My Humps

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

“...” speech
'..' thoughts

A/N: Thank you to all your awesome reviews and words of support. Regarding updates, I try to update at least once in a week. Currently I'm building a website to house all my revised stories. It will also contain my blog so feel free to drop me a line. I'll post a message on the next chapter when it's up and running. Having said all that here's a nice long chapter so I hope you enjoy! Please R &R!

Chapter 13: Out of Reach.

Click.

“Kagome since this Sesshoumaru will be away for three days, I entrust you with the care of my daughter Rin. I know your sound moral character and believe in your abilities to provide motherly care for her. Be it known to you however, that should any harm befall her no matter how slight, this Sesshoumaru will surely find out.”

Blunt and irritatingly direct.

Kagome rolled her eyes. 'Tch! Trust the over bearing jerk to end his message with a threat.' she sighed making a face. She looked at the child who sat talking to Jakotsu on the tanned couch. Skimming past her innocent smiling face and designer apparel Kagome inferred the girl was not the bratty snot she imagined her to be.

Kagome could see the busy figures of figures of Ayame and Sango cooking up a light supper. The ookami was waving a wide pan in the air appearing encased about something Sango had supposedly done. Sango was holding a rolling pin, her long hair pinned back from her face by a white bandanna. Their voices escalating as they stood pulling back their sleeves and adjusting their aprons.

Kagome smirked, her friends were the wackiest people in the world but she felt blessed to have them beside her, they enriched her life with their love and companionship. Her gaze flicked back to Sesshoumaru's adopted daughter. Why had he adopted? A human at that! Curiosity consumed her. Was there something inside the Taiyoukai that even he himself tried to deny? The child turned to her abruptly, making Kagome jump in surprise. She laughed nervously, placing one hand behind her head.

“Rin.” the girl murmured, pointing a chubby digit at herself. Kagome smiled warmly at the gesture her eyes softening a tangent. Rin was adorable.

The girl beamed another gap toothed smile, her wide eyes slanting in the effort. A light chime-like giggle flowed from her cherub lips, startling Kagome. This was far from what she expected. Any child of Sesshoumaru, whether biological or adopted, always led her mind to conjure up images of a miniature version of the aloof lord, not this warm child. Innocence and child-like wonder clothed the girl.

Unconsciously Kagome turned towards Jaken.. she found it difficult to hold back a shiver. Yep! That was not only revolting and blood curdlingly disgusting, it also proved successful in slapping her back to reality. She gave a weak but polite smile not wanting to cause a scene.

Jaken quirked an almost non existent brow his slopping forehead wrinkling in several places. He noted the rampant shudder of the young onna facing him. What was the matter with her?... He pursed his lips... She was looking at him again! Eyes cast down she would cast him a fleeting glances.... why was she looking at him?

The small retainer scratched his head. This onna was very strange indeed. He gasped inwardly, an notion dawning in his arrogant mind. Unless.... he is misconstruing her shudder as a bad thing?

Perhaps it was a feverish state brought on by his enigmatic presence... he remembers how the females of his kind always flocked to him in droves. He was the epitome of masculinity back in his hometown.

Yes, kami help him! He was the 'Sesshoumaru' of his species!

A self-assured smile spread across his lips, contorting his expression to one of a more revolting persuasion. Kagome jumped, feeling the toad's intense look. She bit her lip, hoping the amphibious looking youkai would turn his attentions elsewhere.

She dropped her gaze to her slippers, feeling nauseous just looking at him and his beady repulsive eyes. 'I wish he'd leave already..... but what if he's only assessing me? What if he's just making sure if Rin will be ok with me?'

A sudden feeling of guilt at the thought that she had somehow wronged the toad made her look up and give a warm reassuring smile.

Jaken smirked confidently. Truth be told, he was the pride of his clan. Though small, his taut, mucus covered physique was the envy of his fellow kappa youkai. The female of his kind constantly vied for his favors and attention. And this female onna was no different, she was undeniably falling for his allure.

Jaken's grin widened, his heavily dilated pupils retaining a Cassanova-like gleam. 'The ningen smiled at me! What cheek hmp! Does she really think that I will cast my favor to her?' he snorted flaring his pugged nose. Jaken shook his head sadly though his lips turned up at the corners a fraction.

