I'd just like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Thanks so much for reading and for your comments and reviews.

I'd really like to thank the following people, who have taken the time to review or who have put me on their alerts:

Lyinnt, Supreme Admiral of the Web, fire-tiger-c, Maid of the Mer, katanna tagurasha, ByakuganMistress, Jester08, inuyimmeh, mad ninja skills part one, WOLF, Kiyo, inukagomeforever19, The War Wizard, namby1, Northern Star, fridge the ice lord, liz, Whitetigermisty, merlinchris, Aurelia Lothlorien, inu merc77, D-Chan3, Realm of Sadfaith, blizzie8836, leian, Soccer10is, animefreakluckychan, Dante24, animeroxz, Alchemist Astrid, RulerofWolves, Wolfgirl21, Yasraena, crazedanime, SexyInu, dyoll, Paris-Nxerson, wolf-of-black-flames-kikyo, cseeker, spikedlove.

A very special thanks to lyiint, Fenikkusuken, Supreme Admiral of the Web, katanna tagurasha, ByakuganMistress, fire-tiger-c, Maid of the Mer and TouchofPixieDust for helping me hold it all together.

And to everyone else – my thanks for reading! May we all have a stellar 2007!

OoOoOo

Chapter 21:

Sesshomaru opened bleary eyes and moaned. His head was pounding and his stomach was about to rebel…

Oops.

"Nice catch, Spider," said a voice.

"Gee, thanks."

Sesshomaru's mouth was gently wiped, and a cool hand was on his forehead.

"How are you feeling, Sess?"

"Inu… Inuyasha?"

"Yeah. You scared us, oniisan. I just managed to catch you before you hit the floor."

"I feel awful."

A smooth glass object intruded into his mouth and was placed under his tongue.

"Keep that there until I tell you," Spider said.

Sesshomaru's wrist was lifted and he felt fingers on his pulse. After a moment, the thermometer was removed.

"Well, everything looks fine," Spider said. "I think it has to be the regeneration coil, Lord Sesshomaru. I've taken it off for now, but I want you in the office tomorrow, so Kirsty and I can run some tests on you."

"Lord Sesshomaru?"

Rin was sitting on the bed on his other side. Shippo and Jaken were beside her, all three staring at him as if he'd grown another head.

"I will be fine, Rin. Dr. Kelso will look after me."

Jaken's round eyes looked ready to pop from his skull. Never in his long years of service, had he ever seen Sesshomaru look so vulnerable. He feared greatly for his lord's health, but was at least smart enough to allow the humans to treat him. He clambered down from the bed to take the bedpan from Spider.

"I'll take care of this," the imp huffed and disappeared into the bathroom.

Rin threw her arms around the demon lord's neck, beginning to weep.

"Say you'll be all right, my lord!" she cried.

Sesshomaru disengaged her gently before she inadvertently choked him to death. He put his arm about her and squeezed, rubbing his cheek against hers in an unprecedented show of affection.

"I will be fine as soon as my head stops pounding, little one. Dr. Kelso and Lady Kirsten will let nothing happen to me."

Sesshomaru opened his eyes to see the circle of concerned adults ringed around his bed.

"Goodness! You would think I was dying!" he tried to joke.

Inuyasha laid a hand on his shoulder, golden eyes dark with concern. "Don't say that, oniisan. We've only just found each other again, and I couldn't bear to lose you now."

Sesshomaru was deeply touched. The hanyou seemed to have depths of forgiveness in him that most demons did not possess. It seemed his little brother was willing to set aside and forget all the indignities and callous disregard Sesshomaru had heaped upon him throughout most of his life, not to mention the numerous times he had tried to kill him. Their father would have been immensely proud of the man his youngest son was becoming. Sesshomaru gulped. Their father would also have had harsh words for the behaviour of his eldest and heir.

"I would rest now," he said quietly.

"I'll sit with you," Inuyasha said. "In case you need anything."

"No, little brother. You should rest yourself. Don't you have an important interview tomorrow? And I should not like to deprive your mate of your presence when I have so many others to attend me."

"He's right, lad," Tamisé said. "You should rest."

"There's no lack of people to sit with your brother, my dear," Tayne said. "I will myself, and there's Jaken and Mrs. Willard too."

"I'll take a shift," Mavis said.

"Me too," offered a dark-haired girl, that Sesshomaru could not remember being introduced to. Perhaps this was the daughter of the house, Lili.

