Something To Talk About

A/N: Enjoy the chapter, guys. Please review because it makes me and my muse happy, happy.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

He didn't know if he was going to be able to take it any longer. For nearly a whole week, that new nurse, Shiori, had come into his home and made it nearly impossible for him to get close to Kagome. Every time he entered a room, Shiori quickly ushered Kagome out, giving her charge some excuse that they had to leave right away.

However annoying the nurse was, she had made quite a bit of progress with Kagome as far as helping her to start reading and writing again. Already, Kagome could write her name and had signed the documents that he needed her signature on. All he told her was that a group of men were concerned about her company and he wanted to make sure that they didn't do something rash.

Kagome didn't need to know that her stockholders were now attempting to overthrow her. The rumor that she had been injured quickly spread, despite his best efforts to stop them, and now her stockholders were being urged by another company to toss her out and let their boss take over. For a handsome price, that is.

But, the papers that Kagome signed for him, gave him complete control until Kagome was well enough to return to her position and he had already taken the steps to prevent the takeover. He also learned from a close associate of his that the company who was trying to take over Kagome's belonged to Kagura's older brother.

When confronted with what her brother was attempting to do, Kagura cursed loudly and told him that her brother had been estranged from her and their sister, Kanna, for a very long time. The only one in the family who spoke to Naraku was his twin, Onigumo. Both were foul and cruel, but Onigumo could be reasoned with....to a point.

Naraku, Kagura said, loved to torment people. The only person he could not torment was Hojo Yurakami. Hojo had defeated him a few times in the boardroom and gained a lot of power as well as money in another takeover that resulted in Naraku losing a lot of his backers. Kagura said that it now appeared that he was going after Kagome because he knew that Hojo loved Kagome and the company and he wants to hurt anything and everything that had to do with Hojo.

Now, as Jaken drove him to his office, Sesshomaru could not help but wonder what other tricks Naraku had. The hanyou was clearly intent on getting revenge, but why would he want to gain revenge on Kagome? What had she done to deserve this? Is it possible that she had thwarted a takeover from Naraku already and that was why he wanted to hurt her?

He didn't know, nor did he care. All he knew was that his Kagome needed him and he would not let her down. Once he arrived at his office building, he made his way up to his office and found both Kouga and Bankotsu waiting for him.

“You are not going to believe this.” Kouga said, as he and Bankotsu followed him into the plush office. He waited for Sesshomaru to sit down at his desk before Kouga asked, “What do you know of Hojo Yurakami's death?”

“His plane crashed into the ocean. He was with a companion.” Sesshomaru replied, his golden eyes trained upon the wolf.

Kouga and Bankotsu glanced at each other before Bankotsu quietly said, “Sesshomaru, we know that Hojo Yurakami was a homosexual. It is all over the news.”

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. However, Kouga quickly said, “I can smell that he didn't touch her, Sesshomaru. They never consummated the relationship. Kagome is a beautiful woman, and the only reason why I can think of is that the rumors are true and that he was gay.”

“And, the young man who was with him on the plane was his lover.” Bankotsu finished as he lowered himself into a chair.

Sesshomaru was quiet for a few minutes before he said, “It is true that he did not touch her. However, he loved her and I want the rumors stopped immediately. Kouga, go to the press and give them a statement that Kagome is appalled that the loving relationship she had with her husband is now being dragged through the mud by a spiteful creature who is determined to destroy what her husband had worked so hard for. Tell them that the young man was a close friend of Hojo's and accompanied him on what was to be a vacation in which Kagome was unable to attend.”

Kouga nodded. He stood up and quickly walked from the office. Bankotsu glanced at Sesshomaru and shrugged. “You look like you got hit by a bus. Is Kagome giving you any trouble?”

“No. That would be her nurse's job.” Sesshomaru replied. “It seems that Goshinki did his job well in selecting a guard dog for Kagome. But, at least Kagome is coming along with her reading and writing, though it will take a long time until she is back to her former self.”

“Her mother keeps asking me to bring Kagome to her. Kikyo has threatened to rip off my balls and feed them to me should I do that.” Bankotsu said, a smile crossing his lips. “You know, as children, Kikyo couldn't stand Kagome. Kagome never seemed to be without a smile and even at that age, Kikyo was mature. But, as they grew older, they got closer and Kikyo has been something of an older sister to Kagome. I think that Kikyo blames herself for letting Kagome become involved with you.”

