*~*~*~* Chapter 1. Adoption
" What do you think Dad wants to talk about?" Inuyasha asked his older brother Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru didn't bother to reply to his little annoyance of a brother.
They were waiting for their Father to finish up an important phone call. Inutaisho wanted them to meet him in the living room too talk about some supposedly important matter.
* Inutaisho *
" Hello, Shikon Adoption Center." a woman answered.
" Yes, I'm calling about setting up a meeting with a Ms. Shina." he told the woman.
" Okay," he could hear the woman typing on a keyboard then she asked, " May I have your name, please?"
" Inutaisho Tama." he told her proudly, not to surprised by the gasp he heard from the woman on the other end of the phone.
" Oh my, the famous Mr. Inutaisho Tama !!?"she asked, not bothering to hide her shock.
" Yes, and I would like to set up my meeting with Ms. Shina." he told her firmly, affectively getting her back on track.
"Yes Mr. Tama. I will need to know the reason of this meeting." she told him, her voice going back to the normal kind secretary tone it was before.
" I am to finalize the adoption of my daughter." he stated, his own voice taking on a more of a proud fatherly tone. Hearing more typing, he waited. ' But I won't have to wait anymore after today.' he thought to himself.
" And what is her name?" the secretary asked him, her voice had seemed to gain an extra tone of happiness to it.
" Kagome." he said. The name used to be a name of just a normal little girl, but now it would be the name of his daughter, his pup.
" And this is the date you would like to finalize her adoption and take her home, correct?" she asked him, her hands still typing away on her keyboard.
" Correct." he replied, smiling.
" Shina has an opening in her schedule at 11:30. Is that acceptable?" she asked him.
" Yes. The sooner the better." he replied to her, his voice taking a much more happy tone than it was just a moment ago.
" Okay, Mr. Tama. I have all the information I need and your meeting will be held at 11:30. Shina will have the final papers for you to sign and you will be able to take Kagome home with you today!" she said excitedly. He was sure that she was smiling, just as he himself was.
" Thank you." he said gratefully. He truly was grateful though, because of her he had his meeting set and he would be able to take his daughter home today.
" It is my pleasure, Mr. Tama. I truly am happy for you and Kagome." she told him honestly. Inutaisho hung up the phone, his conversation done. Only now, a new one was to begin and he wasn't sure as to how he was going to go about it. It was 10:30, he noticed as he stood and walked out of his study, heading towards the living room where his two sons were suppose to be waiting for him.
** Sesshomaru and Inuyasha **
" What's takin' him so long?" Inuyasha grumbled, never one with much patience.
" You don't think we're in trouble do you?" he suddenly asked Sesshomaru, sounding worried as he tried to think back on what he possibly could have done, which happened to be a lot. " I wouldn't doubt that you are. You're always in trouble, you half- wit. And you probably dragged me into it as well." Sesshomaru snapped at him, making Inuyasha's ears flatten back against his head.
"I didn't do anything!!!" Inuyasha yelled his defense at him. " Silence your mouth, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru demanded, as he hit him on the head. " Why you!!!" Inuyasha growled out as he lunged for Sesshomaru's head, but missed and crashed into the side of the couch.
" You're pathetic, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru taunted as he gracefully sat back down on the couch. " Feh, I just don't wanna beat your ass while dad is here!" he retorted, crossing his arms over his chest.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Inutaisho walked in the living room to see an annoyed looking Sesshomaru and an angered Inuyasha with his arms crossed in his most famous and highly used pose. Sighing at the sight he called " Jaken!" And the said servant came running into the room, bowing like crazy.
" Yes Sir, Inutaisho?" He asked shakily. " Go and have the room to the left of mine prepared." he ordered the shaking servant. " Y-Yes ,Sir." Jaken replied and ran out of the room as fast as his wimpy legs would carry him.
" Father, why are you having a room in the family wing prepared?" Sesshomaru questioned. " Yeah, I don't get it." Inuyasha told him. Inutaisho shook his head and sighed as he looked at his watch. 'I at least have a good 30 minutes to tell them.' he thought as he sat in a chair across from the couch they were sitting on.
" I've decided to adopt a child." he stated, like it was no big deal, as he watched their reactions. Sesshomaru, as he expected didn't show any reaction, just sat there with his normal icy, bored stare. Inuyasha on the other hand, almost fell off the couch in shock. But he recovered enough to yell/ ask, " WHAT!!!?"
Inutaisho sighed at his son. " You heard what I said Inuyasha. I'm going to go get her in a little while." He stated calmly with a fatherly look." Her?" they both asked at the same time. " Yes, you'll have a new little sister." He told them with a smile. ' This isn't going to well, but it is perhaps better than what I thought their reactions would be.' he thought to himself.
