Chapter 20.

Kagome sighed as she leaned against Sesshomaru's chest. She was more comfortable than she had ever been before. They were both still unclothed, but it bothered neither as he played with a few strands of her hair and she closed her eyes in complete content.

It hadnt been long since their first sexual encounter together. Honestly Sesshomaru was surprised they had been allowed to sleep this long, but then he remembered the hanyou was still on the ground, while they were in the sky castle. He wasn't around to wake and boss everyone around like normal . This time it was Sesshomaru who sighed in relaxation. He would have to thank his mother at a later date for this small victory.

Then again. "You are sure mother refused to help?" he asked, letting his chin rest on Kagome's shoulder. It was really no surprise to him that his mother refused. He honestly expected it. Satori liked to play games, no matter who it involved. Still though, he had hoped.

"Not at all. She just told me that she thought I would break the curse. But nothing more." Kagome replied, not noticing how the inu beneath her tensed.

Kagome would break the curse? But that would mean she would love him. And that he would love her? Was it possible. Could he possibly love the human miko in his arms. He breathed in deeply, taking in her scent. She still smelled of him and his releases and it was something that he would cherish.

He knew he cared for the little female. She far surpassed any female yokai in strength. That was of course something he was interested in, and her scent called to him as well. She was beautiful. Of course he had seen female yokai that were bred to be far more beautiful than Kagome, but something about the miko stood out to him. Far more than any yokai or human he had ever seen. But was it love?

His mother seemed to think so if she thought Kagome would break the curse. And of course Sesshomaru would have no problem with Kagome loving him, in fact, he wished for it. He desired her in every way. Her mind, body, soul, and heart. He wanted everything she had to offer. There was no doubts of that. He wanted her love. But could he love her in return?

"Uh oh." Kagome gasped, looking down to her hands to see them fading. Sesshomaru growled knowing that they were waking up. He didn't want to. He wanted to continue holding the miko in his arms, but he knew that wasn't possible. As it was, his own hands were fading and soon he would be back to having paws. So he clutched kagome tighter to him and closed his eyes.

When they awoke Kagome stretched then moaned as she realized just how sore she was. She looked between her legs, surprised to see the blood from their activities. But then when she thought about it, she remembered the scares she carried on her neck. What happened in the dream world, happened in real life. She would have to make sure she bathed herself thoroughly so Inuyasha didn't smell Sesshomaru on her.

"Hn. Sore?" Titan asked in her head and she turned to glare at him as he stretched on the bed they shared. His tail wagged and she just knew he was proud of himself. She shoved at him, ignoring the snickers in her head as she stood from the bed and tried her best not to let him see the wince on her face, or the limp in her walk. The arrogant dog didn't need a bigger ego.

…CBCH…

After an hour of soaking in her private bath and throwing things at the dog she was now mad at, Kagome finally decided to join the others. She could really use some breakfast and tea. Her stomach was grumbling loudly and again Titan couldn't refuse a comment about being a proper male.

A yelp was what greeted the rest of the group as Kagome and Titan entered the dinning hall. Titan was licking at his muzzle and Kagome stomping to the seat they had saved for her. Sango and Miroku were confused, but Satori and Wakanda were not. They would have to make the pack stay a few more days, otherwise InuYasha would know exactly what happened between Kagome and Sesshomaru .

Satori had another reason to be happy, but she kept that to herself. Sesshomaru's mortal canine nose wouldn't be able to pick up on it, but hers could. They would learn soon enough.

"Satori." Kagome started, setting down her chop sticks to look towards the demon. "I have a favor to ask of you."

"I'll agree to what ever it is. After all, I could not give you what you originally came for, therefor, I will give you this." Satori replied, and Kagome smirked. Satori really should have heard Kagome out before she said that. But Kagome wouldn't pass up this chance, and it would be a way to get Satori back for having a spell cast on Sesshomaru.

