InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Gods' Opinion ❯ Prospectus ( Chapter 15 )

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 Fifteen Prospectus

 

Kagome sat in the tiny waiting area, she being one of the few lucky ones to actually get a chair. The office area only had four chairs and a lineup of twenty students. Her capstone portfolio, as well as everyone else's, were due Wednesday at noon. That gave the graduation panel a few hours Wednesday and all day Thursday to review each and every single one of them.

 

All students were called in on Friday to be told whether or not they had satisfied all of the requirements for the program, meaning they were able to graduate on time or they would have to wait a quarter or two until they proved their worth.

 

At first, Kagome thought that they were calling in students by order of family name, but when hers got passed up, she could only sit and watch the others enter and exit the conference room with either a smile or a scowl on their face. Her stomach was all knotted up as it come down to the last remaining students.

 

“Higurashi.”

 

Kagome stood up, the last student left in the reception area. She took a deep breath as she walked down the short hallway, turning into the conference room. The room had a long table against the back wall where the five members of the graduation panel sat. In the middle of the room was a lone chair, the one she was instructed to sit in.

 

She felt like a prisoner up for parole, waiting to be approved or rejected. Rejection was not an option she had considered, ever. It would seriously mess up her plans if that were the case. No, she couldn't think like that. Everything was fine.

 

“Higurashi,” one of the female panel members started, “you are a teacher here as well as a student, correct?”

 

“I am. That's correct.” The words scratched her dry throat as she struggled to speak them. As a teacher, they were her peers, but as a student, what she was now as she sat in that chair, they were terrifying.

 

“How long will you remain here as a teacher?”

 

“I'm contracted to work through the summer semester.”

 

“And your plans afterwards?”

 

“I am working on a family. I've been . . . struggling, but I've found the best doctor with whom I have put my faith in that I'll be successful.”

 

The panel glanced down at Kagome's portfolio, each having their own personal copy. Quietly, they passed notes and whispers that Kagome was forced to silently watch. There wasn't much for her to do at this moment except to accept it and wait. She would be given a chance to argue her case. At least she thought she would.

 

The woman calmly folded her hands over Kagome's portfolio. “We have a, what would you call it, a type of disagreement, ah, a dissidence over your portfolio.”

 

“Oh,” was all Kagome could get out.

 

“Will you listen to our problem before addressing it?”

 

“Of course,” she perked up. She was ready to defend her work.

 

“This may take a while, which was the reason why we called you in last. You have no plans, right?”

 

Kagome sighed. Actually, she did have plans. It was nearing five o'clock and she and Hojo had dinner plans. It had been a while since they had gone out to a nice restaurant to eat, and with Hojo having a break from work, they decided to jump on the opportunity before it was gone again.

 

However, she was still soured about his rude departure on Tuesday. He left without telling her and she just had the in-vitro procedure done. As cruel as it sounded, this was karma. For once, she would leave him hanging for something important to her. How many times did she wait for him?

 

“No, I'm fully prepared to listen and do what I need to do here.”

 

The panel relaxed for what was going to be a long process. “Well then, let's get started, shall we?”

 

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

 

With spring classes all wrapped up, her portfolio done and summer session not starting until late June, she had more than enough time to plan her graduation party. It felt odd to be planning her own party as she was used to planning parties for everyone else. But she wanted to do it herself; the food, the decorations, everything. It was more of a way to thank those who had been so supportive of her decision to study the culinary arts and pursue as much of her dream as she could.

 

But underneath all of the celebrations, her graduation marked a stark turning point in her life, and it only made her sad. It was the end of the first part of her life. Cooking, food, and putting a smile on people's faces were all she could think of when she was growing up. She had the option of going to the culinary school right out of high school, but she wanted a better understanding of eating for the whole body and not just tongue, nose and stomach. It did make the culinary school, its classes, easier for her.

 

The culinary school not only taught cooking, but prepared its students to be chefs, to work in real restaurants, to continue cooking and creating meals for others. For Kagome, that wasn't the case. For her, it was about a baby. She knew she was throwing away her talent, but for a family, her family, it was a sacrifice she was prepared to make.

 

That was why this party was going to be special. There were no limitations on food and beverages. Kagome even had the neighbors' permission to be rambunctious until the wee hours of the morning in exchange for home cooked gourmet meals for any day of the week. This was one last hoorah and she was ready to go out in style.

 

The whole week was spent preparing dishes she had picked out or created herself. Instead of a formal dinner, she was sticking to appetizers, food that could be eaten with fingers or with a small fork and carried around on plates or napkins. There would be healthy as well as not-so-good-for-you food. Everyone deserved a treat, a night to indulge the senses with food that tasted and smelled good.

 

During all of this, Hojo remained mostly out of Kagome's way. Instead, he went to work during the day, doing little things, and then coming home to find her busy, but she still prepared a dinner for him. And at night, when she was done cooking for a few hours, they would sit together and watch a movie quietly, a prelude to how things were going to be.

 

The graduation party was scheduled for Saturday, the Saturday that followed her in-vitro. She wanted a vacation and planned to do nothing the following week except to sit around hoping that the in-vitro took. She was told relaxation would help, so that is what she would do. There was that new spa that opened downtown that she wanted to try now that she had a reason to.

 

The invitations said things would start around five-ish so that her guests would be hungry; five being an average time for dinner for most. That gave her the day to rearrange the furniture in the living room and dining room for the guests, get herself dolled up and finish up the food and beverages. Hojo only followed Kagome's directions, helping her out when he could, trying to be supportive of this whole shebang.

 

Kagome stood in the bathroom, scrutinizing the outfit she'd finally decided on. She'd made the mistake of asking Eri to go shopping with her to pick out an outfit for the party. Kagome wasn't exactly bullied into buying this dress, but when she originally saw it, it wasn't love at first sight. But she hadn't found anything else that grabbed her attention either. Since Eri said she looked smokin' hot in it, she bought it.

 

She had blow dried her hair and figured she leave it down not wanting to fuss with curling irons and hair pins. Her makeup routine was minimal: moisturizer, a shimmery white shadow, mascara and a shiny, fruity lip gloss. Lipstick was pointless with all of the eating and talking she was planning on doing. And even thought she wanted to, Eri had flat out told her no jewelry. The dress, she said, made enough of a statement.

