group of friends, and the people at the clinic are really great. And my mom … you know how she is.”

 

“That's not the point Kagome. This child is mine and yours, not your mom's, not your friends' and not those people at the clinic. I have a duty to be with you.”

 

“I know. I know. But you also have a duty to you as well. I am not your only responsibility. It's just about finding a balance. And we'll find it. Don't worry.”

 

“You look tired.”

 

“Yeah, I was put under for the procedure and I'll be out of commission for the next two weeks. School will be over with by then and graduation, summer school and then I'll be home with odd cravings and swollen ankles.”

 

“Then I better get to practicing. I'll handle dinner tonight, how's that? Kikyou suggested a movie that I might enjoy and let me borrow it. So, it's dinner and a movie.”

 

“Oh, uh, okay, sounds great. I can't wait.”

 

xxxxx-----xxx-----xxxxx

 

Shiroi approached the couple in the waiting area with two different sized cups in her hands, one plastic, small and clear, another, taller, paper and filled with sloshing liquid. She bent down so that she was at somewhat at eyelevel to the patients.

 

“Here. You need to take this.” Shiroi handed Kagome the small plastic cup.

 

Kagome peered down at the cup in her hand, taking note of the single pill contained inside. “What is it?”

 

“A mild tranquilizer. It's 10 mg of valium. It's to help you and your muscles relax.”

 

It had been a while since she'd done an embryo transfer and couldn't remember if she'd been given a tranquilizer before or not. Shiroi gave her a cup of water and encouraged her to finish it all. Kagome did remember that her bladder had to be full for the transfer.

 

“Okay. In a half-hour, I'll be back to get you so we give the valium time to relax you. Just take it easy and if you need anything, Saori will help you.” Shiroi stood up and disappeared around the corner.

 

“Thanks.” Kagome held the empty water cup in her hands as she silently waited for the drug to take its effect. For the past couple of days, she felt like a medicine cabinet. Drugs she had to take all throughout the day, a trip to the clinic for injections and now this. She hoped she didn't grow addicted to anything after this was all done, though she didn't think she would ever get addicted to injections. Needles were not fun.

 

It was Tuesday. Hojo had taken the morning off from anything having to do with work to be at Kagome's side. Saori had called Monday saying that Dr. Takahashi and the embryologist decided to wait until Tuesday so that the eggs would be in the blastocyst stage. Saori didn't exactly explain what a blastocyst stage was, but she did explain that it was a stage of the developing egg that increases implantation success and decreases her chances of having multiple births. It was an explanation Kagome could understand and felt comfortable with. She liked hearing about success rates. It gave her hope.

 

Saori approached Kagome. “Could you hold out your left wrist?” Kagome lifted her left hand up to Saori. Saori wrapped around a soft plastic hospital ID bracelet and secured it in place. “This is to make sure you get the right eggs. Don't want you incubating the wrong baby.”

 

“Does that happen often?”

 

“No, it doesn't. It's rare. It's happened at some of the other clinics, but not here. Let's hope we can keep that record clean. Though it may give those lazy lawyers something to do. Do you need more water?”

 

“Uh, I better.” Kagome handed Saori her cup. Bringing her wrist up to eye level, she inspected the information on her bracelet. Her name, birth date and today's date were clear to her. The other series of numbers and letters meant nothing to her other than it had to be some medical code for her eggs.

 

“Nervous?”

 

“Uh, oh … no, not really.” Saori dropped off a filled cup of water and then returned to her daily secretarial duties. Kagome sat in silence with Hojo, sipping on her water and feeling more relaxed as time went by.

 

“Kagome, ready?” Shiroi asked as she came to fetch the girl.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“I'll be waiting,” Hojo said as Kagome stood up, giving her one of his perfectly symmetrical smiles.

 

“It'll be about an hour, an hour and a half,” Shiroi explained to Hojo so he'd know how long he'd be waiting.

 

“You don't have to wait here,” Kagome suggested.

 

“I might head down to the bookstore then. Give me a call.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“Good luck.”

