With Love

Chapter Thirty-three: News

A/N: Um, sorry. I promise to get back to updating more regularly. Thanks!

Midoriko tugged on her Aunt’s sleeve again to get the woman’s attention. She was putting some cookies in the oven. “Aunt Sango,” the woman finally turned around to look at her. She didn’t know who else to tell since her mommy had ran into town to do some shopping. She’d been putting her toys in her box just like she’d been told when she looked out her window to see the car pulling up. She wasn’t going to tell the boy’s sitting on the couch watching some stupid fighting cartoon. Like people really glowed like that. “There’s a stranger outside. Looked like he was going to your house but you aren’t home.”


Sango put the timer on and wiped her hands on the apron. “Okay, thanks sweetie. Do me a favor and go finish your room. The cookies will be done soon.” She figured it was the cable guy coming back. She’d ordered so many channels but only half were coming in. A week here and she was already having trouble with her place. They said it was most likely the box so one of their techs were coming to replace it with another. She’d told them that if she didn’t answer the door to try next door. Kagome had been sent grocery shopping for them. They’d concentrated on getting one home set up this week. It was hard to do it all in a few days with them trying to work on paperwork for their new companies and with the kids. Next week they’d be registered so they could start school next month. Summer was almost over and she was glad.


Stepping out the door she was surprised to see the police cruiser sitting in her driveway. Her eyes went to her door where a uniformed Yusuke stood ringing the doorbell. “Over here,” she called out to him. His head swung in her direction. “Sorry, I’m not home at the moment. Want to leave a message or come back later?” What was he doing here? Kagome had said the man had followed them after spotting them on the road. His hair was slightly longer than the last time she’d seen him but looked good. He really hadn’t changed at all but that was to be expected.


“Hey,” He looked at the house she was at, the one the moving van had pulled into. He’d figured they’d been using the driveway of an empty place. What was she doing next door? He took the time to look her over as he walked over to the porch. She looked really good, time had been kind. What had she been doing with herself all this time? “Sorry, I thought I’d come by and say hello. Wasn’t sure who was moving back when I saw both of you the other day. So how you been?”


“Great, I’m doing just fine thanks. Kagome told me she saw you when she was running to get dinner. It’s good to see you again Yusuke, you look great.” If he’d been watching them had he seen her son get out of the van? The answer was most likely yes. Would he say anything about it? “Actually we all came back. Well, Botan isn’t here yet but will be here by next week. She had a few things to take care of first. So how are things here?” She noticed his brow shot up at that information.


“Great, usually quiet except for old ladies that think they can park wherever they want. A lot of people moved away but some stayed.” He wondered if she knew who he was referring to. The woman only smiled and nodded. He was about to point out that Kurama was still in town when a little voice started calling for Sango from the doorway. His eyes widened seeing the small girl coming out with a doll baby in her hand. She was so little he was shocked that the strong breeze outside wasn’t knocking her over. Startling blue eyes looked up at him in curiosity. Who’s child was this? “Hi.”


Midoriko turned from the man, she didn’t talk to strangers. She reached out to touch Sango’s hip. “Aunt Sango, I went to my room and heard something in the kitchen. I go look and Youko was in there eating your doh doh stuff. He told me not to tell but he’s going to get a tummy ache.” And he wouldn’t share with her when she asked. Figures, she’d show him to be greedy. She’d went to inform them that their mother had gone outside so they could sneak it and then the greedy pig wouldn’t give her any.


“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute. Go back inside.” She turned to Yusuke who was still looking at the child. “Sorry, think you could come back later? Things are kind of hectic with both of us trying to get settled and with the kids. Kagome isn’t here at the moment either. Yes, that one is her’s, I see the question in your eyes. I think it’s obvious since she looks like Kagome spit her out her mouth.” Damn good thing she didn’t look like Hiei or Yusuke would already be asking questions and not in a nice way. She’d have to tell Kagome about him coming by now. The miko didn’t want any of the guys to know about her child. Not that Sango could blame her, she kind of felt the same but that had gotten blown out the water the first day. “Let me get back inside before my son makes himself sick.”