" So I'm not gonna be youngest any more.?" Inuyasha asked with a mischievous gleam in his eyes that his father instantly caught. " Yes. And you will be nice to her." Inutaisho demanded his youngest son, with a 'you better not cross me look'. Inuyasha just gave a little 'Feh' as he returned to his famous pose.
" Father, why are you doing this?" Sesshomaru questioned him with a glare. " Because Sesshomaru, you need to learn how to love, you're to cold and distant. Inuyasha, you need to learn some responsibility for you tend to act somewhat childish for your age. I think that by having a younger sister, she can teach you both love and responsibility." He told both of them, returning the glares that they had sent his way.
" How young, is younger?" Inuyasha asked, still being moody. " She just turned 7." Inutaisho replied as he watched his sons some more. He leaned back in his seat, seeming content, before he began.
" I'm doing this for me as well." he said with a warm, relaxed smile. " Yeah? How is that?" Inuyasha asked, still with his arms crossed over his chest, obviously thinking that this was some sort of punishment.
"Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, I really do want another pup. But since your Mothers have past, I cannot. And I don't want to take another mate. So , This is what I've decided. I think she'll be a great blessing to our family, and we 'all' will be able to learn from her. Now I know it'll be different, but it'll be nice to have a female in the house." Inutaisho said with a smile.
" Dad do you even know anything about her? You haven't even said what her name is." Inuyasha stated, giving him a smirk as he frowned. Suddenly Inutaisho smiled widely at him, making Inuyasha's smirk disappear from view. " Well, she's a miko!" He stated excitedly. It took a moment for Inuyasha to process what he had just said, but when he did, he exploded." What!!? Do want us all to be dead!!? You can't adopt a miko, she purify us to hell!!" Inuyasha yelled.
Inutaisho just held up a hand in her defense, a frown on his face due to his sons outburst. " I can and 'did' adopt her, Inuyasha. You shouldn't worry though, I've been informed on more than one occasion that she doesn't know how to use her powers, she's harmless. At least until I train her." He said with mocking smile towards Inuyasha. "Feh, You'll be the one to get fried first!" He retorted. Inutaisho just shook his head at his youngest attitude. ' Always thinking or 'doing' something crazy.' he thought to himself.
He turned his gaze to his eldest son, who's opinion on the matter hadn't been heard yet. Sesshomaru obviously new it was his turn to speak of the matter." Inuyasha Is barley out of pup-hood, and so you want 'another' one? You want another to act like 'him' ?" Sesshomaru asked, disapprovingly. " Feh, as if anyone would like her to act like you!" Inuyasha growled back, defending himself.
" Sesshomaru, Inuyasha!" he barked, instantly silencing the two who had started growling at each other. " You two will be on your best behavior, no fighting whatsoever today! You understand!?" Inutaisho yelled at them. " Yes Sir." they both answered at the same time. " Good. Now I have a meeting to go to at 11:30. I will be bringing her home after." He told them. Having his car keys in hand, he walked into the large garage that had about five other cars in it. Getting into his own car, he began his drive to the Adoption Center.
*~*~* Shikon Adoption Center *~*~*
" Oh Kagome, I have great news for you!" Shina chimed, beaming a bright smile down at the girl who was currently sitting in a large bean-bag chair reading a book.
Kagome stopped her reading and got up to give her a hug before asking, " What Is great news?" Shina returned the hug. " Kagome, Your adoption will be finalized today! You will be going to live with Mr. Tama! Isn't it great!" She screamed with excitement, hugging her again.
" Today?!" Kagome asked excitedly, hoping she had heard right. " Yes! Yes, Kagome! TODAY!" she said a bit slower while laughing slightly. Kagome started jumping up and down, but she suddenly stopped. Shina noticing this asked, " What's the matter Kagome?" Her face had taken on a seriousness that she had never before seen on the small, young girl.
" Shina, what about you? And my friends? I won't be able to see them anymore, will I?" she asked, her large doe eyes gazing trustfully into Shina's. Shina sighed and knelt down to Kagome's level, giving her a tight hug of reassurance. She could always tell small' little white lies' to the other children to make them feel better, though she didn't truly like doing it, she felt that that is what they were asking her. Their eyes had asked her to tell them that everything would be okay, even if she didn't truly know if it would be.
But it was not that way with Kagome. No, Kagome had always been different. She would always want the truth, even if it meant that she wouldn't like the outcome. She had never lied to Kagome and she wouldn't start to now.
