A/N: Wow, you guys! Over 260 reviews!.! And they just keep getting better and better, and more substantial.. cool! Oh.. I got a few repeat reviews from some of you. I think that's because when you tried to review, it said 'story not found' or something like that, right? Don't worry, it actually does go through. Other than that, I don't have too much to say right now, so let's just go straight to the story, shall we?

Disclaimer: I own not InuYasha-tachi. I am not Takahashi-sama, nor will I ever be. I cannot speak fluent Japanese. I like white cake and cream cheese frosting...

Previously:

"Sesshoumaru," she began softly, "Do you want to talk about it?" His golden-amber eyes flashed at her. Kagome took in a breath. His eyes, which were normally so clear and sharp, were clouded with grief. Her eyes glistened with pity- no.. it was genuine concern- at the taiyoukai before her. Without saying a word, Sesshoumaru turned and walked away. Kagome's eyes followed his retreating form. He looked like he had so much to say, and yet couldn't say it. Why was he holding everything inside? "Is-- is there anything I can do?" she whispered to herself, once the taiyoukai disappeared from sight.

chapter 15: opening the heart
Jaken came to Kagome in her quarters and whispered a few solemn words about dinner that night. While there would be no formal dinner, he told her that she could come to the kitchen for something to eat. "How is Sesshoumaru?" She asked, once Jaken finished giving her directions to the kitchen. She received no verbal answer, but Jaken's downcast eyes and shake of his head told her enough. Somehow, he needed to move on from Rin's death- and she resolved to be the one to try to help him do it. "Thank you, Jaken." The minion nodded at Kagome and backed out of the room, closing the door once he was in the hallway.

Once again, Kagome found that she had more than enough time to sit and think about her feelings concerning both Inu Yasha and Sesshoumaru. 'Sesshoumaru… he's handsome, strong, and controlled…" Kagome remembered what it felt like to fly next to him, with his arm firmly around her waist, and what he looked like when he fought his urge to kiss her while she had been marked. Yes, he exhibited supreme control. 'But.. is there any way I can help him with what has happened?' she asked herself. He was maybe too controlled: from what she could see of Jaken, it seemed as though Sesshoumaru hadn't said anything to him, either.

While she was remembering recent events with Sesshoumaru, her heart was pounding with confusion. The topic seemed like it was forbidden. The idea of a romantic relationship with Sesshoumaru, now that she was allowing the thought of it to fully materialize in her mind, was enticing. Kagome felt the adrenaline begin to pump into her stomach. While she had no doubts that Sesshoumaru would never harm her, he still had a strong, forceful personality. In a way, Kagome enjoyed this, because she was allowed complete freedom within the parameters he had given her. Besides that, Sesshoumaru was beautiful. Still, she had to admit, her heart was in a state of unrest- before she could decide on Sesshoumaru, she had to make a resolve about her relationship with Inu Yasha. She thought about the confused state of her heart as well as the exciting prospect of what it would be like to win Sesshoumaru's love. But was that what excited her? Was she attracted to Sesshoumaru for real reasons, or was it simply because a relationship with him would be a new and chancy romantic experience? And what about Inu Yasha?

Kagome wasn't sure how long she had been thinking, but she was torn from her thoughts by a deep growl. She clutched her stomach. "I guess it's time to eat," she said, standing up. Peeking outside, she was surprised to find that it was already dusk. Slowly, she made her way through unfamiliar corridors down to the kitchen. When she arrived, there was no one to be found. She searched through several cabinets and iceboxes until she found some fruit, bread, and smoked meat. Fixing a quick meal, Kagome decided to take it somewhere new to eat.

Meanwhile, Inu Yasha had been drifting in and out of consciousness. The purple tinge of the skin around the gash on his neck had faded to a pale peach skin tone. While Sango mainly stayed at his side, Shippou, Miroku, and Kohaku all took turns watching him as well. Every so often, he would open his eyes and stare blankly at the ceiling and murmur a few words. And every time, he seemed to reveal a little more of what had happened between himself and Kagome. By the end of the day, they all seemed to know that Kagome had decided for some reason or another to stay with Sesshoumaru. And somehow, Inu Yasha had killed someone. It seemed like it wasn't just the injuries he sustained were keeping him down; he was shocked by what he had done, as well as by what Kagome had decided.
Kagome sat on the roof of the castle, eating her dinner. She wasn't quite sure why, but she felt a pull to this place. When she finished, she set her plate down and laid back, looking at the painted sky. The sunset was almost halfway complete, and the clouds shone fluorescent pink against the skies. Further from the sun, the sky was a dark indigo, followed by a lighter hue of blue, changing into yellow, orange, and finally a bright red where the sun was beginning to hide behind the trees. She yawned and stretched her arms above her, laying them against the roof behind her head. Kagome closed her eyes and felt the wind pass gently over her face and body, completely unaware that Sesshoumaru had joined her.