"See?" Tamisé laid a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder. "Spider can stay the night too, and Kirsten's only a few minutes away."

"Alright then," Inuyasha conceded. He reached over and plucked Shippo off the bed. "C'mon, runt. You're drooping and up way past your bedtime. Kagome should be home by now."

"I hope you feel better real soon, Lord Sesshomaru," Shippo called over Inuyasha's shoulder as he was borne from the room.

Sesshomaru smiled after him, and patted Rin's head. "You too, little one. You should be in bed. Mavis?"

"Of course."

Mavis lifted the child off the demon lord's lap and hefted her into her arms. "Come on, kiddo. I'll read you that story you like about the pony."

"I will take first shift, " Jaken said, plumping the pillow that Sesshomaru settled back on.

"Very well. I'll be across the hall if I'm needed," Spider said.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes and listened to the people exit his room. He sighed. He could not remember ever having so many people concerned for his welfare. It was a pleasant feeling.

"Do you need anything, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Nothing, Jaken."

"Very well."

The imp settled into the chair by the window and made himself comfortable. The demon lord allowed himself to drop into sleep, knowing that nothing would be allowed to disturb him.

OoOoOo

Kagome fidgeted in the back seat of the car. She would rather have gone with the guys to watch the band practice, but Fawn and Kirsty had insisted she come with them to the airport. It was taking too long to find a decent parking spot, and even Fawn was starting to sound a little stressed.

Finally, a spot came available, and Fawn whipped the car into it before anyone else could take the spot.

"Success!"

Kirsten laughed. "We'll still have a long walk, Fawn."

Fawn stuck her tongue out at her friend. "Maybe you should have been flashing that fancy ID of yours around."

"Maybe you should have thought about using one of TDN's reserved spots."

"Ah shit!" Fawn smacked her forehead. "It's too late now to move the car. We'll be late."

They entered the terminal at a jog, Kirsten eyeing the signs for the gate she was looking for.

"There it is! Gate Seven. Looks like the flight just got in, so we're still on time. They won't be clearing Customs for a bit."

"So who is it again that we're meeting?" Kagome asked.

"Just some friends of Fawn's," Kirsten said, with a grin. "I know that you'll enjoy meeting them."

It was indeed half an hour before the first of the flight's passengers exited with their luggage in tow. Kirsten was straining to see over the crowd of others waiting, but finally spied who she was looking for, and waved.

"There they are! Come on!"

Kagome found herself tugged forward by the small mutant. They squirmed through the crowd, Kirsten taking full advantage of her smaller stature to eel around larger folk.

When Kagome saw who they were meeting, she came to a screeching halt, her jaw dropping.

"Mom! Sota!"

Then she was running forward again, flinging herself into her mother's arms.

"I don't believe it! You're here!"

Mrs. Higurashi embraced her daughter warmly. "Surprise! We came for a visit and for your birthday, dear!"

"I am SO glad to see you!" Kagome grabbed her little brother for a hug as well. "I had no idea you were coming!"

Kirsten and Fawn stood together, grinning from ear to ear. "Now you see why we were so insistent that you come with us," Kirsten said.

"This is the greatest surprise EVER!" Kagome stopped bouncing for a moment. "Oh gee! Where are you staying?"

"With the O'Connors, dear," said Mrs. Higurashi. "Right next door, I'm told."

"We've plenty of room," Fawn said. "After all, Kirsty's got the rest of you. Shall we get out of here, then? I imagine that you both must be tired after that long flight."

Kagome became rather silent as they trekked back out to the car. It was almost a relief that her mother and brother would be staying in the other household. She was not sure she wanted her mother to know right away that she was spending her nights with Inuyasha. It was hard to know how her mother would take it.

She spent the car ride back fielding questions from her mother and brother, and helped see them settled into the O'Connor household before wishing them goodnight. She let herself in the kitchen door of the Windrow household, to find Sango, Miroku, Inuyasha and Shippo in the kitchen, enjoying a cup of tea.

"Hey!" Inuyasha sprang up from his seat, placing an affectionate arm around her shoulders. He nuzzled her cheek and gently nipped her earlobe. "Your mom and brother have a good flight?"

"You knew!" Kagome punched his shoulder. "You knew all along, didn't you?"

"Yeah!" Inuyasha was laughing at her. "We're all pretty good at keeping secrets, aren't we? Surprised?"

