A/N: Here I am again! Sorry I'm a day late but things have been a little hectic for me lately. I think this was a filler chapter but it explains how life has been going with our favorite couple and their family!!! I should be able to update sometime before the next week. Enjoy and please continue to R & R!!!

Chapter 11: An Almost Perfect Life

Nearly two months has passed and life in the Takahashi mansion was joyous but busy. Inuyasha's father, Inutaisho and older brother Sesshomaru arrived just a few days after Kagome and the others from a sudden business trip. Like Izayoi, Inutaisho was happy to see his daughter-in-law and Souta again but immediately found out about Amaya. Being a father, he was proud of his boy but a little upset about making Kagome pregnant in the first place. But Amaya was adored by her nicer grandfather. Sesshomaru, having changed since being married to Rin, greeted the two siblings and gave them small hugs, highly unusual for the former Frigid Beast. Needless to say that he taunted and teased his younger brother which resulted in verbal fights; but not as heartless and cruel as they once were.

Amaya was settling quite nicely into her new surroundings. She slept in her own room next to her parent's bedroom and sometimes slept with them when she was scared or lonely. She got cherries everyday and could have anything her tiny heart desired. She was getting used to having grandparents and an aunt and another uncle; she knew that she was safe and no one was going to hurt her. Keeping to his word, Inuyasha began teaching her the finer points of being an Inu demon; sometimes having Inutaisho or Sesshomaru give some advice. She was getting better with her growls and snarls; her jumps and speed were steadily improving as well. Her demon senses still needed to be worked on but all in due time, her parents said. Izayoi, Rin, and Kagome all went out to take Amaya shopping and they would end up carrying home more bags than thought was possible. The grandmother and aunt still argued about who was taking Amaya away but it soon became a little joke between them. Her confidence; which was at a low level in the beginning; increased the more she was taught and the more time she spent with her father. The Mini-yasha was acting more and more like her father everyday and everyone wondered would she become an exact copy of Inuyasha when she got older?

July 20th: another day in paradise. It was mid-afternoon and the Takahashi household was busier than ever. The plans for the homecoming party were going smoothly. Izayoi, Rin and even Sango came by and planned every single detail. The invitations were sent; the decorations and food were ordered; the whole enchilada. This was going to be big!

Souta and Rin were currently in the living room trying to get Amaya; who was giving them both a wild chase. Sesshomaru and Inutaisho were just entering the kitchen where the mother and son currently were. The grandfather had a manila folder in his hand and his face didn't look too happy. Mother and son looked at each other; baffled and turned to the silver haired family members.

"What's wrong honey is everything alright?" Izayoi asked, wiping her wet hands on a towel by the sink.

"I'm afraid not. I fear that Kagome, Amaya, and Souta aren't exactly safe anymore."

Inuyasha looked up; surprised at his father's tone and sudden news. "What are you talking about, dad? What do you mean that they aren't safe anymore?!"

Inutaisho sat down at the counter while still holding the folder. Sesshomaru just leaned against the doorway, expression just as serious as his father.

"Well, we decided that in order to protect them properly; to make sure that Yoshiro wouldn't find out where they are; we've sent many undercover agents to keep tabs on whatever that bastard does…"

"But unfortunately, recent reports that were just sent to us this morning confirm that Yoshiro is on the hunt and is heading in our direction." Sesshomaru finished; looking down at the floor.

Izayoi was shocked but Inuyasha's temper just flared at the mention of that insane bastard. He, rather very hard banged his fist on the marble counter, oblivious to what pain he felt. Yoshiro obviously knew where Kagome and the others were and Inuyasha couldn't help but feel absolute rage. He swore on his life he was going to protect his family and that was what he was going to do. If that asshole even dared to show his face; there was certainty that he wouldn't be held responsible for what he planned to do.

Inutaisho's voice interrupted his thoughts. "There's no way we can stop him. If one of our agents were caught; he would know for sure that they are here so therefore the only thing we can do is to protect the girls and Souta."