He had gone to the rooftop to remember Rin, but there was Kagome in her stead. She was just lying there on the roof, seemingly without a care in the world. Sesshoumaru remembered the first time that Rin ever witnessed a sunset from the roof of that castle. She was impressed with the sky, and said that she could almost smell the colors in the air. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and took a deep breath, attempting to smell the colors for himself. The only smell he was greeted with was that of Kagome. She smelled so similar to Rin. 'Why shouldn't she? She is the same soul,' he thought to himself, as he opened his eyes. He sat down next to Kagome, whose eyes were closed. Soon enough, she opened them.

"Wh- Sesshoumaru?" she blinked in surprise. "When did you get here?" Sesshoumaru looked at the girl, and then back at the trees, silently refusing to answer. 'Well, why did he sit down here if he wasn't willing to talk?' she thought to herself. After a few more moments of silence, she decided to take a gamble and speak. "You know, Sesshoumaru," she said, propping herself up on her elbows, "when I lost someone important to me, I found out that it was good to talk about her." She paused, not sure how he would take her next sentence. Bravely, she decided to continue. "If you want, you can talk to me about Rin." His eyes widened slightly, almost indiscernibly, but he remained quiet. Kagome wondered if she should continue, and decided to do so, even at the risk of possibly vexing the youkai lord. "Sesshoumaru, you have to release your grief somehow," she said quietly. His eyes narrowed, and his head snapped in her direction.

"Do not presume to tell this Sesshoumaru what has to be done." There was so much bitterness in his voice that it brought tears to Kagome's eyes. She stared at him in shock at the harshness of his words- especially since she was only trying to help. Slowly, she broke her eyes from his, and looked down the roof at the grass below.

"Sorry. I just- I know how it feels to lose someone special, and I know that it helps to talk about it," she said, more to herself than to Sesshoumaru. "I- I just want to help."

"You think that I need help? What, are you, a mere human, going to help this Sesshoumaru? How can you pretend to know whether or not I need help?" Sesshoumaru had merely wanted to sit with Kagome in peace- why did she have to ruin it by talking? He was about to stand when he heard her say another few words.

"It's hard to believe that Rin-chan is gone," she said softly, ignoring Sesshoumaru's biting questions. She looked Sesshoumaru square in the eye and continued. "Don't make the mistake of thinking that you're the only one who mourns her death." Sesshoumaru bit his tongue. While the woman next to him had the audacity not only to tell him what he needed, but also to tell him what to do, she also had a point. And Sesshoumaru was full of grief for the loss of Rin; too much so to put this woman in her place. Besides, what ill could he bring himself to do against the girl who so resembled the one he had just lost? Sesshoumaru looked out toward the forest. The two sat in silence until the sun completely retreated from sight.

"Kagome," Sesshoumaru said quietly, "why did you decide to stay here instead of returning with Inu Yasha?"

"Isn't it obvious? I've cared about Rin for awhile now. And- although Inu Yasha feels bad about what happened, there's no way you would have let him stay here until after Rin-chan's burial." Sesshoumaru nodded in agreement. "Will- will you ever be able to forgive him for what happened?"

Sesshoumaru sat in silence for quite some time after Kagome had asked him that question. In fact, he waited so long before answering, that he heard Kagome's breathing slow down into the deep rhythm of sleep. He looked down at the miko, running his eyes over her face, and down along her body. He could definitely see Rin in the girl before him. Somehow, just sitting next to her that evening, he had felt better. The grief of losing Rin was not as great when Kagome was by his side. Gently, he scooped his arm underneath her back and around her legs. Cradling her body next to his, he carried her down into her bedroom. After tucking her in, he took a seat by the door and proceeded to watch her sleep.

The next morning was similar to the last, except that Kagome didn't have swollen eyes. 'Wh- what am I doing here? The last thing I remember was-' Kagome's eyes widened. "Sesshoumaru brought me here?" She blushed furiously, thinking about how she had been trying to get Sesshoumaru to tell her his thoughts- and then she just-- FELL ASLEEP on him! 'How could I do such a horrible thing!' She jumped out of bed and splashed some cool water on her face. "I can't believe it. I have to apologize…" she murmured repeatedly as she dressed for the day.

