Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the story or characters of InuYasha, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I make no profit from writing this fanfiction.

A/N: I DIDN'T DIE! I'm sorry for this almost impossibly long delay on this chapter. When I posted the last one this was only a faint idea. I started writing it and discovered it was utter crap. I had to start from scratch (several times).

There is no smut in here, sorry if you're disappointed, you perves. If you are hankering for something of that ilk then may I direct you to my adult fanfiction page (same pen name). May I suggest my Sesshomaru and Kagome story; Release and Capture.

I'd already hinted at an idea in previous chapters and even though I decided I didn't like the idea I had no choice but to carry it through into this chapter. This displeases me but I would've had to re-post almost every chapter if I removed it. At this point I'll live with it.

Home

It took two days for them to come out of the hut once more. Kagome couldn't believe all the things they had done (and done to one another), and Sesshomaru couldn't wipe the smug look off his face. But regrettably they both knew they had duties to attend to, and Kagome was anxious to see Shippo and let him know she was truly alright.

They made their was back to InuYasha's village and InuYasha and Shippo came out to meet them before they even reached the edge.

Shippo looked jittery as he shot glances between his foster mother and her new mate. Despite her earlier reassurances he had no idea where he stood in this new arrangement.

Kagome rushed forward and hugged her son to her. Sesshomaru wasn't pleased with the action but she had informed him that she was going to do it, not leaving any room for argument. He also allowed it knowing it would ease her ever concerned heart when it came to others. She really was an amazingly compassionate person.

Shippo tensed for a second then relaxed into her arms. "Kagome," he murmured. He could smell the changes on her and how her scent mixed effortlessly with Lord Sesshomaru's. He sighed mentally, nothing would be the same again, but he couldn't begrudge her happiness.

InuYasha glanced to his elder brother. The lord looked tense and alert as his mate embraced another male. He was honestly shocked at his restraint. He wasn't sure he would have allowed her to do it this close to mating. Touching another male was frowned upon because it rankled against their protective and possessive natures. To swallow this must be killing his brother, he was oddly proud of him.

Kagome released Shippo and gave him a watery smile. Shippo pulled back but stayed close, though he made sure not to touch her again. He wasn't stupid, he knew the situation, and even if he had been unaware he could hear the low growl coming from the Lord of the West, though he was sure Kagome couldn't hear it. "Congratulations, Kagome," it was meant sincerely, he was truly glad she had finally found someone she could love who seemed to love her in return. "And congratulations to you as well, Lord Sesshomaru," he added with his eyes downcast.

"Thank you, Shippo," Kagome's voice was soft and full of love.

All this sincerity was getting to InuYasha, he'd been stewing for two days about his past behavior, and now he felt the need to say something. Though he wasn't sure how to go about this, he could still feel the words bubbling at the tip of his tongue. But his choice was taken away from him before he got to open his mouth.

Sesshomaru stepped closer to his mate but eyed his brother. "Perhaps now would be the time to tell Kagome about your woman, InuYasha."

The half-demon gaped in shock. Of course Sesshomaru would know, but to spill the beans like that? Was he trying to get him into trouble?

"What woman?" Kagome asked, innocently.

InuYasha choked. He shot a glare to his older sibling before swallowing hard and turning to Kagome. "About a year ago I was helping a village with a problem they were having. I met a girl named Tsuki. She's blind and needed extra help. We started talking and, well, I really like her." He blushed nervously.

Kagome was wondering why she was hearing this now, she thought it was sweet but she wasn't sure why it was relevant.

"I've known for a while now that I want to ask her to be my mate. I... I actually came to you at your hut last time to ask your blessing." His voice had gotten softer and softer towards the end.

She had heard him. "Mate? Okay, oh, wow." She contemplated that for a moment then another thought came to her. "Wait," she held her hand up and and scrunched her eyes closed, her voice going crisp, "When you came to see me, and found out I'd stayed with Sesshomaru that first time, you were going to tell me that you had started seeing someone, and you were thinking of her as a potential mate?" She looked at him in utter disbelief.

