The song is "I'll Be Blue For You', 'Gomenisai' by TATU, and the Birthday Song

DISCLAIMER: Just to pacify some people, this is NOT going to be a Sesshomaru/Sango story! Some people might think that, but it's not! Sango and Sesshomaru do bond in these next few chapters, but they bond as FRIENDS! No more, no less. Just friends. They become friends and nothing more. All clear?

OK, on with the chapter.

Shippo knelt down beside Miroku and grabbed his hand. Miroku raised his staff in the air and began to chant. Jaken then came inside "What's going on there?"

"We're praying," Shippo explained. "Kneel down and join us."

"Hmmph…as if I don't have anything better to do. Lord Sesshomaru gave me strict orders to go out and guard the castle."

"So guard it!"

"I came in here to find out why it suddenly got so quiet in here."

"He's resting and we came out here to pray. Come join us, the more prayers we say, the quicker they'll get to Heaven."

"I have no desire to pray for the health and well being of a half breed! In fact, I could go so far as to say,…"

WHAP!!!!

"Oh….ah….I'll be joining you right now…" Jaken said groggily, rubbing his growing lump where Miroku had slammed him with his staff. He hobbled over.

"Kneel down like you mean it, Jaken.."

"Oh…I'd rather stand.."

Miroku grabbed Jaken's neck and forced him to his knees. "I said like you MEAN it!" Jaken bowed his head and Miroku finished the prayers. "Now, go back out and guard." He proceeded to pick him up and toss him out the window. Jaken hobbled away, while Miroku scribbled a bit in his scroll.

"I think I'm gonna go gather some more herbs," Shippo said, standing up.

"Mmm…Miroku.." Inuyasha said weakly. Miroku and Shippo looked in on him, and Shippo gasped…Inuyasha was now completely in his human form! All of his demon traits had gone! "Shippo.." Inuyasha said. They both went inside and Inuyasha turned his head painfully.

"We're here, Inuyasha," Miroku said.

"Good…look…you guys…I want ya to listen…I…I don't know if I'm gonna…"

"Don't say it, Inuyasha," Shippo broke in. "Please don't say it!"

"I gotta, Kid," with his one good arm, Inuyasha cupped Shippo's face. "Shippo..listen….I got an important job for you…if anything goes wrong.,..if I'm not here in two days…I want you to take care of Kagome. You're gonna watch over her now…that's your job. I'm entrusting you with the most important thing to me. Promise me you'll do that?"

"I..I promise..I'll take good care of her.." Shippo said. Tears filled his eyes, and Miroku gestured to him to go outside so Inuyasha couldn't see him cry. But when Miroku approached Inuyasha, the sounds of Shippo's sobs could clearly be heard in the hallway.

"Miroku.,..is that…Shippo? Crying?" Miroku nodded. "He's…crying? Someone's crying…for me?"

"Of course he is…he cares about you, Inuyasha….like we all do.."

"I…I never thought anyone would ever care about me…the only one who ever cried when I was seriously hurt was Kagome…a long time ago…"

"Don't think of that now, Inuyasha…just rest. We're getting you some more medicine."

"Miroku.."

"Yes?"

"Look…I gotta tell you…something important…listen carefully…I want you to know…if I don't make it.."

"You will, Inuyasha, don't talk like that…"

"Will ya listen? If I don't make it, I'd like to make sure I say these things before I go…if they can't being Kagome here in time…I just need ya to know this, will ya hear me out?"

"All right."

"Look…if…they can't bring Kagome…if I don't make it at all…promise me…if I go...you'll take the Tetsusaiga, and give it to Sango. Tell her…I want her to be the new Leader of the team…if I don't make it."

"All right."

"Listen to her, like you would to me."

"We will."

"She's a great fighter…it wouldn't take her long to learn the Backlash Wave and the Wind Scar."

"No….she pays attention to when you fight. She'll learn in no time."

"Miroku…if I don't make it…I want all of you to keep hunting the jewel…don't stop until it's all assembled…and destroy that bastard Naraku! Don't give up until he's dead! Do it…for me."

"OK."

"Tell Kagome…I'm so sorry for putting her through all of this…I'm so sorry. Tell her…I love her. The package is in my pocket…if I die…give it to her…tell her it's from my heart…take care of Kagome….watch over her…give my love to her family…it's getting so hot in here…God, its so hot…" Miroku opened up another window. "Thanks. Anyway, will ya tell her…"

"You're going to tell her yourself, Inuyasha. She'll be here."

