Author's Notes: It's finally complete!! It came out a tad shorter than I expected, however chapter thirteen ought to be a breeze (most of it is already hand written). My apologies for the delay, but many of you know how classes go. Thanks to everyone for your awesome reviews!! I love reading them!
Until next time, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha.


Chapter Twelve: Past in the Present

Sesshomaru cast curious glances around Kagome's house. He was particularly entranced by the stove and the television set. "Astonishing," he said as he ran his hand over the TV screen. "Kagome, how does this work? What is this box?"

Kagome chuckled; not because of his questions, but the awestruck tone of his voice. "It's called television, and it's mainly for entertainment. I don't really know how to explain how it works to you," she answered patiently and gently took his hand. "Let's sit down. I think Mom's almost done in the kitchen."

"Your mother seems very kind, Kagome. How should I address her? Lady Higurashi?" he asked. "I do not want to appear disrespectful to your mother."

Kagome smiled with never ending tolerance as she guided him towards the couch. "I think my mother would be embarrassed if you were to call her that. Just stick with Mrs. Higurashi and you'll do fine." They sat upon the couch. Sesshomaru looked at the piece of furniture with apprehension as he settled onto it. "Don't worry," Kagome assured him, "It's a lot easier on the knees."

Mrs. Higurashi walked into the room bearing a tea tray and a bright, motherly grin. Sota trailed behind her shyly. "Here we are!" Mrs. Higurashi said enthusiastically. Sota shuffled to a chair swiftly. "Sota," Mrs. Higurashi chimed, "Don't be so bashful." She sat the tray upon the coffee table and began pouring tea into the four cups. She handed everyone a cup of hot tea and then took a seat in an armchair. "Before I forget, I must thank you, Sesshomaru," Mrs. Higurashi said before sipping her tea.

"For what, Mrs. Higurashi?" he asked.

"For dealing with InuYasha the way you did. I'm grateful that you were looking out for my daughter."

"It was my pleasure," Sesshomaru said politely and took a drink.

"Will you be going back soon?" Mrs. Higurashi asked.

Kagome looked to Sesshomaru, curious of his answer. "I shall depart soon. If Kagome wishes to stay longer, I will not object," Sesshomaru stated.

"Don't be silly. You just got here," Mrs. Higurashi said with a smile. "Why don't you stay the night? In the morning I'll make breakfast and have supplies ready for you to take back."

"If it is not an inconvenience then I would be honored by your hospitality," Sesshomaru said graciously. He looked to Kagome and added, "Are you comfortable with leaving tomorrow?"

Kagome smiled gently. A warm feeling of gratitude for his consideration overcame her and she answered, "That sounds great." She watched him lovingly as he began to talk with her mother. I missed him. I really did. She laughed inwardly as she thought And he won my mother over immediately as soon as she saw him punish InuYasha. I just hope Grandpa doesn't flake out on us. With that thought, Kagome politely excused herself from the room and walked out the back door. A fresh spring breeze caressed her as she stepped outside. He should be properly warned. Grandpa was furious when Mom told him what had happened with InuYasha. He may react with gratitude to see Sesshomaru here, but then again … Kagome's mind wandered into a horrific scenario of Grandpa walking into the living room and spraying Sesshomaru with sutras as if he were Miroku, and then Sesshomaru – plastered with sutras – finally growing angry and his eyes flashing red. Oh no … anything but that! She crossed the courtyard, still clad in her pink pajama pants and tank top, gently gnawing on her fingernails as she contemplated how to explain this situation to her grandfather. As she drew nearer to the shrine, Kagome heard the rhythmic ceremonial chanting of Grandpa's prayers and offerings. Kagome patiently waited for the mantra to end before sliding open the shrine doors. Grandpa looked to the entrance and smiled gently. "Ah, Kagome dear, what was all that noise earlier?"

"That's what I came to explain to you, Grandpa," Kagome said. She crossed the shrine and knelt beside Grandpa. "InuYasha was here."

"What!?" he bellowed, "Where is he? I'll show him what happens when someone harms my granddaughter!"

"Grandpa, calm down," Kagome said calmly while putting her hand on his shoulder. "He's gone now. Sesshomaru took care of him."

"Sesshomaru? The brother you've been staying with?"

"Yes, Grandpa," Kagome swallowed hard before jumping the next metaphorical hurdle. "I have something to tell you."

"I know," Grandpa said. "You love this demon."

"What?" Kagome gasped. "How did you know?"