 

Kagome was lead down the hallway and into the bathroom and was ordered to change into the same type of gown as before. She was escorted by Shiroi into a similar procedure room. It could have been the same one. Kagome couldn't tell. They probably all looked alike for practical purposes. Kagome was allowed to keep her socks on. For some reason, it made her feel less exposed.

 

“Okay, hop onto the table and just lay down. Dr. Takahashi will be here in a little bit.”

 

“Is Dr. Miroku going to be assisting?”

 

“Nope. It's just me and doggie ears today. I think Dr. Miroku had a delivery today.”

 

“Did you get your gift certificate?”

 

“No, but thanks for reminding me. I'm not going let him use a birth as an excuse.”

 

“Oh, but he will.”

 

The women shared in a laugh as Inuyasha walked in. “Oi, what's so funny?”

 

“Nothing,” the women sang out sweetly, ending with another giggle, Kagome's giggles louder than Shiroi's.

 

Inuyasha just shook his head. “Keh. We ready then?”

 

“Almost,” Shiroi said. She walked over to the examination table and placed Kagome's feet into the stirrups. Shiroi adjusted Kagome's gown and finally declared her situated.

 

Inuyasha slipped on a pair of youkai-compatible latex gloves while Shiroi pulled out the ultrasound machine that was going to be used to monitor the embryo transfer. Grabbing a small plastic tube, Inuyasha squirted the thick gooey, clear substance onto his gloves and mixed it around on his hands.

 

“Okay Kagome, I'll uh, I'll just tell you what I'm doing as I do it. This'll take no more than ten minutes as long as everything goes smoothly.”

 

“What could go wrong?”

 

“Some women have a retroverted cervix, which you don't. Uh, also, your embryos are floating around in that tube. It's possible for them to get stuck in the tube, meaning we'd just have to redo this part.”

 

“Oh, so nothing too bad?”

 

“Nah.” Inuyasha plopped down onto the wheeled chair and strolled himself over to where Shiroi had set up the table with all of the instruments he would need for the procedure.

 

He took deep calming breath as he was once again faced with temptation. Shiroi turned on a lamp, putting said temptation under a bright spotlight. Ten minutes. He could maintain control for ten minutes.

 

“I'm gonna lube you up so I can put in the speculum. Then your cervix will be cleaned with a saline solution. So you might feel a little discomfort.”

 

“Okie dokie,” Kagome blurted out, a slight slur to her words.

 

“Kagome?”

“Oh yessss doctor?”

 

“Nevermind.” Those 10mg of valium might have been too much for the tiny girl. Once her cervix was cleaned, Shiroi applied some jelly to Kagome's lower abdomen and guided the transducer probe so that her uterus was displayed on the monitor.

 

Keeping his golden eyes focused on the monitor, he gently inserted the catheter until the open end was no more than half a centimeter from the back of the uterine wall. He had to be careful to make sure that it squirted the fluid out near the cervix opening. Any other place and it only meant failure.

 

Kagome lied there with her eyes closed as Dr. McHunky Hanyou went about his business. She felt really really relaxed … and good too. Something about this had her stomach fluttering. His hands there, this position she was in. No doubt about it, she was kinda turned on. From what she'd seen in movies, a woman on her back with her legs spread wide open up in the air was a typical sex position. Maybe even Eri had said something about how it was one of those positions that allowed a woman to be angled just right for ultimate pleasure.

 

Her mind was starting to work against her, or was this for her? Instead of Dr. Takahashi down there, it was the Inuyasha she saw back at the Shrine, the one with no shirt, jeans slung loose along his narrow waistline and his silver hair flowing free and wild down the long length of his bronzed back. The parts of her that Dr. Takahashi, no that Inuyasha were touching started to warm and tingle in a good way.

 

Inuyasha stopped. His nose twitched from the assault of Kagome's perfumed attack. Her arousal hit him head on, making his ears ring and his eyes glazed over with lust. Shaking his head and rapidly blinking his eyes to regain even the tiniest bit of concentration, he only had to deposit the liquid containing the embryos into her uterus and then … then …

 

Sweet motherfucker …

 

Closing his eyes and trying to close off his other senses, he slowly squirted the liquid into her … not helping … Once the liquid had been drained, he carefully pulled the catheter out.

