BlueMoon Goddess: Ok guys, as I was re-reading this chapter, I realized I had made a little mistake from chapter 20. I had it where the doctor was saying Kagome could have kids, but in fact she's actually pregnant. So ladies and gents, from the last chapter, she is currently pregnant and is a few weeks along. Any who, I did go back and make that change, so if you want to go back and re-read chapter 20, you're more than welcome to. If not then its fine, just wanted to make readers aware that she is pregnant.

Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha, its characters or the story 'Rivals of Desire' which this fic is based on.

Summary: Kagome Higurashi and Inuyasha Takahashi have hated each other since childhood. Now thanks to their mothers, their forced to work within the same business and its making Kagome want to kill him even more. But for Inuyasha, he's starting to see that there's something within her he never noticed before, and it's about time he did something about it.

The wedding was held at villa de Amore in California late the next week. They wanted to have it as soon as possible, especially Kagome, since she was in her early stages of pregnancy and wouldn't be showing for a few more months. She also decided to stay in a hotel in the city instead of staying with him. Of course, he never passed on an opportunity to urge her to move her things to his place.

"This is such a lovely gown." Kozakura marveled as she studied the gorgeous satin and chiffon creation. "It almost looks tailor-made."

"It is." Kagome confirmed as she returned the white, satin pumps to their case. "I sent Elizabeth my measurements and she had done it as a wedding gift."

Elizabeth James was a famous wedding down designer, as well as a long-time friend of Kozakura and Izayoi's, who they met years ago at a women's business venture. A few years ago, Elizabeth started designing outside of wedding gowns, and had even created specialty outfits for both of them whenever they had to do a charity event or attend a special gala.

"I haven't talked to Elizabeth in months. Is she coming to the wedding?"

"She really wants to!" Kagome called from the closet. "She's going to try and shuffle her appointments around and see what she can do."

"She always was a busy woman. Especially now that she designs other gowns besides weddings."

As Kagome returned to the bedroom suite, her eyes fell upon the gown hanging from the changing screen and she leaned against the dresser. "Mom…what's it going to be like being married to him after all this time?"

Kozakura gave her a knowing look. "It'll be wonderful, Kagome. There's nothing like marrying your best friend.

"Best friend…" Kagome repeated. "I never thought I'd be calling Inuyasha my best friend."

Kozakura walked across the room to hug her. "The two of you will have a wonderful life together."

"You promise?" Kagome asked, her brown eyes sparkling with happy tears.

Kozakura shook her head. "I don't have to. I know it's a sure thing. Especially with a little one on the way, it'll make it more fun."

The doorbell rang just then and Kozakura stepped back. "I'll get that on my way out." She said, patting Kagome's cheek.

"It's probably Inuyasha!" Kagome called. She turned back to the full-length mirror near the changing screen and smiled at her reflection. Wearing only a white satin chemise and matching panties, she smoothed her hands across her outfit, stopping for a few minutes and laying her hands flat on her stomach.

She still couldn't believe there was another life growing inside of her. After wishing and praying for the day she would be able to conceive and now her dreams were coming true. Kagome was so blessed to have the baby she always wanted, along with the man she loved. She couldn't have picked a better man than Inuyasha to have this child.

Just then, Inuyasha walked into the bedroom suite and saw her standing before the mirror. "I like it." He said.

Kagome smiled and turned to face him. "It's over there." She corrected, pointing to the covered wedding gown.

He snapped his fingers. "Damn." He whispered, slamming the door shut. He closed the distance between them and pulled her against him. "What are you thinking about?" He asked her after they'd stood in front of the mirror for a couple of minutes.

She took a deep breath and snuggled into Inuyasha's body. "I was thinking about our wedding—after our wedding. How long will it take before we kill each other." She teased, toying with his silvery mane.

Inuyasha pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I can't wait to find out." He whispered.

