A/N:

This is it. The last chapter. After that only the epilogue.

It's been a fun adventure. ^^

Happy Reading!

Chapter 27. Tokyo

A few weeks later.

She had a warm cozy blanket wrapped around her as she stood on the large deck, taking in the night view of Shinjuku. The last few weeks seemed to flash by quickly as she settled into her new home. With no more threats hanging over her loved ones, life returned to normal.

As soon as they were able, Kagome's entire family returned to their shrine in Tokyo. Souta resumed his school, while Aunt Yukiko enjoyed the rest of her leave of absence taking care of her young grandson Haru. Jiichan continued to educate Inuyasha on missed history — they were up to Meiji era now. Even Sesshōmaru began to spend more time with his half-brother, taking the time to spar with on the shrine's grounds. Meanwhile Arya's parents decided to stay at the sanctuary with her grandmother, opting for the blissful and tranquil space of the Tsukuba mountainside.

And for Aya, the last few weeks definitely kept her busy. As soon as she recovered from her injuries at the sanctuary, Sesshōmaru moved them back to the city, opting for a spacious three-bedroom apartment on twenty-fifth floor in Shinjuku — not too far from Waseda University. She slowly returned to her life prior to her Sengoku adventures, settling into her new role as the mate of a powerful taiyoukai.

The doors slid open, and she smiled recognizing the youkai's aura. His strong arms wrapped around her from behind as she kept her gaze out to the mesmerizing city lights. Sesshomaru leaned down on her shoulder contently.

She tilted her head to the side, puckering up her lips for a soft kiss which he granted.

"Welcome home," she said lovingly.

"Mm, had a good day?" he asked, still holding her in his arms.

She turned around in his arms, happily facing him.

"Yes, I unpacked the rest of our kitchen boxes, and I finished registering for the courses at Waseda for next term. How was your day?" Aya asked.

"I was busy. A three-hour board meeting, then lunch with a Chinese investor, and then a discussion with Isamu over some legal matters."

"Ooh, too busy. Come, you need to relax," she said, and she took his hand and led him inside of their apartment.

"I'm going to give my brother my name," Sesshomaru said as he let her lead him to their bedroom.

"Really?" Aya asked as they entered the room and she dropped her warm blanket, only to turn her attention to her mate — her hands loosening up his silk tie, removing it from his neck.

"I feel obligated to do so. He is from Sengoku era and this modern world; it must be too much for him to adjust. It will be better if he is a Nomura, for his son and his wife too," he explained.

"Has your heart softened my lord?" she teased as she began to undo the buttons on his white dress shirt.

He let out a chuckle as he let her do so and said, "only for my wife."

"I'm not your wife," she answered as she quickly finished up, leaving his chest partly exposed.

She stepped back, only to collect the fallen blanket and she pretended to keep herself busy folding it up.

"Not yet, but you will be."

She smiled as she put the folded blanket onto the empty lounge chair. Sesshomaru slipped out of the dress shirt, opting to stay shirtless for the time being.

"Sesshōmaru, go shower, it will soothe you," she quickly changed the subject.

"Not without my wife."

"I already showered and I'm not your wife," she teased again.

He took a step forward towards her, enjoying the sight of her in only her short black nightie.

"We are mates by youkai tradition, but I wish to solidify our union with this custom too. I love you. Marry me."

She smiled as his arms slid around her waist, bringing their bodies closer.

"Well, only if there's a ring," she teased him.

Sesshomaru loosened one hand and reached into the pocket in his pants. He fished out a diamond ring, holding it between his claws as he brought it to her.

"Like this?"

"You sneaky youkai," she teased again and she giggled when he took her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger.

"I love you," she murmured against his lips.

A few days later.

Days like this were blissful. They were all gathered together in Sesshomaru and Aya's new home, enjoying a small yet overdue celebration. The large ebony dining table was overflowing with delicious food, drink, and conversations.

"You have to bring her to Paris to meet my girls," Isamu said as he was happily chatting with Sesshomaru.

"I will. We are already planning to come during Aya's winter semester break," Sesshomaru replied.

"Nomura Inuyasha. Nomura Kagome. Nomura Haru. It has quite a nice ring to it," Aya commented as she reached for her cup of tea.

"Yeah, yeah," Inuyasha mumbled as he reached for another bowl of ramen, made just for him.

"Soon, you will be a Nomura too Aya-chan. Don't think I haven't noticed that rock on your finger," Kagome teased as she kept her eyes on her son.

"Someday soon. We'll be officialy a family on paper," Aya commented.

Souta was sitting next to Jiichan and his mother, pushing his vegetables around the plate with his fork while Jiichan sipped his tea contently. Yukiko was leaning towards Nanami, who was sitting on her left, engaged in a conversation about their kids.

"Look at our girls. They've grown so much," Yukiko said as she was looking at Aya and Kagome talking across the table.

Nanami, who was sitting beside her nodded, "Yes, they have."

Nanami leaned to her husband and spoke softly," I can't wait for us to become grandparents."

Hayao glanced from his mother Chiyo, who was enjoying the kaiseki, over to his daughter and the silver taiyoukai and then nodded in approval, "I'm sure we will have the chance to experience it."

As they finished gorging themselves of delicious food, Kagome cleared her throat loudly, getting everyone's attention. As all eyes fell upon her, she blushed slightly but then she decided to speak.

"Inuyasha and I, we have news," Kagome started as she took a hold of Inuyasha's hand.

"Keh, why are you making such a big deal out of it?"

"Inu…. don't make use the word," Kagome threatened, causing Inuyasha to zip immediately.

Then she cleared her throat and continued," I'm pregnant again."

The whole table was stunned for a moment. Then Yukiko clasped her hands together, excitement settling within her and she moved quickly to hug her daughter.

"Blessed with another grandchild!" Yukiko exclaimed happily.

A round of congratulations went around the table, the intoxicating happy energy swirling around the room.

"What? You just gave birth to Haru-chan two months ago. Seems like you two are on a roll," Aya teased, but then she gave them each a congratulatory embrace," Congratulations you two."

"Thank you," Kagome said happily as she embraced her back.

Late at night.

She was resting against the hard chest of her mate, enjoying the afterglow of their joining.

"You are way too good at this," Aya mumbled into his chest, her words causing a deep chuckle to escape from his lips.

She looked up to his face, only to see the budding question forming on his lips.

"I'm not complaining," she added quickly.

"Good," Sesshomaru replied simply, his hand gently cupping her face, bringing her closer to him. He moved forward capturing her lips in a needy kiss once more.