"My dear, you should have seen yourself mope the past few days. That look is unmistakable."

Kagome blushed softly as she gave her grandfather a gentle smirk. "I want you to come meet him before we leave tomorrow."

Grandpa nodded. "Indeed. I have a few questions for him."

"Oh, Grandpa, please," she began to plead.

"Kagome, I will be perfectly pleasant, but it is my duty to make sure that he is honorable," Grandpa insisted and arose without another word.

Kagome and Grandpa silently walked back to the house side-by-side. They were soon walking through the back door and heading straight for the living room. Kagome heard Mom and Sesshomaru's voices, still conversing, before they came into view. Once Grandpa and Kagome came into view the talk ceased. Sesshomaru stood and awaited their introduction.

Kagome cleared her throat and began. "Grandpa, this is Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands," she spoke while gesturing to her tall, white-haired companion. She shifted her posture and said, "Sesshomaru, this is my grandfather." The men bowed to each other respectfully.

"I am honored to meet you, Grandfather Higurashi," Sesshomaru said kindly.

"The honor is mine as well," Grandpa responded while visually evaluating the dog demon. "Kagome tells me that you have dealt with the scoundrel who dared to lay a hand on her."

"Yes I have," Sesshomaru answered. "His actions were vile and disgraceful."

Grandpa looked upon Sesshomaru with seeming approval, but the old priest was far from satisfied. I won't make the same mistake with this one like I did with InuYasha.

Mrs. Higurashi, having such acute motherly instincts, sensed the arising tension and stood up from her chair. With her usual buoyant smile she announced, "Grandpa, dear, take my chair. It's about time that Kagome and I start dinner. Perhaps the two of you can get Sota to come out of his shell." She laughed at her own joke and motioned for Kagome to follow her into the kitchen. Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru longingly and then resigned herself to march into the kitchen behind her mother.

Grandpa poured himself a glass of tea and decided to begin his line of questioning politely. "Having had Kagome with you for nearly two weeks, I assume that you have enjoyed her cooking?"

"No, actually I have not," Sesshomaru replied while refilling his tea cup.

"Surely Kagome did not make that little girl do all the cooking!" Grandpa sputtered.

"No, Grandfather," Sesshomaru said while shaking his head. "Rin only cooks when we are traveling. Neither of the girls is expected to cook at my home unless they wish to. Mizaki and the other cooks handle the kitchens."

"Other cooks?" Grandpa asked with a raised eyebrow.

Sesshomaru described his home and his staff to Grandpa and Sota, and told them about Mizaki and Hoji.

"Are they your servants?" Sota asked quietly.

"They served my father, and now they serve me when duty calls. They care for my home while I am away, and I trust them with tasks that I wouldn't trust others with. They may obey my orders when needed, but at the end of the day I cannot forget my childhood friend or my governess."

Grandpa sipped his tea and thought intently before continuing. I have allowed him to speak, and he does not seem like his brother. I hope Kagome can forgive me for being blunt with him now. "I see. You can assure us that Kagome will be protected and well cared for, but what exactly are your intentions toward her, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"I see that you have not forgotten your own duties, Grandfather Higurashi. My intentions toward Kagome are noble and sincere."

"And how do I know that you will not toy with her heart like your brother did?" Grandpa asked bluntly. Sota scrambled behind his chair for cover.

Sesshomaru only remained calm because he was speaking with Kagome's grandfather. He does not know any better … and Kagome wouldn't want me to disrespect her grandfather. "First of all, InuYasha is my half brother. The only similarities we share are purely in looks. Secondly, I love Kagome, and nothing, not even a clay puppet of her former incarnation, will turn my heart from her. With your blessing, I will take her as my mate if she will have me."

Sota, having finally returned to his seat, was stunned and Grandpa set his tea cup on the tray with a firmly satisfied look upon his aged face. "I would be thrilled to give my blessing if it truly mattered," Grandpa admitted.

"What do you mean?" Sesshomaru asked, filled with uncontrollable curiosity.

"Things have changed that much since your time." Grandpa gave a melancholy chuckle, "It has even changed that much from my days. Sesshomaru, the idea of the parents telling the child who to marry has become obsolete. Kagome is a smart, strong girl, and we trust her to know who and what will make her happy. Ultimately, it is up to her."

"Be that as it may, I still wish for your blessing. I do not wish for this to cause a rift between Kagome and her family," Sesshomaru insisted.

