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Chapter Nineteen:

Sesshomaru smiled as he listened to Kagome laugh. He had been waiting by the bone eaters well for his brother's return and hearing her joy made his chest feel lighter. They have been in there for a while, but he would not rush them. He knew her peace would be shattered once they emerged from the well, and he was not looking forward to it.

Knowing the situation couldn't be avoided much longer he walked over to them. Staring down at the kissing couple, he grinned.

"Miko, this one is starting to believe you may be a bad influence on Rin." He gave her a serious look as she jumped, "a well is not a bedroom." Kagome blushed.

Inuyasha held her tight and whispered loud enough for both of them to hear, "Don't worry wench, he's just jealous. The bastard couldn't get a woman if he tried." He looked up at his brother. "I'm starting to think he's been around Miroku to much, go find someone else to watch pervert!" He smiled as Kagome giggled.

"This one is not a pervert like the monk little brother. Now get off of the Miko before you taint her any further." He smiled as he heard his brother growl.

"Come on Inuyasha, he's just teasing." She whispered softly, "I promise you can taint me all you want later." His growling turned to stutters as she laughed.

"Keh! Teasing wench!" He smiled as he leaped out of the well. But, the second his feet touched the ground he stopped.

Kagome missed the dark look in his eyes as his ears twitched and he sniffed the air. He looked at his brother as his eyes flashed.

"Why the fuck is she still alive."

Kagome gave him a questioning look as she looked back and forth between the brothers.

"This one believed you would like to handle it yourself." Inuyasha gave a dark smirk at his brother's response.

"What's going on? Who's still alive?" Kagome was getting mad they were practically ignoring her.

"I thank you, brother." He cracked his knuckles. "This is just what I needed." Before he could take off he felt a small hand grab his wrist.

"What's going on Inuyasha? Who's still alive and what do you need?" Kagome was starting to lose her patience.

"Stay here with Sesshomaru Kagome, I won't be gone long." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Oh no! Not until you tell me the hell is going on!" She grabbed his beads around his neck and yanked. "Just this morning you told me to not leave your side, and now out of nowhere, you tell me to stay here. Uh uh, you better tell me right now before I s*t you so bad..."

"Kagome, it is your mates right to see to your safety, do not question him on this." Sesshomaru told her sternly.

Kagome blinked at him. "But I'm fine! Just please tell me who you're talking about! Is it Naraku? Is he here? Because I won't let you fight him without me! I don't care what either of you say!" Like hell, she was gonna just hide away as Inuyasha went fighting.

Both brothers shook their heads as she seethed. Damn, she was feisty!

"It's not Naraku Kagome." He huffed as he surrendered, "It's Kikyo," he nodded as she gasped. "She's in the village, and I am not letting her leave alive, I promise." He told her gently as he stroked her cheek. He was not expecting the response he got.

"WHAT?!" Both brothers jumped back as she yelled. "What do you mean she's not leaving alive! You can't kill her Inuyasha!"

"Bitch, are you serious! Of course, I am! She KILLED YOU!" He was furious! It was his right to seek justice, no one would take this away from him! "

"I know Inuyasha, I was there!" She relaxed as he flinched. "But, you can't kill her. I know you, you'll regret it later if you do."

"Kagome, I have to do this! I don't care if she was my friend before. None of that matters anymore. The only thing I regret is trusting her in the first place." He looked off to the village. "What she is now...I should have killed her long ago. It's a mockery of who she once was."

"Inuyasha...I know she's not the same but...when she shot me...before I died, I could see it in her eyes. She regretted it." She didn't want him to do this. She never cared for Kikyo, but she knew Inuyasha would regret this if he killed her. His mind was already fragile, this would push him over the edge. "Why don't we talk to her first, I would really like to hear her out."

Inuyasha looked at her like she was stupid. "Hear her out! Is this a joke! Kagome, she fucking shot you with an arrow!" Was she crazy? "Name one good reason I should listen to anything she has to say!"

Her face turned soft as she walked up to him. "Because, at one point in time you loved each other." She gave a sad smile as his eyes widened. "I know, it's not the same kind of love that we have, but you still loved her. If you do this Inuyasha, it will haunt you, if you kill her before you understand why she did it, you'll always question it." She could tell she was getting through to him when he sighed.

