Pieces of Me

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Now... ON WITH MAH STORY!!
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It is daylight when we get back to the village of Edo.

Sesshoumaru had decided that I should rest for the night, so I slept in his arms under a tree as he had kept watch over me. I had never before felt so safe and secure in my life before that moment. It was very peaceful and sweet. We had star-gazed and had actually gotten to know each other better by talking about our childhoods. Yeah, he does know about me being from the future, but he said, “That is of no consequence to me.” So, in his terms, he was saying that he doesn’t have a problem with me visiting my family.

Amazingly, we even spoke about the Shikon no Tama. He agreed to let me shard hunt for some periods of time as long as he could accompany me, and then we would leave our “pup” with our most trusted servants. I personally have no problem with that, but I hope my friends will be up to having a stoic youkai following the group like a shadow. If they have a problem, they will get over it. It’s not like I can snap my fingers at him and say, “Please leave because my friends are having issues with you.” That is way out of the question.

All in all the entire experience was very pleasant for me. I am so very happy to know that he will stay by my side as I will stay by his.

“Kagome, we have arrived.” His voice effectively startles me from my reminiscing.

I pause a minute to figure out what I should do next. Maybe I should tell my friends that Sesshoumaru and I are back together. If I do that, I should probably tell them by myself. Sesshoumaru being there won’t ease up any of the tension, and it will make it harder for me to justify my actions. That would be the best course of action, and the right thing to do.

I sigh and gauge their reactions. They definitely are not going to like this. I can already hear their chastising voices. Nope, this probably will not sit well with them at all.

“Sesshoumaru,” he faces me, “I am going to tell the others about us. And…I think it would be best if I told them by myself. If you are there with me, they will feel less comfortable and most likely will not understand.”

“No,” he says, his tone hard and unwavering.

“No?” I can’t believe this! He is such a stubborn old dog. I have trouble resisting the urge to stamp my foot like a child.

“I will accompany you to inform them the news. I will not allow your friends to try and persuade you to take an alternate course of action. You will also need my support. It will be easier on you if I were there.”

“Oh, ok.” That makes sense, I guess… He just wants to make sure that I will be safe and that I won’t change my mind about our relationship. He doesn’t want me to change my mind about our relationship? Trust issues much? “Do you have so little faith in me that I will go back on my actions?”

“Hn…”

What the fuck? “What the hell kind of a response is ‘Hn’, Sesshoumaru? So, do you or do you not trust me?” I wave my hand in front of his face when he doesn’t answer. “GAAHH!! You know we will never be able to get along if you cannot or refuse to properly communicate with me! Kami, I swear you just know which buttons to press to-“

“My current lack of communication is in relationship to the fact that the hanyou is heading this way,” he tells me like I am some sort of stupid piece of shit.

“What a poor excuse! Fine, if we are going to have this conversation with them, I demand that you do not hurt them!” I huff, and then I storm towards Inuyasha with the Lord of the West at my heels.

“Jeeze, Kagome, I betcha’ that anybody within a mile could you!” Inuyasha peeps over my shoulder, and I see him narrow his eyes. “So, the bastard isn’t gone yet? I was hoping that you had found a way to get rid of him, but I guess that I will have to do all the work.”

I put my hands up in a defensive gesture and give him a nervous smile. “Uh, you see, Inuyasha… He actually came here to help me tell you and the others something. It’s like this… me and Sesshoumaru…” I trail off.

“What, wench? Spit it out!” I hear Sesshoumaru growl at my nickname.

“IkindasortaamgoingoutwithSesshoumaruagain!” There, I said it!

By that time Sango, Miroku, and Shippo had joined us just in time to hear the news. Their eyes widen in surprise and in slight disappointment. What a drag, and, just to make matters worse, the majority of the village came outside to watch our little ‘show.’ Nosey sons of bitches. These people have no life.

“By Kami, Kagome! What the fuck is the matter with you?” His volume increases with every syllable, but I have a hard time caring with Sesshoumaru’s new feral growling. The sound he is making is causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. If I do not stop this, we might have a lot of blood to clean up, and most of it will be Inuyasha’s.