"Thank you, Satori. I am sure the children will love staying with you while we fight Naraku." Kagome replied sweetly, and Satori's eyes bugged while Wakanda laughed and Titan huffed in amusement.

"Hm. You win this round, little miko." Satori drawled, taking a sip ot her tea. Satori used the cup to whisper a few words, and in that moment she won the next round. Sesshomaru and Kagome would never know what she did. At least not until they came back to visit.

"Do we really have to stay?" Shippo asked, looking at Kagome with sadness in his eyes.

"Yes. I don't trust Kikyou. We are already having to watch out for Naraku, and now have to add Kikyou on top of that. Keeping you two here means you are safe." Kagome explained and Shippo pouted. Rin understood, and it didn't bother her too much. After all, Sesshomaru left her hidden often when he was going to a dangerous area.

"We should probably leave soon. Im worried about InuYasha." Kagome stated and Titan gave her a look that screamed his displeasure. She patted his head and he growled, ignoring her smirk. It was clear something changed between these two, but to those without a proper nose, they would never know. It was best that way for now.

…CBCH…

InuYasha peeked through his bangs, his narrowed yellow eyes focusing on Kikyou. He wasn't sure how he felt at the moment. Too many emotions ran through him. Anger, hurt, disappointment, regret. They were all focused on to the one person he no has to spend the rest of his life with.

Kikyou had begged him to get her pregnant. He wanted to wait until after the defeat of Naraku. But eventually he gave in like he always does when she mentioned how her life was stolen from him. He had been happy to learn that she was pregnant. For a moment he thought that maybe now he could have his family.

But that was taken from him. He wasn't even sure the kid was his anymore. After all, if she purified the demon out of their child, was their anything left of himself? He felt betrayed, and his heart broken. How could she have done something like this. Not once had she ever mentioned her disdain for demons. He thought she had gotten past that, but apparently he was wrong.

He sighed and looked up to the sky. Kagome would never have done something like this. She would have loved to have his child, and parts of it. She would have been proud of her pup, even with the demon half. But he chose Kikyou instead. All because of his honor and duty. He wished he would have said fuck that, and went with Kagome.

Maybe though it wasn't too late for him to have the younger miko. She didn't have any love interest. Yes, he knew she was pulling away, and he couldn't blame her, but he could win her heart back. He would have to. If he didn't, he would lose the best thing that had ever happened to him. All because of a mistake he made once again.

His eyes narrowed before, anger boiling deep in his chest. Kikyou was pregnant, and while he wasn't sure, that baby she carried may still be his. But the moment that baby was born, he couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't kick that woman out of his life. Especially if the baby was no longer his. How could she expect that of him. To betray and hurt him, but then act as if nothing had happened.

He was half demon. He never chose to be born this way. He never even wanted it, but it didn't change that this is who he is. He is a hanyou, and he accepted that, even somewhat proud of it. Placing a hand over his face, he realized that he only accepted his hqnyou status because of Kagome. Without her, he would still be hating himself and wanting to become a fullfledge demon.

And he went in shit in her face. She loved him, respected him, cried for him. And he chose another. One who never wwanted his demon half. Now that he thought about it, it was easy to see. Even in her first life, kikyou was going to have him become human. Even then, she never really accepted him for who he was.

"You are thinking of my reincarnation." Kikyou drawled her eyes never opening as she sat perched in a tree. InuYasha watched as a soul collector dropped another glowing orb into her body and he grimaced in disgust. He has allowed this. He had been blinded by what he thought she was, but he wouldn't allow it anymore. He would keep her close, but he wouldn't ever trust her again.

"She's not your reincarnation Kikyou. Her soul is that of a kami, and yours definitely aint that." InuYasha replied, and Kikyou's furious eyes snapped open and glared towards him. He didn't even try to hide his smirk at her reaction, and that just infuriated her more.

She opened her mouth to give a witty comeback, but before he could, kirara touched down, letting Titan and Kagome off of her back. The neko returned to the skies and disappeared back into the clouds.

