Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

Unexpected Endeavors	By : Scottishfae Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Sessh?maru/Kagome > Sessh?maru/Kagome Views: 70550 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
- 22
Unexpected Endeavors
scottishfae

A/N: end of arc 2; see you guys next week! And thanks for all the lovely reviews. Fandom is always so kind. <3

Arc 2: Of Grief
Chapter 20: Acceptance

Kagome sat on the edge of the outside walkway. She was swinging her legs freely, a large smile on her face. She was wearing a light yukata, though Cho had warned her that she would soon need to change into something heavier. The seasoned healer was still worried over the miko’s health.

And for good reason. It took just short of two weeks to get Kagome back to a healthier physical and mental state. When Cho was confident the old Kagome was mostly back, she had tested for conception. The procedure wasn’t actually dangerous or intrusive, Cho had used an excuse of Kagome’s health in order to prompt her to take better care of herself. And it seemed to work, though having a friend by her side did the most to aide her.

“You seem in a good mood this afternoon,” Jaken said.

He walked over to her and sat down. Hatsu was behind the two and poured tea for the green retainer. She refilled Kagome’s cup too. The miko smiled at the servant and thanked her.

“I am in a good mood,” Kagome agreed.

“Any particular reason why?”

It didn’t seem to be possible but Kagome’s smile grew wider. “Cho confirmed it this morning.”

She put her hand on a stomach. Jaken put two and two together easily. He nearly spat out the tea he was drinking. He just barely managed to keep it in his mouth but with the effect that his eyes seemed to bug out. “I-it worked?!”

Kagome nodded. “It worked. Cho-san is going to stay here just in case something weird happens. It’s kind of hard to believe that in a year’s time, I’m going to have a baby.”

“Has someone sent word to Sesshomaru-dono?”

She shook her head. “We were going to see if Sango would take the message. I think she would be happier if she joined the guys.”

“What about you?”

Kagome hummed; looking back out over the estate. The rain had finally left the week before. She couldn’t see it from her vantage point, but the sound of the river—much higher than it was before the rain—overtook the area. “No one’s happiness should come at the cost of someone else’s.”

“So are you saying that you would go unhappy for your friends?”

“Yes…sort of. My mother always use to say that I was born with a ‘sunny disposition.’ She was saying that, even in rough time, I could find ways of cheering myself up. A ‘cup is half-full’ outlook. If I can help my friends be happy, then I am happy.”

“Will you not be lonely?”

Kagome shook her head. She leaned back on her heads and soaked up the warmth of the sun. “I’ll have Cho-san here—and you, Rin-chan, and Shippo-chan. I’ve been letting the changes—and my hormones—get to me. I’ll just need to try harder.”

Jaken was staring at her intently. Kagome squirmed under the scrutiny. “I-I think I understand now,” he finally spoke.

“What’s that?”

“Why Sesshomaru-dono chose you.”

The miko blushed red but thanked him for the compliment. Or what she assumed was one.

“Higurashi-sama,” Hatsu interrupted. “Your breakfast is ready. Cho-san requests you join her.”

Kagome twisted her body so she could listen. “Thank you, Hatsu-san,” she began. “Is Cho-san in my sitting room?”

The inuyoukai servant nodded. “Rin-chan and Jaken-san’s breakfast has been placed in there too.”

Kagome stood up and stretched. “See, this is something to be happy about!”

Jaken looked at her questioningly; standing up as well.

“Progress! I’ve finally gotten Hatsu-san to stop calling me ‘miko.’”

She smiled over to the servant, who giggled. Jaken was unsure of how he felt about the servants getting familiar with the mother of the future Western heir; however, the small retainer doubted there was much he could do about it. After all, the miko craved companionship, and her health was tied with that of her child.

“I’ll gather Rin-chan,” Jaken announced.

Kagome nodded. “Has someone gone to get Sango-san?”

Hatsu confirmed that Aiko had been sent to gather the Tajiya for breakfast. Kagome thanked her. Walking inside, the miko made her way through her own chambers towards her personal sitting room. It wasn’t far.

Cho was already sitting, talking with another servant. She motioned for Kagome to sit next to her. Obeying, the teenager sat in front of a densely packed lacquered tray. “Do you expect me to eat all of this?”