“Sesshoumaru, please calm down!” I pivot on my heel and place my hands gently on his chest. When I meet his gaze, I end up discovering that his eyes are rimmed with red, and this really frightens me. The expression he held promised certain death.

Miroku, seeing the danger of the situation, takes action. He places his cursed hand on Inuyasha’s shoulder and says, “Here is not the place to be talking about this. We need to go back to the hut to discuss matters further.”

Inuyasha’s dull yellow suns scan the area and see the reason for Miroku’s intervention. “Feh. Come on, and drag those lazy asses of yours back to Kaede’s!”

I lift my head in Sesshoumaru’s direction, hoping to see that he has settled down. To my great relief, his eyes are completely clear. Whew! That was a close one.

We all trudge to the hell that is Kaede’s home. I bet that this will be so much fun! I can’t wait to talk about this with Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru both breathing down my neck! Everything is fine! Everything is just peachy.

When we all enter, Kaede greets us, “All ye need to look at this with an open mind.” She stands up with her herbal basket and leaves us to our fate.

Odd words in my opinion, but I hope my friends take her advice.

All of us settle down into a comfortable position, well, as comfortable as you can get, and we begin the inevitable conversation.

Sango is the first to speak up, “Kagome, can I ask why? Don’t you think that it is kind of… well, peculiar that he treats you like dirt one minute and then suddenly comes back with a change of heart? Please don’t take it the wrong way. I love you like a sister, Kagome. I don’t want to see you get hurt again.” Sango doesn’t make eye contact with me, but that is ok.

I glimpse out of the corner of my eye to see Sesshoumaru’s reaction. I hope he doesn’t have the ‘look of death’ sort of body language. But alas, no emotion is present on his face. As usual, he is just sitting there like this is the most boring place on earth. How annoying. Would it kill him to seem at least just a little interested? My guess is yes, it would.

I exhale loudly. I know Sango’s question and concern is perfectly logical. I wonder if my answer will be. “Sesshoumaru wants to be a part of this pup’s life. He wants it to grow up healthy and strong; he believes that will only happen if both parents are present. I haven’t completely forgiven him, but I am also at fault. I shouldn’t have done a lot of that stuff that I did. We both decided to put the past behind us and basically start over.”

They almost seem exasperated with me. I guess my answer was inadequate. I was really hoping they understood where I was coming from.

Miroku purses his lips and leans against his long, bronze staff, “That still doesn’t explain why, Kagome.”

Do I really have to clarify anymore? I don’t think I am ready to say exactly how I feel right now. Will they understand? They are looking at me with such expectance. They are almost seem to be pleading with me.

I gulp in as much air as I can and confess, “I love him.” Everyone except Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru gasp. “That is the reason why I can somehow do this. Me loving him is the only reason why I can leave the past in the past and move on.” I am aware of the blush spreading from the roots of my hair down to my breasts. It was a little too embarrassing for me to be saying that.

Time stands still at my words. The few minutes of the uncomfortable silence feels like eons. The tension in the atmosphere grows so thick I almost feel claustrophobic. There must be something seriously wrong with me because I keep on having the urge to faint! Please, someone say something, anything!

“Kagome, if that’s how you feel about this, then I’m not going to stand in your way. I am going to be here for you just like how you have always been there to help me out!” Shippo chirps.

His words make me feel significantly better, and I pick him up and place him in my lap. I gently ruffle the unruly red hair and let out a breath I had no idea I was holding. What a great relief to know that there is someone among my friends that supports me! If I were to expect anyone to remain loyal to me, I can always count on Shippo to do so.

Sango, with some reluctance, scoots over and hugs me. “I don’t exactly approve of this, but Shippo is right. I am going to stand by you just like you would do for me if I was in your situation. But, I beg you Kagome, be careful.” She quickly gives Miroku a look of ‘you better do this for her or I’m going to dish out some extreme pain’ look. “How about you, Miroku?” She gives me another squeeze before she lets go.

“Kagome, have no fear, you have me on your side. It is ok with me if you take this path, as long as you are happy. Plus, how can I not agree with my dear Sango!” He reaches over and pinches her butt. Uh-oh, this is most likely going to end on a sour note.

