Wow, I am on a roll with these chapters! And I like to hank everyone who has reviewed and supported so far!

REMINDER: My poll closes tomorrow night so please vote now! WDBF should start within the next week or so. I'll keep you posted!

Now to Chapter 12's reviewers:

manga-animelove - I know, finally right? Well thanks so much and hope you enjoy this one!

SweetHunniiBunnii - Maybe not for a while, I still have to reorganize and revise the remaining chapters(7 to go!) Hope you like!

buttercup - The family drama, between stepfather and stepdaughter won't be until the near end. But in the meantime, I hope you continue to like!

DiscipleOfAnime - Thanks ever so much for the never-ending comments! I've gotten 5 chapters out within a few weeks, but it might slow down since WDBF is staring soon. But I will continue to update this!

InuEared Miko of Darkness - I agree, that does sound perfect! Thanks for liking this and hoping you continue to!

Rose-Aki - Your comments are greatly appreciated! Glad you're liking this so far!

3lue 3utterfly - Awe, thank you so much! I hope this continues to keep you interested!

Disclaimer: InuYasha, Kagome and co. aren't mine. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi and to her alone... (sighs). Yoshiro and the plot are still mine, however!

Chapter 13

The blaring of the home phone was what awoek the two sleeping teens after a very active night. Since she was on the side of the harsh ringing, Kagome mumbled and let her eyes open a crack to see what her arm was reaching for. The arms around her wiast prevented much movement but the artist managed to grab the phone and press the talk button before falling back on the sheets.

"Hello?"

"Finally! I'm been trying to reach you for two hours now!"

"Rin?" She covered her yawn before looking at the clock. It was only 8:30 in the morning. Her eyes closed and moaned in irritation. "Rin, why are you calling?"

"Isn't it obvious? Your cell was off and when we tried InuYasha's his was too. So I went for the home phone!" Her voice was overly chirpy but still had that concern laced in there. "Were you still sleeping?"

"Yes, we were." Kagome turned her head to see her hanyou shaking his head, eyes half open. "It's Rin." She whispered covering the mouth piece.

"I know, her high pitched voice gave it away." He mumbled irritably before deciding to use his girlfriend's bare shoulder as a pillow and started planting kisses on her neck.

"I heard that!" With a huff, she continued. "Anyway, how are you guys, you both okay?"

Rubbing her eyes of sleep, Kagome told her about her trek to InuYasha's, leaving out the majority of the crucial talk, only summarizing it briefly before she laughed and said they had a wonderful night.

"You don't need to spell it out. I can tell from the tone in your voice." With a happy squeal she added, "I am happy for both of you. I knew it would work out."

"Thanks Rin." Kagome had to bite her lip in order to keep from moaning. Her hanyou's hand was not sitting idle below the covers. And the temperature was quickly rising. "Have they found out yet?"

"I can tell you this, Oba is furious and Oji-san is not handling it any better. But I think Oba is more upset with how this all started causing you to leave in the middle of the night in the first place."

The younger teen nodded. "I figured. Anyway, Rin would you tell them something for me?

"Anything, Kaggie."

Closing her eyes, letting her heart settle with this decision and feeling her hanyou's breath against her face. She opened them to look up at him, since he now was above her. Smling before tracing his jaw line, Kagome said with finalty, "Tell them…that I decided to move in with InuYasha."

Although it was only temporary, at least for now, the artistic teen was firm with her choice. Even her boyfriend was midly shocked when she first announced it. But he agreed with her, and he was even more surprised when she said that this is what she wanted for now. Of course she was more than delighted to permanently make the move once she graduated. But for now, Kagome just wanted to get away from that house.

And she had to face her mother, because she of all people, deserved to know why. Her mother may have been reluctant and indifferent to her feelings at first, but she didn't want to hurt her. Her mother had said she wanted to at least make an effort to reconnect with her and with her boyfriend.

And the day after, she did just that.

Kagome sat down with her mother privately in her bedroom, where she would begin to pack. She explained to her that it wasn't just because of all the past chaos and hurtful words, that it wasn't because of her. She needed space, but Kagome also wanted assurance that her Okaa would support and trust her independence and decisions regarding her future, just like she always wanted her to ever since her father passed away. Masako listened and was amazed at how much she saw when she wasn't turning a blind eye. Her daughter was a mere teenager still in high school, but she was growing up and becoming more of a woman each passing day. And the mother in her realized that she had to set her loose, let her learn, support her down the road whatever she chose.

And what really had her in tears was the fact that she had changed since her first husband's death. Of course it pained her that her and Souta's father was no longer around, and had hoped that they would warm up to Yoshiro eventually and accept him. Souta was more lenient, he wanted some type of fatherly affection but was never really given it. And Kagome had also given him a chance before they were married, but Masako could see that she would never let anyone take the place of her deceased father. And her second husband was stubborn and so rash that she often thought why. And the daily fights between them tore her.

