NOT THE LAST CHAPTER! 49 WAS TOO STRANGE TO STOP AT! I'M GOING TO GO TO 50!

IMPORTANT: This chapter is heavily Ikuto based and sort of is just an introduction to the actual last chapter, rather than a chapter all on its own. Inuyasha isn't even in this chapter to be honest and I'm not even going to say anything on whether or not he's even alive. You have to just read this chapter and wait for the next one. After this, there's only one more to go!

RESPONSE: Someone said a very rude comment to me and I posted it on my reviewer comments but I'll address it here too. Someone made a remark about my stereotyping because I said that Ikuto had a wider nose than Suno. Well, the truth is, that's not what stereotyping is. Stereotyping is when someone says that a race acts a certain way. Features are true. They're traits. It's genetics. You learn about it in science class. I am black and I have a wide nose. I know black people, and guess what, they have wide noses! If they don't, then that's because they grabbed that trait from another culture other than African. Do a lot of blacks have blonde hair and blue eyes? No, it's genetics! That's just the way the world is. I went to the Philippians and I was taller than most of the people there. Asians are considered short to a lot of people because of genetics! It's not a serotype and I don't mean to be rude. It's just the truth. I know what it's like to be stereotyped, and features aren't stereotyped. I'm offended the person said that the story sickened them because I write some of Ikuto's experiences and emotions on how I feel sometimes. I know what it's like, and if anything, this story breaks out of stereotypes. I didn't make Ikuto's mother Isabelle fit a stereotype. I hate stenotypes. And also, I wrote that part about Ikuto's nose because it's an African trait. I only wrote that part to hint that he was part black. As a matter of fact, I don't picture him with a wide nose. I didn't even draw him with a wide nose. I just wanted it to seem real, so I had to give him a black trait, or at least say it.

Q: Can Suno meet Sesshoumaru?

A: For what and how? Sorry, that's one thing that's not going to happen.

Chapter 49

I do not own Inuyasha

Three years later...

Ikuto found himself looking straight up to the top of his building; or rather his brother's building, in New York. It left him awestruck for a long while as he gazed at it. Now was his chance to show the world what he was made of, and to top it all off, he was in America. "I finally did it..." a smile slowly came to his face. "It's almost ready."

"I'm happy for you" Michael patted Ikuto on the shoulder.

"I am too" Sidney replied as well. "Now, why don't we all go get something to eat?" Ikuto and Michael looked at each other and rolled their eyes. Sidney became a bit angry when she saw the two of them trying to make fun of her. She didn't think it fair at all. "Let's not forget that I'm pregnant guys!"

"And I don't get how that can happen now" Ikuto mentioned. "You guys haven't had that much time to yourself. Did you want kids this quick?"

"I don't mind" was Sidney's reply.

However, Michael responded differently. "Well, I do enjoy the process."

"You're such a pervert," Ikuto muttered to himself. Michael really was a pervert, but at least he was doing it towards his own wife. "I don't know if I can go out, you guys. I've got to finish some Christmas wrapping before it's too late."

"Tomorrow is Christmas, Ikuto" Sidney whined. "Honestly, you men can be such idiots some times. Why do you always wait for the last minute?"

"And why are you celebrating it?" Michael's curiosity got the better of him. "Despite what a lot of people say or think, it is a religious holiday. Are you just in it for the presents?"

"It's tradition. My mother always bought us stuff and we got her stuff too. She always brought her culture home. I haven't done anything about Christmas in a long time, but Suno was coming to visit, you know, to see how production of the building was going and since its Christmas season, he was going to bring his family. Rina wanted tons of presents anyway. You know kids. Besides, I haven't really seen my nephew a lot and I'd like to give him some gifts anyway."

"Alright then" Michael wrapped his arm around Sidney's soon to expand belly and pulled her in close for a kiss. She giggled and blushed, so different from when they were just dating. She would before push him away and tell him that it wasn't a public affair, but they were married and in love now. He was hers, and she was his. They belonged together and the two of them were happy. "We'll be seeing you around Ikuto."

"Merry Christmas" Sidney waved goodbye to her friend and then left with her husband, back to their home.

Ikuto was happy for the two of them. They were perfect for each other, but the truth was, it made him sad to see them, in a way. The two of them were happy, but he had to spend his nights alone. For a while, he hadn't mind. He buried himself in work and told himself to concentrate on that. That's what his brother told him to do, and for a long time, it worked. Ikuto was very busy ever since he graduated from High School. He was Suno's apprentice and Suno kept Ikuto busy and taught Ikuto so much more than what he ever could have learned on his own, but that wasn't enough. He moved to America to help oversee the construction of the Kazasami building, but that still wasn't enough. The public was keeping him busy and everyone was just eating him up. He was a loved person and people found him so interesting. Going on various talk shows was nice and being known as the richest African American was interesting, but it still wasn't enough. He had his friends, Michael and Sidney to keep him company, but by the end of the day, the two of them had each other and Ikuto was left alone.