"Yeah..." he said a bit meekly, readying himself for her impending wrath.

She smacked him hard on the arm, not enough to hurt him but it made her feel better. "You gave me all that grief about "whoring" myself out to Sesshomaru and you were interested in someone else! What a misogynistic, double-standard laden, possessive..." She threw her hands up in the air in a huff. "I don't believe it! Well, I do believe it, you are as egotistical and controlling as ever." She put her hands on her hips and glanced between the brothers. "I'm seeing more of a family resemblance every day!"

"Hey!/Watch yourself, woman," came from the brothers simultaneously. They threw sharp glances at each other before refocusing on her.

She started pacing back and forth, mumbling to herself. Every once and a while she would pause to glare at the brothers. Shippo smirked and watched the show.

Sesshomaru sent a pointed look at InuYasha that said 'fix this' and the younger sighed. "Kagome." The dark haired woman paused to give him a look that made him cringe. "Kagome, I need to apologize," he said, his head bent with a contrite countenance.

That stopped her anger cold, and she turned to give him an open look that told him to continue.

"I have fucked up. What I'm 'bout to say in no way excuses what's been done, I only say it to let you know I truly understand what I did."

Sesshomaru came up from behind to place a hand on his mates shoulder, to give her support. It also reassured him to be touching her again.

InuYasha rubbed his neck, this was even harder than he knew it would be, partly due to the presence of both Sesshomaru and Shippo. "You were my first real friend," he addressed the woman, "I don't take that lightly. Mother died when I was 'bout sixty, barely a child still in demon terms. I was... alone, lost for most of my life. Maybe that was why I fell so hard for Kikyo, she was kind to me when no one else was. I knew what she felt for me and I felt I needed to reciprocate that kind of affection. Not that I didn't love her, I did, it was just I didn't know what real love was, not even with her. Not until you."

Kagome gasped, trying to quell the swell of emotions. She had never heard the hanyu be so open and honest before. Her empathy made it difficult to listen to this because she knew how hard it was for him. She choked back on the lump in her throat to give him her full attention, it was the least she could do.

"When I met you I was still in a dark place in my life but you straightened me out. Showed me all the aspects of love, how to be a friend as well as have 'em. I was three hundred years old and still a child in the ways I thought. In the end all I did was take you from your family, it wasn't right, and I know it was selfish of me. You were mine, and if I couldn't have you no one could. You even looking at someone else threw me into a rage. I understand everything now. What I did... what I did to you is unforgivable, I know that now." He knelt in front of her. "I am your friend until the end of days, Kagome. I hope you can one day forgive me enough that we are a part of each others lives again but I completely understand if that isn't possible." He bowed his head a moment to compose himself.

He was surprised a minute later when he felt a hand rest on his head.

Even she could hear Sesshomaru's growl but it didn't stop her. Her fingers wove into InuYasha's hair and brushed over one of his ears. "You are my brother-in-law now, so in a way we're family. I can't say that you didn't hurt me deeply, because you did."

He flinched, still not ready to look at her.

"But now my heart is so full of love I don't have much room left to hold onto the hate and resentment I once felt. I think the forgiveness you seek is very close but I just can't say it yet." She bent over pressing her hands into his shoulders so she could whisper in his ear. "Perhaps together we can get you the brother you've desired as well."

His head snapped up to look at her as she stepped away. He was floored, he didn't deserve what she was offering. No one deserved Kagome. He felt grateful tears flood his eyes and he grit his teeth against the emotion. He would not cry in front of Sesshomaru and the squirt.

"I – I gotta go," he mumbled as he dashed to the edge of the woods.

Kagome stared after him in shock. She was about to call out to him when he turned and glanced at her.

"Thanks," he said with all the sincerity within him, then he was gone.

"InuYasha!" Kagome yelled, though she could no longer see him.

Shippo came to stand in front of her. "Let him go Kagome, he needs to be alone right now."