 

Knowing she couldn't back out of it now, Kagome slipped her feet into the macramé espadrilles wedges Eri also suggested. They chose white so that it wouldn't compete with the vibrant color of the dress. Kagome was fine with the espadrilles, high heels with extra support, no need to do a balancing act on stems. She tied the ankle straps and stood up to check herself over one last time.

 

Kagome and Hojo worked on the finishing touches; a check for napkins everyone, extra toilet paper in the bathroom as well as extra trash canisters scattered around the rooms placed in conspicuous corners. Lastly, they set up the CD player to shuffle through their collection of music to add some ambience to their apartment.

 

Ding dong.

 

“I'll get it,” Hojo said to a nervous Kagome as she rechecked the food she had displayed on the dining room table. She nodded as he walked to the door.

 

“Kagome.”

 

Kagome spun around to see Hojo with the first guest of the evening. “Hi,” Kagome greeted with a bright smile.

 

“Kagome, I need to go to the study for a few minutes. Why don't you and Kikyou chat while I get her the documents?”

“Sure.” Kagome waited until Hojo was gone. To say she was intimidated by the statuesque female was an understatement, and just the beginning. “Will you be able to stay?” Kagome had sent her an invitation.

 

“No, I can't. I'll be flying to meet with some of our investors overseas.”

 

“Oh, well, how about something to eat while you wait for Hojo?”

 

“Thank you, but no.”

 

“Anything to drink then?”

 

“That won't be necessary.” Kikyou took a step toward the younger girl, cutting off her escape route. “Look, Kagome, we don't know each other very well mainly because I have nothing to talk to you about. I'm not into this Martha Stewart thing you have going on. But I do have something I need to say to you.”

 

“O-okay.”

 

“Do you love Hojo?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“And you are supportive of his work?”

 

“I am. I always have been.”

 

“Then I'd suggest you get with reality and drop this pregnancy fantasy of yours. It's affecting Hojo and it's affecting his work. I have too much invested in this drug to let anything get in his way of completing it.”

 

Kagome hadn't expected anything like this. Hojo hadn't said anything to her about it. In fact, he was the one who first suggested having a child and after the second doctor, when she said that they should wait, he was the one that reassured her that it would work out as long as they, the both of them, together, didn't give up.

 

“Besides, once live species trials begin, he'll be working longer hours, traveling more and will be unable to devote any attention to you, let alone your problems and some child you may have.”

 

Kagome really had nothing to say to the woman. Sure, she could tell Kikyou that she was wrong. But was she really?

 

“Look, you've been trying for what, two years now to get pregnant? And you've failed every time? Obviously, you weren't meant to be a mother. Give it up and go back to being a maid.”

 

“I'm a chef.”

 

“Some difference. This isn't just for Hojo, but for your own sake, as well as the sake of all who'll benefit from Hojo's medicine.”

 

“Sorry for making you wait,” Hojo announced his return, a folder full of papers in his hand. “It wasn't too long, was it?”

 

“No. I was just congratulating Kagome.”

 

“Yeah, we're all very proud of her. I'm sorry you can't stay and join in the festivities with us.”

 

“I'm sorry too. However, duty calls.” Kikyou took the folder from Hojo and slipped it into her overpriced tacky leather bag.

 

“Let me walk you out.”

 

“It's all right. And Kagome, think about what I said.”

 

Kagome smiled and nodded, putting up a front to keep Hojo from being suspicious. “I will.”

 

Kikyou promptly took her leave.

 

Hojo turned to Kagome. “I'm glad that you two can get along. Maybe now I'll be able to convince her to have dinner with us. Wouldn't that be nice?”

 

“Of course. She seems like such an interesting person.” Kagome couldn't think of anything nice to say about Hojo's boss at this moment.

 

“By the way, what did she say to you?”

 

“Oh, just some friendly advice about not giving up on my dream.”

 

“Wow. That's rare for her. She doesn't hand out compliments often.”

 

“Must be my special day.”

 

“Well silly, that's because it is.”

 

The guests filtered in between five and five-thirty. Many had brought Kagome gifts, which she tried to refuse on the grounds that it wasn't necessary. No one would hear of it though. Kagome stuck the presents in the study hoping that they wouldn't make a public spectacle out of it. It was embarrassing to have to open presents in front of such a huge group.

 

She was saving that embarrassment for her future baby shower.

 

Her girls, Eri, Ayumi, Yuka and Ayame had all arrived together and took their place out on the balcony, basking in the warm June evening. The balcony was the one place in Kagome and Hojo's apartment that offered them privacy, yet, they were still able to be social with Kagome's other friends that they were acquainted with.

 

Most of the guests were other students, either classmates of hers or her own students. Many of her students wanted to try her cooking as well as to see how to host a good party. She never thought of her graduation party as a learning experience for others, but she was more than happy to accommodate them.

 

Kagome also made sure that she invited some of Hojo's co-workers that she had met so that Hojo wouldn't feel so left out. They quickly gathered in a corner to talk about the abuses of prescription drugs, the generic drug threat and how all of this could affect their jobs, a heavy topic that wasn't for the other guests to be involved in. They ended up migrating into the study for their own type of privacy.

 

Kagome buzzed around from group to group, making small talk and recommending which foods they should try. Considering that most of the guests here were culinary connoisseurs, the topic of most conversations was the food. Secrets were shared and tastes were scrutinized, which was what chefs did when gathered together. Not much different than Hojo and his friends.

 

Once Kagome had established contact with all of her guests, she moseyed on out to the balcony to join in with her friends for a few minutes before going back inside to check on the food and drinks. The first rule as a hostess, make sure the food and beverages never run out.

 

Since Ayumi and Ayame were both pregnant, and one being a wolf demoness, Kagome prepared their favorite pregnancy snacks and brought two large trays of it out to the table for them to feast upon freely.

 

“Mmm, Kagome . . . every time. You never cease to please,” Ayame mumbled as she stuffed her face with youkai flavored snacks.

 

“Kagome will be my wife,” Eri declared, popping something that looked good into her mouth, chewing the food thoroughly. “She can cook the food I need to regain my strength after a night of exertion.”

 

“Will I have to cook for him too?” Kagome joked. In her hand, she had a small paper plate filled with various foods.

