A/N: Ok so I decided to be nice and give you guys another chapter tonight. I'm having a rough time of it and needed a pick me up, and me posting another chapter helps. Just to warn you, the first half is TISSUE WORTHY! But since I started it in the last chapter I added more into this one, so the angst won't last long. Also there is a slight LEMON involved, it's nothing grand but it's there so I figured I'd warn you all ahead of time. It'll be marked accordingly so you can skip over it if that's not your thing. And I'm going to say this now, the next chapter is the holy mother of all angst in this story so get ready for it now.

Disclaimer: Still don't own.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Sesshomaru hadn't been happy to find she was willing to agree to meet with him, but was unwilling to make any promises concerning the outcome. He knew now wasn't the time to press however, as his ward required her attention. So he held his tongue.

Death only left when it was vitally important that she do so, otherwise she was never far from Rin's side. Kazuki was also present, though he made no attempts to steal his mother's attention away from the ailing woman. He understood she needed her more.

They spent their time telling stories while musing over the way things had turned out, and on the evening that her soul began to call, her family and friends gathered to say goodbye.

Sesshomaru had summoned Inuyasha and Kikyou, and although they had arrived only three days ago, they nonetheless spent the time wisely and caught up with her.

"I know Sango would be here too, but all things considered I'm willing to bet she's waiting to greet you with her brother in the afterlife." Kikyou smiled tearfully.

"She is." Death said. "She was always very thankful for you being there to help Kohaku through his trials, and I know she was ecstatic when you two were married."

"She was always very kind." Rin murmured breathlessly. "And while I will miss my children, I am happy to know that I will be seeing Kohaku shortly. I have missed him terribly."

"Then let me take you to him imouto." Death whispered.

"I think I would like that." She smiled.

After her children and family said their goodbyes, they stepped aside to watch as Death leaned down and extended her hand.

"Come to me."

In no time at all the small orb was resting in her palm, so she climbed and turned her attention to them. "She is at peace now."

Kikyou nodded while biting her lip as she hugged little Kagome and Ryo tightly to console them. Inuyasha and Shippo shared the same stony expression while Sora did his best to be strong for his younger siblings. Kazuki was just as saddened, but like Sora he was trying not to cry. The last person she looked to was Sesshomaru and she couldn't help but feel her heart reach out to him.

Rin had always been like a daughter to him and she knew how much this was hurting him, though his blank features revealed nothing. Not that they had to where she was concerned, for she knew him that well.

She inclined her head then turned on her heel to vanish through the wall. It was time to tend to her little sister and while they'd had many talks over the years and even more over the last few days, the last conversation was always the best.

"Well that was weird." A younger version of Rin mused once Death had willed her soul to take shape.

"Only you would say something like that." She smiled sadly.

"I hope the kids will be alright." She sighed, never realizing she no longer needed breath.

"They will be fine." She promised.

"So how about you tell me what's keeping you from returning to Sesshomaru-sama." She urged while wrapping her arm around hers as they walked.

"I am not to certain I have it in me to put my heart on the line again." She admitted freely, since there was no one else to hear them. "True there were other forces that aided in the breaking of the bond and true those forces even influenced him to a certain degree, I still cannot help thinking that if he had actually taken the time to listen rationally, then this never would have happened."

"Oh nee-chan, you know Sesshomaru-sama rarely ever does what he's supposed to do." She said pointedly. "It's one of those irritating quirks of his that you wish he would get over, but at the same time you can't help but love him for it."

"Yes, I suppose that is true." She mused.

"What does Amaterasu-sama have to say about it?"

"She is currently in the realm of the gods handling another matter, so she does not yet know what is going on here." She sighed.

"I see. Well take it slow, it's not like you have to jump right back into it." She stated matter of factly. "And whether you believe it or not, I'm sure Sesshomaru-sama has already taken everything into consideration while promising himself he will never do what he did to you again."

"You really think so?"

"I know so."

"I suppose it would be wise to defer to your judgment, as you are the only one who's ever gotten him figured out completely. Kami, not even I in all my Deathly glory have been able to completely understand him."

