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Chapter 15 - Baby

Kagome's heart ached as she spent her nights alone, moving from cave to cave in a desperate attempt to evade Sesshomaru's relentless pursuit. Days turned into nights, and still, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was always just a breath away.

One fateful evening, as she cautiously navigated the dense forest, Kagome's ears picked up the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. Her body instinctively froze as she swiftly hid behind a towering tree, peering around the corner with wide, fearful eyes. Her gaze fell upon Sesshomaru's imposing figure, his silver hair flowing majestically as he walked away. A tiny flicker of hope ignited within her, but it was quickly extinguished when she turned her head forward and found Sesshomaru standing directly before her, his face twisted with cold anger.

Defeated, Kagome sat there, her eyes meeting his piercing gaze. Sesshomaru wasted no time grabbing her wrist, his grip ironclad as he began leading her toward Kaede's village. Desperation surged through Kagome's veins as she pleaded with him, "Sesshomaru, please let me go."

However, her words were ignored. Sesshomaru remained silent, his eyes locked on some distant point as he continued to drag her forward. Kagome resisted, dragging her feet to slow him down, but her efforts were futile. She knew she had to find a way to escape, but with Sesshomaru's overwhelming strength, it seemed impossible.

As Sesshomaru and Kagome arrived at her humble hut, the tension between them was palpable. With his cold, steely gaze, Sesshomaru finally released Kagome from his grip. "Tell this Sesshomaru what you have been hiding," he demanded, his voice laced with ice.

Kagome stood by the door, her eyes downcast. She knew she couldn't keep her secret from Sesshomaru forever but feared the consequences if she told him. "I can't," Kagome whispered, her voice trembling. "It's best if you don't know."

Sesshomaru's gaze sharpened as he looked at Kagome. He sighed, a mixture of frustration and resignation. He walked to his desk and began reading scrolls angrily, trying to distract himself from the mystery surrounding Kagome.

Kagome watched him, doubt and uncertainty swirling in her mind. She bit her lips, then turned and left the hut. As she walked away, tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn't bear to see Sesshomaru's disappointment and anger.

Kagome walked far into the forest, unaware of where she was going. Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly bumped into Inuyasha, sitting on a tree branch with his sword in the middle.

Inuyasha opened his eyes, surprised to see Kagome. "Kagome," he said softly.

"Inuyasha," Kagome replied coldly. She bowed her head in respect before turning and leaving. At that moment, she couldn't handle anyone, especially Inuyasha.

Kagome soon found a lake and began to meditate. As she focused her mind, her aura grew stronger and stronger, creating a harsh barrier around her. She couldn't control it. She tried to stop meditating, but it was too late. The power was consuming her.

Kagome's aura continued to grow, creating a disturbance in the forest. Animals fled, and the trees swayed as if in a storm. In the dimly lit chamber, Sesshomaru's acute senses detected a subtle shift in the air, a whisper of change that stirred within Kagome. Yet he chose to ignore it, immersing himself further in his work, pushing aside the unease that gnawed at the edges of his consciousness.

Hours passed, and Kagome's body, overwhelmed by the relentless flow of power, succumbed to exhaustion. She slipped into unconsciousness, unaware of the passage of time or the circumstances that had brought her to this secluded realm. When she awoke, her mind was clouded with confusion and disorientation. Darkness enveloped her, suffocating her senses. As she groped around for answers, her hands encountered only emptiness. Panic surged through her veins as she struggled to rise, but an invisible force pinned her down, rendering her helpless.

"When were you going to tell this, Sesshomaru?" A cold and unforgiving voice pierced through the darkness.

Kagome's heart skipped a beat. Sesshomaru! But where was he?

"Tell you what?" she asked, her voice trembling. The silence that followed was deafening.

"Tell you what, Sesshomaru?" she repeated, louder this time, desperation creeping into her tone. She was still waiting for an answer. He remained concealed in the shadows, his presence a chilling specter.

Then, his voice whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "That you are with child," he said, his words like shards of ice.

Kagome's body went rigid. "I am not," she denied vehemently, her voice laced with disbelief.

"Hn," was his only response.

"I am telling you the truth," Kagome insisted, her voice rising in pitch.

"You're lying," he accused.

"I am not!" Kagome cried out, her voice echoing in the darkness.

Sesshomaru remained silent, his cold indifference cutting her more deeply than any blade.

