That's the Way Love Goes: VIII

A/N: Don't forget - (***) will mark the beginning/end of a dream or flashback, depending on the situation. LOLWhut? Sango and Miroku already have 3 kids by now? Kagome didn't stay after Naraku was defeated? I have no idea what you mean… *gringrin* Lalala…

SO SORRY this took so long. To be perfectly honest, I just hadn't felt like writing. I actually forced myself to a couple of times, and if any part of this chapter is crappy, that's probably the forced part, lol. Also, I had been waiting to see how Inuyasha turned out, so that was the problem in the beginning.

I'd also like to apologize: I'm not answering any of the reviews from MediaMiner. Not your faults, it just takes a while and that keeps me from posting this that much longer. So instead, I just want to give a big THANK YOU! to everyone that's still interested in this and was patiently waiting. I want to especially thank those that emailed me personally to tell me how much they love one story or another. Thanks everyone, and enjoy!

For anyone that is interested: I'm a moderator over at Inuyasha-fanfiction(dot)com under the name PitaBread, and it's a great source for IY-based fanfics. It's a great community, really friendly. Come check us out! </shameless plug> lulz

That's the Way Love Goes

Chapter VIII

No one prodded Inuyasha for answers. After Sango's question, Inuyasha had growled and leapt away, not returning to the hut. Kagome had looked upset, too, so they let the two of them be. They were sitting quietly with their mouths full of food when a young voice piped up.

“He's upset `cuz you released him, isn't he?”

Kagome almost choked on her rice. The kitsune had always been the most intuitive one, so she shouldn't have been surprised, but it still hurt to hear it out loud. In the years that she had known Inuyasha, she had finally been the one to hurt him. Offhandedly, she wondered if he ever felt this bad all the times he had run off to see Kikyou.

Sango, Kaede, and Miroku looked to Kagome, but they didn't seem too shocked, as if they had already guessed where this was going.

“Kagome, did you really release him? It's a wonder he hasn't torn down the forest…” Miroku was looking worriedly out a window at the forest beyond.

“What should it matter?” Sango chimed. “He hated that spell…”

“Well, it proves to him that she really loves Sesshoumaru now,” Shippou explained wisely.

A tear slid down Kagome's face, and the kit cuddled next to her. Sango, her expression a look of pure revelation, reached for her hand. The mood had turned even darker than it had been a few minutes ago.

“Well, child, I'm glad you were able to return the spell without killing either of you,” Kaede said strongly, not turning her eyes from her food.

Remembering his astonishment, Kagome chuckled. Miroku, knowing how difficult removing such a spell was, joined her. Then Sango and Kaede began to add their own laughter. Shippou didn't realize what they were laughing at, but it was contagious, and he found himself doubled over as well.

After a few minutes, they began to calm, and Kagome told them what happened when she released him. She skimmed over the heavy part - Inuyasha realizing what she was doing and pleading for her to stop - but she emphasized his reaction to her ignorance. They all howled with laughter, and then they all rolled around on the floor when Inuyasha walked into the hut, scowling.

“What the hell's so damned funny?”

They struggled to breathe.

“What the… HEY! What the fuck is going on here?”

He had to resort to crossing his arms and waiting, because no one would talk; rather, they couldn't talk.

Kagome controlled herself first. “Oh, Inuyasha, it was just a joke. Don't get all huffy.”

“I am NOT huffy,” he said, recrossing his arms and turning away like a petulant child.

“Inuyasha, be grateful you have those arms, as you might have lost them today,” Miroku goaded, and they all roared in laughter again.

“You guys are fucking crazy, you know that?” Inuyasha was upset that he didn't get whatever joke they had made, and the fact that it seemed to be about him didn't help his mood. “I think all those years of breathing in poison rotted your brains or somethin'…” He rapped Shippou on the head to prove his point.

The young demon glared at Inuyasha, holding the spot where the hanyou had hit him. “Hey!” he protested. “I think you've inhaled more miasma than I have.”

The laughter quieted slowly, and soon they were having a normal conversation, all together like it used to be, and Kagome felt her heart warm with familiarity.

-------------------------------

Kohaku had arrived at the Kimono shop just before Rin came out. He had arrived nervously, looking around for her guardian. Apparently, he was not around. Then Rin appeared, and he forgot all else. She was beaming, and the first thing he noticed was how tattered and small her kimono was. The second thing he noticed was that she wore her hair down now, and for some reason, she reminded him of Kagome.

“Kohaku-kun!” She skipped towards him, happy to see the man of her affections.

She embraced him, and he was surprised at first, frozen in place. A few seconds later, Rin remembered that they were not children anymore and began to step back, her cheeks rosy with embarrassment.

“I'm… I-I'm sorry, Kohaku-kun. I just haven't seen you in such a very long time…”

He snapped out of it, hearing the dismay in her voice. “No! I mean, it's ok, Rin-chan. I was just surprised. It's has been a long time. And what's more, you look so different! Your hair looks great…” He blushed, and tried to recover, failed. “I mean, it's different… but in a good way… And I can see why you had to come for a new kimono…” He brought a hand to his face, attempting to hide his consternation. “Not that it doesn't suit you, it's just that…”

Rin was amused by his sudden awkwardness. Usually, Kohaku was one of the most cool-headed, level people she knew, not unlike Sesshoumaru. She decided to save him from himself. She brought a hand to his wrist, prying his hand away from his face. He tried to pull it back, but he also enjoyed her touch, so he let her guide him. Her hand lingered on his skin for what he felt was a little longer than necessary, and his heart soared with hope.