 

“Only if I need him re-energized for morning activities.”

 

Ayumi just shook her head at the absurd, immature behavior of Eri. And she was going to be the one with a Ph.D., whenever she got around to writing up her thesis instead of literally fucking it away. Eri needed to be more like Kagome, in a stable relationship. And Eri, like Kagome, didn't need to be married. Eri needed a Hojo.

 

“Kagome?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“What you've done here is fabulous. Really great. So . . . I was wondering though . . . if you'll be able to . . . Could you cater my wedding?”

 

“Yuka . . . of course I will. I'd love to. I've never catered one before.”

 

“Well, I know you'll do fine, especially after what I've seen here.”

 

“This just means Kagome is exempt from getting you some tacky kitchenware,” Eri piped up.

 

“Kagome doesn't give kitchenware,” Ayame spoke up, defending Kagome's gift-giving abilities. “What did you get us . . . oh right, that spa package.”

 

“Really?” Yuka wailed. “Maybe I'll have to rethink this catering thing.”

 

“Actu . . . “Kagome paused when she heard what sounded like the doorbell. “Uh, excuse me.” Kagome left the girls to find something else to start gabbing about. Then she heard it again, louder. Yep, it was the doorbell.

 

“Ah, Sango, you made it.” Kagome stepped to the side to let Sango inside. “Come in.”

 

“Thanks. Sorry we're late. It's all his fault,” Sango said, pointing to the man behind her.

 

“Keh.”

 

“Where's Miroku?” Kagome asked.

 

“Kagome, were you afraid that I wasn't going to make an appearance?”

 

Kagome shook her head. “No, it's just that you're her shadow and I was afraid that you'd gotten lost.”

 

Sango and Inuyasha laughed at poor Miroku's expense. Kagome closed the door behind them. “Thank you all for coming. I was afraid that you weren't going to make it.”

 

“What and miss your cooking? Never.”

 

“Will you two wait here? I need to introduce Sango to some people.” Kagome pulled on Sango, ripping her away from her shadow and the only people she knew in the chef-filled apartment. “Don't worry,” Kagome whispered to the nervous Sango. “They won't kill you, immediately.”

 

“Wha . . . “

 

The giggles of Kagome molded in with the other female laughs as Sango was thrust out onto the balcony. Everything went silent as all eyes landed on Sango, the stranger. Sango gulped. She shifted her weight uncomfortably as the stress of their glares chained her down, making her unable to escape.

 

“These are The Girls,” Kagome started in her introductions, ignoring the faint hostility that hung around the table. “That's Eri, then Yuka, A-yu-mi and A-ya-me. Everyone, this is Sango, friend and the psychologist on the fertility clinic I attend.”

 

“Psychologist?” Yuka asked. “What's your specialty?”

 

“Sexuality and relationships,” Sango answered softly.

 

The Girls exchanged looks. Yuka then looked back up at Sango. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

 

“Sure.”

 

“Erie here is a promiscuous slut and I'm curious as to how that is good or bad for her.”

 

“That's your personal question Yuka?” Kagome asked.

 

“Of course. Eri's life is open for all, at least between us.”

 

Sango slipped into the empty chair and recalled everything that Kagome had briefly mentioned in her sessions. “Well, I was told that her main purpose for her sluttiness was for research, however, she . . . eh . . . you could easily do sexual research without being an actual participant.”

 

Everyone started to add into the conversation, allowing Kagome to slip away with ease to attend to the two men. She found them by the food table, conversing quietly among themselves.

 

“Sorry for abandoning you like that.”

 

“Where's Sango?”

 

“She's being inducted. She'll explain later. I'm really glad you could come. Follow me.” Kagome escorted them to the kitchen. “If you hadn't, this big pot of ramen would've gone to waste.”

 

“For . . . me?”

 

“Yeah. I was cooking food anyways. And it's good practice. As simple as ramen appears to be, it's actually a complicated dish.” Kagome walked over to the fridge, pulling out a wrought iron basket willed with several bottles of dressing. “For you.”

 

“Why Kagome . . . it's your graduation.”

 

“I know. But, if . . . no, when I'm pregnant, I won't be able to cook this much. This should last you and Sango for a month or two.”

 

“I'm eternally grateful.”

 

“Keh, it'll last two weeks.”

 

“Who are all of these people? You have many friends.”

 

“Some are my students, only here to see their teacher in action. Some are my fellow classmates, who'll also be graduating as well. Hojo scuttled away with some co-workers of his to talk geek. And then I threw Sango out onto the balcony with my friends. These are the girls who know almost everything about me.”

 

“Almost?” Inuyasha asked, cocking a dark brow at her.

 

“Why Dr. Takahashi, a girl's gotta have her secrets.” Kagome popped a cherry tomato into her mouth, winked at him, turned and sashayed away to do her rounds.

 

“Isn't that your favorite color?”

 

Red. It wasn't exactly his favorite color, but women looked damn tasty in it. Inuyasha had Kagome's figure trapped in his sights the moment he walked into her apartment. He had to start off by thank the weather gods for the early summer heat.

 

Kagome wore a flaming red dress that set his southerly blood on fire. It looked more like a shirt, its length covering just enough to be decent. But her long shapely legs weren't, especially in those shoes. The red was flattering against her healthy milky skin. The rouching of the waist slimmed her, but rounded out her hips, giving her a nice hourglass figure. And he wasn't going to try to focus on the way the front had this v-shape that allowed a pecking glimpse of cleavage.

 

Where was the bathroom at . . . cold water . . . privacy . . . help!

 

“Without Sango here . . . “He let out a long depressing sigh. “I'm lonely without her.”

 

“Not my problem you two fuck like rabbits without making it official.” Inuyasha plunged a pair of chopsticks into the pot and grabbed a heaping helping of Kagome's homemade ramen noodles. He hadn't told her that they were the best he'd ever tasted.

 

“Me, official? What about my image? I have my masculine libido to consider.”

 

“Why? You only have sex with Sango. She only has sex with you. You only need to prove your libido to her.”

 

Miroku scrunched his face up as he considered Inuyasha's words. “Really?”

 

“Yeah. Really.”

 

“You knew?”

 

“Like I had a choice.” This was really good ramen. It was different from the others, but how?

