Maury

Disclaimer: This story wrote itself and even I was surprised at how I treated poor Inuyasha. Please don’t flame me! I’m just a poor writer doing the best I can!

I swear… I thought of this while watching an episode of Maury with my friends. *shrugs* We’re college kids, what else do you expect us to be doing?

Maury

Kagome sat nervously backstage, wringing the hem of her blouse in her hands. Her black hair whispered over her shoulders as her eyes focused on her knees. She struggled to remind herself of exactly why she was telling her boyfriend Inuyasha the biggest secret she had ever kept on national television. She glanced to her left and gritted her teeth at the sight of her boyfriend pacing back and forth in his soundproofed box. His red button-down dress shirt over blue jeans was probably the nicest outfit he owned. He wore it well with his built physique and posture that indicated an aggressive attitude.

Oh yeah, that’s right, she thought bitterly. Because her half-demon boyfriend might kill her when he finds out. Her friend Sango had been the one to suggest taking Inuyasha on one of those trashy afternoon “talk” shows. Kagome was reluctant at first, but knowing her boyfriend’s fondness for acting without thinking, she started doing some research. She felt certain that the spotlight would prevent Inuyasha from doing anything rash before he could hear the entire story. Not that he would like any of it, she mused. Her heart leapt into her throat and she struggled to swallow, feeling tears well up in her eyes. She didn’t know how Inuyasha could ever forgive her for what she was about to do. Kagome sighed, using her fingertips to flick away stray tears before they could ruin her makeup. After today, she wouldn’t blame Inuyasha if he never spoke to her again.

The miko remembered the afternoon she sat in Sango’s living room with a pint of her favorite Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream watching in complete shock as one show after another came and went. She almost called off the whole thing, but Sango reminded her of the necessity of coming clean to Inuyasha. This was a big secret and it couldn’t be swept under the rug. It would only be a few months before everyone knew and Kagome decided that time was definitely not her ally. Already the strain of constantly maintaining a scent-spell was beginning to physically show itself. Inuyasha had expressed concern about her constant fatigue and lack of eating. She was, after all, he pointed out, eating for two.

She was startled out of her thoughts by a hand tentatively tapping her shoulder. Her wide blue eyes glanced up into the muddy brown eyes of the producer. “Are you ready? You’re on in 10 minutes,” he informed her. Suddenly, Kagome found it very hard to breathe and struggled to make any sound. Finally she gave up and mutely nodded. The producer gave her a doubtful look but moved away, talking on his headset. Kagome returned to her thoughts, her hands wrinkling the edge of her blue blouse absentmindedly. She fought hyperventilation and panic. That was the last thing she could afford. She had to remain cool and calm, though God knows that was hard enough with her raging hormones!

Maury. That’s what her final decision had been. The Maury Show: infamous for giving paternity tests and exposing abusive boyfriends and husbands. The lump in her throat grew bigger. She had written in to the show and explained her situation. They had called her back within a week. The man on the phone had told her that her story had potential; an edge that would be enough for fifteen minutes of fame. Two months after that, she had informed Inuyasha that they would be appearing on a television show. He was confused and immediately demanded to know what was going on. Kagome steadfastly refused to tell him anything about the whole ordeal, knowing that it would only make things more difficult. Kagome knew that he was hoping it was some reality TV show; he was addicted to those. However, she kept her silence and just handed him his plane ticket and stub of paper with the studio address.

When the big day came, they had awakened into a tense silence that only grew as the morning wore on. Inuyasha refused to speak to Kagome unless it was absolutely necessary. He couldn’t believe that his girlfriend was keeping something from him. They told each other everything. Finally, Inuyasha decided to simply get through the day. Hopefully, after that, they could get back to being themselves.

At noon, they arrived at the studio and were seated in a nice reception room. Inuyasha had coerced the receptionist into telling him what the show was. When he heard the name of the show, his brow wrinkled in confusion. Maury? What the hell was the Maury show? He was still busy trying to place the show that he didn’t notice when he was escorted into a sound-proof and scent-proof room. When he did finally notice, he was relieved to notice that the walls were see-through and that he could still see Kagome seated on a small couch nearby.

It had been about 20 minutes before he placed the name of the show. Wasn’t Maury one of those afternoon shows like Jerry Springer? His confusion only grew as he pondered why his Kagome would take them on one of those shows. They had a great relationship: together for four happy years. And soon, he smiled, that relationship would change as they welcomed their first child into the world. He placed his hand into his pocket and traced the velvet box in it. Inuyasha had taken to carrying around the small diamond engagement ring with him in case the perfect opportunity for a proposal presented itself. Maybe a proposal on national television would be in order? He imagined kneeling down in front of Kagome and presenting her with the small but beautiful diamond. Her eyes would fill with tears as the ring caught the stage lights and threw sparkles everywhere. A breathless yes later, Inuyasha would be the happiest man on the Earth. Yes, he thought, today was destined to be the day.