"Kagome...the woman I loved is dead. That thing over there is not Kikyo. It took me a while to see it, but the only part of her that is left is bitter. I love you! You are the woman that holds my heart completely, I won't risk your life for her, never again."

"Are you saying I would be in danger around her? Come on Inuyasha! With you and Sesshomaru here, I am the safest person in the world!" She smiled at them both. "All I ask is that we talk to her. If you still feel the need to do this, I won't stop you."

Inuyasha looked at his brother for back up, but the asshole just shrugged. She had a point, there was no way Kikyo would get to her with both of them around. She would be dead in an instant. Rolling his eyes he turned back to his mate. She was giving him her puppy dog eyes and he cringed. The bitch knew he could never deny her.

"Alright Kagome, I don't like it but if you need to do this we will." He stopped her as she went to hug him. "But you will not be alone with her at all! You will stay right next to me or Sesshomaru at all times, understand?" She nodded quickly. "I need to hear you say it Kagome, promise me."

"I promise Inuyasha, never alone." He looked at her before pulling her in for a hug. Damn soft-hearted wench.

Sesshomaru wanted to argue with his brother, but he knew how hard it was for him. He himself had just gone through this with Rin. These women were turning them into puppies.

The tension was high as they walked to the village. Kagome and Sesshomaru could feel the rise of Inuyasha's demon. Kagome tried to soothe him the best she could, but nothing seemed to be working. His demon was close, and he would not go away till the threat was gone. Sesshomaru knew this would happen, but he also knew Inuyasha was in control. If the demon took over, he would only go after the dead one. He was not worried about the safety of the other and he would do nothing to prevent it.

They took a minute to calm down before entering the hut. The others came out when they felt the rise of a demonic aura. It frightened them to watch Inuyasha struggle for control, but they understood. They had to be in the hut to watch the Miko and even they had to resist the urge to kill her.

"Where's Shippo?" Kagome asked looking around.

"He's in the hut. He said he wouldn't take his eyes off of Kikyo for a second, and he hasn't." Sango explained.

Inuyasha smiled as his chest filled with pride. The kit understood, she was a threat to his mother and he would not see her getaway. He would make sure to share his ramen with him later, and bring him back some treats. It actually calmed him down knowing that she wasn't going anywhere, with a nod to Kagome, they entered the hut.

There she was, the woman who once held his heart. The murderer of his mate, he let out a warning growl as her eyes lifted to his. She sat in the corner next to Kaede who looked nervous. He felt bad for making her feel this way, but he would apologize later. And sure enough, there was Shippo standing with his arms in his sleeves. Inuyasha would have laughed at seeing the kit imitate him if the situation wasn't so serious. He barked out at the kit who turned to him. With a stern look, the kit bowed his head before leaving the hut. He would definitely sit him down later, the kit did him proud and he deserved to know it.

Walking with a deadly look he moved to sit in front of her. His demon clawed at him to kill her! She killed his mate! She did not deserve to live! He completely agreed, but Kagome needed this and a part of him knew he did too. Making sure she sat right next to him, Inuyasha was relieved to see Sesshomaru sit on the other side of her. She was in no danger being so closely protected by them both. His demon calmed a little by this and he took a deep breath.

"Kikyo." He said with a venomous tone.

"Inuyasha" She nodded in return. He could smell her fear. Good, she should be scared.

"Why?" It was one little word, but it held so much power. Her answer would mean life or death. Though death seemed like the only outcome at the moment.

He growled as she looked over at Kagome. He was surprised that Kagome seemed so calm sitting before the woman who killed her. He knew she was strong, but he expected some kind of reaction.

"There is no good answer to that question I'm afraid." She turned back to her former love. "Jealousy, hurt, betrayal, the list goes on. At the time, I could not see what everyone saw in her. She had taken you from me. Even Naraku favored her over me." She ignored the growls coming from both demons. "I could not see it. My jealousy clouded my judgment and made me turn dark. I knew the moment I release my arrow that I was wrong. After walking for many days I had time to reflect on my actions since my return. Everything that was pure and good about me was gone. In its place was only hatred and fear. Fear of being alone and hatred of the one who took my place. How could one girl steal the hearts of so many? What kind of person is she that can make everyone she meets fall in love with her?" She looked over at Sesshomaru. "Even powerful demons such as yourself would easily give your life for this one woman, I did not understand." She looked at Kagome. "It wasn't until I took your life that I realised what it was. You are the physical form of pure love and light. You do not judge others for what they are, and you do not show hate towards anyone...even me. How many times had you saved my life when I did not deserve it? If our situations were reversed, I am ashamed to say I would not have done the same. Before my death, I am sure I would have, but now I'm not certain. You could have easily let me die so many times. No one would have known and I would be out of the way so you could freely love Inuyasha. Why?"