Sota slowly arose from his chair and approached Sesshomaru. This unexpected move startled both men into silence. Sota stood before Sesshomaru and looked him square in the eye. "Do you promise to take care of my sister? You won't let her get hurt?"

Sesshomaru gazed upon the young man with wonder and regard. He speaks out of love for his sister … as I did for Sakura. "Sota, I swear to you, I would die to protect Kagome. I will take care of your sister."

"Then you have our blessing," Sota stated.

Mrs. Higurashi stepped into the room and informed them that dinner was almost done.


Dinner was an enjoyable affair. Sesshomaru praised Mrs. Higurashi and Kagome's hard work, and Sota stopped behaving so timidly. Once dinner was finished, Kagome took Sesshomaru around the house to show him her home. An hour after dinner Grandpa ambled up the stairs to retrieve a book from his bedroom. He hummed softly to himself as he crossed the hallway towards his door until a soft groaning sound reached his ears. What was that? He stopped and held his breath, listening intently. It took a few seconds for the sound to recur. It was a low murmur at first that ended with a pleased growl. Grandpa's face blanched as his ears registered the source of this sound: Kagome's room. Oh dear God … they're not … are they?? Another moan reached his elderly ears and was followed with a whisper that was unmistakably Sesshomaru. "Kagome, that feels so good."

The old priest's brows knotted. In my house! How could they!? Grandpa rushed Kagome's bedroom door and opened it while shouting, "YOUNG LADY!! None of that will happen under this roof – huh?"

The scene before Grandpa's eyes was nothing like he had been imagining. Rather than the sight of two naked bodies in compromising positions, he saw that Sesshomaru sat on the floor beside the bed with his haori open and around his waist while Kagome scratched his back. Kagome and Sesshomaru looked shocked. Sesshomaru pulled his haori back on, realizing what the old man thought they were doing. Once Kagome recovered from the outburst, she became quite offended. "Grandpa, what did you think we were doing in here?!"

"Well, I heard noises, and, uhm," Grandpa stammered quite embarrassed with himself.

"Grandpa! Did you think that we were having … Argh! I can't even say it! No way!" Kagome shrieked. She shook as she pointed to her door. "Out! Get out!"

Grandpa regained his senses and countered her demands, "But you two are in here alone!"

"Not for long! We're going outside!" Kagome growled.

Sesshomaru stood and looked between Kagome and Grandpa. He thought I was mating her! And she is furious about the idea of it? I do not understand her at times, but I should at least explain this to her grandfather … "Kagome, I will meet you outside. I wish to speak with your grandfather."

Kagome, still flustered, gave Sesshomaru a puzzled look. "Okay," she said as she slowly strode to the door, "I'll see you in a minute."

When he heard her footfalls on the stairs, Sesshomaru spoke, "I hope you'll forgive her temper. It has been difficult for her to control it of late."

"It's not her temper that I am concerned with! What were you thinking staying up here alone with her?"

"Stop," Sesshomaru said, "Let me explain. I have forgotten where I am and that you are not familiar with my customs."

"Your customs?" Grandpa asked almost mutinously.

"Yes. I was taught that when I sought a mate that there was a series of three gifts that were to be bestowed before the formal proposal is offered. Until then, no carnal actions are to be taken."

Grandpa's eyes perked wide open as he gasped, "Oh!" He began to rub his chin and beard.

"You do not need to worry about Kagome's honor while I am here," Sesshomaru concluded.

"Well then," Grandpa said, "I'm sorry for misjudging what I heard earlier. Thank you for putting an old man's mind at ease." He began to turn away, but curiosity drew him back. "If you don't mind my asking, what are these three gifts?"

"They are a symbol of all I can offer her. One will signify entrusting my wealth to her, the next will show the security I will offer her, and the final gift is the symbol of my love," Sesshomaru heaved a soft sigh before continuing, "I will give them to her tomorrow, and I believe she is strong enough to accept them."

"I think she is, too," Grandpa admitted. He nodded to Sesshomaru and wandered towards the door. "I believe my granddaughter is waiting for you. Enjoy your evening."

Sesshomaru followed the old priest out of the room and down the stairs. He quickly crossed the distance to the back door with long strides as he followed Kagome's unique perfume. His golden eyes scanned the area and spotted her silhouette standing beneath the tall God tree. He turned and admired her while she was oblivious of his presence. Sesshomaru watched her, unaware of the thoughts flowing through her mind.

