Chapter 8 Disclaimer: I still don't own them

As they drove up to the church where the eulogy and such was to be said Inu- yasha's father slowed down to let him out. His mom turned around in her seat, "Do you want me to walk in with you?"

"No mom, I'm fine, thanks."

"Alright then, we'll join you after we park the car."

Inu-yasha got out of the car and walked slowly into the funeral home where the body was being viewed. He had been told that after the viewing they would go to church for the actual ceremony and then on to the cemetery to lay her to rest. As he walked in the door of the funeral home a small sign directed him to the proper room. When he walked into the room the first thing he saw was the open casket in the front, it was cherry with simple designs worked into the wood.

He slowly made his way to the casket, but as he entered the room he could see people whispering as they caught sight of him, probably telling their friends that he was the cause of today's funeral and such, and then the conversations would fall silent as he approached and passed the groups just to pick up as soon as he passed. He pressed his ears back to avoid hearing the comments.

Finally, he was in front of the casket, he looked down at the figure that was Kagome. Someone had cleaned her up. She was now wearing a lovely blue gown that became her nicely. In fact, she had worn this same gown on their first date. They had gone dancing and Kagome had loved the way it swirled out around her when she twirled. She had loved that gown, and she had loved dancing. Inu-yasha was never very fond of dancing, but he went for Kagome. Though he would never admit it he was happy when Kagome was happy, but he still managed to hurt her. She looked like she was sleeping. The expression on her face was so peaceful and he hoped that she had found the release she had been looking for in those final moments.

As he stood gazing down upon her peaceful countenance, he felt a comforting tower of strength position itself just behind him on his right side. He turned his head slightly to see who it was and was surprised to see Sesshomaru. *I love Sesshy ^-^* He spoke quietly so that only Inu-yasha could hear, "I am sorry. I know she meant much to you."

"I loved her!"

"Yes, we all know that." Sesshomaru said in a calming tone. "I am sorry this happened. If anything ever happened to Rin." He left the sentence unfinished; it was as close as he would get to admitting his love for her.

Inu-yasha looked up in mild surprise, his brother never talked to him like this. They were united only when fighting for a common cause, like against Naraku, but that was all. It meant a great deal to Inu-yasha that his brother stood with him at a time like this. "Thank you." He felt Sesshomaru's presence subside.

He stood there for a moment more and just before he was going to turn to leave a hand gripped his arm. He looked at the hand, it looked just like Kagome's. He looked up startled right into Mrs. Higurashi's eyes. He inclined his head, "I'm sorry."

"No, don't say that." Now he was even more startled

"But.."

"No, before you speak let me say something." She continued when she saw him nod acceptance. "I don't blame you for Kagome's death. It was her choice, not yours, not mine, only hers. Some mornings I wake up mad at Kagome for leaving me, for leaving you, for leaving all of us. I've heard people talking, I know that they are saying it's your fault, but I know it's not. It was Kagome's decision, and nothing you or I can do can ever change that. I don't want you to blame yourself." At this point, she put her hand under his chin and forced him to look her in the eyes. "I don't blame you. I want you to ride in the limo with me and Souta."

"I can't do that! What will people say? What will they think?"

"They will see that I don't blame you and they will have to follow my example because if I, as Kagome's mother, do not blame you and hold this against you then how can they truly justify holding it against you."

"They will anyway"

"There will always be small minded people who will only see what they want to see."

"So you do this for me?"

"And myself, I need you to be there with me and Souta. We need your strength and understanding. Kagome loved you and she would want you to be with us. I want you with us because you are the only other one here who knows how terrible this loss is who grieves the same way we do, Please ride with us, lend us your strength."

"I will do all I can and all you ask. It is the least I can do, but it is not I who is strong. Thank you."

She gave him a quick hug, "Thank you. I must speak to a few people quickly." She hurried off to talk to a few people; presumably, they were friends or family, though he didn't know of any other family. Kagome's grandfather had died a couple years ago from a stroke.

"Careful brother, people might think you're getting soft."

"Thanks for the warning, I'll keep that in mind."

"What was that about, from the hug I would guess she wasn't telling you off."

"She doesn't blame me. She wants me to ride with her and Souta in the limo."

"What did you say?"

"I said yes, will you tell mom?"

"Of course."

A/N: I'm working on the next chapter, I promise, I may even have it up later today, but please review, if this is to continue I need feedback.