1Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha, any of the characters, or merchandise.

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Chapter8 'Hand in Hand'

The new moon night passed quickly with nothing eventful happening.

Sooner than anyone realized, it was time for Kagome to bring Shia back home.

The group stood outside the campsite to say their goodbyes to Shia. "It was nice having you," Sango said, giving her a big hug. Shia waved to Miroku, who was bound and gagged for something he had done earlier that morning. InuYasha had surprised everyone by having a tiny sword made for Shippou and Shia each. With InuYasha and Kagome walking behind the two1 young ones, they set off for the well. "Shia," Shippou whispered. "This is for you." He handed her a necklace made of beautiful stones that had been smoothed by the current of a river. She put it on and kissed Shippou on the cheek. "Thank-you," she smiled, he was blushing again. "It's more beautiful than anything I could buy in a store." They continued walking holding hands and chatting about things they would do when they saw each other again. Kagome suppressed a giggle. "Young love," she sighed happily. Expecting InuYasha to just 'feh' at the idea of romance, she was surprised to hear him agree with her. "InuYasha," she started. "You've been acting so differently! Not just to us, but you've been so sweet and kind to Shippou and Shia. Almost-" She was cut off by InuYasha. "Fatherly?" he finished for her. Kagome gazed up at him as he talked. "Actually, I was nice to her at first because she looked and acted so much like you. Strong-willed, courageous, adorable-" He blushed realizing what he had said. "InuYasha," she smirked, and grabbed his hand. "I could say the same thing about you." InuYasha smiled down at her and the two young couples walked the rest of the way to the well hand in hand.

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The end! I hope you all liked it! I know it was a short ending, and a sort of short story, but I'm working on a part two of sorts. Any suggestions? I could use some ideas! Thanks so much for reading!