The next morning, Kagome woke up in her bed with a white-haired hanyou
sitting at the foot of her bed, reading a magazine. She sat up and yawned a
bit disappointed that she didn't wake up in his arms. He smiled. "Did you
know that it takes 6 and a half miles to burn off a grilled cheese
sandwich?"
Kagome laughed. "No, I didn't know that."
Inuyasha nodded. "That is what the Food Guru says."
Kagome crawled next to him, placing her head on his shoulder to read the article. She slowly moved off the bed and stretched. "I had such a weird dream last night."
Inuyasha put the magazine down. "About what?"
Kagome blushed. "Nevermind. It was silly." She took her clothes and went into the bathroom.
Inuyasha swallowed hard. His sense of smell had come back. Kagome was in heat. Usually, he made sure to avoid her scent when she was like this but now he was saturated with it. He was holding onto the magazine just to stop him from touching her. When she had placed her head on his shoulder, he had to bite his tongue to resist kissing her.
He had to go back. He had told Shippou three days but he didn't realize Kagome's scent was going to affect him so badly. He heard commotion downstairs. He looked over the staircase to see Mamma, Souta, and grandfather getting their shoes on. Mamma saw him. "Oh, Inuyasha, good. I left your kimono on the table. We are going into Tokyo for the day so we will be back later tonight."
'Damn, that's right. My kimono, I can't go back yet.' He nodded to the group. He waved good-bye. Kagome came out of the bathroom dressed but her hair up in a towel. "Where did they go?"
Inuyasha didn't answer right away, so Kagome touched him. He jumped away from her. She frowned. "What is wrong with you? Are you mad at me?"
Inuyasha dug his claws into the balcony. "No."
Kagome gave him a strange look as she went to blow-dry her hair. He took this opportunity to run outside and hide in the God Tree. Maybe up there his temptations would not be so great. Fifteen minutes, later, Kagome came outside looking for him. She found him in the tree. "What's wrong?"
Inuyasha snorted. "Nothing."
Kagome stood akimbo. "Then what is so bad you can't tell me. You said I was your best friend."
Inuyasha winced. He jumped down but keep his head low. She moved closer to him. He placed a hand up. "Don't.come near me." He saw the hurt in her eyes and said quickly, "No, not like that. It's just.it's just."
"Just what?" Kagome said pushing Inuyasha's hand away from him moving within reaching distance.
His body tenses and he hissed. "Don't you realize what you are doing to me?"
Kagome looked at the hanyou. He was tense and digging his claws deeper into the tree. He was breathing staggered and looking at her with lustful eyes. She shook her head. "No."
Inuyasha sighed, blushing. "You are in heat."
Kagome blushed. "Nani? You can tell that kind of stuff?"
Inuyasha turned his head away, clenching his eyes shut. "Yes, yes. I can and you are and it is driving me crazy. I couldn't tell last night since it was a new moon."
Kagome, still blushing, said, "But, why? It had never affected you before."
Inuyasha shook his head. "You never noticed how I always stayed ahead of you, farther than usual, whenever this time of the month came.it is like catnip to a cat. I can't stop myself if you come closer." "But why is it affecting you so badly this time?" Inuyasha looked up through his white bangs. "Because I care about you. It makes it worse. But I'm afraid.. you'll hate me if I lost control." Kagome touched his cheek. "No, I could never hate you." Inuyasha held his breath hoping her scent couldn't penetrate him but her touch was ten times worse. Without realizing it, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into a kiss. He turned so her back was against the wall. Kagome did not pull away but was kissing him back. He pulled himself away. He fell to his knees. "Sit me." Kagome was still against the wall, trying to get the feeling back in her legs. His kiss was so sweet and powerful that it made her dizzy. "Nani? Why?" She could see a tear fall down his cheek. "I don't want to hurt you. I love you too much. Sit me until I pass out then run away. I'll find you later when this is all over." Kagome gasped. "No. I'm not going to leave you like this." Inuyasha snapped his head up. "Nani? Please, sit me. Don't you realize that you are the problem right now." Kagome shouted. "No." Inuyasha growled and jumped, pinning her against the wall once more. His one hand dug into the trunk to the side of her head while the other hand was wrapped tightly around her waist. "Please." He was begging her. Kagome moved his hair away from his face then brought to her, kissing him. He moaned and kissed her back passionately. Kagome wrapped her arms around him, deepening the kiss, bringing him closer. She broke the kiss to breathe into his neck. "I love you Inuyasha." Inuyasha shut his eyes tight trying to control his lust. He didn't want to hurt her. He didn't want her to hate him. He couldn't do this to her. This was not the way he wanted it to be. He couldn't love her passionately then leave her with a pup to rise in the midst of the battle with Naraku. They all needed to be focused. He pushed away from her. "I'm sorry." With all his might he jumped away into the well house. Kagome called after him but he didn't return. Kagome stood there stunned. She wasn't mad. She knew why he left. Her body was still tingling all over. His touch was intoxicating. She walked into her house and began to clean things up. She needed to think. She went to the table and saw his kimono. In the midst of everything, he forgot it. She quickly grabbed it. He needed this in his era. She quickly ran to the store to pack some supplies. She wrote a note to her mom and the others.
