Dirt Chapter 35: EVOLUTION

-Seven Months Later-

Kagome slowly padded down the stairs and into the kitchen. Koga, who was leaning against the counter, almost choked on his spoonful of Lucky Charms when he saw her shuffle around the corner.

"Shit Kags," he coughed. "You're not supposed to be walking around. You should have yelled for me. I would have brought you whatever you need."

"No, I don't need anything." Kagome held up one hand. "I just couldn't sit in that bed anymore."

"Sesshomaru's going to pitch a fit if-"

"Ugh," Kagome groaned, cutting across the rest of his sentence. "He's driving me crazy."

"Well," Koga chuckled. "He's worried about you and the kid." Koga motioned towards her basketball-shaped midsection.

"I was put on bed rest, not a big deal; but he's following me around and clinging to me as if I'm dying."

Koga stepped forward and gave her shoulder a sympathetic squeeze. "Yeah, but hey, you're due date's only a week away, so you won't have to worry about it much longer."

Kagome sighed and nodded. "Can you do me a favor?"

"You know I'd do anything for you," Koga answered with a wink.

"Can you and Inuyasha maybe talk Sesshomaru into going somewhere for a few hours?" Koga took a deep breath, opening his mouth to answer, but Kagome spoke up again. "Please? I just need a couple hours without him fretting over me."

"I think I'd have better luck convincing him to let me cut his arm off."

Kagome nodded, knowing he was right. Convincing Sesshomaru to do anything that required him to be more than ten feet away from her was a major task. Even now, the only reason he wasn't there giving her a speech about how it's absolutely imperative that she remain in bed, was because Inu had insisted he come over to discuss whether or not he was going to practice for, and enter, a FMX competition that was a couple of months away.

"Well, we've got to come up with something before I rip all my hair out."

"Don't you think that's a little extreme?" Koga asked, arching an eyebrow and grinning.

"You're not the one who's been on strict bed rest for almost sixty days with an overprotective mate watching you like a hawk," Kagome muttered.

"True, and for the record, I would have cracked long before now."

Kagome laughed, and then grabbed her stomach. "God, don't make me laugh, I'll pee."

"Gross," Koga laughed.

"The joys of being pregnant," Kagome said sarcastically. "Oh, hey, new gear should be in at the bike shop."

"Yeah, and?"

"That can be your excuse to get Sesshomaru out of the house."

"Why would he go to a bike shop and buy gear when he can have anything he wants just over-nighted to him for free by his sponsors?"

"Come on," Kagome sighed, exasperated. "Work with me here. Tell him you want new gear. Anything. I don't care. I just want ten minutes to myself."

"Okay, okay," Koga said quickly since Kagome looked like she might cry. "I'll get him out of the house somehow, alright?"

"Thank you," Kagome sniffed.

"Sure thing. Now, if you don't want him to carry you back upstairs when he comes busting through that door in about thirty seconds, we better get you settled on the couch." Koga placed his hand on the small of Kagome's back and directed her towards the couch in the living room.

Once he had her situated comfortably, Kagome looked up at him smiling.

"What?" Koga asked, knowing she wanted something.

"Can you bring me some water?"

"Yeah. Anything else?"

"Nope."

Koga turned his back on her and headed back towards the kitchen just as the front door opened and Sesshomaru rushed through it.

"Kagome?" He called as he rushed towards the stairs.

"Dude," Koga said, catching Sesshomaru's attention; he pointed towards the couch.

"I'm in here," Kagome said, craning her neck so she could see Sesshomaru.

He changed course, and made his way to her side, kneeling in front of her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Kagome answered with a smile.

"I felt-"

"It wasn't any big deal," Kagome interrupted. "Koga-"

"What did you do?" Sesshomaru accused, glairing up at Koga as he approached with Kagome's glass of water in hand.

"I didn't do anything," Koga defended, handing Kagome her water.

"It wasn't anything," Kagome said to gain Sesshomaru's attention again. "I just had a moment."

Sesshomaru observed her for a few seconds before sighing, apparently convinced. "What are you doing down here anyway? You're not supposed to be doing any walking other than to the bathroom and back."

"I'm fine." Kagome rolled her eyes. "Oh hey, Kouga had a great idea," Kagome began, glancing up at Koga.

"I did?" he asked confused.

"Yes, remember?" Kagome bit out and then changed her tone. "He was talking about hitting the bike shop to check out the new gear."

