Title: I Never Knew I Could Love You

Author: inuyashagirl5

Rating: T (Rating may go up in future chapters.)

Genre: Romance/Angst/Some Humor

Pairing: Kagome/Miroku

Chapter Two: A New Life. A New World

Kagome awoke to the light patter of rain on the roof of Kaede's hut early the next morning. Today was the day she was leaving Feudal Japan behind forever and she was taking Miroku with her. She sat up and observed the hut. Kaede and Miroku were still sound asleep. She silently rose to her feet and left the hut. She wanted to take one more walk around the village to remember many of the good moments the place had presented to her.

It was quiet that morning. A few of the men in the village were up and about, but most were still in bed. Kagome enjoyed the silence as she looked over the village. She wanted to remember it exactly this way and not as it had been two days prior. The villagers would survive now. Their land was healthy and food would grow for them once again. Kagome wouldn't have to worry for them when she returned home.

She walked to her friend's graves last and knelt before them. She stayed there quietly and reflected upon more over the past couple of years she had spent here with them. She never heard when Miroku approached and held an umbrella over her head.

"You'll get sick sitting out here like this, Lady Kagome." he scolded her gently.

"Oh, Miroku! I didn't hear you approach!" she turned to face him.

"Yes, I can see that." he chuckled and knelt next to her, "How long have you been out here? You're soaked!"

"I'm alright. I've only been out here for a little bit. I've just been walking around is all."

"You worried me for a moment when I first awoke." Miroku's voice softened, "You were gone and...I felt scared."

"Miroku..."

"But once I gathered my senses I knew you probably were here and I was right." he smiled and she smiled too.

"It wasn't my intent to come here yet, but I sort of just wandered over. I guess I have been out in the rain for quite awhile though."

"We should head back for now, Kagome. I told Kaede I'd return with you. I promised we wouldn't leave without saying goodbye to her." Miroku offered his hand and helped Kagome to stand. Together they made their was back to Kaede's hut.

"Why, Kagome, you're drenched!" Kaede admonished the young priestess.

"Sorry." Kagome bowed her head, "I went for a walk and didn't think to bring an umbrella."

"Go sit by the fire child and warm yourself up."

After breakfast the trio sat down for one last talk. Kaede had many things she had to attend to that day and this was the only chance she had to have a good talk. She stared at them sadly before she spoke.

"I am very proud of the two of you. Ye went through such a terrible battle and fought with everything ye had." she grasped Miroku's right wrist and held it up, "Ye still haven't taken the beads and glove off yet?"

"No, I've been too afraid to." Miroku replied sadly, "I've had it for so long. I just..."

"Take it off, Miroku." Kagome spoke softly, "There is nothing to fear now. Naraku is gone."

"Yes, you're right, Lady Kagome." he turned away from them out of caution and removed the beads and then the glove from his formally cursed hand. He looked down at it when nothing happened, a look of relief passing over his face. Kagome hugged him shortly after and Kaede laughed. He really was free now.

"Ah, I'm afraid I must get to work now. I have many things to do today." Kaede rose to her feet and Miroku and Kagome did as well, "I wish ye both very long and healthy lives and happiness. It's what ye deserve."

"Thank you, Lady Kaede." Miroku smiled and turned slightly to the sniffling young woman next to him. Kagome lunged forward and embraced the elderly priestess tightly.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Kaede!" Kagome cried. Kaede hugged her back.

"I will miss ye as well, Kagome." she answered and pulled back, "It's best ye get going soon. I'm sure ye will want to say goodbye to them one more time. Best to do so before the storm comes in."

"Are you ready, Lady Kagome?" Miroku put his hand on her shoulder. She nodded, but kept silent, "Then let's not delay our final meeting with them."

They parted from Kaede and head off towards their friend's graves for the final time. There was indeed a storm coming soon. The wind was beginning to pick up and the clouds on the horizon were rather dark. Kagome gave them an annoyed, angry glare. She hadn't wanted to be rushed today, but it looked like the weather was ready to kick them out of Feudal Japan.