He missed Kagome.

He journeyed from Manhattan to his home in New York. It was one of the most expensive in the country and considered not to merely be a penthouse in Pierre hotel, but rather a mansion in the sky. His home consisted of three floors and had five master bedrooms, seven full baths, three half baths, and four terraces. The floors were graced with Versailles-patterned oak, and there was a black-marble staircase, and 18th-century English paneling. To top it all off, he had his own ballroom, but it wasn't warm like a home should be. He needed to be with someone.

One his rooftop he could see so much of the city. Though it was freezing, he enjoyed looking at and seeing the surrounding city. It calmed his mind, and it got him focused. Once he was focused, he could think about the task at hand. "Tomorrow should be a nice..." he looked at his watch "they've landed by now."

"So, what are you going to do with your life?" Souta asked.

Kagome was straightening up her room, throwing away little childish things that she had kept over the years. She was an adult now. "Souta, why do you always ask such silly little questions like that? When I was in high school, you always asked about school and now that I'm out and free you want to bother me with college?"

"Well" Souta asked, while entering her room instead of just standing in the doorway. "I thought you were going and then last minute, you decided not to. Why is that?"

"Souta..." she tied a garbage bag up and sighed. "I just thought I needed a break from it all. I'm going to go next year. That's what I plan on doing. As far as right now, I'm not too interested in it, Souta. I'm kind of tired."

He understood, and decided to drop it, knowing how hard she had it. Kagome had been a bit irritable lately, so he decided not to press the matter. "Oh" Souta had a package in his hand "your friend Arimi sent you something."

"She did?" Kagome stopped what she was doing and snatched it from Souta. "I haven't heard from her in a while..." She ripped it open and reached inside to pull out a video tape, bubble wrap, and a letter. "Here..." she dropped the bubble wrap on her bed where her cat resided and then began to read the letter written by her dear friend.

Dear Kagome,

How have things been? Things here in America are fine. I'm doing well in my classes so far. College isn't as hard as I assumed it would be. Actually it's pretty easy. It's still a lot of hard work though.

I hope you're enjoying your time off Kagome. Good luck in your profession and I can't wait until I get the chance to visit you again. I miss you very much, but it's not entirely lonely. I've met a lot of friendly people. Even though my profession of being a Neurosurgeon will take a long time, I know it'll be worth it. Wish me luck Kagome.

I thought you would enjoy what I video taped for you. I thought you'd like to see it.

Arimi

"I wonder what's on the video..." Kagome couldn't hold in her curiosity and made a run for the television out in the family room. She then put the tape in the VCR and got comfortable on the floor "This should be good..." Once she pressed play, she couldn't believe her eyes. "Ikuto?"

It was an episode of Oprah. He was older, a little more mature looking. He was handsome, looking so professional in his expensive suit and his hair slicked back, instead of over his face. They were having a casual conversation. Some things Kagome knew about him, and some things she didn't. A lot had changed. He seemed happier and more accepting of who he was. It was probably because he was being accepted by those around him, finally.

"What's going on?" Souta asked. "I don't know a lot of English. I can't follow, sis."

Kagome sighed. "He's busy working on the Kazasami office in New York. It won't take that much longer to finish. It'll be open in maybe two to three months." Kagome smiled.

"What just happened?" Souta noticed that Ikuto was blushing and the audience began clapping.

"Oprah told him he was good looking." Kagome had to agree with that. He looked a little bit more like his brother and father, in a way. "He's just saying basic stuff about his life..." Kagome heard Oprah ask one thing that made her curious. Oprah asked about Ikuto's love life. Ikuto smiled and laughed a little bit. He kept blushing, but instead of getting personal and offended, he replied that he hasn't been seeing anyone, but he does have a girl on his mind.

'He's still waiting for me?' It made Kagome feel awful, especially considering her position and how she felt. 'Poor guy...'

She continued watching the interview until it was over. She even rewound some of it. When her mother asked why, she claimed it was to better her English. Souta knew what the truth was. Kagome stopped watching it and continued cleaning her room, but she eventually couldn't focus at the task at hand and started getting dressed to go meet someone.

Before she left, she checked herself in the mirror to make sure everything was in order. No matter how many times she looked in the mirror, it always freaked her out how much she looked like Kikyou. There wasn't an exact difference, but Kagome herself could see a resemblance. As her body matured, her facial similarities to Kikyou increased. "Well, at least you're a beauty Kagome, according to Inuyasha..." She tried to smile, but it soon turned into a bitter frown. 'I've got to go, or I'll be late."