But now, Masako went up to embrace her daughter, with all the love and apology she had. It had taken almost 3 years, but the elder woman was going to start doing what she never should have stopped in the first place: to stand with her daughter and to have a long talk with her second husband. And as she shed tears for the past, she was also crying for the future. And feeling her daughter's tears she was alleviated that Kagome was too.

Masako actually helped with Kagome's temporary transition. She, along with Rin and Souta helped load the two suitcases and two boxes into Inuyasha's surprisingly spacy trunk and backseat. The mother in her cried at seeing her eldest move out, but it was only for around six months, until after the R.A.O.J competition in Tokyo. At fifteen, Kagome looked much like an adult, bound for a new course in life. Of course she wouldn't really cry until Kagome graduated from school and permanently moved in with her boyfriend. All she could do was stand back, and for once really watch how her daughter was around the boy who always made her laugh and smile.

And as she witnessed them share a beautiful kiss, it brought back memories about how Akio would embrace her like how InuYasha was holding Kagome, and the endless amount of love he put in each kiss. Watching them was like watching her own marriages.

Both were entirely different and she loved both her departed and her current husband equally. Nothing would ever change that. But this time she would strive to make it work with Yoshiro, and sit down to really discuss what his problems really were and why they drove him to arguments with her daughter. And then he really needed to sit down and talk it over with Kagome.

But only he would be able to decide if he was willing to and if he wanted to repair the already shaky relationship.

Walking up to her musume, she embraced the young woman before her, smoothing her hair back before looking up into the demonic eyes of the hanyou. The mother in her saw the uncertainty, the love, the passion he had for her daughter. Everything Kagome has said about him was true. There was nothing wrong with him. It was clear he'd let nothing happen to her.

And she'd been a fool to think he'd be otherwise, considering the age difference.

When she placed her hand on his shoulder, seeing the surprise light up his eyes, the wife and mother knew then that she could trust her daughter to this young man, be it now or in the coming years. And she let him know that.

All the while a silent figure watched from an upstairs window watched with heavy eyes.

Since she was there so often, Kagome immediately settled in. While she stored most of her belongings in her room, the most important including the framed pictures of them and and the blouse he secretly bought for her, were placed in InuYasha's. She would be wearing that the night of her Tokyo debut.

And now she gazed dreamily out the kitchen window as the snow coated the woods for the first time. It took all of two seconds for InuYasha to grab his camera and head on out. It'd been about two weeks since she moved out from her mother's house, and for the most part she felt more free, more independent than ever. Of course she always made the daily call to her mother and brother to let them know how she was fairing. Sango, Ayame, and Rin ofen came by to drag her out for a girl's night. And sometimes the whole gang would come over and just talk and play games. The winter break was coming up, and they were planning a trip up to the mountains to one of those old Japanese hotels, natural hot springs included. They'd spend Christmas up there before heading back to celebrate New Year's at her mom's place.

But before that, she and InuYasha had to make another yet very difficult trip. And he only ever asked for her company because she was the only one who knew, the only one he wanted to make it more bearable.

His parent's graves.

She remembered the first time he sat her down and told her, but not without the price of a few tears from both. It was just 7 months into their relationship, around this time. And while she never even heard him speak of his parents, she didn't ask for fear of angering him or causing some tension between them. But when he sat her down holding her hands, Kagome knew the look in his eyes. She had the exact look when her father passed.

The two hour trip to the graveyard was an understandable silent one for the couple. It was in Inuyasha's childhood town, the one he always returned to a couple of times a year. He visited and took care of his parent's grave marker when he went out on his own on his mother and father's birthdays. Kagome never asked to accompany him, knowing he wanted to talk and be with them alone. She wasn't upset by that and she understood each time he returned to her, looking like he made his peace.

This would be her third trip with him. And to make matters worse was that it was snowing but lightly. And not to mention that they had to travel through the same mountain pass that claimed his parent's lives. Kagome never released his hand all the way though.

The drive into his hometown made InuYasha go into a more deeper more sullen mood. It hurt every time. Every time he passed the local park he heard their voices, happy and laughing alongside his younger self. The ice cream parlor he could even see himself begging his mother for this flavor and that. And the biggest pang he felt was when he slowed down to see his old childhood home. He stuttered, trying to hold back the pain his heart felt. There were different people in that home now, but he could still see the potted plants on the window sills his mother cherished and his father's old beloved blue Toyota in the driveway, the same car that was driven on this same day 6 years ago.

The hanyou did very well to hide the hurt and the sorrow in front of his girlfriend. But he could sense that she knew and appreciated her not saying anything but just being there. Her grip on his hand never lessened. He liked to think he held his emotions in pretty well. He tried to keep a tight rein on them whenever possible. But on this day, this bleak most heartbreaking day, he always let them loose. And Kagome was at his side, as she always was. And Inuyasha couldn't ask for someone better than her.

