Author's Note: Thank you for the wonderful reviews! Just like I promised, Inuyasha and Kagome's meeting.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha!

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Chapter Six: Understanding

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Sango stood at the door of the hut, looking out into the dark night. She had watched the sun set, wondering when Kagome would return. She sighed, and thought of going to look for her. The girl hadn't been herself in days, and she knew why, but not how to fix it. Since losing her family and clan almost two years ago, Sango's family now consisted of the three she shared the hut with. Her mind shied away from thoughts of Kohaku, hoping and praying he still lived, and there would be some way to save his life yet.

As if he knew what thoughts plagued her, Miroku rose, and stood quietly behind her. Placing a hand on her shoulder, Miroku said quietly, "Give her some time. She'll be all right."

She looked at him, and smiled. "I know, Houshi-sama, but I still worry." She looked back outside. "She's been through a lot and I have a feeling more will be coming."

"You might be right, Sango. Let's finish dinner, and then we can go look for her." The monk gave her shoulder a squeeze, and drew her back inside the hut. His hand slid down her back, and cupped one cheek lightly.

"Houshi ..." the warning came. He grinned and moved away quickly. Blushing, Sango joined him at the fire pit. She looked at him warmly before serving their dinner.

In the months they had been companions, they came to an understanding. Many special moments were shared between the two, although the ones they wanted still could not happen. Miroku limited his caresses to only her, and she pretended to be offended. He rarely groped these days, and usually only to lighten a mood. Instead, he preferred to spend time with his special girl. They spoke not so much of the future, since their future was indeterminable, but of their past. Neither had confessed their love, but both knew it was there. Their every action was accomplished as a pair. Until Naraku died, they hesitated to make plans. Until Naraku was defeated, they spent what time they could with each other, enjoying the other's company.

Shippou looked from one to the other and rolled his eyes. "Sheesh... you two aren't entertaining any more." He began to eat his noodles in the comfortable silence that settled in the room. Although he missed the days all five of the companions traveled together, he was happy to be settled. A part of them was still missing all of them felt. The four remaining friends had drawn closer to tighten those bonds, and the little kitsune had never felt more at home.

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She stopped several feet from him, watching with a gentle sadness. She didn't speak but sent a wash of aura, inviting and open to surround him.

He gasped as he felt the warm tingling sensation lightly brush on the edge of his senses. It was whisper soft, and soothing. He stared at her, his expression softening. He walked slowly forward, stopping just in front of her. He raised a hand as if to touch her face, and then dropped it.

"You've been crying." He said, letting out a low growl. He could smell Kouga's scent, and tried to keep the anger from rising. "What's that wolf done?"

Kagome shook her head, while looking at him seriously. "Kouga-kun has done nothing."

"Don't give me that! I smell his stench all over you mixed with your tears. What's the bastard done and I'll take care of it for you!" He demanded roughly trying to keep his anger in check.

She smiled at him, a wistful fleeting thing. "You never did understand did you."

"Understand what Kagome? You're always sticking up for that bastard. Stopping me from kicking his ass."

Shaking her head, Kagome sighed. "You never could understand. Kouga-kun could never reduce me to tears. Only you." She placed a hand lightly on his chest to take the sting out of her words.

Taken aback, Inuyasha was quiet for a moment. "Why ...why were you crying?" he asked again.

Ignoring his question, she reached up and touched his cheek, resting her palm there lightly. "Why are you here?" she asked softly.

He stepped forward, still not touching her, but so close he could feel the heat from her body. "I could ask you the same." He touched her hand upon his cheek, watching her face.

A smile of genuine humor lit up her face. "I thought my reasons were obvious." She blushed slightly and looked away. "I also needed to learn about my powers. Always before there was never enough time to learn. We were traveling too much. Now I have that time."

A hint of regret crossed his face. "I took a lot from you, didn't I?" She shook her head denying it. "You know I did, and I'm sorry, Kagome."

She smiled, then, and taking her hand from his, she dropped it to his arm. "I would do it all over again in a minute if asked. Do not be sorry." She leaned into him, her forehead resting on his chest. He put his hand on her back, stroking her hair. "Why are you here?" She asked again.

