A/N: Again, I'd like to thank all of my reviewers and also I'd like to welcome Hugs and Kisses for Lex to the fanfiction community, I hope you have fun with us and read many good fanfictions and I hope that you'll soon have fanfics of your own for us to read! Any way, this chapter is going to have as much fluff as I can possibly fit for now, but trust me, it won't last long. So enjoy it while you can and please review and let me know what you think. Thank you, my reader and enjoy...

Chapter 6:..Remember..:

The next morning when Kagome woke, she found that Inuyasha and Miroku were gone, she assumed they were starting the hut Inuyasha talked of. She wondered if Miroku would be planning to build a home for himself in the village and if he'd invite Sango to live in it with him. She smiled and giggled softly as she thought of Miroku offering to share a home with Sango, knowing the demon huntress would suspect the monk of thinking lecherous thoughts. Although Kagome had to admit she had seen a real change in Miroku since his wind tunnel healed with the defeat of Nuraku and since Shippo died, he had become even more polite, if you could believe it.

"So you're awake?" Sango's kind voice broke through the silence, surprising Kagome.

"How long have you been up?" Kagome asked.

"The boys woke me when they left. Even as a demon, Inuyasha's can be clumsy. He tripped over Kirara and her yowl woke me. I think that was about an hour ago." Sango recalled.

"Inuyasha doesn't waste any time, does he? You know, it's nice that he's become more considerate since his transformation, now if he can only keep his temper in check." Kagome said.

"It's not his temper I'm worried about." Sango stated.

"What do you mean, Sango?"

"His demon senses have become more tuned and sensitive. I know his thought process has changed and he probably hasn't realized it yet or he's ignoring it, but the fact is he's now full demon and his instinct can become dangerous. Specially for you, Kagome." Sango paused and looked at Kagome to make sure she was following along. "Don't you think it strange that he'd want to build a home for you two to share?"

"It's not like that, Sango. If he were my boyfriend or something like that it might be a different story, but he's not going to try anything." Kagome said defensively.

"That's probably not what he's thinking." Sango said gently.

"What do you mean? Do you think he has something more in mind?" Kagome was getting nervous now.

"Well, I don't think he's consciously planning anything, but being demon, his senses are probably telling him that you're his and he has to provide for you. Giving you a home is demon way of saying that his intentions are that eventually this will be a permanent living situation and more. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I'm just saying you're going to need to keep him in check and remind him daily that you're not his 'mate' or what ever he wants to call it." Sango explained.

"How do you know this? He might not be thinking that at all." Kagome huffed.

"Kagome, I'm sorry if I'm frightening you, but being in a demon slayer village, these are basic things we learn about demons. Don't forget that in order to defeat your enemy, you must first know him, that's what my father always said. And demon courtship is pretty much all the same. I'm just looking out for your welfare and I want to make sure you have been warned. I'm not saying you should be afraid of Inuyasha, just cautious, that's all." Sango smiled at Kagome to let her know she was being sincere and Kagome relaxed a bit.

"Thank you Sango, you are a true friend. You know, I thought it would bother me that Inuyasha wants to build a home for me here and share it with me, but it doesn't. In fact, I'm kinda looking forward to having a place of my own to live in and having Inuyasha around feels so natural that I couldn't imagine life without him or my friends." Kagome's voice wavered as she remembered that her puzzle of a life was now missing a piece with Shippo's death and she wished desperately that he could just come back and fill that void again, but that wasn't going to happen.

"Kagome, I miss him too." Sango must have read Kagome's mind and the two girls both shared a moment of silence for their missing companion.

"I'm glad ye all are awake. Kagome, may I talk with ye alone?" Kaede asked as she entered the hut with a little leather pouch clutched in her hands.

"I've got to work Kirara any way. Don't want her to stiffen up after being injured yesterday." Sango promptly got up and took Kirara with her outside.

"Yes lady Kaede?" Kagome asked.

"Here, I wanted to give you this in private. It is Shippo's remains and I thought it proper that he be in you're care. An ern is being specially made for him at this time and will be ready soon. If ye wishes not to be in charge of the remains, I will make sure they're taken care of." Kaede said as she held out the pouch.

Kagome's eyes filled with tears as she stared at the light brown leather sack. It seemed like only yesterday Shippo had been bouncing in Kagome's lap begging her to pick up chocolate when she announced that she'd be returning home that week for supplies. That same bouncy, lively kit was now reduced to a leather pouch and it broke Kagome's heart. The image of his cold, helpless little body flashed through Kagome's mind and she started to cry fresh tears for the loss of Shippo.

"It is all right. There's nothing wrong if ye doesn't want this." Kaede said as she made a move to put the sack on a shelf.

"No! I mean, it's okay. I would like to keep his ashes with me. I can't abandon him now." Kagome said as she took the bag from Kaede and held it against her chest in sorrow. "He meant an awful lot to me and I miss him so much already."