Mom always told me that your thoughts are purest beside this tree … They are truer to your heart. This is where I realized that I loved InuYasha, but I realize now that it was a different love, a different time. That love was tainted and almost doomed from the start. He could never put Kikyo behind him. That love was not meant to last. He couldn't even be honest with himself about how he felt! What made me think that he would be honest with me!? … Blind hope, that's what. But if everything happens for a reason, why was it necessary to be put through so much by InuYasha? Why did I have to suffer so much? She clasped her hands over her heart, begging her own mind for an answer. Would I have been ready to love Sesshomaru without all that I had been through? Would I appreciate his conversation or his tenderness? Would I have even loved him? Would I have feared him? Fate is a strange thing and there is no answer … but I would endure it all again if it meant being with Sesshomaru.

A gust of wind blew by, sending Sesshomaru's hair in a torrent about him flowing straight for Kagome. She caught his scent before she saw him; the enthralling fragrance of all things wild. Kagome turned from the tree and her eyes sparkled in the scant moonlight. Even from the distance, Sesshomaru saw the light of her love for him dancing in her earthen eyes. He reached up and pulled the spiked, bone armor off carefully and set it beside his feet. Sesshomaru gracefully extended his hand to her, beckoning her to him.

Kagome's heart leapt in her chest and she hurried, not quite running and not quite walking, to be near Sesshomaru. Her breath caught in her throat as she reached out and her hand was enveloped by his. Sesshomaru gently guided her hand to his chest and then wrapped his arm around her. "Kagome," he whispered as he bent down to her. Kagome stretched herself to meet him. Before their lips met she sighed into him, "Sesshomaru." As their lips joined they lost all sense of the world about them. The land about the two lovers was lost, along with the sense of time and the sprawling cosmos above them. Nothing mattered to them at this moment save the fact that they were together for this one glorious escape. Sesshomaru lightly scraped his claws down her back, just enough to make her shiver and lean further into his embrace. Their kiss was tender and ravenous at once; loving and lustful without defiling the moment. As their lips slowly parted, the world swirled back into view and the two were lightly panting.

Kagome grinned at him almost goofily and he reached to lace his fingers between hers. She spoke gently, "Come here. I want to show you something." Kagome tugged his hand for him to follow her. Kagome lead Sesshomaru towards the steps leading to the shrine. As they walked along, the horizon of Tokyo came into view. The lights of buildings and commuting cars and trains twinkled like moonlight on a lake beneath them.

"This place has changed so much," he said breathlessly as he pulled Kagome close to him, her back to his chest.

Kagome leaned into him and sighed, "It's not as pretty as your courtyard."

Sesshomaru smiled as he tilted his head down to nuzzle into her hair.


A small, white-haired child silently strolled along a trail through the heart of a dark forest. Her black eyes peered into the darkness for her master as she clutched a round mirror to her chest. Kanna neared a clearing, and knew that her master would desire the news she came to deliver. She stepped into the heart of the clearing and said in her cold, monotone voice, "Master Naraku. I have news of Sesshomaru."

Naraku strolled out of the shadows and approached Kanna. "What have you discovered, Kanna?"

Kanna held her mirror slightly higher and Naraku bent to watch. The mirror conjured an image of the Bone Eater's Well. Naraku's red eyes narrowed, watching the glass intensely. Soon, the figures of Sesshomaru and Kagome appeared. "No," he growled with trepidation.

Kanna opened her mouth and it acted like a speaker to project echoed versions of Kagome and Sesshomaru's voices.

"I will help you to destroy Naraku. You have my word. I know that I cannot run from my responsibility."

The "reflection" of Sesshomaru in the mirror kissed Kagome's hand. "I knew you would."

Naraku's eyes dilated in terror as he saw the demon lord kiss the young mortal. He watched as the mirror showed Sesshomaru and Kagome's affectionate good-bye and Naraku howled, "No!" In a terrified fury, Naraku shot his arm outwards, extending his arm into the strange, demonic spikes and shot them into a nearby tree. Kanna closed her mouth and lowered her mirror, which had returned to normal. Naraku's rage blazed on. He retracted his arm, snapping the large tree like a decrepit twig. She had no reaction to her master's outburst. Naraku's breath came in gasps and he shouted blindly, "Follow them! Find them! If he manages to awaken the girl's true strength it will destroy everything I have worked towards! Damn it! His fool brother was never strong enough to help her this much! Find them!!"

Kanna turned without a moment's hesitation and proceeded to follow Naraku's orders.