Still, it was admirable the way she fought against her desire for him, clearly a futile attempt. 'Pitiful ningen, she too will be succumbing very soon.' Jaken sighed heavily inclining his head upwards. Hands held to his chest he solemnly lifted up a silent prayer for the 'unrequited love' of the woman before him.

Alas! Heaven help him, why was he cursed with such beauty? Maybe he should at the very least reciprocate a smile. No! That would sent the wrong message. He must make this clear to her. A grin then, yes, a minuscule grin. That would work nicely.

And so Jaken grinned for all his worth.

'Ack! The slimy green cue-ball is grinning! God, he looks like he's just about to regurgitate.' gagged Kagome inwardly.

“Rin never met you before, but you look very kind.... and so very pretty! I want to be your friend!” she cried in excitement tugging repeatedly at the hem of Kagome's sleeve.

Kagome blushed at her innocent compliment. After sweeping the child in a brief hug she stood back up again. Only to observe Jakotsu and Jaken glaring daggers at the other. Their growls and low whispers of taunts incoherent in her hearing. She felt Rin shift next to her. Kagome reached down stroking her her silky black tresses.

“I would love to be your friend. My name is Kagome and I work for your father, it's a pleasure to meet you Rin.”

Kagome stooped down, leveling her eyes to that of Rin's. She lifted the child's hand and grasped it tenderly. “Come on, it's getting a little late. I'll show you around my cubby house.” she winked at the giggling child.

Faster then light, Jaken snatched Kagome's hand. The shocked girl froze, looking at the grotesque fingers as though they were leeches. Her skin crawled as his clammy fingers slid around her slender hand, latching on much like slimy tentacles. Kagome was hard pressed not to retch at the unwanted contact.

“Forget me woman, we are not meant to be.” he whispered with a shake of his bulbous head, his pointed lips flapping ungraciously like a beak. With a grand flurry of dark brown robe and dank musty odor he shuffled away, head held high in the air.

“Fuck that! I do believe you've just been blown off Kagome-chibi!” cackled Ayame, making her way in the lounge, a spatula held firmly in her left hand. “By a talking roll of bugger I might add!”

Kagome blinked even as Ayame, Jakotsu and Sango rolled around the floor laughing hard until tears formed in the edges of their eyes.

Rin looked on with a smile. 'Ha, ha! I knew Jaken-sama was a bugger youkai.' she giggled merrily.

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Two Days Later:

Gradually Kagome fell into the odd routine of being the efficient secretary in day and the perfect mother at night. Rin recognized her genuine kindness and friendship early on, the child even went so far as to call her 'mother'.

Taken aback at first, Kagome resisted the loving title bestowed upon her, but after successive and rather unsuccessful attempts to dissuade the girl from calling her mother she gave up. If the child was that adamant in her resolve to call her mother (and observing it made Rin happy) Kagome permitted the fond term to remain.

During the two days, Menoumaru had visited frequently, most of the time citing a lame excuse to be prancing around in her particular neighborhood and in her particular building.

Kagome often made gagging noises after each of his visits, her head hurting from being swamped over by his sickly sweet treatment of her. Many a times, she wished he would give her a gift of a noose or any rope to strangle herself with.

Yes he was romantic. Yes he seemed to genuinely have her best interests at heart, but somehow, she just felt so suffocated with all his chivalrous deeds and presents. The taiyoukai was just 'too nice'. Call her a pessimist but his kind consideration and treatment of her often had her on her toes, expecting him to ask her to do something for him as an obligation to all that he given her.

Frequently she found herself musing over her situation and the frustrating thoughts that aggravated her continuously. The moth was making her head hurt, give her the frozen ass of Sesshoumaru any time. Ack! She did not just think that! That was just a momentary mental swing brought on by her damn menstruation. Stupid monthly cycle!

Now what was she thinking about again?

Oh yea, the green guy in tights. Kagome grumbled.

Menoumaru had been showering her with expensive gifts and sweeping her off her feet with rather gallant deeds that Jakotsu christened him Sir Antenna of the Green Hair, or as Ayame and Sango called him Sir AGH.

The name never failed to make Rin giggle.

Inuyasha, surprisingly enough also started dropping by every afternoon and staying on until well after 10pm. It was reminiscent of their old high school days, hanging out with gang after school, the only one missing was Kikyo.

Kikyo.