 

“And you didn't say anything?”

 

“Why should I?” He slurped down another demonic sized helping of noodles. Ah, shrimp. That was the difference.

 

“I suppose you're right.” Miroku sighed as he leaned up against the counter. “It's her decision when it comes down to it. If we want to take this to the next step I . . . it's all for her, you know?”

 

Inuyasha remained silent as he mulled over Miroku's question. Yeah, he knew. Even thought it was for her, it did nothing for him other than to see her smile. It was all he would have, her smile. And even then, it would only last a few months. Once she was pregnant, Kagome would no longer be his patient. There would be no reason for her to visit him. No reason for them to continue their tiny friendship.

 

He had his hopes.

 

“Whatever.”

 

“Really though . . . Do you think Sango and I . . . “

 

“Are you sure you want to ask me this? I haven't bee in a relationship for . . . “

 

“Four years, three months, twenty-two days, six hours and . . . “Miroku pulled out his cell phone, checking the time, “forty-seven minutes.”

 

“Fucker.”

 

“You want the seconds too?”

 

“No. I don't need a reminder about how much my life sucks. Thank you.”

 

“Inuyasha, I'm . . . I'm sorry.”

 

“Like it matters.”

 

“But it does. You're a decent being deserving of a nice girl, good sex.”

 

“Deserving doesn't mean I'll get it.” Inuyasha glanced down at the pot of ramen Kagome made especially for him. Maybe it wasn't shrimp flavored. It easily could be some Jedi mind trick. The reason that the ramen tasted different, even better, was because it was his last.

 

Inuyasha remained in the kitchen, listening to Miroku babble to himself about Sango as he ate his ramen. Kagome was busy checking the food and checking in with all of her guests. She found Sango still outside with The Girls engaged in a serious analysis of Eri's sexual research, though, it shifted more towards sex in general, which Eri appreciated.

 

Kagome took the opportunity to sneak away into the bathroom. She didn't know how long some of her guests actually planned on staying. In some regards, she didn't need them to be around all night. But, as soon as everyone was gone, that was it. Other than dinner with her friends, she wouldn't have time to host anything like this.

 

Washing her hands, Kagome glanced at herself in the mirror. She finally let the weight of tonight take its toll on her. It had the same feeling of leaving home for college. Home was still there, but, everything had changed. Another phase in her life was ending and another one was beginning.

 

I'll never be able to dress like this again.

 

Exiting the restroom, she stayed back a bit to survey her guests. Everyone was happily conversing in their little groups, munching on her food. Smiles . . . smiles on their faces. Kagome reached her hand up to her face. Tears? Why was she crying? And smiling too? So bittersweet was the scene in front of her.

 

“Kagome.”

 

Kagome quickly wiped away her tears. “Yeah? Oh, Hojo.”

 

“You okay?”

 

Smiling, she replied. “Of course. Just, I think I got something in my eye.”

 

“Do you wanna make your announcement soon?”

 

“Great idea. Give me ten minutes to make sure everyone has a beverage.”

 

“No problem.”

 

“Where are . . .uh, your friends?”

 

“Had to go home. Family dinners and that sort of thing.”

 

“Oh.” Kagome noticed the slight disappointment that marred his grinning face. “So, ten minutes.”

 

Hojo gave her arm a light squeeze as he went his way. Kagome went her way, off to the kitchen. Kagome had wanted to make an announcement for her guests, to let them know how much she appreciated their support and friendship. It was a way to say farewell to her students, classmates and secretly, her dream.

 

“Ah, Kagome.”

 

“Dr. Miroku. Are you okay?”

 

“Yes, well no. First, I'm retracting my decision to make you my in-home slave. Uh, I'm going to try this monogamy thing out.”

 

“Oh, well, congratulations. Look, I can still cook for you, a special you-with-Sango dinner. I prepare the meal at your place then you can serve it to her.”

 

“Really? For me?”

 

“Yeah,” she laughed out. “Not free of course. It's a side job of mine.”

 

“Kagome that is . . . oh, that is perfect because Sango can't really cook.”

 

“I'd keep quiet about that.”

 

“Mmmm. You're probably right.”

 

“And the no part?”

 

“Oh, where is your bathroom?”

 

“You're almost there. Down that way and to your right,” Kagome giggled at Miroku as he waddled down to the bathroom. She headed into the kitchen to grab the beverage containers out of the fridge. Kagome paused at the sight of a silver-haired male slurping ramen out of the pot on the stove.

 

“Eh, Dr. Takahashi . . . are you . . ?”

 

Inuyasha spun around, sucking up a large dose of noodles up. He'd been busted. “Hey,” he blurted out sheepishly.

 

“Did you eat the whole thing?” Kagome marched over to the stove, pushing the muscular doctor out of the way to get a peek of what was left in the large pot of ramen. In the deep silver cooker, she found it full of broth and if anything more solid had survived, it was hiding on the bottom. “You did.”

 

“And . . . “

 

Kagome looked up at him. “Are you still hungry?”

 

“I don't think I ever was.”

 

“Okay. Do you still feel like or want to eat some more then?”

 

Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders. “I don't know. Why?”

 

“Because there's more it you want more.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yeah, though I had planned on it being something you could take home with you.”

 

“Well, then, I'm finished.”

 

“All right. It'll be here when you're ready to leave.”

 

“Hey, Kagome . . . “

 

Kagome glanced up at him, waiting for him to say whatever it was that he felt he needed to say. “Yeah?”

 

“You know . . . if this, your in-vitro is successful, you won't be my patient anymore.” Kagome's mouth fell as what he said quickly registered. “Miroku will be your overseeing doctor.”

 

“I . . . I didn't know that.”

 

“Keh, it's not that big of deal.” A lie. Always with the lying. The last time he was honest with her, it was brutal, hurting both of them, even though in the end, it seemed it work itself out.

 

“Oh.” Kagome's eyes dimmed as they quickly darted down to the floor. She really hadn't though about that. She did think that her friendship with him was important. He had helped her, was a source of strength for her. She hadn't told him that. It was because of him that she was able to handle these treatments. Not because he was just her doctor, as she had referred to him before, but he did things for her, said all the right things that lifted up her spirits.

 

She was afraid.

 

“We can still be friends, right?”