Kagome nudged her bottom against him and smiled when he grunted and turned her to face him. A low growl rumbled within his chest as his hands slipped beneath her satin chemise. She wound her arms around his neck and arched herself into his body. Her lashes fluttered closed and she shivered against the swirls of pleasure teasing her senses. Inuyasha pulled down the straps of the chemise and treated her shoulders with teasing strokes of his tongue. She threw her head back and whispered his name, as her hands stroked and kneaded the expanse of his back. Next, she was pulling the lightweight sweatshirt over his torso.

Inuyasha's hands rose to cup her breasts, his thumbs stroking the nipples until they grew firm and erect. Kagome went to work on the leather belt around the waistband of his blue jeans. When she unfastened the button fly, her fingers stroked the potent arousal bulging against his boxers. He pushed off his sneakers and stepped out of the jeans, then he lifted Kagome and carried her the short distance to the bed. He snuggled his face in the valley between her breasts, his hands rising once more to fondle their softness.

Kagome moved beneath him restlessly, her hands massaging his ass. Inuyasha's lips caressed one round breast, before his tongue followed suit. He teased her relentlessly, stroking the skin surrounding the nipple. Finally, she uttered a soft frustrated sound and pushed her breast into his mouth.

Inuyasha chuckled softly and took the hint. His sensuous lips suckled it, drawing breathless cries past her lips. Meanwhile, his strong fingers curled around the waistband of her panties and eased them down her hips.

"Inuyasha…" Kagome sighed, her long lashes fluttering over her eyes when she felt his fingers inside her.

"Look at me." He softly commanded, wanting to see the emotion in her eyes as he pleasured her.

Kagome complied, focusing on the gorgeous face above hers. She barely noticed when he replaced his fingers with his throbbing manhood; her eyes closed and she tugged her bottom lip between her teeth. He smiled, loving the look of undeniable satisfaction on her beautiful face. Inuyasha increased the speed and force of his thrusts, until they reached fulfillment in a slow simultaneous wave.

"So, how'd Dance Leaf take the news?"

Kagome smiled and snuggled her head against Inuyasha's chest as they lounged in bed. "They went crazy. They were so happy, especially hearing about the news that I'm pregnant."

"Good." He ran his hands across her bare arms and back. "I knew they'd understand you needing to leave and concentrate on other things."

Kagome suddenly realized they were talking about two different things and raised her head. "Inuyasha, wait a minute. I didn't tell them I was leaving the company."

"Why?"

"Because I'm not. At least not for a while."

He propped himself up on his elbows and looked down at her. "Kag, I thought we decided."

"No, you decided. Besides, if I leave what I have no intentions of leaving yet."

"We did agree to live in California? How will you make that work?"

"Well…there's a little invention called the plane…"

"Don't get cute."

"Well, if I leave the company I could always focus on my music."

"Even with your music." Inuyasha added. "You don't need to add on to the added pressure and strain to yourself."

"Hold on Inuyasha—"

"Just think about it, okay. A little break from everything. For me, all right?"

She closed her eyes resignedly and nodded. "I'll think about it." She promised.

"Mom, he's driving me crazy with this!"

"Kagome, he's waited a long time to have you—it can't be easy going from sparring partners to lovers." She teased.

"We weren't that bad."

"Ha!"

Kagome looked up into her mother's face. "Mom, this is my career and my livelihood. My dancing and working on music have been the only thing that has remained constant through all the relationships and heartache. I can't just give it up like that."

Kozakura cupped her daughter's face in her hands. "Even though it's for your husband-to-be? A man loves you in spite of all upheavals?" She asked, watching Kagome's gaze falter. "Try to think about his side of it. There may be room for compromise—try finding out why he's so against you remaining in the company and trying to work on your music." She advised, pressing a kiss to Kagome's forehead.

"Compromise." Kagome sighed, smiling wearily when her mother pulled her close for a hug.

The wedding day arrived and it proved to be lovely. The weather was perfect. With fall fast approaching, the temperature was a comfortable seventy degrees and full, fluffy white clouds scattered across the gorgeous blue sky.