 

“Shiroi, microscope,” he strained to speak. Only words, not sentences were available for his use. The tiny room filled with the scent of Kagome and no longer the sterilized chemical smells, just a very horny Kagome.

 

Shiroi brought over the microscope and he inspected the catheter tube for any left behind embryos. Nope. Nothing. Shiroi wheeled the microscope away and started to clean up.

 

Inuyasha turned back to Kagome, staring at her slick core. That wasn't lube. He knew the difference. Taking a deep breath would do him no good in here. Reaching over, he slowly pulled out the speculum, not wanting to cause her too much discomfort and tossed it onto the table.

 

There he was done. Now he could go. He needed to escape.

 

“That tickled … “Kagome softly giggled out, her pleasant voice tickling his already sensitive ears.

 

“I don't think she ate breakfast,” was the explanation Shiroi offered as an excuse for Kagome's behavior. Shiroi took Kagome's feet and legs out of the stirrups and stretched her legs out onto the bed. A blanket covered her up as she lied there until she was given the okay to leave.

 

“Get her some damn food.” And then he left.

 

He bolted straight for his office, locking the door behind him. Closing his eyes, he leaned up against the thick wooden door, his head thumping back against it. Kagome .. Her hormones or his? Probably both were driving him over the edge. And what happened with her in there? She was so fuckin' hot for someone, maybe anyone. She wasn't getting any as it was, but damn, talk about Tempting, with a giant capital T. If Shiroi wasn't in the room, he could've taken Kagome anyway she wished. All she had to do was ask.

 

She wasn't making this friendship-thing easy for him. He didn't want to be just friends. He wanted to do very non-friendship things with her involving naked bodies, sweat and grunts for starters followed only by his and hers imagination, wants and needs. Why did this one girl, the one he desperately wanted, be the one girl he couldn't have? Fuckin' hanyou curse.

 

He ripped his latex gloves off of his hands as they were covered in her, her smell, her wetness …

 

He didn't deserve someone like her. Though she really didn't deserve what she had with Hojo. Hojo was one lucky son of a gun to have such a devoted woman. Inuyasha wasn't sure what he deserved. So far, life had only given him a successful career and an obsession for ramen, along with a rude behavior and a foul mouth.

 

Still, through all of the negativity, he wanted her, and if he hung around her enough, he might even need her. He dreaded that thought though, but at the same time, was enticed by the idea of having a companion, a true mate.

 

All of this thinking was calming him down, but, it served to remind him that he was still alone. Hojo would take Kagome home and all he had to look forward to was an empty, lifeless apartment.

 

This is fuckin' pathetic. I don't sulk like this.

 

xxxxx-----xxx-----xxxxx

 

Kagome sat up when Shiroi returned with a tray of food. “Cafeteria food?” Kagome asked frightened by that prospect.

 

“No. Dr. Takahashi had mentioned that you really liked the breakfast bagel sandwiches from the shop across the street.”

 

“You didn't have to … “

 

“Oh yes we did. The valium made you kinda loopy.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

“Did you use the restroom?”

 

“Yes. I couldn't hold it anymore.”

 

“Nope, it's okay. You'll be able to dress and go home soon. You'll continue to come in for your progesterone shots. Also, remember to finish off the medications we've prescribed for you.”

 

“Am I getting any other medications?”

 

“No. Just what you've got now. Here is a brochure that outlines what you can and can't do for the next two weeks.”

 

Kagome skimmed through the brochure. “Wow, good thing break starts soon. Wait, no tub baths, so can I shower?”

 

“Yeah. Showering is fine. Do read about the spotting. Light spotting is normal. Heavy spotting means you should give us a call. Better yet, just come here immediately.”

 

“Was I really that out of it?”

 

“Not really. It's just with no food in your system; the affects of the valium are amplified. You were just really relaxed.”

 

“I said something embarrassing, didn't I?”

 

“Not as embarrassing as what some of the other patients have said. It's fine. Finish breakfast, dress and then you can go.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

xxxxx-----xxx-----xxxxx

 

Kagome walked slowly down the hallway, a hand on her lower abdomen hoping that the embryos recently inserted had already implanted themselves to her womb. It would be two and a half weeks, after that time, she would come back and be tested to confirm her pregnancy. It would be a long two and a half weeks. However, she had finals this week meaning papers to grade and a portfolio to turn in.