"Oh my; that is terrible." The grandmother said, taking in the seriousness of this.

"Inuyasha, you probably already know this but make sure whenever either three leave this house, that you or Izayoi and I will accompany them." the older Takahashi said.

"I know that already!! I made a promise to not let the bastard's hands anywhere near them, especially Kagome! There's no way that psycho is going to get them again!"

The three family members just looked back and forth between each other; knowing that Inuyasha was going to stop at nothing until Yoshiro was in jail; or preferably dead. Just at that moment, the kitchen doors opened to reveal Amaya running, with Rin and Souta not too far behind. The little demon unexpectedly jumped into her father's arms while the two chasers stopped, catching their breath.

"I can't….believe…that she could…run so fast." Rin said, panting.

"If I thought she was fast before…it's nothing compared to now. She has…definitely has your…speed, Inuyasha." Souta then leaned against the counter, trying to regain much needed breath.

Amaya just giggled. Inuyasha was proud of how far she has come with her training. He gave her a big kiss on her cheek. After that, the grandmother then decided to take her granddaughter from her father's arms and go toy shopping. Rin immediately perked up and decided to accompany her. She decided to drag her stubborn husband along. Sesshomaru didn't want to go out but Rin blackmailed him. He sighed reluctantly and followed his happy wife.

Souta decided to stay with the men and leave his brother-in-law to the women. Inutaisho also stayed put. Inuyasha was walking out of the kitchen to check on Kagome, who was upstairs with a terrible cold. What he didn't expect to see was Kagome coming down the stairs, in a white robe with tissues in her hand. Her hair was a mess, she was a little pale and her eyes looked less brighter than usual. He specifically told her to stay in bed, but did she listen? No, she refused to lay in their bed so she could get better.

She covered a big sneeze with her tissues when they met up.

"Kagome, what did I tell you this morning? You're supposed to be laying down and resting; not making yourself more weak."

She sneezed again before answering. "I'm sorry, Inuyasha, it's just that I can't just sit around and do nothing. I've always had to take care of Amaya and Souta like this." She sounded stuffed up and her nose was running.

He put a hand to her forehead; feeling for a fever. Sure enough, she was burning up. "Look missy; you're burning up and you're in no condition to be out of bed. So go back upstairs and I'll bring you some medicine and hot soup." He pushed her back towards the stairs but Kagome was being more stubborn than usual.

"Don't argue with me, Kagome! You're no longer in Tokyo so you don't have to over-exert yourself anymore. Damn it! How are you going to get better if you don't rest?!" Inuyasha wasn't upset but concerned. He promised that he would take care of her and that's what he was going to do.

Kagome looked like she was about to retort but instead Inuyasha scooped her up and carried her back upstairs. She was struggling but because she had a damn cold, her strength was drained. Might as well accept defeat and do what he says. Usually she would put up a fight but going over Inuyasha's words in her head, she realized that she was in safe hands and that she could get some rest for the first time in three years.

They went through the hallway and into their spacious room. Inuyasha set her on the bed and made sure she was comfortable. Her cold was a nasty one; with tissues scattered on and around the bed; a tissue box at the bedside and a big glass of Gatorade beside the tissue box. She came down with it about three days ago and Inuyasha immediately grounded her to their room.

She lay her aching head on the pillow and sniffed; wiping off the nastiness from her nose. Inuyasha felt her head again, her fever not settling at all. He smoothed her messy hair back and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.

"I'll bring up some medicine and soup that will help. I don't want you leaving this bed again! The only way you're going to get better is to stay here. Call anyone of us and we'll be up right away. After you finish with your soup, try and get some sleep."

Kagome weakly glared at first but nodded her head slowly. Ever since she got sick Inuyasha was the one who was taking care of her most of the time. He always looked out for her, even when they were kids. Kagome loved how concerned and caring he was being. She sneezed again and decided to take his advice. She turned on the plasma T.V and soiled her brain with game shows and soap operas.

