Chapter 12: Always

"After all this time?"

"Always."

-J.K. Rowling

Inuyasha had woken to an empty bed that morning, Kagome's side now cold under his arm.

He cursed, mentally, because even sober he mourned the feeling of that nightgown under his hands, the fit of her body against his. A rational part of his brain had been worried last night, just before he'd submitted to the clutches of a deep sleep, that he'd wake up in the morning and be overwhelmed by Kagome's close presence. Inuyasha knew, if he was being honest, that if he had absolute assurance that he would not lose control of himself at any point, he would sleep next to Kagome every night. It was in his nature, the pack demon mindset always pushing him to keep a physical closeness to his family and loved ones. It was probably why, now that he was thinking about it, he seemed to sleep better at her apartment than his. It was the knowledge that she was there, safe, close enough that he could protect her from anything that calmed him into such a state of relaxation.

His mattress in his apartment was permeated with her scent, something Inuyasha had theorized happening months ago. It had been enough to drive him insane, while also giving him the best sleep he'd ever gotten in that apartment. He'd wake up some mornings and have to fight against the demon's raging voice inside him to go find Kagome and just get it over with, dammit. It was that notion, that thought that driven him to maintain a safe distance from her.

But now, as he laid in Kagome's bed, thoroughly covered in both their scents, his demon was the quietest it had been since he'd seen her almost a year ago in that ridiculous club. Instead of wanting to get up and rip that satin nightgown off of her, he wanted to drag her back to bed and hold her close, the same desire he'd held the night before when he was human. It opened a door he didn't realize could be opened, and his mind was whirring with how to get this to become their normal, how he could make sure, in his primal instinct, that she was as covered in his scent as he could have her without losing control, without ruining the status quo they'd reached. Not that his actions, or rather his words, last night didn't almost do that, anyway.

But he couldn't think about that right now, not when Kagome was missing from his side, not when his nose had just picked up the sharp bite of her tears from the bathroom, the softest sniffles making his ears twitch towards the noise.

Inuyasha pulled himself out of the bed, shoving the covers aside and making it to the door in two bounds, his knuckles tapping on it gently.

"Kagome? Are you okay?" He had almost expected her to yell at him to go away, but instead the door unlatched and popped open a bit, which he took as an invitation.

She was sitting on the edge of the tub there, still in her nightgown, dabbing away at her eyes. Even though he knew they were alone in the apartment, he gently shut the door behind him before kneeling in front of her, pulling her hands away from her face.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" It was a whisper as he wiped her tears away for her, trying to think if he had done something to warrant this but coming up short.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." She appeared to be examining the tile grout instead of meeting his eyes, which frustrated him.

"You didn't. I just woke up alone and heard you in here." He tried to say it in a way that wasn't evident about how disappointed he'd been at that, and luckily Kagome didn't seem to catch it in his voice.

"I just…." Kagome sighed and tucked a few strands of hair that had escaped her loose braid back behind her ear. "I was thinking about seeing everyone today and then I started thinking about everyone I won't be able to see again and it just…some days are harder than others. I don't know how else to say that." She still didn't meet his gaze, and he pulled her chin up so he could get a good look into her eyes to know how bad this really was.

She was telling the truth, he realized, her eyes just still the same warm brown as she looked at him, still clear and happy despite the tears falling from them. He'd been worried they would be clouded with the pressing darkness of depression, but they weren't. Inuyasha was overwhelmingly proud of Kagome. She'd endured so much loss and pain all at once and still found the strength within her to value her life. He hadn't had the same resolve, hadn't had the same willpower.

Kagome was a rare woman, indeed.

"Hey," he said it softly, not wanting to break the intimacy of that moment. "It's normal, to still hurt sometimes. I would be worried if you didn't." A few wayward tears fell down her cheeks still, and he couldn't help but to pull her against him, his hands automatically rubbing soothing circles on her back.

"We can stay here, if you don't feel up to going today. It might be too much right now. Maybe have some breakfast in bed…"

"No," Kagome sighed again, puling back from him. "I want to go. I want to see everyone."

"I want whatever you want. Just say the word."

"Oh, good, I was thinking a diamond encrusted Lamborghini would be a great Christmas gift."

Inuyasha had laughed hard at that one, before tugging Kagome back in for another hug.

It didn't take long, however, for him to realize that the nightgown she was wearing was everything his human self had hoped it would be. Backless, two thin straps crossing over the expanse of her skin there, the skirt of it starting in a v over her bottom. The cups of the very low-cut garment were completely covered in the same lace that had accented the robe she'd worn with it, though he thanked whoever was listening that they were lined with another opaque material that maintained her modesty. The set, as well as several others, had been a gift from her mother recently, Inuyasha remembered. Kagome had ranted on the phone to him about it, but he was glad she'd given into wearing them. He was also debating sending her mother a thank you note, his demon almost purring as he appreciated the woman wrapped around him.

