Sesshomaru put his car in park and sat for a moment to gather his thoughts. He raked his claws through his hair in a calming gesture. Before he could lose his nerve, he grabbed the bouquet of hydrangeas and lilies from his passenger seat and got out. Due to the level of traffic in the neighborhood he had to park three houses down in front of the Lee's house. It seemed Kagome wasn't he only household taking advantage of the good weather. The walk would give him the chance to school his features into the mask he had become known for.

He glanced up at the house in front of him. The Lee's where an elderly couple that he would find Kagome talking to on their porch during warm late afternoons. She would always say the couple reminded her of her father's parents. And would often have a wistful look on her face when he would come to collect her and make the walk back to their house.

"You think that will be us one day."

"It will be quite a long time before that."

"You know what I mean, you and me for all of time."

The memory brought a slight smile to his face. It was a peaceful memory, one that often repeated its self in their life. Sure, the responses would very but the same meaning and message was always there. It always amazed him how her faith in them never wavered. Were things always perfect? Clearly not because look where they were now. But was there always love? Yes. Even in the end when he was walking away there was love. In that moment she still could not hate him even then. Because when Kagome loved it was hard, enduring and irrevocably there. She even warned him when he first decided to pursue her. She told him "Tashio, you better watch out because I'm not threat easy to get rid of." And oh, how right she had been; he didn't know what hit him.

Sesshomaru didn't even make it a few steps onto the sidewalk before Mrs. Lee caught sight of him.

"Sesshomaru dear! It's good to see you finally." A smile stretched across her face as she called out to him. Sesshomaru had no choice but to approach. He was never one for small talk, that was always Kagome's forte.

"Ah Yes, I hope you and Mr. Lee are doing well. It has been quite some time, hasn't it?"

"Yes, I've been wondering when I'd run into you since you two moved back. We figured you must have been busy with work lately." Sesshomaru simply gave a small smile not wanting to correct her assumption. "I hope Kagome is doing good too. We have been under the weather the past two weeks so I haven't made it over with that coffee cake she loves so much yet. I was worried about you two when you guys moved. I really do hope your both doing ok, I know it must have been rough. Just a terribly thing to happen those years ago. There not a day that goes by that I don't think about her, poor thing. She wouldn't come out of the house for weeks, then next thing I knew it you two had moved."

Sesshomaru frowned and his brows drew together in confusion. He honestly could not make since of what she was saying. Maybe she was confused with someone else? He highly doubted Kagome would have shared details of their personal lives with her. Perhaps she was referring to them splitting up, since now she thought they was back together. But either way hearing reminders of the pain he caused Kagome dug deep.

"Yes, it was but she is fine now though. I will tell her you asked about her. I am sure she will be looking forward to the coffee cake as well. But I must be going." Sesshomaru waved the flowers as an indication that he needed to deliver them. "Good day Mrs. Lee."

"I'm so glad to hear that. Make sure to tell her to stop by anytime."

With each foot fall that drew him closer he could hear whispers of the past. The memories floating by like specters haunting him. Sesshomaru adjusted his grip on the flowers suddenly rethinking the gesture. As he neared the door, he could see Kagome's smiling face from the day they moved in. The words she spoke still stuck with him.

"One day I want this house filled with little feet and paws."

When he knocked it was answered by Hero with a dog at his side. He couldn't help but think how odd it was for a dog demon to have a dog as a pet. Slowly blinking he looked at the boy, well it looked like Kagome got her wish. Before he could respond to the boys greeting Haruki came up from behind Hero. Looking as if he was right at home, as if this was right where he belonged and had always been.

"Come on in Sesshomaru!" Haruki's gaze flicked to the flowers then back to him. "Kagome is in the Kitchen." Sesshomaru silently entered when Haruki spoke again, "well I know you know your way around; I'll leave you to it. Come on pup lets go outside."

"Hn." Sesshomaru watch him lift the boy into his arms and walk away smiling at one another. He saw the pup nuzzle the side of Haruki's neck before turning the corner.

As Sesshomaru made his way down the picture frame lined halls. He noted that many of the photos still remained. The only one that seemed missing was of just him or them together as a couple in recent years. His eyes rested on many from their teen years. Soaking them in as if it was the first time seeing them. His eyes rested on the photo of them together at her senior prom, then one from a few years ago where they were surrounded by their nieces and nephews at a picnic. It made him happy to know that despite it all she hadn't completely eradicated him from her life. There was still proof of what once was.

But the now missing photos was filled with new one. Of events and places, he knew nothing about. Some are of her with the kids and holding InuYasha youngest on the day he was born. He idly wondered if she still kept their photos like he does. Keeping them tucked away somewhere for only her eyes or where they long forgotten. There were even additional frames to hold photos of her with Haruki and Hero. He stood studying them.

