Chapter Twenty-One

Slow Down

Kagome was grateful Mama hadn't left New York yet, as she lay curled up on her bed with her head in her mother's lap. I don't want her to go home, but Jii-chan and Souta need her. At least it's not like I'm on the other side of the well. I can call and email... I can't believe that with all my warnings to Souta, I'm the one who messed up. I owe him an apology. What do I say to everyone now? I'm such a horrible liar...

Aiko ran her fingers through her daughter's hair, gently soothing the frazzled teen. My poor little girl. I knew when she was born she would have a unique destiny. I just wish it wouldn't hurt her so. She kept running her fingers through the dark, wavy locks, waiting patiently for Kagome to talk about what was bothering her.

"I really blew it, didn't I, Mama?"

"No, Kagome. You simply irrefutably proved yourself." She listened as Kagome sighed, smoothing out another tangle. "I have to admit, while I believed your tales of the other world, I never really understood what you could do till today. That display of power surprised me... you were amazingly beautiful, standing there ready for battle while encompassed by the god's light."

"Thank you. I hope it doesn't make things awkward... especially with Tony-otou-san and Thor-kami-sama. I'm tired of people claiming me for my power... but now, without..."

"Shhh. I miss Inuyasha too. Don't give up hope, Kagome. I have no doubt that you have a purpose here now, just as you did there then. And I cannot believe the gods would separate those connected by the red string of fate, especially when they took such pains to bring you together in the first place."

"Mama, how much should I tell them? I don't want them disturbing Jii-chan or digging up the shrine..."

Aiko considered the question for a moment. "I think you should be honest with Tony-kun, but tell him away from this JARVIS and everyone else. He will know how much is safe for others to hear." Smoothing her hand a last time down Kagome's hair, she patted her gently. "You are exhausted, and too much has happened in too little time. Go to sleep. Things will look better in the morning."

Closing the door softly, Aiko went to check on her son. Picking up the clothes he had dropped, she folded and set them on a chair, then pulled the covers over him properly. She smoothed his bangs away from his face, marveling at how much he was beginning to look like his father.

I have been a lucky woman... to know both the love that burns bright and fast like leaves in fall, and a love like embers, strong and lasting. My dear husband, I hope you can see your children. They do us both honor, with their strong spirits and open hearts.

She leaned down and kissed Souta's forehead, then headed for her room.

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A little more of Aiko, before she has to go home.