“Rin-chan…” He gazed upon her beautiful, tanned face, hoping she wouldn't mind him providing lunch for her.

She smiled gracefully. “Call me Rin,” she said.

He looked shocked. “Is… is that… okay?”

He almost whispered the words, and Rin furrowed her brow, wondering why he sounded cautious. When she saw him nervously glance around, she understood. She sighed, wondering why everyone seemed to walk on eggshells around her Sesshoumaru-sama. And anyways, this was Kohaku! He had been to hell with Sesshoumaru, and traveled with them for many weeks!

“Don't worry about Sesshoumaru-sama,” she told him. “He cannot rule me,” she said rebelliously.

Maybe he can't do anything to you, but me… that's another story… Kohaku almost rolled his eyes. “Well, if I may call you `Rin'…” It was odd coming from his mouth. He almost added the honorific out of habit. “Then will you call me Kohaku?”

“Hai,” she said, smiling that beautiful smile.

He returned the grin, and then remembered why he was here when his own stomach grumbled.

Hesitating again, he began to explain. “Rin… Kagome-chan isn't coming. She's with my sister. But she asked if I may take her place. Will that be all right with you?”

Rin beamed. Kagome had sent him, and he had no idea! “I would love that,” she told him. Then she frowned a little, dashing his hopes temporarily. “But I must be back in one hour. Hashi-sama will be angry if I am not back in time for the final fitting…”

“I will have you back by then,” he told her, offering his arm.

She took it, and they walked off in search of a meal.

----------------------------------

After spending a few hours with Inuyasha and her other friends, Kagome was more than ready to go home. Sango fighting with Miroku, Shippou and Inuyasha taunting each other… She missed the peace and quiet she had with Sesshoumaru, Rin, and even Jaken.

“I've gotta go,” she announced suddenly, stopping the quarrels on both sides of the room.

She stood, reaching for her pink backpack. Sango stood as well, wanting to walk with her wherever she was going. Miroku opted to stay behind, and Shippou was already yawning his `goodbye'. He and Kirara curled up on a mat as Inuyasha stood silently to accompany her as well. The girl hugged Miroku, then bid the elder miko farewell.

She didn't question Inuyasha, but she had an awful sense of foreboding. Should she ask him to stay here? Resigned, she chatted with the taijiya as they made their way to the kimono shop.

“I'm going to get Sesshoumaru first - I'm sure he wants to see Rin as soon as the kimono is done,” she said, using her peripheral vision to glance at Inuyasha to gauge his reaction.

There was none; either he had learned to mask his emotions like his brother, or he hadn't heard.

“Do you know what the kimono will look like?” Sango asked.

“No… Hashi will surprise us. But I trust him. He has a sense for these things. But I believe he's making a few of them, since she won't be growing much more from now on,” Kagome explained.

“Oh,” Sango said. Then… “OH!” You mean… she's…”

Kagome nodded, a tiny smile tugging at her lips.

“Aww… she's getting so big. No wonder she's interested in Kohaku…”

Again, Kagome nodded, her smirk turning into a grin. She turned to Inuyasha, wondering what he thought. But he was silent, and seemed to be thinking. That was never good. With a sigh, the three travelled silently until they arrived at the shop.

---------------------------------------

He had some options. He could hunt. Or sleep. Or hunt. Or sleep… Sighing, Sesshoumaru wondered if it had been a good idea to stay near Rin. He was restless and nervous with Kagome gone. Perhaps he should go to her… No, she had known it would be best to stay, and so she had suggested it, allowing him the comfort of being alone. But… he didn't want to be alone.

Clever, bewitching mikos, he thought. Although now that he thought about it, he didn't know any other mikos to compare her to. Or… did he? Well, there was Inuyasha's first mate. The one Kagome had been forced to endure second place to. With a snarl, Sesshoumaru remembered the pain in Kagome's voice when she had spoken of the first time she saw Inuyasha and Kikyou together. It had been so cruel. And then, the undead miko had kept her silent and invisible as she made Inuyasha promise to die with her…

Shaking his head, Sesshoumaru knew he was in no condition to hunt. It would be doubly productive to engage in some other activity. What was that other choice again? Oh, yes. Sleep…

This time, however, the dreams were insistent, demanding that he remember his past. They tormented him with flashes of his cruel nature and murderous deeds but also of the gallant and noble things he had done. He hardly saw a whole scene - they were just pieces - just enough to make him fit his life together like a puzzle, almost complete, although they were in no semblance of order.

*****

*****

Sesshoumaru woke with a start, something that was becoming too familiar and very uncomfortable. But on the other hand, he remembered so much more of his past. He remembered his mother now, and how cold she was. He wondered if his father had been like that as well, since he didn't yet remember him. But he did know of his resting place, now. The most disturbing, recurring fact was that he had tried to kill Kagome and Inuyasha both so many times. But he had saved Rin just as many times.

He was dizzy with the swirling memories, trying to fit them in their proper time and place when he heard footsteps. He knew the light, shuffling falls of Kagome's odd shoes. Apparently she had two others with her - by the smell of things, his brother, and the demonslayer, whose name he couldn't recall at the moment. He didn't lift his head; he was holding it with one hand, and the other gripped his kimono.