Kagome often wondered how she and baby was faring. Inuyasha often asked her about Kikyo, but she had either shut her mouth or changed the topic. Inuyasha must have thought it hurt her still to talk about Kikyo so he never pushed the subject. Truth be told, Kagome could still feel a small pin prick of hurt lace around her heart each time she saw him playing with Rin. Would he be that carefree with his own child? Was Sesshoumaru like that with Rin?

Dammit! Where did that thought pop up from?

Kagome gave a long drawn out sigh. Hard as tried, she couldn't yank the damn Inu from her thoughts. 'I hope chokes on his food!'

The days had passed in a swift flow of events.

After a drunken turn of events on a local bar, the human Ayame actually did end up being mated to Kouga. It seemed the two were heavily intoxicated one night and ended up having a one night stand where Ayame sported a mating mark the very next day. They fought on a daily basis, but Kagome knew better. She saw the way their eyes danced in unspoken love. No she was not fooled.

Jakotsu practically lived in her apartment. His presence becoming a permanent fixture on the cramped apartment, along with Sango. They bickered constantly over the smallest things, but then the household wouldn't be complete without them.

Sesshoumaru called daily, only preferring to speak with Rin. They talked for an hour, Rin doing most of the talking of course. Rin had absent mindedly mentioned on her first night with Kagome that the 'mean lady with feathers stuck in her hair' was not with her father when he left for his trip. Kagome had felt a sense of relief wash over her at this piece of information.

So maybe the things between the Inu lord and the wind youkai was not as it seems. But optimistically hoping that Sesshoumaru would reciprocate her feelings was like throwing a rock at the moon.

Kagome sighed despondently.

She really should stop thinking that her life was some fairy tale in the making. She lived in a harsh reality, not the romantic scenarios depicted in all the fanfics she's read about. Regardless of how she felt about Sesshoumaru she knew she must stop her delusions regarding any future with him.

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“What do you mean she's in critical condition?” cried Kagome her hands trembled, her eyes transfixed on the wall in front of her. “And the baby?.... Hai, I'll be there as soon as I can.”

Quickly she untangled her fingers from the spiral telephone cord. Slowly taking her time in unraveling the twisted cord free of the tangles she had wrought in during her incessant twirling of the cord in nervousness.

Sango and Jakotsu had listened intently. Both were in the kitchen eating their breakfast when they heard Kagome's worried tone.

Kagome put down the phone, brushing a stray lock of her hair from her forehead, she lowered herself down slowly onto the adjoining chair. She closed her eyes, trying to gather her thoughts together.

Why was this happening now?

“Kikyo.” Kagome mumbled absent-mindedly, her eyes hidden from view by her bangs.

Sango's head perked up, she kneeled before her friend bracing her arms on the smaller woman's drooped shoulders. “Kagome? Was the call about Kikyo?” asked Sango curiously.

'Kikyo?' thought Jakotsu. 'I thought they were on no speaking terms?' Jakotsu trotted heavily across the room, seating himself on the floor directly across Kagome. He perched his chin on his hands, flicking an unwavering gaze to the two women.

Kagome choked back sob, covering her mouth with one hand. The horror of what the nurse had said sent her reeling back. Her insides lurched in apprehension.

“Kagome dear, friends are supposed to help each other out, but Sango and I can't do anything if you don't tell us what happened.” began Jakotsu, patting Kagome's hand. “I know you're strong, that's why you always try and save the world to make things right for the ones you hold dear and believe you me, that's why we admire and adore you. But this time around, maybe it's best to unburden your problems with your friends and share it with us ne?”

Kagome inclined her head up, turning to Jakotsu she smiled lightly her eyes brimming with tears at his thoughtful words. She inhaled audibly through her opened mouth, her chest expanding to accommodate the large intake of air that surged through her lungs.

Kagome squeezed her eyes tightly allowing streaks of salty tears stream down her cheeks. She exhaled and began speaking in one steady breath.

“She's pregnant, that's why I had to cover for her, she didn't want Sesshoumaru to know in fear of what could happen to the baby and Inuyasha... She was supposed to be taking care of a sick relative overseas-that's what I told Sesshoumaru....” she paused to take another shaky breath. “God! I am so stupid! I should have gone there with her and made sure that she was ok.” she cried berating herself.

Sango gasped loudly, alarm written plainly on her face. Jakotsu frowned deeply, if Kikyo was indeed carrying the hanyou's pup, this would present a great problem for them all, especially if the Western Lord were to find out.