Again, Kagome tried to get up, but she found herself pinned against the wall by Sesshomaru. His hands were firmly holding hers, preventing her from moving. "Tell this, Sesshomaru," he said, his voice cold and emotionless. Kagome stood there, silent, battling within herself whether to tell him the truth or not. She knew that if she did, it would change everything forever.

After a moment of silence, Sesshomaru spoke again. "This Sesshomaru shall call a medic to check you then." He released her hands and left the hut, leaving Kagome alone.

Kagome slumped to the floor and cried. She knew she needed to run away, but she was afraid. Afraid of everything. She was worried about what Sesshomaru would do to her if he found out the truth and what would happen if she left. She longed for her mother, wishing she was there to comfort and guide her.

With tears streaming down her face, Kagome quickly packed some of her belongings and snuck out of the hut. She knew that the medic would come to check on her in the morning, and she didn't want to be there when he did.

Despite being only two months pregnant and soon to be three, Kagome's small bump was already becoming visible. She didn't know how she would hide it, but she was determined to do whatever it took to keep her secret safe.

Kagome ran until she was breathless, her tiny legs aching with exhaustion. She had managed to put half a mile between herself and the hut, but she knew it wasn't enough. She needed to get as far away as possible.

Finally, when she could no longer run, Kagome stumbled upon the ancient well. Without hesitation, she jumped in, not looking back. She knew this was her only chance to escape and wouldn't waste it.

In The Morning

As Sesshomaru approached the hut alongside the medic, his senses alerted him to Kagome's absence. The silence in the hut was deafening, a stark contrast to the chirping of the crickets and the rustling of leaves outdoors. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the empty spaces where Kagome's presence had once been so palpable. A wave of unease washed over him, causing his fur to stand on end.

Without a word, Sesshomaru turned and exited the hut. His canine instincts took over as he followed Kagome's scent, which had grown faint after several hours. The trail led him to the outskirts of the village, where he stood before the well that Kagome had mysteriously left by. The cold November wind whistled past his ears, carrying the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves.

Sesshomaru stood there momentarily, his amber eyes fixed on the well. His thoughts raced, trying to piece together what might have happened. He had no business staying in the village any longer, as his sole purpose for being there was to visit Kagome and Rin. Over time, as Rin grew older, his visits to her became less frequent, and he focused solely on visiting Kagome. But now that Kagome was gone too, he had no reason to remain.

With a heavy heart, Sesshomaru turned away from the well and headed west. He had no intention of staying in the village any longer. He would continue his journey, seeking solitude and purpose in the vast wilderness. As he walked, his mind wandered back to Kagome, wondering where she had gone and why she had left without a word. A longing filled his heart, a feeling he had never experienced before.

As the snow fell heavily in the modern era, Kagome rushed inside, her heart pounding with fear and uncertainty. She found her mother in the living room, and as she entered, a wave of relief washed over her. Kagome ran to her mother and collapsed into her arms, sobbing uncontrollably. She poured out her heart, explaining the events between Sesshomaru and her. The weight of her secret had become unbearable, and she couldn't keep it from her mother any longer.

After composing herself, Kagome quickly changed out of her kimono and into a pair of cozy pajamas. She was comforted as she sipped on a warm cup of hot chocolate. She realized that she needed time to heal and process everything that had happened.

Days turned into weeks, and Kagome stayed with her mother. As her belly grew more prominent, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. She had made a promise to herself to tell Sesshomaru about her pregnancy after Christmas, but fear gnawed at her heart.

Finally, Christmas arrived, and Kagome was showered with baby gifts and well wishes. While she appreciated the love and support of her family and friends, a sense of unease lingered in her mind. She knew she couldn't delay telling Sesshomaru any longer.

As the day of her departure approached, Kagome felt a mix of emotions. She was excited to see Sesshomaru and share the news of their child, but she was also terrified of his reaction. She had no idea how he would receive the news, and her future seemed uncertain.

With a heavy heart, Kagome bid farewell to her mother and set off on her journey. As she traveled, her thoughts returned to her time with Sesshomaru. Despite the challenges they had faced, she couldn't deny the love she felt for him. She hoped that he would understand and accept her decision. 

As Kagome emerged from the well, she was immediately met with a harsh winter landscape. The wind howled around her, carrying snowflakes that stung her exposed skin. She had donned a more oversized kimono to conceal her growing belly, but it was impossible to ignore even beneath the layers of fabric. Kagome tightly wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the cold as she trudged through the deep snow. The wind whipped at her hair around her face like wild serpents. After what felt like an eternity, Kagome finally spotted the distant lights of Kaede's village. A surge of relief washed over her as she quickened her pace, desperate to escape the biting cold that was turning her hands a worrying shade of purple.