"She is going to get Sango and Miroku. Satori refused to come back down with-" Kagome trailed off, her eyes shooting to Kikyou before going back to InuYasha.

"The jewel shard?" InuYasha asked. That after all was the entire reason they came this way. Kagome just shook her head in the negative and shrugged her shoulders. For once, InuYasha didn't care. He was looking at Kagome for the first time in awhile, and was shocked by what he saw.

She almost seemed like a different person. She held her head high, full of confidence, but not arrogant. She still held that kind demeanor that he knew she would never lose. Her body had even seemed to tone out, becoming more muscle instead of the softness that she used to have. She wasn't overly muscular, and he knew she would still have the body of a woman, but it looked as if she had been training, and it confused him.

How did such a big change happen right under his nose? He was determined to find out, but first he had some things he wanted to say. He wanted Kagome to forgive him, and give him a chance to win her heart back. He needed to get her to the side and tell her that he was done with Kikyou and he would be all hers if she just let him. He was sure he could get Kagome to forgive him, but it would take a lot of begging and kissing ass.

"Can we talk, Kagome?" He asked, his voice soft, before it hardened as it look towards Titan. "Alone." He still didn't trust that dog.

"Umm. I don't mind talking InuYasha, but you can speak in front of Titan. He's just a dog after all." Kagome replied, confusion on her face as she eyed the hanyou. Titan just glared him down, and Inuyasha frowned. He knew he wasn't going to get Kagome away from the dog, and that just pissed him off more.

About that time, Kirara returned, carrying Miroku and Sango on her back. InuYasha was surprised to see the runts missing, but realized that Kagome would rather leave them behind with Satori then keep them around Kikyou. Another pang of regret as he thought of how good of a mother Kagome would be. He was determined to have the woman as his.

"Well be back." InuYasha announced looking at Sango and Miroku, before charging towards Kagome. He felt as Titan grabbed at his hand, tearing into his flesh, but the dog was no match for him as he scooped up Kagome and took off running into the trees.

Kagome could only watch in shocked surprise as the trees passed them by. She could hear Sesshomaru yelling frantically in her mind, and for once, she wished she could speak to him without words having to escape her mouth. She would be able to comfort him, and let him know that she was okay.

Coming to a stop, InuYasha set her down gently, running her against the length of his body. She had to suppress the shiver of disgust. She didn't hate InuYasha, but she no longer thought of him in that way.

"Kagome!" Sesshomaru yelled into her head again and she sighed. She needed to hurry this up so she could get back to the brother she was actually interested in.

"What is this about?" She asked, taking a few steps away from InuYasha.

"I'm sorry." He blurted before rubbing a hand on the back of his neck. "I'm sorry for everything i've done, ya know, with Kikyou."

For a moment Kagome was stunned to silence, her mouth dropped as she looked towards Inuyasha with unconcealed shock. She looked down, picking at her new clothing. It was miko robes, given to her by Satori. Originally she was going to deny them, but then Satori reminded her that she was not Kikyou's reincarnation, and that Kagome should embrace who she was, no matter what. She had to admit, these robes were a lot nicer than the kimono she was wearing.

"So anyway," InuYasha continued, bringing Kagome out of her thoughts. "I know Kikyou is still around, and its better that way so we can keep an eye on her, but I promise I will earn your forgiveness if you give me a chance to."

"InuYasha, I forgave you a long time ago. You loved Kikyou, and that's ok. I'm glad you see that she is dangerous now, but you don't have to worry about me being angry with you." Kagome cut in with a wide smile. InuYasha would always be her friend.

"So.. you um." He hesitated, turning away from her, but looking at her out of the corner of his eye. He was embarrassed, but Kagome couldn't figure out why. "You still love me? You still want to be by my side?"

And Immediately Kagome realized why InuYasha brought her out here, and she instantly felt bad. Months ago, she would have been ecstatic to have this conversation, but not now. Now she dreaded it because she knew she was going to break his heart.