She hadn't known that he would have seen her in it, probably, so it's not like she was parading around for him. And it wasn't like she bought this for the sole purpose of showing him. Not that she should be buying lingerie with the intent of him seeing it, he thought, because then that would be a problem. Almost as much as a problem as the current predicament he found himself in, wearing only his briefs and being acutely aware of the sudden state of undress Kagome was in as well.

Knowing it'd be impossible to hide any reaction from her, Inuyasha decided to end the contact before it became detrimental to the newfound control he'd gained, carefully extracting his body from her arms before excusing himself to get ready for their day.

It was when he was in the guest room that he realized just how early it was, his phone waking at his touch to read 6:45am at him. They had plenty of time, he decided, to laze around a bit before they had to leave. So, he called Rin, making sure she knew Kagome was coming before extending the same courtesy to Shippo. Rin would tell her children, he knew that, but he sent Tensho a text anyway, trusting his most sensible kin to ensure no one would do anything ridiculous. It also served another purpose, which was to clue Daichi in to the delicate state of Kagome's emotions today, his abhorrence of their relationship not lost on Inuyasha.

Not that they had a relationship, really, but Inuyasha knew Daichi couldn't understand where they stood, wouldn't know what it felt like to be living the reality they found themselves in. Neither had thought, at some point, that they'd ever see the other again. People, everyday people, spent years wishing to have just a moment with the loved ones they'd lost, just one more day, one more meal, one more kiss. They would be doing the world an injustice if they ignored that, something Kagome had been talking about just a few nights ago at dinner. It was why she was so sure her mother would be fine, when Kagome eventually explained their continued association to her. She'd often thought the same things of Kagome's father, wishing to have had one more day with her husband.

Inuyasha wouldn't be able to stop himself from pursuing a life with Kagome, not when his heart had ached for her presence for so long. The same was true for Kagome, who had vehemently declared, on that same occasion earlier that week, that it didn't matter what anyone thought because they weren't the ones who were truly affected by it. You don't just look at someone who you had perceived, previously, to be gone forever and feel nothing.

In fact, Inuyasha thought as he forced himself to finally get dressed after his shower, he felt many things when he looked at Kagome, the foremost being that overwhelming sense of relief, like coming home after a long journey. It was that notion that had him realizing he had a lot to think on regarding the sweet young woman just across the apartment. He pushed it aside, for now, into the growing heap of "what does this mean," that had accumulated in his head.

Inuyasha decided he needed to make sure Kagome was dressing appropriately for the weather. It was a common issue, her clothing always looking great on her but never warm enough. Usually, he'd either just put his arm around her, bringing her to his side and into his body heat, or she'd take one of his arms hostage, wrapping her own around it as if she were a young child and needed his protection. He preferred that, honestly, never complained about having her so intimately pressed to him, but it would be heavily scrutinized today.

So, he crossed the living room, dressed only in his jeans and socks, hair still wet around his shoulders. He didn't bother to knock, just pushed into her room as if it were his space, surprised to find Kagome standing only in a long bathrobe as she debated between two dresses, hair and makeup already done. They were both inappropriate, he realized instantly, more suited for an early fall day.

"Do you have something warmer you can wear? Those might be just a little too thin." Kagome didn't even seem startled by his presence, merely peering up at him as she stood over her bed where she'd laid the garments down.

"Feel free to explore." She waved towards her open closet, and Inuyasha didn't hesitate to go in and try to find something woolen, preferably. "I don't know how cold it's supposed to be today."

He'd gotten his hands on something black and finely knit, but he couldn't decide if it was a long shirt or a short dress, so he stuck his head back out of the closet to grab her attention but was instantly caught off guard by her startled gasp.

"Oh wow! It snowed!" She looked back him from where she was standing at her window, having just drawn up the shade there. He joined her in just a few steps, eyes catching some still falling flurries that were meeting their brothers and sisters in heaps to blanket the earth and everything around it.

"Okay, definitely need something warmer then." He could feel the cold permeating through the window, and casually remembered that Kagome had mentioned it might snow yesterday. It wasn't supposed to stick, and Inuyasha had figured as much. Though, the sky looked like they were in for more than what they had already, and suddenly he wondered if they shouldn't check the weather report again before leaving.

A quick search on his phone confirmed his suspicions that the area was expecting record snowfall over the next week, a mega winter storm having formed since Kagome last checked the reports that was causing the schools to cancel classes and nonessential businesses to close preemptively. He'd have to check with Sesshomaru on that, he realized, because they'd certainly need to tell their employees soon if they'd have to come in tomorrow or not.

"Oh, I guess my work's been preemptively cancelled for tomorrow," Kagome said it as she scrolled through something on her phone. "Do you think it's actually going to be as bad as they're saying?"

"I'm not sure, if I'm being honest. But, that doesn't get us out of going to brunch, I'm afraid. Not a very good excuse with this family. I could run us there faster than we could drive, and they'd expect it." He winked playfully at her before turning back to the problem at hand, which was the fact that Kagome owned almost nothing he thought would protect from this cold front, moving back into the closet as he continued talking.