Thump. Great, he’s out cold now.

I giggle a bit at the sight of Sango and Miroku and turn my gaze towards Inuyasha, whose eyes are hooded from everyone’s view. He can never handle situations like this. My expression turns serious. “Thanks for understanding me, you guys. Inuyasha, how do you feel about this?”

I see his ears perk up, and he picks up his head and glares daggers at me and his half-brother. “Does it really matter anyway? No matter what I say, you will still go off to my fucking half-brother. Does that answer your damned question?” The hurt in his voice is highly noticeable, but right now, I don’t give a damn. He doesn’t need to act like a stupid teenager over this!

I quickly stand up, needing to release some pent-up frustration. “Yes, it does, and it tells me more about your character! Obviously you don’t care about me anymore, Inuyasha! I have always been happy for you and taken care of you, all I ask is that you can be happy for me! I can’t be yours forever, you know!” I seethe my miniscule hands balling up into fists. I can feel my miko energy charging the atmosphere and I have a hard time keeping it inside.

He jumps to his feet and meets my challenge, “That isn’t the point! That crap doesn’t matter! You can go fuck a goat for all I care! I’m just wondering why the hell you have to pick my half-brother? ” His eyes shift to the floor.

To put it quite simply, I am astounded. So, the truth comes out. It wasn’t about keeping me to himself or anything of that sort; it was about me screwing around with his half-brother. That makes sense. “Things just happen like that,” I say, my own brows furrow together at my faulty response.

His arms wildly flail about as he speaks, “Then don’t let it happen like that! Can’t you see he’s using you for a good screw? I mean, if all you wanted was a fuck, you could have just come to me or somethin’! Or even-”

He did not just go there and say that! I tune out the rest of whatever the hell he says, and try to concoct the most befitting punishment for the brash, stupid, Inuyasha. A little light bulb goes off in my head, and as best I can, I sugarcoat his name in a sing-song voice, “Oh, Inuyasha.”

“What the hell do you want now?” he bellows and throws his hands up into the air.

“Come here please,” I beckon him with my hands.

He makes his way over to me with uncertainty. He can’t see what’s coming.

The second he gets within my arm’s reach, I grab one of his puppy ears and scream, “SIT!” He face dives into the wood and soil of the hut.

“Oh, fuck it!” he groans into the debris.

With a satisfactory smirk, I stomp my way out of the hut and towards the well, efficiently killing those poor flowers that were so unfortunate to be on my path. Once there, I hop on the brim and take a seat. Nature’s cool breath blows my steam away, leaving me with a calm demeanor. I can always rely on Mother Nature to fix me up.

I acknowledge that I am not alone when a well-known aura inhabits the area. I marvel at how our auras intermingle and the way they feel so comfortable with each other. As I enjoy the feeling, I pivot my body to face Sesshoumaru. He stands there, silently inspecting me. I get a little uncomfortable under his gaze and decide to make him an offer, “You can sit next to me if you want to.” I pat the vacant spot of wood next to me.

He casually advances, but instead of him sitting next to me, he chooses to take a place on the ground with his back against the well’s wall. He can sit there if he wants to. You know what they say, “To each his own.” We both stare off into the horizon in noiselessness.

Sesshoumaru breaks the silence first, “The hanyou will not speak of that matter in that manner ever again. I have seen to it that he will not.”

A small shudder of fear creeps up my spine. I can guess that Sesshoumaru laid the law down for Inuyasha. He probably had to spell it out nice and clear for him too. Sesshoumaru most likely gave Inuyasha a crushed windpipe, a concussion, and some broken bones. I don’t feel sorry; whatever’s wrong with him is nothing time can’t fix.

The baby inside of me hits me hard in my overly abused ribs, and I give a small grunt of pain. Boy, does this little one know how to get my attention! I guess it is reminding me that I need to know some key facts about my pregnancy. My child is right about the timing. With Sesshoumaru here, now is the best time to ask.
“Do you know anything about hanyou pregnancies, Sesshoumaru?” I tentatively stroke his long, gorgeous, white mane.