He looked back once more before heading out of the room; closing the door and down to the kitchen. His thoughts then ran back to the earlier conversation. Kagome would not like that news at all. She was already fragile and meek as it was and hearing about this would shatter her mentally. She's already been through enough; having their daughter; taking care of her and Souta at the same time. This was bad timing. The party was just over a week away and everything was almost prepared.

For the past two months life was just about perfect. She, Amaya and Souta were now living at the mansion; Amaya and Souta having their own rooms, doing things that that they couldn't do before. He was getting Kagome alone any chance he got and was spending some quality time with her and their daughter. Rin and his mom were driving the poor girl nuts and Amaya didn't know what to think about it. Souta and Kohaku were here a lot; tormenting him, Kagome and sometimes Sango and Miroku when they were here. His parents were up to something; whenever he saw them, they were whispering about something and they switched the subject when either he or Kagome came into the room. Inuyasha was also planning something of his own; a proposal. He'd been planning on asking her when the time was right and this party was perfect. Everyone knew about it ; including Amaya. She would be playing her own part when the time came. Souta and Kohaku kept their big mouths shut; Sango and Miroku swore not to tell, and his parents, brother and sister-in-law made sure to not mention anything about it when Kagome was around.

Inuyasha entered the marble kitchen, now with only Souta; Inutaisho left when the girls and Sesshomaru did. He was going to stay in his study until they got back from their shopping spree.

"How's Sis?" Souta asked, taking a big gulp from his soda.

"She has a fever and refuses to stay in bed. I'm making her some homemade soup along with some pain relievers to help bring it down. You want to help?"

"Sure, I got nothing else to do." He hopped down from his seat and walked to where his older brother stood.

So the two got to work on making some homemade chicken soup. Souta got all the ingredients and Inuyasha chopped, diced, rinsed and mixed everything. While the mixture of chicken, celery, onions, noodles and array of spices were boiling in the pot, Souta got the medicine and placed two pills on the plastic tray that was to be brought up with the soup and Inuyasha was secretly adding something Kagome always liked when she was sick: chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. Whenever she had a cold, he would bring the ice cream and they would share it until there was nothing left.

When the delicious aroma of chicken and a hint of garlic hit his sensitive nose, Inuyasha turned off the stove and poured some hot soup into a bowl and placed it on the tray. With the soup, the two pills, her utensils, napkins and bowl of ice cream, the two males headed up to the room; Inuyasha carrying the tray. Souta knocked before opening the door to see his sister not too interested in the soap opera. She tore her eyes away from the plasma and saw her brother and her hanyou walk in carrying a tray. She sat up and watched as both came to sit beside her; Inuyasha placing the tray on her lap.

She could barely smell anything at all but the soup made her stomach grumble and seeing the bowl of her favorite ice cream made her day. Kagome rubbed her eyes; wanting to eat before she passed out.

"You guys…"

"It was Inuyasha's idea. I helped with making the soup and got the pills for you. I didn't know that he could cook; all I see you make is either ramen or microwaving a frozen dinner." Souta teased, just barely missing the hanyou's hands that was sure to put him in the usual headlock.

She reached over and got her Gatorade; swallowed the two pain relievers and gulped down the blue liquid. After that, she slowly began to eat the chicken soup and felt better almost instantly. The three conversed for a while until Souta decided that the two should be left alone and play games that would rot his mind out.

Kagome, surprisingly finished the delicious meal and started working on her ice cream. She saw two spoons and immediately knew that Inuyasha was going to join her.

"You still remember, even after three years?" She took some ice cream and fed it to Inuyasha; another thing they used to do.

"How could I not. Every time I even thought about ice cream, I always thought about you and how we used to do this all the time." He then did the same thing for her. Kagome closed her eyes as she swallowed the familiar taste of favorite treat.

