"Kagome!" the slayer shouts from the entrance of the gardens. She passes a wrapped bundle to the monk standing next to her before sprinting to my miko and slamming into her, wrapping her arms tightly around the female. "Oh, I've missed you so much." she whispers to Kagome, her voice thick with tears.

"I missed you,too, Sango." Kagome replies, her arms clutch at the slayer, knuckles white from gripping the back of the woman's kimono. A sliver of guilt pangs through me. I should have invited them here sooner.

"Yo, Kags!" comes the hanyou's greeting, receiving a watery giggle. Shippo darts up to InuYasha and launches himself to his shoulder. "Hey, squirt." InuYasha says as he pats the kit on the head.

"My dear, you are a sight for sore eyes." the monk greets gently.

"Oh, you guys. I've missed you all so much. I wasn't sure you would come." Kagome tells them as she lets go of the slayer to give the monk a brief hug before turning to InuYasha. She hugs him just as fiercely as she did the slayer, his arms gripping her tightly as well.

"Keh. 'Course we were coming. You asked." InuYasha answers gruffly. I watch him curiously, wondering if he will notice my scent lacing hers thickly. He clearly cares for her dearly. A spike of jealousy streaks through me before I can squash it, my beast grumbling at the sight of our intended being held by another male.

"Why do you smell like the bastard?" he then blurts, his nose wrinkling slightly, as he looks up to me. His eyes widen marginally, before a scowl crosses his face. "What's going on here?" He pulls his arms back to look at the Miko.

"What do you mean? Oh my kami, who is this?!" Kagome cries when she finally spots the wrapped bundle, now in Sango's arms again.

"This is Hana." the slayer says with a wide smile. The monk stands to the side, proudly. I scent the air, sifting through each ones unique smell- the slayers lilies and leather, the monks winter sun and oranges, InuYasha's moss and wind, Shippo's warm wood and autumn leaves, Rin's spring meadows and sunshine. Finally, I realize the bundle is a child- their child, with a perfect blend of lilies and citrus from her parents.

"Congratulations." I offer evenly, with a nod.

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru-sama." the monk replies.

"How old is she?" Kagome gushes, cooing at the child after stealing her from the laughing slayer's hold.

"She's 7 months now. We did write to tell you about her, but it's hard to tell how long letters take to arrive." Sango remarks.

"Oh, that's right, you did. I completely forgot, I'm so sorry. Look, Sesshoumaru." Kagome says stepping closer to me to show. "She's beautiful." she whispers.

"Hn. She is indeed. You are most fortunate." I tell the shocked parents.

"I... thank you, my Lord." Sango stumbles out.

"I want to see!" Rin exclaims from my side.

Kagome giggles, before turning towards the trees lining the garden. "C'mon guys, let's go sit down." she declares as she begins walking. I step up to her side, as the others trail behind, save for Shippo and Rin, who have streaked off towards the trees.

4/5/21 a/n: and the group has arrived!