"Sesshomaru?" Kagome called while peeping her head around the kitchen archway. If she didn't know better, she would have thought she startled him. When he didn't answer and only his gaze turned to her, she looked down at the flower. A flush appeared; she made her way to him. Slowly reach down to grasp the bouquet, their fingers brushing while she made eye contact. "Are these for me?" Kagome brought them to her face to inhale the scent and she smiled, "they are lovely, thank you."

"Hnn, glad you like them... They are still your favorites I hope."

"Forever and always," she sang "there are just some things that will never change." Her smile crinkled the corner of her eyes. He noticed Kagome was in an overly cheerful bubbly mood. She always did love having a get together with everyone. "Come let's get these in some water, I'll need your help getting a vase down."

"Hn." He took the time to take in her appearance, admiring her beauty. She was in a pale blue dress that swept to her knee with polka dots all over and a bow on each shoulder. Her hair was pulled back on one side by a simple pearl lined clip and leaving the rest to fell in soft waves down her back that he itched to curl around his finger.

As they entered the kitchen he didn't need to be told where the vases were located assuming they remained where she had always stored them. "Round or Squar?" he tossed over his shoulder.

"Hmmmm, surprise me. I think I'm going to put them on the coffee table, so nothing to tall. Get whatever you think is best."

Sesshomaru grabbed a clear and blue swirled vase that they got on a vacation one year. It was in the forefront of the cabinet indicating it's often use. His thumb swiped over the surface while watching Kagome busy herself with prepping the flowers. She hummed softly while do so and he often wondered if she was even aware of the habit, surely she must. He went over to the sink and began to fill the vase and sat it beside her. Kagome's eyes flicked up to his briefly then she started trimming the stems. They stood in silence for a beat while she arranged the flowers.

"So... Was the rest of your week good?" Her eyes briefly flicked back to his. She could feel his eyes bearing down on her. She knew he wasn't much on talking, always stating he only said what was needed but what she needed was a distraction to break the awkward air surrounding them.

"Hn." He noticed her take in a deep breath.

"Well, there is plenty of food. I have it all set up in the sun room. Mama made sure to have some of your favorites. There's a little bit of everything going on though. I stocked up the bar outside by the pool and have someone working it. You can get drinks there; but of course, help yourself to anything in the fridge." Kagome felt like she was rambling at this point. She told herself he had eyes; he could find all this on his own but the silence was stifling. Not meeting his eyes, she placed the last flower in the vase. "There perfect. I always did love this vase. It's so pretty when the light shines through it and make me think of the little island we went to that summer."

"Hn, I was thinking the same." Sesshomaru reach over to pick up the vase and carried it into the living room for her. She did not relent which he figured it was due to not wanting to get water on her dress. Kagome silently followed him into the living room. He noticed that this room too was almost as he remembered just neater. Instead of blankets everywhere they were folded and put away or tastefully draped. One thing that was different though was a soft black and white photo of Kagome. It took up a space where once a mirror had been. In the photo she appeared to be sitting on a window seat leaning onto the seal with a mug in hand lost in thought. She was dressed in a loose cable knit sweater that fell off one shoulder. It was intimate and personal; he adverted his attention back to Kagome.

She sucked in a breath looking around awkwardly. "I know it's kinda weird I didn't really change anything. Most of the house is exactly the same."

"I noticed thus far."

"I guess I just liked things... How they were. Comforting, I guess? Anyways thanks again for the flower, I didn't even think about getting anything for in here but they look just right. Right at home ya know? But I think I'm gonna get back to the party. Remember now to help yourself and just maybe mingle a little, it won't kill ya you know?" She winked at him and turned to leave. He didn't know what possessed him but when he reached her, he grabbed her wrist to halt her escape.

"There is nothing wrong with how things are." His words were loaded with a thousand meanings. "This is your home; you do as you see fit."

She regarded him and when he didn't think she would answer he started to back away. Then she smiled, "because this one does a she pleases right?"

"Hn." Sesshomaru felt relived, smiling a little and stuck a hand in his pocket.

— —

He watched her seamlessly move amongst the guest while he sat on the sidelines as a silent observer nursing a drink. So far Sesshomaru noticed Haruki was keeping his distance this evening. He had yet to see Kagome and him in the same circle of people. Was that on purpose? Was she the one doing so or perhaps Haruki did not feel the need to stake a claim like he did at the gala. Sesshomaru looked down at his second empty glass of the evening trying to decide if he should indulge in another as a means of distraction or if he should move about the garden for a change of scenery. But would it really make a difference? It seemed no matter where he went his eye sought her out, he simply could not help it. Which surely, she had noticed; but she has yet to comment on it or even glance his way. But he did not need to see her to know where she was because he could hear her. Her laugh called out like a beacon making him aware of her at all time.

Looking out over the eclectic group of people in attendance Sesshomaru noted the company was comprised of old friends, family, business partners and even a few of the neighbors. The very same people in which they use to host to, but now he was a guest as well. Which led him to wonder what category would he fit in? He could easily belong to all of them.