“Does Inuyasha know?” asked Jakotsu in a serious tone.

Kagome shook her head.

“Is there something wrong with the pregnancy?” asked Sango.

Kagome's eyes clouded over with tears. “Kikyo's obstetrician said she had gone to premature labor, a nurse called me.”

“She's having the baby now?” cried Jakotsu jumping up.

Sango snorted crossing her arms. “It's not premature labor, the baby would be part youkai.... err, how long is she in her pregnancy Kagome?”

Kagome wiped away her tears, counting on her fingers she pursed her lips to a pout. “She said she was two months pregnant already, that was when she left last week.”

Sango paled, worry creasing her fine features. “Still too soon.” she whispered.

Ice cold fingers dug through her soul Sango faded from her eyes, in her place a shroud of black appeared, slithering in like tendrils of shadowy mist robbing her of her sight.

Then it came.

A trickle of red.

What was it? Did it come to claim her?

The darkness continued to bleed until rivers of red gushed out. It crept towards her it's fluid progress making her catch her breath. The red river flowed on, the viscous quality raising an alarming shout in her mind. Strangely familiar, it reminded her of ....

Kagome screamed.

Blood, it was blood!

Kagome felt her pulse speed up. She clenched a fist at her chest, a feeling of claustrophobia overwhelming her as the solid crimson walls began to approach closer. Her breathing hitched up, adrenalin pumping at a furious pace in her system. Kagome's eyes darted about looking for salvation.

Nothing but red.

It burned holes in her eyes making her body flinch. Closer and closer it inched, encroaching upon her form at a painful pace.

She screamed again, she was trapped with no where to run.

Kagome fought hard against the scarlet tide like a woman possessed. She retched violently, feeling her hands coated with the thick red liquid even as the pungent metallic odor assaulted her nose. Vainly she beat her small fists against it, despising the way it made a sickly squelching sound after each hit. She felt light headed and dizzy, her head buzzing in an intoxicating fever of fear and desperation.

Eerily, she could just hear the faltering beat of a heart, each thump sounding weaker and weaker. A heart wrenching shriek tore through her hearing followed by the weak whimper of a new born babe.

'Stop it! Stop it I said!' cried Kagome capping her ears with both bloodied hands dyed to the skin with red.

'STOP IT!'

A force knocked her backwards hurling her back to the light.

“Kagome!” snapped Sango. “Don't black out on us now! I'm asking you what you're going to do?”

Shaken, Kagome held Sango's worried gaze, her lips cold and quivering.

“Sango, I need you to cover for me at the office today. I need to drive to Sapporo right away.” Kagome said as she cradled her aching head, her thoughts were scattered and she found it difficult to fight the grim scenario re-playing in her head.

'Was that a premonition?' Kagome wondered bleakly as she shook her head steering herself clear of the unwanted thoughts. “Jakotsu, please take care of Rin in the meantime. I promise I'll be back as soon as I'm able to.”

Jakotsu nodded refraining any questions until a more appropriate time.

“I need to leave now, Sango can you help me pack?”

“Sure Kagome.”

“If Kikyo's pregnant, Inuyasha deserves the right to know. It may well be Kikyo's wish to keep it a secret for the mean time, but it's robbing Inuyasha of his right as the father of the babe. He must know Kagome.”

Kagome paused chewing her bottom lip. Jakotsu was right, she has to call Inuyasha.

“I'll call him Kagome, you and Sango pack.” offered Jakotsu placing a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder. “Are you gonna be ok though?”

Kagome smiled weakly but said nothing.

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“Watch it you fucking piece of shit!”

“Inuyasha! Drive carefully!”

The hanyou glared at her motion sick form. “Damn it Kagome! Why didn't you mention anything to me before? I had the right to know! I'm the fucking father!”

Kagome glared back then turned away watching the scenery flash by. Sadness and regret shadowing her blue eyes. “I'm sorry for keeping this from you, but given the way you would have reacted if you found out, Kikyo and I felt it was for the best.”

“What the hell! Who do you both think you are? The fucking Justice League?” Inuyasha pulled the steering wheel harshly to the right, swerving the black convertible violently to the side.

BEEEPPPPPPPP!

Inuyasha's car horn blared full blast. The hanyou was shaking a fisted claw at a passing motorist.

“Fucking nose picking prick! Get your damn fist outta your nose and hold your damn wheel ya little short shit!” he bellowed in outrage.

