disclaimer: i do not own inuyasha or any other characters from the series

Chapter 1: Rejoice and Rethink

"I can't believe it's over….it's finally over,"

"Who would've thought that after 4 years of chasing after him and dealing with all those stupid reincarnations that we'd finally be able to truly say….he's dead,"

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!" Shippo exclaimed as the rest of the group cheered along with him. Kagome looked at all of her friends, the people she had been traveling with for so long, and the people she matured with, all of it, and began to frown. 'Now that Naraku is dead, what will I do now?' she thought.

'With the jewel complete, I'll have to return home,' she looked at the shikon jewel, shimmering a slightly pale pink as she held it. How could something so small be so powerful? How could this tiny thing bring about the biggest change and decision of her entire life?

"Hello….Kagome…" Inuyasha waved his hand furiously in front of her face. He had noticed his best friends' sudden change in mood. He had always been able to tell if something was wrong with Kagome or not.

"Oh…hey Inuyasha..." She said sullenly," what's up?"

"Kagome, look there is plenty of time to think about the wish," He said sitting beside her "I hope that there is a way that you could stay here with the rest of us, I'd miss you too much if you were to never come back," he said cheeks hinted with a subtle red.

"Oh Inuyasha, I don't know what to do. I need to make a wish but then I might not be able to come back or even be able to see my family again." She said leaning closer to him, "I couldn't stand the thought of being without one of my families. Ugh…I need to clear my head, I'm gonna take a dip in the springs."

"Ok Kagome, but be careful," Inuyasha said rubbing her back lightly. He then got up and went with Miroku to get some fire wood for the camp.

"Kagome, do you want me to come with you?" Sango said looking at the woman she called sister.

"No but thank you Sango, I think I just need some time by myself to think things over a bit."

"Ok then," Sango said with a smile on her face.

Kagome sighed and went to grab her bathing supplies. As she was walking, she got to thinking about the jewel. She just didn't know what to wish for. And when she did, what would happen to her. Will she still be able to see all her friends in this time and continue traveling back and forth? Or will she have to decide on whether she would stay in the feudal era with her second family or going back to a regular life of a normal 19 year old girl?

She had matured so much, grew in strength tremendously. She no longer looked like the innocent 15 year old girl that couldn't defend herself. She had gotten training from Sango and masters of judo and sword fighting back home. Even Inuyasha helped out a little as a sparring partner. She was lean and very toned. She also had the body of a woman. Perfect curves, pert full breasts, and soft tan skin. She was a completely different person now, and the feudal era brought about that change.

She really loved the Feudal era, which brought about other questions. If she stayed in the past, what would she be doing? She had promised Inuyasha that she would help him find the Shikon jewel shards and when she was done, she would return her normal life. Then again, she didn't think this journey would last as long as it did. She never realized that she would become friends with so many wonderful people. Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango, Shippo, Kaede, Kouga, Ginta, Hikaku, and recently Sesshomaru were just SOME of the people she thought to believe were her friends. 'Hmm….I wonder what made Sesshomaru wanna start talking to me anyways,' as she thought about the stoic demon lord, she remembered the first time they ever actually had a conversation.

Flashback

Sesshomaru didn't know why he was doing this. He never asked anybody for help, even if they were is so called "friends". But knowing that his dear young ward was sick, he had to press forward. He would never say out loud he had feelings for that 10 year-old girl but he would acknowledge the fact that such feelings were there. He walked into the clearing where he had scented the miko from the future to be. He regretted what he was about to do all too much. He made his way to stand in front of her leaned over form, waiting for her to acknowledge him.

"Ah…good afternoon Lord Sesshomaru, what can I help you with?"

She gave him an endearing smile, making him intake a little sharper than he had expected.

"Miko, my ward has fallen ill and I am in need of your assistance." He said blandly

She bowed her head for a second and looked back up at him. 'Were her eyes always so blue?' he thought. As she stood, she made her way towards him, his eyes never leaving her. The way her hips swayed so seductively, how her pants or "jeans" as he had heard her call them fit her long legs, and how amazingly brilliant her hair seemed to shine. He was having a little bit of trouble rejecting the way he was affected by this human girl.

