A/N: Thanks to the AFF team for their quick response! You guys rock! And to all the people who PM'd me to let me know what was up! Also rock stars!

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Kagome was sitting near the fire, furs wrapped around her legs, once more working on her sewing. The day was a constant on again off again drizzle. It was chilly for this time of year and she'd only had to shiver the once before she was being wrapped up and plopped down by the fire. Rin was close, arranging flowers in a few bowls so that they would have pretty center pieces for the tables. Her mind kept drifting back to earlier with her mate and how he'd loved her. She'd been overwhelmed at his tenderness, at how sweet he'd been and how it made her feel cherished, like she was some kind of treasure. Sighing happily she went back to her sewing. "You really are romantic sometimes InuYasha. This morning was… wonderful." She blushed a little in remembrance.

His amusement washed through her. "After everything we've done together koi, this morning makes you blush?" He came and sat down behind her as had become his way. Gathering her mass of hair in his hands he twisted it a few times before laying the tail over her shoulder. Drawing her tight to him, he let his chin rest on her as he watched her hands sew. Her scent was tickling his nose, tweaking at that memory again. Placing his nose against the junction of her neck and shoulder he inhaled deeply. What was it about that scent that was important? He shook his head in frustration. He'd remember eventually. Instead he ran his fangs gently against her skin, hand tight across her belly so she couldn't squirm away as she giggled. "Kagome… if Sesshomaru won't do something about Rin's loneliness, I want her to come stay with us." He was a shadow in her mind so he knew just how much it pleased her that he'd make the offer.

Kagome was incredibly impressed and pleased with her mate. She wanted Rin to be happy and knew that she could be with them. But at the same time she knew just how badly Rin wanted to be with Sesshomaru. Kagome had felt the same about staying with her own dog demon. "I would love to have her stay with us but this time… we will ask her what she wants. I won't make choices for her again. That was part of the problem last time." Sighing she rested her head back against her mate. "I know that last time she was three years younger and really someone needed to make the choice for her but Kami InuYasha, she thought she'd done something wrong and that was why he left her. Did he not talk to the child at all?" Kagome was having a hard time not being a bit perturbed with lord fluffy.

InuYasha purred softly for her, feeling her rising agitation with his half-brother. "I don't know koi but I'm going to find out." He snickered a little at her use of 'lord fluffy'.

Rin had finished with her last bowl and was watching the two people she considered her closest family besides her lord. She could hear that sound again, like a big rumbly purr, and was a bit surprised at how often InuYasha made that noise. Golden eyes suddenly met hers and she tilted her head and smiled. "This Rin really does like that sound InuYasha-oji. It is very soothing."

Kagome's laughter slid though his mind and he sighed. The mate call was supposed to be a private thing but so far he did it in public almost as much as he did it in private. But Kagome's needs came first and if that meant he had to shove his pride to the side in order to see to her health then so be it. She came first. Always. "You take very good care of me my mate. Never doubt that." She reached up and stroked his ear a few times making his eyes close as his bliss rolled through her. He really did love it when she touched his ears.

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Asuka and Hotaka showed up not long after. The rain had let up enough for InuYasha and the woodcutter to take a walk through the forest and pick the trees he needed. His demon was scraping at him for leaving their mate unprotected after what had happened yesterday but Kagome had given him the 'stop before I sit you' look so with only a small snarl he'd gone. They wouldn't be far from the house anyway. It was a wet process though and both were soaked by the fifth tree.

InuYasha had a system for his forest. He made sure no area was over harvested, trees that grew to close together where thinned and the big old trees, his favorites, were left untouched. When they did find an acceptable specimen it got slashed with his claws. That way when the harvesting started no mistakes could be made. Hard to cut down the wrong tree when it's got big claw marks in it.

Once finished with the selection and a price settled on they began the wet walk back to the house. InuYasha could smell the man's rising nervousness, had for a while, and finally ran out of patience.

"Spit it out Hotaka, I ain't got all day." InuYasha had stopped walking and stood with his hands tucked in his sleeves. The man's scent spiked and fear entered the mix. He was mildly surprised that Hotaka would be afraid of him but then he had taken his son down rather severely.