Yusuke nodded and watched her walk back inside. The door closed with a thud leaving him all alone outside. So they both had kids. He was guessing Sango had hers for Inuyasha and Kagome had hers for some guy she’d met after leaving. The girl couldn’t be no more than three or four. He’d come back later after they’d had time to settle in. He was curious as to what they’d been doing with themselves. What had occurred and what had made them come back? The way Sango had spoken he’d been sure he’d never see them again. So had his brother and friends. He could still remember the few weeks after the girls had vanished and no one would tell them where they’d gone. Kurama had went to Sango’s parent’s house and pleaded with them to tell him how to get in contact with her. None of it had worked. Things were about to get interesting.


Kagome adjusted the baseball cap on her head as another table was brought into the bar. She didn’t fail to notice the tall man standing outside the pool hall watching the process. The old bingo hall had been purchased by Sango to open a diner but the bar was on the other side. The three businesses made up the center. What was the man thinking? It was likely that her own would cause competition for his own. Though she wasn’t going to install pool tables. She wasn’t that cold or hateful, Botan wanted to though. She was just going to serve drinks and have a jukebox for everyone’s entertainment. She wasn’t here to put the man out of business. She knew he couldn’t see who she was this far away with the hat and shades on. The furniture store only had one more table to deliver then she could go home.


Tomorrow she’d be taking calls for employees. She’d need a few to help run the place in the evening. She’d be damned if she’d be waiting tables. Yukina was still over in the diner getting things ready for tomorrow as well. The small koorime had been sweet enough to put an add in the paper for both places. Yukina was thrilled to be taking on most of the responsibilities of the diner. Leaving Sango with just the paperwork and the serious stuff. Kagome knew Yukina was trying to make the load light since Sango was a single mother with two children. Heh, well she couldn’t count on Botan for anything serious but serving drinks. Or dancing on the tables.


As if thinking about the woman the koorime came out of the diner. Kagome called over to her as she locked up. The woman smiled and waved before walking to the car. The miko saw the slightly protruding stomach under the dress. What number was that? It was the couple’s fifth child. How the hell the woman did it Kagome wasn’t sure. She could barely handle her little one. Then again she didn’t have a husband that adored and cherished her. Must be nice to have the support and comfort of the father there during the trying times. Now who was she going to have hold the shot gun when Midoriko went on her first date?


Yukina tried to keep the smile on her face as she climbed into her car. If the miko knew what she was about to do then she wouldn’t be that happy. Would Kagome forgive her in time? She couldn’t help the way she felt. No one had seen just how much Kagome’s disappearing act had affected her brother. He was always quiet and sullen but he’d changed once the girl had left. The only person he would talk to was his friends and late at night he’d blast his stereo. One morning she was sure she’d saw his eyes red and swollen. She’d never known him to be so depressed. He’d never gotten over it no matter what he tried to say. The woman had meant something to him back then. Most would say that feelings that strong couldn’t be developed at such a young age. She begged to differ, she’d fallen in love with Kuzuma at a young age. She’d only been fifteen when the tall man had swept her off of her feet.


Love like that did exist, hers was proof. She still loved her husband dearly and they were happy together. Sango had asked her not to say anything to anyone. Let them find out in due time, not for her to go running to them. It wasn’t right, she couldn’t do it. She’d kept silent since they’d arrived back. She hadn’t mentioned it before hands out of fear that if she said anything then the girls might change their mind about returning. Yukina hadn’t known where they lived before so this was the one chance for Kagome to return where Hiei could find her. Her brother hadn’t moved on in all these years.


The drive over to her brother’s house she couldn’t think of a single reason to remain silent. The worst that could happen is Hiei to find out that Kagome has moved on. It would give him some kind of closure to talk to her again. He wouldn’t be so stupid as to blow this chance. Kagome had a little child but she didn’t see Hiei holding that against her. If anything her brother might jump at the chance on trying another relationship. She was so happy with her family she wanted to see her brother happy as well. Not like Hiei wouldn’t eventually learn of it anyways.