 

Inuyasha shrugged, playing off his surprise to her question. “I guess, but don't be nice on my account.”

 

Could she do this without him?

 

“I'd like to be friends, with you . . . even after this . . . “

 

Inuyasha took a step toward her, and she didn't back away. “Okay then.” He was trying to give her, and himself, an out. A friendship was dangerous. He hated this confusion. Always wanting to be near her, but needing to push her away in order to salvage bits of his remaining sanity. What could he do? What should he do? Could he be that guy-friend, even if he had some intense crush on her?

 

“I think I can handle making ramen,” she joked out, trying to sprinkle some light-heartedness onto their conversation. “I might even have to make an appointment with you under a false name or something,” she said, chuckling, her airy voice reaching his ears, rubbing them the right and very wrong way. “That sounds kind of fun actually.”

 

“Kagome, I . . . “He wanted to tell her. He could be a so much better mate to her than Hojo. She could be a chef if she still wanted. She could stay home. He'd love her, care for her, give her the experiences a woman like her deserved.

 

“I . . . “he sputtered out. The words were there.

 

I think I'm falling for you.

 

“I . . . “However, the words were fighting him.

 

“Yes?” she asked, watching him with those eyes. They haunted him to the point where he started to see them on random women as his thoughts were smothered with Kagome.

 

“I-Ice cream.”

 

“Ice cream?”

 

Goddamnfuckingcocksucking . . .

 

“Yeah, you have any?”

 

“Let me look.” Kagome hurried over to the freezer. She searched around through all of the frozen meats and veggies she had stored. “Uh . . . I'm not . . . oh wait . . . here's some. Cookie dough ice cream.” She held up the unmarked white plastic container. “My own recipe.”

 

“It's not for me.”

 

“Eh? But . . . “

 

“It's for you. My clinic funded some research done by Harvard Medical. High fat dairy, particular ice cream helped boost fertility.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yeah, but just don't pig out on the stuff.”

 

“Wow. I hadn't read that yet. I've got all those magazines . . . “

 

“It'll be out next month, but hell, I figure why wait.”

 

Kagome put the ice cream back inside the freezer with plans to eat some later. Inuyasha, he was so different than Hojo when it came to this infertility thing. Hojo's support basically came down to him saying I love you and trust you to do what you feel is right, a fairly passive choice. At first, she was grateful that he put that much trust in her. However, it did little to make her feel confident. On the other hand, there was Dr. Takahashi, the one who caught her lying, laughing, crying and struggling, but he never faltered when it came to helping her.

 

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

 

“Who is that?”

 

Four other pairs of eyes peered over from their place on the couch searching out for this mysterious person Yuka noticed.

 

“Who's who?” Ayumi asked, having trouble maneuvering around with her swollen belly.

 

“That guy Kagome is talking to,” Yuka added.

 

“Dr. Takahashi, her fertility doctor,” Sango quickly explained.

 

“That's her doctor? If I had a hunk like that, oh yeah, I'd have no trouble getting knocked up,” Eri blurted out in her usual style.

 

Ayame wiggled her nose around. “He's inu-hanyou. Interesting.”

 

Eri rolled her dark umber eyes. “It don't matter. From my professional and extensive experience, hanyou are capable lovers, if not more so. It's like having the best of both worlds. The all night and into the next day libido of a demon and the mushy crap we human females like. Ah, but no offense to Kouga.”

 

Ayame shrugged as she popped more food into her mouth. “None taken. Kouga is a little dense in the affection department, but he shoes it in his demon-like ways.”

 

“We are all aware of Kouga's charms,” Yuka amusingly pointed out. “I guess some girls are into violent displays of so-called affection, obsessions with some concocted obsession that all girls want him and a possessive nature to rival Scrooge.”

 

“Sango. Is the cute doctor taken?”

 

Sango wasn't sure how to handle that question. He didn't have a girlfriend, but Miroku had pointed out Inuyasha's attraction to Kagome several times. And while she wasn't pleased about that situation, Kagome and Inuyasha, in their own strange way, helped each other out.

 

“He kinda has his eye on a particular girl.” It was about as honest as she could be without revealing too much. Inuyasha would kill her if she said anything.

 

Eri fell back down into the couch, disappointed. She hadn't done it yet with a man with ears. It seemed kinky and she was sure that for this Dr. Takahashi, those ears were an erogenous zone. “All the good ones are taken.” The four other women all turned their glares to Eri. “What?”

 

“This coming from the woman who's had sex with a different guy each month for the last three years,” Yuka casually mentioned, tapping the girl on the arm.

 

“The one who can't commit to any relationship,” Ayumi added as her and Ayame were down to sharing a plate of food.

 

“What about the Big-O guy?” Sango asked recalling her second talk with Kagome.

 

“Oh, him,” Eri blushed. “So you know about him. Yeah, he was good. Really good, but . . . not relationship material.”

 

“Ha,” Ayame half-laughed half-coughed out. “What do you know about relationships?”

 

Ayumi nodded along with Ayame. Pregnant minds think alike. “The only stable relationship she has is with her vibrator.”

 

“Ayumi! I liked you two ladies before the pregnancy hormones muddled your minds.”

 

“Ah, Sango dear. I thought you had completely abandoned me.”

 

Four pairs of eyebrows rose up at the sight of the dark-haired man. He chuckled nervously, reaching for his collar, tugging at it as he gulped. Manmeat. “Hi, ladies. I humbly apologize if I interrupted anything.”

 

“Sango?” Yuka questioned as it was obvious this man was with her.

 

“Miroku, this is Ayame, Ayumi, Yuka and Eri, Kagome's friends.”

 

“Oh yes. Of course. Ladies, a pleasure. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dr. Miroku.”

 

Eri bit her lower lip as she checked the man out, head to toe and then back up. “A real doctor or do you just play one for fun and games?”

 

“I'm actually a real doctor, however, if you wish to play I am, how do they say it these days, ah yes . . . I am game.”

 

Sango rolled her eyes. “Are you done?”

 

“For now.”

 

“So, you're a real doctor then. What kind?” Ayumi asked as she finished up the food on the plate she was sharing with Ayame. Now, which one of her friends would fetch them another serving?

 

“I am an OB/GYN and am working on Kagome's case.”