Both Kagome and Inuyasha arrived at the wedding estate early that morning, at different times and making sure they didn't see each other. The villa was already alive with the sights and sounds of the staff, caterers and musicians preparing for the event. She couldn't believe that today was the day they'd begin the rest of their lives together.

The ceremony took place at the edge of the grand backyard. Kagome walked down a long white carpet, which ran through the trees lining either side. Although the bride and groom decided to keep the guest list down to family and friends, there was still an enormous amount of people there. Everyone on hand felt honored to witness the union of two lifelong acquaintances professing their love and commitment to one another. When the minister instructed Inuyasha to kiss his bride, the kiss was the epitome of passion, love and desire.

"What are you saying?"

"Oh, Kagome, you can't!"

Kagome's eyes filled with tears as she told her closest friends that she was leaving Dance Leaf. Sango, Rin, Ayame, Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi couldn't believe such a happy day was becoming so disappointing.

"Guys, please don't give me a hard time over this."

Rin wiped a tear from her eye and tossed her head back. "So how long will this leave be?"

Kagome shook her head. "I don't know."

"Kagome!" Eri cried.

"Look," Kagome whispered, raising her hand to silence their arguments. "There's something eating away at him. I need time to find out what it is. I've waited so long to be this happy. I—I just want to do all I can to make it work."

Ayumi gasped and reached for Kagome's hand.

"Kag, we understand." Sango whispered, placing her arm around her shoulders.

"You think he'll tell you why he wants you to quit?" Yuka asked.

"I don't know." Kagome admitted, unease filtering through the contentment in her eyes. "Part of me isn't sure I want to know."

"Do you think it could be because you're pregnant? He might be worried it could put a strain and hurt the baby." Eri said.

"I'm not so sure that's the reason. I had asked the doctor myself and he gave me the clear to continue dancing as long as I stretch properly and don't overexert myself." Kagome replied.

"Well you know we support you in whatever you decide." Rin said, stepping closer into the intimate circle they formed in the reception area.

"We wish you nothing but the best." Sango told her as they all hugged.

"Thanks you guys." Kagome said, tears of joy slipping down her cheeks.

"Besides, this would give you time to focus on your music." Ayumi. "You've always done amazing music for us to dance to and now's your chance."

"Yeah, about that…he doesn't want me to work on my music either."

"What?" They all exclaimed.

"That's ridiculous." Eri said.

"He just wants me to take a break from everything."

"But think about it Kagome." Sango spoke up. "If you're not dancing, than this would be the opportune time to get started on your music."

"You do have a point." Kagome agreed. "Besides, it's not like I'll be straining myself."

"That's the spirit!" Rin said, the other girls agreeing as well.

After the wedding, the newlyweds chose to hold off on the honeymoon, which suited Kagome just fine. She spent much of her time in her lovely new home. Inuyasha constantly urged her to change anything she wanted, however, she couldn't find a thing to redo in the magnificent mansion. Many days, she enjoyed the comfort of the upstairs den where a baby grand piano had been moved.

"Wanna go out for dinner?" Inuyasha asked when he found her working in the den one afternoon.

Kagome smiled, her dark eyes sparkling as they remained focused on a page of lyrics. "You know I'm always in the mood to eat."

Inuyasha chuckled. "I know. Especially since you're eating for two now."

Kagome chuckled. "So where are you taking me?"

"To the best place in town."

"You're just now taking me to the best place in town?" She scolded playfully.

"It just opened." He informed her, his golden eyes twinkling mischievously. "The restaurant opens tonight."

She laughed and slapped his shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I wanted to surprise you." He said, moving off the stool and pulling Kagome with him. "Let's get dressed."

"Goodness, I've got so much to do. I'll need to take a bath and do something with my hair." She rambled as they walked up the stairway. "I don't even know what to wear." She whispered, already unbuttoning the denim mini-dress she wore.

"You'll be fine as hell, as usual." Inuyasha promised as he followed her up the stairs. His eyes devoured every inch of her skin revealed to him when she pulled off her dress.