Sesshomaru nodded. His father had suggested the same thing. Kikyo was very protective over Kagome, and had even demanded that Tsukiko be brought to her so that she could watch him, but he declined in his normal way, and that caused Kikyo to stomp out of his home in a fury.

When Bankotsu left the office, he turned and looked over the paperwork that Goshinki had given to him. Kagome had a gift for business. It was clear that Hojo had taught her well. In fact, many of her dealings shocked and surprised him. He would have pulled the same things she had, but she did it without a care of whom she might hurt in the long run. What mattered to her was the business.

When it was time for him to return home, he made the decision that he would get some alone time with Kagome. The nurse could kiss his ass. He needed to sit down and talk with Kagome and find out if she was starting to remember things. He needed to be the one who told her about what happened between them. He wanted to be the one to explain.

The drive home was tiring. His father had called and explained to him that Tsukiko was getting anxious to see his mother and he didn't know how much longer he could withhold Kagome from him. As he pulled up to the house, he noticed that Inu Yasha's car was in the driveway, parked in his favorite parking space. Sighing, he parked right behind his half-brother, and shut the car's engine off.

When he entered the house, he heard a sound that he never thought that he would hear again. Kagome's laughter filled his ears and he followed the sound to his family room. Inside the spacious room, he found Kagome, Inu Yasha, and Shiori watching a movie on the television. He quietly slid into the room and walked over to the couch.

Shiori's eyes widened and she was about to jump up and move over to where Kagome was sitting, but stopped when he growled at her. Her eyes narrowed and she watched as he lowered himself into the seat next to Kagome.

Kagome felt her body grow stiff as she felt Sesshomaru sit down beside her. It was odd. She should be happy to see him, but it was as if her body was angry at him and didn't want him near her. She watched him lean back, and waited for him to wrap his arm around her shoulders, but it never came and now, she was more confused than ever.

Sesshomaru knew that Kagome was looking at him, but he simply could not meet her eyes. Every single time he looked at her, all of his guilt came rushing up and he mentally scolded himself on the lack of control he had over himself.

When Shiori stood up a short time later, she announced that it was time for Kagome to get some rest, and motioned for Kagome to stand. But, before she could walk to her nurse, Sesshomaru's hand encircled her arm and he glanced at the nurse.

“I will escort her to bed. You have the rest of the evening off.” He said, his golden eyes challenging Shiori to argue with him. And, as usual, the nurse did not disappoint.

“Kagome is my patient. I am the one who is to be looking after her. After all, don't you have someone's life to ruin before you head off to bed?” She sneered, her violet eyes narrowing. She watched as Sesshomaru's normally stoic face quickly changed into one of pure rage. However, it was Kagome who stopped the impending fight.

“It's ok, Shiori. Let him escort me. I will see you tomorrow.” Kagome said, giving the nurse a soft smile. She watched as the bat hanyou hesitated, but then finally nod.

“Very well. I will speak with you in the morning, Kagome. But, if you should need me, just call.” Shiori replied, finally giving in. She watched as Kagome took Sesshomaru's hand and growled loudly when they disappeared upstairs.

Inu Yasha shook his head and muttered, “You might as well give it up. What he wants, he gets. Right now, he wants to be alone with Kagome.”

“No, what he wants is to sooth his conscience over all the crap that he put her through. He is using her injury for his own selfish needs.” Shiori shot back, her long silver hair swishing back and forth as she spoke.

Chuckling, Inu Yasha turned his attention back to the television and ignored the young woman who dropped down into the seat next to him. He bit back a smile and began to wonder if she had ever thought about dating another hanyou.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Ayame stood at the door and watched with mournful eyes as the men took the furniture out of her apartment. Well, her former apartment. She had just been evicted, and now, she was homeless. Ever since that day that they appeared on 'Jakotsu', her life had been nothing but miserable.

When her grandfather disowned her, he had basically thrown her out with only the clothes on her back. Try as she did, he simply refused to forgive her for her sins, and informed her that he had called the members of their pack and she would not find anyone who would help her.