Inuyasha stormed into Kaede's hut and sat down crossing his legs and arms. Kaede looked at the hanyou. "Where your kimono?"
Inuyasha looked down and hit his fist against the floor. "Shit."
"Inuyasha, did something happen with Kagome?"
His shoulders dropped and Kaede saw the look in his eyes. She smiled. "Inuyasha, don't you realize that you need her just as much as she needs you. It is not an accident that you two meet. I see now that you two were always meant to be together. My sister loved you but she could never have accepted you like the rest of us. Whatever happened, I'm sure Kagome will forgive you."
Inuyasha looked up at her. "She was in heat and."
Kaede jumped up, lapel in her hand. "You did not."
Inuyasha jumped up. "Of course not, old hag. That is why I ran away. I told her I loved her and she told me she loved me. I didn't want to hurt her. I didn't want her to hate me."
Kaede relaxed and put the lapel down. She sighed. "Inuyasha, I respect you for what you have just done."
Inuyasha sat down on the mat, lying down. "Why do I feel so bad."
Kaede walked over and touched the hanyou's head. "Because you both have a love that can't be expressed. Other forces are against you. But soon you both will be together."
Kagome threw her bag over the rim of the well. It had taken her longer to pack. It was nightfall already. She pulled herself up. She headed towards the village. She entered Kaede's hut to find Inuyasha, still in modern clothes, stirring a stew. He saw Kagome and smiled. She smiled too, dropping her bag. "Where is everyone?" "Miroku and Sango went to another town to investigate a lead on Naraku. Shippou and Kaede were traveling to another town to get more herbs." "Oh." She answered before opening her bag. She took out his kimono wrapped in plastic. "Here is your kimono. I thought you'd want it." He took it from her and went into the next room to change. Kagome sat by the stew to make sure it didn't spoil. He sat down a few feet away from her. She frowned. "Am I still in heat?" He nodded as he stared at the fire. Kagome sat down in the corner. "Is this ok?" Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah. Thanks.you don't know how hard it is to control the urges sometimes." Kagome moved next to him while he spoke. "Do you really love me?" Inuyasha nodded still looking at the fire. Kagome moved closer. "Then prove it."
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow turning to face her. "How?"
"I don't know. Only you know how to answer it."
Inuyasha sighed. "I don't want to hurt you." Kagome shook her head. "I know you won't." He shuddered, running his fingers through Kagome's hair then bringing her close. He nestled her neck making her giggle. His fangs grew and became sharper. He licked her skin making her moan. Before she could react, he bit down holding her in place. She yelped but didn't struggle. He quickly retracted his fangs and licked the blood away. What were left were two star-like marks. He licked her blood from his fangs then kissed her passionately. When the kiss was broken they leaned against each other's forehead. He whispered to her. "There is my proof."
Kagome touched her neck. "What did you do?"
"I marked you as my mate."
Kagome pulled away, blushing. "Mate?"
Inuyasha blushed too. "Yeah."
Kagome smiled. "I guess you'll finally stop being worried about Kouga and Houja now, huh?"