She saw that all three cars were in the driveway. She wasn’t shocked to see that Shizuru was over as well. The woman was hoping Kurama would get serious one of these days. The two were practically living together. Yukina had worried that Sango leaving as well might have upset the man but that had been a misplaced worry. The fox had quickly gotten over it and started dating again, if he’d ever been upset at all. They’d split before the girl had fled town. He’d been with Shizuru for almost three years, she was sure they’d get married one day soon.


She got out of the car as the front door opened. The tall brunette was smiling at her. “Hello Shizuru, how’s everything going?” She hoped she wasn’t interrupting anything. She just needed a few minutes to talk to her sibling then she’d go home and relax. Her feet were already starting to swell. She also had a busy day tomorrow with taking applications and doing interviews. Many young adults were looking for work. She’d go over each one with Sango before hiring anyone. The girl had been sweet enough to make her the manager, giving her free reign to run the place. Yukina had felt herself swell with pride after going over her menu with her friend. Sango had been ecstatic at her ideas. She knew she’d never have the money to own a business herself but this was very close and she felt like part of it. Plus, she was going to be paid a very good salary.


“Hey Kurama,” Yukina greeted the fox as she walked into the place. The man gave her a bright smile before waving her inside. “Something smells wonderful but I won’t keep you from it. I just came to speak to my brother. Where is he?” She was led into the living room. The place was clean so Shizuru had been here for some time. Another thing her brother had changed, he’d gotten lazy when it came to chores. It was like a part of him had died. She took the seat being offered, obviously they weren’t going to let her go without socializing first.


“Oh, sorry I thought he called you. We needed a shipment brought in. They didn’t have anyone that could deliver so Hiei went up to get it. He should be back in a few days depending on how things go.” Kurama crossed his legs as Shizuru sat down next to him. The little koorime was fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. Was something bothering the woman? If so he could contact Hiei on the radio at the shop. He’d decided to do something with his talent with machinery after hearing that Hiei’s old boss was selling his garage. Him and Hiei had gone in half and bought the old man out. It wasn’t a thriving business but paid the bills. He was by no means rich but he made do. “Is everything okay?”


Yukina declined the tea being offered but let them pour their cups. “Well, yes and no. I just had something to tell him. Guess I could inform you. Well, I’m sure you remember Botan right? From high school, anyways it seems that her aunt passed away. Well, I’ll just say that Kagome and Sango only got a small amount, nothing to sneeze at of course but it seems Botan is worth more than this town. To make it short I ran into them after the funeral. They’re back, I haven’t seen Botan yet though. Not sure if Hiei mentioned that I’m going to be managing the new diner opening up next to Onigumo’s. Well, I got the job because Sango owns it. Kagome is the one opening up that bar next door too. I was just wanting to let Hiei know that Kagome was back in town.”


“You mean the three girls that walked out of graduation almost naked, right?” Shizuru had went to see Kazuma graduate that day. She’d been in the middle of a nasty divorce then. She couldn’t remember much she’d been thinking to herself to caught up in her problems to listen to them speaking, she’d been there for support. It wasn’t until the crowd started hollering she’d seen that the one girl had striped right there on stage. “Must be nice to inherit money, so just how much did they get? I highly doubt she’s that rich.”


“I guess to some no but to me, it’s a lot of money. I mean Kagome and Sango were only left with a million a piece but from what I heard the estate Botan inherited was over 7 billion.” Yukina paused when Shizuru turned red and started choking. To make matters worse Kurama was just sitting there. She rushed forward and patted the taller woman on her back. “Told ya, well that’s what I came to tell Hiei. Could you let him know for me? I haven’t visited them at home yet but they live two streets down. I’m surprised you haven’t ran into them yet. I believe Sango’s kids are going to be attending the same school as your son, lower grade of course. Well, I must be going. We are doing some hiring tomorrow, with hopes of opening soon. You two enjoy your dinner.”