Rin couldn't help but giggle at that. "He's not that hard to understand once you know what to look for. He's always done as he pleases and as far as emotions are concerned, well he's always been stunted and has never been able to process or handle them properly."

"Truer words were never spoken imouto." She smiled warmly.

"I am glad you didn't let his temper deter you from coming to spend time with me before now." She said. "I've always missed you terribly."

"I am glad too." She smiled. "And I have felt your absence in my life as well. You are the only one next to Kohaku that ever understood me and never judged me for what I am. I know Kikyou tries, but there are times even she has difficulties with it. And for his part, well Sesshomaru has always been very good at forgetting I am not a true occupant of the mortal realm."

"It's another one of those pesky quirks." She giggled for a moment before sobering. "Without you, I never could've survived the loss of my Kohaku. And you will never know how thankful I am for your presence in our lives."

"I know." She pulled her to a stop and smiled down at her. "You deserved to have a good life and I am glad that it was so. Now you will be reunited with your love once more, and I pray to the Kami that your time in the afterlife is filled with happiness."

Rin smiled tremulously, hugging her tightly. "No matter where I end up, I promise I'll never forget you and I can't wait to see you again so you can tell me the story of your life."

Death's eyes slid shut as a single tear worked its way down her cheek while she returned the hug just as fiercely. "I look forward to that day, more than you can possibly imagine imouto."

They embraced a moment longer, when Death nudged her. "Time to go?"

"Yes, Kohaku is waiting for you." She wiped at her eyes, spun and called her scythe to open the portal. And once the initial flash of light faded, she looked beyond the edges of the gateway to find two figures waiting. When they both waved she held a hand up in greeting then turned her attention to Rin.

"Run along now and say hello to your husband." She tilted her head in the direction of the portal.

Rin turned to look and the moment she spotted him, she lit up and took off to run straight into his outstretched arms. Death watched the happy reunion for a moment then raised her hand to shut the entrnce, but stopped when Kohaku's words echoed across the distance.

"Thanks for looking out for her nee-chan."

"You are quite welcome, and now it is your turn to look after her, for me."

"You can count on it."

Death inclined her head, waving her hand to close the portal, and without so much as a second glance she turned on her heel to attend to the soul that had begun calling to her the moment Rin had passed.

The soul in desperate need was none other than Sesshomaru's and it proved to her how badly he was taking this. She found him in the ruins that had once been his study, but said nothing and simply moved to rest a hand on his bowed head. He reacted automatically by wrapping his arms around her waist while burying his face in her stomach and for a time they remained like that.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She finally asked after a time.

"Is she happy?"

"Kohaku and Sango were there to greet her." She soothed. "So yes, she is happy and he will look out for her."

He grunted his understanding then hesitantly asked. "Will you shift?"

She nodded though he couldn't see it and pulled her powers back to revert to her living half. "I'm so sorry Sesshomaru."

"It is not your fault."

"I know, but I also I know you've always loved her like a daughter." She used her free hand to wipe at her watering eyes. "And I know how hard it is to lose someone you love."

"Can you ever forgive me for pushing you away?"

"Of course I can forgive you, but that doesn't mean it's so easy to forget." She said softly.

"But Death does not feel that way?"

"I forgot to tell you that the Kami combined our minds again."

He leaned back a bit to peer up at her. "What do you mean?"

"We tried to see if they could put a shield up to give us some privacy from each other but it didn't work." She sighed while running a few strands of his hair through her fingers. "Instead they had to force our minds back together so we're one in the same once more, with the exception of being able to shift personae. Well that, and we each still possess a few traits that become more prominent depending on which side is in control."

"I see."

"So I am Death just as Death is me."

"And yet you will not return." He stated.

"I told you I agreed to meeting with you to see if we can work something out, but no I can't come back just like that." She said. "You hurt me deeply Sesshomaru, and it's going to take me some time to get over that."

"I understand." He sighed. "And it is no less than I deserve."