Kagome smiled softly at the Miko. "Your right I could have. No one would have known and me and Inuyasha would not have you standing between us. It seems like an easy way to solve my problems, but I couldn't do it. The thought never even crossed my mind." She looked the older woman in the eyes with a soft expression. "Even when you killed me, I didn't feel any hate towards you Kikyo. A part of me understood how you feel. You loved a man and he loved another, believe me, I know how painful that is. But, I love Inuyasha, even if I wanted to kill you, I couldn't. I couldn't call myself worthy of him if I took away his choice. He would have been devastated by your death and that was enough reason for me. Still, even if you two had no feelings towards each other, it is not my place to decide who lives and who dies. I am not a God, it is not my place to pass judgment on another. You needed my help and I could give it to you. That was all the reason I needed to save you."

Inuyasha put his arm around her. Every day he was amazed at the size of her heart. He was the luckiest son of a bitch to be the one that held it. He looked over and seen Sesshomaru give her a small smile. Kikyo was right, everyone she met fell in love with her. It was hard not to.

"That is why my actions are inexcusable. I do have to thank you though Kagome. It is you that has opened my eyes and made me feel at peace. Knowing that my soul is a part of something so good has lifted the darkness from me and when I pass on, I will feel at peace knowing you are where my soul will lie." She gave her a soft smile that Inuyasha and Kaede had not seen in many years. "I wish now that we have started off differently. I would have liked to be one of the many people who are honored to call you friend." Her face turned sad as she looked at Inuyasha. "What I have done, there is no forgiving. I know this to be true and will take whatever punishment you see fit. I will not ask for forgiveness, but I do wish to apologize to you." His face held no emotion as she continued. "I was your friend once upon a time, and all I wanted was for you to have love in your life. For someone who grew up knowing only hatred, you deserved so much more. I was not worthy of your love and I took away the only person who is. I know you will never forgive me, but I am happy for you Inuyasha. You were there for me when I was alone and I hope I was there for you as well. I regret making you feel you had to change to be worthy of being with me when it is I who was never worthy of you. I hope you take the love Kagome gives you so freely and never let it go. I am ashamed that I stood in between you and your happiness, but I will die happy knowing that you both have been given a second chance."

Inuyasha looked away from her. He was at a loss of what to do. His demon still wanted her dead, but his human heartfelt pity for the woman. He looked over at Kagome who was pleading with her eyes for mercy. He wanted to grant it to her, but how could he trust Kikyo now? He trusted her before and she killed the woman he loves. He knew it was his decision on what happened, and for once he wished it wasn't.

"You're right Kikyo, I will never forgive you for this. You were once my friend, but not anymore. I do hope you find peace, but that is all I will ever wish for you. Never again will I see you as you once were." He looked over at his brother. "Keep an eye on her, she does not leave this hut until I get back."

Sesshomaru nodded. "Where are you going brother." He was surprised his brother would just walk away from the priestess.

"I just need to think. Me and Kagome will be back tomorrow. I'll let you all know what I decide to do then." He didn't look at Kikyo when he grabbed Kagome's hand and left the hut. A few moments later Shippo returned to his post to guard the Miko.

Sesshomaru turned back to the Miko who had a look of surprise on her face. "I am surprised my brother let you go so easily. I only hope he realises that your life is not worth saving."

Kikyo relaxed her face as she addressed him. "It is that girl, she seems to make the impossible happen every day. Look at you Lord Sesshomaru, the last time I seen you before this you hated your brother. That does not seem to be the case anymore."

"Her name is Kagome!" Every eye turned to Shippo who was glaring at Kikyo. "If anyone could bring those two together, it would be her." He said as if it was obvious.

"Aye, that child has enough love to share with everyone she meets. It is of no surprise to me that she can bring ye two together. She is a precious child, and we are all better for knowing her." Kaede smiled lovingly.

No one disagreed with her as they sat in silence, waiting for Inuyasha to return with his decision.