"But in case she doesn't get here in time…will ya do that?"

"Of course."

Inuyasha closed his eyes to sleep. "And…Miroku?"

"Yes?"

"One more thing.." he was whispering so softly Miroku had to lean forward. "Tell my brother…..I forgive him." He began to breathe deeply, and Miroku knew he was asleep. He pulled the blanket up over Inuyasha.

Meanwhile Shippo was heading back inside with the herbs, blinded by tears of fear and worry for his friend.

If I could make a wish,

and have that wish come true,

I'd take us back to yesterday, when you were good as new.

Until we meet again,

you're still my closest friend,

and I'll be blue for you.

When I say I'm sorry,

it's coming from my heart.

I mean it, I really truly do.

And I'll be blue for you...

I remember taking walks,

you'd always hold my hand.

I didn't have to talk to much,

and you'd still understand.

We've got memories,

and I'll take special care of these.

I'll be blue for you,

(oh please get better)

I'll be blue for you.

When he got back, he almost screamed at the sight of Inuyasha laying very still in the bed until Miroku rushed to him. "No, no, Shippo, he didn't die yet. He's just sleeping." Shippo sighed with relief as Miroku took the herbs. Just then they heard a slap on Shippo's shoulder. They glanced down to see Myoga staring up at them.

"Master Miroku, Shippo, I've been looking all over for you! Tell me, did something happen?"

Shippo stared angrily. "Did something happen? Did something happen…." suddenly Shippo grabbed Myoga and started shaking him angrily. " DID SOMETHING HAPPEN?! WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN YOU COWARDLY STUPID INSECT, YOU'RE ABOUT AS RELIABLE AS KOGA YOU USELESS BUG, YOU STUPID BEETLE, WHERE WERE YOU WHEN WE NEEDED YOU?!"

"Shippo, Shippo, take it easy!" Miroku took Myoga from Shippo. "Well? Where WERE you, Myoga?"

"I was trying to find the both of you! I overheard Koga saying something about Inuyasha being gravely ill and I went looking for him."

"Koga?"

"Yeah, he was at Kaede's hut, trying to disrupt the candlelight vigil," Shippo said.

"Figures," Miroku said.

"But, did something happen to Master Inuyasha?"

Now it was Miroku's turn to scowl at him. "Did something happen? Just look for yourself!" He flung Myoga inside, and he gasped at the sight.

"Oh my….what's happened to him?"

"Kikyo, that's what. She poisoned him with a special arrow that had a spell on it- the Black Hate of Death, and only Kagome can cure him. Kikyo destroyed the well, so Sango went to Kagome's time thanks to Kaede's Shigagami spell, to try to find her, and Rin and Sesshomaru went with her."

"Sesshomaru?!"

"Yes, Sesshomaru, Myoga. In case you haven't heard, he's changed his ways. He and Sango have gone to try to find Kagome, and they've only got one day and a few more hours to do it, or Inuyasha dies."

"Oh my.."

"Yes, so make yourself useful for once and GET IN THERE AND SUCK OUT AS MUCH POISON AS YOU CAN!!" He threw Myoga onto Inuyasha, who proceeded to gentily suck and suck until he was the size of a beach ball and could suck no more.

"I'm going downstairs to prepare these. Will you join me?" Miroku asked Shippo.

"I think I'll stay here and pray some more, Miroku." Miroku nodded and went downstairs. Shippo then went to the sleeping Inuyasha, knelt down by his bed, and folded his arms in prayer. "Lord," he began. "I know I haven't always been the nicest person in the world to Inuyasha, but if you would please answer this prayer, I would be so grateful. Please…watch over Inuyasha. Please take care of him…and please don't take him away from us yet. Please…please spare his life! He's a wonderful leader for our team…and we NEED him! Sango is a great fighter…but without Inuyasha, I don't know HOW we'll defeat Naraku. I don't think we CAN do it without him! He's like a big brother to me…and I love him just like one. Even though I haven't always shown it..I DO love him! Please…don't make me lose another one I love. I just lost one family…please, don't make me lose another. Don't hurt Kagome either. She's like my Mother, and I can't bear it if she were to be heartbroken! Please, spare Inuyasha, for Kagome, for me…for ALL of us! Say it's not his time yet…please, don't take him! Please let Sango, Sesshomaru, Rin, and Kirara find Kagome soon so he can get better."