Inuyasha just smiled, bringing her close. She snuggled close to him inhaling his smell. She saw him kick the kettle away from the fire. He put the fire out and grabbed her. He wrapped her arms around his neck and he jumped out of the hut and out of the village. Kagome closed her eyes and nestled close to him. He was moving faster that usual and the wind was cold. He stopped and Kagome opened her eyes to see a small hut. It looked clean but abandoned. Inuyasha put her down and took her hand, leading her into the hut. The hut smelled of almonds and cherry. The main room looked similar to Kaede's with a sunken in portion for cooking. Inuyasha pulled her gently into a small hallway. One side had a large bedroom decorated with engraved wood furniture and fug rugs. The other room was smaller with similar furniture. "Inuyasha? What is this place?"
He smiled. "This is where my mother, father, and I lived many years ago."
"Here?"
He nodded. "I've never shown anyone this place. It is enchanted that only my mate, my blood can, and me see it. Dad created it to protect mom from demons and the humans in the village that were trying to kill her for mating with a youkai."
Kagome saw his face fall in sadness, probably remembering terrible times. She squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for showing me."
Inuyasha nodded, kissing her back. "I wanted to show you it in case you ever need it."
"Why would I need it?"
Inuyasha blushed. "Well, if we ever had pups. Then you can bring them here and know they will be safe."
Kagome smiled. "I won't need to because their father will be with us."
Inuyasha picked Kagome up and spun her around. He hugged her tightly. "You make me so happy."
Kagome hugged him back, kissing his neck She heard him purr at this and she continued to kiss his neck and up to his cheek. They became to kiss passionately and Kagome started to move him towards the bedroom. He stopped at the doorway. "Are you sure about this?"
Kagome just gave him an evil smile. "I've never wanted anything more in my life. We are mates after all." She pulled him to the bed.
Inuyasha wasted no time in helping her undress. They made love and became one. They didn't see the jewel shards around Kagome's neck pulse and swirl as the battle between good and evil was now over. Love had won. The jewel shards around her neck were now completely purified.
The next morning, Inuyasha and Kagome lay together on the bed. Inuyasha was rubbing Kagome's palm. "What was your dad like?"
Kagome looked at Inuyasha. "He was good man. Miroku reminds me of him." She saw the look Inuyasha was giving her and added, "Minus the perverted ness. He was carefree. He was always smiling no matter what was happening. He was also very kind hearted just like you." Kagome swallowed the lump in her throat. "He was always there anytime we needed him. He would put work away and play anytime we asked. I never felt neglected or unloved."
Kagome wiped her nose as she felt her eyes watering up. Inuyasha saw this and sat up. "Please, don't cry. You got to know your father. I don't remember mine. He had to leave soon after I was born."
"Why?"
"To protect my mother and me. Demons were always after my father. They wanted to challenge him to overthrow him."
Kagome sat closer to Inuyasha. "Overthrow him? Did he own something?"
"Yeah. He was King of the Plains. Sessoumaru is now King. Most people do not know I exist sine hanyou are not accepted by either humans or demons. Yet, my father saw me as something great and made sure I was always trained. I only have one memory of him. He was playing with me and I fell and hurt my knee. He picked me up and gave me to my mother. Sessoumaru was there and he was disgusted. But, when is my brother not disgusted with me?"
"Because you were a hanyou?"
Inuyasha smiled. "Nah. He hates me because our father paid more attention to me than he ever did to Sessoumaru. The hanyou excuse only accounts for about 15 percent of his hatred towards me."
"But, if you are a Prince, why have you been alone for so long?"
Inuyasha rested against the wall. "My choose, I guess. When my mother died, I really didn't want to stay in the village we lived in for years. The people feared no one and me cared to get to know me. So, I began to travel. I meet hatred wherever I went because of what I was more than who I was. Sessoumaru is the only family I have."
Kagome interrupted him. "That is not true. Miroku, Sango, Kaede, Shippo and I are your family."
Inuyasha nodded. "But Sessoumaru is related by blood."
Kagome shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Shippo looks up to you like a father."
Inuyasha flinched raising his eyebrows. "Huh?"