He heard Kagome's steps increase - he really hadn't wanted to worry her - and damned his timing. Couldn't he have awoken a few minutes earlier? In a few seconds, Kagome was kneeling next to him, a hand on his shoulder. It was ridiculous that a simple touch from her could make him feel so comforted…

Wait… What? Ridiculous? Since when had he thought anything about Kagome ridiculous - besides her often-indecency? He scowled hard, and almost felt the urge to skitter away from her touch. For some odd reason, it no longer brought reassurance; the feeling that replaced it was new, yet felt old. He could not name it, but he didn't like it.

“Sesshoumaru, daijoubou?”

She sounded so concerned, but he felt like he didn't care as much as he should. She shook him a little as she asked again. It was irritating how she repeated questions. She asked again, this time leaning closer to his face. It also irked him that she felt he must answer her before she left him alone. When she whimpered his name, he finally snapped.

“WHAT? You insufferable woman!” His eyes blazed crimson, a sure sign of his level of anger, and he bared his fangs at her, something he had never done since he had `changed'.

Kagome rocked back on her legs in shock and recalled her hand, and Inuyasha held Sango back. The hanyou held a scowl on his face, but there was no surprise there. The demonslayer was prepared to fight for her friend, but Inuyasha knew that even Sango had no chance against the Taiyoukai. He bitterly fought the urge to say, `I told you so…'

“I…” Kagome was stupefied. She didn't know what to think, to say… She thought she was going to cry.

Sesshoumaru slumped back against the tree, holding his face in his hand once more. Why was he attacking her, the woman he loved? The woman he loved…

His mind was fighting something. Whether it was to remember, or forget, he couldn't be sure. But it felt familiar, like a part of his dreams. He saw wavy brown hair and elegant curves. Alluring eyes that were crimson, unlike the bright blue he had become accustomed to. And then…

He remembered another woman, this one a demoness that controlled the very wind. Kagura, his mind supplied. He recalled her asking him to help free her, and remembered how she rebelled against the creature that made her - Naraku. He brought to mind how he felt when he scented her, alone and dying. And he had arrived in time to watch her go, carried away by her very essence. And he thought of how he promised himself that she would not have died in vain. After all, it was her disobedience and giving him Naraku's secrets that had finally pushed the filthy hanyou to finish her.

He had loved before.

But she was long gone, much like Inuyasha's first love, Kikyou. And now - just like Inuyasha - he cared for Kagome.

That's right… He loved - why was the word staggering across his mind, as if he had ill-use of the word? -Kagome.

Steeling himself and getting a hold on his unbridled youki, he looked up at the miko. She seemed as if she was about to cry. It softened his eyes, something she noticed immediately.

“This Sesshoumaru apologizes,” he told her, inclining his head. “I meant you no harm, Kagome. I had been sleeping…”

He trailed off, and Kagome both heard the pain in his voice and saw the grief in his again-golden eyes. She began to smile, and wrapped her arms around his neck before he knew what happened. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, placing a small kiss that both soothed his still-confused youki and stirred it in arousal. It suddenly recognized her and cared about nothing else. He rumbled his affection, and she giggled as he pulled her into his lap. They both heard Inuyasha huff in annoyance.

“Oh, for fuck's sake…” He began to turn away and a flabbergasted Sango looked between the hanyou and the couple.

“Oh, Inuyasha, please come back,” Kagome said, fighting a smile.

“And do watch your language in the presence of ladies,” Sesshoumaru added coolly, still nuzzling the top of the priestess' head.

“Keh. I don't see any ladies,” Inuyasha scoffed.

It had been a biting remark directed at Kagome, but he had forgotten Sango in his haste. Sesshoumaru's growl was unnecessary, as Sango victoriously doubled the hanyou over with a punch to his stomach.

“Damn it… Sango…” Inuyasha wheezed.

The taijiya huffed, crossing her arms.

Kagome smiled at the familiar scene and turned back to her youkai. “Everything okay now?” she asked, afraid of his answer.

“I believe it is so,” he said cryptically.

“Will you tell me?”

Sesshoumaru knew what she wanted. As much as he would like to spare her, however, he could not deny her. “Yes.”

She only nodded her head and let it rest once more against his creamy skin. She thought his pulse was racing, but she assumed it was an after-effect of his `nightmare'. She snuggled deeper into the curve of his body, and she shivered from the prideful growl that emanated from him.

Suddenly, with a quick kiss, Kagome jumped up. “Right!” she said, cheery once more.

They all looked at her, but none were surprised. Coming from the Queen of Mood Swings, this was minor.

“I'm gettin' the hell outta here,” Inuyasha said, grumbling as he turned and began to leave again.

Kagome pleaded with him. “Hold on a second, Inuyasha!”

He visibly slumped as he turned slowly. Sesshoumaru thought it odd that his brother should still acquiesce to her wishes; he was probably still in love with her. He stood gracefully to place himself protectively at the miko's side.

“Well, I guess we'll see you in five days' time?” Sango asked.

“Oh, don't go yet, Sango!” Kagome said. “I was going to wait for…” She trailed off, not wanting to quite spill the beans yet.

Sango smirked. She had the feeling she knew what Kagome wanted. “Ok, just a little longer. If you don't mind, I'm going to go inside. I haven't talked to Hashi in some time. I think I'm going to need a new kimono soon…” She grinned broadly.

Kagome only nodded at first, something else on her mind. But then she caught on, a panicked excitement creeping into her voice. “Hold on a second… Sango, are you…? You and Miroku are…”

Sango's smile widened impossibly, and as Kagome ran forward to hug her friend, their squealing and laughing repelled Inuyasha.

“Gah! What the hell are you two so damned happy about?” he growled.