"Well Lord Sesshomaru," she bit out, "As much as I would love to help Rin, you need to make something happen," as she stopped right in front of him, he noticed something in her that he had never known was possible. She wasn't afraid of him. 'Hmmm….interesting'

"And what might that be, Miko?" He questioned, raising one of his delicate eyebrows at her.

'He looks kinda hot when he does that….but back to business,' she thought shaking her head slightly.

"I want to be addressed by my name. Not Miko, not wench, not human ok. The name is Kagome, the name I was given at birth, and I would very much like for it to be used thank you," she said putting her dainty little hands on her hips.

He couldn't help but snicker at the attitude she was giving him, even though he didn't actually interject said action. 'I never realized she was more….outspoken before…..or actually attractive,' he thought. He stepped a little closer to her but not enough to make her uncomfortable. He inhaled her scent, 'lavender…..jade….and vanilla,' he never knew humans could smell so….tempting.

"Well," She said, tapping her foot on the forest floor, "We gotta deal or what?"

"Yes we do," He said looking in her eyes, getting lost in the sea of her soul, "Kagome."

She shuttered at how he said her name. This of course definitely did not go unnoticed by Sesshomaru.

'If she reacts like that every time, I might just say it more often.'

'She is perfect for us. She obviously desires us. Make her our mate'

'Not you' he said to his beast, 'Look she cannot become my mate, she is in love with my idiot of a half brother, and she is human, a miko no less'

'She is the most powerful miko! She is the one for us. She is good to Rin and if we mate her she will become a demon and have the same lifespan! Did I mention she was really hot? Or that she ca bare full heirs?...I desire her NOW!' his beast screamed

'Look, even if I did have feelings for her, which will NEVER happen, we cannot force her. We must give her time,'

'You'll see, we will have that goddess as our mate, and become more powerful for that. Mark my words, I will have no other but before then…..I will make your life so much more enjoyable,' he returned to the blackened corner of his cage where he remained silent. 'Would it be so bad as to mate with her?' he thought.

As he came back from his little chat, he realized that she had been talking the entire time.

"So what do you think, would that be ok for Rin?" She finished, looking back up to him

"Hn," was all he said. "Come, my ward waits. She is not far from this area so you should not be gone for long."

"Ok then," she said swinging her now black backpack over her shoulder, "Please, lead the way Milord"

'Ok, I could definitely get used to hearing THAT,' He thought, a little shocked she would call him that.

"I will have you back before you start to miss the half breed," He bit out slightly, not knowing why he said it that way.

"One, he's your brother can't you call him by his name? And two…..why would I miss him? Sure he's my best friend but it wouldn't lead me to become desperate without him." 'Why did I tell him that..?' she questioned herself.

"I assumed you were in love with the half br- with him, he is courting you is he not?"

"No, we're only friends. Very close friends at that. But I fell out of love with him a long time ago. I just realized that I shouldn't be waiting for the flower to bloom in the middle of winter. I should enjoy the rest of life until spring comes and I can really find a flower that makes it all the more special." She said smiling.

"Hn,"

The walk continued on with him talking about Rin and how she was no longer the little child she once was. He found himself truly talking to her and having a conversation with Kagome.

End Flashback

Soon after that, Rin insisted on always visiting Kagome, which Sesshomaru saw himself looking forward to more and more. Rin of course didn't mind since she got to see Shippo all the time as well.

'I can't believe it's been almost 6 months since then' she thought, smiling a sweet smile that could break the thickest of ice. She couldn't help but think of a certain someone when she smiled like that.

"Ahh, finally," she sighed aloud.

"You know, well this could just be me but isn't it weird to be talking to yourself,"

"Huh?" She turned around to see the person she had on her mind just 2 seconds ago. She chuckled a little as she turned to really face him, "Why good evening to you too, Sesshomaru"

"Why is it that you are out here alone? Should you not be with your companions making the wish?" He questioned.

He then regretted ever asking that question. Her aura that was always so bright and cheerful became dull and saddened. "What is the matter, Kagome?" He inquired, curiosity and worry in his voice.