"Oh yeah. Any more of that tea?"

Inuyasha poured her a cup and handed it over.

"So how did practice go?"

"Pretty good until Sess keeled over."

"Huh?"

Inuyasha shrugged. "Tam called Spider over right away. They think it might have been the regeneration coil. We put Sess to bed, and he was resting comfortably when we left."

"Is he all right?"

"Hope so. Spider left a message for Kirsty. They'll check Sess over in the morning. In the meantime, Spider's staying at the mansion tonight, just in case anything else happens to my brother."

"I hope he'll be okay, Yasha."

"Yeah. No sense worrying about it until tomorrow, though. I'm for bed, guys. 'Night all."

Kagome finished her tea before following the others upstairs. She kissed Shippo good night before ducking into the room she shared with the half-demon. He was already in bed, but she could tell he wasn't sleeping.

She undressed and slid under the covers beside him. He turned and began to stroke her back. When his caresses became more intimate, she hunched her shoulders.

"Not tonight."

"Why not?"

She shrugged.

"You worried about what your mom will say?" His hand went back to rubbing her spine.

"Kinda."

"It will be alright, koibito. I'm gonna talk to her in the morning, okay?"

She was drawn back against him and felt him nibble her earlobe again.

"Trust me, my love. It will all be fine. Mmmm… Want you."

"Inuyasha… I just … I just don't feel like it tonight."

She could feel the weight of his disappointment, but his words were calm and soothing.

"Alright then, koibito. I understand. Just rest in my arms and know that I love you."

"Inuyasha… thank you."

OoOoOo

Inuyasha went over to the O'Connor household right after breakfast, and waited patiently for Mrs. Higurashi to wake up and come down for her own breakfast. When she finally came downstairs, she was greeted with the sight of the half-demon bouncing her host's baby daughter on his knee, while the child screamed with laughter. The child's father watched indulgently as he ate his own breakfast and assisted two other young boys with their meals.

Mrs. Higurashi watched Inuyasha for a moment, charmed by the sight. He had finished bouncing the baby and had turned her about to sit in his lap while he attacked the plate of eggs and bacon Fawn put in front of him. The baby wound her fist in his hair, and he smiled down at her before making a silly noise to get her laughing again.

"Mrs. Higurashi!" He had finally noticed her presence.

Inuyasha got to his feet with the baby secure in one brawny arm and used his free arm to give her an affectionate hug. She stood back and held him at arms-length, staring at the handsome young man in jeans and t-shirt. Mrs. Higurashi had had no idea that those bulky robes were hiding such a… goodness! What was she thinking?

"Goodness! Look at you! Have you gotten taller?"

At least the toothy grin was the same.

"Probably. Did you have a good trip over?"

"Yes. Sota will be so thrilled to see you."

"He'll have a great time. There's so much to see and do here. He won't be bored, that's for sure."

"So what brings you over so early, dear?"

"I'd like to speak to you, ma'am, when you're ready." His face became suddenly very serious.

"Of course dear. May I eat first – and maybe get dressed?" She looked down at her robe and smiled.

"I will wait."

The half-demon sat back down with the baby and resumed eating. Fawn set down a small bowl of baby cereal near him so he could start feeding Breanna as well. The baby giggled delightedly at the game of "one for you, two for me" that Inuyasha played with her.

Mrs. Higurashi watched with amusement, as Inuyasha made the food disappear. "Still a voracious appetite, I see!"

Inuyasha wiped his mouth with a napkin and grinned. "Believe me, Kirsty will have me working it off later."

At that moment, a young woman came into the kitchen. "Sorry I'm late. I must have slept in. Here, Yasha dear, I'll take Breanna now."

"You have your breakfast, Frannie," Inuyasha said. "Bree's fine with me for a few more minutes."

The nanny nodded her thanks and quickly got her own breakfast from Fawn. Mrs. Higurashi nodded to herself. Inuyasha seemed so natural with the baby, and it was obvious that the child adored him. And his small kindness to the nanny did not go unnoted. As she ate, Inuyasha told her about some of the places he had been that he thought Sota would like.

All too soon, Mrs. Higurashi finished her meal, and got up from the table. "I'll go get dressed then and be back down in a few minutes."

Inuyasha nodded, anxiety coming into his golden eyes for the first time. Tamisé had been eating quietly all this time, observing the interaction between the half-demon and the mother of his mate. Now, he reached across to clap a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder.