"I forgive you, InuYasha, but I won't ever forget." She stated, bluntly, her eyes sad as the hanyou's shoulders slumped. 'You are my friend, and always will be. I love you and I will be by your side, ready to defend you and protect you, but not in the way you are wanting."

She hated doing this to him, but she needed to be sure he understood. She didn't want any miscommunications. "We can never be more than friends."

"Oh. Ok." InuYasha whispered, his heart breaking even father as he realized just what his choices caused. He picked Kikyou, and in return, Kagome was going to pick anyone other than him. They both turned to the sound of Titan crashing into the area with them, and InuYasha growled in frustration. What was it with that dog? One last look at Kagome and he turned away and began to walk back to the group. It was time they moved on.

"I'm sorry." Kagome whispered, her eyes watering as she watched her friend walk away dejectedly. Sesshomaru glared at the hanyou, knowing exactly what just happened, but Kagome held his attention. Turning to her, he licked her hand, offering comfort.

"You did the right thing, Koneko. He will find his peace." Sesshomaru soothed, silently vowing that, that peace would be far away from the miko that was his. Kagome nodded, running her hand through Titans fur, and gripping at it gently.

"Come on. I want to return home, and there is something I need to tell you. But you will have to wait until we get back to edo." She smiled,, taking the first step to joining the rest of her group, and ignoring Sesshomaru's now curious questions. It was time he knew of her home in the future. She trusted him, and there was no reason to keep it a secret any longer. If they were making their relationship official, there needed to be no secrets between the two of them.

…CBCH…

I already know of a few questions that are going to get thrown my way, and I will say i'm not going to answer them. What Satori did and what she knows will be answered in a few chapters. About six or so. InuYasha has finally learned from his mistakes, and now he knows what his actions can cause. Its about time. Kikyou will stay around because, ya know, keep. Your enemies close. The next chapter may have a fight with Naraku, but I'm not sure yet. Do yall want one? I know for sure it will have Kagome telling Sesshomaru about her home, along with a surprise.

I am also starting a new story. It is a Kagome and Kouga Pairing. So if you are interested, go and check out the first chapter. Its called Heavy Heart Healing.

Summary: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But what if life takes away those lemons before you can do anything with them. Sometimes, you have to make your own way, and find a new happiness to heal your heartbreak.

Poll question. What is your favorite type of food? Mine is Chinese. I could eat that every day of the week with no problem.

Answers: What is your career?

S-chan08: college student

Guest: Adhesive sticker store. (I couldn't do it. I can't stand to be sticky. Lol)

Fairytailgurl808: Stay at home mom

InuYasha16451: Stay at home mom

RebornKitten: Cook at a theme park

MelodySincerlySong: Sales representative

Lourdesita100: College student

Jay90: Stay at home

Wren210: Stay at home widow

Shout outs:

S-chan08: Thank you.

Celestial cat: I'm glad you like the lemon, and your theory isn't wrong, but it's not correct either. He has to admit that he loves someone, and they have to love him in return. Mating could be what breaks the curse, but only if there is more to it than that. And slowly but surely they are starting to realize their feelings for each other.

Rocksand: Thank you. I am glad you like my writing style. I work on it all the time to try and improve it.

Fairytailgurl808: I am glad you liked the lemon. I was worried it wouldn't fit, so thank you for making me feel better.

InuYasha16451: I'm glad you think so.

I accidentally deleted someone as I was typing out the answers and shout outs. I believe it was slvrphoenix and I am sorry for that.

RebornKitten: I am glad you like the way I portray them

MelodySincerelySong: I am glad you liked the lemon.

Lourdesita100: I will always update as soon as possible, but I am glad you enjoy it.

Jay90: I would feel insecure with my own as well with Wakanda around. Lol

Blackheart-fallenangeel: The curse will be lifted soon. Don't worry. Lol. You will get everything you want.

Wren210: I am glad you think so highly of my lemons. You know how I feel about my writings. I suck. Lol