Closing his eyes, and resting his head on hers, he replied softly, "I wanted to see your face." A peaceful silence fell on them; neither willing to break it, neither willing to give more than they had at that moment.

Drawing a deep breath, she raised her head to look at him. "Inuyasha, did you ... did you kill those men?"

His eyes flared with barely concealed pain; his mouth tightened before he replied, "Yes." He pulled away from her. He turned his back to her, looking at his hands, his claws. "I killed them with these." He said with a low voice.

Kagome could feel the pain and anguish emanating from him, and flooded her aura with a calming touch, trying to soothe his pain. "Inuyasha?"

"I never felt more like the monster I've been called after I did that." He shook his head slowly, still staring at his hands. "They were scum, but didn't deserve what I did. I thought I had lost my mind." He could feel her hands on his back now, with her warmth radiating into him.

"There must have been a reason for doing what you did, Inuyasha. I know you and you do not kill without reason. Even when you were transformed." Her voice was calming.

He shook his head. "There might have been reasons. But it doesn't change the fact they're dead." He growled again, deep in his throat. "I keep Tetsusaiga near me always to keep from transforming, and yet …" He turned his head to look at her, "I lost control and became … detestable."

"Inuyasha … you … you will never be that way to me." Kagome stated softly.

He turned back, not looking at her. "Bah!" He growled without his usual heat.

Kagome put her arms around his shoulders, hugging him. "You're alright, then?"

One of his hands covered hers. He closed his eyes, thinking her question over. 'Am I all right? Will I lose control again?' Pensive, not really sure what to say, he whispered, "I don't know."

Letting him go from her embrace, she called softly, "Inuyasha." As he turned, she gave him her brightest smile. "I believe in you. I know what ever happens, you will be who you are; kind, and … and heroic." She blushed faintly, but held his gaze.

Embarrassed, but pleased, his face flushed, he couldn't look away from her. "You're trying to confuse me again, aren't you?"

Smiling, she shook her head. 'I just know you, who you are underneath the insolent manner you portray.'

They shared a look lasting some few minutes, neither saying a word, neither touching, but then, they didn't have to.

"Tell me about Sesshoumaru." He finally said, not looking away.

"You heard about his visit?" At his nod, Kagome sat on a large stump a few steps from him. Frowning, her face obviously showing her puzzlement, she replied, "I don't know. It was strange. Like he knew something but wasn't going to tell me." She looked up at his approach. "At first I thought he was going to attack me, but he didn't." An uncertain smile touched her lips. "He even gave me advice, sort of."

Sitting behind her, their backs leaning against one another, he asked, "What did he say?"

"He told me to find you." She looked back over her shoulder to see his reaction.

"Did he say why?" Inuyasha asked. He had overheard what she had told Sango, but hadn't given it much thought since.

She shrugged, and looked down at her hands. "He said to save your soul." Slightly embarrassed to repeat his words, she continued in a low voice, "And that … well, that you belonged with me." She was surprised to feel his back shake and turned to see what was the matter. "Inuyasha?"

He laughed ruefully. "He's right you know."

Annoyed, she smacked his shoulder before turning her back on him again. "Stop teasing me."

Staring up at the stars barely peeking through the trees, he said seriously, "I'm not. I did a lot of thinking after … after killing those men. I was lost for a long time. It was a memory of you that brought me back. You've always brought me peace. I feel calm when I'm around you." He paused, unsure of how much to say; how to say it. "Without you, I lose who I am." His lips twisted in an ironic smile. "As much as I despise my human half, I do not want to lose my humanity. You help me keep it."

Flushing, not sure what to say, she whispered, "Oh Inuyasha …"

"Kagome, why were you crying?" He asked softly. He could feel her shake her head, but let her take her time to speak.

Sighing softly, she said, "Kouga-kun asked me to have feelings for him."

His heart lurched. "And … that made you cry?"