“The taijiya is with child,” Sesshoumaru said blandly, tilting his head ever so slightly.

Inuyasha's amber eyes widened with surprise and turned to Sango. “You are? But I didn't sense…” He turned back to Sesshoumaru, expecting criticism or even a smug look, but there was none. Just curiosity.

“Yes!” Sango said brightly. “You're going to be an uncle, Inuyasha.”

“An… uncle?” Inuyasha looked stunned. He loved his friends, but he didn't think they considered him as family.

“Of course,” Kagome laughed. “I guess I'm an aunt?” she asked Sango animatedly.

Sango nodded, and the two began chatting excitedly. Inuyasha was still frozen in place, and Sesshoumaru watched him. He knew his brother had never had much of a family - partially his own fault - and this concept was probably going to take some time getting used to.

“Well, go get fitted, Sango. I'll see you soon,” Kagome giggled. She turned back to her youkai, taking his arm. Can I speak with you, Uncle Sesshoumaru?”

He knew it was rude to gape, but he couldn't help it. Was she including him in their little family? After all he'd done… after all he'd put them through? He had almost killed the demonslayer and her husband several times. Then again, according to his dreams - memories, his subconscious reminded him - he had tried to kill all of them several times, Kagome and Inuyasha included.

He watched as the hanyou escorted Sango inside the shop and heard more excitement inside. Kagome led him to the river, where they sat under a tree. After a few minutes of silence, Sesshoumaru broke the silence.

“What is it you wanted to speak to me about?” he asked.

Kagome smiled. “Will you tell me about your dreams?”

He smirked. “Is that what this is about?”

“No,” she admitted. “But I'm not letting you off the hook.”

“Then I shall tell you first,” he said.

Kagome was surprised. She hadn't thought he would concede so easily. Perhaps he was coming to terms with his former self?

He was silent for a few moments, but soon he leveled her with an intense gaze. She almost shrank back in fear, but realized he wasn't angry at her, just at the memories. Then, he spoke.

“They are more urgent now,” he told her with an angry, caramel glare that looked past her into the distance.

“Urgent?” she repeated.

“Hn.” He continued to stare at the horizon. “I saw many good things, and even more evil things I had done. I tried to kill you…” His hands shook as he stared at them, as if he wondered why they trembled of their own accord.

The regret in his voice was palpable. Kagome wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. This was why he was so upset?

“Well, you understand why I was cautious when I woke up in your camp,” she giggled. “But we've all put it past us. We had seen you become more-” she tried to look for the right word here, as to not offend him, “- forgiving a little at a time, but you were never our enemy. We fought against a common enemy. Without you, we could have never succeeded,” she told him gently, placing a hand on his arm.

“Naraku,” he snarled, his expression one of distaste.

Kagome nodded; the hanyou's name left a bad taste in her mouth as well.

“I… I put my hand through Inuyasha's stomach. I pulled out his eye. I turned my back on him so many times…”

Kagome nodded again, but subtly. “Yes. But you also saved him several times. Remember when you were in the Meidou together? You saved him…”

“Only because had I not, I would have perished as well. In fact, now that I remember clearer, I was disappearing first.”

Kagome gasped; he hadn't told her that before.

“I was merely ensuring my own safety.” He knew this was false, as he could hear his thoughts in the dream. But he was trying to prove a point.

Kagome looked a little down, but she refused to let it continue. “Inside Naraku, when Magatsuhi possessed Inuyasha, you demanded he leave your brother…”

“And then he tried to possess you,” he growled domineeringly.

“But you stopped him,” she interjected.

“Inuyasha stopped it,” Sesshoumaru corrected her.

“But you're the one who killed Magatsuhi, the evil spirit of the Shikon no Tama,” she argued.

Sesshoumaru sighed. “Stubborn woman. Why do you continue to quarrel?”

Kagome collected herself. “Because you killed Magatsuhi, I was able to get my powers back. And they came back tenfold. I will forever be grateful.”

She was so serene in the moment, he didn't dispute her. He knew it to be the truth as well. Calling on his memories, he remembered the heavy waves of spiritual power that filled the area when he had finished off Magatsuhi.

Kagome looked pensive. “You know,” she said, suddenly grabbing his attention, “I never got to say thank you…”

Sesshoumaru lifted an eyebrow in response. “Oh?”

“Yes. I turned around to thank you, after Inuyasha caught me, and you were gone.”

Sesshoumaru probed his thoughts. “Ah,” he said after a minute.

Now it was Kagome's turn to look at him askance. “Elaborate this `ah', please.”

“Magatsuhi was not just holding your powers in. He was also masking everyone's scent. Including Rin's,” he told her.

Kagome's eyes went wide with the revelation. “Oh! You had been searching for Rin! And you hadn't been able to find her?”

Sesshoumaru shook his head minutely. “Without her scent, I was helpless. But with that spirit gone, I picked up her scent and followed it immediately.”

“Oh, I get it! You left because you smelled her and were desperate.” She laughed. “Well, I forgive you, then.”

He smirked at her. “How gracious of you.”

“Did you find her?”

He scowled and turned away, and Kagome wondered what had caused this. Of course he had found her, because she was alive and well. So why was he so upset?

“Yes.” The seconds ticked by, and finally he spoke again. “But I was not the first to find her.”

She watched his eyes harden and he clenched his teeth, and she was reminded of the many times Inuyasha did that when he was thinking of Naraku's foul deeds.

“Naraku had taken her, right?” she began, hoping he would pick it up from there.

He nodded. “It was a mere puppet, a distraction. But the Rin he held was real.”