"Hello" Ikuto opened his door and let in his brother and his family. Suno was carrying Rina in his arms, who was sleeping and Sarah was holding her son. "Come on in." Some doormen came in with the luggage and presents, lots of presents. Ikuto ordered him to put them under the tree.

"Passed by the building on the way" Suno replied "it's coming along."

"You're doing great" Sarah interrupted. She gently placed her son into Ikuto's arms. "Too bad he hasn't really seen his uncle."

"I've missed the little guy too."

Sarah kissed Ikuto on his cheek. "I'm exhausted. Let's put these two to bed and get there ourselves."

They all went to bed, but in six hours, Rina ran to tree and began ripping the presents open. "Yay! Look what I got!" She ripped one package after another. She had so many things already, but everything was still special. She especially enjoyed the packages from her uncle Ikuto. She hadn't seen him that much lately and everything from her uncle had an American twist to it.

Suno awoke himself the same time as Rina and prepared getting ready for his day. Sarah was tired from her flight. Her sleep had been completely thrown off. Still, she got up since her body was hungry. It felt like it was almost dinner time, so she decided to make breakfast, since Ikuto hadn't gotten a cook. She didn't mind. She enjoyed making it when she could.

Ikuto joined her in the kitchen while she began preparing food for breakfast. "Morning" he told her a bit sadly.

"Morning..." She got lost in thought as she began getting ingredients for her meal. Big kitchens excited her, and Ikuto's was very nice. "No rice?" she asked disappointedly as she finished searching the cabinets. With a shake of Ikuto's head, she put everything back and rethought her plan. "Why have something we eat everyday?" she asked herself. "How about pancakes?"

"Put chocolate chips in mine" Ikuto smiled like a child and his eyes lit up, thinking about his favorite breakfast food from his mother.

"Alright then..." so she placed herself back into her trance and continued working on breakfast. Ikuto watched her impatiently. He was very hungry, but nervous about something. After a while, Sarah noticed and finally had to ask "What's the matter? Why are you staring at me?"

"Well" he started to say "I was wondering...about"

"I haven't spoken to Kagome in a while, so if you are about to ask me about that girl, then I suggest you just call her yourself, because I haven't spoken to the girl since she graduated."

She called it. He was going to ask about Kagome. "I've talked to her a little bit. We haven't really gotten into a big, long conversation. She seems a bit sad and she kind of shoots me down."

"Maybe you should go see her" Sarah suggested. "I mean, you haven't been in Japan in two years, except you came once for business and did nothing but that. You didn't even get a chance to see Kagome. You need to see her. Love confessions don't work over the phone."

"What do I need to confess? I've already poured my soul out to this girl. I've told her that she's the only one in my heart. I told her that I'd wait for her. What else should I say?"

"Sometimes a girl just needs a reminder."

"A reminder?" He sighed. "I don't know. I think she's mad at me."

"How can she be mad? She hasn't seen you in a long time. Kagome wouldn't hold a grudge against you, and if she did, what would it be for?"

"Well, it just hurt her that I knew what happened to Inuyasha, and wouldn't say when he was going to die. She understood why, and Inuyasha even understood why, but she was still hurt with the fact that he was leaving and there was nothing she could do about it." Ikuto didn't know what to say or what to do.

Sarah stopped preparing her family's meal and just gazed upon Ikuto. That poor boy had so much trouble. She didn't know what to do to help him either. "Hey, this may sound crazy, but why don't you ask your brother for help?"

"Are you kidding? He hates Kagome."

"No he doesn't."

"Yes I do" he stated as he walked in the kitchen, fixing his tie.

"Why is that?" Sarah asked. "I know we've had her differences with her and she's…a lot of things have happened, but never intentionally."

"Is all that mess straightened out, between her and staying in the Feudal Era?"

"From what I know. At the end of the school year, her attendance was way better. I heard she was still going during the weekends though."

"In other words" Ikuto interrupted "she must have gotten the pieces of the jewel, but she's been spending her weekends with Inuyasha."

"I suppose" Sarah still was determined. "I say you go to the girl and spend a nice time with her. Try to win her back. Despite all of the problems we've had with Kagome, we all know that you two belong to each other."

"Tell that to her" he mumbled, walking out. "I've got to settle a few things for the party tonight…" Ikuto went to his room and got dressed. He wasn't in a hurry to open anything. Why would he? What didn't he have? As soon as he got ready, he opened up some presents. There were some clothes and more gadgets and stuff like that. The most important event for him was spending time with his nephew. Sarah and Suno disappeared for a while and Ikuto was stuck with Rina and Kyuusai. Ikuto had to help him rip the wrapping paper. Kyuusai probably didn't understand what was going on, but his eyes still lit up once all of the paper was ripped off and a new toy was revealed. He was adorable and looked a lot like Suno when he was a baby.