So far, he had made idle conversation here and there to try and "mingle" but overall, he was left in solitude. Not many outside of the pack had approached for conversation. Which usually didn't bother him but he'd gladly take the distraction now. But even the pack had sparsely spoken to him. Sesshomarues eyes swung to his ever-charismatic father talking amicably with the former Northern lord Akio. Usually about now he would be trying to rope him into conversation, yet not tonight. His sight found Kagome once again, wondering why he had bothered to stay. He simply could have dropped by then slipped out without being notice. But the idea of going back to another quiet night in his empty apartment didn't seem appealing.

"Sesshomaru? I'm glad you made it!"

"Mrs. Higurashi it's good to see you as well."

"I hope the food was to your liking? Oh, and you did get the portions of raw meat just for you, right?"

His brows pinched, "I just took from the selection of food that was in the sun room. But everything was to my liking, thank you for asking. My compliments go to you and Kagome, it's a wonderful gather."

She shook her head. "I swear sometimes Kagome would lose her head if it wasn't attached. She was supposed to tell you that there was something in the fridge for you. She wanted to make sure you had your favorites and didn't miss out. This was actually all her, other than my opinion here and there she was determined to do this one her own. You know how stubborn she is."

"Perhaps I'll indulge some later." He slightly smiled then returned his attention back to Kagome. The notion of her still thinking of his wants and needs had him feeling grateful yet conflicted with unease. His lips turned down slightly at the thought of adding to her plate when she had a whole party to think of. Her mother followed his line of slight. "However, she did not need to go to additional lengths for me but it is appreciated."

"Hmm I think... She was just nervous and it's just natural for her."

"Hn" he didn't take his eyes off Kagome so he didn't notice her mother's smile.

"It's just in her nature to be a nurturer. To want to take care of others." The two watched as Hero and Shippo came running up to Kagome to tug the skirt of her dress. She promptly excused herself to give the children her full attention then took their hands and made their way into the yard where the other children were waiting. They watched as Kagome's put her hands over her eyes while the children dispersed to their chose hiding places

"She is so good with them."

"Yes, yes she is."

"You know I really always thought it would be you two. I thought I would be seeing her like that with your children. Not that I don't like Haruki he's a wonderful man, it's just hard to picture anything else after you two was together for so long; but what do you do, that's life I guess."

Sesshomaru didn't know what to say. Could he really confess that it was his hopes as well. Seeing her now, surrounded by pups and laughter as she hunted them down one by one, playing into their little game. This is what she wants, what she had always asked of him yet he always denied. Was he worthy enough to voice his opinions on a future he himself stole. He looked at her mother and saw a soft smile on her face while watching her daughter, she was not a judgmental person. She had after all verbalized her own, so maybe he could too.

"It was… Always my hope as well."

"Hmm I know, I could tell by the way you looked at her. You know she would talk about it a lot. She had names picked out and nursery ideas. She knew she wanted at least three but with your guy's long life span she use to say she would have as many as you wished." She laughed at that, a wide smile on her face. "I always told her she was baby, or well pup crazy and to come back to me once she had her first."

"She had names?"

"Hm yes, I guess it matters not now. Just a fond memory."

"I suppose your right." Mind swirling but he wouldn't dare show it visibly, he glanced down at the ground then back to Kagome. A strike of longing hit him and squeezed like an iron grip. Her mother's words echoing in his head. He thought again of what he was doing here if not for only the reason to torture himself.

She had names. She. Had. Names...Names.

She wanted at least three. And she wanted his... Three of his pups.

She wanted...

At some point Kagome had stopped talking to him about it, she became engrossed in her work and he thought she lost interest. They had a long life, plenty of year ahead of them to worry on such topics. To him there simply was no rush. He guessed he was wrong just like he has been wrong about a lot of things. The knowledge she had ideas of pups, ideas so thought out between them told him she was only lying and waiting for him. Waiting for him to finally grant her wish and truthfully his own. Sesshomaru began to question his actions and reasonings that lead to him leaving her, they seemed more brittle than ever. He focused on Kagome rolling on the ground with Hero not caring of her dress nor hair one bit. He was so distracted he barely noticed her mother being called away.

"Well looks like I'm needed elsewhere and Sesshomaru?"

"Hn." His eyes swung to her.

"You still have that look. I know it's not my place and I don't know what happened but... Well just never mind, do with that what you will but it's ok. It's... Ok to still want those things" She offered him a warm smile before turning to where she was being called.

But, was is it ok? What right did he have to still want for something he tossed away. Had it been easy to do? No. But at the time did he think he was truly doing what was best? Yes, though he questioned himself daily and even more so now. Looking at her now, there was one thing that still remained unchanged or undeniable; he just wants what is best for her and he was convinced that was not him. Making his way to get another drink he looked over the crowd of laughing and smiling people; yes, it definitely wasn't him.