Sorry for the late update guys. My stupid computer got busted and I was stuck with two overly-excited younger cousins for two weeks.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed last time. To my anonymous reviewers Mimi and Lucinda2323 please leave your e-mail address so that I can reply back.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

"Talking"

'Thinking'

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When Kikyo returned back to her room it was still quiet early, early morning rays seeped through here and there but it still was dark. Opening her door she silently stared at the small bundle on her bed. She moved in and closed the door behind her.

She was wrong. There is something more important than making love to Sesshomaru.

Like Kenji.

Like earning Sesshomaru's love and trust again.

Even all the lovemaking in this world could not ease away the emptiness, the loneliness in her heart. That invisible wall that he has put between them still remains. Sesshomaru was doing his best to reduce their lovemaking into sex.

True Sesshomaru did took her with passion and hunger but the emotional detachment still remained, it didn't lessen only grew. He kept his emotions and feelings hidden and shared only his body with her.

Closing her eyes she leaned against the door. She wanted Sesshomaru, needed him in her life. She loves him and wanted him to be like he was before with her, passionate and tender. She wanted the Sesshomaru who used to love and cherish her, not the cold demon lord. Her heart ached at his change towards her. She wished she could just erase all the past tragedies and melt that icy barrier he has formed around him.

Though he never uttered words of affections to her, a small part of her wished that he would.

If only he would say a word of love or show a sign of deeper feelings towards her.

She needed to win his love and trust again but his cool attitude towards her only put a crack on her resolve. Perhaps things can never be the same again between them but then again she wouldn't know till she has tried.

She must, she has to. For Kenji, for her and for him as well. She has to if she really wants their almost broken marriage to work, if she really loves Sesshomaru. She was determined to make it work.

'No more running away. Not this time. Not now or ever.'

XXxXx

By the time Kikyo was showered and dressed Kenji was wide awake and bouncing up and down on her bed. His delight on seeing her again made her smile warmly, making her worries disappear in an instant. He lunged himself at his mother's awaited arms, hugging her like he would never let go again. His tight grip on her almost made her lose her breath.

"Mommy, Mommy."

Beaming at him and holding him close she sat down on her bed. She kissed his cheeks and forehead, kissing him all over the face. Grinning Kenji gave his mother a sloppy kiss on the cheek.

"I miss you Mommy, I lovu."

Kikyo chuckled slightly at his mispronunciation but smiled at him affectionately.

"I missed you too and mommy loves you as well baby."

He squealed in delight as his mother tickled him. Laughing along with him Kikyo forgot all about her uncertainties and worries. Showering Kenji with affectionate kisses Kikyo held him close to her heart. This past few days had been like hell to her and now finally having her baby in her arms she couldn't help but be overcome by her emotions.

"How are you and what have you been doing all this time?"

Grinning Kenji hugged her mother and told her all about his adventures and activities since he arrived. From playing with miniature trains and cars to riding a two-headed dragon, having lots to eat and watching lots of cartoon on TV, Kikyo assumed that he certainly had the time of his life and judging by his expression he enjoyed it as well.

His happy chatter continued through out his bath to breakfast. He sat on her lap while they ate and ever since she arrived on the western-lands she found her appetite back again. After breakfast Kenji started exploring the private garden at the palace while she sat and watched him as he found a butterfly on one of the flowers.

Hearing footsteps she looked up hoping to see Hitomi with the promised coffee but it wasn't Hitomi. Instead in front of her stood a dark-haired man clad in a casual suit. His dark brooding eyes regarding her intently as he smiled wickedly at her.

Kikyo's eyes widened and she stared at him horrified. Fear gripping her like a vice as she recognized the man standing in front of her, Muso.

"Hello gorgeous. Long time no see."

Shock and fear paralyzed her, she wanted to move but couldn't. "What are you doing here?"

"Come on. Is this the kind of welcome I get after all of these years?"

He leaned forward and Kikyo jerked to her feet. "What are you doing here? You have no business coming here."

He frowned a little. "I am surprised that you are not pleased to see me, we do have some unfinished business you know."

She stiffened and directed her gaze towards her son.

"I have no business with you, so leave." Her voice firm.

Muso followed her gaze and stared at Kenji. His frown ceased and an evil smile grazed his features. "A beautiful child."

He moved forward and Kikyo's heart leaped but before she could stop him, he picked up Kenji by his arms and roughly grabbed his chin twisting his face from side to side inspecting him.

"He does have Lord Sesshomaru's features."

Kikyo grabbed Kenji and pulled him towards her. How dare he touch him? Pulling Kenji closer she glared at him. "I think I asked you to leave Muso."

Standing straight he looked at her casually, "You really shouldn't take that tone with me Kikyo. This isn't how you talk to your guests."

"You are no guest of mine so Leave."

Shrugging he sat down on one of the chairs changing the subject completely. "I can only assume you didn't tell Lord Sesshomaru about us."

"There is no us." She almost yelled.

"You are hurting my feelings darling Kikyo. How can you say that? We once had been very close. Very, very close."

She glared daggers at him. Angry tears stinging her eyes.

"Leave. Right now."

"Now, now Kikyo you really…"

"I said Leave. Leave right now."

Kikyo screamed loosing all her composure and not being able to tolerate his menacing presence any longer.

Hearing his lady scream, Raiha, who had been passing by, came scrambling into the garden, frowning when he saw Muso. Looking at Kikyo's tense form his frown deepened.

"Is something wrong my Lady?"

Seeing Raiha, Muso got up and flashed a smile. "No, nothing is wrong. I was about to leave anyway."

Walking away casually he slid a glance at her before whispering something that only she could hear. "I am back Kikyo and you can bet that this won't be our last meeting. We will see each other again soon."

He left then. Raiha frowned at him before he redirected his gaze back at Kikyo.

"Are you all right, my Lady?"

"Fine."

Without looking at his direction, Kikyo picked up Kenji and made her way back to her room.

Raihas' eyes narrowed in concern. What exactly happened here to make her so scared and tense? What did Muso do?

He can't say he really likes Muso or trusts him and he had a feeling that whatever reason why Kikyo might have left three years ago, Muso is bound to be behind it. Whatever that might be he is going to find out and soon.

XXxXx

Kikyo pushed Kenji inside her room and closed the door behind her. Turning away she leaned against it in hope of finding some support. But soon her legs gave away and she slumped helplessly on the floor. Her whole body shaking with suppressed emotions.

'Oh God! Help me. Please don't let him do this. Please don't let him ruin my life again.'

Hot tears blinded her vision and she placed her hand on her face, sobbing silently.

Small hands tugged insistently on her own hands and took it away from her face. She looked up to see Kenji looking at her with innocent curiosity and confusion. She could also see sadness on his face.

"Mommy."

He reached forward and rubbed away her tears with his small hands. "Don't cry. It makes Kenji sad."

His concern touched her and shed some light at her darkened life. Pulling him close she placed him on her lap. She wanted to say something but found it hard to speak. Managing a small affectionate smile she replied in a small voice.

"Its alright baby. Mommy won't cry anymore."

But it was not alright, not as long as Muso is still there. Nothing can be alright.

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Sorry for the short chapter but my mind is numb at this moment. I will try to make the next chapter bigger.