His eyes had a faraway look again as he tried to recall his own memories. But he was reluctant to continue. The taijiya had obviously not told them of the story. He hesitated, but he knew his Kagome was stubborn; she would not let this go until she got to the bottom of it.

“The first to come upon Naraku's illusion was the demonslayer.”

“Kohaku?” she said, unbelieving.

He narrowed his eyes at her. She felt sheepish, yet her astonishment allowed her to speak.

“Sango?” she gasped.

“Naraku had been torturing her, telling her lies and trying to trick her into killing Rin. He had a fake Jewel to go with the fake body, and attempted to make her cut through the child in order to kill him. She was going to go through with it.”

Kagome stared at him. “But… all those times he's tricked us… how did she not know it was a trick?”

“I believe she was desperate to save the houshi,” he replied.

It all fell into place as she recalled that last stand. Miroku had also been driven desperate by opening the kazaana, unable to hear Inuyasha or herself as they cried for him to stop. Luckily, Inuyasha had gotten to him in time. And then, Naraku had said something about Sango…

*****

She shot an arrow of purification at the illusion of Naraku, attempting to dispel it. Unfortunately, it didn't vanish.

“It… didn't disappear?!” she cried.

“Ku ku ku…” the fake Naraku laughed. “I will not disappear. Not until the monk is killed. And not until Sango does a certain something to save him…”

****

It all made sense now. He had separated the lovers and - knowing that they would do anything to save the other - used them to try to bring about each other's destruction. Surely, Naraku had known that if he could get the dying Miroku to open his void, not only would it split open and suck its' owner in, but his comrades as well. And Sango… she had been so desperate to save Miroku that she would have sacrificed little Rin's life to save not only her fiancé's life, but all of theirs.

Kagome felt a tiny bubble of anger well up inside of her. How dare that Naraku use his friends in such a way! And trying to kill Rin! She wished Naraku was alive again, just so she could purify his ass.

“She was repentive, but I remember feeling admiration for her in a way; she was not pleading for her life. Although she had asked me to refrain from killing her until the monk's life was assured…” He looked at Kagome. She was still fired up. “I never planned to take her life. I could not expect a mere human to realize it was an illusion. Perhaps, had it been one of your group, I would have been ready to sacrifice as well,” he told her somberly.

This sobered Kagome. He had changed so much already by the time we defeated Naraku, she thought. The younger Sesshoumaru would have killed Sango without another thought for endangering Rin.

“Also, the boy -” he still couldn't recall his name, “- caught Rin as she fell from Naraku's grasp. I was within hearing distance, but would never have arrived in time.”

“Kohaku-kun?” She brightened at the mention of him. She had a chance.

“Yes, Kohaku. I had forgotten…” Now, little flashes of Kohaku - speaking with him, watching him float away on Kagura's feather, fighting alongside him, fighting against him, saving Rin, riding atop Ah-Un with his other subjects - ran through his head. “He once… traveled with us…”

“Yes,” Kagome said with a smile. “Sango didn't understand and didn't like it, but she understands now.”

He seemed to be straightening out his thoughts, so Kagome gave him some time to think. Then…

“Sesshoumaru?”

He didn't like the tone in her voice. It sounded like she was going to ask for something, and she knew he wasn't going to like it. But he looked up at her and waited to hear what she wanted. “Hn?”

“Do you know if the younger you had planned on taking Rin to a village, or if you intended to keep her with you?” She seemed embarrassed by the question.

It was an odd question, but so far, no harm done. “I had planned to let her choose her own fate.”

“No matter what?”

Where was this going? He narrowed his eyes at her. “Hn. As long as it did not endanger her well-being, yes.”

A proud father, she thought.

“Why do you ask?” he asked, demandingly curious.

She knew she had to steel herself. But the way to Sesshoumaru's heart was not by force. “Did you know that Rin is growing up?”

What a ridiculous question! “Of course,” he mocked. “She is human, and that is what you do.”

Kagome rolled her eyes. She knew of a few inuyoukai that could use some growing-up. “No. I mean… she's becoming a woman.”

She tried to be blunt, but it seemed that he didn't understand. Perhaps demon women didn't have periods? Or maybe theirs was different? She watched him try to think it through.

“Do you mean to tell me that she was not female before today?”

Kagome grit her teeth and clenched her fists in frustration. Really, she knew Sesshoumaru to be one of the smartest people she knew. But approach the subject of girls…

Relaxing, she sighed. “No. I mean, she is getting to the time in her life where she can marry.”

Comprehension dawned on the Taiyoukai. “Oh,” he said, his eyes widening in a rare display of dawning comprehension.

“And have children,” she added craftily.

“Oh.” His voice was like diamond, now; hard and unyielding. He felt something was amiss. Through narrowed, golden eyes, he glared at her. “Should I be expecting Rin to have children?”

“Oh, no!” she recovered, still shaken from his stare. “Well, I don't think so…”

He began to rise, and Kagome didn't like how that looked. She grabbed on to his hakama.

“P-please… she would hate you if you did anything to him,” she begged.

He raised an angry eyebrow. “There is already a `him'?”

Kagome nodded, unsure if she should tell him. She decided to take her chances. He wouldn't kill the boy if she pleaded, would he? “Kohaku-kun,” she said quietly.

“Where?” he asked, looking around.

It was so ridiculous, she laughed. “No, Sesshoumaru. It is Kohaku.”

Again, he was enlightened. “Oh,” was all he said. He began to sit again. She saw him frown, the perfect skin of his forehead crinkling slightly.