Hotaka winced slightly and turned to InuYasha. The half-demon had always been impressive, whether fighting in defense of the village or speaking about village business. He was smarter than most people gave him credit for and had more life experience than any of them could hope to achieve. Hotaka had never been afraid of him before but after the confrontation with his son he realized how strong InuYasha was, how dangerous and just how lethal he could be. "InuYasha-sama, I wish to apologize for my son once more." He bowed low to the half-demon before him.

"Feh. He got what he deserved and we both know it. Ain't your fault he's a baka. Long as he stays away from Kagome he'll keep his head." The fool wouldn't get away with coming after Kagome again. A sudden thought had him stiffening. "Were was your son yesterday evening?" His alpha was rising and he knew his fangs were starting to press into his lip.

Surprised at the sudden question Hotaka looked up at InuYasha and felt the fear grip him tighter. His fangs were pressing into his lip and InuYasha's eyes held a glittering promise of death. "He's gone. Left the village. My wife and I wouldn't put up with his disrespect anymore." Nobu had been incredibly angry that they would send him away but Hotaka knew if he stayed he'd likely end up on the end of InuYasha's sword. His son had raged about the insult the hanyou had given him to the point of sounding mad. Only calming down after his wife had slapped him and told him he was a stain on their family with all the dishonor he'd brought them. To speak of InuYasha's wife as he had was disgraceful.

InuYasha relaxed a little. If Nobu was gone then that was one less person to check the whereabouts of but that still didn't get him any closer to figuring out who had sent the boar at Kagome. "Good to know. Hotaka relax you ain't got nothing to fear from me and I ain't going to hold you responsible for something your baka son said or did. Your wife and my mate seem to like each other so I imagine we'll be seeing more of one another. And having you always smelling like fear will piss me off." It was already scraping at his demon. Fear meant prey.

Hotaka breathed deep and tried to push past the fear. "InuYasha-sama you never used to scare me but after your incident with my son…" The man shook his head and chuckled a bit, "You're one scary demon when you want to be."

InuYasha laughed, "You've never met my brother have you?"

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Kagome and Rin where enjoying the visit with Asuka. She was a lively woman, very talkative, and knew everything that was going on gossip worthy in the village. Kagome wasn't a big one for gossip, having been the one on the receiving end on more than one occasion, but what Asuka had to say was all harmless. Who had a crush on whom, which families were working towards marriages, whose children were causing mischief, and apparently there was a baby pool going for some of the expectant mothers. Harmless betting about when the baby would finally come and how big they would be, the gender and such. She giggled when she realised it was the women of the village running the pool not the men.

"So Kagome-sama, when are you and InuYasha-sama going to add your own children to our village." Asuka glanced slyly at the young girl and giggled when she blushed, sipping at her tea.

Kagome hadn't really thought about the time frame having only just confessed her own desire for pups to her mate. "It will happen when it happens Asuka-san." Checking to see if InuYasha was distracted and not eavesdropping she blushed a little deeper and said, "But I'm not adverse to it being sooner rather than later and please, just Kagome is fine."

Asuka watched her new friend blush brighter. "Only if you call me Asuka too. Kagome, with the way your…mate… looks at you… Kami!" She fanned herself lightly. "If he's as 'attentive' as he seems you may not have long to wait." When Kagome blushed even harder she laughed out loud.

"InuYasha-oji is very attentive with Kagome-oba." Rin chirped not understanding, "He is a very good mate for Rin's oba and is always touching her." She sipped her tea and watched Kagome cough as she choked on one of the biscuits that Asuka-san had brought with her. "Kagome-oba are you all right?"

Kagome coughed hard having sucked the biscuit down wrong at Rin's innocent answer that could be taken completely out of context. She was relieved when Asuka only laughed knowing Rin didn't mean it that way. Lifting her tea she rinsed the crumbs down and coughed lightly a few more times. Rin had moved over to pat lightly at her back. "Thank you Rin-chan I'm fine now." Smiling at the child Kagome stroked her hair. "Asuka… was Nobu badly hurt after his run in with InuYasha?" Kagome lightly chewed her lip in concern.

Asuka's face fell and she shook her head. "You have a very kind heart Kagome. Only you would ask about him after what my son has done." The young woman had such a sweet spirt. "He was hardly injured, just scrapes and a few punctures which honestly surprised Hotaka and I. After the conversation we had with InuYasha-sama regarding your status as his true-mate… I expected much worse." Sighing she set her tea down. "I heard the horrible things he said to your goshujin (husband) about you Kagome… I'm surprised he lived through the encounter." She felt like a horrible mother. The disgraceful way her son had behaved reflected badly on the whole family. "Hotaka and I sent him away. He needs to learn a few hard lessons I think and restore our family's honour… if he will even try." Looking down she wrung her hands together in her agitation.