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Kagome stayed silent as they left for the well. She waved off her friend's confused looks as they passed them. She could feel the emotions fighting inside of Inuyasha. More than once she seen his eyes flash red before he shook it off. She knew he needed to think so she said nothing.

Inuyasha's mind was all over the place. His demon roared as they left the hut. He was pissed the hanyou did not kill the woman! But, he was conflicted. Could he actually do it? He wished Kagome would have just stayed behind. He would have gone in there, killed her, and then went back to her time. No mess, no nothing. Now he didn't know what to do. Kagome was surprisingly silent, and he was grateful. He was holding on the best he could and didn't want to take it out on her. She couldn't help it, she was so loving and forgiving, it was one of the reasons he loved her so much. But, right now he hated that part of her. She didn't understand his instinct to protect her, she didn't get the torment he was going through right now. Kikyo was his past, Kagome was his future, this should be the easiest choice he ever made, but no, Kagome just had to make him feel guilty. Dammit! He could not get mad at her. He was still hurting over the fresh memory of her death and this was making everything worse.

They made it to the house and Inuyasha went up to her room. She wanted to follow him, but she knew he needed some time alone. She wasn't very hungry with everything that was happening, so she made herself some tea as she waited for him.

It was dark by the time she finally decided to go check on him. She peeked into her room and seen he was laying face down into her pillow. He wasn't asleep, but she knew he was still torn. She needed to take his mind off things, if only for a little while. She smiled as she headed to the bathroom.

Inuyasha smelled her coming but was surprised when she didn't come in. He had calmed down a lot in the time he laid on her bed and he was hopeful she would come join him. His head ached as he tried to think about everything, so he just relaxed for a while and took in the soothing scent of his mate. It was strongest on her pillows so he held it to his face as he inhaled deep. The sound of running water reached his ears and he figured she was taking a bath. He was falling asleep when she re-entered the room.

"Hey" She smiled at him in only a robe.

"Hey. Taking a bath?" He said over his shoulder.

"I was going to, but it was kind of lonely in there by myself." She smiled as his head shot up. "Do you know of anyone who could keep me company?"

Inuyasha jumped off the bed and ran to her side. "Well, it seems I'm the only one here at the moment, so I guess if I have too..." He tried to sound confident, but on the inside, his nerves were shot. He had seen her naked before, but that had been a while ago. He didn't know what she had in mind, but he was a little nervous.

She sighed dramatically. "Well, since Sesshomaru can't come through the well, I guess I'll take what I can get." She laughed as he growled at her. Scooping her over his shoulder he headed towards the bath.

"KEH! The only one seeing you naked is me!" He smiled as she laughed.

"That's not very nice Inuyasha, you should learn how to share with your brother." She shook her finger at him trying to hold off a smile.

"Keep it up woman and I'll make sure I carve his eyes out." He knew she was joking, but he was serious. No one would see her like that.

Kagome was gonna comment on Sesshomaru having seen her naked before when she died, but she knew he would NOT take that well. She wanted to get him to relax, not go over and kill his brother. She smiled seductively at him as he set her near the tub. Winking at him she dropped her robe. She giggled as his eyes popped out of his head. Turning around slowly she got in the tub.

She was no longer the shy girl that he once knew. She was older now and worked hard on her figure, she wanted him to look. It was only fair since she planned on getting her fair share of looking too.

Inuyasha was frozen. He never would have guessed that he would be the shy one. Gods she was stunning. Her breasts were large and perky and her stomach toned from months of training. Her legs were long and slightly muscled and he couldn't stop his body from reacting. She looked like a goddess in the water. For a moment he hesitated. Was he really worthy of such a beauty? He shook his head, no he wasn't, but she wanted him anyway and he wasn't dumb enough to question it. With a blush, he quickly removed his clothes. He watched her look him up and down and he had to fight to not cover-up. When she noticed his obvious erection and smirked, his whole body turned red as he climbed in behind her.

Kagome was upset to only get a peek, but feeling his hard muscles behind her made up for it. Her body tingled at the sensation as she relaxed against him. He slowly cupped water in his hands as he let it drip on her shoulders and she smiled. This was nice. She had pictured doing this with him many times over the years, but her dreams were shit compared to the real thing.