Sesshomaru failed to see the greatness in the idea, so Kagome prompted with an enthusiastic, "Doesn't that sound fun?"

"No…?"

"I wish I could go…"

Sesshomaru and Koga agreed with one another, both voicing their disapproval with, "Absolutely not." and "Hell no."

"I know," Kagome sighed, then added in a mocking tone, "You have to stay in bed. Don't walk around. Blah. Blah. Blah."

"We're only concerned with your wellbeing," Sesshomaru insisted.

"I know," Kagome said softly.

"We could bring you something back," Koga suggested and Kagome smiled up at him.

"That'd be awesome," she said jumping on that idea immediately.

"What could you possibly want from a bike shop?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Gloves," Kagome answered.

"Gloves? What do you need gloves for? You can't ride right now," Sesshomaru pointed out.

"I want those Ryan Dungey replicas. If they have it, I want the helmet too."

"That helmet's got to be at least five hundred bucks," Koga laughed.

"Call it a last second baby shower gift," Kagome teased.

"I can't leave you here alone." Sesshomaru frowned, torn between wanting to get her something she really wanted and being at her side.

"I'll be fine," Kagome insisted. "We'll be fine," she corrected, rubbing her belly.

"You have to promise me you won't leave this couch."

"Where am I going to go?"

"Knowing you? You'll probably hijack a bike and take it into the foam pit a couple dozen times," Koga said laughing.

"That's not funny," Sesshomaru said seriously and then cracked a smile. "Don't give her ideas."

"I swear I'll stay on the couch," Kagome said, trying to keep from laughing.

"And keep your cell phone in your hand the whole time," Sesshomaru added.

"I can't keep it on the coffee table?"

"I'll duct tape it to your hand," Sesshomaru threatened.

"Okay, I promise I'll keep my cell phone in hand."

Sesshomaru nodded as he stood. "Is there anything else you need before we go?"

"No, but you should probably invite Inuyasha."

"Will do," Koga said heading towards the front door.

"I'll let mom and dad know to check on you," Sesshomaru said as he followed Koga.

"I'll be fine. You're only going to be gone a couple of hours at the most."

"You swear to call me if you feel anything unusual?"

"Yes, I will, but nothing's going to happen."

Sesshomaru stood in the doorway, the doorknob in his hand. "I hate to leave you."

"Sesshomaru," Kagome began, trying not to lose her patience. He was only concerned about her after all. "I'll be fine. Go have fun with your brother and cousin. Buy me my Ryan Dungey helmet," she finished with a smile.

Sesshomaru cracked a smile and crossed the room once more to kiss her. "Bye. I'll call to check on you."

"Of course you will," Kagome laughed, shooing him away.

*DIRT*

Kagome lounged on the couch, dozing as she watched a Twilight Zone re-run. Sesshomaru had already called three times to check on her and he had only been gone half an hour; but every time her cell phone lit up with 'Sesshy-poo', it brought a smile to her face. Kagome suddenly jolted wide awake, her hand instinctively touching the side of her belly where the sharp pain was located.

"Ow," she gasped as she shifted her weight slightly, trying to get more comfortable.

She did her best to relax and hoped the pain would go away, which it did after a couple of minutes. Her phone had rung in the middle of whatever the heck had just happened and she flipped it open, knowing it would have been Sesshomaru that had called. Just as she hit send, Inu burst through the door.

"Kagome?" he asked, rushing towards the couch, leaving the door open in the process. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"Kagome?" Sesshomaru yelled in her ear. "What happened?"

"I'm okay," she answered both of them.

"You're not okay," Sesshomaru countered.

Inu took the phone from Kagome and pressed it against his ear. "I'll call you right back."

"What happened?" Sesshomaru asked.

"I don't know yet."

"I want her to call me back."

"Okay, I'll have her call." Inu flipped the phone closed and tossed it onto the coffee table, glancing up at Kagome. "Now, what happened?"

"I don't know," Kagome answered. "I just had this pain all of the sudden. It's happened before, not as bad, but still; I don't think it's anything to freak out about."

Inu breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, call Sesshomaru back before he explodes. He called me freaking out because you didn't answer."

"I was a little preoccupied," Kagome mumbled.

"Do you want anything?"

"Some more water would be great, thanks," Kagome said as Inu handed her back her cell phone.

She flipped it open and called Sesshomaru back. "Hey," she greeted.