"No, I feel sorry for him. I did not want to hurt him." Her voice was barely audible now. "I cannot … cannot give him what is no longer mine to give."

He half turned to her, wonder and a hint of joy in his expression. " … no longer yours?"

She couldn't look at him, and continued to stare at her hands in her lap. "You know where my heart is, Inuyasha. Please don't make me say it."

He took her hand in his, and held it gently. "Kagome … I …"

She shook her head, not looking at him. "Don't say anything right now, please. There are still some outstanding … complications that need to be taken care of before we can speak so openly."

He could smell the salt of her fresh tears. He squeezed her hand softly. "Will you let me come to visit you again?"

She made a movement to pull her hand away, but he captured it in his again, holding it tightly. "Will you treat Kikyou the same that you did with me? Will you come to me, leaving her wondering where you are, where your heart is?" She asked without emotion.

He scowled and looked away from her, still holding her hand. "That's different."

She pulled on his hand trying to get his attention. "There is no difference. You are her companion now, and you are her protector as you were mine."

He looked at her for a moment, eyes pleading. Looking to the ground, he said softly, "I know where my heart is now."

Kagome's heart started to pound. She was almost certain he would hear it. "I should tell you no, then. But I can't. I've said it before, and nothing's changed. I want to see you." She smiled up at him.

Inuyasha looked down at her, happier than he'd been in a long time.

Kagome broke the silence that followed with a look to the night's sky. "Come back with me to the hut. Everyone will be happy to see you."

He shook his head. "I don't know if I could ... if I should."

Taking both of his hands in hers, she turned to him, and looked earnestly into his eyes. "Inuyasha, we are all your friends. Nothing you've done, nothing you can do, will ever change our feelings for you." He looked at her with wondrous disbelief. She chuckled and pulled him to his feet. "Come on, Inuyasha!" He followed her slowly, hand still in hers.

Their entrance disrupted the quiet dinner scene being played out. All three were instantly on their feet. Miroku grinned broadly before settling into his serene smile, welcoming him back as though he'd been gone but a day. Sango gave Inuyasha a shy hug, and scolded him for taking so long to come home. Kagome stood back, smiling happily, her friends ... her family all together again.

Shippou had jumped to his feet, but hadn't said anything. He stayed back, glaring at the hanyou. Inuyasha noticed this and glared back at the kitsune. "What's your problem?" he growled.

The little youkai scowled and turned his back. "You're mean!" he yelled.

"Shippou-chan?" Kagome asked softly, coming around Inuyasha to reach the fox demon. She noticed he was crying, and touched his shoulder. "It's alright, Shippou. He's back now. It's going to be okay."

Inuyasha scowled, angry with himself. 'There. I knew I'd make someone upset! Shippou though, he's just a kid. He's lost so much ... and I almost took Kagome away, and myself.' He jumped up beside Kagome, and knelt down to speak with Shippou. "Listen runt, for what I did, I'm sorry." The kitsune glanced at him angrily, wiping his tears away. Inuyasha frowned, not sure what to say, trying to make it right. He said a little impatiently, "Come on. I said I was sorry."

Shippou sniffed loudly then launched himself at Inuyasha. He wrapped his arms around his chest in a hug, crying fervently. "I never thought I'd see you again! I missed you so much!"

Shocked, Inuyasha looked down at the kitsune, then up at Kagome. She smiled, and nodded encouragingly at him. Wrapping his arms around Shippou, Inuyasha said softly, "I never meant to hurt anyone." He patted the fox child's back, feeling more than a little uncomfortable.

Kagome touched the top of Shippou's head, and said strongly, "Come now, Shippou-chan. He's here, so dry those tears."

Instantly as they had started, his tears stopped. The kit jumped from Inuyasha, saying over his shoulder with a grin, "We're having ramen for dinner tonight."

Inuyasha raised his head, a new gleam in his eye, "Ramen?" Smiling happily, Sango held up another container of the noodle dish he loved best.