A movement from out of the corner of his eye caught his attention and he watched the producer approach Kagome and spoke with her. She nodded and the producer walked away, talking into his headset. Try as he might, he could not hear anything except for his own breathing. He frowned. These boxes really were soundproof. His attention snapped back to Kagome as she stood up and smoothed her knee length skirt. She noticed that her blouse had wrinkles in it and desperately attempted to straighten them. Inuyasha snorted in amusement. It didn’t really matter. The blouse was already distorted around her slightly bulging belly. She really had to go shopping again and get more maternity clothes. Her blue blouse had been loose on her, but now it stretched and looked slightly frumpy. Her skirt was knee length when she stood, and Inuyasha took the time to simply admire Kagome and her quiet beauty. He was extremely happy that he had chosen her over his ex-girlfriend Kikyo. After two years of dating he had discovered Kikyo cheating on him and stealing money. Even though he was desperately in love with Kikyo, he had the strength to walk away from her and in doing so, found Kagome.

Inuyasha watched as Kagome anxiously straightened her clothing. He decided that after he proposed to her and after they were done with this show, he would take her to the most expensive store he could find and splurge on a whole baby wardrobe for her. It would be a hit to his bank account, but one well worth it, he reasoned.

Finally the producer returned and took Kagome by the elbow. Right before she was taken out of his sight, the miko looked up into the half-demon’s golden eyes. Inuyasha tried to smile at her: his instincts were telling him to reassure his female even if he didn’t have the slightest idea what was going on. Kagome attempted to return the smile, but only got a faint twitching of the corner of her mouth. Then she was whisked out of his sight. Inuyasha sighed and sat on the stool provided for him. His dog ears twitched back and forth, trying in vain to hear anything. When only his own harsh breathing was detected, he gave up and went back into his thoughts.

Kagome, meanwhile, was fitting her microphone to the collar of her blouse. She nervously scanned the audience before she found Sango, her only support. Only two people knew the truth about Kagome’s predicament and it gave her comfort that one of them was seated right where Kagome could see her. She definitely needed the support, she thought, as she sent a small smile to Sango. Sango waved back and settled into her seat, watching the drama in front of her start to wind up. Sango prayed that Kagome was strong enough to go through with this. She was a typical emotional pregnant woman, but this secret desperately needed to be told before it was too late. She swallowed hard and slumped into her seat.

Maury came down and shook Kagome’s hand. “Hello, um, Kagome,” he said, consulting a small card in his hand. “Now, today you are here to tell your boyfriend a secret. In a few minutes we are going to start taping. All you have to do is be calm and tell your story. Nothing will happen to you.” He nonchalantly waves his hand to indicate all of the burly men around the studio sporting t-shirts with BODYGUARD emblazoned on them, to make her feel safer, she supposed. With relief, she noted a few demons among the guards and relaxed a little bit. Although he had not done so in a very long time, Inuyasha could easily lose control of himself and his demon blood. If that happened, Kagome would be fortunate to walk away with her life.

With a few more reassurances, Maury shook her hand again and motioned her to have a seat. He retreated to the audience and signaled that he was ready for taping to being. There was a momentary hush in the audience and then the bright orange sign that said APPLAUSE started blinking. Kagome was momentarily deafened by the roar that came from the group of men and women in front of her and suffered a moment of intense doubt. Was this really the best way to tell Inuyasha, she wondered?

Her name cut through her foggy thoughts. Her head snapped up and she realized that Maury had just announced her and was explaining that she had a secret to tell her boyfriend Inuyasha. Kagome took a deep breath. Whatever she thought of this situation now, it was here and she had to pay for her actions. Maury came down the stairs with five cameras swinging to make sure that every movement was caught perfectly. Kagome started to sweat as every camera in the room came to rest on her when Maury approached her and shook her hand. They sat down and Kagome struggled to focus. This was a very, very, VERY bad idea, she decided. The bright lights threw harsh glares everywhere and Kagome was positive that every member of the audience could see the sweat starting to bead at her temple.

“So Kagome, you have a secret. Can you share it with us?” Maury asked. Kagome nodded and swallowed hard. She took a deep breath, opened her mouth and said, “I have been with my boyfriend Inuyasha for four years. He is a half-demon and I am a miko, but somehow we worked well together. The reason I am here today is because,” here she paused to gesture to herself, “I am about 4 months pregnant.” Maury interrupted, “Well I would hope that is a good thing for the two of you. What, is he unwilling to support this child?” “No, no,” Kagome interjected, waving her hands. “Inuyasha is thrilled about the baby. His entire family is extremely happy for the two of us. But,” she trailed off, her hands finding the hem of her blouse and twisting compulsively.