Kagome gave him a moment before delving in. “I don't know yet, but they may be in love,” she told him gently.

His eyes snapped to hers. “Rin has told you this?” He looked anxious and angry, his hand trembling ever so slightly.

“She was the one who brought it up, Sesshoumaru. I only arranged a meeting once I asked Kohaku as well.” She could tell that only his centuries of discipline were holding his self-control together.

“They are alone together?” He practically growled out the question.

She sighed, hoping he wouldn't charge off in a murderous rampage. “Yes. He is providing her with lunch, since we were all too busy.”

“Hn,” was his only reply as he looked at her dubiously. He had not been busy. If the circumstances were different, he probably would have been the person she sought. Was she really able to care for herself now? When had this happened?

After a few moments, he spoke again. “Do you know if he loves her?”

There was a harsh tone to his surprising question, but Kagome knew her answer. “Yes. I am not sure which loves the other the most,” she said, remembering how each spoke of the other. She could see that the shaking had subsided.

After a full minute, he finally spoke again. “Then that is all that matters,” he said, his voice becoming gentle.

He stared off into that interesting horizon once more, his posture relaxing. “I already know he can protect her, and he is strong-willed.”

“He just came back from a farm where he learned to provide,” Kagome said, beaming with pride over his hard work and determination.

“Then he has all he needs to take care of her. Any father would be proud to hand over a daughter to such a young man. But even if he could not provide or protect her, it is more important that he care for her,” he said.

Briefly, a crimson-eyed, feather-riding woman crossed his mind. Sometimes, love was not enough. Sometimes they needed to be protected. He looked again at Kagome. She needed to be protected as well. Was he strong enough to do it? Would someone have to protect her from him one day? The thought made him nervous, and he closed his eyes.

“Then they will be very happy together,” Kagome said, oblivious to his darkened thoughts. She moved closer to him to lean on him.

They stayed like that for some time, each thinking their own thoughts and contemplating the others' words. Until Sesshoumaru remembered something.

“What was it that you had to speak to me so urgently about?”

“That was it,” she told him, grinning.

“That Kohaku and Rin were in love? That was what you were so nervous about?”

Kagome laughed. “Yep. I didn't know how you were going to take it.”

“Hn. You underestimate me,” he said dryly.

“No,” she retorted. “Had I thought you were going to actually act upon it, I wouldn't have told you.”

“Hn. I would have found out,” he told her.

“Mm. Yes. But I would have given them a head start…”

He smirked. “Now you underestimate my speed…”

---------------------------------------------------

It felt like only a few minutes, but after three-quarters of an hour, Sesshoumaru tensed. Kagome looked up at him and saw him scanning, listening. She knew that he was aware that she was awaiting an answer. The miko waited patiently for him to say something. After a few moments of deliberation, he spoke.

“They are returning. They… had fun.”

Kagome's eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Define fun,” she said in a tone that made the youkai chuckle.

“I thought I was the one everyone was worried about,” he said smugly, pulling Kagome into his lap and enjoying her sharp intake of breath.

He gazed into her eyes, and she was butter. How ironic that his eyes were that same color.

“They ate, laughed, and she danced in the field.”

Kagome was frozen in place, unable to look away from him. Finally, something clicked and she noticed that he had answered her question. “Oh,” was all she could manage.

“Ugh, could you do that where I can't see?” She suddenly heard a familiar, disgusted voice behind her.

She looked behind her to find Inuyasha coming from inside the tailor's shop. She smiled, but Inuyasha did not return the gesture. She understood, then. Even if Inuyasha accepted it, he would never be okay with it. With an exasperated sigh, she began to climb away from Sesshoumaru. But the demon was not about to let his brothers' contempt ruin his moment with Kagome. He growled softly to let her know of his displeasure and kept her firmly locked in his grasp.

Kagome understood, but she would have many more of these moments with her Taiyoukai, and none of them should involve Inuyasha. She looked back to her friend and saw the hurt in his eyes, despite the fact that he was scowling.

Turning back to Sesshoumaru, she caressed his face gently, running a finger along one of the brilliant stripes there. He seemed to melt under her touch. With a small smile, she stood, and he allowed her to go.

“Inuyasha,” she said, waiting for a response. She got none, although his scowl wasn't as fierce anymore. Not ready to let him foul her mood, she continued. “Rin and Kohaku will be here soon. Will you tell Sango?”

He didn't answer. Instead, he turned and went back inside to do as she asked.

Again, Kagome sighed, frustrated. She felt a pair of arms wind around her waist and sunk into them. Sesshoumaru bent his head to kiss her neck, and then whispered in her ear.

“There is nothing you can do to ease his pain. The best you can do is to act normal; it will help him stabilize.”

Kagome nodded, although it wasn't what she wanted to hear. She wanted to help Inuyasha, and acting `normal' just didn't seem to be what was best.

What was best?

For whom?

Sure, she would feel better if she tried to help him return to normal. But… their love had gone beyond that - they had been best friends and companions, allies and comrades. With a sickening realization, Kagome understood: Inuyasha was never going to be the same.

If it had been different - if they had separated for another reason - he might have been all right. But… she had left him. For another man. For his brother.

The grief pooled deep in her stomach, almost making her double over in pain. Sesshoumaru steadied her, seeming to understand the severity of the situation. He didn't ask, and for that, she was grateful. Saying it out loud would have been even more painful.