She looked between the two remaining demons, worry etching her brow. She nodded her ascent, and with a deep sigh she let the tension flow from her. Shed made a vow to herself that she wouldn't worry over him, or let the concerns she had regarding him, take another minute of her life. She had her own life to live.

"Come, we must be off," Sesshomaru commented as he took her elbow in his hand.

Shippo became sullen and looked to the ground. "Oh, okay. See you, Kagome," his voice shook with sudden emotion and he had to blink hard.

Kagome was about to call him to go with them when her mate answered for her. "You may accompany us, fox demon."

Shippo's countenance brightened but he was wary. "You are okay with that, Lord Sesshomaru?" he asked tentatively.

"This one does not say what he does not mean."

Shippo was dubious about that answer, it could mean two entirely different things (he won't say 'I'm okay with that' because then he would be lying, or he was confirming that it was permitted for the boy to come), but he erred on the side of hope.

Kagome was on the verge of happy tears, her heart swelled with joy for herself and for her kit.

Shippo smiled, and his fangs poked out over his lip. "Okay."

The demon lord took his lady's arm again and they continued in the direction of the citadel. At the rate of a walk it would take them almost a week to get back but Kagome wasn't complaining, she had her two boys with her and all was finally right with the world. She couldn't believe how incredibly happy she was now. She'd gone from great loneliness to bursting with love. It made her head and heart swim.

She glanced up at Sesshomaru, he was so different now that they were out in public. The contrast was vast but it made her proud and humbled that he would share that part of himself with only her. She knew his heart, and that was what mattered.

Shippo followed a few paces behind the couple. Despite the lord's recent behavior and generosity he was still uneasy about him. He'd seen things go well with InuYasha a time or two and he really didn't want a repeat performance of when things went bad. Truth be told he wasn't convinced of the lord's feelings for his foster mother. There had been others who'd wanted to use her for various reasons. In that line; he wasn't sure that Sesshomaru wasn't just tolerating his presence for the sake of appeasing Kagome.

Night fell and the three of them made camp, Kagome ate but neither of the males felt the need. The priestess watched Shippo stare into the fire, he seemed in turmoil about something. She was about to ask him what was worrying him when Sesshomaru stepped towards him.

"Come." Sesshomaru was looking over Shippo's shoulder as he said that, then preceded him into the darkness outside the firelight.

Shippo and Kagome shared a look and the priestess nodded him to follow. Shippo got up and soon disappeared into the night.

Kagome tried not to fret about what was being said but she couldn't help it. She trusted Sesshomaru, and knew he'd never physically harm Shippo, but she still worried about what was being said.

It had to be a good hour later when the males returned and by then she was a tense ball of nerves. She stood when she saw the two familiar figures emerge from the darkness of the trees. Sesshomaru had his mask of indifference up and wasn't looking at her so she couldn't read his eyes. Shippo seemed tense but not angry or sad in any way. She sat down when Shippo did. "Is everything okay?" she asked leaning across the fire towards her adopted son.

He smiled tightly. "We are good." He paused for a breath. "Tired. We will talk in the morning." With that he lay with his back to her.

Kagome was puzzled and looked to her mate for answers, he was still not looking at her but he stepped closer and sat behind her. He pulled her into his lap. "Sleep."

She huffed at being left out of the loop (and man-handled), but leaned back against his firm but warm chest. She hadn't thought she would sleep but soon she drifted off to the sound of her mate's heartbeat.

o0o

The next morning they got back on the road as if nothing had happened. The only difference is that whatever had been said last night seemed to lighten Shippo's mood slightly, though he still seemed lost in thought.

She tried to engage either of the men but neither were willing to talk. Finally she gave up and cursed her luck with suborn men.

They had gone just a few hours on the path when the lord stopped them. "This Sesshomaru has business in this area," he said, indicating a change in direction.

Kagome smiled, "We'll come with you."