"You're alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Inu's here."

"What happened?"

"It wasn't any big deal."

"You were in a serious amount of pain."

Kagome seriously regretted being linked with Sesshomaru by a mating mark sometimes; it made things like this much harder. "I know, but it passed. I'm okay." She heard Sesshomaru tell Koga to head back to the house, so she spoke up, "Don't you dare come back without my helmet."

"Kagome, this is serious."

"I know. I'll have Inu throw you out and lock all the doors if you show up without it." She smiled.

"We don't even know if they have one at the store."

"But you're going to go and check."

"I'll order you one off of the Fox website when I get there, I promise."

"No way, if there's a chance I can have it in my hands right now..."

"You're so ridiculously stubborn."

"Right back at ya."

"Okay, let me talk to dad."

Kagome held the phone out to Inu as he set down her water.

"Yes?" Inu asked.

"Please stay there with her until I get back."

"Alright, I was planning on doing that anyway."

"Call me if it happens again."

"I'm sure you'll be calling me first, but I will. Bye." Inu hung up and sighed as he flopped down onto the couch next to Kagome.

"Tell me about it. Try living with him twenty-four-seven."

Inu chuckled. "I would have thought you'd be used to it by now."

"I am mostly. Can you get me a blanket from upstairs?"

"Of course. Do you mind if I raid your fridge afterwards?"

"Help yourself, babysitter," Kagome said with a grin.

Inu patted her knee and went to retrieve her blanket, closing the front door before heading up the stairs. Inu had just reached the top of the stairs when he heard Kagome gasp, then curse, and then yell his name.

"Inu?" Kagome cried.

Inu raced back down the stairs, jumping them two at a time. He reached her side as her phone started ringing.

"What?" Inu asked, seeing the obvious pain on Kagome's face.

She gripped the front of his shirt. "I think I'm having contractions."

"What can I do to help? Do you think you're ready to go to the hospital?" Inu asked.

"I don't think I need to go yet. Can't contractions last for days before the actual birth?"

"I suppose, but your contractions are rather close together."

"Hand me my phone," Kagome directed through gritted teeth and Inu did as asked. She hesitated calling Sesshomaru back as another wave of pain washed over her.

"Do you want me to call him?"

"No, I should do-" Kagome gasped and looked down. "Oh shit."

"What is it?" Inu asked, obviously concerned.

"I think my water just broke," Kagome answered in shock.

"Oh shit," Inu breathed.

"Exactly." Kagome laughed despite the situation she was in.

"I'm going to get the truck, alright?"

Kagome nodded briskly and answered her phone as it began ringing again. "Sesshomaru?"

"I'm on my way," he answered.

"No." Kagome shook her head even though Sesshomaru couldn't see her. "Inu went to get his truck. Meet us at the hospital."

"What happened?"

"My water broke."

"But you still have a week until your due date." She heard Inuyasha say.

"Do you have me on speaker?" Kagome asked.

"Yeah," Koga answered. "He's driving."

"Kagome," Sesshomaru said in a tone Kagome had never heard from him before. "I'll get there. I swear."

"Hurry," Kagome breathed, realizing how scared she was.

"Not to worry Kags," Koga broke into the conversation again. "We'll probably get to the hospital before you do."

"Don't let him drive like a maniac," Kagome pleaded.

"Kagome," Sesshomaru said, sounding clearer than he had before and Kagome knew he had taken her off speaker phone. "I love you."

"I love you too," Kagome answered as Inu raced back inside.

"Alright, let's go," Inu said scooping her up into his arms.

*DIRT*

Sesshomaru rushed through the automatic doors of the ER, Koga and Inuyasha right on his heels. Inu was waiting for them near the vending machines.

"Kagome's in one of the delivery rooms upstairs," Inu explained as he led them towards the elevators. Sesshomaru nodded, but kept silent. "They're expecting you. You have to get changed into scrubs and whatnot."

"Wow, you're going in there?" Inuyasha asked as they entered the elevator.

"Of course," Sesshomaru answered. "Why wouldn't I?"

"Isn't it gross?"

"The birth of a child is a beautiful thing," Inu said.

"Your definition of beautiful and mine aren't the same," Inuyasha mumbled.

"How was Kagome when you last saw her?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Nervous, but putting on a brave front," Inu answered.

"I bet you're regretting having that link through her mark now," Koga said with a smirk.