“As much as you can. I’ve constructed the best menu for you and your pup’s health.”

“Pup?”

The room’s occupants turned to see Sango standing just outside of the room; Shippo right next to her--both frozen in place. It was Cho who answered: “Yes, pup. I have just confirmed it. Kagome is with child.”

The Tajiya’s face lit up and a huge smile overtook her. “Congratulations,” she exclaimed, rushing forward and embracing her friend.

Kagome was shocked. She sat rigid in the embrace—unsure of what to do. She looked to Cho for support, but it was the Tajiya who noticed the usually warm girl’s odd behavior first. “Kagome-chan, is there something wrong?”

Kagome shook her head. She plastered a smile on her face and hugged the girl back. “Thank you. I’m very excited.”

She looked over at Cho, who motioned for her to continue. Kagome drew back and looked down at her food. “Sango-san, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind delivering the message to Sesshomaru-dono.”

“Of course.”

She paused and watched the younger woman. She was fidgeting nervously. “Kagome-san, was there something else?”

The miko sucked in a deep breath. “Um, well—I was thinking if you wanted to stay with the guys, you could. It wouldn’t hurt my feelings.”

Sango’s brow knit. “You don’t want me here?”

“No!”

Kagome looked up; connecting with Sango’s eyes immediately. “I would love for you to stay, but—you look so unhappy here. I thought if you were still shard hunting, you’d be happier.”

The Tajiya gave a sad smile. She averted her eyes to her kimono. “I can’t say that I haven’t wanted to be with the rest of the group. The thought that my brother is still out there—it hurts and drives me mad.”

“Sango,” Cho interrupted. “Kagome and I have discussed these matters. I am going to remain here with her, so if you want to join them, don’t feel like you must stay here.”

Kagome nodded, reaching out for her friend’s hand. “I think I’ve found a better role for myself here. I’ll never be a fighter like you, or Miroku-san, and with the shards collected between Naraku and us, then my presence is more of a burden than I’d like to think about—“

“Nonsense! You’re a valuable member of our group.”

Kagome giggled. “Of course I am,” she said confidentialy. “Who else would keep Inuyasha in line without me?”

Sango joined her with the laughter. They were both sure that the group with the three brothers, plus Miroku, must be hell. The kitsune, who had joined in the celebration by making himself comfortable on Kagome’s lap, made sure he threw an insult or two at his favorite hanyou. The girls giggled at his antics; the miko hugging him often.

“But I think I have bigger roles too,” Kagome continued. “I am here, at this estate, at this point in time, to have Sesshomaru-dono’s heir, and I can be everyone’s home. When everyone needs to recover, recoup, or just need a break—all you guys need to do is come here and you’ll be home. And I’ll be here, always, waiting.”

“You don’t think you’ll get sick of always waiting?”

“Inuyasha is my best friend, trust me, patience is one thing I have an abundance of.”

Both humans laughed again. The tension between the two dissipated. “You really don’t mind if I go?”

“No,” Kagome answered. “But—you think we could figure a way to get messages to each other. I would like to keep up with what’s going on out there.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Cho answered. “I’ll arrange it personally.”

“Thank you,” both women said.

From the hallway Jaken could be heard arguing with Rin. She wasn’t saying much of anything, but she was also obviously not cooperating with the youkai.

He eventually entered the room in a huff. Cho gestured to his tray. “She’s being stubborn,” he huffed as he sat.

“Rin-chan,” Cho sun. “Don’t’ you want to join us for breakfast?”

The little girl shuffled in the hallway before entering. The smell of food eventually enticing her enough to enter and sit.

“Itadakimasu,” they said before beginning their meals.

Kagome dug in, not realizing how hungry she actually was until it was time to eat. She suspected that Cho may have been responsible for some of that.

“Jaken, I suppose you have heard the good news,” Cho asked as she munched on pickled daikon.

“Yes, yes. It’s wonderful. Someone must notify Sesshomaru-dono at once!”

“Sango will be joining the party and will deliver the message. If you need any messages delivered, Jaken, this would be a good time to do it.”

“Rin-chan,” Kagome called. “If you would like, I can help you write a letter to Sesshomaru-dono.”

The little girl looked at Kagome carefully, studying her. “Is Sesshomaru-dono not coming back soon?” she asked Jaken.