Kagome smiled. "He does. He looks up to you. You never notice how he is always looking for your approval."
Inuyasha's eyebrow rose with suspicion. "Why would he look up to me?"
Kagome laughed. "Because you baka, you are an amazing person. No matter how hard you try to find it, you are very kind hearted."
Inuyasha shrugged. "You make me sound so weak, again. I hate being weak. That is why I had wanted to collect the shards to become a full demon." He finished proudly but his face fell when he saw the sad look in Kagome's eyes. "Wha?"
"I just think it is sad that you would want to change who you are. We all accept you. Doesn't that prove that it is possible to be powerful without being a full blooded demon?"
Inuyasha turned his head away. "You guys are different."
Kagome gently tugged on one of Inuyasha's locks and turned his face to hers. "How? We didn't have to get to know you. We didn't have to accept you. We didn't have to love you."
Inuyasha turned quickly to look at Kagome. "Love me?"
Kagome released his hair and sat back on her legs. "Yes. We all love you." Kagome moved over and grabbed a blanket. She wrapped it around herself. "I told you before that Shippo loves you as a father. Sango and Miroku love you as a dear friend. Even Kaede loves you. She always did even when she was young when you were with Kikyo." Kagome trailed off.
Inuyasha nodded. "What about you, Kagome?"
Kagome shifted the blankets. "Hm?"
"How do you love me?"
Kagome blushed and it was not lost on Inuyasha. She cleared her throat. "More than I can ever express."
Inuyasha moved to lean against one arm, giving her a smile. "I think you did last night." Inuyasha watched Kagome laugh and blush, covering her face. Inuyasha took her hands away. "I didn't mind it." He laughed and tackled her. He lay on top of her kissing her. She pulled him closer, enjoying their bodies together. Kagome yawned. "We should get back. The others are going to start to wonder."
"Let them." Inuyasha snuggled against her neck, gliding his lips over his mark on her neck. He couldn't help but smile. He had finally found the love his parents had but for how long. HE looked up into Kagome's eyes and they both smiled. Inuyasha shrugged inwardly. It didn't matter how long; just knowing he got to have this experience with her was enough.
If he had known it was all going to change in a few hours, he would have stayed in bed.
Kagome laughed. "No, I didn't know that."
Inuyasha nodded. "That is what the Food Guru says."
Kagome crawled next to him, placing her head on his shoulder to read the article. She slowly moved off the bed and stretched. "I had such a weird dream last night."
Inuyasha put the magazine down. "About what?"
Kagome blushed. "Nevermind. It was silly." She took her clothes and went into the bathroom.
Inuyasha swallowed hard. His sense of smell had come back. Kagome was in heat. Usually, he made sure to avoid her scent when she was like this but now he was saturated with it. He was holding onto the magazine just to stop him from touching her. When she had placed her head on his shoulder, he had to bite his tongue to resist kissing her.
He had to go back. He had told Shippou three days but he didn't realize Kagome's scent was going to affect him so badly. He heard commotion downstairs. He looked over the staircase to see Mamma, Souta, and grandfather getting their shoes on. Mamma saw him. "Oh, Inuyasha, good. I left your kimono on the table. We are going into Tokyo for the day so we will be back later tonight."
'Damn, that's right. My kimono, I can't go back yet.' He nodded to the group. He waved good-bye. Kagome came out of the bathroom dressed but her hair up in a towel. "Where did they go?"
Inuyasha didn't answer right away, so Kagome touched him. He jumped away from her. She frowned. "What is wrong with you? Are you mad at me?"
Inuyasha dug his claws into the balcony. "No."
Kagome gave him a strange look as she went to blow-dry her hair. He took this opportunity to run outside and hide in the God Tree. Maybe up there his temptations would not be so great. Fifteen minutes, later, Kagome came outside looking for him. She found him in the tree. "What's wrong?"
Inuyasha snorted. "Nothing."
Kagome stood akimbo. "Then what is so bad you can't tell me. You said I was your best friend."
Inuyasha winced. He jumped down but keep his head low. She moved closer to him. He placed a hand up. "Don't.come near me." He saw the hurt in her eyes and said quickly, "No, not like that. It's just.it's just."