"Actually, Kagome, I am going to take off." Shippo saw the pout and worry his words put on her face and he sighed. "Do not worry. We will see each other again soon."

She forgot herself and took his hand. "Promise?"

He smiled, his green eyes sparkling with love. "Promise," he said softly, and he gave her hand a little squeeze before letting go. He bowed to them both, mostly to get Kagome to smile, and with a leaf to his forehead he was off.

Kagome sighed and turned to follow her mate. They were on the road until evening, only stopping to let her rest and eat. Sesshomaru found them a secluded cave to sleep in, though Sesshomaru didn't let her do much actual sleeping. She didn't complain.

The next couple of days went similarly, with Sesshomaru carrying her during the day to let her get some shut-eye. On the fourth day she woke up in her mate's arms and lazily looked at the countryside as it passed by. She almost instantly started to recognize the topography so she pushed against his chest to sit up straighter. "Sesshomaru!" she exclaimed in surprise and joy.

"Hm," he hummed, knowing she now knew where they were headed.

She looked up at him with soft eyes. "Thank you." He paused in his stride to look at her with such love that she was glad she was still in his arms because her legs wouldn't have worked after that.

"I know how important they are to you," he said softly into her hair.

Just through the next corps of trees was the demon slayer's village. After Kaede passed away Sango and Miroku had moved back here to rebuild and foster the traditions of Sango's family.

Sesshomaru set her down carefully and she turned towards him to kiss him. It was chaste, relatively speaking, but meaningful, conveying her thanks and utter love for him. She was further rewarded with a small smile tugging at the beautiful bow of his lips.

He broke her out of her daze to guide her the remaining yards to the village. Miroku came out to greet them as soon as they were within sight of the open gate.

"Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru, we are happy to have you here!" he said with enthusiasm.

"Miroku!" Kagome smiled as they stopped in front of him. "You don't seem surprised to see Lord Sesshomaru, or me for that matter?"

Miroku scratched the back of his head. "I admit that I am not. A messenger came to tell of your mating so I surmised we would be seeing you shortly." He smiled directly at Kagome. "We are so happy for you."

'Shippo,' she figured. She couldn't contain her happiness, her smile was wide. "I wish I could give you a hug."

The monk chuckled. "Yes, well, I would like to retain the use of both my hands now that I have both." He winked at her. "I understand."

Sesshomaru scoffed and she laughed as they moved in towards the huts. The largest hut's door burst open and four dark heads came rushing out. Miroku and Sango's four eldest girls, (the youngest two children stayed with their mother), immediately attached themselves to the priestess' legs with a flood of giggles and rapid talking.

"Alright, girls, alright. Let Aunt Kagome get a moment of peace after her long trip. Go check on your mother and your brother." Miroku motioned them to go and they whined but put up very little resistance before dashing back inside.

The adults followed at a more sedate pace but entered shortly thereafter. Miroku went in first followed by Kagome and then Sesshomaru.

Kagome paused in the entry at the sight before her. Miroku, Sango, and their brood, but also Rin, Heto, and Yozuro, and Kohaku. Shippo stood and came over to stand in front of his mother figure. "Shippo? Wha- ?" she got out haltingly.

His smile was wide and his emerald eyes twinkled with mischief. "No one said us fox demons weren't devious," he said proudly.

Sesshomaru wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. She looked up at the demon lord in shock, he knew about this, she could tell.

Shippo leaned close so he could whisper. "He organized this." He then went and sat back down and was instantly mobbed by five little girls.

Kagome gasped as she looked up at Sesshomaru. "What is this about?" She was still a bit clueless as to what was going on.

"Is it not traditional for humans to hold a binding ceremony?" he said lowly, for only her to hear.

Happy tears flooded her eyes and ran down her cheeks. She never expected this, was never going to ask for it, their worlds were just so different. But she had dreamed of a wedding and somehow he'd known. She didn't care who was watching she toed up and kissed him. Though it was brief and he didn't particularly reciprocate it shone in his eyes how much he loved her.