They knelt in the same places they had the day before and prayed again. Several silent minutes passed as sat there. The wind around them slowly gaining speed with the oncoming storm.

"It's still hard to believe that they're not here anymore." Kagome's voice cracked as she spoke and tears slid down her cheeks, "But they're gone and I have to accept that...I'll never see any of them again."

"I know, Kagome, but we'll never, ever forget them." Miroku spoke gently, reaching over and gently scooping her hand into one of his own. He gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze, "And we will see them again, just not for a long time. You didn't forget our promise already, Lady Kagome?"

"No, I didn't forget." his teasing tone made her smile. It was going to be rough, but he certainly was good at cheering people up. She'd have to return the favor once they were in her time. She'd have many things to teach him. Some of which she was sure she'd get some amusement out of. She almost couldn't wait to have him flip on a light switch for the first time.

"You're amused by something. I can tell by the smile spreading across your face. Lady Kagome, what are you planning?"

"You'll find out when we go home." Kagome replied, "Wow, that sounded weird."

"Yes, it did." Miroku agreed, "Are you sure your family won't mind me coming home with you?"

"I don't think it'll be a problem. We have a spare bedroom that you can stay in, though you'll have to get used to sleeping in a bed. It's very different than sleeping on the floor."

"I'm sure I can manage."

"You'll do fine, Miroku. I'll help as much as I can to get you situated there."

The roll of thunder alerted the pair to the closeness of the storm and both inwardly cursed mother nature for her interference. Miroku rose first and helped Kagome to stand.

"Listen to me, Inuyasha, Shippo, I will do everything I can to keep Kagome safe. You have no need to worry. Sango, Kohaku and Kirara, I am happy that the three of you are together again even if it is only in death. Sango, I will never, ever forget how much I love you. I can only pray that you are happy now."

"Sango, I will do everything I can to keep Miroku in line. He's in for quite a shocker when he reaches my time. I hope you, Kohaku and Kirara find peace and comfort together in the afterlife. Shippo, I will miss you very much. I know you are probably happily reunited with your family and for that I am happy. Inuyasha...I know in life we never said it, but I do love you and I always will. Please do not worry for me. I will miss you so much."

After a few moments of silence, Miroku and Kagome both turned and walked from their friend's graves and began their last walk to the old well.

A light rain greeted them at the well and they both turned to look around one last time.

"This is it, Miroku. There is no turning back once we go through."

"I'm ready."

"You have to go first, but..." Miroku lifted her into his arms, "Miroku?"

"Let's go together, Kagome. To be honest, I'm nervous about going in on my own."

"Alright, Miroku." she nodded and he sat on the edge of the well. He swung his long legs over the rim and sighed.

"It's now or never." he pushed off and descended into the dark well and was embraced by a warm, blue glow. Once it subsided, they sat together in the bottom of the well, the only difference this time was the roof over their heads. Kagome moved so Miroku could stand. They climbed out one after another and Kagome stood before the door of the well house.

"Are you ready?" Kagome asked quietly. She could hear her mother and Souta outside. Miroku nodded slowly, "My family is home so you know. They're going to ask questions."

"Okay." he nodded again and swallowed nervously. Kagome opened the door to the well house and stepped out into the morning sun.

Miroku shielded his eyes from the brightness to take in the view. The grassy clearing that once surrounded the well was replaced with a rather large housing structure, a few smaller buildings and then lastly his eyes fell upon the familiar Goshinboku.

"Hey, mom! Kagome's home!" Souta yelled out and ran to greet his sister...and the guy who came out with her, "Uh, Kagome, who is he and where is Inuyasha? Didn't he come back with you?"

"Souta, don't be rude." Kagome's mother put her head on Souta's shoulder, silencing her son. She could see the sorrow etched on her daughter's face as well as the face of the young man behind her, "Kagome, what is it? What happened? Where did you get all these bruises from?"