When Miroku got back to the room, he found Shippo laying down on top of the bed sheets, having fallen asleep right on top of Inuyasha. Myoga, small again, was now sleeping on his chest. Miroku gentily picked Shippo up and put him into the other bed that was there. After tracing a cross on both Inuyasha's and Shippo's foreheads, he sat down upon the chair and fell asleep in it.

Meanwhile Koga made his way back over to where his wolves had gathered with Kikyo over the fire. He grinned slyly. "It's been done!"

Kikyo quickly turned to him. "It has?"

"You bet, I managed to get those villagers all worked up over Sesshy that they won't be thinking of hunting us down for QUITE a while! Long enough for me to claim my Queen, you to skip town directly after the wedding. Thanks for agreeing to be the Maid Of Honor, by the way."

"Even though I can't stand that goody-two-shoes clone of mine, it's gonna be worth it to finally have revenge against Inuyasha."

He picked up the bottle of wine near his feet. "More saki?"

"Don't mind if I do," she held out her glass. Taking a sip, she sighed. "Mmmm! I didn't get to drink stuff this good as a Priestess!"

"Well, technically you ain't a Priestess anymore!" Koga pointed out. "Anyway, from what I heard Lord No-Heart has built up QUITE a reputation in this place. It was kinda easy to get all the blame shifted to him."

"No kidding.." Kikyo gestured for Koga to lean in close. She whispered, "I even heard a rumor that he almost attacked his own father at the last day of his life when he refused to give him Souaga and Tetsusaiga before he went to rescue Isoyoi."

"You're kidding!"

"Nope, that's what I heard"

:"His FATHER?! The one he was always so proud of and constantly boasting about and wanted to follw in his footsteps? THAT father?"

"Yes, yes. That's what I heard. He wants an Empire so badly he's willing to attack first his father, then his brother to get the sword he thinks will help him!"

Koga laughed, "Boy, is he in for quite the surprise!" They all laughed hysterically. Koga then stood up. "All right, Boys!" he called out. "As you all know, the day after tomorrow is a special day for us. That's the day we shall bring home our Queen!" All the wolves howled and clapped. "Thank you, thank you very much!"

"Yeah, what a Queen!" a wolf cried out.

"You're a lucky Wolf, Koga!" came another.

"Thank you, thank you again! Now, our friend Kikyo had just volunteered to be the Maid-Of-Honor. The rest of you…" he pointed to the oldest and wisest wolf. "You will be in charge of officiating the wedding ceremony."

"Thank you, Boss, what an honor."

"Yeah, make it short and sweet. Just exchange of vows and rings, a nice poem or two, and that's it."

"I'll start composing it now."

"Speaking of rings, that's your department."

"Ok, no problem." said another wolf.

Koga took out his sword and gave it to another. "You're in charge of the Coronation Get the sword nice and shiny for the big day."

"You can count on me."

To another wolf, "You're in charge of making the crowns."

"I'll make hers big and fancy, with lots of flowers. Yours will be nice and royal."

"Perfect. Now, remember the plan. Morning of the 4th day, while everyone else is morning for Inuyasha and wanting Sesshy's head, I'll be waiting at the newly rebuilt well. As soon as Kagome comes, I grab her, quickly take her to my cave…and….heh, heh,heh…show her the REAL meaning of manhood!!"

"Oh yeah, oh yeah.." the wolves laughed.

"After all, once you have a wolf, you have it all!" came another.

"So, make sure the cave is all clean, and maybe put some nice flowers all over it."

"But boss?' one said. "She's pretty headstrong and a fighter.."

"Yeah, I know…" Koga said dreamily.

'But what happens if she might not wanna go with ya…what if she puts up a fight…"

"I can move faster than that dog boy.."

"We know, but what if she resists…ya know…"

"We got that covered. Kikyo?" Kikyo produced a bottle from her skirt. "One of Kikyo's newest creations. This potion will make anyone completely hypnotized for three hours. During which time she'll have sooo much excitement and enjoyment she'll forget that dog boy existed and fall head over heels with me!"

"Just put this into any liquid and have her drink it," Kikyo said. "Works right away and lasts for three hours."

"Excellent!" Koga took the potion and put it in his pocket, "Now, you and you," he beckoned to his two henchmen Ginta and Hakkaku, and handed them a scroll. "Invite the guests on this list. The rest of you, decorate the outside all nice and pretty for the big day. I think the ceremony will be near the waterfall."

"Yeah, boss, that's lovely."

"Yeah…so make it fit for a Queen!" He laughed. "And you two," he gestured to two more. "Guard the cave when I take Kagome in there. Heh heh..make sure we're NOT disturbed!" They all snickered.

