Epilogue

There were still nights when Inuyasha woke up in the cold sweat believing that every good thing that had happened to him in the past five years was a dream. That everything he held dear was a lie concocted by a lonely mind. Various worst case scenarios dominating his mind. That he was alone. That Naraku had never been defeated. That the well had kept Kagome on her side of the well and wouldn't let him pass. Tonight, unfortunately, was one of those nights. The nightmares had been coming more frequently lately but that was probably because he'd almost got caught on his human night last month. Bringing up aspects of memories he'd rather forget. But each time he woke up - heart racing and gasping for air - he would feel his wife laying next to him. Hear Shippo's inquisitive growl from just inside the bassinet or his sensitive ears would register the baby's soft gurgle.

Consciously slowing his panting breath, Inuyasha wormed out from under the covers and crossed the short distance to look down at his tiny baby girl with a soft smile on his face. They were fast approaching the twelfth month which never ceased to amaze him. Especially considering how the little one looked human by all outward appearances despite the strong youkai he could feel radiating off her in waves. It was almost funny to think of the fool that might try to challenge her one day. Not that he'd ever let someone get close enough to hurt her but it was funny in theory. Inuyasha had already made his mind up to teach his baby girl how to kill things in an efficient manner when she was old enough.

One ear trained back towards his wife who had stirred when he'd risen. A wife who, thanks to some guidance from his father's loyal servants, would live however long he did. With a caveat of course because what was life without some catch. Said catch had forced him to be more careful in the exorcisms he now underwent to support his small family. If he died, any protection the bond afforded Kagome would expire with him. She'd become mortal once more.

But he had no intention of dying twice so that wouldn't be a problem.

"Does she need some extra blankets?" Kagome hissed soflty as she wrapped her shawl tightly around her, "It is cold."

"She might need some. I smell a blizzard coming," Inuyasha agreed just as softly as he reached out and drug his wife's small form against him. As soon as that left his mouth though, he could almost feel Shippo bristle.

"Pup protect. Make warm," the kit argued barely above a whisper as he held up his tiny hand and produced a very small flame, "Blankets smother. Pup provide."

Kagome laughed softly as she reached down to scratch her eldest child's head.

"Alpha mother knows. Good pup," she cooed happily as Inuyasha gave them both an affectionate smile. If there was any lingering reminder of the lowest point in his life, it was that Shippo had never returned to normal. That being said, he was as close to a normal child as any other and was happy as someone could be in his condition. And, despite any lingering craziness, Shippo was a very protective older brother which made both of his parents very proud.

"Pup need blanket?" Inuyasha asked softly.

"Help," Shippo replied in the common tongue with a wise nod, "Help me. Pup needs blanket."

"Okay, I'll get one then," Kagome hummed as she moved to the small basket filled to the brim with extra bedding. As Inuyasha watched Kagome wrap up the kit just how he liked and the kit then curl up at the bottom of the bassinet, he knew in his heart that the only things that mattered in this world were in this hut.

They were all that mattered.