"What about Rin's children, have they decided on what they want to do?"

"They are moving to Edo with Inuyasha and Kikyou." He finally released her and climbed to his feet. "I am not happy to see them go, but I also understand that it would be painful for them to remain."

"Well they are Higurashi's, so it's only logical they move to Edo sooner or later." She said. "And Sora's already begun training his spiritual powers so it's only a matter of time before he takes up his post as monk. And I'm assuming Kirara will be there to help them."

"Inuyasha said the neko returned shortly after Sango passed." He said. "She was saddened to discover that she was too late but Kikyou told her it was alright and that Sango understood."

"Well her kittens have to be fully grown by now." She mused. "I try to check up on them whenever I can, but it has been awhile since I've been able to do so."

"Whatever the case, I am sure she will want to stick around to make sure Kohaku and Rin's children are well cared for."

"That's my thinking as well." She said, sighing when she felt the internal twinge. "I have to go, someone's about to check up on me at your mothers. It's been awhile since I've made my presence known."

"I will be there in two days time." He said. "After Rin's funeral."

"I'll be there for it." She promised.

He nodded then watched as she reverted to her true form before vanishing from sight, leaving him to deal with the wreckage in his study, and his heart.

As promised, Death was there for Rin's funeral but couldn't stay. Sesshomaru's mother had taken a sudden interest in her, no doubt because he'd sent a missive to inform her of his pending arrival.

So as soon as she'd returned, she changed and stashed her Shinigami gear, then made her way to the ladies throne room.

"It took you long enough." She snapped irritably.

"My Lady?" Kagome asked in confusion.

"I summoned you over an hour ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry I thought this was the time you wanted me to come." She said sheepishly.

"Stupid girl, I cannot believe you are what my son was forced to mate to keep this alliance with the humans." She huffed. "You are only lucky you managed to produce a pure blooded heir, for if that had not been the case I would have dealt with you the moment you arrived."

"Kill me and the treaty ends."

"A minor inconvenience at most." She waved it off, smirking. "Or do you really believe the humans would not seek another way to continue the peace? I am quite certain your father has another bitch that could just as easily take your place."

"Speak to my mate like that again and I will cut out your tongue." A third voice intoned, forcing both of them to turn their attention to their newest guest.

"Sesshomaru," His mother inclined her head then arched an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that you would not be arriving until tomorrow."

"I concluded my business early." He shrugged. "And your missive gave me reason to believe you are mistreating my mate."

"Look at her, she is the epitome of health and has not been mistreated in any way." She gestured.

For her part, Kagome had bowed the moment she laid eyes on him and was now keeping her head down as she fiddled with her sleeves. Sure she knew he was coming, but they were still supposed to be at odds and it wouldn't do to treat him as though they weren't.

"Hn, I will speak with her just the same to ensure all is well."

"By all means."

"I would do so without an audience." He said dryly.

"Oh, very well. I had her put in the suites in the east wing and I am certain you will find her sitting room more than acceptable. I wish to keep the stench of human confined to a bare minimum of places within my home." She leaned back in her throne and began stroking her fur.

Sesshomaru shot her a dark look while Kagome bowed to her before turning to lead the way to her sitting room.

"One of these days I'm going to roll around in a mud pit then run all over this place to infect it with my supposed stench." She muttered once they were out of hearing range.

Sesshomaru couldn't repress his smirk or the rumble of amusement. "I would pay to see that."

"Knock yourself out."

Once they got to her sitting room a servant appeared with a tray of tea, so they waited until Sesshomaru was certain they were alone before speaking.

"I trust you have been treated well when you are here?"

"They treat me just fine." She shrugged. "But I doubt we really need to talk about that all things considered."

"No, I do not suppose we do." He mused before turning serious. "Since you are the one in need of assurances, I would have you take the lead."

"I'm not really sure what you want me to say." She replied, shrugging her shoulders. "I've forgiven you, but I'm still not sure I'm ready to trust you with my heart again."

"I have given a great deal of thought towards this matter and believe I have come to a solution."