It wasn't long before dinner was finished and dishes were cleaned. Inuyasha sat in his customary position, back against the wall watching his friends as they spoke, answering the questions they asked. His eyes traveled throughout the room. At first glance, it appeared to be a typical hut similar to Kaede's. On closer inspection, he noticed a few items which would never be a part of a Sengoku-jidai period hut. The floor was covered in a material he'd never seen before. Wood chests and colorful containers in one corner he had seen from Kagome's time.

The long room was divided with colorful screens which he presumed were the sleeping areas. Even the walls were decorated differently than any walls he had ever seen. Pictures drawn with a childish hand adorned a good portion of one wall. He noticed most pictures were of figures bore a semblance similar to the five of them. One picture caught his interest and he rose for a closer look. The picture held three figures, one who looked like him, one looking like Kagome in her uniform, and the last, Shippou. The figures stood together, all with smiles, and his figure held hands with Kagome's figure. Words were written below the three, My Family.

Inuyasha looked from the picture to Kagome and down to Shippou. He scowled at the little kit before growling, "My nose isn't that big, brat." Shippou grinned, and began pointing out other pictures. Another item caught his eye. On a hook in the middle of the long wall, his subdue bead rosary hung. He stopped before it, his hand reached out to touch it. He ran a finger down the beads and teeth that it was made of. Thinking of how he use to hate the thing, only coming to love it as a part of his life as it had been.

He turned from the wall and dropped to his knees next to Kagome. She stared up at him as he took her hand in his. His eyes held a question he couldn't voice. Her eyes began to shine brightly as she shook her head. "Not yet. It is not the time." She whispered softly. She blinked rapidly, trying to rid herself of the tears.

Nodding his head, he smiled the first sincere smile she'd seen grace his face. "Not yet, but soon." He whispered quietly back.

Miroku coughed slightly. "If you have a moment, I would like to ask you some questions about what we're going to do."

Dragging his eyes from hers, Inuyasha turned from Kagome to glare at the monk. "DO?" he growled.

"Naturally." Miroku said, unfazed. "Up until now, Sango and I were following Kouga to find you and finish our quest. I believe since you are now back, things will return to normal. And you will be our leader again." Sango nodded without speaking.

Inuyasha looked from Miroku to Sango and back to Kagome. He was at a loss for words. He never realized they looked to him as their leader. He had always assumed they followed their own paths together.

"There is a complication in that." Kagome said sadly. When all eyes had turned her way, she simply stated, "Inuyasha has a promise to fulfill, and he cannot walk away from it." Shippou climbed into her lap, and touched her face. "I cannot go on this quest."

"Kagome ..." Inuyasha began. She caught and held his gaze steadily. His shoulders slumped. "I have to return to Kikyou."

"What?!?" both Sango and Miroku jumped to their feet. Shippou looked from Kagome to Inuyasha without speaking.

"He's right." Kagome said quietly. "He has offered her his protection in her goal to defeat Naraku. She has a plan, and with his help, I believe this will be Naraku's end." She continued to look at Inuyasha, absently petting Shippou's head.

"Kagome-sama ..." Miroku began. "Are you sure? Couldn't you...?" She was shaking her head, her eyes never leaving Inuyasha's.

"I do not know what Kikyou knows. I suspect it has to do with Onigumo's weakness where she is concern."

Breaking her gaze with him, Kagome looked to her friends. "Although I don't see a reason you two shouldn't join them." She said with a slight smile.

"But ... but Inuyasha fights best when you're with him." Shippou began. His small face worried and sad. "You have to go with him."

She smiled down at the young kit. "I will be. Not physically, but spiritually. It's the best we can do for now." She looked up at her friends, and clasping Inuyasha's hand tightly she continued, "Until this quest is ended, it's the only thing we can do."

Sango and Miroku looked at one another. They shared a smile, and as Miroku reached for her hand, he said aloud, "We understand."

Inuyasha's eyes never left Kagome's face. 'I have to end it soon. And then ... then we can begin.'

Kagome straightened. She cast a frightened look towards the door before saying, "He's come."

Jumping to his feet, hand on the hilt of his katana, Inuyasha demanded, "Who?"

"Sesshoumaru …"

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