Kagome loved spending weekends at the shrine. She had hated leaving her Grandfather to take care of things (with the help of a few monks in training) but it was painful just breathing here after everything she had lost. Coming back to Tokyo had always been the plan for college, and after Kagome had missed so much school, she was immensely proud of her history degree. Life had certainly not turned out how she had expected, but was so much better. She had a good job, and a wonderful boyfriend who treated her like a princess. Speaking of said boyfriend, he should be back soon. Makoto had left to pick up lunch for everyone, and Mama had to take Souta to a doctor's appointment so Kagome was left with her grandfather. She had been in the middle of sweeping the yard when a voice that she really rather not hear sounded through the peaceful quiet.

"Kagome-chan! Are you well enough to be out and about in this cold weather?" Hojo, an old classmate and admirer called out from the stairs as he made his way to her. Cold? It was April and though the day was a bit breezy, Kagome was wearing pants and a sweater.

"Hello… Hojo-kun, how are you?" Kagome greeted her old school acquaintance hesitantly.

"I'm well, thank you! I heard you were back in town and there is a matter I wanted to discuss with you." The cheerful and oblivious man told her.

"Okay…" Kagome said as she stopped sweeping. She could feel the headache coming already. It wasn't that she disliked Hojo, but the man could not take a hint.

"Kagome-chan, I know people are more…open about experimenting now-a-days, but you're a maiden at a very respectable shrine, and I think it is time we settled down. We both have our degrees now, and your health has been good for a while." Hojo told her as he took one of her hands.

"Experimenting?" Kagome questioned as she tried to get her hand free.

"I'm sure Makoto-san is a very nice girl, Kagome, but you can't be with her anymore, Kagome. I'm ready to get married; I've waited for you for years." Hojo tried to reason with her.

"It's a good thing I'm not a girl then, isn't it?" A voice rang out before Kagome could react. Turning their heads, they saw a tall, blond man with a large take out bag. "Sorry I'm late; your Grandpa wanted a few things from the convenience store."

"Kagome-chan, who is this man?" Hojo asked, subtlety eyeing the muscular man as he made his way to them. Kagome smiled and wrapped her arms around Makoto's free arm.

"Hojo-kun, this is my boyfriend, Makoto Tachibana."

"….Boyfriend?" Hojo asked, stunned.

"Since high school." Makoto said as he leaned down and kissed Kagome's forehead. Hojo just nodded, mumbled an excuse to leave and quickly left, feeling embarrassed and rejected. Makoto set the bag of food down.

"Makoto? Are you okay?" Kagome asked, reaching to feel his forehead before he stood up all the way. Makoto took her hand and got down on one knee. "Makoto?" Kagome asked again.

"Kagome, I love you. I see the future in your eyes. Will you please be my wife?" Makoto reaching into his pocket, and pulled out the box that had been burning a hole in his pocket for months, but before he could even open it he was tackled by a very happy Kagome.

"YES! YES! YES! Oh my Kami! Makoto!" Kagome exclaimed, kissing him passionately under the Goshinboku.