He pulled his car up a short ten minutes later. He looked at the wrought iron fence enclosing the vast and desolate field of tombstones. The snow still fell, coating the ground and the trees, and the many assortment of remembrance gifts placed on each grave. Taking a deep breath, he felt his girlfriend's hand release his and swiftly got out, slamming the door in bittrness.

Kagome wondered if she should stay here or let him have a moment to himself. The first year she stayed and waited in his car. Last year she opted to go with him and stayed at a distance. She never knew how really hard this was for him. While she mourned the loss of her father, he had to endure the loss of both his mother and father. She always respected his wishes and never went against him when it came to this. So she was mildly shocked that after he stood there for a minute looking out at the graveyard, he came around to her side and opened the door.

"Are you sure?" She anxiously gripped the assortment of flowers to be placed at the head.

"Yes." And he held his hand out for her to take.

The couple proceeded to walk the known path. The memorial gardens were empty and quiet save for a few lonely souls offering prayer and sitting at their loved ones' graves, crying and talking in hushed tones. Kagome recalled how she first visited her father's marker for the first time since his burial. It took its toll on her and she remembered how she broke down and told him how awful it was to have him gone.

But focusing on the here and now, the freshman followed her man with the offering boquet of lavender, iris, and lilies. It was the same each year, hand picked and chosen by InuYasha in memory of his mother, her favorite flowers, he said. The crunching of the snow and the small whiffs of breath seen in the cold air followed them until the hanyou stopped and headed off the marked path. She was right at his side the whole way.

A few minutes later, the big grave marker loomed before them.

The nineteen year old just stopped and stared at his parent's final resting place. The pain of no longer being able to see them and the horror at this anniversary tore him apart inside. Each and every time he came to this place it was like facing a horrible reality. Two very loved people, taken away just like that. He couldn't even breathe properly here. The cold that touched his flesh was nothing compared to seeing the truth each and every time. Six long years without them…

Instinctively he reached for Kagome's hand, entwining their fingers together. She was his support, has been his support for the last three years. If he wanted to break down, Kagome would comfort him and not say a word. Relishing in that truth, he led her to the gleaming slate marker, engraved with his parent's names and dates of birth and death.

Inuyasha knelt down before them, bringing his girlfriend with him. He could only look at the two names, the two people that rested here in peace:

Inu No Taisho L. and Izayoi M. Tukashi: We will miss you. Rest in peace and fly free together in the skies of Heaven.

Gulping his sorrow down, he started to talk. "Hey Otou, Okaa. It's me again." He reached over to rub his parent's names, never stopping as he spoke in a tone reserved for this occasion. "Another year has passed without you and…" The hanyou drew in a shaky breath and bowed his head. "I wish you could both be here and see what's been happening."

The younger of the two started rubbing his back, letting him know there's nothing wrong in expressing grief. Even though she personally never met them, Kagome let out a couple tears for them.

And she did nothing but offer silent support as he talked to them, all about the past year and what he's accomplished. He choked up a couple times, but he pressed forward regardless.

After a while, as the powerdy snow continued to fall upon them, the hanyou son let a tear fall and looked at his side where his angel knelt."…But this…this girl-this woman, right here next to me…I know you would have loved her, like I do." His eyes continued to gaze at her, careless of the few tears streaking his face. "She's made it possible to be myself again. Has made it better to breathe again, to live again. And she never fails to put a smile on my face."

She granted him a watery smile and snuggled into him while he kissed her forehead. Looing up into the sky, letting the snow melt on his face, he added. "She's one in a million, my Kagome. And I know you can't be here to see this, but just know that I'll be fine. Just as long as I have this angel, this woman who can see right into me. I have friends who care for me, a woman who loves me enough to stay with me, and an education that I know you both can be damn proud of me for." Hugging Kagome closer, he said, "I love you both. And I always will."

And with that he pulled Kagome up to straddle him, to have her and her warmth soothe his soul as he let the tears he'll let no one else see but her, go. His weakness was something he didn't like showing or admitting in front of anyone. But it sometimes became so difficult to keep it bottled up, and before Kagome he never did confide in anyone.

Kagome rocked him slowly back and forth, her hands rubbing his back and her lips kissing his frozen cheeks and whispering sweet words into his inu ears. It was hard seeing him break down so slowly before her eyes. It always happened when they visited the graves. She did not think of him anything less than her strong, handsome, brave, and macho tough guy. This is her boyfriend. He may think himself very able to withstand anything but in truth, he was still a small boy who wept for his parents, lost and alone inside.

Her hanyou was human, although not completely. He still has a heart that feels. And Kagome could only pray that she could continue to do whatever it takes to keep holding him up and seeing him smile. And as an afterthought, she looked to the headstone and said a small prayer herself, for her boyfriend's sake.

The agony of loosing his remaining family would never fade completely from his heart, but Kagome could only continue to help him heal. Like he did for her every day.

I'm not so sure about how this turned out. I like to think I'm improving, but I don't know. What do you think?

The last seven chapters will come slowly since "White Dove Black Falcon" will be starting soon!

Until next time...

Sayonara!