When Kagome finally reached Kaede's village, she was greeted by the sight of the older woman, who smiled warmly at her. Kaede slid open the doors of her home, and Kagome gratefully stepped inside. She immediately lit a fire in the fireplace, the flames dancing and flickering as they began to warm the room. Kagome retrieved and wrapped herself in her quilt, savoring the comforting warmth that enveloped her.

Kagome heard a gentle knock on the door as she sat by the fire. She had only just arrived, so she wondered who it could be. She rose from her spot by the fire and went to the door. She was surprised to see Sango standing there as she slid it open. "Kagome!" Sango exclaimed with a smile. As she went in for a hug, she noticed a strange gap between her stomach and Kagome's. "Kagome, are you...?" she began hesitantly, pulling away from the hug.

Kagome's heart skipped a beat. She had hoped to keep her pregnancy a secret for longer, but Sango had already figured it out. "Yes," Kagome said softly, "I am. But please, don't tell anyone. Sesshomaru doesn't know either."

Sango's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly replaced it with a warm smile. "Of course, Kagome," she said. "Your secret is safe with me."

As Sango and Kagome sat by the fire, the flickering flames casting a warm glow upon their faces, Kagome hesitated. She had been wrestling with a secret for weeks and knew she couldn't keep it from Sango any longer.

"Sango, I need your advice," Kagome began, her voice uncharacteristically soft. "How do I tell Sesshomaru?"

Sango's gaze met Kagome's, her eyes filled with understanding. She had always known that Kagome and Sesshomaru's bond was special, but she could sense that something was troubling her friend.

"Kagome," Sango said, sipping her warm tea thoughtfully, "it's better to tell him now. Surely, if he finds out you hid it from him the entire time, he would be furious."

Kagome nodded slowly, her mind racing. She knew Sango was right, but she feared how Sesshomaru would react. He had always been so protective of her, and she didn't want to hurt him.

"But what if he doesn't want the baby?" Kagome asked, her voice trembling.

"Kagome, Sesshomaru loves you more than anything in the world," Sango reassured her. "He would never want to hurt you or your child."

Kagome took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. She knew that Sango was right. She had to tell Inuyasha, and she had to do it now.

Sango stayed with Kagome until late into the night, offering her support and advice. As the winter worsened, Sango knew she had to return home. She bid Kagome farewell, promising to return soon.

Kagome watched from the window as Sango disappeared into the falling snow. She rubbed her belly gently, her heart filled with excitement and trepidation. She was four months pregnant and couldn't wait to share the news with Sesshomaru.

Kagome knew that telling Sesshomaru wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to do it. She loved him more than anything and knew he would love their child just as much. 

Kagome's heart pounded in her chest as she held the ink pen. She began to write, pouring her heart and soul onto the parchment. She shared her joy and excitement, as well as her fears and uncertainties. As she wrote, tears of happiness and trepidation streamed down her face. She carefully penned a letter to Sesshomaru with each stroke, pouring her emotions onto the paper. The words flowed effortlessly, expressing her longing for and desire to see him again. Once she had finished writing the letter, Kagome carefully folded it and reached for the wax to seal it. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow upon her as she pressed the wax onto the paper, securing the letter with a delicate touch.

Her hands trembled with anticipation as she picked up her bow and arrow. The cold winter snow crunched beneath her feet as she walked out of her hut, the wind whipping around her. With unwavering determination, she placed the letter on the arrow's tip, aiming it toward the west.

"Please send this to Sesshomaru..." Kagome softly chanted, her voice carried away by the wind. She released the arrow, watching as it soared through the air, a purple streak against the backdrop of the snowy landscape. Her eyes followed its trajectory until it disappeared into the distance, her heart filled with hope and anxiety.

Kagome returned to her hut, her mind consumed by thoughts of Sesshomaru. She sat by the fire, patiently waiting for his arrival. The hours seemed to stretch endlessly as she paced back and forth, unable to shake off her nervousness. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and anticipation. 

 Sesshomaru sat silently at his mahogany desk. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the walls. The only sound was the gentle crackling of the hearth fire.