Kurama leaned back in the chair hearing the smaller man coming into the office. He’d called him on the radio late last night to find where he was. Hiei hadn’t seemed to happy at being checked up on. He hadn’t been checking up on him but just wanted to know how long he had to sit on this news. Hiei had said he’d be there by morning and it was yet six. Shizuru had left after dinner sensing he wasn’t up for company. That had been an understatement. He wasn’t sure how he was feeling. He’d checked up on what Yukina had said. He hadn’t seen Sango but he’d seen Kagome this morning on the way to the office. The miko had been getting into a little blue car with a small child in tow. “Good, you might want to sit down.”


“If you are going to complain about it taking so long then save it. I’ve had one hell of a trip to make it back when I did. Next time pick someone competent to do business with. Those morons had the order form filled out wrong when I got there so I had to wait for them to correct it. What’s so fucking urgent that you had to radio me? Or were you checking up on me?” Hiei plopped down in the seat not because Kurama had suggested it but he was weary from the long drive. He’d be damned if he came in to work for the next few days. He was going to take some time off and get some rest. Next time Kurama could deal with the assholes and leave him out of it.


“No, I just wanted to know when you would be back. There is something you should know.” He knew it would bother the man to hear the news but he’d find out eventually. “Kagome has moved back into town. I just found out last night. Yukina came by to let you know.” There it was said. The scowl was replaced by a frown. He could only imagine what Hiei would feel. He wasn’t sure if the fire apparition had ever gotten over the miko. Unlike him Hiei had never moved on. Yes, he’d moved on and it still hurt to know she was so close. How would it be handled?


“I see, well if that is the only news you have to tell me then I guess I’ll take my leave now. I’d like to get
some rest. Don’t expect me into work this evening either.” He stood up digesting the information. Had the miko came back after all these years? What did he care? Why had Kurama wasted his time by informing him? So what if she’d returned, she was not his concern. He doubted she’d mourned him all these years. He didn’t care about her or her reasons for returning. To hell with her. Why would Yukina think he wanted to know this? He hoped that his paths never crossed with the woman. “The parts are in the truck if there is nothing else pressing that you need.”

“Nothing really except your sister is working for Sango and Kagome is the one opening the bar that Naraku has been bitching about. Should I mention the fact that I saw Kagome this morning, about an hour ago to be precise. She had a small child with her also. I didn’t see a male but there was a child that looked exactly like her.” He saw the man’s shoulders tense. He wouldn’t go into the fact that Yukina had mentioned Sango having children as well. He wouldn’t think about that, it wasn’t his concern. “I saw them because they live only two streets away from us.”


“That isn’t in the least bit humorous.” Hiei snapped seeing the man’s grin. What the fuck was the fox so happy about? “Hn, don’t try to take pleasure in my discomfort. I’m not the one that was babbling about how much I loved the girl when I found out she was gone. If I recall it was you acting like a lovesick fool. I hope you really are content with Shizuru or is she about to be replaced? Don’t play coy with me Kurama I know you better than you’d like to admit. I sure the hell know you better than your so called girlfriend.” Hiei sneered as Kurama bristled under the comment. “I thought so. Don’t worry about how I’ll deal with knowing Kagome is back. You should worry about yourself fox.”


“Don’t presume so much Hiei. I am perfectly happy with my current relationship as it stands. I have no intentions as far as Sango is concerned. There is no reason why I’ll have to socialize with her. Now, I’ll handle the shipment, go home.” Kurama closed his eyes as the headache began to throb. The slamming door signaled the man’s exit. That could have gone better. They would discuss it more calmly once he got home that night but he’d needed to vent his frustrations. The news shouldn’t be bothering him this much. It didn’t matter, she was in the past. Hiei was right, the man did know him too well.


Next Chapter: Midoriko gets a new friend, Yusuke can add, and Sango gets a tow.... please read and review