"Just what?" Kagome said pushing Inuyasha's hand away from him moving within reaching distance.
His body tenses and he hissed. "Don't you realize what you are doing to me?"
Kagome looked at the hanyou. He was tense and digging his claws deeper into the tree. He was breathing staggered and looking at her with lustful eyes. She shook her head. "No."
Inuyasha sighed, blushing. "You are in heat."
Kagome blushed. "Nani? You can tell that kind of stuff?"
Inuyasha turned his head away, clenching his eyes shut. "Yes, yes. I can and you are and it is driving me crazy. I couldn't tell last night since it was a new moon."
Kagome, still blushing, said, "But, why? It had never affected you before."
Inuyasha shook his head. "You never noticed how I always stayed ahead of you, farther than usual, whenever this time of the month came.it is like catnip to a cat. I can't stop myself if you come closer." "But why is it affecting you so badly this time?" Inuyasha looked up through his white bangs. "Because I care about you. It makes it worse. But I'm afraid.. you'll hate me if I lost control." Kagome touched his cheek. "No, I could never hate you." Inuyasha held his breath hoping her scent couldn't penetrate him but her touch was ten times worse. Without realizing it, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into a kiss. He turned so her back was against the wall. Kagome did not pull away but was kissing him back. He pulled himself away. He fell to his knees. "Sit me." Kagome was still against the wall, trying to get the feeling back in her legs. His kiss was so sweet and powerful that it made her dizzy. "Nani? Why?" She could see a tear fall down his cheek. "I don't want to hurt you. I love you too much. Sit me until I pass out then run away. I'll find you later when this is all over." Kagome gasped. "No. I'm not going to leave you like this." Inuyasha snapped his head up. "Nani? Please, sit me. Don't you realize that you are the problem right now." Kagome shouted. "No." Inuyasha growled and jumped, pinning her against the wall once more. His one hand dug into the trunk to the side of her head while the other hand was wrapped tightly around her waist. "Please." He was begging her. Kagome moved his hair away from his face then brought to her, kissing him. He moaned and kissed her back passionately. Kagome wrapped her arms around him, deepening the kiss, bringing him closer. She broke the kiss to breathe into his neck. "I love you Inuyasha." Inuyasha shut his eyes tight trying to control his lust. He didn't want to hurt her. He didn't want her to hate him. He couldn't do this to her. This was not the way he wanted it to be. He couldn't love her passionately then leave her with a pup to rise in the midst of the battle with Naraku. They all needed to be focused. He pushed away from her. "I'm sorry." With all his might he jumped away into the well house. Kagome called after him but he didn't return. Kagome stood there stunned. She wasn't mad. She knew why he left. Her body was still tingling all over. His touch was intoxicating. She walked into her house and began to clean things up. She needed to think. She went to the table and saw his kimono. In the midst of everything, he forgot it. She quickly grabbed it. He needed this in his era. She quickly ran to the store to pack some supplies. She wrote a note to her mom and the others.
Inuyasha stormed into Kaede's hut and sat down crossing his legs and arms. Kaede looked at the hanyou. "Where your kimono?"
Inuyasha looked down and hit his fist against the floor. "Shit."
"Inuyasha, did something happen with Kagome?"
His shoulders dropped and Kaede saw the look in his eyes. She smiled. "Inuyasha, don't you realize that you need her just as much as she needs you. It is not an accident that you two meet. I see now that you two were always meant to be together. My sister loved you but she could never have accepted you like the rest of us. Whatever happened, I'm sure Kagome will forgive you."
Inuyasha looked up at her. "She was in heat and."
Kaede jumped up, lapel in her hand. "You did not."
Inuyasha jumped up. "Of course not, old hag. That is why I ran away. I told her I loved her and she told me she loved me. I didn't want to hurt her. I didn't want her to hate me."
Kaede relaxed and put the lapel down. She sighed. "Inuyasha, I respect you for what you have just done."
Inuyasha sat down on the mat, lying down. "Why do I feel so bad."
Kaede walked over and touched the hanyou's head. "Because you both have a love that can't be expressed. Other forces are against you. But soon you both will be together."