Inuyasha was glad she was turned away. His face was still burning and he was kicking himself for acting like a shy teenager. She was so sure and confident and he tried to imitate her. He slowly relaxed as he ran water over her body. He needed this, he needed to feel close to her. He wouldn't push her into turning it sexual, it was just nice having her body so close to him. For the first time all day, he felt his demon settle. Even he felt at peace and wouldn't ruin this time with his mate.

They washed each other slowly, Kagome smiled as Inuyasha blushed. She knew she was teasing him and she loved every minute of it. After they were clean they just held each other and enjoyed the warmth.

"Kagome...I hate to bring this up now, but there's been something bothering me." He asked hesitantly.

"Hmmm? What is it?"

"Ummm well, you know that f-first time we uh kissed with, you know, our tounges?" He stuttered. She gave him a weird look as she nodded. "Well, you just seemed so sure about what to do...and now..you don't seem shy at all..." Her head tilted at him as he got the courage to ask what has been on his mind for a while now. "Uhhh well...I was just wondering...Have you...you know...ever been like this with someone before?" He was nervous about her answer, but he needed to know.

Kagome blinked at him a couple times before she started laughing. "Oh Inuyasha, you're funny!" She continued to laugh as he glared at her. "Of course I haven't! You are the only man I have EVER done anything with." He seemed to relax at her answer. "You were even my first and ONLY kiss." She leaned in and kissed his chin.

He seemed only slightly satisfied. "But, then how did you know what to do? How can you be so sure of yourself right now?" The only experience he had before he was a chaste peck with Kikyo, and although he knew the basics of mating, that only came from awkward talks with Myouga. So he really didn't know much.

"Well, in my time it's pretty much common knowledge. We're taught this stuff at a pretty young age, so it's not hard to do when you've known about it so long."

Inuyasha looked shocked. "They teach you mating stuff as a pup!" He looked appalled. "You better not teach our pups this stuff Kagome, they don't need to know that till they're grown." He frowned as she laughed.

"Ok ok, I won't. Relax Inuyasha." She giggled as he murmured about no pup of his was mating till they were 300!

They sat in silence for a while, both thinking about the future. She wondered how many pups they would have living for so long. 20?50? Gods she hoped not. Her body hurt just thinking about it. After a while, Inuyasha asked what she was dreading to talk about.

"Kagome, what should I do? I don't trust her, but I think you were right. Unless my demon takes over, I don't know if I'm strong enough to kill her."

Kagome sighed as she felt him tense. "I don't think she deserves to die Inuyasha. At least not like this. She wants to go, but I think she deserves her revenge on Naraku just like the rest of you."

"And what about your revenge Kagome! She killed you!"

"I know Inuyasha, but I'm still alive, she isn't." She turned to look at him. "She'll eventually pass on her own, I think we should help her find peace before then."

"FUCK HER PEACE! SHE KILLED YOU!" He shook as he tried to control himself. "I can't let her go Kagome, I won't risk you like that. Never again." He pulled himself from the tub and wrapped a towel around his waist before leaving the bathroom.

Kagome sighed as she got out as well, this isn't how she wanted her night to go, but she knew she couldn't avoid it. She dried off before slipping back into her robe and following him. She found him sitting on the bed in just a towel with his head in his hands. She knew this was hard for him, but they needed to talk about it.

"Inuyasha...are you alright." She stood in front of him and stroked his ears as he buried his head into her stomach. He put his arms around her waist as he pulled her in closer.

"Of course I'm not Kagome." He whispered into her stomach. "You died...I was alone."

Her heart broke to hear his soft confession. "I know Inuyasha, I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. But, I'm here now, and I don't plan on going anywhere for a long time."

He lifted his head and her eyes filled with tears at the look on his face. He looked so beaten and she wished she could take away his pain.

"When Miroku told me you were really gone, Kagome...I had never felt so lost in my entire life. I just ran. I couldn't escape the pain and just wanted it to go away." He brought her closer as he watched her tears fall. "Even now, I'm afraid if I close my eyes, you'll disappear. What if this is all a dream? What if you really are dead and my mind is fucking with me? I'm afraid to fall asleep and wake up to you being gone."

She grabbed his face and lifted it to hers. Softly kissing him. "It's not a dream Inuyasha. I'm here I promise." She leaned over and kissed him again.

She knew what he needed, and she wouldn't hesitate this time to give it to him.

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Sorry to cut it off here, but just a warning, lemony goodness is coming up in the next chapter! If you don't want to read it don't worry! I'll put warnings before and after so you can skip it!