"From what the report says we should be fine today, but maybe we should pack overnight bags just in case. That way if it's picking up when we get back you can just stay at my apartment, no big deal." He paused a moment, suddenly remembering that Kagome had a family here, too. And maybe, despite his utter desire to be around her all the time, she might want to be with her family in the event of the storm. When he'd voiced his concern, Kagome had cut him off almost immediately, assuaging his fears quickly, a short "don't be ridiculous," resolving the issue.

Kagome ended up joining him in the closet shortly after, and together they were able to find an outfit so layered she would probably sweat before she got cold. Fleece lined leggings, a pleated wool mini skirt, a turtle neck, a thick cardigan, and long, thick socks all topped off with rainboots, a long wool coat and a hat, scarf and glove set that seemed the warmest to Inuyasha.

He left to her to get finished up after she'd grabbed some more warm outfits to throw in a duffel, reminding her to pack some pajamas and any toiletries she might need as well before going back to do the same himself. It'd be smart for them to both have a bag of warm clothing to change into with the thick layer of snow on the ground. He was sure, as was the norm, that the snow would be worse in the mountains where they were headed. Inuyasha, for one, didn't like having to wear soggy clothing if he could avoid it, his mind already anticipating some relative of starting a snow fight later this afternoon.

Soon enough, they'd trudged through the still falling snow to his building just fine, Kagome faring slightly better in the layers than she had the day before. It taken him maybe ten minutes to grab the last few things he'd needed before they were in his car and on the way to the family home, Inuyasha and Kagome sitting in a comfortable silence until they'd pulled into the gates of the familiar drive way.

"Woah. I don't know what I was expecting, but this is beautiful." Kagome, upon inspection, was looking up at the home with an expression of awe that gave Inuyasha a small smile.

It was a nice home, he decided, but much too large. It was one that had been Sesshomaru's forever, very traditional and situated in the mountains to create as much of a natural privacy as possible. They'd all lived there, once, not too long ago, the home large enough that even today each family had their own wing at their disposal when they were there.

He'd have to take her to his wing, he decided then, and show her some of the things he'd collected there over the years. His fire rat and his sword were kept here, as well as the kotodama, all things that would probably make Kagome very happy to see.

"I love traditional homes." She sighed the words out, her eyes softening with the statement.

"This is of an estate than a home, I would say. Do you want to see if Rin would show you around? She loves doing that kind thing." He was contemplating it already, thinking that they still had a couple of hours until brunch would be served. They'd left earlier than they'd originally planned on the pretense of the weather slowing traffic down but meeting none, arriving at the home around 9 am for the 11:30 time Rin had given him for brunch. It gave him time, he realized, to make sure everyone wouldn't bombard her at once, to kind of cycle them through in a way that didn't overwhelm her.

He could show her his wing after, he supposed, in the event she needed the privacy to recuperate before the meal.

"Really? I'd like that."

"I don't see why not. We'll go in through the kitchens, then, that's where she'll be."

Daichi watched as Shippo ripped his tie from his neck, ruining the silk with the force he'd used to remove it. The fox's hands were shaking with an emotion that the younger demon could not pinpoint, though he recognized it as the same one that was driving the man's green eyes wide with panic.

"It's just Kagome, you know." They were the same words he'd been saying to anyone who dared to even seem affected by the impending guest, disgust laced with disinterest in an odd combination that reminded him of his grandfather.

He'd said it to his mother that morning, when she worried over if the canary yellow blouse was too bold for a true first impression on the girl. A steely glare from his father with a command to not repeat that if he valued his life drove him to leave his parent's wing at the grand family home to venture to his grandparent's main branch in search of more of his relatives.

He'd said it to his Aunt Misana when she'd arrived with her mate and his parents just a few moments after he had, the four having been worried about if they were going to overwhelm the poor girl if they were too close to the entrance when she arrived. Aunt Misana's father in law had looked at him with an icy blue sharpness that threatened his life when he'd said it, and he knew, from the man's fights with his Uncle Yash, that he couldn't take him if he tried. So, Daichi had retreated, very quickly, out of the man's sight and into the kitchens where he knew his grandmother would be.

He'd found her to be fretting over what had been prepared, not having known for sure if Kagome was going to be there or not until that morning, something she'd repeatedly been cursing Uncle Yash for. Her concern, it seemed, was if what had been prepared was too much. Grandmother Rin was constantly tasting a dish and debating if Kagome's very traditional Japanese palate would be able to enjoy it, something Daichi had rolled his eyes to and repeated his same mantra. It was just Kagome. She'd eat anything that resembled breakfast food. His grandmother was terrifying, waving a knife at him as she pushed him out of the kitchen, warning him that today was not the day to make a big deal out of his distaste for the situation.

His grandfather had met him in the hallway, wearing the same expression his father had when he'd last seen him. His Uncle Tenzin was at the family head's shoulder, settling his nephew with a look that screamed 'give it a rest.' Clearly, they'd overheard the commotion in the kitchen. Daichi didn't need to be told to find somewhere else to be, quickly taking the stairs up the library where he had found Shippo in front of a large mirror.