“That is what we mean.” pointed out Kagome massaging her temples.

“Mean what? That I should be fucking clapping my damn paws in joy because you and Kikyo decided that I would be better off knowing jack shit that my pup is growing in her? Do you have any idea what shit I'm going through right now?”

BEEPPPPP!

“Get the fuck outta way! God damn midget shouldn't be driving!”

“Inuyasha will calm down your eyes are turning red!”

“Calm down? Calm DOWN?” spat out Inuyasha narrowing his eyes at her.

Kagome winced hearing the hard grating sound as he gnashed his fangs together in anger.

“Kikyo is giving birth to my pup alone, some 240 km from this shit hole where we are currently and you want me to calm down?” he barked loudly turning his attention back to the road.

“Keep driving like that and we'll both be laying next to her and your son in the freakin hospital.” grumbled Kagome.

“Son?... A boy?... I'm having a boy!!!!” he laughed with great joy, sounding his horn repeatedly.

'And they complain about my mood swings.' snorted Kagome rolling her eyes upward.

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With Sesshoumaru.

The imposing lord sat back in his chair in deep thought. He had arrived earlier than he initially thought. A contemplative expression was set in his well chiseled features. The trip overseas did little to dampen his desire for his secretary.

'That was the worst of all my journeys. The image of her face follows me everywhere. I want no, I need her tender kisses. And to feel her body wrapped up in my caress. Her perfume has me burning..... I need her.'

There was no longer any denying it, no sense in dreaming, his life had no meaning if she is not here beside him.

'She had this Sesshoumaru's heart from the beginning.'

Knock. Knock.

The Taiyoukai lifted himself from his musings, grunting softly he bid the person to enter.

“Good morning Mr. Taishou.”

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. “Why are you here?”

“Umm... you see... Kagome and Inuyasha left this morning ....”

'She left with that PUP?!!!' Hurt flitted across his features.

With an air splitting snarl, the fearsome taiyoukai appeared in a flash in front of the cowering scientist. Trepidation filled her to the core. 'This is some nasty jaki, I can feel it burning my skin just staring at him.' gulped Sango shrinking back a step.

Sesshoumaru grabbed her wrist in a steel grip, coercing her pliant form to follow him. “You will explain to this Sesshoumaru on the road!”

Sango quaked in fear.

Kami help Kagome and Inuyasha. Given Inu behavior, she was positive the hostile appearance of the youkai lord was because he was consumed by jealously. Did the icy taiyoukai feel something for Kagome after all?

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“I'm sorry sir but we can't allow you in there!”

A tall robust nurse blocked their way. Kagome peered worriedly at Inuyasha who was having a hard time controlling his raging youkai blood.

“That's my mate in there!” he barked.

“I'm sorry sir but ....”

“Inuyasha!!!!” screamed a familiar voice.

“KIKYO! I'M COMING!” roared the hanyou, leaping through the air to avoid being tackled by the nurse aids. Kagome kicked one and tripped the other. “Run Yash! I'll hold them back!”

Inuyasha gave a nod of gratitude before blitzing past the startled nurses.

“Right! Who wants to be the first to play nut cracker with me and my stilletos?” cried Kagome whipping out her shoe and crouching low in a fighting stance. The male nurses paled before stepping back.

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Kikyo bolted upright. The searing pain more pronounced now in her lower abdomen and lumbar area. Fear of the unknown had her cringing. The blinding pain of each contraction made her see white dots, she panted loudly, closing her eyes in an effort to remember all the knowledge she acquired in Lamaze class.

But the pain was relentless. She didn't know what position to lay down, which ever side she turned pain pierced through her body. She whimpered in desperation. Crying soft tears of self pity and apprehension. She called out the only name that gave her comfort in this trying hour.

“Inuyasha!!!”

A blur of white on right side caught her eyes.

“Kikyo, I'm here.” he said softly with tears in his eyes.

“Inu-yasha... Ahhhh..” Kikyo's back slammed hard against the firm hospital bed, perspiration building up again on her moist face.

“Kikyo!” jumped Inuyasha.

Kami he's never felt this helpless before not even with Sesshoumaru. He didn't know how to handle her, he was so afraid that if he embraced her she would break under his hold. She seemed so frail, too fragile like she was made of glass.

“I n-need to push.” she sobbed wearily. A midwife scurried to her side testing how far dilated young woman was.

