Her Heart's Winter Thaw

By Dragonessclaw

Disclaimer: I make no money off of this story. The characters are the work of the wonderful Rumiko Takahashi, only the story is mine.

Chapter 36 Love Is In The Air

It was during their latest retreat to the island that Kagome finally felt like she could stop and breathe for a moment. Sesshomaru's part had been set up almost exactly as his home had been just on a smaller scale. Kagome sat on her balcony sipping tea and looking out over the sea. She kept thinking about Shippo. She missed him so much. As an ambassador for the West he was constantly running around to different places setting up meetings and signing treaties. If it wasn't that it was some problem between the demons so he was constantly running to put out one proverbial "fire" or another. There was still much to do. Kagome didn't realize the enormity of what they were doing until just recently. She had never dreamed there were so many demons though why it hadn't accrued to her she didn't know. Why would there be any less than the human population. Still she wanted Shippo here.

It had been a month since she had seen him. Kagome thought about the last time she had spoken with him. He had come to her a week before he left for his latest assignment. When Shippo had come to spend time with her Kagome figured something was up because Sesshomaru was nowhere in sight. He had become an integral part of their time together. Inuyasha would always be his father but he did look to Sesshomaru as his stepdad. Each had their place.

When that happened it was usually because Shippo needed to speak with her in private. They sat and talked about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other's company. It would have all seemed perfectly normal except that Shippo couldn't stop fidgeting. His tail was waving around restlessly reminding Kagome of how cats do when agitated. If that wasn't enough the waves of nervousness that he had tried to suppress were a definite tip off. His emotional shields were good enough to fool someone else but not her. Finally Kagome figured she needed to just ask.

"Shippo," Kagome said softly as she put her hand on top of his and gave it a gentle squeeze. "What is it? You know you can tell me anything."

Red faced Shippo looked around the room at anything but Kagome and let out a nervous cough.

"Well you see," Shippo said as he rubbed the back of his head in a very Miroku-like manner.

"I already talked with Sesshomaru but Fox Demon Law demand that the final word comes from the mother."

Kagome nodded her head slowing encouraging him to continue. Suddenly she started feeling nervous wondering what was so important.

Shippo looked up at Kagome and froze as he noticed the change in her aura, his beautiful green eyes serious and uncertain. Seeing such indecision in her son and how obviously worried he was caught Kagome off guard. She had been trying to let him tell her at his own pace and be patient but Shippo's whole manner really had her worried.

"Shippo what is it? Is it another mission? Is it dangerous? Just tell me," she blurted out.

"No mom its nothing like that. I just…I want to start…."Shippo hesitated again as he cleared his throat again.

"I want to mate Nyla and I would like your permission to ask her to start a courtship," he finally said looking down at his feet. When he received no response he quickly looked up at his mother.

Kagome finally released the breathe she hadn't realized she had been holding. Nyla's face came to mind. The raven haired fox demon was very nice and although they didn't see each other much Kagome did enjoy the girls company. When she did see the girl Kagome made a point of speaking with her and had also made quite a few inquiries about her. Shippo was her son after all.

She thought it was a smart match. They obviously felt an attraction toward each other which was pretty clear to anyone who looked, though they probably thought they had been discreet. Kagome shook her head. Ah to be young again, she thought.

They also had many things in common and Kagome had many reports of how they interacted and talked for hours. She was sooo not spying on her son. As she thought about it Kagome had continued to shake her head a small smile playing on face. Her not so little boy was growing up before her eyes.

"Mom, I know you haven't spent much time around her but we are good for each other. Please?" Shippo begged.

Kagome focused on her son. His eyes were moist with unshed tears. He had obviously misread Kagome's reaction, thinking her shaking her head was a no. She had been getting lost in thought too much of late. Putting that in the back of her mind to sort out later Kagome smiled and took her sons hands in her own.

"Of course I give you my permission. Nyla is a wonderful girl and I trust you to make the right decision."

Shippo's whole body visibly relaxed. "I thought you…. And when you didn't say anything…well" he let the words hand in the air.

Kagome's own eyes were getting moist at this point as she pulled Shippo into a bear hug.

"No sweetheart I was just thinking of how much you've grown. Your dad would be so proud."

They stayed like that for a while and then Shippo took his leave. Sesshomaru entered shortly after. She looked at him through bleary eyes, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Your kit wanted to tell you himself. He is a grown man and I respected his choice. They are a good match. I approve," Sesshomaru said as he joined Kagome pulling her into his arms.

"Plus it is time for you to become a grandmother," Sesshomaru said as he kissed the top of her head.

The words were bittersweet for Kagome. A grandmother but not a mother She forced the thought away and thought of Shippo. She was a mother, a very proud one at that.

"Come Koi, it is time we retire," Sesshomaru said as he pulled Kagome up with him.

Putting on her best "nothing's wrong" smile Kagome followed the whole time pushing down the evil thoughts that fought to rise to the surface.

I hope you like it guys. Let me know what you think.