Maury paused, like a wolf sensing an impending kill. “But what, Kagome?” Kagome swallowed hard and continued. “But the baby is not Inuyasha’s.” Gasps and screams and cat-calls exploded from the audience and rained down on Kagome’s bowed head. Maury was in his element and waved his hands for order. “Kagome,” he began, “do you know who the father of your baby is?” Kagome nodded, unable to speak under the weight of criticism from the audience. “Without a shadow of a doubt?” Maury pressed. Kagome nodded and spoke in a hushed voice, “Yes. The father is a demon and was able to tell me that the child I carried was his and not Inuyasha’s.”

Maury smiled to himself. This story just got better and better. “But Kagome,” he interrupted again. “How did you keep this from Inuyasha? Since he is a half-demon couldn’t he smell that the child was not his?” Kagome started blushing and in a matter of seconds her face resembled that of an apple. She started to mutter, but remembered what the producer had told her. She straightened up and faced the audience and spoke clearly. “I placed a scent changing spell on myself that made it seem like the baby was Inuyasha’s.” The cat-calls and yells erupted again and Kagome tried desperately to block them out. She could not let herself fall victim to the judgment of others, she thought. Although her heart felt heavy, she kept her head up amid the jeers.

“Well,” Maury yelled, making himself heard over the audience even without the help of a microphone. “Let’s bring out Inuyasha so he can join in this discussion.” Some music began and Inuyasha was escorted out onto the stage area. Kagome, however, could only hear her heart pounding in her ears. She watched the half-demon who loved her for four years walk across the stage towards her and she could only think: he doesn’t deserve this.

Too little, too late, her conscience reminded her. In the blink of an eye, Inuyasha was seated next to her in his own chair and Maury prompted her to speak to him. “Kagome, please share with Inuyasha what you just shared with the rest of us.” Suddenly, her mouth went dry and her vision became blurry with tears. Inuyasha sensed her sudden distress and reached out to touch her face. “Kagome, whatever it is,” he said, “we can face it together. I trust you. I love you.” The tears became too much for Kagome after his proclamation of love. As they streamed down her face, she took a deep, sobbing breath. The audience was hushed, each and every person leaning forward in his or her seat to catch the reaction of the half-demon. Sango gritted her teeth and clenched her purse tightly between her hands. Her white knuckles gripped the leather so hard that she was in danger of breaking her own fingers from the force.

“Inuyasha, the baby,” she stopped, unable to continue. Inuyasha was growing more and more concerned for her with every passing second and struggled to find a way to reassure her, even though he had no clue what was going on. “Kagome, please, don’t cry. It’s ok, just tell me.” She gave one sob and whispered, “The baby isn’t yours.” Inuyasha froze and Maury said, “Louder please Kagome, I don’t think we all heard you.” Her heart froze and in her head she cursed Maury with every word she had ever heard Inuyasha use.

“The baby is not yours, Inuyasha.” The words were captured in the air and swirled around the half-demon’s head. Screams and hisses from the audience clouded his thoughts. His mind was confused and his demon was fighting to be released, to prove to Kagome that the child was in fact, his. With his last shred of sanity, he leaned close to Kagome and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes for a moment and then completely relaxed in his seat. He started to laugh softly and Kagome looked at him, confused. He opened his eyes and looked at her gently, “Kagome, love, the baby is mine. I can smell it. You’re obviously just overreacting with the stress and pressure of the pregnancy.”

Kagome’s head sunk lower and lower the longer Inuyasha spoke. She looked up at his blazing gold eyes, so familiar to her, and shook her head. The golden eyes, which had been warm with love, clouded with confusion. Inuyasha leaned forward to capture her hands and tried to tell her again, but she interrupted. “No, Inuyasha. I had a scent-spell up. I made you think that this child was yours.” Inuyasha froze again and his thoughts became misty again as his demon argued to teach the woman a lesson. Kagome started chanting under her breath and Inuyasha took another sniff. Yes, he discovered, her scent was changing. But it was back into her own, natural, pleasant scent. She was talking again and his mind struggled to catch up to her words. “I won’t let you smell me until I tell you who the father is.” At those words, something inside Inuyasha broke. His eyes started to tint pink and he knew that if he had to hear anymore, he was in danger of losing control. He tore his hands away from her and stood up and walked away. Kagome was behind him, pleading with him to listen to her, but now he was past listening. He needed space away from her if he was to think clearly. However, although he physically kept his demon in check, the anger of his demon came through in vocal form.