Kagome sighed softly as tears flooded her eyes for the millionth time over the past couple of days. This was going to be hard. Souta was going to be heart broken to hear of his hero's death. Kagome shook her head and Miroku put his hand on her shoulder.

"I'm afraid, miss, that everyone else has died and Kagome and I are all that is left." Miroku spoke up for Kagome.

"Then Inuyasha..." Souta's eyes met with Kagome's.

"Yes, Inuyasha is dead." she nodded sadly.

"Oh, Kagome." her mother covered her mouth with her hand as soft sobs shook her body.

"The battle was hard, but because of Inuyasha and the others, we won." Kagome held her head high and proud.

"It still must be so painful for you, Kagome and for your friend too." her mother pulled her and Souta into a tight hug. Kagome pulled back.

"This is Miroku, mom. The monk." Kagome turned slightly to Miroku, "We were given the choice of staying together, but we either had to stay there or come here. I hope you don't mind that he came with me."

"No, of course not, Kagome. You are more than welcome to stay with us, Miroku. Kagome will you show him to his room? I'm going to take Souta out for a bit."

"Yes, of course."

"Oh, wait a minute." Kagome's mom circled Miroku once, looking him over and drawing out an adorable blush from the monk, "I'll pick him up some clothing while I'm out too."

"Aww, mom!" Souta protested, wiping the few tears from his face, "I hate shopping for clothes!"

"I'll make it up to you sweetie. I promise."

"Drive safely." Kagome waved after them and motioned for Miroku to follow her, "This is where I live. This is my home."

"Your house is so close to the sacred tree." Miroku stopped and placed his hand upon the tree, "I guess we have at least one thing to connect us back to the past. Uh...Kagome, what is that thing your mother and brother are getting into? Is it dangerous?"

"That's a car. I told you about them once awhile back. It's one of our modes of transportation in this era. I can get you books at the library if you wish to know more about them." she grabbed his hand, "Come on. Let's go inside. I'll show you to your room. You can ask me questions a little later. Maybe during lunch."

He nodded and allowed her to drag him into the her home. He smiled to himself, it was his home now too.

After kicking their shoes off in the front hallway, Kagome gave him a tour of the bottom floor of the house. She started with the living room first and made her way to the kitchen. Miroku was impressed and touched many things as he passed. He couldn't help it. He was curious about everything. She pulled him along to the stairs leading to the second floor.

"What's up there?" he asked as he poked a clear, green vase on a nearby table. The vase alone wasn't of much interest, but he loved the flowers contained in it.

"Bedrooms." Kagome started up the stairs. All except my grandfather's, which you know because I showed you a few minutes ago. Gramps is too old to be walking up these stairs. This is the bathroom. I'll explain it more later...unless you need to go now."

"I don't."

"Okay, good. This is my room. The room next to mine is Souta's. This one on the left is yours now and the one here at the very end is mom's." she shoved open the door to his room and walked inside. She frowned a bit at the dust before opening a window and letting some air in, "If I know my mom, she'll be in here later to clean this room up for you. She's a bit of a neat freak."

"So, this room is mine?"

"Yes, this is your personal space, Miroku. You have a pretty good view of the city from this window." she turned back and put her finger on the light switch, "This switch here will turn the lights in the room on for you."

She flicked the switch on and watched in amusement when Miroku jumped at the sudden lighting. She chuckled and tried to hide her smile when Miroku gave her a semi-serious glare.

"I see you're amused."

"I couldn't help it. Sorry, Miroku."

"I'm a bit hungry, Kagome" Miroku put his hand on his stomach, "Is there something we can eat?"

"I'll order a pizza!" Kagome grinned, delighted at the thought of introducing Miroku to such a tasty food, "Leave your staff here and follow me! I'll introduce you to the television!"

"You're too excitable, Kagome." Miroku set his staff against the wall. He wasn't going to need it anymore anyways.

She led him back to the living room, snatching the telephone as she walked past it and had him sit on the couch. She handed him the little black remote.

"Press the red button and the tv will come on. The tv. is the square contraption on the shelf. Go ahead and press it. I'm sure Souta will try to turn you into a couch potato."