 

And then graduation.

 

She could be a certified chef, able to work in a restaurant, or in any other culinary institution. But for all of her work, her talents would stay in the home, meant for her, Hojo, some friends, family and perhaps a newborn child.

 

Kagome was planning a graduation party. She saw it not only as the end of six years of schooling, but as one last time she could entertain. She already had everything planned for it. First was to send out the invitations.

 

“Hojo … “her voice trailed off as she entered the reception area only to find it full of just women. Kagome walked over to Saori's desk. “You wouldn't happen to know where Hojo went, would you?”

 

“Oh, actually yes. He said that he got a call about the review of his proposal and had to go talk to the proposal committee.”

 

“Did he happen to mention how long this would take?”

 

“No, he didn't. Sorry.”

 

“Thanks anyway.” Kagome pulled out her cell phone. If she hurried, she could catch the next bus.

 

Little did she know that a certain doctor with exceptional hearing had caught what Saori had said to Kagome. His shoulders slumped forward. He had planned to talk to the couple about the procedure only to learn Hojo was gone, again, and that Kagome was once again left alone. But there was a ray of sunshine, as he was presented with an opportunity to offer her a ride home.

 

His nose caught the scent of someone in his office, someone who demanded his immediate attention. There went his moment to rescue Kagome.

 

xxxxx-----xxx-----xxxxx

 

“How the fuck did you slip into my office?”

 

The woman chuckled out from her place in the soft leather chair behind the wooden desk. “Oh Inuyasha. I thought you knew me better than that.”

 

Inuyasha scowled at her grossly misguided innuendo. He remained by the door, making sure to maximize the space between him and her. Crossing his arms across his chest, again, he leaned back against the door, though for a different reason this time.

 

He did know how she got into his office. Later, he'd tell Saori to have maintenance put locks on his window. “What is it now?”

 

“I've given you some time to think about the situation.”

 

“And I didn't think about it at all. I've been busy.”

 

“That's not like you. You're usually willing to help women fulfill their dreams of motherhood. Why not mine?”

 

“You know why.”

 

“Bah, that's not a reason, just a minor, what do you call it, technicality.”

 

“And I've got technicality ball busters that work here. But, that's beside the point. I said no already. I don't even know why you keep trying.”

 

“Because I want this child!” she screamed at him, jumping out of the leather chair, her tears flinging from her eyes. “I -I really want … “She looked up at Inuyasha. “Why?”

 

“You shouldn't even be asking me that. You know damn well. It's time for you to leave and not come back.”

 

Kagura chuckled through the last remaining tears. “This is really it then, isn't it? There was love there, wasn't there?”

 

Inuyasha just shrugged his shoulders. “I really don't know.”

 

“So, maybe this is goodbye. Perhaps I couldn't do it, say goodbye to it all. The dream … the reality … they weren't the same.”

 

“Use the door.”

 

“Right. Goodbye then Inuyasha. I should be sorry that I bothered you. That girl, she's cute by the way. You two looked happy.”

 

Inuyasha moved out of the way of the door, mouth open as Kagura left. She thought that he was with Kagome? He only wished that were true. Like Kagura, there was the dream, and then there was the reality and in both cases, they didn't match up one bit.

 

Closing the door behind him, he walked back over to his desk, sitting in the once occupied seat. Reaching for his phone, he dialed a number he didn't dial often. It was more like a number he chose to ignore as much as he could.

 

A nasally old voice answered.

 

“Let me talk to him now.”

 

The voice just `hmphed' and transferred the call.

 

“What?”

 

“You fuckin' owe me big time.”

 

“About what?”

 

“Kagura.”

 

“I see.”

 

“You … see? Fuck. Do you know what I had to put up with?”

 

“It's your own fault.”

 

“Fuck you!” He slammed down the phone.

 

xxxxx-----xxx-----xxxxx

roshully's note: Medical jargon overload. I think I explained all the terms and procedures within the context of the story, so I think that's all taken care of.