“No, Kagome. Stay away from me. Four years! Four goddamned years Kagome! I love you! I’ve been with you, faithfully for FOUR YEARS! I chose you over Kikyo! I’ve provided for you and lived with you for the last 10 months! Tell me why in the HELL that child, whom you said was MINE, is all of the sudden NOT mine! Who is the father Kagome?! WHO??” Kagome was in tears and the bodyguards were inching closer, ready to spring into the line of the camera should things get rough. However, Inuyasha was not planning to hurt Kagome. Although his demon demanded blood, his more rational side would not allow him to harm a pregnant and defenseless woman. He fought with himself, his claws drawing blood from his palms from the force of holding his demon back.

Kagome was beside herself with tears. Maury stood close to her with one arm around her, offering commercial comfort against the ragings of the half-demon before them. He leaned close to Kagome and asked her, “Kagome, we know that this hurts you just as badly as it hurts him.” Kagome only sobbed harder and Inuyasha stalked away to the far side of the stage, where he stood glaring in the opposite direction of Kagome. Maury pressed her again, knowing that there was only one thing needed to wrap up this episode. “Kagome, do you know who the father of your child is?” Kagome nodded and sniffed. “Is he here today?” Maury continued, setting up the characters as though they were pieces on a chess board. Kagome reddened again, but nodded. Inuyasha had whipped around to see Kagome’s nod and his eyes became red.

“Well,” Maury stated with false cheer, “Let’s bring him out! Please welcome him!” The audience once again broke into enthusiastic cheers and screams and Inuyasha was momentarily deafened. However, it wasn’t enough to distract him from the form coming through the doors onto the stage.

The man, no demon, stalked onto the stage and immediately commanded the attention of the entire studio. It was if an electric shock had been given to every person in that room. Long silver hair brushed against a well-tailored Armani suit and a maroon-striped hand raised up to replace a wayward lock behind his pointed ear. The maroon stripes on his face only served to heighten his beauty and above honey amber eyes, a blue crescent moon left no doubt as to the identity of the father of Kagome’s child. Inuyasha saw red and took one moment to desperately regain control of his body as it threatened to succumb into the rage of his demon.

When he had regained control, he looked and saw him comforting Kagome, promising her that he would take care of her and his child. Inuyasha discovered that he could move and talk again and proceeded to do both in a very Inuyasha-like fashion.

“SESSHOMARU, YOU SON OF A BITCH! WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO MY KAGOME!”

“Sesshomaru simply smirked and replied in a smooth and cultured voice, “Why Inuyasha, I’m afraid that your Kagome has been MY Kagome for at least,” here he paused and pretended to think, “Why, it’s been two years. My, how time flies.” Inuyasha remained motionless, but inside his demon staggered with the weight of the knowledge. ‘She’s been cheating on me? Kagome?’ Inwardly the half-demon was struggling to come to terms with this information. How could his sweet, innocent Kagome possibly be with his cold hearted bastard of a brother? Inuyasha’s blood red eyes locked onto the amber of Sesshomaru’s and Inuyasha gave a low, feral growl.

Gasps and cat-calls were ignored by the group on the stage. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were absorbed in their staring contest. Kagome was calming in Sesshomaru’s arms and Maury was standing to the side, grinning like the cat that got the bird. Maury waved his hands and said, “Wait a minute, wait a minute. Inuyasha, do you know this man?” The audience hushed and waited with baited breath, although there was no question about the connection these two men shared. “This son of a bitch is my older half-brother!” Inuyasha seethed.

The studio erupted in noise and every demon in the room winced as their sensitive hearing was assaulted. However, the two demons, or rather demon and half-demon, in the spotlight studiously ignored it. All of their senses were focused on the other and on the petite woman snuggled into the full demon’s arms. Kagome was slowly regaining control over herself. Damn these hormones, she thought, and gazed at the scene before her. She chanced a look at Sango, who was seated and smiling smugly as she watched Inuyasha try to intimidate his older brother. Sango caught her eye and gave her the thumbs up. Even in her situation, Kagome rolled her eyes. She knew that Sango liked Sesshomaru better than Inuyasha. The growls that echoed across the stage made her tear up again. She never meant to hurt him, her mind cried. Never like this.