Reaching out Kagome took Asuka's hand and patted it gently. "I'm sorry that this happened Asuka but it isn't your fault. Nobu's faults are his own and are no reflection on you as his mother. Your other sons are both nice men." Kagome was sorry for the other woman's pain at having such a baka for a son but she wasn't sad that Nobu was gone. Even now the thought of him made her skin crawl.

"Kagome? Are you all right koi?" InuYasha having felt her unease was instantly there, his concern brushing against her.

Picking up her tea she sipped to cover her distraction while she soothed her anxious mate, "I'm fine my mate. Asuka told me that Nobu is gone and I'm relieved. It's just the thought of him makes me feel… dirtied."

"All right koibito, we're almost back anyways." His voice a comforting caress and his purr washing away the feeling.

Smiling at Asuka, Kagome asked, "Would you and Hotaka-san like to join us for lunch?"

Asuka politely declined. They needed to get home and she knew her husband would probably be wet and cold. The men arrived just as she'd finished speaking and gathering up her things, Asuka and Hotaka headed for the village. Rin decided she wanted to go to Sango's for a bit, thinking she could use the help with the girls over lunch before coming back later that afternoon and skipped out the door to walk with Asuka and her husband.

InuYasha had shook off before coming inside but his haori and hakama were still pretty damp. Sitting near the fire he watched as Kagome put together a couple of plates for lunch before coming back to sit with him. Reaching for her through the bond he felt her energy lagging, just a bit but it was enough to make her tired. She was still getting used to living in this time and the physical exertion coupled with everything else wasn't helping. He watched her as she ate, letting his call fill her mind keeping her relaxed and calm. "Koi… will you rest with me a while?" He wasn't tired but he wanted her to rest today. Tomorrow would be a full day and there wouldn't be time.

Feeling a bit drained she nodded. Her body just couldn't keep up with everything that had happened in the past few days. Plus her mate was calling, dragging her mind into sleep with his purr even if she hadn't wanted to rest. Kagome held her hands out to him and he helped her to her feet, catching her around the waist when she stumbled. "Whoa… a little dizzy. Must have stood up to fast." Smiling at InuYasha she rested her head on his chest for a moment until the feeling passed.

InuYasha ran his hands down her back a few times while he waited for her mind to settle. The world had spun pretty good for her when she'd stood up. "Are you sure you're all right Kagome?" Pressing his nose to her neck he breathed deep, making sure she was free of illness and found nothing out of the ordinary just her spicy cinnamon scent. He closed his fangs over the cords of her neck making her moan, her hands coming up to grip his hair.

"Yes koi, I'm fine. Just a bit of a head rush." She smiled when he picked her up. "If you keep packing me around InuYasha I really will get fat and lazy." But she wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head against him. Kagome was happy and she let the feeling flow through her mate.

"You make my life full Kagome. Knowing how happy you are, how content you are with our life here…it's a gift koi." He purred his own contentment and pleasure over her. The soul bond was a blessing in more ways than he'd ever imagined. They were so close, like Miroku had said, one person in two bodies. He'd never believed he could be this in tune with another person. InuYasha had thought it incredible how in sync they had been on the shard hunt, always able to read each other so well. He thought that was a good as it could get but now…it was so much more.

Setting Kagome on her feet beside the bed, he helped her out of her yukata but left her kosode on her. Yawning Kagome climbed into bed and watched as he shed his clothing. Everything was damp so he hung it over the footboard before joining her. Pulling her up to his side, she rested her head on his shoulder and her hand over his heart. He kept his call soft and stroked his hand down her hair, coaxing her into sleep.

When she dropped under he waited, wondering if she'd dream again and wasn't disappointed. He chuckled a little. She was playing with Shippo and Rin this time, once more chasing them through the meadow. He knew she was fast enough to catch either one of them but she liked hearing them squeal and was laughing as she purposely missed them. The grass was tall and swaying with the wind, the scent heavy with early fall as the colours changed around them. She was wearing the healer's garb that Kaede had given her.