"You'd make a good dad, Ikuto" she handed him her present to him.

It was in a small box, and he just opened it, trying to pretend that he was excited. Once he did open it, and looked at the gift, instead of gratitude, he felt guilty. "Rina, I can't take this. This belonged to your father." He picked up the gold cross and tried to give it back, but she placed her hands behind her back and shook her head.

"It's yours. I kept it because I wasn't sure how he was supposed to fit in my life, even though he was gone. I felt sad and I didn't know how I was supposed to feel. I finally realized that my father would want us to be happy, regardless of anything." A smile came to her face. "He would want me to be happy with my daddy now. I have a family now, and I'm not lonely anymore. I want you to be happy and for you to have your own family, so go ahead and keep it, until you're not lonely anymore."

"Rina..." he couldn't give it back, so he instead put it on around his neck. "Thank you. I'm honored that you would give me this, Rina."

"Don't worry about it." She kissed her uncle on the cheek and started playing with her brother.

Later that night at eight, the party began. There were many business associates there of Ikuto's and Suno's. There were even a few musical artist and some actors that Ikuto had become associated with. Everyone loved Ikuto's personality, so he made friends quickly. People also thought him to be interesting. His party was going great.

Ikuto just stood around socializing most of the time, but he mostly talked to Michael. "This is a great party, Ikuto. You're doing rather well."

"Thanks." He was still sad, but he tried not to let it show.

Michael could see Ikuto's sorrow; even though Ikuto did the best he could to hide it. "You need yourself a woman..." he patted his friend on the shoulder and hurried off to his wife so they could dance a little bit on the ballroom floor. Even Rina had found a little brown haired boy named Shaun to dance with. Everyone was out dancing, except for Ikuto, Sarah, and Suno. 'Where are those two?' Ikuto searched around and saw Suno and Sarah in a dark corner of the ballroom. Sarah was pointing above their heads where some mistletoe was and Suno half smiled, knowing that she had planted it there. She laughed and pulled him closer. Though Suno hated public affection, he still kissed his wife, after he got a good look to see if anyone was looking.

Once Ikuto saw the two of them kiss, he felt so alone. Everyone had someone except for him, and he knew his love was eternal. That was the worst part! 'That's it! I'm going to make that girl mine!'

Ikuto knocked on Suno's door about seven in the morning the next day. It took Suno a moment to get up since he had to put some clothes on. He was very irritated once he opened the door to find his brother, and with a suitcase in his hand. "What are you doing and where are you going?"

"You've got a key right?"

"Yes, why?"

"I've got to take care of some things, so just watch after the place for me. I'll be back in a little while."

"How long is a while? You're packed."

"Uh...I don't know. I'm going to Japan."

"For what? You've got things to take care of here and I've got to go back home and take care of my business Ikuto. I thought you were more responsible than that."

"I am. I just need to do this. It's reckless, I know it is, but I've got to think about what's good for me, for once in my life. That's how I'm showing responsibility. I'm going to take care of me, and those I love."

Suno didn't buy it. "What about-"

"Business? We'll switch for a week."

He was still upset. "Ikuto, you're not thinking this through."

"No, I've thought this through for the past two years, and I've got to do this or I won't be happy. I won't be happy at all if I don't go. I love this girl and I want to be with her, and whether or not I know Inuyasha is alive or not doesn't matter. I don't want to be alone anymore. What are all the riches in the world if I can't spend it with someone?"

"Let him go..." Sarah yelled from her bed. She couldn't get up because she wasn't dressed.

Knowing how happy those two were together made Ikuto happy, but a bit jealous. He wanted to know what it was like to truly embrace a woman, a woman that he truly loved. "Please brother..."

Though Suno thought it to be the stupidest idea ever, he frowned, but nodded. "Go. I'll bail you out, yet again little brother."

A full smile came to his face. "Thanks again, Suno." Ikuto practically ran out of his house. He never thought he'd be so happy getting to Japan. He hated the ten hour flight, but he was so excited about it now. He was going to treat himself to the best Christmas present in the world. 'I'm coming Kagome.'

'Sitting here in this spot is the most pleasant thing to me...' Kagome opened her eyes and inhaled as much air as possible and then exhaled. She was calm when she did that. She just sat there under the shade of the sacred tree for as long as she could. Time just passed by as she sat there with her eyes closed. She was lost in the moment.

"Did you have a nice time going down the well?" Souta asked, invading Kagome's privacy.

"Souta, can I just have some quiet for a little bit?" She opened her eyes and saw that Souta was not alone. Standing by Souta's side was Ikuto. It wasn't the Ikuto she remembered. He was older. He was mature. He was different, but deep down, it was still him. It was "Ikuto?"

To be continued...

A/N: One more to go. Kagome will end up with...we'll you'll just have to read and find out! Review…..