"Daichi," the old fox gave up on tying another tie around his neck, his hands still too shaky to form a knot that looked like anyone else other than a child had done it. "Would you take your brooding elsewhere?"

"What? It's the truth." Green eyes hardened as they peered at him through the mirror before the fox whirled around on him.

"Listen, kid, I get you're upset by this. But have you stopped to just think for a second what she means to any of us, and what we, hopefully, still mean to her?" No, he damn well hadn't because his best friend was, in his entire family's eyes, supposed to go off and have hot passionate sex with his great uncle and would forever belong to that old geezer.

Daichi couldn't say that, though, not to Shippo. Not while so many with sharp ears were in this house. He'd had his life threatened at least three or four times that morning alone.

"I don't really see how her relationship with any of you is as important as it with Uncle Yash. She's supposedly his mate, after all." That was the statement Daichi had chosen to say, one he perceived to be safer than the others his brain was creating for him.

He was wrong. Shippo looked like he wanted to hit him or throw him out of the nearby window but instead the fox clenched his hands at his sides. Shippo, unlike the rest of his family, was barely average height, something most foxes never reached in their lifetimes, a testament to how old he was. He, like everyone else, had dropped his glamor as soon as he'd entered the home. He had a fox tail and fox feet, though they were well hidden under his navy suit, eyes still decidedly feline from where Daichi was standing.

"Listen good, kid, because I'm only going to say this once. I, more than anyone else, can tell you what she means to your Uncle Yash, trust me. I was there to watch it happen, I even pushed them together most of time. But when I think about my mother, I see Kagome. I see the way she rocked me to sleep and wiped away my tears, the way she protected me when she was the one who needed to be protected. Do not, for one second, think that she is 'just Kagome.' Do you understand me?" His eyes had narrowed dangerously, but Daichi was well over this notion that they needed to cater to her emotions.

"What? So, we're just supposed to welcome her with open arms after you all have suffered centuries without her?" He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, reclining against the door frame.

"We've suffered? She lost more than any of us can fathom. Do you know how many friends she had in the feudal era, how many people she looked forward to seeing and visiting with that she never even got to say goodbye to? She loved them, you idiot. We've had centuries to mourn their deaths, but her? It's still fresh. She's spent years thinking we were all dead, all of us. She lost everyone all at once, and none of us can even pretend to comprehend that. To think, that now she's having to dig up all of that pain just to meet us again…"

Shippo trailed off and pushed beyond him to head back downstairs, pausing at the top of the stairs to say one last thing.

"Here you are, acting like a child who had their favorite toy taken by your uncle. But, for one second, have you even considered Kagome's emotions, how relieved she must have felt to see Inuyasha alive? You don't know, kid, you have no idea what it's like to lose someone, especially someone you love. And if there's one thing I know, it's that Kagome loved your uncle with everything she had."

Shippo disappeared down the stairs and Daichi was left there to harrumph and sulk in the quiet of the library, choosing to sit at the window that over looked the driveway and try to work through his anger.

Inuyasha was right, Rin was in the kitchen when they'd gotten in.

He'd parked them in a large garage behind the home, several other cars already parked neatly there, and they took a covered footbridge from there. Inuyasha had both of their bags over one shoulder, his hand on that side grabbing the straps of both duffels to keep them from falling off. He'd decided in the car to bring them in with them, saying it was just in case they needed to change, suggesting they might go for a walk later in the gardens and could need something not covered in snow.

But Kagome wasn't foolish, she saw the way he'd eyed the roads, noticed how he'd slowed down more and more as they got further into the mountains. She herself could tell the snow fall was picking up quite a bit, the temperature gauge in the car having dropped a few degrees on their drive alone. He didn't want to worry her, she knew that, but Kagome realized what was happening.

There was, suddenly, a fair chance they would be staying there that night, the roads already becoming to hazardous to drive for many. It was too cold for Inuyasha to just carry them back, too, though the thought appealed to her. They hadn't done that since the feudal era. But, his hand on her lower back, guiding her was the warmest thing on her body in that moment, even through the ridiculous amount of clothing he'd made her wear. She'd freeze if he were to run them home.

It was reassuring, his hand on her back, a reminder that he was there if she needed him as they entered the home through a back door, carefully removing their shoes as they did so before Inuyasha grabbed them to rest in the same hand holding the bags. There was a shoji screen in front of them, and Inuyasha carefully peeked in before opening it wide enough for the both of them to walk through, his free hand coming back to guide her towards the one corner of the very busy kitchen gently.

Rin looked so lovely, Kagome thought, carefully tasting what looked like a mint jelly, her brown eyes widening when she took in the sight of them both. She looked barely older than thirty, still youthful with the same expressive eyes Kagome had always associated her with, a cute butterfly apron over what looked like a purple turtle neck and a light grey pencil skirt.

"Kagome, Inuyasha, hi! I didn't know you'd come in." She quickly wiped her hands on a nearby kitchen towel before walking towards them and eyeing the things Inuyasha had on his person. "Planning to stay awhile?"