"It gives sympathy pain a whole new meaning," Sesshomaru confirmed running a hand through his hair.

"You look like shit," Inuyasha said flatly.

"Inuyasha, shut up," Inu said quickly as they stepped from the elevator and headed towards the nurse's station.

"Sesshomaru's here," Inu said to the young blond nurse behind the counter.

"Good timing," she said with a smile. "If you go just down the hall and knock on the third door on the right, Nikki will meet you and get you changed."

Sesshomaru nodded his thanks and headed down the hall.

"So what the heck do we do?" Inuyasha asked.

"Wait in the waiting room with your mother," Inu answered.

Sesshomaru did as he was directed and knocked on the third door he came too. A tall, dark-haired nurse opened the door, looking frazzled.

"Um…Nikki?" Sesshomaru began, unsure of what he should say.

"Are you the daddy?" Nikki asked.

"Yeah," Sesshomaru answered, unable to keep from smiling.

"You got here just in the nick of time," Nikki said as she grabbed his arm and pulled him into the room. "I haven't seen someone fly through labor this fast in a long time."

She led Sesshomaru into the room and he just caught a glimpse of Kagome before Nikki guided him towards the bathroom.

"Your father helped us guess your size for scrubs. I've put a set in there for you, so just change as quick as you can and come back out here."

"Alright." Sesshomaru nodded and disappeared into the bathroom.

Kagome let out a pained yelp as another contraction ripped through her, and Sesshomaru leapt from the bathroom, dressed in his fresh scrubs. Nikki did her best to keep him from running to Kagome's side, instead, steering him towards the head of the delivery table. Sesshomaru pried Kagome's hand from the sheet and held it, letting her mash his hand instead.

"Hey," he said softly, wiping the sweat from her forehead with his free hand.

"You made it," Kagome panted.

"Of course I did. I wasn't about to miss this."

"You almost did." Kagome closed her eyes for a few seconds. "I didn't think it would be this fast."

"You're a lucky young lady," one of the nurses said, patting Kagome's knee. "Some girls are in here for hours on end, or even several days in labor. You're going to have it all over and done with in a couple hours."

"Yay," Kagome said unenthusiastically.

"Alright Kagome," her doctor said as she pulled on a fresh set of gloves. "You're fully dilated; on your next contraction I want you to push okay?"

Kagome nodded and squeezed Sesshomaru's hand tightly.

*DIRT*

Kagome woke slowly, not really wanting to open her eyes. The soft, content-sounding mews coming from somewhere in the room finally brought her around, and she opened her eyes completely. Sesshomaru stood in front of the window, with his back to it, still dressed in scrubs, holding their son, bundled in a blue blanket. Sesshomaru was watching him carefully as he made little movements and sounds in his sleep. Kagome smiled, loving the tender look that was on Sesshomaru's face. He looked up suddenly and smiled back at her.

"Hey," he said quietly.

"How long was I asleep?"

"A couple of hours," Sesshomaru answered as he stepped closer to the bed, carefully, so he wouldn't wake the baby in his arms. "They only brought him in here maybe ten minutes ago."

Kagome held her hand out to him and Sesshomaru safely cradled the baby in the crook of one arm so he could take her hand in his.

"I'm proud of you," Sesshomaru said suddenly.

Kagome scoffed lightly. "For what?"

"You delivered him without the help of any pain medication."

"There wasn't time," Kagome cringed at the memory.

"My hand and ears may never be the same," Sesshomaru teased softly.

"Well that's what you get," Kagome teased right back. "Aren't you going to offer for me to hold him?"

Sesshomaru looked apprehensive. "Shouldn't we let him continue sleeping?"

Kagome bit her lip to keep from laughing. "You just don't want to let him go," she accused grinning.

"It's the first time I've really gotten to hold him," Sesshomaru confessed with a crooked grin.

"Has everyone seen him?"

"Only from the wrong side of the glass in the nursery; he was so wrapped up we couldn't really see much of him though. Mom won't stop texting me, asking if you're awake yet."

Kagome laughed. "You better text her back."

Sesshomaru let go of her hand so he could grab his cell phone from the side table. Kagome relaxed and sank back into the starched pillows behind her, noticing how Sesshomaru handled their newborn with such ease.

"You know you're going to have to give him up as soon as she gets in here right?" Kagome asked.

"Yeah," Sesshomaru sighed.