 

“Are all doctors at this clinic good looking?” Eric chuckled until an empty plate was put in her face. “Fine.” She left to get the two stork-ed women some food.

 

Miroku only grinned. “I can only speak for myself. Sango, when you have a moment, there's something I need to speak to you about, privately.”

 

“Oh, uh, okay then.”

 

Miroku flashed a smile at her before turning to rejoin Inuyasha in the kitchen, but that trek was put on hold as soon as he saw Inuyasha with Kagome in what appeared to be a very engaging conversation. He could only imagine what Inuyasha would do if he interrupted their little moment.

 

He hung a ways back from the kitchen, wondering what the two could be talking about. Kagome was making her way to the freezer. Miroku had to laugh. Inuyasha had to be telling her about the ice cream. It was a subtle. Though Miroku liked to take the most direct path to a woman's . . . eh, heart, but this method would work well for his shy and awkward hanyou friend. There was only one problem: someone was coming.

 

Miroku made his way over to the kitchen, following behind the interrupter, just in case Inuyasha did lose his cool. He trusted Inuyasha; however, he'd never seen his friend act like this around any other female: patient or non-patient, and it was for that reason alone that he was worried.

 

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

 

“There you are Kagome.” Kagome spun around and found Hojo standing there behind her. He tilted his head to the side as he eyed Inuyasha. “Dr. Takahashi, you made it.”

 

“Yeah,” Kagome beamed, missing Hojo's deadpan expression about her current company. “He was just telling me about some research his clinic was doing.”

 

“Research?” Hojo glanced over at Kagome, to Inuyasha and then back to Kagome. “Sci-scientific research?” He chocked on the word. One thing he knew for sure: Kagome and science were like oil and water.

 

Inuyasha just smirked. “Yeah, what about it?”

 

Hojo chuckled. “Sorry, but for as long as I've known Kagome, she's never been one for science. Spent too many nights into the wee hours of the morning trying to get her to understand things like the law of conservation of mass.”

 

Kagome just shook her head, not wanting to be made fun of by the intellect of Hojo. “Yes. I'm well aware about my inability to grasp molecular bonding theory, but it wasn't like that. Dr. Takahashi was sharing a useful result with me about my fertility.”

 

Hojo nodded as he could feel anger rising in Kagome's tone. It was impolite of him to poke fun at her in front of her guest. “Oh, well thanks then,” he said to Inuyasha. Turning to Kagome, he decided to drop the previous conversation all together. “Kagome, your speech.”

 

“Oh, right. Sorry, I forgot. Uh, you'll want to mosey on into the living room, in a few minutes I'll be trying to give thanks, a speech.” Kagome smiled at Inuyasha as Hojo took a hold of her arm and tugged her along to escort her into the living room.

 

Inuyasha took a step forward to follow them, but had to stop when Miroku stepped in his path, placing a hand on Inuyasha's chest to keep him from moving any further. “Hey.”

 

“Fuck, where did you come from?” Inuyasha took a step back, surprised to see Miroku there.

 

“The bathroom. What's going on? Something happening?”

 

“Kagome's gonna give a speech soon.”

 

“Oh, well, we should go on then.”

 

“You talk to Sango?”

 

“Uh, no. She . . . she's found new and scary female friends that gave me that look - you know, the one that women have, the one that means death.”

 

Inuyasha only shook his head. “No, I don't.”

 

“Sure you do. You have to. It's the one that freaks males out, confuses them to no end.”

 

“Nope. Sorry.”

 

“Well, my hanyou friend, you may learn it one day.” Miroku patted Inuyasha on the back as the two headed into the living room. A familiar smell ticked Inuyasha's nose, causing him to stop.

 

“What is it?” Miroku asked.

 

“This scent . . .I've smelt it before . . . “

 

Miroku waggled his brows. “An old girlfriend?”

 

“Fuck no. It's recent . . . oh, that woman that showed up at the dinner.”

 

“You mean Kikyou?”

 

“Yeah, whatever her name is.”

 

“She's here now? I didn't see her when I made my rounds.”

 

“Older scent. She was here then left.”

 

“To uh, exchange some files with Hojo,” Miroku joked out suggestively as they took their place in the living room, away from the main crowd so they could converse quietly with each other.

 

Inuyasha scrunched up his face. The idea of Hojo having sex with anyone made his stomach churn. “Not possible.”

 

“Not possible? You mean . . . “

 

“She's as pure as the freshly fallen snow.”

 

“So my little theory about Hojo going behind Kagome's back with his attractive and powerful boss is wrong?”

 

“Your sexdar must be broken,” Inuyasha joked as the living room filled up with Kagome's guests.

 

“I was so sure. Are you sure?”

 

“She hardly smells of him. No fluid exchanges at all. She smells . . . she smells like her name.”

 

“Ouch.” Miroku sighed as he glanced over at Sango. She had made new friends rather quickly. “I at least thought that maybe Kagome could have that excuse, but she doesn't.”

 

Inuyasha quietly shrugged his shoulders, also disappointed in the revelation. But he already knew. The few times he had run into Hojo, he knew. Hojo and Kagome, each other's first and only. Yeah, it sounded all romantic and great, but Inuyasha didn't feel that way. Of course, he had no right to really feel anything about their relationship. He was first and foremost their doctor. Everything else, including his friendship with Kagome, fell behind that.

 

Hojo and Kagome took their place in front of everyone, in the area between the living room and the dining room area. Both held fluted glasses filled with juice, both still following their alcohol ban. Hojo tapped a spoon against the glass hoping its high-pitched clang would quiet all current conversations. Kagome chastised him for knocking a spoon against one of her nice glasses, worried it would break it.

 

“Can I have everyone's attention please,” Kagome called out in her teacher's voice. Everyone quickly silenced, giving Kagome their full attention. “Thanks,” she giggled out.

 

“I just wanted to invite all of you here to really just thank you for your support and friendship. Without it, I'd have definitely not have made it where I am now. I have learnt so much from my classmates just as much as I have from my students. Together, you have taught me so much about food, and cooking and how it really can bring people together. And we've has so much fun together learning it.”

 

Kagome chuckled as she wiped the tears away. She thought she could do this without crying. Who was she kidding? Kagome was a softie. Emotions always made an appearance as she had little control over them. Normally, she was fine, happy, but she could pinpoint the exact moment when she lost some of that happiness, some of that control.