"Hi, Rin," Inuyasha said it as he kissed her cheek. "Have you seen the weather? I figured it'd be easier to have extra clothes just in case we end up going outside."

Rin nodded in understanding at his words before turning her attention back to Kagome.

"It is so good to see you, Kagome. I'm sorry we couldn't talk better the last time." She clasped both of Kagome's hands in her own. "Everyone is so very excited to see you."

"About that," Inuyasha cut in, "I was hoping you'd give Kagome the grand tour before she sees anyone. It'll give me some time to make sure she has the space she needs."

"Not so much space," Kagome interjected, "but as much privacy as can be afforded, I suppose." She sheepishly looked a Rin.

"Oh, absolutely! I would love to do that, but first, can you taste this for me? I don't want to serve something you don't like." Rin moved back to grab a little spoon of the jelly, but Kagome stopped her.

"If that's mint jelly, I'll pass. It's not that I don't like it, per say, it's more that I uh…well, quite frankly, I got ill the last time I'd had it from too much drinking and I don't want to eat it again." Kagome didn't want to paint herself as something she wasn't, especially when Daichi was here somewhere and would quickly correct that thought.

"You've got to be kidding me, Kagome." It was Inuyasha who said it, one eyebrow raised in her direction.

"What? I was in Paris for a summer internship and accidentally had too much wine." She shrugged, nonchalant. Things happened like that, she supposed, when you're having fun. It'd really only been one glass too many, the rocking of the little boat they were on in the Seine having done the bulk of the work.

"Why would you do an internship in Paris?" Kagome wanted to retort that she heard France was the place to find a good spouse but didn't know how well Inuyasha would take her jesting with him like that in front of other people, so she opted for the truth.

"Because I was an art minor and speak French fluently. Where better to go for art that Paris? Plus, an art professor from school was going anyway." She blinked at him like it was the most obvious thing in the world, a hint that Hiro had been the one who'd pushed for her to take it without having to say it out loud. He didn't seem to care, still miffed that she'd chosen Paris.

"Really? Rome, for starters. You don't even like French food." Kagome was about to retort that she just didn't like ratatouille but was cut off.

"Okay!" It was Rin who said it, clapping her hands together. "You two could clearly go on all day. Kagome," she stuck her hand out, grabbing the younger girl's, "let's get a move on. I have so much to talk to you about."

Kagome nodded and moved to stand beside Rin, but Inuyasha's hand on her stopped her.

"I'll take that coat," and at his words Kagome immediately remembered she still had it on, carefully undoing the belt and buttons before shrugging out of it and helping Inuyasha toss it over one of the duffle bags, her scarf joining it and her gloves and hat going into the pockets of a bag. "Do you have your phone on you?" Kagome nodded, feeling for the pockets in her pleated skirt to verify that. "Good. Kagome, you call me if you need me, got it?"

"Good old-fashioned yelling your name too good for you now?" She meant it in jest, and Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "I'll be fine, sugar." It was a whispered reprimand as Kagome kissed his cheek, a reminder that he was being too pushy with her, the sugar daddy incident still serving as a reminder that over protective behavior (i.e. ordering a new security system or her entire grocery needs) was not okay.

Rin hadn't heard the exchange and had looped her arm with Kagome's as Inuyasha had excused himself to go deposit their things somewhere. As soon as Rin guided her to another back corner of the kitchen, they exited through another screen door that lead to a walkway.

"We'll start in the back," Rin declared, "so Yash has time to do what he needs." They took the covered walkway back two wings before Rin suddenly stopped and pulled Kagome into a hug.

"I am just so happy to see you, Kagome. It has been such a long time. I could have killed him when I saw you, none of us had any clue you'd even been born yet." Kagome immediately hugged Rin back.

"I was shocked, too. Thought I was going crazy for a second. I'd love to hear the story about you and Sesshomaru. I'm assuming there's an 'I told you so' somewhere in there." Rin pulled back away from Kagome with a laugh.

"Oh, absolutely. You know, he didn't want to admit I was his mate for years? So stubborn."

It was with that that Kagome and Rin began the slow walking tour of the large home-estate was more correct, Kagome mused- intermixed with Rin's retelling of her life with Sesshomaru and Kagome interjecting with her comments as it was appropriate. It was when they were finally approaching the main house again that Rin pulled them to a stop.

"Has he told you? About her?" It was whispered, and vague, but Kagome knew what she was talking about.

Sophie.

"Yes." Rin's eyes widened minutely before she got even closer to Kagome.

"And you're…you're okay with that? If Sess had…" Rin trailed off, but Kagome understood what she was saying.

"Why wouldn't I be okay with it?" Kagome didn't know Rin well enough to share her emotions on the matter, mainly because Inuyasha was still such a personal topic for her that he was the only person she wanted to talk to him about, well, him.

"Because," Rin began, "he's meant to be with you." She looked at Kagome like it was the one truth in the world, like she couldn't expect Kagome to believe otherwise.

"Maybe, maybe not. But I do know, for that short time, he was meant to be with her." Kagome shrugged, not truly bothered by the idea.