 

So, on to replies:

 

Uh, I'm tired as I started a new job-ish this week. I may end replying to reviews I've already replied to and I'm sorry if I do that.

 

Autumn_the_Reviewer - I have a name fetish as well. When I write original stories, I have the hardest time naming my characters because I think the name should say something about the person. My own name has a very unique history behind it and so I can totally relate with you. Thanks for the Saori tip, I went back and fixed that. I would hate to mess her name up. Actually, since we're talking about names, Saori was one of the first Japanese girls I met when I started learning Japanese, so I thought I would honor her like that. I don't know how I can write these characters, I just write. I am careful of what they say in situations and how they react to things that I think would be like them, but I just get lucky. Really. Gotta love my reviewers. Thanks for the review.

 

axel720 - Things will be picking up. Uh, they'll start going really fast here in a bit and it freaked me out because I think it might be too fast, but it may seem like it is fast (to me) because I've been comparing it to the rest of the story, which had its slow parts. While there are some filler type stuff, a lot of it has something to do with the story. At least I think it does. Let me know if it starts to go too fast for ya. Thanks for the review.

 

@__@ - Yeah, thought I would trick people with the title. Actual the title wasn't just some random word I threw out there. It came from the breakfast Kagome made which in my head (which is a really strange place btw) was some sort of symbol for the way her heart feels or some deep psychoanalytical crap like that. I hope this is soon enough for an update. Thanks for the review.

 

Sassa - Anyone who likes someone is going to want to get closer to someone, even if they can't have them. I can't say that for everyone, but a lot of people I know did that in junior high and high school. You like someone, you join their social circle, hang out, hope something leads to something else. But that's not always the case. Sometimes, people can hang out without being drawn to each other because of a crush. About the fuck for fuck's sake or for lifelong, the presence of Sesshoumaru's mommy put a damper in the idea that inu-youkai mate for life and I think that it's more about a lifestyle choice. I think that is what I meant about it. The same could be true for us regular humans as well. Some people I know just fuck for fuck's sake and other people I know are cautious about it and wait something long term and meaningful. Yeah, I did neglect which one Inuyasha is, didn't I? In the past he had flings while searching for someone to connect with, to love, cherish and all that good stuff. Isn't that we date? More about Inu's life style choices will be written about in future chapters. Thanks for the review.

 

bblackdahlia - Hojo has a brain? Um, I'll have to change that. More about Hojo will be revealed in later chapters, so I won't dispense great amount of info here. If later on I haven't revealed much, let me know. I do intend to, but I might forget. Thanks for the review.

 

Inusbabe - Yes, relationship comfort is a problem. Seriously. It's not something I made up for the story. Kagome is really able to question it because others are questioning it as well, Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha. They have all pointed out things that Kagome never considered before. But challenge is good. And so is change. It'll let Kagome decide if Hojo is really the man for her, the man she is in love with, or, if things have changed in their relationship that she hadn't noticed. I think that this is what that chapter was kinda about. Inuyasha confronted her, the breakfast confronted her (her heart being divorced from her body so to speak), so, she's got issues. Thanks for your review.

 

inugirl - This soon enough? I won't be updating twice a week for much longer, so take it while you can. Thanks.

 

InuyashasBiggestFan - Sorry about your fun. I guess what fun I can give you is you can read this and then make comments about it. Then my fun is deciding whether to answer them or not. Some theories have been shared, but I can only make speculations. Thanks for the review.

 

Inusbabe - The start of the chapter, the italics were not Mother Higurashi talking on the phone. But I can't explain anymore than that right now. Don't want to give anything away. Though I may given something away by saying that. Damn. If I allow Inuyasha to follow biological breeding urges for spring mating, than yes he could be very picky. Evolutionary biologists are all about how picky species are when it comes to mating. Humans…well, they aren't as picky. Some are. But other species are really picky because they want to produce the best offspring. So, if that's the case, then yes, Inuyasha will be very picky, especially if is youkai is more dominant and that is youkai is more instinctual than conscious (if that makes any sense whatsoever). Sorry, I'm a geek, a science and math geek, so I read those kinds of articles. But I'll be flexible with his youkai. I've got a human night of Inu scheduled for a debut, but I haven't written it out yet. It won't be for a few chapters, like four or five, so, hang tight. Thanks for your review (again).