After a few moments, she could breathe a little easier, and held herself tall once more. Sesshoumaru turned her and pulled her chin up, and he saw in her face the anguish of losing someone, although her face was calmed. He had expected it, though. Kagome was not good at masking emotions.

“It is not your fault,” he murmured.

He watched as her resolve wavered; trembling lips and the slight narrowing of the eyes. But she composed herself again. Curious.

“For whom do you put on a brave face, Kagome?”

Kagome closed her eyes. “For myself.”

This answer intrigued him. He cocked his head in the way she loved so that when she opened her eyes, he looked so puzzled she couldn't help but ease his confusion.

“If I don't force myself to stay together, I just may fall apart,” she whispered, looking away.

Brows furrowed, Sesshoumaru could only come up with one thought - she still held feelings for his brother. A flash of anger ripped through his body, and he fought his youki for control. It sought vengeance for this traitorous act, and called for Inuyasha's blood. Morbidly, Sesshoumaru visualized killing his brother… but this brought forth his memories, and his new conscience warred with his old habits.

His thoughts were interrupted when the hanyou in question returned - with a pregnant demon-slayer in tow. This silenced his raging youki. Pregnant females soothed inu males, and furthermore, she was Kagome's friend. There would be no blood shed today.

But that would infer that there would be a coming fight, and Sesshoumaru did not know what to think of this. It was frustrating to think that after all he'd fought for, he could ruin it with one angry swipe of his claws.

“Well, I guess there's no secret now,” Sango giggled as she exited the shop.

Hearing her friend so happy snapped Kagome out of her stupor. “Eh?”

The taijiya laughed again. “Oh, come on, Kagome. Hashi?” She looked at her friend speculatively.

“Oh, right,” Kagome said with a grin. “Now that he knows, you should start getting visitors in about… oh, thirty seconds,” she laughed.

Even Inuyasha started to chuckle. “Poor Miroku's gonna have to put seals all over the door to keep them away.”

They all laughed at this, except Sesshoumaru, who smiled politely. He didn't get the joke, of course. But seeing Kagome smile and hearing her sweet laughter made him feel so good, he couldn't sit there with a frown on his face.

As it became quiet, Inuyasha's ears swiveled behind him, twitching. Kagome, who was ever-sensitive to the hanyou's alerts, was suddenly in battle mode. But Sesshoumaru placed a hand across the small of her back reassuringly. Kagome suddenly felt silly. There was nothing in this world she could possibly be afraid of any longer. Not with Sesshoumaru by her side.

Only a few moments had passed, and now, the teenagers were coming from around the back of the hut. They were laughing, and Kohaku even reached up to caress Rin's cheek. Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru, just in case. But she only saw an expression of quiet contemplation, and a gentle softening of his eyes. Reassured, she turned back to the lovebirds, and her sudden movement caught Kohaku's eyes.

He gasped at the surprise of meeting so many here, and froze in place when he saw Sesshoumaru. But there was no anger in the youkai's eyes, so he relaxed. Rin had never even stopped smiling; she was surrounded by friends and love.

“Kohaku!” Sango thrust herself at her little brother, wrapping her arms around him.

He hugged her back tightly. Rin went to stand by Sesshoumaru, also curving herself to the side his miko was not occupying.

“Hey, careful, Kohaku,” Kagome warned.

This brought him up short. He released his sister, eyeing her suspiciously. She grinned in response.

“Kohaku, you're going to be an uncle,” she told him quietly.

A few seconds ticked by, and Sango grew worried as she watched her brothers' shocked face.

Then suddenly, he shouted. “All right!” He started to grab Sango once more, but thought better of it.

Instead, Inuyasha clapped him on the back, Rin came forward to hug him, and Sango held his shoulders and touched his forehead with her own. Kagome grinned, and Sesshoumaru watched her face intently. He wondered to himself if she would want the same thing; could she someday want children of her own?

He knew she already cared for the fox kit - she made sure he ate right, gave him presents, and soothed him when something troubled him. But it could also be construed as the role of an older sister. Did not Sango also care for Kohaku in this way? Of course, it was slightly different since the boy was older than the kitsune, at least in appearance. But still… he could not deny the fact that Kagome had a strong motherly instinct.

He felt Kagome's grip tighten around his waist, and looked down to find her peering at him. She seemed worried. He hadn't noticed that he had begun to frown as he thought. She was worried. Without smiling, he caressed her cheek, resting his palm against her face.

Would this woman one day carry his children? Hanyou children?

He was surprised that even though he felt conflicted, his youki did not rebel against the idea. Still gazing at Kagome, who had seemed to smile again at his touch, his lips curved slightly upward. He could not deny her. If she wanted his children - hanyou or otherwise - he would be all too happy to comply. Oh, and think of all the opportunities that trying to sire such children would imply! There were so many different positions, and locations, and times of day…

“Sesshoumaru?”

Her voice brought him out of his lust-filled daydreams. He was sure now that he had probably made a less-than-noble face while inadvertently ogling her. One of her eyebrows was raised in an almost audible smirk as she began to deduce exactly what he was thinking of.

Now, a real grin appeared on his face as he bent to her.

“How much time before you leave me?” he asked in a low voice. She blushed prettily.

But it was not low enough; he had forgotten his brothers' excellent - although not as good as his - hearing. And said ears were pointed in his direction, as well as a noteworthy scowl. Sesshoumaru was bothered by this; true, it hadn't been very long since Kagome had denied Inuyasha. But this possessiveness his brother felt for Kagome had to either dissolve or at least hide.