They continued to spoon-feed each other until the bowl was clean. Inuyasha removed the tray from her lap and went to lay beside her. Kagome lay her head on his chest, feeling the effects of the medicine she took. Her headache was lessening and she didn't feel so stuffed up anymore. Inuyasha held her close to him; just like always. The plasma was still on but neither paid attention to it. They talked about the upcoming party and how it would be nice to see everyone again until Kagome started to feel a bit drowsy. Inuyasha felt that she was starting to drift off and reluctantly released her and adjusted her so that her head was on the soft, red pillow. Inuyasha checked her again and to his relief, her fever was down. He turned the plasma off and tucked her in. He would have joined her but he saw that Kagome desperately needed to rest. He kissed her deeply, not caring if he got sick or not and she responded as best as she could.

After he let her go, Inuyasha placed a light kiss to her head again and saw Kagome smile at the contact. Now that she took the pills and had something to eat; Kagome relaxed and snuggled into the bed and closed her eyes, but not before seeing her hanyou gaze at her.

He shut the door quietly and walked back downstairs. He stretched his arms above his head and walked outside to the gardens beside the house. The many scents of flowers helped release his anxiety and helped him think. Inuyasha then heard; after relaxing and relishing in the peace and quiet for around an hour, the car and the unmistakable scent of his daughter.

The girls chatted while carrying a dozen bags. Sesshomaru was carrying his niece with a few bags in his hand. Ever since he saw that he had a niece; he softened up a little more. He wasn't used to having small kids around but Amaya was not an annoying little brat. Amaya could sense the uncertainty in him but she grew to love her older uncle.

Rin and Izayoi dropped the bags by the door and sighed in relief. Sesshomaru dropped the two bags in his hands and let Amaya down when she saw her daddy coming up the stairs. As usual he picked her up and put her on his broad shoulders.

"Geeze mom, this is even more than the last time!" He observed the many colorful bags; no doubt filled with stuffed toys and other things.

"Next time I get dragged into going shopping, little brother; you're coming with me. I'm not going alone again." Sesshomaru complained. Rin came and hugged one of his arms.

"Aw, Sesshy it wasn't that bad. Besides, you're definitely shopping with me when I get pregnant with our first child."

He rolled his eyes; imagining more shopping sprees. Rin loved to shop and having a child means more of it. That was the part he was dreading the most when the time came. They walked and went to sit in the living room; turning on the biggest plasma in the house.

Amaya was holding one of her new toys; a brand new stuffed husky with bright blue eyes and a fluffy tail. "Hey daddy, look at what grandma got me!" She showed it to him from her place on his shoulders.

"Wow, that's really cute, pup. How many toys did grandma get you?" He asked, dreading her answer. If he knew how much his mom spent on toys for her, it was going to be something along the lines of 'a whole lot!"

"A lot of toys!! I got stuffed animals and many other things!"

"I just couldn't resist spoiling her, honey. Besides, Kagome told me that she didn't have much when they were living with Yoshiro and Amaya loves to play." She smiled at her happy granddaughter; who giggled and bounced on her father's shoulders.

"I understand that mom but buying like 500 toys a day is a bit extreme. How come me and Sesshomaru didn't get that much?!"

"Aw, stop complaining Inuyasha, we spoiled the both of you when you were young and now it's your daughter's turn." Izayoi came up and pinched both sons' and grandchild's nose.

Both immediately rubbed their sensitive noses and glared at her. Izayoi just smiled and laughed at their similar expressions. She grabbed some bags and headed off to find her husband, who most likely hiding in the study.

The two demons went off and headed towards Amaya's room; where they would play with her new toys. Amaya knew that her mom wasn't feeling well and was told by Inuyasha to keep the noise to a minimum. She nodded her head.

Yes, life was going well for the little family that was Inuyasha, Kagome and Amaya. All were content and happy to be together and with the rest of their family and friends, it was like they couldn't ask for anything else. Inuyasha decided to not tell of the news of Yoshiro to Amaya, Kagome and Souta, knowing that they didn't want to hear about the man that ruined three years of their lives. All the family could do now was to just get through the rest of the week and have fun at the upcoming party.