“There’s no way to tell. He’s traveling to find Naraku.”

“Why can’t we be with him? We always were before!”

“It’s too dangerous, Rin-chan.” Kagome answered. “You’re safer here—and Sesshomaru-dono knows he doesn’t have to worry about you getting hurt.”

The little girl focused on the miko once again. She seemed angry. It was Sango who broke the awkward silence. “When we finish our meal, I’ll pack and set off, if that’s okay. Are you going to send a formal message or would you just like me to Sesshomaru-dono?”

“I see no need for anything formal,” Cho explained. “But I do have some correspondence for you to take to him, and others. I’ll get them to you before you leave.”

Sango nodded.

“Are you sure you don’t want to write Sesshomaru-dono a letter, Rin-chan?” Kagome asked again.

“Why is Sesshomaru-dono worried about you?” Rin asked bluntly.

Kagome was taken aback. Her hand went unconsciously to her stomach.

“Rin, watch yourself,” Jaken admonished. “Higurashi-sama is a great miko who has agreed to and is now carrying our Great Lord’s heir! Respect her as you would Sesshomaru-dono.”

Kagome blushed red at Jaken’s praise; Sango was shocked that he could ever say nice things about a human to beginwith. It was Cho that saw the dark flash of fear and anger in Rin’s eyes. Her lips moved in an unspoken recitation.

“No!” the little girl screamed. She grabbed her rice bowl and threw it as hard as she could at Kagome.

The miko’s eyes went wide as, in slow motion, the bowl hurtled towards her. Right before it hit a body jumped in fruit of her. The bowl hit, shattered, and fell into pieces around Kagome. Rin ran from the building out towards the river.

“Are you okay, Higurashi-sama?” Hatsu asked.

She was standing above the other woman having shielded her form the projectile. “Hatsu-san,” Kagome exclaimed. “Are you okay?”

The miko stood and turned the inuyoukai around. She carefully observed the tears in the fabric for shards or bleeding. There were only a few tears and no physical damage. “Thank you, Hatsu-san—but I would much prefer you not get hurt for me.”

The servant laughed. “It’s my honor to do so.”

Kagome closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She wanted to be able to argue, but knew it would be fruitless. Opening her eyes once again, she looked at Jaken. “Would you go check on Rin-chan? She’s obviously upset.”

Jaken nodded and excused himself. He was probably the most adept to handling the little girl anyway. Though, he begrudgingly acknowledged that he would need to discuss with Cho on how to handle the girl. Her behavior was becoming increasingly erratic and out of character for the normally happy child. He was having a hard time dealing with her, and there were times when she would slip through the servants’ watchful eyes and disappear for long periods of time.

What disturbed Jaken the most was the scent on the small human when she returned. Or rather, the lack of one. It was as if someone was masking their scent and wiping in from Rin’s person too. No ordinary youkai could do that—and Jaken feared what that might mean. He would need to address such concerns with Sesshomaru—and Cho.

Sango watched as Jaken walked down the hall. “I should probably go pack,” she eventually added.

Kagome nodded. “I was going to go bathe in a bit, if you’d like to join.”

The Tajiya nodded. “I would love to; I have a feeling I won’t be getting frequent chances to wash once I join the group.”

Kagome giggled. “As much as Inuyasha is a slave driver, I can definitely see Sesshomaru-dono being worse.”

The two humans shared their amusement; a ball of sadness was stuck in the miko’s chest. She wished she could join them.

“While Sango packs,” Cho interrupted. “Why don’t you finish your breakfast, then we’ll take a walk. After the walk you can bathe and take a nap. I’ll wake you when it is time to see Sango off.”

“It certainly seems like you’ve planned out my day,” Kagome huffed.

The healer gave a tight-lipped smile. “If you think Sesshomaru is a slave driver, then you don’t know anything of me.”

Sango laughed as a panicked look overtook Kagome’s face. She stood up. “Well, since Cho-san has things planned out, I’ll leave you to finish your meal.”

Kagome looked to her friend as she left; sending her desperate looks. “Kagome, dear,” Cho sung. “Your food is getting cold.”

*

Sango stood next to Kirara, securing her few traveling possessions around the fire cat’s neck. She was waiting for Kagome to come see her off, but only Cho was approaching.