Relief washed over her chubby face, she had been alongside the laboring woman all day and was worried at for the girl. “Ten centimeters, you're ok to push now honey! Push with each contraction as long and steady as you can ok?”

“I-I'll try.” Kikyo answered weakly.

“Push against me then. Let my strength be yours this time around.” murmured Inuyasha, his amber eyes dancing with untold excitement. “We'll do this together.”

Kikyo smiled holding onto his right hand while bracing her right foot against his chest. Another midwife took her position on her other leg.

A strong contraction hit.

“Push girl!”

Kikyo pushed hard, baring her teeth with the effort. Her puffed cheeks furiously flushed, bloody specks burst in the white areas of her eyes. Kikyo shook taking in a shuddering breath.

“Good girl, one more like that ok hon?” smiled the midwife comfortingly.


Kikyo nodded obediently, fixing her blood shot eyes at her mate. Inuyasha coaxed her and wiped her sweat away. Every once and a while kissing her temples and whispering endearments in her ears.

“You're nearly there honey! The head is crowning!”

Inuyasha whipped his head towards Kikyo. “Hear that? He's coming! Our boy is coming Kikyo!” he laughed. His tears of joy glistening in the fluorescent light of the labor room.

Kikyo pushed harder regardless of the fatigued state of her overtaxed body. The thought of holding her precious pup fueling her strength further. Pushed, and pushed, breathing through tense lips.

Inuyasha swallowed each of her screams, feeling it punch him through his gut. Each tear she shed, filled his lips. 'She shouldn't be suffering like this' he thought.

A raw tearing sensation gripped Kikyo during her last push, making her scream turn into a shriek of agony. She felt a searing pain inside followed by something oddly thick gush between her legs. It spluttered on a nearby cloth.

Kikyo's eyes widened. It was a large mass of blood.

A sudden beeping on a nearby monitor makes Inuyasha jump. The midwife stares wide eyed at the rectangular machine, her wrinkled eyes flashing in worry. 'The baby's heart rate dropped?' A sinking feeling tore violently through her belly. Her spectacled eyes focusing on the crimson patch between the girl's legs. The baby was coming but the mother was bleeding heavily. She sucked in a sharp breath.

Fresh blood oozed from the young woman's thighs.

The trained eyes of the midwife narrowed in worry. There was no time to waste. Two lives hung in the balance. She pressed the 'nurse assist' button located near the bed unbeknowst to the couple in front of her. She shook her gray head sadly.

No. This was not good.

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Ring. Ring. Ring.

“Dr. Bankotsu speaking.”

“Doctor! We need you at room 310 ASAP! The patient seems to be hemorrhaging, Dr. Sato from ICU suspects a torn birth canal and requests immediate C-section. He requests you to do the operation.”

“That's fine, I'll be up there in 2 minutes.”

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“What the fuck?!!” cursed Inuyasha loudly. “I deserve the right to know! My mate has been wheeled out of her room to god knows where and I'm fucking clueless as to why! I want to speak to the one in charge dammit!”

“Sir why don't you sit down first.” said the receptionist.

“I don't need this shit!” Inuyasha turned and walked away. “I'm gonna look for the head surgeon even if I have to climb every floor of this fucking building! He needs to answer to me!” he cried disappearing in the corridor.

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With Kagome.

“What are you trying to say?” cried Kagome her tone raising. She swears she could almost sense a shadow- like presence encompassing her.

The doctor with his head bowed stared at her, with a steady mournful tone he replied. “Miss, we can't stop the bleeding.”

Kagome slumped on the ground, the rest of the doctor's words just a slur of words tumbling from his mouth. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks she herself wasn't even aware.

Her bloody vision revisited her. 'Oh god Kikyo!'

The dam broke.

Right now, she didn't care who saw, she cried for Kikyo, who would never hold her beautiful pup, for Inuyasha who would never again embrace his love and who now must face the daunting prospect of bringing up a pup by himself, and lastly the pup. The poor pup, such a tragic time to open one's eyes to world.

“Miss, I'm asking if you're going to be all right.” the doctor asked handing Kagome a tissue, which she took gratefully sniffing.

“Yea.. H-how long does she have?”

“An hour at the most. Miss I'm really sorry but I need to tell the father..”

“No!” cut in Kagome. “I'll do it.”

“Miss..”

“It's better if I tell him doctor..”