 

But, the real question, when would she once regain it?

 

“Sorry.” Kagome lifted her glass up. “I wanted this to be a party to celebrate you, and all that you've done to get me to this part. Cheers.”

 

“Cheers,” the guests called out, followed by the obligatory drink.

 

But before the party could resume . . .

 

“I'd like to say something as well.” Kagome turned and gasped at Hojo. She wasn't aware that he had something prepared to say. “Kagome works so hard for others and she can't even allow a party in her honor actually honoring her.” The guests chuckled as they all seemed to agree with his statement. Kagome blushed. She glanced out at the guests, searching the crowd until she caught the intense look of Inuyasha.

 

Kagome stared right back at him, gulping down some strange feeling that was welling up inside of her. All of the sounds around her faded out, having instead only the hard pounding of her heart vibrate in her ears. Tentatively, she raised her hand up, placing it over her left breast. She could feel it throbbing. Was he the cause of this? Or did she have a part in it too?

 

She fisted her hand and shook her head, breaking the gaze they were sharing. Kagome returned her attention back to Hojo, having missed out on most of his speech.

 

“ . . . always giving. But now . . . now it's time for her to receive. As many of you know, Kagome has been doing all she can to be a mother. But, before that can happen . . . “

 

Hojo reached into his pocket, falling to one knee, presenting to Kagome a black velvet ring box. Kagome dropped her glass, her hands reaching for her gaping mouth. The quieted room filled with surprised gasps and a few oohs and aahs.

 

Inuyasha was not one of those guests. His demon howled out, demanding Hojo's head to be served up on one of Kagome's black lacquered trays, wanting to rip the man to shreds. His human part wailed as his soul broke into a thousand unsalvageable pieces. Inuyasha clenched his fists tightly, his elongated claws tearing into his palms. His reddening eyes blinked, the growing moisture blurring the bloodied gold.

 

He resorted to do the only thing he could do. Run. Run as fast and as far away as possible. Turning, he left his friends, opening the door and then slamming it shut as loudly as he could.

 

Everyone had to see who would go ahead and spoil such a lovely moment. Kagome's eyes scanned the room, searching for the person who had left so utterly rudely. Rudely . . . only one person was that rude . . .

 

When everyone turned back to the couple, the moment was nearing its end as Hojo was happily hugging a stunned Kagome, her hand lightly gripping onto the velvety box. The guests erupted in elated cheers for the newly engaged couple.

 

“Miroku . . . “Sango started, unsure of what to say knowing why Inuyasha had stormed out so suddenly.

 

“It's okay Sango. You stay. I'll . . . I'll go talk to him.”

 

“Be careful, he's . . . “

 

Miroku cocked his head to the side as he asked, “He's what?”

 

“He's heartbroken.”

 

Miroku sighed, turning to exit the party knowing that he might not make it back. He knew he had already failed in catching up with Inuyasha. Inuyasha was an emotional hanyou, a lot of power there he just couldn't compete with. But he could hope.

 

Miroku panted as he watched the tail lights to Inuyasha's black truck screech horribly around the corner. Hunched over, his hands gripping his twitching thighs, he struggled to catch his breath. Once he was breathing near normal, he reached into his pocket, pulling out his silver cell phone with the silhouette lady and Buddha charms jingling softly. He pressed the phone to his ear, listening to the muted ringing tone.

 

It wasn't that he expected Inuyasha to answer his phone. And even if the hanyou did, Miroku had no idea what to say to him. Miroku knew Inuyasha had an attraction to Kagome, and it was easy for him to see that. But this . . . this attraction went much deeper for his lonely hanyou friend, and Miroku was afraid to think that Inuyasha had actually fallen in love with the now engaged Kagome.

 

Miroku snapped his flip phone shut knowing he wouldn't be able to get in contact with Inuyasha until at least Monday. Work wasn't even a safe place for Inuyasha to find refuge. Friday was it? Yes. Friday was the day when Kagome came in for her pregnancy test. Their policy was that the RE would be present to explain any results.

 

Would Inuyasha skip that appointment to avoid her? Avoid the pain?

 

He headed back into the building and up to Kagome's party. His plans to talk and confess his feelings to Sango were put on hold until they could both help Inuyasha. Inuyasha would deny their offerings of help. He would need it though and as his friends, they would be there for him.

 

Slipping silently back into Kagome's apartment, the party was just as lively as ever, with the guests wishing a dazed looking Kagome and a beaming Hojo their utmost congratulations on their impending nuptials. Sango was still in the presence of Kagome's close friends, no doubt discussing the recent proposal. He'd hit Sango up for information later. For now, all he could do was hang out by himself doing what he did best, observing people, well, the pretty girls.

 

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

 

roshully's note: The graduation party. A lot of things for Kagome to think about with what was discussed with the graduation panel about her portfolio, Kikyou said, what Inuyasha said and with Hojo's ring. Even I wonder what'll happen.

 

gillster - I figured ya out. It's the drama you really want. Please don't get grounded. School is important, no matter how much you hate it or how boring it is. This story is an example of how important education is. I would not be able to write this if I did not have a strong background in science and a basic understanding of biology, psychology, cuisine and the drug industry. So, there's some motivation for ya. Next update is Friday.

 

XxRuler_of_the_DarknessxX - I am glad you love it. I won't be able to update twice a week forever, but I'm doing what I can. Mondays and Fridays are the days I try to, but with a new job and it being full time, I can't guarantee it. But that doesn't mean I won't try hard. Thanks for the review.