" Oh, Kagome. You've always been so selfless, always putting others before yourself, before your own happiness. You've always been this way, frankly I want to know who you get it from!" she laughed, making Kagome laugh to and lighting the mood before she continued, " Honey, you have to learn to do some things for yourself, for your own happiness. If you don't, you may never be happy." she told her with a sad sigh.
" But.." Kagome was cut off by Shina speaking, her voice was soft and caring," We want you to be happy, Kagome, we all do. That's including all of your friends. I think they would be rather sad if you chose not to go because of how they may feel. They may be sad to see you go, Kagome, but that sadness will go away, while yours won't, not for a long time. Don't miss out on your own happiness, Kagome. Don't do it." she said as she smiled.
Kagome took what Shina had said to heart. She would be really sad if she didn't go. She was the one of the oldest kids here at the adoption center. She thought nobody would ever want her because she was a miko. This was the first family that had even considered her, and they wanted to adopt her now! That wasn't something she could just ignore, plus for the fact that the man who wanted to adopt her was super nice. Also strong and handsome.
" You're right, Shina. I would be sad if I didn't go. I always wanted to be in a family and now I am!" she said with a bright smile on her face that Shina immediately returned her way. " Come on then! We have to pack up your things!" Shina told her as she grabbed Kagome's hand and lead the way to her shared room to get her things.
Kagome had about five sets of clothing and about three sets for pajamas. So it didn't take long before her bag was packed. Once they were done, Shina lead began to lead them down the many halls of the center to her office.
* Inutaisho *
Inutaisho parked his car in the front parking lot of the adoption center. Getting out he walked into the building and up to the front desk.
" May I help you Sir?" a woman asked politely. He took note of her voice and realized that this woman wasn't the secretary he spoke to on the phone. With that in mind he answered her. " Yes, I have a meeting with Ms. Shina at 11:30." he told her.
" Okay." she replied and looked on the computer for all of the scheduled appointments. " This is for finalizing an Adoption?" she asked him as she checked over her information that was on the computer. " Yes." he simply replied.
" Oh! You're adopting Kagome?" The woman asked surprised." Yes, is there a problem?" He asked, not liking the sound in her voice and getting a little agitated at the woman.
" No, there is no problem. It's just that Kagome has been here since she was born, and because she is a miko, no one has even considered about adopting her. Even though we tell them she doesn't know how to use her powers, it doesn't matter. I'm glad that you've decided on her, she really is such a great girl!" the woman told him, sounding truly happy for him.
He nodded his understanding as he spoke," Hmmm, I see. I have been informed that she has been here since she was born, but I was never told as to why that was. Would you mind ?" Inutaisho asked, trying to get as much information as he could.
Nodding the woman agreed to answer his question, not seeing it as any problem since he was going to be Kagome's new Father." Kagome's Mother was only 15 when she gave birth to her and sadly died from complications. Her Father was also very young ,around 16 or 17, at the time. All I know is that he was unfit to be a Father to her and so gave her up to the Center. She has been here all this time. I'm glad she has been adopted and will finally have that family she deserves." she said with a warm smile gracing her face.
Inutaisho smiled as courteous smile in return and nodded his head in agreement, truly not knowing what to say or how to reply to what the woman had said.
The woman got up from her desk, walking around it she said, " I'll go and find Shina. She will have all the papers you need to sign. It was really nice meeting you Mr. Tama." she told him and bowed in respect before she left.
Inutaisho sat down in a chair and waited. The wait wasn't long, but it seemed longer when he was not only waiting to sign some more papers but to take home his daughter. After all this time of meetings and signing his signature he was finally able to take her home. Brought out of his musings when he heard footsteps, he looked up to see Shina and the woman from the front desk and behind Shina was Kagome.
Standing from his chair as they came closer only to stop a few steps away in front of him. Shina closed the gap slightly as she held out her hand in greeting, a big smile on her face. He smiled warmly at the woman in front him as he shook her hand. This was the woman who made this all possible and he couldn't be more grateful to her.
" Today is the day. A day I'm sure you have been waiting for?" Shina asked him excitedly. His smile never faded as he answered, " Yes, I have been waiting. A Bit to long I think." he added with slight humor and laughing lightly. The sound of his laugh put a smile instantly on Kagome's face.
" Then lets go and get this done than shall we?" she asked more pointedly at Kagome who was at her side now. Kagome nodded her head energetically to her and Inutaisho couldn't agree any more.
As all three were about to enter her office she stopped. " Kagome, we have some things to discuss still. Would you mind waiting with Yuai ( You-ay) for a little bit?" she asked her. Kagome took a few seconds to think it over before nodding her head and walking over to the secretary's desk.