Said half-demon was busy trying to regain some control over the situation. Since he was positive that there was no way he would be able to reason with his brother, he turned his eyes to Kagome. “Kagome.” Her head snapped up and tears began to stream down her face again as she heard Inuyasha’s pleading tone. “Kagome,” he whispered, “Why? Why him? I loved you. I was ready to propose to you.” He reached inside his pocket, which made Sesshomaru tense up and strengthen his grip on Kagome. However, when Inuyasha pulled out a box instead of a weapon, Sesshomaru relaxed. Kagome however did not. She jerked in his arms at the sight of the very small package and a sob tore its way from her raw throat.

Inuyasha tossed the box at her feet and gave a small laugh. “You know, for some reason, I still love you. I still want you.” Kagome gasped at him through her tears. Inuyasha continued, “If you pick up that box and accept me, I will be a father to that child. I love you Kagome and I’m willing to forgive you your mistake.” The audience went berserk as they let the half-demon know their own personal thoughts about the situation.

Sesshomaru growled deep in his chest and Kagome felt it reverberate in her body. “Foolish mutt. This was not a mistake. This child is an expression of our love and commitment to each other.” The words were quietly spoken, but the force behind them was enough to completely quiet the audience. Sesshomaru paused to take in the look of rage on Inuyasha’s face and then continued. “She knew exactly what she was doing and why she was doing it. The only reason she still kept up her little game with you,” a snarl tore its way from Inuyasha’s throat, “was because she was too kind-hearted to crush you.” Sesshomaru looked down at the woman in his arms and an idea grew in his head. He raised his head, smirked over at Inuyasha and then reached down to give Kagome a searing kiss. The audience, forgotten to the trio onstage, reasserted themselves by giving particularly loud screams and cat calls.

Inuyasha turned away. He couldn’t watch Kagome kiss his brother. And she was kissing him like she meant it too. He started to stalk off-stage when he heard his brother proclaim, “By the way Kagome, there was something I have been meaning to ask you.” A sense of foreboding filled Inuyasha and he turned so fast he thought he might have hurt himself. He was greeted with the sight of Sesshomaru on one knee – kneeling directly on Inuyasha’s ring – and presenting Kagome with a velvet box. He opened it and Inuyasha was momentarily blinded by the lights flashing off of the generously sized diamond. Sesshomaru looked solemnly up at Kagome and said, “Kagome, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife and mate?” No, no, no, Inuyasha’s mind kept chanting. This was wrong. He was supposed to propose to Kagome. She was supposed to become his wife. Inuyasha’s mind started to go fuzzy. This is wrong, his demon howled.

The audience was completely involved in the drama and started chanting “YES YES YES YES YES YES YES”, completely forgetting the half-demon in the doorway. Kagome’s reply was completely drowned out, but Sesshomaru left no doubt as to what it was as he bounded up and gave her another heated kiss as he slipped the ring on her finger. Maury was on one side of the stage absolutely beside himself with glee at the turn this segment had taken. Perhaps he could do a special on this! This was hot stuff! Sango joined the rest of the audience as it spilled onto the stage to congratulate the new couple.

The forgotten half-demon at the stage door gave one more look on the situation. The love of his life was nestled in the arms of his brother, tears of joy streaming down her flushed cheeks. His brother was ignoring all of the action around them and focusing solely on the treasure in his arms. The audience was forming a happy mob around the pair, with one member, whom he now recognized as Sango, fighting her way through to be with the couple. Inuyasha looked at the scene as though having an out of body experience and despite the noise, he swore that he heard his heart shatter into millions of pieces.

Inuyasha turned his back and walked away. It was over. There was no way he would get her back from Sesshomaru. That bastard was very possessive of his things and right now Kagome was the most important entity in his life. Inuyasha left the studio and started walking, completely bypassing his car. In a daze, he looked for the nearest bar. The only thing to do, he decided, was to get completely drunk. After that, who knows. He absentmindedly wondered what Kikyo was up to these days.

Back in the studio, Kagome had tears in her eyes again. These tears were a mixture of joy and pain. She had been the only person to notice or care about Inuyasha’s departure. Sesshomaru had whispered in her ear, “Kagome, I know you’re hurting. But trust in me and in our love, especially the love that we are creating.” His hand rested on her abdomen and she felt the baby kick his/her father’s hand. His voice had a smile as he continued, “I love you Kagome. Let’s go home. Together.”

Yes, Kagome thought, this would be ok. She would be with the love of her life. Her baby would know his or her true father. With time, perhaps she could rekindle a friendship with Inuyasha. But for now, what was important was this family right here. Kagome smiled through her tears and looked up at Sesshomaru. Her smile dazzled him and the words she spoke were the sweetest music Sesshomaru had ever heard. “I love you too. Let’s go home.”

Fin

Alright! That’s it! This is my first story, so any feedback or comments would be very helpful. Review and thanks for reading!
Unlikelygoddess