She began running her bath in the sunken gray porcelain tub. As the bathroom filled with the scents of the honey-almond foam, she went to her closet and selected a long, burgundy silk robe. When she left the walk-in closet, Inuyasha stood in the doorway, already nude.

"So, um, what's the dress code at this place of yours?" She asked, running her fingers along the outline of his lean abs.

He tugged on the robe's belt and pulled it from her shoulders. "Wear this and you won't have a problem getting in."

"Is that so?" Kagome queried, laughing wildly when he picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. "We're gonna be late." She whispered as they sank into the bubble-filled tub.

"Damn right." He agreed as he leaned back in the tub and pulled her on top of him.

Everyone was filled with well-wishes at the grand opening of Inuyasha's new restaurant. Friend's and reporters alike filled the gorgeous two-story restaurant. Of course, the media had as many questions regarding the restaurant as they did about the new Mr. and Mrs. Takahashi. The paparazzi went wild when the newlyweds finally arrived. Inuyasha was devastating as usual in a stylish, three-piece, single-breasted black suit with cream silk lining the inside of the coat and vest. Kagome was beautiful in a stunning ankle-length gown. The bra-styled bodice of the silvery-gray gown flattered the natural curve of her breasts and left her back bare to the end of her spine.

The crowd couldn't have been more pleased as Inuyasha and Kagome mingled among them. Likewise, they were equally generous to the press in their response to questions regarding their marriage and rumors that Kagome wouldn't be returning to Dance Leaf Company.

"Where did you find the band?"

Inuyasha grinned and poured Kagome more sparkling cider from one of the chilled bottles. "Good, aren't they?"

"Yes, are they local?"

"Yeah, um, they performed at a party at another restaurant opening last year. I mentioned about my restaurant opening and told'em I'd call to see if they were interested in the gig."

"Really?" She whispered, her eyes filled with longing as she watched the band perform. She was tempted to ask if there was a lead singer, but she wanted to give Inuyasha and his dream all her attention that evening.

"How is everything, Mr. Takahashi?"

"So far so good, Franco." Inuyasha told the smiling waiter who stood next to the table. "How soon does the movie start?"

Franco checked his wristwatch. "About fifteen minutes, sir. We're trying to finish up all the dinner orders."

Inuyasha nodded as his eyes scanned the menu. "What are you having, Kag?"

Kagome placed her menu flat on the table and clasped he hands together. "It all looks so good, what do you suggest?" She asked, delighted in watching him assume control.

"How about ribeye steaks for two, baby peas with onions, a basket of rolls and another bottle of sparkling cider."

Franco took the order and collected the menus. "Very good, sir. Ms. Hig—sorry, Mrs. Takahashi."

"Thank you, Franco." Kagome said, smiling. "So what's tonight theme?" She asked, when the waiter left.

"Romance." Inuyasha answered with a smug grin. "We're having a double feature. Titanic and then we break so everyone can use the restroom and order dessert. Then we'll show Gone with the Wind."

"Gone with the Wind?" She stated.

"You have a problem with that movie?"

Kagome shook her head. "No. It's just surprising that you'd pick that movie."

"Well believe it or not, it's one of my mother's favorites."

The band started a new selection and once again, Kagome was drawn to the performers. She was almost entranced by the piano player's talent. She could almost hear him playing the songs she'd been working on since her hiatus from Dance Leaf.

"Kag?"

She finally tuned in to Inuyasha's calling her. She reluctantly focused her attention on their conversation.

"Hi, I hope I'm not disturbing you guys?"

The five men on stage stood speechless when they heard Kagome speak to them. Inuyasha had gone to check on things in the kitchen after the first movie and Kagome had taken that moment to sneak on stage.

"Am I disturbing you guys?" She asked again, watching the men expectantly.

The members of Blue Bast Rhythm finally regained their ability to speak.

"No, Ms. Hi—Mrs. Takahashi, we're just shocked to see you up here, that's all! Um, I'm Floyd Payne and these are my partners."

She shook hands with the other four members of the group. They were all ecstatic to be meeting her and very flattered that she was taking an interest in them.

