Day 42:
Elbows resting against her knees, chin resting against her hands, Kagome watched the children play with a contented smile. Everyone was in a good mood with the addition to the jewel holder around Kagome's neck. Oh yes, the added weight around Kagome's neck was a weight off of everyone's shoulders.
The demon had been easy to take down. All by itself. Even though it was strong with the strength from its tainted jewel shard, it had taken Inuyasha a quick swing of his sword and Kagome's purified arrow and ta-da! Another jewel shard was in their collection.
"Come on Rin, you gotta throw it like this!" Shippo proclaimed, whipping out his little stone over the water. His smile like that of a proud parent when the baby rock ventured out over the water in three courageous skips.
Rin's pink tongue stuck out and she wound up her arm, letting the rock go with an exultant cry. The resulting "whump" of the stone being sucked below the water set Rin and Shippo giggling. Jaken squawked out corrections, prompting Rin to try again with Shippo's encouragement.
"I'm glad Sesshoumaru let us make camp early." The alternating tap of her feet, playing out a tuneless rhythm, accompanied the absentminded thought.
A quick pulse of reiki called out to Kagome in silent greeting, warm and welcoming. Kagome turned her head into the breeze, giving the grassy area beside her an inviting pat. Kikyo gave a nod of thanks before settling herself gently beside the younger miko, some of her former grace was returning to her new limbs.
"Lovely day, isn't it?" Kagome murmured, a giggle escaping her lips from Rin and Shippo's dramatic groan of disappointment.
"It is. I had forgotten what sunshine felt like." Kikyo turned to fully face Kagome, prompting Kagome to return the favor, trusting Jaken to keep an eye on the children. "I have you to thank for that. I am forever in your debt."
An uneasy chuckle escaped her lips and her hand slipped up to rub at the back of her neck. She knew what Kikyo was referring to. After all, there was only one thing Kagome done that was big enough to warrant a life debt from Kikyo. "I was happy to help." Mostly after the fact, but still happy. "Besides, everyone deserves a second chance."
"You are very generous." Kikyo seemed amused as Kagome squirmed under her praise but continued, "I wish to impose upon your generosity again."
Kagome straightened. "Is everything okay? Do you need help with something?"
Kikyo shook her head in an effort to negate the worry in her companion's wide doe eyes. "Nothing is wrong, rather, I had wanted to ask for your blessing."
"My blessing?"
"I wish to mate Inuyasha, to become his wife."
Kagome fumbled for a moment as she worked to relocated her jaw from its gaping position and when she did her lips softened, the corners of her eyes crinkled prettily. It really wasn't that big of a surprise after all. They loved each other. I suppose it just always seemed like some other reality that would never happen, but it is happening. "Why do you think you have to ask for my blessing?"
Kikyo reached out, a slight falter in her hand before she laid it to rest over Kagome's. "I owe you this life. And I would not wish to hurt the woman who has given me so much."
Kagome shook her head but Kikyo went on, "I am not the only one who loves Inuyasha. I could not in my right mind try and spend my life with him if I knew it meant I would be hurting you."
Having a heart truly had changed her.
Without hesitation Kagome picked up Kikyo's hand, clasping it in both of hers. She did not shy her gaze away when she told the other priestess. "You and Inuyasha love each other. You two belong together. I loved Inuyasha once, the way you do. But looking back at it, I think the reason I loved him, like that, was because when he looked at me…when he looked at me, I felt the love in his eyes that was meant for you. He has never stopped loving you and I can't imagine him ever stopping." Kagome gave her fellow priestess a fond smile. "Once I realized that, I knew things would never work between us, and now when I look at him, I still love him, but not in that way. Do you understand?"
Kikyo gave a nod, face alight with surprise at how much the woman before her was able to open herself up to others. To have such courage to speak from her heart, it was an amazing ability few were strong enough to possess.
Kagome mirrored her nod. "I give you my full blessing and best wishes. You two deserve happiness together."
Kikyo bowed her head, unable to do more as she was overcome by emotions. It was so much, to feel everything all at once when she had been numb for so long in her clay shell. Kikyo rose to her feet, Kagome rising with her as they shared a look of understanding and gratitude.
"Thank you," Kikyo murmured. "But you were wrong about something."
"What would that be?"
"Inuyasha may have originally seen me when looking at you, but a part of his heart belongs solely to you, Kagome."
Kagome gave a shy smile, undeniably pleased at Kikyo's gift. "That may be true, but all of his heart rests in your hands. Take good care of it, will you?"
"I will do my best."
Kagome's hands rested over her heart, feeling its steady beat as Kikyo walked off, looking for one brash but brave hanyou.
"Lady Kagome? Is everything all right?"
Kagome turned, seeing three curious faces upturned in her direction. "Everything is great, Rin."
"Then why are you crying Mama?" Shippo murmured, his bushy tail twitching in concern.
Kagome blinked in surprise, reaching up to touch her cheeks and seemed disbelieving when she felt her wet skin. "I'm happy. Come on kiddos, let's head back to camp. I think Sango should have dinner ready soon."
Kagome walked off from the river, leaving Jaken to herd the little ones who quickly scampered along behind her, bouncing about in eagerness for dinner.
When Sango questioned Kagome's tear streaked face the kids were happy to explain that the young miko was merely happy. While the human companions seemed placated by this Kagome had to wave away Sesshoumaru's silent concern.
It wasn't until the flushed and undeniably pleased hanyou and miko came walking back to camp hand in hand, firelight illuminating their features that everyone truly understood Kagome's beaming smile.
She was the first one to throw herself at them, wrapping her arms around them and squeezing tight. "Congratulations, you two!"
Miroku brought out the sake and the celebrating commenced. Sango and Kagome played with Kikyo's hair and the kids eagerly rushed off to find some flowers for a bouquet while Jaken scurried after them.
Kagome giggled when even Sesshoumaru accepted a cup of spirits from Miroku and raised it in cheers. Sesshoumaru caught her gaze and Kagome bit her lip, trying and failing to hide her radiant smile.
It was that smile.
Seeing her with firelight dancing along her skin, glowing in her eyes with a smile that she tried to hide only to belied by the soft curve of her cheek... Sesshoumaru felt the click settle in the core of his being.
So that was the way things were to be.