"Oh?" She cocked her head to the side curiously.

"Since I have proven that my word is not as honorable at I once thought it to be, I believe the only thing I can do is make you a promise on my soul that I will never treat you so harshly again."

"No." She shook her head. "I won't let you."

"I was not aware I needed your permission." He said dryly.

"You don't understand, a soul promise is never to be taken so lightly." She told him. "If you were to go back on it, then your soul would be taken to the underworld and trapped for a thousand years of penance."

"This is no small matter Kagome, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to get you to see that I am worthy of you once more."

She studied him for several moments, then sighed. "I just can't let you do it, not when there are other forces doing their best to keep us apart."

"I have already upped my vigilance and intend to be prepared to face any challenge the Kami set before me." He said seriously. "You belong with me and from now on I intend to do whatever I can to secure your place by my side."

She turned her gaze to the table while tracing a small scratch in its surface with a finger. "I'm afraid of what can happen if I don't stay where I am in the scheme of things. It would be nothing for the Kami to kill any one of the people I love to punish me, and while he would face serious consequences for his actions it would be small consolation as the deed will have already been done."

"Do not trouble yourself with that." He said. "We are not so weak as to be taken lightly, Kami or no. And I highly doubt he would resort to killing those you love for fear of losing his power. Surely your goddess would strip him of it should he go beyond his station."

"I need to think about it." She replied after a moment.

"Very well, I will return in a few days time." He climbed to his feet. "But before I go, I must speak with my mother to remind her of her proper place in life."

"I might just have to transform so I can watch that." She giggled.

"I would prefer you do not, as I can guarantee a few of my more unsavory traits will be coming to the fore in the process."

"Alright I won't. Just don't kill her huh? I don't feel like ferrying her soul right now." She made a face. "As it is I am still stuck on ferrying Rin's soul and I would like to remember that for a bit longer before I have to perform my duty again."

"I understand." He murmured.

"Besides, if you kill her then I'll get stuck listening to her complain about the indignity of it all before I can get her to the other side." She grinned, while forcing her sorrow to retreat to the confines of her mind.

"And I would rather you not be plagued by that." He smirked.

"Thank you."

With that, he left to put his mother in her place while she turned her attention to other matters. The first and foremost being her conversation with Rin, and the things he'd said to her concerning the Kami.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Sesshomaru returned to speak to her as often as he could and even brought Kazuki to spend some time with her. His mother had been intrigued by her grandson and demanded to be given some time with him, but Kazuki absolutely refused. When she thought to strike him for his insolence, she got her first taste of purification powers.

"You ever dare to lay a hand on my son again, and that will be the least of what I'll do to you." Kagome hissed as she shielded her son from the seething woman.

"You would let your mate treat me like this?" She raged at Sesshomaru.

"You got no less than you deserve woman, and be glad she was the one to exact justice. I would not have been so lenient." He rumbled.

"That is it, I do not care if you do not want her home or not, I want her out of here!" She screeched.

"As that is the reason I have come, it is but a small matter to take her off your hands." He smirked. And it was true, for Kagome had finally agreed to return to the West after four weeks of intense negotiation.

His mother simply huffed and stomped out of the room, while Kagome checked her son over to find he was no worse for the wear. "Alright just let me grab my things and we'll be on our way."

"Sounds good to me." Kazuki grinned.

The shiro's occupants were surprised, yet relieved to see their Lady had returned and Sesshomaru had even gone so far as to invite her friends and Rin's children so they might welcome her back.

Very minor citrus alert

And that night, when all was said and done, he carried her to their chambers to claim her as his mate once more. Afterwards, she lay contentedly in the safety of his arms, tracing patterns on his chest.

"I'm surprised you managed to wait as long as you did." She mused.

"It was quite the nuisance, let me assure you." He rumbled while tangling his fingers in her blue/black locks.

She couldn't help but laugh, scooting up to claim a kiss from him. "Well I'm proud of you."