Inuyasha was still glaring, and Sesshoumaru sent a rumbling growl in his direction. Kagome finally noticed what was going on and placed a calming hand onto Sesshoumaru's arm, which was still wrapped protectively around her. Once she had one brother under control, she turned to scowl at the other. Inuyasha had the decency to look ashamed.

“Kagome?”

She turned at the sound of her name. It had been Sango's warm voice, and she stepped away from the Taiyoukai to speak with her friend.

“I'm going to go back home. Who knows what kind of chaos is awaiting me?” She laughed, looking in the direction of her home longingly.

Kagome nodded. “I'll see you when my week is up,” Kagome reassured the demonslayer, hugging her.

Sango nodded as well, and Inuyasha turned to accompany her home.

Kagome was hurt. “Inuyasha?” she said meekly.

He looked back slowly, reluctant to meet her eyes. He didn't speak when he finally locked his gaze on her. She flushed with the intensity of his gaze, and then she felt Sesshoumaru next to her once more. Inuyasha understood.

“Later,” he said sadly as he trotted back to Sango.

Neither looked back.

After a few moments, Kagome was able to realize that Rin and Kohaku were still there, chatting animatedly. Perhaps a trip home wouldn't be bad. Maybe it would get her mind off things.

Walking up to Rin, she placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. “I'm going, Rin. I hope you have a great week,” she said, grinning at the young couple.

Both flushed, to Kagome's amusement. She chuckled, and the girl embraced her.

“Thanks,” Rin whispered in her ear, “I don't know what I would have done without you.”

For a response, Kagome flashed a smile as she pulled back to hold the girl at arm's-length. Suddenly, Kohaku's wiry arms were around her as she gasped in surprise. She was suddenly filled with a panicked sensation, and a tinge of guilt. Then she realized why she felt so anxious. Well, it was more audible than anything.

A soft, slow, rumbling growl came from behind her, and she felt Kohaku stiffen slightly before he began to pull away. Kagome turned to raise an eyebrow at Sesshoumaru. Really, it was only Kohaku. Was he threatened by a fifteen-year-old boy?

The youkai didn't know what had come over him. He knew - deep down - that the boy posed no threat. After all, he had recently been enlightened to whom exactly the young man's heart belonged. And even if Rin and Kohaku had not been involved, he knew Kagome's heart belonged to him. Sesshoumaru looked in the direction that his brother had left.

Didn't he?

After Rin went back into Hashi's shop, Kohaku took his leave, and the two were left alone. She would see Rin's kimonos when she returned. After all, the excuse of seeing them was merely an excuse to get everyone together to announce Kohaku and Rin.

Sesshoumaru looked up to the slowly setting sun. It would be dark in about two hours, and he wanted to get Rin back to the little waterfall area they had adopted as home. Offhandedly, he wondered why he had never settled there.

“Shall we?” he asked, his voice low, despite their privacy.

Kagome, who had previously been pondering the very real idea that she may have an insecure Taiyoukai on her hands, was brought back to Earth. Smiling, she took his hand.

“Yes,” she told him.

Soon, they were in front of the well. Kagome shifted uneasily. She didn't want to say goodbye, but… he would be here when she came back. Hoping that this week wasn't going to be as bad as the last, she began to look forward to helping her mother cook and sleeping in her bed. School was the problem. With the excitement of this relationship, she couldn't focus on her schoolwork last week. More than likely, she had more of the same to look forward. Sadly, she thought of how well her schooling had been going with the slowing wane of her relationship with Inuyasha.

Suddenly, it hit her. That's right… it's not like I suddenly fell out of love with Inuyasha and in love with Sesshoumaru! All this time, my hope had been holding on by just a string. I had been waiting… Indeed, she had waited three years, and their relationship had not strengthened, not changed. And it was not from lack of trying on her part, either.

Kagome felt the tension she had not known she had been holding leave her. It was like the person she had been carrying on her back had suddenly jumped off. Had she been feeling this… guilt the whole time?

Feeling lighter than she had been in a while, she turned a dazzling smile up to Sesshoumaru's face. He had been watching her intently, wishing he knew what she was thinking. Now, he felt her aura change, as if she was instantly different, better. Even her smile showed it.

“Something you wish to say, Kagome?” he asked, a smirk playing along his lips.

She thought for a moment, attempting to hold back a laugh. “Nope.”

“Then,” he began, sliding his arms around her waist slowly, listening to her heartbeat begin to thump erratically, “we should say our farewells.”

Kagome swallowed thickly, her humor lost and her smile gone, replaced by need and wide eyes. She could only nod dumbly.

He bent to capture her lips, and she instantly moaned her approval. He chuckled darkly. After a few moments, she wound a hand around his neck, and one of his slid up her body into her black hair. She pressed her body into his unconsciously, and he rumbled with pleasure.

Soon, he was pulling away, much to Kagome's puzzlement and annoyance. She scowled at him, which made him give a short, sharp laugh.

“Do not look at me so, Kagome. If we were to continue, I doubt you would get very much sleep, let alone get to your `school',” he told her, humor coloring his words.

Kagome had to think about it for a moment, her mind still hazy from the kiss. But then it made sense, and she blushed a little. “Right,” she told him, bending to get the backpack she had dropped during their kiss.

She turned to the well and sat on the rim, her legs dangling into the abyss. Sesshoumaru stood next to her, looking into the deep darkness.

“I'll see you in a few days,” she told him.

He nodded once, and she jumped.

Sesshoumaru watched as a blinding light swallowed the miko and when it was gone, so was she.