She made her way down to the back patio, and sat at the breakfast table next to Sesshoumaru. He was staring out into the field, as he was wont to do when he watched Rin play. Kagome followed his line of sight, only to find Jaken at the receiving end of his gaze. The poor little guy was sitting alone in the field, his shoulders slumped and his head hung low. While he seemed to hate it when Rin pestered him to play, Jaken now missed those precious moments that would never return. Without deviating his stare, Sesshoumaru began to speak.

"Kagome," he began. Kagome hoped to high heavens that he wouldn't snap at her for falling asleep before she had the chance to apologize. The taiyoukai continued, "You were aware that I was planning to keep Rin as a mate." He closed his eyes and let out a breath before continuing. "She is gone now, and it's time for me to move on." Again, he paused. Kagome thought it best not to say anything- after all, this was probably the first time in a long time that he had ever shared what was on his mind. It was best to not jinx the moment by saying something. After a minute, Sesshoumaru continued. "Yesterday a thought ran through my mind- the thought that it is for the better, that I won't have to protect anyone anymore." He brought a glass of juice to his lips and took a sip. He replaced the glass on the table, and continued again. "But in any case, for whatever reason, you decided to stay here with this Sesshoumaru." His golden eyes shone as he looked at Kagome. "You have my appreciation for that." Kagome stared in silence at the taiyoukai. His eyes were much softer than they had ever been before. Suddenly, she felt a severe flutter in her stomach as the butterflies began to storm around. She felt heat begin to rise to her cheeks, so she broke the eye contact and looked down at her food.

"Mm."

Meanwhile, at Inu no Taisho's castle, Inu Yasha was beginning to come around.

"How do you feel, Inu Yasha?" Miroku asked. It was his turn to be on watch, and he was glad that he could be there when Inu Yasha woke up. Inu Yasha's furry ears twitched at the sound of his comrade's voice.

"Like I was run over by a herd of cattle," he replied, putting a tired arm over his forehead. His amber eyes blinked slowly.

"You injuries still aren't completely healed, but you were out for a while. We were worried, but- at least it gave your body some time to recover." Miroku knew as well as everyone else that Inu Yasha wouldn't have stayed in bed, had he not been unconscious. "You really sustained some heavy damage from Sesshoumaru." Inu Yasha's eyes glazed over at the mention of his brother.

"Don't remind me."

"Might I ask what happened between the three of you? Kagome-sama didn't seem too eager to return with us." Inu Yasha began to growl, but the growl morphed into a cough; his throat injury was still too severe to allow full usage of his vocal chords. Even as it was, it was painful for Inu Yasha to speak.

"I think she was brainwashed. But aside from that-" Inu Yasha raised the arm he had draped over his forehead, and looked at his hand. "I- killed Rin." Miroku's eyes widened.

"You mean that girl that's always with Sesshoumaru? What happened? I noticed you were transformed when we arrived to get you- did you lose control?"

"No- it's nothing like that. It was-- an accident." Inu Yasha barely spoke these words before he passed out from the pain in his throat. Miroku's eyes glistened at the news. He sighed and wrung out a cloth from the pot of water nearby. He gently placed it on Inu Yasha's forehead and turned when he heard Sango enter the room.

"How is he?" she asked, concerned.

"His injuries are healing, but I'm afraid that his emotional shock is much worse than I expected."

"H-how so?" she asked nervously.

"Aside from the possibility that Kagome might leave him, Inu Yasha is haunted by the fact that he inadvertently killed Rin."

"Rin…" Sango's eyes grew large with realization. "You mean- the girl that Sesshoumaru is always with?" Miroku nodded. "And... Kagome? What do you mean, she might leave Inu Yasha? There's no way I believe that!" Sango forgot for a moment about the sleeping Inu Yasha.

"Shh…" Miroku put a finger to his lips, and looked over at Inu Yasha.

"Sorry.." Sango whispered. "But... there's no way Kagome would do such a thing!" she whisper-shouted. Miroku shook his head.

"She seemed determined to stay when Shippou and I went to retrieve the both of them."

"But-- what? Why?" Miroku shrugged and looked at Inu Yasha.

"He's the only one who can tell us. We'll have to wait." Sango nodded solemnly and walked toward Miroku. She held up her hand, which Miroku tagged.

"My turn," she said, as she pulled up a chair next to the sleeping Inu Yasha. Once she was seated, Miroku leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

"I love you," he told her sweetly. Sango blushed. She never grew tired of hearing those precious words from her husband. Before she could answer, the houshi turned away and quietly left the room. Sango watched him leave, and smiled at him as he turned and closed the door. He winked at her just before it shut completely. Slowly, her smile faded and she let out a sigh as she looked at the downed Inu Yasha.

'What can all this mean?' she asked herself, worriedly.