"Take a deep breath, my lad."

"Tam – is there somewhere I can…?"

"Of course. Use my study. Good luck to you, Yasha." The red-haired alien winked at him.

Inuyasha gave him a terse nod. He handed Breanna to Nanny Frances and went to wait at the bottom of the stairs for Kagome's mother to come back down. True to her word, it took only a few minutes for her to change.

The half-demon nervously ushered Mrs. Higurashi into Tamisé's study and closed the door as she seated herself. She sat calmly, regarding Inuyasha with a smile on her face, guessing why she was there.

"It's been a long time, Inuyasha," she said. "You've changed a great deal. I hardly recognized you at first."

He flashed her a brief tight smile. "I hope the changes are for the better, ma'am."

"They are indeed. I'm impressed."

"Thank you. Everyone here has been very kind and have helped me work hard to accomplish what I came here to do."

She nodded, then waited.

"Do you recall a conversation we had one night, ma'am? We were walking on the grounds… and we both made some promises to each other."

"I recall." Her smile grew broader.

"I have done my best to keep the promises I made to you, ma'am. I hope you will understand that."

She nodded, then waited again for him to continue.

"I will not hide our relationship from you, Mrs. Higurashi. Kagome has become my lover and I have taken her to my bed. I trust you will believe me when I say that this was her decision."

Mrs. Higurashi sucked in her breath a little, her eyes widening. She had had her suspicions from the letters she had received from both Kagome and Inuyasha, and she knew Kagome had been keeping something from her as they chatted on the way from the airport. She had seen the relationship between the two of them grow and change from friendship into something more, and she knew it was just a matter of time, but to hear it stated so baldly shook her up more than a little.

"I wanted to speak to you immediately, ma'am, firstly because I did not feel it was right to hide our relationship from you, and secondly because I wish to ask you for your daughter. I did not want you to think that my intentions were less than honourable." Inuyasha clasped his hands behind his back before he continued.

"I have the blessings of my brother on our union, and he will deed over to me an estate that our father had set aside for me. I have also begun to establish a career in modelling in this era, so no matter what we decide to do, or what happens in our fight with Naraku, I have the means to look after a family. I should like your blessings as well, Mrs. Higurashi. But whether you give your permission or not, I am asking Kagome to marry me when she reaches her birthday."

Mrs. Higurashi surveyed the erect figure in front of her. Indeed, there had been many changes made. Inuyasha held himself proudly and waited for her answer with superb calmness. She saw quite clearly in him the prince that he should have been, and she felt a sudden rush of love for this young man who had been through more in his life than anyone should be asked to bear.

"I believe I promised that I would not stand in your way, Inuyasha," she said. "Have you and Kagome decided where you will stay? Will you take her back to the Feudal era to live?"

"We will go back to the Feudal era, ma'am, to give Naraku the fight of his life and hopefully destroy him once and for all. But, as these things often go, there is no predicting what will happen or whether we will succeed or not. I am trying to plan for a number of different scenarios. There is the possibility that we will not survive the encounter or that we may not be able to return to this time."

"I see. So I may lose my daughter forever."

Inuyasha swallowed and stared at the floor. "I won't sugarcoat it for you, Mrs. Higurashi. You should prepare yourself for that possibility – yes."

"I appreciate your honesty, Inuyasha. How does Kagome feel about this?"

"She understands what could happen. She is willing to come back with me and fight Naraku. It's difficult to lay concrete plans until he's dealt with."

Mrs. Higurashi nodded. "Inuyasha…do you love Kagome?"

He looked up and met her eyes unflinching. "I love her with every fibre of my being. If protecting her and ridding the world of Naraku means my death, then I will die willingly. My brother and my friends will see to her well-being if I… if I do not survive." He licked dry lips.

"Inuyasha… I would be a very selfish person if I said no. I've trusted you with my daughter's safety for a long time now, and you've never disappointed me. I think I can trust you to take care of her always. A parent can ask no more." She smiled gently. "Of course, you have my permission to marry – if she says yes."

His smile was blinding, and he went down on a knee before her, grasping her hand and kissing it fervently.

"Thank you! Thank you for your trust in me, Mrs. Higurashi."

She stroked his head and fondled his ears gently. "You know… maybe you should start calling me 'Mom'."

He grinned up at her and wrapped his arms about her tightly. "I'd like that, Mom."