"Couch potato, Kagome?" he asked her and pressed the red button, "Uh..."

"I wouldn't watch that. That's for little kids." Kagome sat next to him and took the remote, "This button will change the channel. Ah, here we go. You can watch the history channel. Though...most of this stuff probably happened after your era...but at least you'll learn something important."

"You still haven't told me what a couch potato is."

"A lazy person who spends most of his time sitting on a couch watching the tv. Souta is sometimes one and gramps is at night."

"How did Inuyasha react to this?" he asked and Kagome gave a sad smile.

"The first time he tried to claw the screen. See, there was a big fire at an apartment complex downtown. Inuyasha was on his way to my school to drop my lunch off because I forgot it. He was passing the area and heard a little girl crying for help. She was at the top of the burning building and being the hero he is, Inuyasha went and saved her. That was the first baseball cap he lost. Anyways, the news broadcasted about the fire and he saw the little girl he saved wearing his hat. If you look closely at the tv. you can still see his claw marks."

"I see." Miroku said softly, "He was always big at being the hero, wasn't he?"

"Yes." Kagome nodded, "I wouldn't have loved him any other way."

The front door opened and closed and Miroku raised an eyebrow to Kagome at the slight mumbling coming from the hallway. Kagome gave an embarrassed smile and rose to her feet. It seemed her grandfather had come home a little agitated. She knew how to cheer him up.

"Kagome?" Miroku watched her walk away.

"It's gramps. I'll be right back." she stepped out and smiled to her grandfather as he finished taking off his shoes, "Hey, gramps!"

"Confounded girl! Don't scare me like that! I'm too old for you to be sneaking up silently like that!" he yelled and Kagome rolled her eyes, "So, you're home? How long?"

"For good." Kagome said quietly, "Things are over in the past, gramps. I won't be going back."

"There is more to it, isn't there?" he asked softly. She could never put anything past him.

"Yes, Inuyasha...he's dead." she looked away. She still hated saying it. Even if it was the truth.

"Kagome..."

"I have someone for you to meet. Actually, you always expressed an interest in wanting to meet him." Kagome motioned for him to follow her into the living room. All other things could be said later over dinner.

Miroku looked up from his seat when she returned, an old man behind her. Miroku stood quickly, despite his interest in the tv.. Kagome stood off to the side as her grandfather stepped forward, his eyes wide and a hint of excitement on his face.

"The monk?" he looked to Kagome first and then back to Miroku.

"Yes. This is Miroku. Miroku, this is my grandfather."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

"Gramps. It's what they all call me. Are you staying here?"

"Yes, he is. Mom is giving him the extra room." Kagome explained, "It's not a bother, is it?"

"Most certainly not!" her grandfather exclaimed, "Where is your mother?"

"She took Souta out to do some shopping." Kagome nudged Miroku closer, "Do you think you could show him around the ground, gramps? Maybe teach him a few things about this era? He's not used to many of the things here and you're the smartest person I know. I'll make dinner and have it ready when everyone comes back."

"Absolutely! I wouldn't trust his learning with you. Kami knows how much school you missed. You'd just confuse the young man." he grabbed Miroku's arm and pulled him along, "I'm the best choice for answering questions!"

Miroku gave a confused look to Kagome, but she just smiled sweetly.

"You'll be fine. I promise. He really is smart and maybe you could teach him too." she replied and Miroku gave a knowing smirk. He recalled hearing about some of her grandfather's failed attempts at trying to take down Inuyasha when he first entered her life.

"Alright, Kagome. I trust you." he smiled and followed after the old priest.

Kagome sighed when she heard the front door shut. Things had become so weird. Turning off the tv. with one hand, Kagome took the phone in the other a dialed her favorite pizza place. It was still several hours until dinner and pizza would make a great lunch. Souta wouldn't complain when he got back and neither would her mom. Besides, she had to help teach Miroku too! T.V. and pizza were good places to start in her opinion.