"I haven't made the wish. I came out here to see if I can't sort all the mess in my head out."

"Do you not have a wish in mind?" he asked motioning her to sit under a tree.

"No, I have a wish in mind…but I'm afraid of what's to come. I wanna be able to travel back and forth like I used to, but most likely I'll have to pick a world and stay there forever. I want to be with my mother and my brother and of course grandpa….but I'll miss everyone here too much. These two worlds are both a part of my life…I wouldn't know how to handle not being with one."

He saw her look down, hiding her face. He himself felt a little sad. He didn't want her to go. He enjoyed her company, her laughter, her smile, her personality, everything that made up Kagome. He could honestly say that he was in love with her. However, how could he tell her that he wanted her to be there, with Rin, and most importantly with him? He was a man of very few words but he HAD to do something.

"Kagome," he started, lifting her chin to meet his gaze, "You are a very strong woman, with people all around you that care for you and love you. You should know that, no matter what, they will always be there for you. I….will always be there for you."

He looked deep into her azure eyes, drawing her near. She leaned forward, her sight never leaving his face.

"Stay here with me" He whispered

"What…d..did…you…"She muttered

'Here we go…you can do this Sesshomaru' he muttered to himself

"Stay with me…here…with Rin," he said quietly enough for only her to hear. "I could not bare to be away from you. Kagome….I…."

"You….what…," she whispered, closing the gap between them.

"I….love…you…," He said as his lips met hers. The kiss started small but then grew more passionate. He bit her bottom lip, causing her to gasp. He took this time to plunge deep into her mouth, to finally taste her. She was shocked at first, but nevertheless, she warmed up to it, kissing with as much fire as he was.

What seemed like centuries later, they parted, allowing each other a breath. Sesshomaru looked upon her flushed face, her pouty lips, and her amazing eyes.

"I love you Kagome," He said softly, leaning his forehead onto hers, "Will you become my mate?"

"Oh Sesshomaru…"She breathed out, "I…..I….,"

"…If you wish to return to your time, then I shall wait for you. For you, I would wait a thousand eter-,"

"Yes,"

"What did you say..?" He gasped. 'I'm dreaming….please tell me she actually said…..'

"Yes," She said, stroking his cheek lovingly, "I will stay with you…my love."

With that one sentence, he hugged her so close. His beast sang from the depths of his cage in excitement.

'YES! Take mate now! Make her ours, make her writhe beneath us!' He yelled

'In due time beast. I want her first time to be memorable and comfortable.'

'GRRRRR…..fine then…but I'd better be let out for a little of the fun' he snickered

He rolled his eyed and didn't answer his beast's request. He released Kagome from their embrace to look at her face. She wore the most heartwarming smile he had ever seen, causing him to smile back.

"Well I guess I should let the group know that I'm staying, Kagome said chuckling a little, "But…"

"Yes..? What is it?" He said caringly

"I want to be the one to tell them of our engagement of sorts, and I want to see my family before I make the wish. Just to see them one more time,"

"Anything for you, koi." He said smiling, going in for another kiss. He started to move down her chin, hearing her make the sexiest little mewls he's ever heard from a woman. She had put her hands on his shoulders to hold him there. He nipped and sucked at the junction of her neck and shoulder, making a mental note that there, she would hold his house's emblem.

"Oh and Sessho…?" She moaned out.

"Hmmm…?"

"I love you too." She whispered in his ear, as he hit her weak spot on her collarbone.

He kissed and licked his way back up, ending with a soft, tender kiss on her lips.

"We should return you to your companions. I will be there to join your group when I round up Rin, Jaken, and Ah-Un." He sighed, not wanting to let her go.

"Ok but I still want to take a bath so I'll just stick around for a little while longer. Around what time should you be back?" She asked, being helped up by Sesshomaru.

"I will arrive a little after sunset. Tell your group that I will be joining your group before then."

"Ok then," she said, taking a deep breath and letting it.

"Good. I must be off. I love you Kagome," He said embracing her one more time before going off to look for his ward.

"I love you Sesshomaru,"

After that he was gone, leaving her alone near the springs. 'Now,' she thought as she started to disrobe, 'How to tell the guys…..'