Almost as soon as Sesshomaru had finished speaking, there was a knock on the door of their private room. Instead of calling out, Sesshomaru made his way to the door and opened it, letting in a flood of family members.

"Ooh," Izayoi cooed as she crowded Sesshomaru, pulling the blanket the baby was wrapped in further away from his little face. "He's so adorably precious."

"Sweet." Inuyasha grinned. "He's got ears."

"Of course he has ears," Koga laughed.

"I meant he's got ears like mine," Inuyasha clarified, gently gripping one of the fuzzy triangles in question.

"What color are his eyes?" Inu asked.

"Amber," Sesshomaru answered.

"So basically, he looks exactly like his father," Kagome said, causing everyone to look in her direction.

"Good job Kags. Just what the world needed, another Sesshomaru," Koga teased as he crossed the room. He set a huge gift bag next to her on the bed before leaning in to kiss her forehead. "You look gorgeous," he smirked.

"Liar," Kagome laughed, swatting halfheartedly at his arm. "I know for a fact that I look horrid."

"Not true," Sesshomaru said seriously and Kagome smiled at him.

"How are you feeling?" Inu asked.

"About as good as someone who just gave birth to an eight pound baby I guess," Kagome answered grinning.

"Well, you look like a radiant new mommy," Izayoi said leaving Sesshomaru momentarily to give Kagome a hug. She turned back to Sesshomaru. "I hope you're not planning on keeping him from me."

"Of course not," Sesshomaru smiled and carefully handed the infant to his mother, then moved to stand next to Kagome's bed.

"He's so precious," Izyaoi squealed softly. "Sesshomaru said you had decided on Toshi for his name?" She asked turning back towards Kagome.

Kagome nodded and smiled. "It seemed appropriate."

"Mirror image?" Inu asked, translating the name. "That seems a little risky," he teased.

"Definitely," Inuyasha laughed.

"Hey," Koga said as he gripped the handle of the bag he'd placed on Kagome's bed. "Open your present."

"Ooo, presents." Kagome smiled as she pulled the bag away from Koga.

She reached inside and pulled out a tiny black t-shirt with a neon yellow Fox in its center.

"It's six months, but that was the smallest size they had," Koga explained.

"It's so tiny," Kagome commented, grinning as she handed the shirt to Sesshomaru and reached into the bag again. This time she pulled out a black drawstring bag. "You guys actually got it?" She asked in amazement, knowing the bag held a helmet.

"Well, you wanted it bad enough," Koga laughed as Kagome pulled the nylon bag from off the helmet, revealing its shiny newness.

"As soon as Sesshomaru let us know everything was alright and we checked out the munchkin in the nursery, we went to the shop and grabbed it," Inuyasha explained.

"They didn't have your gloves though," Koga said regretfully.

"I can't believe you got me the helmet," Kagome said excitedly, turning it so she could admire its entire design.

"I think I'm a little jealous," Sesshomaru laughed. "You've never wanted a replica of my helmet."

"You didn't win both the supercross and motocross championships as a rookie," Kagome teased.

"I won the motocross championship several times when I raced," Sesshomaru defended with a frown.

"I'm kidding," Kagome laughed, setting the helmet aside. "It's just a cool looking helmet."

"Too bad it has Rock Star's logos all over it," Inu said. "That's somewhat of a blaspheme in your house."

"A couple of well-placed Red Bull stickers can fix that," Sesshomaru replied, picking up the helmet.

"Don't you dare," Kagome hissed, ripping the helmet from Sesshomaru's hands and handing it to Koga. "Protect this."

Everyone's laughter woke up Toshi, and he let his presence be known with an ear-piercing cry.

"He's got Kagome's lungs," Koga teased, for which he received a glare from Sesshomaru and a slap to the back of the head from Inu.

"Shh," Izyaoi soothed, gently rocking him as she stepped closer to the bed and handed him to Kagome.

Kagome took Toshi, smiling brightly. It was as if a light switch had been flipped; Toshi instantly quieted down while he gazed up at Kagome.

"That's pretty impressive," Inu commented. "Nothing would shut Inuyasha up as a baby."

"A baby?" Sesshomaru asked with a laugh. "Nothing shuts him up now."

"You know what," Inuyasha began in angrily.

"That's a very good sign," Izyaoi said, ignoring the banter between her sons that broke out. "He's going to be a wonderful baby."

