As of April 28, 2005: Lyrics will no longer be posted on this version of the fic due to ff. net's policy for "If you didn't write it, don't post it." this course of action is being carried out for security of my account (If you post something that you haven't written, your account will be deleted). If you wish to view the fic in full, simply go to my profile page and there should be a link to my mediaminer account. I apologize for this questionable, and, (if I may be so bold as to say), stupid policy.

Thanks to popular demand, I have returned for a chapter two! Thanks to all of you who reviewed chapter one; and to my beta, demongoddessYume. Though I despise boy bands with a passion, I couldn't help but like this song, especially since it fit this fic so well. It's Because of You by 98 Degrees.

Chapter Two: Because of You

Disclaimer: You know the drill, I don't own, you don't sue.

(Cont'd from last chapter)

This was their fate. The inu-hanyou and miko reincarnate were finally together to spend their eternity.

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Inuyasha watched the teary reunion between Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Shippo, Kirara, and Kaede. Of course it was Kagome who was teary.

She had matured wonderfully, both mentally and physically in his eyes. Inuyasha had no idea that ten years could prove he had all of his heart belonging to the woman of Modern times.

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He remembered the day they first met, when she had freed him from the Goshinboku. He knew Kagome would be special but refused to think that after she reminded him so much of Kikyo.

Though now, Kagome reminded him nothing of his past love. Their differences were so distinct. Kagome was cheerful and brought a smile to his face, and warmed his heart. Kikyo had always been serious and "dead". Kagome always had an optimistic personality as Kikyo was somewhat pessimistic.

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The one major difference between the two was that Kagome accepted him as a hanyou, while Kikyo asked him to become human for her. This trait was what had caused Inuyasha to love Kagome fully.

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Kagome laughed with Sango at a storythe taiji-yahad just told about Sakura. Sakura was Sango and Miroku's first child and was five years old. Their second child, Takuya, was three. Kagome looked over to see Inuyasha staring at her. She motioned for him to come over and join in the conversation. Her stomach flipped and her heart skipped beats as her approached, so she couldn't help but smile.

Inuyasha reached his friends and held onto Kagome from behind.

Kagome tensed but relaxed as she leaned back onto Inuyasha's chest and held his arms closer to her waist.

"Amazing what a ten year gap can do," Sango sighed, resting her head on Miroku's shoulder.

"What do you mean Sango-chan?" Kagome asked.

"You left for ten years, then you come back and your bond is greater than ever. Come now, you two are practically radiating your happiness and basking in it."

"I guess so," Kagome smiled. "Although the past ten years were hell for me, I don't think anyone could challenge my unhappiness.

"I probably could," Inuyasha responded.

"It's true," a full grown youkai form of Shippo backed. "He didn't even yell at me while I was still a young kitsune."

"Hai, and he even put Kikyo to rest without hesitation." Kaede added.

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"You actually did that?" Kagome turned her head and looked up and Inuyasha.

"When you left, I felt as if the world had been taken from me, and no one but you could give it back to me."

"We better check up on Sakura and Takuya." Sango said quickly. She walked away briskly, dragging Miroku behind her as Kirara followed swiftly.

"I have to get more firewood." Shippo added, though there was a prominent pile of wood beside Kaede's hut.

"And I must gather medicinal herbs…it looks like snow." Kaede finished though it was mid-spring and the sky was cloudless.

"Well other than the fact our friends are acting strange right now…" Kagome turned to face the inu-hanyou she so loved.

Not letting go of her, Inuyasha sat on the log by the dormant fire pit. He set Kagome on his lap, and held her tighter. "I'll never let you go again,"

"And I'll never let you let go of me again," Kagome replied before leaning in for a kiss.

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"Now, I really do know how much I missed you." Inuyasha murmured.

"It's probably not as much as I missed you," Kagome whispered back.

"Yeah well…" he placed his forehead on hers.

Kagome giggled, "Aishiteru,"

"Aishiteru Kagome,"

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"I'll always be by your side so would you…"

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"Be my mate?"

"Inuyasha…of course,"

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A/N: Chapter Two, finished! Hope you enjoyed it, so please review and let me know if you want a chapter three! Read my other fic too, please and of course, I'd love reviews for that too! Ja ne!

Clairisa…a.k.a. inuyashas-dark-angel