Kagome threw her bag over the rim of the well. It had taken her longer to pack. It was nightfall already. She pulled herself up. She headed towards the village. She entered Kaede's hut to find Inuyasha, still in modern clothes, stirring a stew. He saw Kagome and smiled. She smiled too, dropping her bag. "Where is everyone?" "Miroku and Sango went to another town to investigate a lead on Naraku. Shippou and Kaede were traveling to another town to get more herbs." "Oh." She answered before opening her bag. She took out his kimono wrapped in plastic. "Here is your kimono. I thought you'd want it." He took it from her and went into the next room to change. Kagome sat by the stew to make sure it didn't spoil. He sat down a few feet away from her. She frowned. "Am I still in heat?" He nodded as he stared at the fire. Kagome sat down in the corner. "Is this ok?" Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah. Thanks.you don't know how hard it is to control the urges sometimes." Kagome moved next to him while he spoke. "Do you really love me?" Inuyasha nodded still looking at the fire. Kagome moved closer. "Then prove it."
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow turning to face her. "How?"
"I don't know. Only you know how to answer it."
Inuyasha sighed. "I don't want to hurt you." Kagome shook her head. "I know you won't." He shuddered, running his fingers through Kagome's hair then bringing her close. He nestled her neck making her giggle. His fangs grew and became sharper. He licked her skin making her moan. Before she could react, he bit down holding her in place. She yelped but didn't struggle. He quickly retracted his fangs and licked the blood away. What were left were two star-like marks. He licked her blood from his fangs then kissed her passionately. When the kiss was broken they leaned against each other's forehead. He whispered to her. "There is my proof."
Kagome touched her neck. "What did you do?"
"I marked you as my mate."
Kagome pulled away, blushing. "Mate?"
Inuyasha blushed too. "Yeah."
Kagome smiled. "I guess you'll finally stop being worried about Kouga and Houja now, huh?"
Inuyasha just smiled, bringing her close. She snuggled close to him inhaling his smell. She saw him kick the kettle away from the fire. He put the fire out and grabbed her. He wrapped her arms around his neck and he jumped out of the hut and out of the village. Kagome closed her eyes and nestled close to him. He was moving faster that usual and the wind was cold. He stopped and Kagome opened her eyes to see a small hut. It looked clean but abandoned. Inuyasha put her down and took her hand, leading her into the hut. The hut smelled of almonds and cherry. The main room looked similar to Kaede's with a sunken in portion for cooking. Inuyasha pulled her gently into a small hallway. One side had a large bedroom decorated with engraved wood furniture and fug rugs. The other room was smaller with similar furniture. "Inuyasha? What is this place?"
He smiled. "This is where my mother, father, and I lived many years ago."
"Here?"
He nodded. "I've never shown anyone this place. It is enchanted that only my mate, my blood can, and me see it. Dad created it to protect mom from demons and the humans in the village that were trying to kill her for mating with a youkai."
Kagome saw his face fall in sadness, probably remembering terrible times. She squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for showing me."
Inuyasha nodded, kissing her back. "I wanted to show you it in case you ever need it."
"Why would I need it?"
Inuyasha blushed. "Well, if we ever had pups. Then you can bring them here and know they will be safe."
Kagome smiled. "I won't need to because their father will be with us."
Inuyasha picked Kagome up and spun her around. He hugged her tightly. "You make me so happy."
Kagome hugged him back, kissing his neck She heard him purr at this and she continued to kiss his neck and up to his cheek. They became to kiss passionately and Kagome started to move him towards the bedroom. He stopped at the doorway. "Are you sure about this?"
Kagome just gave him an evil smile. "I've never wanted anything more in my life. We are mates after all." She pulled him to the bed.
Inuyasha wasted no time in helping her undress. They made love and became one. They didn't see the jewel shards around Kagome's neck pulse and swirl as the battle between good and evil was now over. Love had won. The jewel shards around her neck were now completely purified.
The next morning, Inuyasha and Kagome lay together on the bed. Inuyasha was rubbing Kagome's palm. "What was your dad like?"