"He's perfect," Kagome said softly, beaming as she smoothed down Toshi's soft silver hair.

*DIRT*

Four weeks later the Taisho household received some welcome guests when Bankotsu and Jakotsu showed up to train with Sesshomaru for the upcoming FMX event they would be competing in together. Sesshomaru, who was carrying Toshi, and Kagome met them in front of the house when they pulled in the drive.

"Hi guys," Kagome greeted brightly. "It feels like it's been years since I saw you."

"It's only been a few months," Bankotsu teased, giving Kagome a hug. "You look amazing as always."

"Thanks," Kagome grinned.

"Kags!" Jakotsu squealed happily, shoving Bankotsu out of the way before pulling Kagome into a tight hug. "I've missed you and your cooking!"

"I've missed you too," Kagome said honestly. "It's definitely less vibrant around here without you."

"And a whole lot less fruity no doubt," Bankotsu joked, earning him a punch in the shoulder from his brother.

"That too," Sesshomaru laughed.

"And this must be the baby?" Bankotsu asked, turning to Sesshomaru and Toshi.

"Yep," Kagome answered. "This is Toshi."

"Wow," Bankotsu breathed. "He's looks just like you," he glanced up at Sesshomaru.

"Hopefully that's where the similarities end," Jakotsu teased. "We don't need another Taisho dominating the sport. It's been kinda nice pulling in a few first places with you away."

"Hope you enjoyed them while you could, because starting next month, I'm going to regain my rightful place at the top," Sesshomaru said with a cocky grin.

"Well, at least you won't have to worry about Toshi for a while," Kagome commented.

"If he's anything like his daddy, he'll probably be out there as soon as he can walk," Jakotsu laughed.

"Hopefully not," Kagome said honestly. "It'd be nice not to have to worry about both of them out there risking their necks."

"This is just too weird," Bankotsu said suddenly. "Seeing you with a baby in your arms," he clarified once Sesshomaru gave him a questioning look.

"You look happy," Jakotsu commented.

"I am," Sesshomaru confirmed with a grin as he reached for Kagome and pulled her to his side.

"Aww," Jakotsu cooed. "The perfect family."

"The perfect FMX-dominating family," Bankotsu corrected, causing the little group to laugh.

"Well, the guest house is all yours and ready to go, if you guys want to unpack your stuff before you unload your bikes," Kagome offered.

"Thanks." Bankotsu smiled.

"Oh, before we do anything else, you have to open the presents we brought you," Jakotsu announced, clapping his hands together with a grin plastered on his face. "Well, they're not really for you. They're for Toshi," he said over his shoulder as he headed back towards the truck.

"He insisted that we bring them, since he missed the baby shower and all," Bankotsu said with a sigh.

"Don't let him fool you," Jakotsu laughed. "He picked out half of what we got."

Bankotsu shook his head, but smiled. "Once we got started, it was a little hard to stop," he admitted.

"You guys didn't have to get him anything," Kagome said.

"Lord knows he doesn't need anything," Sesshomaru added. "I think my mom's bought out just about every store within a hundred mile radius."

"Well, what we've got is a little different." Bankotsu grinned.

Jakotsu returned from the truck with several gift bags in his hands and two large boxes under his arms. "I'll save the best for last, but do you want to open these out here or…?"

"In the house," Kagome said, motioning towards the porch. "Do you want any help?"

"No, I've got it. Just lead the way."

Kagome led everyone into the living room, where Jakotsu set down his overload of presents. "Okay," he said grinning widely. "Open, open, open!"

Kagome laughed as she knelt on the floor next to the bags and boxes. "Where should I start?"

"With any one of the bags," Bankotsu coached. "Save the boxes and what's in the bed of the truck for last."

"Alright." Kagome smiled as she reached for the first blue and white stripped bag.

The first bag contained a child-sized black and white Thor beanie and three different t-shirts with various gear logos on them.

"I know they're a little big, but I figured it'd be good to have some stuff he can grow into," Jakotsu said, watching happily as Kagome laid out the gifts on the couch.

"Thanks," Kagome said honestly, reaching for the next bag, which contained a small turquoise and black Fox gearbag. "Wow, this is awesome. I love the colors."

"Think of it as a motocrosser's diaper bag," Jakotsu laughed.

"I can't believe she hadn't already thought of that," Sesshomaru said with a smirk.