"I understand. He was a good child and he would have made a fine man. Our world works in mysterious ways and I'm certain he will find his way back to us. I know that he will never be replaced, but he will be remembered and in the end, isn't that what life is about? Holding on to the memories that have brought us to where we are today. Being an old woman, Kagome, my memory fails me at times, but what memories I can grasp onto from my youth are fond memories that I wouldn't trade for a drink at the fountain of youth." Kaede smiled warmly at Kagome and despite the threatening tears, Kagome was able to smile just as warmly back at the old woman. She could tell that Kaede was still saddened by Shippo's death, tears whelled up in her one good eye, but never spilled over, unlike Kagome.

"Thank you Kaede. You've always been so kind to us." Kagome said.

"Kindness is an infection. Even the most callous heart can be softened by a show of kindness. I guess that's why my sister never turned her back on Onigumo." Kaede said with a small smile.

"Thanks. I think I'm going to head out and try to find the boys. I'm a little curious as to what they've got planned. I'll be back later." Kagome said and left the hut to search for Inuyasha and Miroku.

"Kagome. Is everything okay? What did Kaede say?" Sango asked when she saw Kagome passing by the field that she was exercising Kirara in.

"She wanted to give me Shippo's ashes, but she wanted to do it alone so I didn't feel pressured into taking them if I didn't really want to." Kagome replied.

"So what did you chose?" Sango asked.

"I'm going to keep him with me." Kagome said as she pulled the pouch out of her pocket and showed it to Sango.

"That's a nice color for the leather. Almost the same color as Shippo's hair, don't you think?" Sango asked as she took the bag and inspected it. "Just as soft though."

"Yea, I didn't notice that." Kagome stated.

"So what are you up to? Going any where in particular?" Sango inquired.

"Well, yea, I want to find Inuyasha and Miroku and see how it's coming along. The funny thing is that I have no idea where they are." Kagome blushed as she stupidly realized she had no idea where Inuyasha was planning to locate their home.

"Hey, why don't we help you out. We can cover less ground and see much more of the land if we take Kirara. What do you think Kirara? Will you help us find the boys?" Sango asked as she scratched her cat demon's ear. Kirara nodded in approval and Sango hopped on her back and held out a hand to Kagome to do the same.

The girls hadn't been in the air long before locating Inuyasha and Miroku. The were at the northern border of the village and to their surprise, Inuyasha and Miroku had erected what appeared to be the frame of their future home. Kirara started her decent from the sky and landed a few feet away from the men.

"Inuyasha. Is this it?" Kagome asked as she walked up towards Inuaysha.

"Yup. Been working on it all morning." Inuyasha said while wiping the sweat from his brow.

"He's been very efficient, Kagome. His demon strength has been a blessing as far as getting the ground turned up and cutting the logs for the frame. I must admit, I feel a little inadequate compared to him, but at least I've been of some help." Miroku said from a pile of straw that was laid out before him.

"What are you doing, Miroku?" Sango asked.

Miroku turned a couple of shades of red and replied, "I'm making the roof". He held up the patch he was working on and showed Sango the bone needle he had been using to skillfully thread the patch of straw.

"Well, it's nice to see you're domesticated." Kagome teased. Sango laughed as did Inuyasha and Miroku's red face depened.

"You're just jealous because I'm talented." Mirou snorted.

"He has been a good little helper." Inuyasha teased and patted Miroku on the top of his head. Miroku's face turned a deep shade of purple in imbarrassment.

"Why you!" Miroku cried as he swung his staff around and knocked Inuyasha off his feet.

The two men laughed as they sat on the ground as if they hadn't a care in the world. It was a beautiful day, seeing how they had no shards to chase after or demons to kill. Kagome watched in amusement as Inuyasha sprayed a little dirt at Miroku with his claws when Miroku mentioned that Inuyasha's the one who's become 'domesticated'. Everything was seeming at peace at long last and Kagome was able to take a fresh breathe of air for the first time in a long while. She smiled as she watched Sango offer a hand to Miroku and helped him to his feet. Kagome couldn't help notice the look he had in his eye when he stared at Sango. Even Kagome could see the glimmer he held for her and her only.

"Well? What do you think?" Inuyasha's voice surprised Kagome out of her thoughts. He apparently got to his feet and was now standing behind her without her even noticing.

"Huh? About what?" Kagome asked.

"About them." Inuyasha said as he stood behind her and pointed over her shoulder at Sango and Miroku.

Kagome stifled at giggle and replied, "I think it's only a matter of time".

"You think so?" Inuyasha asked. Kagome blushed when she realized his face was only inches away from her ear as he spoke quietly, breathing on her flushed cheeks.

Sango smiled when she saw Kagome blushing and whispering with Inuyasha and couldn't help wonder what they were talking about. She was about to say something to Miroku about them when she suddenly felt the familiar warm grip of the lecherous monk and reacted with her infamous...

SLAP

"And there he goes. Guy really knows how to ruin a moment." Inuyasha straitened up and spoke loud enough for Miroku to hear.

"And just when I thought you were a changing man." Sango hissed angrily.

"You tell him Sango. Miroku that was rude." Kagome scolded as she stood next to Sango.

"Miroku, you really are an idiot." Inuyasha commented as he towered over the collapsed monk. Miroku's face as swelled with the usual hand print welt and was laid out on the ground, trying to regain focus.