 

Latch - Welcome on board. Well, Inu and Kagome are not paired much to the dismay of some of my other readers/reviewers. But, yes, I have been told how different this story is from the typical Inu/Kag pairing. I guess different can be good. You are right, there are some strange Inu/Kag pairing stories out there as I've caught a few of them and it does bum ya out. I'm glad that this can change your perception and give other well-written Inu/Kag stories a chance. Hope to hear from ya again. Thanks for the review.

 

gillster - Yes I know they are still not together. I will not apologize for it either. I think this is a drama story, if I categorized it correctly. I'm creating drama here. Let me create. Please stick around for the drama, something might surprise you. Thanks for the review.

 

Sedona - Sometimes I wish I had half the talent as some of the other writers I read. Actually I try not to read too many other stories because I fear it'll affect how I write and I don't want that to happen. How I write, I sit down with a notebook, my $12 pencil from the Japanese bookstore, my hamster eraser, get comfortable with a can of Pepsi, a snack and scribble away. I keep saying that I have no idea where this story came from and I don't. I've never tried to have children. Right now I have no intent on having children. I'm too poor to raise myself, how am I going to raise another human being? That and I'm still in my selfish stage. But you can have my children for me. Ha. My dog might get jealous and when she gets jealous, she pees on the floor and whines for ice cream. Thanks for the review.

 

cwillia - Yes, Dr. McHunky Hanyou is HOT! I capitalized it for extra hotness. Are we getting somewhere? Good because I was worried that it might be stalling. One reason she didn't call him was because of work, so I think she was waiting for him to call. Did that sound odd? Like I don't know what she was thinking? Sheesh. Mothers can be creepy about the things they know that we think they don't know. Thanks for the review.

 

violet blossom - How anyone's mind works is beyond comprehension. Well, Kagome pretty much explained it. Yeah, she has the hots for the hot Dr. McHunky Hanyou, but really, that's it. A lot of people have the hots for other people while they are in a committed long-term relationship. I have the hots for the guy who plays Greg on CSI, but I'm not going to go and jump his bones. I wouldn't ruin love for that. Kagome loves(?) Hojo and doesn't want to ruin that with a one night stand. But admitting is the first step. Now, she just needs to figure out the next one. Thanks for the review.

 

Inuyasha Baby bre - Okay, let's get started. Is Inu's problem hormonal/instinctual/horney? I haven't answered that completely yet, though it will be in the story at some point or another. You are right about the guilt part. Kagome is the type of person who feels guilty for fantasizing about another guy. So, she is struggling more than others. I don't struggle when I fantasize about other guys (Kappei talks to me in my dreams and in Japanese). Since there is not broken Shikon jewel to bring these two together I needed another angle. So I borrowed the whole Inu's family dying from the manga and killed off Kagome's father, grandpapa and brother to bring them together. Basically. A lot of people, like you said, do things to honor passed loved ones. It's how we connect with them, or help to bring their dreams to realities. For Inu, in a way, he's helping those that are in the same position his mother was in understanding her pain and being the guy he is, wanting to take away that pain. A lot of practice. That's what got me to this point in my writing. I have always been writing. I glanced back at my sixth grade yearbook and I even said then that I wanted to write, so, just write whatever. I won't answer your questions because that would spoil the story as well as spoil it for everyone else. Sorry. If I did answer it, then why read it. It was like with Harry Potter book 6. It was hard to read it when I knew the worst that was going to happen. (Not saying anything for those that haven't read it yet and don't know what I'm talking about). We don't see J.K. Rowling spilling secrets of books seven. She creates suspense with the title alone. I know I didn't create suspense with the title, but, oh well. The title of my story will be explained in the last chapter. Thanks for the review.

 

Eh, I think that's everything and everyone. Thanks again. Also, thanks to the readers. I guess that by coming back and reading it still up to this point, you like it, so that's cool.

 

I better stop before I keep going. I've got dinner to cook, so, have a good weekend.

 

Also, any mistakes send them my way so I can correct them to make this a better and easier read. Thanks

roshully