Once Kagome had gotten hold of her emotions and turned to face the crowd, the room descended into greetings. Kagome was delighted to find Kimiko and Jaken were there as well. Kimiko seemed particularly drawn to the little ones.

Right away the whole group fell to talking as if they were old friends. Though Sesshomaru tended to stay to the edges of the group he was never far from Kagome.

The priestess was thrilled at what was going to be happening, as well as getting to see all (or at least most) of her friends again. It made her heart sing.

Shippo and Kohaku took up like they'd never been apart, talking and laughing, trading stories of their recent adventures. They also shared equal harassment by the latter's nieces.

Rin and Sango had a great time talking about motherhood and childcare. Sango was impressed to hear the story of Yozoro's birth. Both the mothers teased Kagome that she may soon be in the same boat but the priestess just blushed and looked at her hands.

As the evening progressed Kagome noticed Miroku rarely let anyone else hold his newborn son, he was so proud. There were tears in his eyes when he uncurled the baby's fingers to show the priestess the boy's smooth – and uncursed – right palm to her. She was joyous for them.

It fell evening before anyone noticed so they ate and turned in for the night. Jaken, Kimiko, Shippo, Kohaku, and Sesshomaru all opted to sleep outside, and Kagome, Rin, Heto and little Yoru took places by the fire. All in the hut were exhausted from the day's activities so fell asleep quickly, of the ones outside watching over them Kohaku was only one to drop off to sleep.

o0O0o

The next morning dawned bright and clear, though the early-fall air contained a small bite of cold in it. Sango, Rin, and Kimiko helped Kagome to organize the simple gathering. Kimiko had brought one of Kagome's finer kimonos and the women spent a long time getting her dressed and pinning up her hair. Since demons were not fond of perfumes or makeup, due to the strong smells, they left her natural. That was fine by Kagome, she'd never really liked that kind of thing either.

Kagome was sitting resting in the hut as everyone got the last of the preparations completed outside. She sighed in happiness as she let her mind drift. She wished her mother could be here to see this. Her heart ached with the familiar loss but it stung less now that she had such love to look forward to.

"Am I disturbing?" Shippo's voice broke into her musings.

She looked up in surprise and smiled at him, an expression he easily returned. "Of course not. Come in." He approached and knelt before her, it was then that she noticed he was holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. "Are those for me?"

He nodded with a blush. "Sango said it would be nice if you had some to carry."

She took them and drunk deep of their intoxicating fragrances. "Thank you, they're lovely." She heard him sigh and she looked at him. He had a strange look on his face. "What is it?"

He shook his head brushing off his mood and smiled brightly again. "I added a few things you might recognize," he said pointing at the plants.

She analyzed them a little closer. Mixed in with the wildflowers were sprigs of healing herbs and some she didn't recognize. "What are these?"

"I learned in one of my recent studies there are plants that hold special meanings." He then proceeded to tell her which ones were used by his people as blessings and protection spells.

She was so proud of him and honored that he would share his culture with her in this intimate way. She remembered then, she did have her family here. "Thank you, son."

Her quiet words made his head spring back up. Love shone in his great green eyes. "Kagome," he whispered.

Her eyes filled with tears at the raw emotions swirling between them. She brushed them away before they could fall. "I know you're apprehensive about me marrying Lord Sesshomaru but I do love him and he loves me. This isn't like it was with InuYasha."

He smiled and shook his head. "I know that. He is perfect for you. You two will be very happy together."

Her eyes widened, this was such a change of tune for him. Then she recalled the walk the men had taken back in the woods. "Shippo, could you tell me...? What did you two say to one another when you had your talk?"

Shippo looked a little startled but it quickly passed into a chuckle. He set his hand gently on her shoulder. "That is between the lord and I. Do not worry so much."

She huffed at being left out of the loop but she trusted them and she'd let it pass. "I love you."

His eyes softened and he withdrew his hand. "I love you too."