"I'm just surprised he told you and you're still here, still with him for all intents and purposes." Rin seemed like she meant it to not be an insult or an attack, and so Kagome was unbothered by it.

"I'm Kagome, and he's Inuyasha. What more do you expect? You can't teach an old dog new tricks and Inuyasha is so very old." Kagome grinned with her joke and was rewarded with Rin laughing good naturedly. Only, Rin stopped abruptly and looked over Kagome's shoulder. Kagome had sensed him coming, his aura more familiar than anything else in the world to her.

"I heard that." Kagome turned her head to find Inuyasha casually leaning against the post of the walkway.

"Oh good," she said before crossing the distance to stop just before him, purposefully speaking a little louder than necessary "now I don't need to take you to that hearing aid convention, grandpa, isn't that great?"

"Young people," he started, reaching out to grab Kagome's hand, pulling her to his side without moving. "No respect for your elders." He looked back over at Rin then, nodding. "I'll take over from here, Rin. Thank you for your help."

Rin was still snickering when Inuyasha pulled Kagome into the main house, waving at Kagome when she turned around, mouthing a 'talk more later?' her way. Kagome nodded, suddenly looking forward to spending more time with the much more mature Rin.

"I know," Inuyasha began softly as he led her up some stairs, "that you would like some privacy, and this is the most private room in the house." He opened the sliding door to a room then, and Kagome was surprised to see that it was a library, rows and rows of bookcases and tables and arm chairs inviting her in to stay and get comfortable.

"Oh wow," Kagome sighed, "this is lovely. You could really get lost in here." She made her way to the nearest bookcase, the bibliophile in her suddenly curious to see what great texts she could peruse, but Inuyasha steered her back further into the room.

"Not right now, but maybe later." He was intimately close to her, his words barely audible against her ear. She knew it was by design, knew that he was trying to keep their conversations as private as possible, but his breath on her ear still brought a shiver down her spine. "There's someone who really wants to see you."

It was then that Kagome saw the man in the navy suit sitting in the far corner, his red hair causing her to slow down and Inuyasha to bump into her.

"You okay? Do you need me to stay?" Kagome turned and looked up at him, suddenly aware that green eyes were trained on her back, her heart racing.

"I'm okay. Are you going to be too far away?" He'd shaken his head to say no with her words.

"I'll go grab the three of us something to drink, it won't take me long." Kagome noddle with a gentle smile before watching him walk away, waiting only a moment more before turning back around and crossing the broad sitting area to where the man she'd known as a young child was now standing waiting for her, his hands nervously wringing in front of him.

Kagome was nervous, too. He wasn't a young child anymore, wasn't easily persuaded with candy or by cute girls to be happy. He'd matured without her, a stranger she had no idea how to approach, but her still broken heart was already aching for her to embrace him.

Her sweet little Shippo.

She'd missed him so much, had mourned the loss of not getting to watch him grow up, had wished to feel his little form curl up next to her again just one more time. He'd been her constant companion, in the feudal era, for the most part. He was one of her dearest friends, someone no one could ever replace. He'd reminded her so much of Souta back then, and while she'd seem him as a little brother at first, it had morphed into something so different. This man, even now, was the closest thing to having a child that she'd ever really had, her heart still feeling the love for him that her mother had shown for her so often.

As she got closer and could see the green of his eyes, she felt tears stinging at her own.

She never thought this would happen, never thought she'd get to see what he'd look like all grown up, standing at her height across from her.

"You're so handsome, Shippo." The words escaped her before she'd even realized it, and they kept pouring out. "Look at the fine man you've become." She choked on the last syllable, a sob almost spilling out, her hand coming up to her mouth to catch it as she halted her steps. "I'm so sorry," she said, "I'm such a mess today. Please forgive me."

Arms, surprisingly strong arms, wrapped around her, tucking her head to a shoulder that was unfamiliar, but she was surrounded by a smell that only made her eyes tear up more. Grass and fire. Shippo.

"I never thought I'd see you again." His voice was still familiar, even as it was so much deeper. Kagome wanted to hear him speak again, relief swimming in her heart to be so close to her little fox again.

"I know. I'm so sorry, Shippo, that I missed you growing up, that I wasn't there. I regret it so much." His arms tightened around her as she cried a little harder, finally giving way to the waves of emotion that were ravaging her.

"I can't believe, for one second, that any of this was your fault. Don't blame yourself. We just get a fresh start is all."

They stayed like for a while until her tears abated to a gentle stream. It was then that Kagome heard someone yelling in the hallway outside the library, Kagome recognizing the tone of Daichi's voice and the feel of Inuyasha's aura just beyond the door.

"Is Daichi really that upset?" She whispered it to Shippo, hoping the cacophony would just stop.

"Yes," he sighed as he pulled back, glaring in that direction. "I'll go talk to him, Inuyasha shouldn't have to deal with this today."

Before he could even take a step, the door flung open to reveal a very angry quarter demon staring down the two of them.

Only to stop at the sight of Kagome's face, his eyes darting back and forth between her own and Shippo's as Inuyasha walked in behind him, his hand clapping down on the younger man's shoulder.

