Disclaimer: R-U-M-I-K-O! T-A-K-A-H-A-S-H-I! Now! What does that spell? RUMIKO TAKAHASHI!!!!!! And she owns the show Inuyasha…Not me…Arigatou.

Love Me as I Am

Chapter 43- Almost Time

"Hey…can I…borrow…Kilala?" he breathlessly asked Miroku who had answered the door.

Miroku smiled and nodded as Kilala came out.

"I don't know what you want her for but okay." he said then he nodded and shut the door. He still had to get ready after all.

"Okay Kilala. I want you to run an errand. Take this letter to Sesshomaru for me. He'll know who it's from."

Kilala mewed and transformed, taking the letter from his hand in her teeth and flying off.

'Hurry.'

Inuyasha plodded back to the house, a scruple feeling settling in his stomach. A feeling of dread about what would happen if Sesshomaru didn't get the letter in time.

~*~*~

Kilala flew faster than if the devil were at her heels. She didn't know what the letter was about but she knew it was important. Reaching the palace she slowed a bit and landed gracefully, sprinting over to Kunara who was out playing in the fluffy snow.

Kunara smiled . She liked Kilala because she was so pretty and such a majestic creature. Any 7 year old girl would like an animal that could transform on command from a cute cuddly kitten into a powerful wildcat that could protect them.

Kunara took the letter from Kilala's mouth. It was a bit damp but probably still readable. Patting Kilala quickly on the head she ran inside.

"Lord Sesshomaru! Lord Sesshomaru! Lord Sesshomaru!"

Sesshomaru, who had been eating lunch, set down his chopsticks as she came running in.

"What is it?"

Kunara, panting, handed him the letter and he removed the seal, pulling it out.

"Get dressed Kunara, we're leaving."

Kunara blinked turning her heal and heading towards her bedroom.

"Forever?"

"Of course not. Just hurry. Rin."

Rin nodded and walked closer.

"Yes Sesshomaru?"

"Are you ready to leave now? It appears my scatterbrained half brother has forgotten his sons wedding and intended to invite us. I received the letter just now."

"Us? Meaning…all three of us?"

Sesshomaru nodded and handed her the letter. It was addressed 'Lord Sesshomaru, Lady Rin, and Kunara' She was flabbergasted.

"I don't believe this."

"No time for disbelief, we must get going now."

Rin nodded.

"Of course. I guess I will have to go as I am."

She smiled.

"Do I look alright?"

Sesshomaru smirked fought the blush that threatened to cover his cheeks.

"I take that as a 'yes' then." she said, still smiling.

Sesshomaru grunted and stood up as Rin took his hand and headed towards the door.

"Kunara dear! Hurry or we'll be late!"

Kunara hurriedly squeezed her feet into her shoes and tapped the toe of her left shoe on the ground to ensure a snug fit.

"Coming!"

~*~*~

Inuyasha paced nervously beside the window seat. When Kagome came in he almost had a heart attack.

"What's with you Inuyasha? Now YOU'RE all tense."

Inuyasha didn't say anything.

"Are you worried about handing Kanaye over to Miroku and Sango's family? The muko-iri is tradition in this era isn't it? The male marries into the female's family."

Inuyasha shook his head.

"Yeah it's tradition, but it's not that."

Kagome blinked and walked over.

"Then what is it?"

Inuyasha froze as she took hold of his arm.

"I uh…."

"You what?"

"I…forgottosendthelettertoSesshomaru…"

Kagome looked like she was going to explode but before she had the chance to Inuyasha held his hand up so he could finish.

"I sent Kilala with it. I trust her. She'll bring him."

"Then what are you afraid of. That we'll be mad at you? Inuyasha, EVERYONE'S been flustered lately. You know, I almost forgot to invite my mom…and Sota…and Kara."

Hearing Kagome confess her own mistakes made Inuyasha feel a bit better.

"Besides. You already know even if I were mad at you I could never stay mad for long."

Inuyasha smirked. He knew it was true. Holding grudges just wasn't possible between them. Either he would feel bad and do something stupid to make Kagome feel better or visa versa. Kagome's appologies however usually ended in a nice ear massage session.

Kagome smiled.

"Okay. So hopefully if all goes well Kilala will be back soon."

Inuyasha nodded as Kagome leaned into him and took his hand.

"This is all so exciting and yet…"

"We're loosing something at the same time…"

"Our son."

"Yes."

"But he's not really leaving."

"In a way."

Kagome nodded.

"He's not little anymore."

Inuyasha put his head on top of hers.

"You know. I think we'll be gaining someone too."

Kagome blinked.

"I've been watching Suki and Yasuo." Inuyasha said.

Kagome smiled.

"So have I. They seem to really like each other."

Inuyasha shook his head.

"No. There's more to it than that."

Kagome looked up at Inuyasha as he continued.

"It's in her eyes."

"What is?"

"The same fire that burns in yours."

"You mean…"

"Yes."

Kagome laid her head on his shoulder.

"I see. You know…I was hoping she would love him. She needs someone like that."

"Everyone does."

"Mmhm."

"What do you say we go pick up your family at the well. They'll probably be waiting for us and I don't think we should just leave them there. They might freeze to death."

Kagome nodded and went over to pick Kuneau up out of her crib. Once Kuneau and Kagome were both dressed in their proper winter attire they were ready to go and Inuyasha picked them both up, heading off towards the well.

~*~*~ I hope this makes up for the short chapters at least a little. Sorry I didn't put more but I'm kinda short on time right now cause of school. But hey…only 6 more school days till vacation. ^_^ ~*~*~ Miyu