Kagome looked at Inuyasha. "He was good man. Miroku reminds me of him." She saw the look Inuyasha was giving her and added, "Minus the perverted ness. He was carefree. He was always smiling no matter what was happening. He was also very kind hearted just like you." Kagome swallowed the lump in her throat. "He was always there anytime we needed him. He would put work away and play anytime we asked. I never felt neglected or unloved."
Kagome wiped her nose as she felt her eyes watering up. Inuyasha saw this and sat up. "Please, don't cry. You got to know your father. I don't remember mine. He had to leave soon after I was born."
"Why?"
"To protect my mother and me. Demons were always after my father. They wanted to challenge him to overthrow him."
Kagome sat closer to Inuyasha. "Overthrow him? Did he own something?"
"Yeah. He was King of the Plains. Sessoumaru is now King. Most people do not know I exist sine hanyou are not accepted by either humans or demons. Yet, my father saw me as something great and made sure I was always trained. I only have one memory of him. He was playing with me and I fell and hurt my knee. He picked me up and gave me to my mother. Sessoumaru was there and he was disgusted. But, when is my brother not disgusted with me?"
"Because you were a hanyou?"
Inuyasha smiled. "Nah. He hates me because our father paid more attention to me than he ever did to Sessoumaru. The hanyou excuse only accounts for about 15 percent of his hatred towards me."
"But, if you are a Prince, why have you been alone for so long?"
Inuyasha rested against the wall. "My choose, I guess. When my mother died, I really didn't want to stay in the village we lived in for years. The people feared no one and me cared to get to know me. So, I began to travel. I meet hatred wherever I went because of what I was more than who I was. Sessoumaru is the only family I have."
Kagome interrupted him. "That is not true. Miroku, Sango, Kaede, Shippo and I are your family."
Inuyasha nodded. "But Sessoumaru is related by blood."
Kagome shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Shippo looks up to you like a father."
Inuyasha flinched raising his eyebrows. "Huh?"
Kagome smiled. "He does. He looks up to you. You never notice how he is always looking for your approval."
Inuyasha's eyebrow rose with suspicion. "Why would he look up to me?"
Kagome laughed. "Because you baka, you are an amazing person. No matter how hard you try to find it, you are very kind hearted."
Inuyasha shrugged. "You make me sound so weak, again. I hate being weak. That is why I had wanted to collect the shards to become a full demon." He finished proudly but his face fell when he saw the sad look in Kagome's eyes. "Wha?"
"I just think it is sad that you would want to change who you are. We all accept you. Doesn't that prove that it is possible to be powerful without being a full blooded demon?"
Inuyasha turned his head away. "You guys are different."
Kagome gently tugged on one of Inuyasha's locks and turned his face to hers. "How? We didn't have to get to know you. We didn't have to accept you. We didn't have to love you."
Inuyasha turned quickly to look at Kagome. "Love me?"
Kagome released his hair and sat back on her legs. "Yes. We all love you." Kagome moved over and grabbed a blanket. She wrapped it around herself. "I told you before that Shippo loves you as a father. Sango and Miroku love you as a dear friend. Even Kaede loves you. She always did even when she was young when you were with Kikyo." Kagome trailed off.
Inuyasha nodded. "What about you, Kagome?"
Kagome shifted the blankets. "Hm?"
"How do you love me?"
Kagome blushed and it was not lost on Inuyasha. She cleared her throat. "More than I can ever express."
Inuyasha moved to lean against one arm, giving her a smile. "I think you did last night." Inuyasha watched Kagome laugh and blush, covering her face. Inuyasha took her hands away. "I didn't mind it." He laughed and tackled her. He lay on top of her kissing her. She pulled him closer, enjoying their bodies together. Kagome yawned. "We should get back. The others are going to start to wonder."
"Let them." Inuyasha snuggled against her neck, gliding his lips over his mark on her neck. He couldn't help but smile. He had finally found the love his parents had but for how long. HE looked up into Kagome's eyes and they both smiled. Inuyasha shrugged inwardly. It didn't matter how long; just knowing he got to have this experience with her was enough.
If he had known it was all going to change in a few hours, he would have stayed in bed.