"So, do you have any plans to go back to Dance Leaf Company?"

"Not right now, Cecil, and will you please call me Kagome?"

Cecil Shell nodded and raised one hand. "No problem."

"Actually, I'm working on some music right now, and I'd love to bring some stuff in to see what you think."

Of course, the guys couldn't wait for the chance to help her. Soon, an enthusiastic conversation began between the six musicians. Inuyasha walked back into the dining room just then. He saw Kagome with the band and couldn't deny how alive and happy she looked on stage. Guilt lodged like an iron ball in his gut and he shook his head to ward off the emotion.

"Well, our rehearsal hours are from 10:00am to 1:00pm and then we break."

Kagome made a mental note of the information and nodded. "I'll stop by with some stuff on Monday."

"We can't wait."

"Can't wait for what?"

Kagome jumped when she felt Inuyasha's arms slip around her waist.

Before the band could give her away. She turned in his arms. "Um, I was just telling these guys that I wanted to stop by and listen to them play more. They're so good."

Inuyasha nodded, though he easily noticed how quickly she changed the subject.

"Let's go back to the table." She whispered, hustling him off the stage.

"So what was that all about?"

Kagome tossed her gray clutch to the sofa and smoothed her hands across her bare arms. "What?" She asked.

Inuyasha grinned and took a seat on the arm of the living room sofa. "Come on Kag, I saw how fast you changed the subject back there. Was the band pressuring you or something?"

She turned to face him and shook her head quickly. "Oh, Inu, it wasn't like that. They're very sweet. It was me who approached them."

"Why?" He asked, cocking his head to one side as his eyes narrowed.

Kagome walked over to him and slid her arms around his shoulders. "I was curious." She admitted with a shrug. "I wanted to see what their vibe was like. I was impressed. You've got good taste." She complimented, kissing his cheek before walking away.

Inuyasha's light stare grew pensive as he watched her leave the room.

Kagome began to spend more time at the restaurant—with the band especially. She let them listen to and critique her work. Of course, the guys were all flattered by her interest and the way she used their small criticisms to improve her writing. One afternoon she sat in on a jam session, where they simply fooled around with old songs. Of course, they added their own authentic twists to the sultry, soulful tunes. Kagome couldn't resist the chance to participate in the performance. Soon, her strong voice filled the building.

Inuyasha had visited the restaurant that day to finish going over the menus with his cooking staff. He heard his wife's voice and a curious frown came to his face.

"What the hell?" He whispered, leaving the chrome table in the kitchen. The staff followed along.

In the dining room, the servers, hostesses and bussers were all enjoying the impromptu set.

"Man, she is something!"

Inuyasha grinned. "She sure is." He told the executive chef.

The light in Kagome's eyes was unmistakable. It carried through her voice, which vibrated with fiery passion. Inuyasha could no longer deny how much being on stage, whether it be dancing or singing, meant to her and he knew what he had to do.

A week passed and Kagome had no idea her husband was aware of her daily visits to the band. As a result, she continued to rush home every afternoon hoping Inuyasha would believe she'd been there all day.

She hurried in through the back door that Friday, shoving a folder of sheet music into her bag. She was halfway up the back stairs when she saw him watching her from the kitchen island.

"In a rush?" He asked, watching her walk back into the kitchen.

"I just had to run out for something quick." She breathlessly replied, setting her leather tote on the kitchen counter.

Inuyasha nodded, toying with the tassels dangling from the hood of his sweatshirt. "What?" He asked.

Her dark eyes widened. "Excuse me?"

"What'd you have to run out for?"

Stumped, Kagome leaned against the counter. "Inuyasha…."

"I already now."

"You do?" She asked, fanning her green T-shirt away from her body.

"I've seen you rehearsing with the band and I need to apologize."

Kagome fiddled with a loose strand of hair. "Apologize?" She said, watching him suspiciously.

Inuyasha nodded, stifling his laughter at her expression. "Kag, I've been wrong about so much. I never should've stopped you from doing what you loved."