“Is Kagome-san still asleep?” the Tajiya asked the approaching youkai.

“I’m having a servant wake her up.”

Sango looked at the woman questioningly. Cho explained herself while holding out a bundled wrapped in dark, brown leather. “These are letters to be delivered to the members of the traveling party. I’ve marked each according to the recipient, so there shouldn’t be any confusion.”

The human took the offered package and tucked them away in one of her traveling bags. Kirara adjusted unconsciously to the slight change in weight. “I’m assuming these are letters from Kagome-san.”

Cho hummed, her eyes danced with amusement and mischievousness. “Should I assume you’re also sending these without Kagome-san’s knowledge or permission?”

Matching her eyes, a large, toothy smile overtook the small youkai’s face. Sango rolled her eyes.

“Sango-san!” Kagome called, leaving the main building and running towards her friend.

The elder of the two humans waited patiently for the other. She was glomped on arrival. “I’ll miss you so much,” Kagome whined.

“I can stay, if you would prefer.”

A sad smile slipped over the miko’s face. “No, I can’t do that to you.”

“Did Jaken have anything he needed delivered?”

Cho shook her head. “He’s been busy with Rin-chan most of the afternoon,” she explained.

Kagome sighed. She was feeling guilty over the whole situation with the younger girl. She had an eerie feeling that she was the cause of Rin’s distress and change in attitude.

“Well then, I’m off,” Sango announced.

Again the miko hugged her friend. “Please keep in touch,” she begged. “I’ll miss you!”

“I’ll miss you too, Kagome-san. And I’ll send Kirara every two weeks to keep you updated. You can send us word on how you’re doing as well.”

Kagome nodded furiously. She wiped her tears on her sleeves. This was the first time she was being left behind for a long period of time.

Sango looked at her friend. She wavered in her decision. She desperately wanted to go, but her best friend was in pain.

“Just go,” Cho commanded. “It’ll be easier on everyone that way.”

Nodding her head, she—with every bit of her resolve calling to her—mounted Kirara. “Let’s go,” she said quietly.

“I never did write a message to anyone,” Kagome lamented.

She had slept through most of the morning and into the afternoon when she had hoped to compose simple messages to each of the members.

“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Chop replied.

Kagome looked down at the healer. She was rocking on her heals with her hands behind her back. She looked like a mischievous child.

“You’re up to something, aren’t you?”

Cho shook her head. “Now, now—there is no need for any of that. After all, in your state—“

“It’s only been a month—I’m not fragile, you know!”

“And I’m not saying you are; however, humans bearing a hanyou puts a lot of strain on their bodies—since we had to weaken you for the pregnancy to even be possible…”

Kagome nodded and waved her hand. She really did understand. Her mother had always told her horror stories about carrying both of her children—and Kagome could sort of recall the misery she went through with Sota. If it was going to be the same—amplified—Kagome wasn’t looking forward to the next year.

“Will you at least try not to plan everything in my day out as much?”

Cho nodded. They had begun walking back, but Kagome got the distinct impression that the older youkai wasn’t paying attention to her.

“Well, except for the naps, I always enjoyed naps.”

Cho giggled. Perhaps she was paying attention after all.

**

Rin ran across the shallows to the main building. Her scent was off as usual, and the two observing youkai made note of it.

“What are you doing here?” Cho asked.

“Traveling with my brothers proved to be boring. Here—however—seems much more entertaining.”

“Watch where you step, Haru.”

The handsome youkai chuckled. “Jealous?”

“Not in the least bit. Though, I am curious how you’ve been able to, twice over, get in through my barriers when you have not been given permission to do so.”

“Perhaps your magic is failing you in your old age?”

Cho rolled her eyes. “I am not a fool. You have been treading in dangerous places, Haru. You need—“

“This conversation is boring,” he interrupted. “I think I’ll go talk to Kagome-san.”

He turned and walked towards the main building and, specifically, Kagome’s rooms. He stopped when Cho addressed him again: “You—as with your brothers—have a way of pushing people away. Because of that, none of you have many, if any, friends. I would like to think I am one who you would claim as a friend, Haru. However—if you hurt that miko, her child, or anyone associated with them, especially Sesshomaru, you will find yourself regretting every knowing me.”

“Then you really aren’t my friend so much as Sesshomaru-nii’s, now are you?”