"Thank you." He smirked, then flipped them around until he was perched over her. "And now it is time to make up for lost time."

She laughed again. Cupping his face in her hands, she pulled him down to kiss him even as he shifted to rest between her legs, sliding into her once more. "Oh how I missed this."

"Hn." He grunted before nipping at her bottom lip. He picked up the pace until they were both panting.

"Sesshomaru!" She moaned as her nails dug into his back, while her ankles locked behind his thighs.

With a snarl he moved even faster until she couldn't take it anymore, and announced her release with a cry. Moments later, he roared as he joined her in ecstasy.

"Keep it up and we'll never get any sleep." She mumbled once he'd pulled out and moved to hold her again.

"We will rest when we are dead." He shrugged.

"That is so not funny."

He chuckled lightly, then planted a kiss on the crown of her head. "Go to sleep Kagome."

"Yeah, yeah." She muttered dreamily.

…End of Citrus Alert...

In no time at all, it seemed as though she had never even left to begin with, which was just fine where everyone was concerned. And while the shiro seemed bigger since Rin was gone and her children had gone to live with Inuyasha and Kikyou, Kagome didn't mind it so much.

She spent as much time with her mate and son as she could and when she wasn't ferrying souls and left to her own devices. She was also doing her best to get Shippo to come around.

In the whole time that she'd been there, she'd never gotten him to warm up to her and while she understood why, she couldn't help but be irritated by it.

"Ooh you are so stubborn!" She squealed in irritation after he'd averted her attempts once more. "Kami, how Kagome could ever get you to do anything is beyond me."

"How do you know Kagome?" He'd popped up so suddenly that she jerked back and promptly landed on her butt.

"Ow." She grumbled while rubbing her hip before shooting him a dirty look. "That wasn't very nice."

"Sorry. Now, what do you know about Kagome?" He demanded again.

"I know everything." She shrugged. "Sesshomaru and Death's Mistress told me all about her shortly after I came to live here."

"Why?"

"Because they felt it only fair since we share the same name and people had such a hard time saying it at first when they were addressing me." She sighed and used a hand to brush her hair off her face.

"So why do you keep trying to talk to me?" He'd been more than fed up with it and decided the only way he was going to get her to leave him alone, was to find out why she was so interested in him. And once he figured it out, he'd tell her to take a long walk off a short dock before going about his business.

"Because I wanted you to know that I'm not trying to take her place." She said to his surprise. "I know having me around his hard for you, just as it was for Rin and the others. But they've all managed to see past that, and I was hoping that maybe you would too."

"Why?"

"Because I see how alone you are." She told him softly. "And I know you miss her with everything you have. I guess I'd just like you to know that I'm a really good listener and I'm tougher than I look, so you won't hurt my feelings any. So if you ever want to talk… well I'm here."

"It isn't your place to worry about any of us." He said pointedly.

"I know, but I can't help but think your Kagome would want me to, since she can't be here to do it for you." She replied, smiling faintly. "I also happen to be very good at worrying about people, even if I don't know them and vice versa."

Shippo studied her for several moments before shaking his head and sighing. "What is it with girls named Kagome?"

"I couldn't tell you." She giggled. "But is it really so bad? I mean I know you know you'll see her again, so why not try to live life to the fullest so you'll have a lot to tell her when that time comes?"

"I'll think about it." Was all he said before he went on his way.

Kagome watched him go with sorrow shining in her eyes, but she knew she'd done her part and now it was up to him. And shortly after that talk, he seemed to come to some sort of decision, for he would pop up randomly to talk to her.

In the early stages he stuck to the boring and mundane, almost as if he was testing the waters to see how things would go and she handled it with the utmost patience and care. Within three months, he finally began to relax and started opening up to her. Those days were one of the high points of her life and she made sure to take it all in stride while ensuring she savored every moment of it.

Later on down the road, she would be more than glad she had, because all good things must come to an end. And his end was sooner than she would realize. Not only that, but it would become the catalyst to the end of her dreams as she knew them, and once all was said and done, she would be irrevocably changed because of it.