"Like I said, now is not a good time, pup." Kagome didn't even look at Inuyasha, her eyes trained on Daichi's as he seemed to be searching her for something.

"It's fine. What do you need, Daichi?" The room shifted then, all of the attention on the youngest in attendance.

"I…uh…" He looked at the floor, stuttering.

"Yes?" She wiped her cheeks of residual tears carefully, taking in his unmasked image.

He looked mostly like he did in his human form, except for his hair color now being the same silver as everyone else is his family. The furry ears peeking out where his normal ones were a change also, very different from how Inuyasha's sat on the top of his head. He was, to her surprise, very scared all of a sudden, but nonetheless he seemed to push on with what he had decided to say.

"You're my best friend, Kagome, I should be the one telling uncle to leave you alone. This isn't fair."

"I don't understand what you mean, Daichi. Why would Inuyasha need to leave me alone?"

"Because you need…time. You don't belong to uncle, Kagome, you're my best friend. I should be the one helping you through this." Daichi didn't look angry, was no longer yelling, but his words sparked a little anger in her.

"I don't belong to anyone. Let's start there." Kagome narrowed her eyes with the statement, even though she was sure she didn't look the least bit intimidating with red eyes and probably shiny tear trails still on her cheeks.

"It isn't fair that you've just…Kagome, you spend all of this time with him and you rely on him and I'm just…." He sighed it, like it wasn't quite what he wanted to say but he couldn't find the right words.

"You're upset because I'm closer with Yash than I am with you?" Kagome didn't know what to say to that, but she knew it was the truth.

"He's my great uncle." He choked the words out like they should mean something, but they didn't. Not to her. Still Daichi seemed so confused, so afraid, like he wasn't even sure what he was feeling and what

"And that changes nothing for me." Kagome nodded her head with the words, sure of the statement. Inuyasha had been her Inuyasha long before he was Daichi's great uncle. Neither of them could have anticipated this happening all those years ago.

"I can smell him all over you, Kagome!" He looked like it was relief to finally say it, like that was what he was trying to get off of his chest this entire time.

"Good." Kagome bit the word out, not caring what Daichi thought of that, or anyone else for that matter.

But the way Inuyasha and Shippo both abruptly darted their eyes to her made her wonder if she should have said something else, if maybe her statement meant more to them than it did to her.

"Back then, you loved him?" It was a whisper, but his words had Inuyasha glaring at the side of his head, his jaw clenching in restrained anger.

"Yes." Kagome had nothing to hide from anyone in this room, anyone in this house.

"Do you love him still?" Daichi was staring at her like he wished she would tell him no.

But that wasn't the truth.

"Always."

He breathed deeply, staring at the floor, contemplating.

"I tried to tell you, kid." It was Shippo at her shoulder. "I tried to tell you, but you didn't want to listen."

"Kagome," Daichi spoke up again, ignoring the fox, "I need to know, are you in love with my uncle?"

"Daichi!" It was Inuyasha who spoke, the snap in his tone indicating the depth of his anger.

"It's fine, Inuyasha." Kagome studied Daichi as she quickly decided what to say. Kagome felt her hanyou's eyes on her, and kami did she just want to be next to him right now, but she forced herself to stay where she was. "You don't get to know the answer to that question, Daichi. It's up to Yash what you do and do not know about us."

"And what then," Daichi began, looking back towards Inuyasha, "are you going to tell me you don't want me to know either?"

"Absolutely." He stared down the younger demon. "You see me as your uncle, Daichi, and only as your uncle, but I met Kagome long before you were ever a possibility. You need to start respecting that history and our continued affiliation as well. You will not talk to her this way again without punishment." His eyes were on her then, and she saw them soften as he assessed her. "I think," Inuyasha began cautiously, "that you should take a walk before brunch, Daichi. Maybe it'll help clear your mind." He didn't give him much of a choice, nodding to Shippo who placed a soft kiss on Kagome's cheek before removing Daichi from the room, the door shutting behind them to give her and Inuyasha privacy.

"Is it too late to retract my earlier refusal and somehow convince you to make me breakfast in bed?" It was meant as a joke, but Kagome realized she was serious as she looked down at the carpet, studying the oriental rug's pattern, wishing to just rewind and never have detangled herself from the man across from her that morning.

"I can't believe it," Inuyasha was there suddenly, looking down at her, "one night and you're already trying to entice me back to bed." He wrapped his arms around her with his words, pressing a soft kiss to her temple.

"When you look as good as you do? Always." She felt the rumble of his laughter in his chest and sighed contentedly. "It's easier when it's just us."

"It's always easier when it's just us." Inuyasha agreed. "But if I kept you all to myself you'd complain."

"Not true," she refuted, "I'm starting to think that might be a good idea, actually. We could run now rather than later. I hear Australia is nice this time of year."

He sighed before moving them to the window nearby, leaning against the frame and settling her against him as they watched the falling snow.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I just…he's being so difficult."