“Bankotsu.”

Kagome smiled weakly. “Thank you Dr. Bankotsu for all that you've done for Kikyo and the pup. But I need to take it from here.” she said stubbornly.

The doctor sighed, giving her a curt nod.

With her head hanging low, Kagome walked back to Kikyo's room, each step felt as though she was walking on the edge of razor sharp knives. Kagome wrapped her arms around herself holding her breath in an effort to summon all her remaining strength.

She frowned sadly. The strength she had always prided herself in was disintegrating in the ammonia scented hallway with each step she took.

'I'm so sorry Inuyasha. I'm sorry things have to be the way it is.' a tear slipped past her curled lashes, running down her cheeks and along her the white column of her neck.

Kagome faltered as she turned the corner. Room 310. Biting her lower lip she entered the white walled room.

What she saw drove a knife further in her gut.

Inuyasha held Kikyo's head in one hand and his new born pup with the other. His face was aglow with unspeakable joy and serene wonder. Kagome noticed his smile. It was filled with pride and utmost joy.

Her throat dried.

How could she do this? Can she do it? How does she begin to tell him? Kagome's resolve crumbled. Her insides lurched watching the pup struggle weakly and reach almost instinctively towards his mother.

His mother whom he will never see again.

Pain tore through her. She stood there unmoving, lips trembling with glassy tearful eyes. She cried softly, clenching and unclenching her tiny fists. Kagome couldn't take it anymore, she turned her head away and was in the verge of walking out when Kikyo's hoarse voice reached her ears.

“Kagome thank you.”

Turning to Inuyasha Kikyo asked, “love, I'm thirsty can you get me some juice please?”

“Sure! Anything for my Wonder Woman!” Inuyasha beamed a smile. “Come on Shippo! You and Dad need to get something for Mom!” he saw Kagome crying softly in the corner. “Na, you are overly emotional today wench!” he joked walking past.

Kagome watched him in silence. Kikyo's dull eyes following the two loves of her life. She waited until her mate left the room before speaking.

“I'm ... dying aren't I?” she asked Kagome point blank, her gaze flicking to the various drips and sensors attached to her.

Kagome swallowed the lump on her throat, she closed her eyes squeezing out tears. She nodded slowly unable to speak out the words. Her emotions struggling violently out of her control.

Kikyo smiled thoughtfully.

“The-the doctor said.. they couldn't stop the bleeding... Neesan.” Kagome croaked out.

“Neesan... you haven't called me that since we were kids.” she said faintly.

Kagome opened her mouth to say something but closed it again. What exactly was she supposed to say? She could never hope to understand the conflicting emotions tearing through her cousin at this particular moment. Another tear slipped by. Her heart ached for Kikyo.

“You don't need to say anything Kagome, I knew when I birthed Shippo there was something wrong, even without hearing it from anyone.” she murmured tilting her still sweat covered head towards Kagome. “Just promise me one thing.” she closed her eyes feeling the groggy after effects of the anesthesia, course through her being. It shielded her from her physical pain but did little to nothing to console the longing ache within her.

“Anything.”

“Shippo needs a mother.” the elder woman choked out. “Please...”

Kagome jumped to her side, hugging her. “Don't say stupid things, Nee-san! You'll get better! I don't care what the doctors said!” sobbed Kagome. Kikyo's floral scent engulfing her senses.

Kikyo patted her back comfortingly. “I've accepted my fate Kagome. I don't regret anything. My life has been good even with all the ups and downs.” she replied in retrospect. “Just watch over my little Shippo ... and help Inuyasha heal.... Now be a good girl and drag my brash hanyou back here ne.”

“Hai..”

Kagome walked to the door pausing to take one last look at her cousin. Deep inside she knew it would be the last time she would see Kikyo alive. Her chest tightened painfully. Kagome fought hard to regain her composure she reminded herself she must be strong for Kikyo, for Inuyasha ... for the pup. She bit back a sob, digging her blunt nails in her palms.

Kikyo had turned her head towards the window. Her chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. What was going on in her mind Kagome can not comprehend but she followed her cousin's gaze. Kikyo was staring intently at the sky almost as if she is imprinting the serene blue and white vision in her memory. Kagome's lips quivered.

“Kagome, I'm not sure what you wanted so I just got you some juice too.” remarked Inuyasha in a light hearted tone.