 

localsamurai - Live species is a true part of the drug industry. You can even sign up for them and they'll compensate you for them if you meet the qualifications. I only call them live species because in this world I've created, humans, demons and everything in between are real, so instead of human trials, I decided to call them live species trials. It's one of the final phases in making a drug and they usually last five years or more. In the US you have to get FDA approval and lots of other junk. A teacher I had in college worked in the drug industry before becoming a teacher and so she told us all about it. It's cool, but it takes almost ten to twenty years before a drug gets put on the market. With Miroku, yes it was kinda his character, but when you get to do something over and over again, some of the meaning gets lost in the process. And the procedure becomes more routine than something precious. And the debate about when life begins is a long one that I definitely won't get into here. And of course, the Catholic church is against in-vitro because conception doesn't take place within the woman's womb. But I don't think Kagome is Catholic. But her ideas about conception may be similar because of her grandfather being a Shinto priest and how all things have a spirit. Also, I haven't made Miroku much of a Buddhist either. Though I don't know the position Buddhists have on in-vitro and other infertility treatments. Maybe I'll look into that. I don't know if wanting to have a child is considered an earthly desire or not. I know that there are selfish reasons for wanting to have a child. I'm glad you are enjoying the story overall. As to the last part of your review, all I'm going to say is that you'll have to wait and see. Thanks for your review.

 

cwillia - Yeah 100! Virtual cyber space prizes all around. Yeah, lots and lots of medical jargon. But I do watch a lot of CSI and stuff, so I'm comfortable around it. That's what happens when you read science journals. Yes, Hojo is an idiot. Yeah, the whole Inuyasha and Kagura thing will be revealed. Kagome had a wet dream. That sounds so funny. I don't know why. All things will become known in due time. Thanks for your review.

 

unistar - Yeah, it's slow, we've been through that. But, not everyone lives life in the fast lane. Maybe this had some speed for ya. If not, the next chapter will. Just hang tight. It's kind a like a rollercoast, that first incline is long and slow and then when you think you're ready for what's at the top, you're not. I love rollercoasters. Thanks for your review.

 

Sassa - No problem. I like replying to reviews because you can bring up good points and while I reply to them, it makes me really think about them and that helps with my writing. But I won't make reviews necessary. I am not a review whore. Reivew if you want, just be prepared for a really long reply if you bring up good points. We see this a lot of times in other stories, TV, movies, etc, where the two characters are perfect for each other and everyone else can see it but them. It happens a lot in Hollywood, I just don't know if it's true in real life or not. But I'm sure it does happen in real life. Kagome in the anime/manga tends to react like that some of the time at the hearing of Kikyou's name. So, Hojo totally pours some of his heart out to her, apologizing for neglecting her, blah blah and wants to make it up to her. And how does he go about doing that, recommending a movie that some other woman let him borrow. Kagome isn't raging with jealousy or anything, but, Hojo is oblivious to his blunder. Hojo should've asked Kagome what she wanted to watch or what she wanted to do if he wanted to make it up to her. Guys who are reading this, remember that. Wow, I never thought this story would help anyone. Well, the info in this chapter, about the ice cream is correct as well. I think you can still find the article on the MSNBC webpage. If you go to health, there is a pregnancy section and it should be there. It was last time I checked. I'm glad you are both enjoying this, and helping you out. That's really cool. But, I'm no doctor, so I recommend that if she can, to get professional advice. But the ice cream trick probably doesn't need doctor approval. Oh, and there's more pregnancy advise in later chapters too.

 

Inusbabe - Fridays. Yeah. I just worked that way with Kagome's schedule. When I was going to college, a lot of the two hour classes were either Mon-Wed or Tues-Thurs and never on Fridays, so it just opened Fridays up a lot more for my purpose. Yeah, Kagome got turned on by something. Who it was I never said. And for Inuyasha he said (I think, in a previous chapter) that his sense of smell was both his best and worst sense in the fact that it was the strongest and in cases like this, it worked against him. I don't know if the readers actually read all of my responses to reviews or not, but if they do, they will learn that the results of the in-vitro is next chapter. So there's your answer for that. Yeah, I know that dogs are very picky about mates, but what I forgot to say was that I think and I can make this up for myself if I want because I can, but that I believe that youkai might have a higher sense of mating. Because they are a combination of instinct and a higher consciousness, that they can be just as selective with the whole mating thing than normal dogs. My dog, she is picky, but the male dog isn't. Also, what I failed to mention about evolutionary biology and the pickiness of certain species is that it is the female that is picky and not the male. Since the female is the one that will get pregnant raise the kiddies, feed them, then she will want a good male. Actually, not as many species are as monogamous as we think. Birds were once thought to be monogamous and recent studies show that they aren't. Of course, there is the Friends reference with Phoebe and how the lobsters mate for life. I don't know if that's true or not. But, as the author of this, I can say that youkai are more selective about their mates. Then again, I could change it. To be drugged up or not, that is the question that could be answered later. Thanks for the review.

 

Autumn_the_Reviewer - I'm sorry that you are too tired, though I understand how that is sometimes. Yeah, I know that the anesthesiologists stay with the patients. I've been under twice. But, I didn't want him hanging around when Inu and Miroku entered. And I wanted that moment for them to share. Thanks for the heads up on the typos. I'll go back and fix them later. Right now, I'm trying to get this posted so I can head off to work. Have a good rest of your vacation as well.

 

@__@ - Yup, over 100 now. I guess that's cool. I don't know if that's high or not, for reviews. Yeah, Inu had some issues with Kagome's scent and stuff that he barely survived. But he's a strong hanyou. This chapter wasn't any better for him either. Thanks for your review.

 

Inuyasha Baby bre - I like to reply to reviews, so, yeah… I can't really give hints especially when I don't know for sure myself where things are headed. I won't hate to make you really excited for something and then I decide that it doesn't work for the story. We'll take a break from the question and answer period. Hope you got some sleep. I feel like I still need some. Oh well… Thanks for your review.

 

Rainydays - My sister is a big Grey's Anatomy fan, so I am well versed in the whole Dr. Mc(insert word here) jargon. And a couple of reviewers called him hunky and I thought that McHunky Hanyou had a nice ring to it. Kagura's thing will come out a little bit later. For now, that's all I'm giving about her. Yeah, Hojo was all gung-ho about the baby thing and then work called. What can I say, some men are like that. And even some women. Also, who Inu was talking to will be revealed in two more chapters, I think. I can't remember right now. Thanks for your review.

 

=) - The pace will be picking up. This chapter created drama and then next chapter is how everyone responds to this chapter, so there's going to be a lot going on this week. I will be updating again on Friday. And then I think the pace will change again. I can't remember. My memory is not awake yet. Need food or something. Thanks for your review.

 

I think that's everyone at this time. Also, thanks to the readers for reading. Glad you are staying with it. Until Friday-ish…

 

roshully