Not long after Rin came to fetch her. "Oh, don't those flowers look lovely against your kimono!" the younger woman gushed as she entered.

Kagome held out her hand to take one of Rin's. "I'm so happy, and I'm so very blessed to have my two children here to help celebrate." Both demon boy and human girl looked surprised but elated at her words. Rin was crying tears of joy when Shippo took her other hand.

"Sister," he said reverently. "I like that."

Rin looked up into those big green eyes. "Brother," was all she could enunciate through the emotion.

The three released each other's hands and headed out into the sunshine together. Rin soon left to join her husband and Shippo dashed to his place for the ceremony.

Miroku, of course, presided over the simple service in which the newly formed couple said words of promise to each other. It wasn't exactly a wedding but it was all that Kagome would've wished for. She was immensely grateful that Sesshomaru had done this for her, it was something she knew her mother would have wanted, and it was something she knew she'd cherish in her heart forever.

0oOo0

They only lingered another 24 hours before everyone headed to their various homes. The goodbyes were tearful but full of promises to see each other sooner next time. Shippo was the only one going back with them to the citadel, as he had a little more time before he had to get back to school.

Jaken and Kimiko had brought Ah Un so Sesshomaru insisted Kagome ride with them back to the citadel. She would've rather he'd carry her, but she blushed as she remembered how that had gone the last several times and considered he'd made the right choice.

She giggled as she saw Shippo turn himself into a bird to fly along side Ah Un. So many memories of his first few attempts made her smile. He was far better at it now, he actually looked like a bird and not like a parade balloon anymore.

When they arrived at the citadel there was a flurry of activity as servants and guards from all over the compound came to catch a glimpse of their reported new lady. Jaken and Kimiko had already organized that Kagome's things be moved into the room adjoining Lord Sesshomaru's. Furthermore Sesshomaru instructed that Kagome's old room be given to Shippo.

Kagome was taking everything in as if it were happening to someone else. There was such rushing around her that she didn't even register when they ate dinner together. The thing that woke her out of her stupor was the feel of Sesshomaru's arms around her waist.

"Are you well, Kagome?" he asked from behind her.

They were in his bedroom and she didn't even remember getting there. She leaned back into his warmth and sighed. "I guess it suddenly hit me, I'm the Lady of The West. It seems a bit daunting."

A rumbling chuckle could be felt from her back. "You will do a competent job and I will be right there with you if any need should arise."

"Thank you," she hummed and sank further into his embrace.

"For tonight the only duty required of you is to see to your lord's needs," he said in a smug tone.

She gasped and then smiled. She definitely liked this side of Sesshomaru, she was also glad she was the only one who got to see it. Honestly, she didn't think anyone would believe her if she did tell someone. "What if I am not up to the task?"

He scooped her off her feet, lifting her bridal-style. "Than I will instruct you in that as well."

She shrieked as he all but tossed her on their futon. Fortunately, he was a wonderful teacher.

oOo

A few days later it came to Kagome's attention (Jaken let it slip) that it was traditional for a demon lord to hold a gathering to announce when and who he'd mated. Kagome marched right into Sesshomaru's office to demand to know why they weren't doing that.

He had assumed she would not desire such a gathering as it might put her in a an awkward if not dangerous position.

She told him that it was for the good of his kingdom and it was inconsequential how she would be viewed. If he needed to do this to show a strong front to his allies then she would stand there with him. He needed to show he wasn't ashamed of his choice and she needed to show she wasn't a weak flower to be passed over.

He didn't tell her he found her quite lovely when she was all fired up about something, he simply called for a servant to start the preparations. If he got a thank you kiss from his mate? Well, that was merely incidental.

I was going to make this one giant chapter and end it here but there was SO MUCH I wanted to say that I broke it into pieces. We are coming to the end though and I still thank everyone for sticking with this story. I would hug you all if I could.

Is anyone interested in reading the conversation that Sesshomaru and Shippo had?

It didn't match the flow of this chapter so I took it out. Let me know.