"He is," Inuyasha agreed, "but he's a child."

"He's the same age as me."

"Yes, but you," he paused momentarily to press a kiss to forehead, "were forced to grow up at a very young age. He's never had to fight for anything in life and you had to fight for your life."

Kagome relaxed into his hold, acutely aware that this could be the last moment they had like this until the evening, siphoning some of his strength in preparation for the oncoming storm.

"It's funny," she began softly, "how much he's like you sometimes. You used to get that irrationally upset with me."

"That was before I knew how stupid it is to be anything but happy with you." He pushed her hair out of her face then, carefully examining her. "He's going to assume we're together."

"Let him. It doesn't change anything. Everyone else here thinks the same." She shrugged. Kagome hadn't known what Inuyasha had meant when he'd tried to explain it before, but now she did. The way Rin had acted, the way Daichi had made it seem like they could only be nothing or together romantically, there was no in between. Everyone in this house thoroughly believed that as soon as they reunited they were supposed to be together, together, the glaring exception being the two that were concerned.

"You're okay with that? With being labeled as mine in that way?" He seemed surprised by it, his words a whisper for privacy again.

Kagome leaned back and appraised him, trying to figure out what he was thinking but coming up short.

"Yes." She put the serious truth first but wanted to lighten the mood, carefully looking at him through her lashes as she said the next part flirtatiously. "Besides, I hear the wolf was unfortunately snatched up in my inattention."

Inuyasha let out bark of laughter before looking at her again, hands coming up to her face to double check she was better.

"Keep talking like that and I might think you want to tie me down before I'm snatched up too, sweetheart."

"Tie you down, tie you up, have you tie me up. Whichever, really. Any will do." Kagome grinned teasingly at Inuyasha, feeling a little more up to venturing back into the world of the living outside the library door.

"Cheeky, cheeky, wench." He was laughing, his body shaking underneath hers in a way that made Kagome so very happy.

It was easy, with him, to just feel safe, and secure and to not give a damn what anyone thought. He was worth it; these moments were worth every awkward one she had to endure because of them.

"Thank you, Inuyasha." He looked caught off guard by her words, so she continued. "For loving me."

He looked like she'd knocked the breath out of him, and he stared at her for a moment before responding.

"I should be the one thanking you, Kagome." Kagome felt an approaching aura, and Inuyasha must have too because he moved to pull away from her. However, longing for just a little more, she caught the front of his shirt in her hands and held him there, bringing their foreheads together. No one would bother them, not after what had just happened, anyway.

Or so she thought.

The sliding door opening forced both of them to look up and find Tensho standing there, but the hold Inuyasha had on her only tightened, even though he'd made to pull away from her only seconds ago. She realized he must have been pulling away for her sake, then, worried his family would think too much of them. It made her stomach flip flop to realize this is what he was comfortable with, that he wanted this level of intimacy even in front of others, but Kagome wasn't sure why. It was probably the same reason why her heart fluttered when he leaned down a moment later and pressed a long kiss to her cheek as Tensho studied them, it taking a moment to realize he'd come in the room for a reason.

"Forgive me, uncle, Kagome, for my son's most audacious outburst earlier and for my intrusion now. Mother wants to offer to send you brunch to your usual quarters, since my child is being such a little shit."

Tensho, Kagome realized, was oddly like Sesshomaru, but with a nice dash of Inuyasha in there. She rather liked him already, she decided.

"That's not necessary," Kagome cut in. "He'll come around eventually. I just don't think he ever thought he'd have to share me."

"He didn't," Tensho readily agreed. "You were his first friend outside of the family and our friends. He was probably looking forward to having something to himself for once."

"He's spoiled by Rin," Inuyasha cut in. "He's not used to being told something he doesn't want to hear."

"He's hurting," Kagome redirected. "This is a big deal for him. But, it doesn't excuse his behavior. He's spent too much time with you, I think." Kagome poked Inuyasha playfully in the sternum.

"I agree, actually. His reaction is very reminiscent of how you were when I was very young, uncle." Kagome looked back over at Tensho with wide eyes, glad he'd made the same connection.

"I was just saying the same thing! It's weird, isn't it? Uncanny almost." Tensho nodded at her words, seeming unbothered with how she was still intimately held by Inuyasha.

"If you two are quite done discussing my shortcomings, I think we have other people to see." Inuyasha released Kagome then, but only long enough for her to start moving forward, his arm moving to wrap around her waist to guide her from the room as they followed Tensho down stairs.

A/N:

Hello all,

I do hope you've had a fantastic week. Thank you, everyone, for the follows, the favorites and the reviews. It has been, to be honest, as week filled of self-doubt and personal struggle here. I am appreciative of every one of you, of every positive thought, of every person still reading along. Last week's chapter was a bit of a risk for me, and I am still contemplating if I made some of the right choices. However, I feel good about this one, having taken quite some time today to go back in and tweak tings as necessary before deciding, in lieu of having someone else read it, that I was going to just go ahead and post it.

I do hope you enjoyed, but as always please let me know your thoughts in the reviews.

Until next time,