“No, I won’t let you hurt them because hurting them means hurting yourself too.”

Haru scoffed. “Keep your friendship. I don’t recall needing any friends,” he said as he walked off.

“Words passed from each brother to the world—and yet two have found a friend in a single, human miko.”

The elder inuyoukai hoped that the same would be true for Haru before he fell too far and could no longer be saved.

***

They were travelling in the wolf prince’s territory; a fact that seemed to make Koga and Inuyasha reduce into childish taunts and skirmishes. Sesshomaru was a being of great patience, but he was quickly coming to his wit’s end.

“Something’s coming,” Inuyasha announced.

He pointed up into the sky where a small, quickly moving dot could be seen just above the tree line.

“I think that’s Kirara,” Miroku postulated.

The hanyou gave him a skeptical look. “Like you could tell! I can’t even tell that and I have better eyes than you.”

Sesshomaru studied the figure with narrowed eyes. He shook his head. “The monk is right,” he began. “It is the Tajiya and her pet.”

He stopped and watched as the dot slowly became bigger as she neared them. “Well, I’ll be damned,” Inuyasha muttered.

Miroku gave a half-grin as he looked at the hanyou. “You shouldn’t underestimate my ability to distinguish beautiful women, even when veiled or from a distance.”

Inuyasha snorted. “Wonder why she’s here?”

“You also shouldn’t underestimate my charm and mystique. Obviously so much time with us apart—“

“Shut up,” Sesshomaru growled.

Miroku chuckled. The field they were in was flat and didn’t hold any good places to rest from the shade. So, instead, the monk plopped down from where he stood. It would take her a good ten minutes still to reach them.

Koga paced uneasily. He was close to home and didn’t really want to wait until the human and fire cat arrived. The two inuyoukai—full and half—stood still.

When she finally arrived, she happily dismounted Kirara and greeted them.

“What are you doing here,” Sesshomaru asked bluntly.

She frowned. “Thanks for the happy welcome,” she mumbled. “I’m here to join you, and to carry correspondence from Kagome-chan.”

She reached over to her traveling pack and pulled out the leather-wrapped letters. She read carefully how each one was addressed and handed them to each person. Koga received two, Miroku four, and Inuyasha nine. “What has she been doing all this time?” Inuyasha asked, baffled by his stack.

Sango rolled her eyes at him and went over to the Taiyoukai. She handed him the rest of the letters, with the leather wrapping. The pile was thick, containing well over fifteen letters of various lengths.

Miroku whistled at the sheer amount. “Looks like someone is missing your company,” he teased the inuyoukai.

“Shut up,” Inuyasha complained.

Sesshomaru smirked at the hanyou’s obvious discomfort. He slid the letters into his clothing and tucked it between his body and inner clothes; his obi held if fast in place.

He looked back up to Sango staring at him still. “Was there something else?”

“Yes,” she began. “Congratulations.”

Sesshomaru lifted a sculpted brow.

“Cho-san confirmed it the other day; it worked.”

Sesshomaru’s eyes lit up and the barest of a smile appeared on his face. His posture changed and it was easy to tell the swelling of pride that had overcome him. It was the most emotion the Taiyoukai had expressed since his father had died.

“Congratulations,” Miroku echoed.

Inuyasha mumbled something similar, but Koga had gone silent.

He watched as Sesshomaru grilled Sango with questions on Kagome, her health, and every other little nonsensical tidbit he could come up with.

“Hey, as exciting as this is,” Koga interrupted, his words dripping with sarcasm. “Why don’t we head to my den? That way we can rest there before heading back out. You can continue your little discussion then.”

Sesshomaru considered this carefully. Neither inuyoukai brother were too fond of the smell of wolves, but it would have to do. With another human in the party, they would need to make sure a certain amount of protection—and privacy, for the woman, was allowed.

“That will do,” he allowed.

Though he mentally sighed for having another person to put into consideration. This was why it was easier to travel on his own; and to just not care about others around him.

“You will explain to me further why you have joined us?” Sesshomaru mentioned; obviously not happy with the lack of details.

Sango gave a half-smile and nodded. It wasn’t a conversation she was looking forward to.

They continued on their way; a sulking wolf prince leading them.
- 20
- 21
- 22
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Unexpected Endeavors