Shina unlocked the door and held it open politely for Inutaisho. Closing the door after he had entered she walked around and sat behind her desk while Inutaisho took one of the seats that were in front of it. " Theses are the final papers, Mr. Tama." she told him. He nodded politely, though it wasn't like he didn't know what they were in the first place.
Handing them to Inutaisho, he read through them. When he was done, she showed him where to sign and did. When he finished with the last signature, they both stood. " Okay, Mr. Tama. Lets go see your new daughter!" she said happily. He held the door for her this time as she lead the way to where Kagome sat on the secretary's lap, playing with a painting program on the computer.
She immediately jumped down from Yuai's lap and walked over to them. " Kagome are you ready?" Shina asked her. Kagome nodded to her and smiled happily up to her new Dad. Inutaisho got down on his knees in front of Kagome. " I think a better question would be, Are you Ready to be my daughter, Kagome?" His smile as warm as ever as he gazed into her large silver/blue eyes.
Kagome thought over what he had asked. She had met him many different times and liked him a lot. He was her new Dad and she was his daughter. She smiled to him before reaching out and giving him a hug.
He picked her up and hugged her close. " Yes." Kagome answered into his neck, still holding him tight. " Then let's go home. I have some people I want you to meet." he told her, making Kagome pull away and look at him in question. He didn't answer her silent question though, just smiled as he held her in his arms and seeming very content.
He went and picked up her bag that was on the floor before turning back to Shina.
" Thank you, Ms. Shina." he said and bowed his head to her. " You can just call me Shina. I will be by in a couple of months to check and see how things are going. Alright with you Kagome?" she asked, giving her a big smile. Kagome nodded to her before laying her head back on her Dad's shoulder. With their goodbyes said and done, Inutaisho walked out of the center with his daughter in his arms.
After making sure that Kagome was buckled in, he started the car and began to drive home. The drive, which was quiet, took about 30 minutes. When they finally got there all Kagome could say was, " Wow!" Inutaisho smiled to her, " A little different than what you're used to I suppose. But this is now your home, Kagome" he said brightly to her as he continued to drive up the long driveway.
Once parked safely in the garage Inutaisho got out, walking over to the other side, he opened the door to get Kagome. He could tell by her sent that she was really nervous as he unbuckled her seat belt. ' I don't think she's going to move from that seat.' he thought. " Kagome, It's ok." He reassured her with a warm smile.
She gave a slight nod and got out of the car despite her nervousness. She jumped as Inutaisho closed the door behind her, he just smiled again to her, to try to calm her down some. He lead her out of the garage to be met by Sesshomaru and Inuyasha walking up to them. Kagome instinctively grabbed onto one of his legs, her nervousness to much for her to handle.-
Inutaisho placed his hand on her shoulder as they both walked forward to greet them. " Kagome I want you to meet your new brothers Sesshomaru my eldest," He gestured with his hand to the one with a crescent moon on his forehead, much like his own, " and this is Inuyasha, my youngest." he said as he gestured to the one with cute doggie ears.
" Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, this is Kagome." He told them as he pushed her forward a bit. Sesshomaru gave a respectful nod to her but didn't say anything . Inuyasha was different though and bent down to eye level with Kagome, inspecting her before he held out his hand to her.
Shaking her hand, he grinned. " Hey Kagome! I'm glad to have such a cutie for a little sister." Kagome blushed cutely at what he said but didn't say anything back, only smiled as she looked into his bright golden eyes that seemed to smile back at her. But then one of his ears on top of his head wiggled, affectively catching her attention.
Staring at them for a moment she asked innocently, " Are they real?" as she reached up with a small hand and rubbed one. Inuyasha had almost instantly fell into a daze, precisely why he never let anyone touch or especially 'rub' his ears. Inutaisho let out a laugh, and pulled Kagome's hand back. " Yes Kagome, Inuyasha's ears are very real, and he doesn't like it very much when other's touch them." he smiled at her, still chuckling a little at his dazed son.
" Oh, sorry." Kagome said to Inuyasha as he snapped out of his daze. " Keh, Its fine, just don't do it again." He told her as he patted her head, a slight blush painted upon his cheeks from embarrassment. " Lets go inside." Inutaisho said as picked up Kagome's bag and lead the way in, Kagome following close to his legs again.
* Tama Mansion *
Once inside he turned to Kagome. She looked at him, expecting him to say something. " Do you want me to show you your room now?" he asked her, one of his eyebrows were raised and a small smile still on his face. She thought about it for a moment before responding with a nod and followed him up to the family wing.