Suddenly, an arrow pierced the tranquility, striking Sesshomaru's window with a sharp thud. He turned his piercing golden eyes toward the window, noticing a letter attached to the arrowhead. Curiosity kindled within him as he rose from his seat and strode to the window. Deftly, he untied the letter and opened it, his fingers tracing the elegant calligraphy.

The letter was from Kagome. As Sesshomaru read the letter, his expression softened. Kagome had returned to the past, and she had something of grave importance to share with him. The words she had penned piqued his interest, and he felt a surge of anticipation.

Carefully, Sesshomaru placed the letter on his desk and began to gather his belongings. He donned his flowing white robes, fastened his tessen, and retrieved his potent sword, Tenseiga. With a determined look, he stepped out of his chambers and into the winter night.

Kagome's heart skipped a beat as the moon rose above the horizon. She heard a rustling sound outside her hut, and her breath caught in her throat. She opened the door with trembling hands and stepped out into the twilight.

Sesshomaru stood before her. His eyes met hers, and emotion washed over them both. The world around them seemed to disappear then, and only their connection remained. 

Kagome welcomed him into her home, the familiar scent of incense lingering in the air as he entered. She gestured for him to sit at the sturdy wooden desk that had been a constant in her life, a relic from the past that she still cherished. As he stepped inside, he sat at the same desk Kagome had meticulously preserved. Sesshomaru's attention was solely fixed on her, his keen gaze searching her face.

Kagome's heart raced as she prepared to reveal a life-altering truth. As Kagome gathered her courage to speak, her voice trembled slightly with nervousness. "I... I am with child," she finally managed to say, her words hanging heavily in the air. The words tumbled out of her mouth, heavy with emotion. She bit her lip anxiously, her hands gripping the edge of the desk. "And it's yours," she added in a mumble, her gaze dropping to the floor as tears threatened to spill over.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Kagome repeated softly. The weight of her confession was almost too much to bear as she slumped down, burying her face in her hands. Sesshomaru was by her side instantly, his presence a comforting anchor as he enveloped her in a firm embrace. His touch was gentle yet firm, conveying a sense of comfort and support.

"This Sesshomaru is not angry," he assured her, his voice calm and steady. "Rather, I am pleased." He held her gently, his words sinking in slowly. Kagome lifted her head, her eyes wide with astonishment and hope mingled with disbelief.

"You... you're happy?" she whispered, the tension in her shoulders easing as relief washed over her. Sesshomaru's lips quirked into a rare smirk, a flicker of warmth in his typically composed expression.

"This Sesshomaru is indeed pleased that you are carrying my child," he affirmed, his voice resonating with pride and tenderness. Kagome felt a wave of gratitude and joy swell within her, a weight she hadn't realized she was carrying lifting from her heart. The weight of her guilt and anxiety dissipated, replaced by a newfound sense of hope and joy. 

Tears of a different kind welled up in Kagome's eyes now, tears of relief and unexpected happiness. She leaned into Sesshomaru's embrace, feeling his strong arms around her, anchoring her in this newfound understanding and acceptance moment. 

After their emotional exchange, Kagome gently withdrew from Sesshomaru's embrace, her heart pounding with relief and newfound hope. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for any trace of doubt or hesitation, but found only warmth and understanding in his gaze. Without a word, Kagome closed the distance between them, her hands reaching up to cradle his face as she pressed her lips against his. The kiss was a blend of longing and reassurance, a testament to the years they had spent apart and the bond that had endured despite everything.

Sesshomaru responded to her kiss with a surprising gentleness, his hands finding her waist as he pulled her closer. The taste of her lips, the softness of her touch—a moment frozen in time, a connection forged over centuries and now reignited with newfound intensity.

The world outside seemed to fade away as they kissed, leaving only the echo of their shared history and the promise of what lay ahead. For Kagome, it reminded him of the depth of her feelings for him, a love that had transcended time and trials. For Sesshomaru, it was a rare moment of vulnerability and acceptance, allowing himself to savor the sweetness of her kiss, a stark contrast to his usual stoicism.

In that intimate exchange, Kagome and Sesshomaru found solace and renewal, a silent agreement that their journey together was far from over. It was a moment of healing and affirmation, their hearts speaking volumes in the quiet of Kagome's home as they rediscovered the joy of being together after a thousand years apart.

In that quiet room, surrounded by memories and the promise of a future, Kagome and Sesshomaru shared a moment that transcended words, a silent promise of support and commitment amidst the uncertainties ahead. 

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