Another day had nearly passed. Sesshoumaru left soon after breakfast, presumably on matters of estate. Kagome was left to her own vices for the time being, and had amused herself with the archery range, the onsen, the lake, the now-useless incantation scrolls, and had even considered spending time in the company of Jaken. Before she could bring herself to ask the minion, he appeared before her and began to speak.

"Sesshoumaru-sama instructed me to tell you that dinner will be served tonight." Kagome looked shocked. Jaken looked like he was trying to smile, but it was hard to tell- what with his beak, and all. "Whatever you said to him changed him for the better," he told her before turning sharply and scurrying away. Kagome stood there, shocked.

'I- changed Sesshoumaru? Is that even possible?' Kagome shrugged, and made her way back inside the castle.

Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru was sitting on a bench near the lake. He stared into the depths of the water, making out several outlines of different fish. Rin always liked spotting the fish. She named several of them according to their patterns. 'Stripey,' 'Spotty,' and 'Pirate' were the three that he could make out through the rippled surface of the water. "Rin," he said quietly. Her face still crossed his mind's eye frequently. He had hoped to take care of some business today, but he was much too distracted to get anything completed. Sesshoumaru put his hand on his head as he heard Rin's laughter ring in his ears. An amazing sorrow began to engulf him, and he rested his elbow on his knee. Just as he felt as though the sorrow would overwhelm him, Kagome's face came to mind. He saw her laughing, and then he saw her angry. Her anger turned to sadness, and then earnestness. Steadily, a warmth flooded his heart, effortlessly sweeping away the grief and sorrow he had been struggling so hard to overcome.

Yes, he knew he cared for Kagome- but just how much he cared for her was the real question on hand. Did he want her to stay with him, like he had wanted Rin's companionship? Or did he just want to take something of Inu Yasha's, since his disgrace of a brother had taken Rin from him? 'No,' he shook off the thought. If he simply wanted to take her, he could very well have marked her whenever he wanted to do so. But- that wasn't the case. He had no desire to force Kagome into anything. Sesshoumaru let out a small laugh. Originally, he did force Kagome into residing at his castle. But now- now it was different. He didn't want to admit it when it first became apparent to him, but he had begun to care for Kagome- albeit ever so slightly- the night that he had temporarily marked her. The only things that had kept him in check the night that they kissed were his feelings for and loyalty to Rin. But now, Rin was gone. Sighing, Sesshoumaru stood up and looked at the sky. It was about time for dinner.

A/N: There's the chapter! I know there were still a few similarities between this chapter and chapters from the original ending, but- I hope you didn't notice it too much. The similarities become less and less as this ending progresses. Please give me your feedback on this chapter! Remember, it's reviewers like you who make stories like this possible. Just tell me your feelings when you read the chapter. Encouragement, insight, advice, and flames... all welcome! (And- thanks for reviewing my story so quickly. Yay!)

Review Responses:

kitsune ninja: I'm so sorry! Hehe, I felt guilty when I read your last review. It wasn't meant to be pointed at you, specifically... Don't worry, this is just a "what-if" scenario. I keep saying it, probably partially because I'm trying to convince myself. Thanks for the lovely feedback, though. I'm glad that I could write something that was meaningful to you. That's meaningful to me! -smile-

Beulah Page: Whoa, dang! that was like, a post! hehe, yeah, I liked the "face cream" scene, too. In all honesty, I would've made the 'flashback' sign less obvious, if the darn word processor thing on this server would let me use asterisks! In my own personal version of the story, the 'flashback' sign is very light, and italicized with only one asterisk on either side. I wanted to make enough of a break in the story that the flashback would be set apart- and do it without using that obscene line divider. I was wondering if it was weird that S-dono and K-chan were keeping to routine, but from your comment, it seems like it was pretty much on point. The transformed Tenseiga thing has nothing to do with this story, so I'm not willing to address it. The insight it might have provided into S-dono's character has already been surpassed by the development I hope I've been making concerning his character. My life has been pretty happy-go-lucky so far, so I find it easy and fun to write happy endings. I have yet to be disillusioned and jadedby life, I guess.

Kage Bi Koori: you realized that... that this story has 2 endings, right? I tried to make it clear with the author's notes...

Daiya: Thanks for being generous! I'm glad I could help you forget about your pairing preferences.

Also, big thanks go out to Zookie Moon Princess (thanks for reviewing both chapters as you read them), Jessica L., vanni (thanks for joining!), Krystal Candy, Nilee, sheenachi (yeah, I know what you mean...), SubaruWings (that's named after the car, right?), The Squabbit, InuYashaGal, and whimsy (again, thanks for your insight and help!).