"Ah, if the juice is worth the squeeze, it's also worth the pits." Miroku chimed.

"Grrr. Miroku! Grow up!" Sango yelled then stormed off back towards the village.

"Sango, wait! I'm sorry. Let me explain!" Miroku cried as he jumped to his feet and jogged after her, stopping short of a confused Kirara. "Kirara, please take me to Sango. I must apologize." Miroku begged. He hopped on Kirara and the flew off after Sango.

"Well, it'll be interesting to see what situation we go back to. Wonder if she's going to be giving him the silent treatment for the rest of the day?" Kagome asked whimsically.

"Kagome?" Inuyasha asked.

"Yes?" Kagome asked as she turned to face him.

"Is this hut alright for you? I know it isn't as big as your family's home." Inuyasha inquired with a serious tone.

"It great. I wouldn't need anything big. It'll pretty much be just me and you and occasionally Sango and Miroku." Kagome answered.

"Good, I wouldn't want you to be unhappy with it." Inuyasha said.

"Inuyasha, I have to ask, why did you chose to build here?" Kagome asked, studying Inuyasha for his reaction.

"Well, actually it's because of Shippo." Inuyasha replied.

"Shippo? Why?" Kagome was now curious.

"Well, I remember that you and him use to pick herbs and flowers off the path near here and I use to catch him playing in this very field with Kirara or sometimes he'd talk me into a game of 'tag' that you showed him. It was a good training exercise." Inuyasha spoke hoarsely. His voice cracked as he spoke of happier times. Kagome's eyes had welled up with tears at the show of sentimental memories Inuyasha was sharing. "Is something wrong?" Inuyasha asked worried.

"No. Nothing's wrong." Kagome said as she shook her head with tears now streaking her face. "I am very happy, thank you Inuyasha." Kagome cried as she fell towards Inuyasha and hugged him.

"Good. I figured that on days you really miss him, all you would have to do is just go outside and visit the flowers. Maybe you could help me with one of those 'flower beds' your mother showed me." Inuyasha said.

"That's a wonderful idea. Thank you! Thank you a million times over." Kagome cried happily and squeezed harder. Inuyasha smiled at Kagome's reaction. It pleased him that this simple gesture would make her this happy. Kagome looked up at Inuyasha, smiling and her face froze as she looked into his eyes. In the noon sun, his eye reflected the light and made them look like pools of blood. It was mesmerizing the way the light played of his warm gaze.

"Is something wrong? Is my appearance starting to frighten you?" Inuyasha asked in alarm.

"No, exactly the opposite. I find your eyes rather attractive." Kagome said. Forgetting that she wasn't talking to one of her girlfriends and blushing at that realization. "Uh, um..."

"It's okay. I understand." Inuyasha laughed. Knowing Kagome found his appearance intriguing instead of repulsive.

"You should busy yourself for the day, otherwise I'll never get the walls up." Inuyasha said as he let Kagome go and went to work.

"Okay. I'll be back by dinner time. See you at Kaede's." Kagome announced as she took off back towards the village.

'And just like that, she's yours. See, I told you. Telling her what she needs to hear is what wins a woman over. I don't think Kouga will be much of a competition after this thing is finished.' The dark voice said.

'I was never worried about him in the first place.' Inuyasha sneered back.

'Sounds like you're starting to come to your senses.' The snake like voice replied back.

'Yea, I have to admit, you're helping me think more clearly now.' Inuyasha replied back confidentially.

Kagome was walking back towards the village, or that how it seemed. Once she got into the forest, she turned around and started to make a v-line towards Kouga's mountain. She didn't want Inuyasha to see her heading that way at all, in fear that he would become insanely jealous again and attack Kouga on his own land.

'I wonder how Kouga's doing. I hope he's still not badly injured.' Kagome thought. She picked up her pace and as she got half way to Kouga's land, she was met by one of Kouga's tribe men. "Oh, hello." Kagome said pleasantly.

"Hello, sister Kagome. What are you doing out here?" He asked. He was a smaller wolf demon with a patch of dark hair on the top of his head.

"I just wanted to come see how Kouga's doing." She asked.

"He was pretty badly hurt. But today he's doing much better. He's already up and about, but not strong enough yet to hunt for food, so that's what I'm doing." He said proudly.

"I see, well that's good. I'm glad I ran into you. Please tell Kouga that I said to take care and I hope he's healed up soon." Kagome said kindly.

"I'll do that. Kouga will be glad to know you're thinking of him." The young wolf said as he took off back towards his home.

'Well, I'm glad I didn't have to go all the way to Kouga's caves. Inuyasha would be mad if I came back smelling to high heaven of...' Kagome turned and walked a step before running smack into a soft yet firm red object and when she saw what or who it was, she screamed in surprise at the angry demon, "Inuyasha!".

..:End of Chappy:..

A/N: I'm leaving the chapter with this. Hope the short lived taste of sweet fluff has left a pleasant taste on your mouth because it's going to be one of a few rare treats offered to you throughout this story, so savor it well. Things are about to really take a turn now. Review and let me know that you want to see where this roller coaster will turn next and trust me, I'll be throwing you for a loop!

-Sunny