She appeared to deflate, all the unease of the past few weeks was slowly dissipating.

"Inuyasha…" Kagome whispered, placing her hand along the side of his handsome face.

He caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. "I'm sorry."

"I wanted to ask why…" Her words trailed away as she ran he fingers through her hair. "I was so honest with you about my past…I never told anyone that much." She smiled and shrugged. "Not even my mom. I felt like a weight was lifted when I told you and when you asked me to take a break I thought maybe it was your anger talking. Your….regret."

His brows drew close. "Regret? Over what?" He asked, though he knew what she was about to say.

Kagome turned away. "I couldn't help but think you'd finally come to your senses and realized what you could be giving up by being married to me. I was too afraid to ask if I was right."

Inuyasha made her face him. "So you actually thought I'd lie to you about that?" He asked, a muscle dancing frantically beneath his jaw.

She knew she'd hurt him. "No, I just didn't think you realized what you were saying at the time."

"Stupid." He whispered, cupping her face in his hands and brushing his thumbs across her cheeks. "I realize everything I say to you and I mean everything I say. You're all I wanted and if I have to say it every day to make you believe, I will."

"I don't want you to constantly reassure me."

He kissed the tip of her nose and nuzzled it with his own. "Then maybe I should try a little honesty, hmm?"

Kagome nodded, finding that she had no uneasiness then to hear the truth. He was hers and now she fully and completely believed in his love and commitment.

"You've been afraid that suddenly I'd wake up and find that this was all a big mistake—that I'd discover I'd jumped into a lot of drama I wasn't ready for. Truth is, I've been afraid you'd realize the same thing."

"Me?" Her eyes widened.

Inuyasha leaned against the counter and buried his face in his hands for a moment. "After what happened with Lisi—you thinking there was something going on there…it just occurred to me that we're a couple—a very high-profile couple. The misunderstanding with Lisi…there could be others on your end and mine. I told you I'm trying to pull back from my restaurants, it's become more of a mission since you came into my life this way. I thought I could bully you into leaving Dance Leaf—leaving your own high-profile life behind and we could be…" He shrugged and winced. "Hell, Kag, I thought we could be a regular couple."

By now, she was leaning next to her husband against the counter. The manner in which his fears practically mirrored her own had stunned her speechless.

"Stupid, huh?" Inuyasha asked, feeling her stare on him.

"Yeah." She blurted, then laughed at the hurt look blooming on his beautiful face. "We're quite a pair, yes?"

He tugged on the hem of her t-shirt and grinned. "Quite."

"We'd be okay if we didn't think so much, huh?"

"Hey, I'm a chef, thinking is all I ever do." He teased, drawing her into a tight embrace. "I love you."

"I love you back." She murmured into his neck.

Inuyasha pulled back to look at her. "I don't want you to leave Dance Leaf."

Kagome looked down at the floor and smiled. "Well, you aren't the only one with other dreams you know, Mr. Takahashi."

"Meaning?"

"I really like writing my own songs. I sometimes would write original music for the company for certain shows we did. Your group at the restaurant asked if they could add a few I've written to their set."

He bowed his head and looked directly into her eyes. "What are you saying, Kag? You wanna get into music?"

"Just that I like it—writing the songs and hearing someone else sing them."

"And Dance Leaf?"

She nodded. "I'm not ready to quit, at least not for a few months. Though now there are just two more things competing for my future endeavors list." She told him, linking her arms around his neck.

Inuyasha was content and began to nibble the silken line of his wife's neck. Then her words hit home and he fixed her with a curious expression. "Two things?"

"Mmm…I want to bring our child into the world and be a great mom to it. Just like I know you're going to be a great dad."

"I still can't believe that we'll get to be parents."

"The best." Kagome added, meeting his lips in the sweetest kiss.

BlueMoon Goddess: And that's it folks! I want to thank everyone who read and reviewed this story. I'm glad you all were able to stick around waiting for this to be updated. I do plan on doing another story hopefully within a few weeks, so be on the look-out for it! Until next time! ^_^