"Me too," Kagome agreed. "It's awesome, thank you."

"Of course," Bankotsu answered for both himself and Jakotsu.

"Open the others," Jakotsu pushed.

"Okay," Kagome giggled. "I'm opening them as fast as I can."

"Not fast enough apparently," Sesshomaru commented, shifting Toshi in his arms.

Kagome grabbed the next bag and pulled out a pair of MX pants and a matching jersey, complete with Taisho in big, bold letters across the back.

"You got him gear?" Kagome asked amazed.

"Customized gear?" Sesshomaru added.

"I wasn't sure on what number you would want for him, so I left that off. And he probably won't fit into it until he's probably two; and by then it'll be out of style, but I couldn't resist."

"You guys really shouldn't have," Kagome began, setting the gear aside to grab another bag before Jakotsu told her to.

"We wanted to," Jakotsu said.

"Still…" Kagome began as she opened the next bag. This one had a pair of tiny gloves and a set of goggles, complete with a pack of tear-offs. "You guys-"

"Just keep opening," Bankotsu cut across her, pushing the last bag in her direction.

Kagome did as told and opened the bag, pulling out a child-sized chest protector, also lettered with Taisho. "I'm afraid to open the boxes," Kagome laughed.

"You'll never know what's inside until you do…" Jakotsu teased in a sing-song voice.

Kagome opened the first box and pulled out a pair of white Alpinestars from the tissue paper. "I didn't know they even made these this small," Kagome commented.

"I had to special order them from the shop, but yeah, I was pleasantly surprised too," Jakotsu said.

"You guys went all out," Sesshomaru commented. "You really shouldn't have."

"It was fun," Bankotsu said, pushing the last box into Kagome's hands.

Kagome ripped the wrapping paper off and opened the box, pulling out a small black draw-string bag. "You got him a helmet?"

"You can't ride without one," Bankotsu commented.

"I got the smallest size they make," Jakotsu added. "but again, he probably won't be able to wear it until he's closer to two."

"Preparing for the future," Sesshomaru joked.

"Exactly," Jakotsu agreed as Kagome pulled the protective bag from the helmet.

"Ohmygosh, it's so cute," Kagome squealed, holding the tiny helmet in her hands, turning it so she could check out the neon-colored Fox logos that covered it.

"It's bright," Sesshomaru commented.

"It's what's in style right now, but like I said, in two years it probably won't be," Jakotsu said as he began helping Kagome pick up the wrapping paper and tissue.

"You guys really didn't need to do all this," Kagome said again.

"We were happy too, and you're not done yet." Bankotsu smirked. "There's one more present in the bed of the truck."

"If it's a bike…" Kagome began, trailing off as she stood.

"Way to ruin the surprise Kags," Jakotsu teased.

"You really got him a bike?" Kagome asked amazed.

Bankotsu nodded, smiling like a fool. "A KTM 50cc; completely tricked out and ready to race."

"You guys," Kagome began, unable to think of what to say.

"You're insane," Sesshomaru finished for her with a laugh.

"He's barely a month old," Kagome pointed out, motioning to Toshi in Sesshomaru's arms.

"We're preparing for his future," Jakotsu said grinning. "His bright, dominating every race track in the country, future."

"I guess we know who to hit up to sponsor him," Sesshomaru joked.

"In a heartbeat," Jakotsu laughed. "Alright, I've waited long enough. Can I hold him?"

"Yeah," Sesshomaru answered, maneuvering Toshi into Jakotsu's waiting arms.

"Wow," Jakotsu breathed in amazement.

"That's what I say pretty much every time I pick him up." Kagome smiled.

"How is he, as far as babies go?"

"Excellent," Sesshomaru answered. "He's always content and sleeps through pretty much the entire night, thank God."

"He's so cute," Jakotsu commented. "You're going to be a heart-breaker when you're older aren't you?" he asked Toshi. Toshi simply blinked and opened his mouth in a big yawn, as if he was bored with the idea causing Jakotsu to laugh. "Well, rugrat, I'm going to hand you back to your beautiful mommy so I can go unload your new bike."

Kagome took Toshi from Jakotsu.

"Well, you did good work Kags," Bankotsu said brightly.

"Yeah, it was all me. That's why he looks so much like me," Kagome joked.

"Since he has all of daddy's looks, he'll probably have all of mommy's personality," Jakotsu offered.

"The world can only hope," Bankotsu joked.