Wait? What? This isn't "Shared Secrets"? Nope, I decided to try something new. I was really nervous about this, but I really hope at least some people enjoy it. I know I had a blast writing it. That being said, this story may turn out to be completely self-serving. This means I could very well decide to do what I want, when I want. Of course, I'll do my best to make sure the plot makes sense, but it's my story and I'll write what I want to. Have fun!

They had all assumed that once the search for the Jewel and defeat of Naraku had been accomplished, that they could all lead normal lives. Then, they were all devastated when Kagome had been unable to return to them. With her arrival, they had all felt a sense of joy, peace, and for once; normalcy. However, they had never done "normal" well, now had they?

It had been nearly five years since Kagome had returned to the Feudal Era for good, and not much had changed. Sango and Miroku were happily married, though they occasionally fought. Even though their three children were plenty old enough to stay with Kaede or Kagome, her husband refused to allow Sango to go with him on exterminating missions. She knew she would win him over, however. She always did. After staying in the village for some time, Inuyasha and Kagome had discovered that they weren't ready to settle into one place just yet, so they began traveling. They had told all their friends that it was just the lifestyle they had become accustomed to while searching for the Jewel and Naraku, but it was clear as day the young couple really just wanted time to themselves. They had began their travels a year after her return, and were currently on their way back to the village for an extended visit.

"Oi, what are you doing? Go to sleep already." Inuyasha tells Kagome gruffly. "You can wash the dirt outta your hair tomorrow."

"I'm not looking for dirt, Inuyasha." They had passed through a rather unpleasant village that afternoon, and weren't in the best of moods. "The last time we visited the village, some of the women my age were complaining about grey hair."

"Grey hair?" Inuyasha seemed a little confused.

"Yes. Human's hair turns grey as they age." We haven't really discussed my ageing at all. Will Inuyasha still want to be with me when I'm old and grey? He got up and came closer.

"You don't have any grey hair, Kagome. It looks almost exactly the same as when we met." You look almost exactly the same as when we met. And it was true. Kagome hadn't changed much in the 10 years since he'd first laid eyes on her. Sure, she was taller (barely), and her face seemed to have thinned slightly, but she didn't really look older.

"You're right. I don't look much different at all, do I?" She seemed to have drawn the same conclusion he had.

"No."

"Inuyasha? Could it be possible that I've...stopped ageing?"

"I dunno. You aren't that old, even for a human, so maybe it's too soon to tell."

"I still look 16, Inuyasha. I'm 25 now, I should look older. All the women my age in the village look older than I do. Something isn't normal."

"Would it really be so bad if you stayed the same? If you don't age, doesn't that mean you'll be around longer?" And there it was, something else they'd avoided talking about. Someday, Inuyasha would have to go on without her. He'd live for centuries after she was gone, after they all were.

"I'm human, Inuyasha. I'm not like you, I'm mortal." She said sadly.

"I know that, but what's wrong with wanting you around as long as possible?" His voice was so low, she almost didn't hear him.

"There's nothing wrong with that, but I don't want you to get your hopes up." She cradled his face in one hand, gently tracing one of his ears with the other. "I'll do whatever I can to stay here with you as long as possible."

"I know you will." He said sincerely. These conversations with them were so rare and she just had to know how he really felt.

"Do you regret being with me? Because I'm human?

"What?! No! Of course not. No matter how short my time with you is, it's worth it." Inuyasha was horrified that she would even think he could regret being with her. They were made for each other.

"I'm glad" Kagome said with a sigh before finally relaxing against him and falling asleep.

Miroku loved watching his wife with their children. He couldn't help it. She was always beautiful, but something about motherhood made her absolutely captivating. At the moment, however, there was something else on his mind. "Sango, let's go for a walk. Just the two of us? Rin can watch the children, I'm sure." The young girl was an exellent babysitter.

"I suppose so. As long as Rin doesn't mind." Of course, she knew the girl wouldn't. Rin adored children, especially their's. Once the children were settled with their favorite babysitter, the couple was off.

"Okay, talk. What is it?" Sango asked matter-of-factly.

"What? A man can't simply take a stroll with his wife?" Miroku feigned offense.

"He can, but you aren't. I know something has been bothering you. What is it, Miroku? You know you can talk to me."

"Well, you see, I'm the first to survive the curse of the Wind Tunnel. As such, I couldn't help but wonder what long-term effects it may have. I spoke to Lady Kaede, and she believes the large amount of demonic aura and poison I've sucked in over the years could lead to complications." For such an ominous topic, Miroku was surprisingly calm.

"Complications? What could that mean?" Sango tried to remain composed, but she was unable to hide the concern in her eyes. Even now, we are not free from Naraku's evil deeds.

"No one can say for certain. It is something we must discover in time. However, we have already started looking for ways to combat any ill effects. Lady Kaede believes the key may be in the slayer's village."

"Really? But why?"

"Yes. As people who came into contact with demons so frequently, it is possible that the exposure to demonic aura damaged the slayer's bodies. If that is so, there's a chance they found a way to reverse or at least lessen that damage."

"It's worth a shot, though I've never heard of such a thing. Though I suppose the issue could have been resolved before my time. We'll do whatever it takes."