At first, she thought that she had run away far enough to escape her past, but it seemed that everywhere she went, she was recognized. It got so bad that she finally cut and dyed her hair, just to get some peace. She thought that she found a home in the small town of Noji, but sadly, there were no jobs that would pay enough to allow her to live, and so, she had to move on.

The few friends she did make quickly left when they discovered who she was and what she did. It was as if she was never going to be allowed to put that part of her life behind her.

She walked into her bare living room and noticed a magazine that had been underneath the couch. Walking over, she picked it up and realized that on the cover, Sesshomaru stood in front of his family's building, his arms crossed over his chest, and he looked mean. Well, of all people, she could testify to just how mean he was.

She could also tell stories about just how cruel Kagura could be. The woman managed to do as she promised and spread the news of what she had done all over the place. Now, here she was, and she was lonely.

Her life was in shambles, and there was nothing that she could do about it. Now she knew exactly how Kagome felt. Now she knew just how much Kagome had suffered and all she could do was stay far away and out of Kagome's and her son's life. Before she left town, she visited Keyana's grave and even placed flowers on the small pup's headstone. She left the grave site sick and angry at herself. Perhaps if Kagome's pregnancy had been different, the pup would have survived.

As she looked around, she heard a knock on her door and was curious as to who it was. No one ever came to visit her, and so, she could only think that the person must be lost or looking for another tenant. After all, she didn't live there come morning.

Opening the door, she looked up into the red eyes of a very handsome man. The man grinned down at her and said, “Good evening, Ayame. It would seem that you and I have someone in common. I believe that you are in need of a new home, and I am in need of your help. Work with us, and you will never have to worry about anything ever again.”

Ayame listened carefully to his words. Biting her lip, she asked, “And who do you think that we have in common?”

The man's grin grew wider and said, “Sesshomaru Taisho.” Suddenly, things were looking much brighter for the young wolf and she opened the door wider to let her visitor in.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Once inside her spacious room, Sesshomaru watched as Kagome moved around to the side of the bed and then sit down on the silky comforter. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him lower his head, and emerge himself deep within his thoughts.

Finally, she could not help herself. She wanted answers, damn it, and she wanted them now. “What in the hell is wrong with you?” She demanded, her tone sharp.

Sesshomaru's head jerked up and he stared disbelievingly at the young woman before him. She rose to her feet and placed her hands on her hips.

“I want to know why you are acting so weird around me, Sesshomaru. I also want to know why my own mother can't come and visit me, and why are Kikyo and Bankotsu fighting each other?” She asked, her voice growing louder with each question.

Sesshomaru really didn't know how to respond to her questions. But, from the way she was glaring at him, she wouldn't rest until she got answers.

“You and your mother had a falling out years ago. Kikyo and Bankotsu are fighting because Kikyo doesn't want to give your mother the chance to get back into your good graces, especially since you can't remember what happened to cause your falling out, and Bankotsu feels that Kikyo needs to butt out and let you decide what you want to do. As for what happened between you and myself, well....I'm afraid that is a topic that will take some time to explain.” Sesshomaru said, his voice calm.

Kagome took in the new information. Ok, this was a start, but something else kept bothering her. She kept seeing two tiny faces looking up at her, and she kept hearing a name echo in her mind. Biting her lip and fearing what she might hear, she needed to ask. “Sesshomaru, who is Keyana?”

Hearing his pup's name spill from Kagome's mouth nearly sent Sesshomaru to his knees. To this day, he blamed himself for her death. Kagome had gone through so much because of his foolishness, and now, she was seeing their daughter in her mind and wanted to know why. Well, he would not deny his daughter. Those days ended when he learned that he was a father.

Taking a deep breath, he looked at Kagome and calmly said, “Keyana was our daughter. I'm sorry, Kagome, but Keyana died in your arms.”

He was about to tell her about Tsukikomaru, but when her face crumpled and she began to sway dangerously, he quickly gathered her in his arms and held her close. However, she jerked away from him and stumbled away, her tears streaming down her face.

Turning and glaring at him, she snarled, “Why didn't you tell me about her before now? Is it because of you that she is dead? Did you kill my puppy, Sesshomaru?” When he didn't reply, Kagome screamed, “TELL ME, DAMN IT!”

“Yes, I did.”