Something was different but he couldn't quite put his finger on what. With a smirk he dropped into her dream once more. It was fun and he learned so much about her hopes for their future he couldn't help it. Walking in her dreams was fast becoming one of his favorite things.

InuYasha stalked towards her and the kids across the meadow. Kagome looked up and glowed, her smile radiant. "InuYasha! Have you come to play with us?" Chuckling he nodded, why not it was her dream. He would follow where she lead. "Good then you're it!" laughing she sprang away. All three of them running in opposite directions.

The running spiked his demon's interest and he took off after the kids. Growling when he got close, he'd miss on purposed like she had been. The laughter in the meadow loud and joyful. He worked his way closer to Kagome, watching for the right moment. When he was close enough he leapt for her, her shriek pinned his ears back and as he caught her around the waist he froze.

His hands had encountered a softly rounded belly. Kagome had stilled when he did and looking over her shoulder frowned at him a little. "InuYasha?" Turning her to face him, he brushed the edge of her haori out of the way. It had been hanging loose not tucked in. That was what had been different and now he could see why. Kagome's hand came up to rest on the soft swell. Hesitantly, InuYasha brought his hands up to rest beside hers, eyes full of wonder. "What's wrong koibito? You seem surprised."

Kagome's question helped snap him back. In her dream he should have known about this already. But the shock at seeing her this way… Kami she was beautiful! InuYasha smiled wide at his mate before dropping to his knees. "Hello pup." He said softly as he caressed her round belly. Grasping her waist he pulled her closer and breathed deep of the scent of her and that of their pup. The small rapid thump of a heartbeat met his ears and he couldn't help the tear that fell from his eye.

Kagome watched her mate with a smile. He loved their pup so much already. She lifted her hand and stroked his hair, a smooth glide of nails between his ears. The solid wack made her grunt a little when the pup kicked her and he jolted in surprise. "She's kicking."

InuYasha's head whipped up eye's wide, molten gold in wonder. "She?"

Laughing she tugged his ear gently, "Or he. We won't know till they get here. Silly hanyou, you know that." She wiped the tear from his cheek. He kept stroking her belly and the heat from his hands felt nice. "That feels good koi." Kagome found herself on her back in the grass of the meadow almost before she finished the words and giggled. InuYasha's big hand rested under her clothing against her skin making soothing circles over her belly. His call was loud as he laid close by her side causing the pup to kick her again, making her laugh when he jumped once more when the kick came under his hand. "They like your purr as much as Rin does." She giggled, teasing her mate.

InuYasha grinned so wide he flashed his fangs. His elation flowed through her and hers through him. She glowed and was so beautiful to him in that moment he couldn't help but lean down and capture her lips with his. "Kami Kagome… you slay me you're so beautiful. Thank you saiai, thank you for this." Pulling back he looked into glittering black eyes and found his alpha rising to meet hers. When she tilted her head back, offering her throat, he growled and dropped his fangs to her neck.

She moaned as his fangs slid down her throat to her mark. "You… had a hand… in putting…Kami InuYasha… them there." He was driving her crazy with his nibbling of her mark and his alpha scent flowing around them. His hand had slipped up her ribs and was playing with her breast, tugging at her nipple. "InuYasha… the children." She could hear Shippo and Rin calling them.

Sighing a little he stroked his hand back down to her belly. Running his long fingers over the swell once more he helped her sit up. Even in her dream he couldn't catch a break. Slowly he slid out of her mind, letting her drift deeper so she could rest. His hope for their future secure with the knowledge of how happy she'd be if she was carrying his pup.

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Kagome had been asleep for over an hour when he felt the tingle against his aura. Eye's snapping open he waited. When it came again he untangled himself from his mate. Keeping her asleep with his call and letting his aura flare in the room so she wouldn't sense the approaching youkai he dressed quickly. Walking into the common room he stoked the fire, hesitated for a moment then shrugged and put the water on for tea. It had worked for his mate last time. When everything was ready he walked out to the porch to wait.

Sesshomaru was coming.

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A/N: Oh! Who's excited now? It is Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend so a shout out to all my Canadian comrades! Happy turkey day! Unfortunately that means I have a house full of people until Monday. I will try to get the next chapter up by Monday or Tuesday. R&R as you like and does anyone else feel like I wrote 'The British are coming!' with that last line? Lol