He was quiet for a moment, seeming to gather his thoughts. I waited patiently; he will answer me on his own time. Just a few seconds later he replies, “The pregnancies last about six months. You have approximately two more weeks before the pup will be born.”

Only two weeks? That’s an eye-opener. I can’t believe time has passed by so quickly. Before I know it I will be a mommy! I can already hear the pup calling me Mommy! It sounds so beautiful in my head. I have to force myself to contain my excitement. There is the possibility of many complications during the birthing.

“Oh,” I say and continue to wonder at his luxurious locks. In my hands Sesshoumaru’s hair sparkles with such radiance it is blinding to my human eyes. I move over on the lip of the well so I can be directly behind him, and my hands move to trace the outside of his elfin ears on their own accord. A low, contented growl is heard; he seems to like how I am worshipping his head. “How difficult will it be?”

“Inuyasha’s mother, Izayo, was in labor for over 24 hours. From what I remember, she was in a great deal of pain.” My hands drift further down to trace the birthright patterns on his face. I hear him purr a little louder, and he turns his cheek to nuzzle my hand. I feel his claws lightly run up and down my bare calves with utmost care.

“Oh… Mmmm.” I moan. With a lot of difficulty, I direct another question towards him, “Can anybody here in the village deliver the baby?”

He pulls me into his lap so that I am facing him. He kisses a trail from the shell of my ear and to the structure of my jaw. I arch my back, and his canine tongue licks from my chest to my chin. I can hear myself moaning and feel myself grinding his very obvious erection.

“S-Sess-Sesshoumaru, can anyone here help me deliver our pup?” My breathing becomes erratic as he launches a myriad of ministrations on my body.

But he slows his still-too-eager hands to a halt. My inquiry must have made him realize something important. “No, there is no sufficient being that is properly equipped to deliver the pup.”

“So, what are we going to do?” I stare into his suns, trying to predict his answer.

“I will need to depart soon to the Western Palace to find a suitable nurse. I will also need to prepare for your arrival,” he says in an even voice.

Water involuntarily increases and flows over my long lashes. “B-But you just got here! You can’t go away yet!” A small evil sound plants a seed that doubts Sesshoumaru’s commitment. “Y-You’re not trying to leave me again, are you?” Panic settles into my blood steam and I start to push him away.

Iron hands clamp down on my wrists to stop my attempts. He pulls them apart, exposing the upper half of my torso. Is he going to hurt me? More tears rush from my eyes and I start begging, “Please don’t hurt me, Sesshoumaru. P-Please.”

Sesshoumaru places his palms against the sides of my face and forces me to look into his eyes. I shut my mouth, but continue to whimper. “No, Kagome, I am not leaving you, and I will not hurt you. I am going to be away for only four days. Understand that it necessary to have the proper type of nurse.” His softer tone and aura calms me, and I place my hands on his wrists, pulling them away from my face. I curl my fingers around his claws.

I chew on my lip and say, “Sorry about that. Hormones ya know?” I lick my dry lips as he nods his head. “You go. It will be better for me and our pup in the long run.” He nods in response.

We both get on our feet and I watch as he takes the first of many steps towards his home. Our arms stretch at the distance, and our intertwined fingers unlock. I can already feel my fingertips growing numb from the loss of warmth. My heart grows heavier with every step he takes.

“Sesshoumaru!” I skip towards him urgently, and wrap my arms around his waist. I peer into his eyes, seeing some unexplainable emotion. Reaching on my tiptoes, I give him a small peck on the cheek and whisper in his ear, “I love you, Sesshoumaru.”

Sesshoumaru seemed to be in awe, for he has not moved or spoken. Maybe what I said had just hit him full force.

After some time, he bends down and kisses my forehead with soft lips. “I love you and only you, Kagome. Be safe, my koi.”

We both get lost in each other’s eyes, and all too soon, we both drop our arms and let each other go. It doesn’t hurt as much to watch him walk away now that I know how he feels. I watch as his white, retreating figure disappears into the vast forest, I look towards the red-orange horizon with some sort of hope.
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A/N- Please rate and review. Giving me your thoughts pleases me greatly!