Disclaimer:  Inuyasha does not belong to me.

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The nuns bustled around getting ready for departure and Inuyasha's men took care of the horse and plan a safe route home to the Western Lands while Inuyasha and Kagome are still sleeping.

 A knock to the door awoke Inuyasha. Inuyasha gently got up, trying to keep his wife from awakening. He opens the door to see Miroku.

"We are ready for departure" Miroku announce smiling.

Inuyasha a nodded and went to the bed where Kagome lies and woke her with a gentle pat to her face. Her eyes slowly open and she sat up.

"We will be leaving in an hour, get ready." Inuyasha command.

Kagome open her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Inuyasha fingers to he lips.

"Are you well to travel?" Inuyasha asked.

His finger lingered a moment on her lips before he removed it so she could answer.

 "Why wouldn't I?" Kagome said, annoyed that she had suddenly become answerable to Inuyasha.

 "You did not feel well yesterday" he reminded her.

"Due to you, of course" She said "I feel fine and fit for travel," she insisted, immediately regretting her words, for she wanted to stay at the monastery a bit more. She misses Sister Kaede and everybody else. Kagome yell at herself in her mind. Inuyasha looked over her in silence. Her cheeks looked red, and her lips were red. She appeared healthy.

 But Inuyasha intended to protect her no matter what. He doesn't want to lose another wife. Inuyasha looked away and stare at the window and said.

"Be ready and you will be sitting in the carriage with Sango."

"NO, I will ride with other people." Inuyasha held his tongue and his temper, wanting to tell her that she had to learn obedience, but he knew that words, at times, could settle differences more easily than a rising temper or swinging fists.

"I think of your comfort and the babe."

"I appreciate your concern, but I do enjoys riding and see no reason not to begin my journey on horseback." He admired her tact. She was not completely unwilling to submit to his demand; though she made it known to him she would have her way first. He chose to allow her her way.

In time she would learn to accept him as her husband, though he doubts she would ever submit willingly to his orders. But Inuyasha wasn't certain he wanted her to. Weak- willed woman never appealed to him. It was the woman who stood with pride and courage that interested him. And Kagome possessed both, which he assumed was the reason she remained on his mind since the day he married her.

 "You will let me know if you grow tired."

"Yes, I will listen to the baby's wishes, for I want her to grow strong within me."

Inuyasha smiled slightly. "A girl huh?" Her hand splayed over her barely rounded stomach and she could not say why she felt as she did but she was eager to share her thoughts with him.

"Yes, it a daughter I carry, I know it." Inuyasha believed her, thought he knew not why. Inuyasha look at her hand by her stomach. Inuyasha had always been fond of boys. He needs a son to rule and manage his lands. But in time, Kagome will bring him a son, it just a matter of time, he thought.

"You do feel well?" Concern once again reared up to worry him and he had to reassure himself. She eased his concern with her confident words.

"I am strong and stubborn, though not foolish. I would do nothing to place the babe at risk." He nodded and sought to reassure her.  

"I think we will do well together." Kagome hoped they would, for she knew she had no other choice and that was what made her doubtful.

"We'll see."  

"You are stubborn," he said with a smile and step close to kiss her. She recoiled from his kiss, sending him a deadly stare.

He said nothing.

HE honestly understood her reaction and knew it would take time for her to learn to trust him. HE would be patients, but eventually she would respond to him. She was his wife and he intended they live as one. He held his hand out to her.

Kagome knew he extended her a peace offering, a start for them to being a new. It would be rude of her not to accept it. And while she wished to refuse him, she also wished for him to realize that se could never be attracted to him again.

He had deceived her, made a fool out of her, and try as she might it was a hurtful memory she could not forget or forgive. She could however be civil and courteous and with that thought in mind she took his hand. They enter the courtyard hand in hand, to the surprise of all.

 "We depart," Inuyasha announced with a firm command that left no doubt he was the leader of men. The men cheered. Tears filled the nuns' eyes. In minutes hasty farewells were exchanged for a second time and with Inuyasha's help Kagome mounted her horse. He saw that she was settled comfortably and safely, examining her mount with a careful eye.

"You will ride beside me." She did not argue though she would have preferred to ride alongside Sango. Soon enough he would grow tired of her company and dismiss her. She would be patient. She held the reins tightly when the convent gates opened and the started to proceeding out. Kagome took a deep breath.

This was her final farewell.

She would never see this place she called home for the last ten years or so. This part of her life was over and she was about to begin a new one with this man beside her. Fear nagged in the pit of her stomach and she placed her hand there to rub it.

 "You feel sick?" Inuyasha asked anxiously.

 "No I'm fine." Her voice lacked it usual confidence. He studied her a moment and seeing that her color remain healthy he decided she was truthful with him. She did feel fine, but he was sharp enough to understand that something is disturbing her. Distracting her form her thoughts Inuyasha asked of Kagome family. Immediately he knew he made a mistake for Kagome eyes sadden. But she was willing to discuss it.

"My mother died of child birth after giving birth to my brother Shippou." Kagome said, her heart feeling the pain again from her mother's death. Inuyasha looked at her, concern fill his eyes.

"We will have good memories together." Inuyasha said smiling. He reached out to place his hand on her hand that held the reins. For a brief moment she believed his words and then recalled his deceit and wondered.

Did he speak the truth or did he lie?

 "We shall see?" She said and turns to see where Sango is. Inuyasha removed his hands from her.

 "Sango is fours rows down with Miroku. She is well protected."

 "Thank you for seeing to her care." Kagome said gratefully. Inuyasha just Keh.


Kagome just laughs. Inuyasha glanced at her; she was pretty now that he thinks about it. Inuyasha hands slowly touching Kagome's face and down to her shoulder. She seems to freeze. Inuyasha continue his intimacy. Kagome slap his hand away and angrily said to him

"There won't be intimacy between with us." Kagome pulled on her horse reins and was about to turn to find Sango, but was stopped by Inuyasha with a hand to her shoulder. Kagome angrily glared at him, she couldn't believe he would do that in public. His eyes were glowing yellow.

"You are my wife and according to our vows you have a duty."

 "Yes," she answers calmly.

"And I have performed it. I will deliver you a child and since you feel that afterwards I'm not appealing anymore or your sick of me there is no reason for us to be intimate. Intimacy is only necessary when conception is desired." Inuyasha cringed, recalling at the thought.

"There is much more reason to intimacy then conception."

"Doesn't seem to me." She said with certainty that irritated him. Inuyasha slowly smiled attempting to charm her and ease the mounting tension. Her stubbornness prevailed as she ignored his smiled and looked at him in the eye.

 "Why would you want to bed a woman who doesn't want to bed you?" Her words stung him.

 "You are my wife, it just that simple."

"Your deceit had left a heavy scar there." She spoke with conviction and determination. Smiling she turns around when his hand shot out to grabs hers.

 "You know nothing, but I intend that you learn everything and that includes the pleasures of the marriage bed." Inuyasha said angrily. Kagome intended to retaliate but he stopped her.

 "Keh! Say nothing, for if you do it will be tonight I will begin your lessons."  

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Done !