Kagome lifted her chin. “Yash... can I hold Shippo for a while?”

“Ya.”

The hanyou walked back to Kikyo's bedside putting down the plastic bottle of juice on an adjoining side table. Observing her far away expression he cleared his throat before seating himself beside her. He noticed her sad eyes.

“Kikyo-what's wrong love?”

Kikyo sighed heavily and tilted her head to meet him eye to eye. She reached out and touched his face with her hands in gentle strokes.

Inuyasha leaned in to her hands. “Mou woman! Your hands are deathly cold!” he joked sandwiching her hands between his. He rubbed them tenderly, placing an adoring kiss on each palm. “I'm so happy right now.. hell I know I've never felt like this before!.... I feel so complete!....And I promise, when we get home I'll work ten times as hard. I'll even turn a blind eye to all my bastard half brother's taunts. I guess what I'm trying to say is... I love you and our pup... ” he said shyly.

Kikyo faltered.

“What is it?” Inuyasha whispered.

“Just hold me.” she pleaded as tears flowed freely down her pallid cheeks.

“Baka. That's what I'm here for. I won't let you out of my embrace again. So you and Kagome won't pull a shitty stunt like this again.” he replied softly. Gently he placed a kiss on her forehead whilst enfolding her within his arms. Kikyo sobbed onto his chest, letting out a flood of tears-for her love and the pup she'll never see grow up.

Inuyasha appeared puzzled at her strange behavior, but said nothing.

Kagome watched it all hard pressed to stop the tears in her eyes.

It hurt.

Kagome shook her head and made a hasty exit. This was their last moment together.

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Kagome held the now sleeping pup in her arms. Heavy footfalls alerted her to Inuyasha's approach. Swiveling to her right slowly she peered at him. Her heart reached out to the hanyou magnifying her sadness tenfold. She cast down her eyes, unsure of how to break the deafening silence that permeated the air.

Kagome shifted uncomfortably, she had promised Kikyo. A promise that she told herself she was going to see through, even if it meant moving to Tokyo permanently.

Inuyasha's face was one of unfathomable sorrow, he was moving in slack pace. Hands shoved in his pants he lowered himself next to her wordlessly. Kagome stood up and put Shippo back in the hospital bassinet, carefully re-wrapping the precious bundle in the warm blankets. She turned her gaze back to her friend.

Inuyasha looked pale and haggard, his thin lips tightened to a sad frown. Kagome gasped noting the blankness of his eyes, no life remained reflected there almost as if he himself had died.

“I'll never see her smiling face again.” he remarked off handedly, breaking the stifling silence in a monotonous tone. He shrugged his shoulders, closing his eyes briefly. The proud squaring of his shoulders drooping in defeat.

Kagome stood in front of him reaching out. “It's ok to cry Yash, You love her and she means the world to you. Let it go.” choked out Kagome, her own eyes brimming with tears.

Inuyasha looked up at her, his eyes flickering out in a despairing light. His heart felt so bruised. He was lost inside, he felt there was no light for him left.

'So much like her.' he thought.

Sadness and longing etched deep in his face he tried to make his tears disappear but to no avail. He slumped forward in concession, feeling the bitter hurt inside explode.

Inuyasha howled brokenly in grief, hugging Kagome on her middle. She hugged him back nuzzling her head over his. They mourned together, sharing each other's pain.

“I'm so lost Kagome! My life feels so meaningless without her. I can't do it. I can't go on without her! I should lay down beside her in death. I don't want this life!”

Kagome slapped him as hard as she could muster, the quiet hallway reverberating as the crisp slap echoed in the dimly lit corridors.

Inuyasha gaped at her in shock, touching the tender spot where her hands struck him.

Kagome grabbed his face between her slender hands. Forcing his eyes to meet her own. Her sapphire eyes pleading for understanding behind his lost topaz orbs.

“Stop it Inuyasha, I know you hurt right now, but so do I! You have everything to live for. I know I can't make your tears or hurt disappear, but I promise everything will be ok.” she reasoned. “You're wrong when you say you can't see Kikyo's smile anymore.” she pointed toward the slumbering pup. “You're wrong when you say you can't see her.... look at your son!... Don't you see? Kikyo lives through her son.. your son! ... And he needs his father to be strong!”

Inuyasha bowed his head then turned to his son, lifting the pup from bassinet. “My son.” he whispered. “You're right Kagome... my son needs me.”