"Uh, Boss?' Ginta said.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Well, I get it how you're gonna bring Kagome here…but what about her friends? Ya know…the Slayer? The Monk?"

"Those two will be so busy crying, morning, and planning the funeral for that dog boy who's better off dead anyway, they won't have TIME to think about her…until a bit too late. I can make it so she'll have SUCH a euphoric experience she'll NEVER wanna leave my arms!!" All the other wolves laughed hysterically. "And that damn brother-in-name-only will be too busy fighting off the villagers. By the time he does….or they win…the ceremony will be over, and Kikyo will be able to skip town." He paused to help Kikyo up. "Boys…here's to our new partner, Kikyo…and to the best day of our lives!!" They all joined in a big group howl….except for Ginta and Hakkaku who stood side from the pack and looked at each other worriedly.

In the Modern Era…

Sango, Sesshomaru, and Rin went into the hotel lobby. "I'll go get us a room for the night," Sango said, walking up to the front desk.

"May I go up there with her, Father?" Rin asked.

"All right, Rin, but stay right beside her." Rin nodded and ran over. As Sango was booking the room, he turned around to see several women gazing upon him with longing in their eyes. A few waved at him. Not understanding too much of what was going on, he raised his hand and waved back at them, causing several of them to sigh. A few finally walked up to him. "Hi," one of them said.

:"Hello," he greeted them with no reaction.

"So…uh…how are you doing tall, dark and hansme? I don't believe I've seen you around here before. My name's Myoshi."

"I'm Sesshomaru."

"Wow, handsome name for a handsome man! So…wat are you doing in this part of town?"

"We're on our way to see a friend and are stopping here for the night."

"Oh? Where does your friend live? If you need directions, maybe we could go down to the bar for a drink, and I could give you some directions…"

"Hey," another woman said, coming up to them, "Why should YOU buy him a drink? I can buy him a drink, thank you, I know my way around Tokyo better than you!"

"Says who?" said a third. "I saw him first anyway!"

Sango then came over to the group of girls. "Oh, I see you've met my HUSBAND," she said, threading her arm through Sesshomaru's.

The women stared. "Husband?" one said.

"Yes, husband…and daughter," she smiled and Rin came up to join them. Rin smiled and gave the women a friendly wave.

Rioko backed up. "Sorry…we didn't know…" the women backed away. Sango looked up at Sesshomaru.

"Lets go up and see our room, Dear. Then we can go to the restaurant here and have dinner. Come on, Rin."

"All right, Mother," Rin bowed low to the ladies. "It was nice meeting you." The women watched enviously as the three of them disappeared up the stairs. "Man, some girls get ALL the luck!"

"Figures the good looking ones are already taken!"

"Yeah, story of my life!"

When they were out of sight, Sango dropped Sesshomaru's arm and took the lead up the stairs. "I got us some good rooms on the second floor. That way we can leave right away tomorrow."

"Yes, we must rise really early so we can try to reach Kagome's home before sunset."

As soon as they reached the room, Sango put her passkey in and opened the door. Rin was the first one in. "Mother, it's so dark in here! Where are the candles?" Sango instead flicked on the light switch on the wall, causing the room to light up. "Wow!! Mother…how did you DO that?"

"With this," she indicated the switch. Rin and Sesshomaru stared at it.

"What s that, Sango?" Sesshomaru asked.

"It's called a light switch. See, in this era they don't use candles. They have things called lights. They're powered by something called electricity which flows through something called wires in the walls, ad they make the room light up. Kind of like automatic candles."

"Wow!" Rin said.

"So many strange things here…more than we could ever hope to imagine.."

"Yes," Sango agreed. "In fact, Kagome left a few of her books with me. They help to explain everything here. let's go to dinner, then I can show you some…I think I brought several with me.." she put down the pack she always had with her, and opened it up. "Yes, here are some. Let's go have some dinner, and then I can show them to you, if you'd like to see it."

"I would, very much."

Once they got down to the restaurant, Sango asked the Matre'd for a table and he seated them at a quiet outdoor place. As Rin opened the menu she cried, "Father, look! They serve rabbit here!"

"So they do. Is that what you would like, Rin?"

"Yes, please. You can have it too."

"So I shall."

"I'll have the rabbit too," Sango said.

"Mew!"

"Oh, Don't worry, Kirara, I'll order you some fish. Would you like that?"

"Mew!" Kirara said excitedly.

When the waiter arrived, they gave him their orders and asked that Rin's rabbit dish be a bit smaller and cooked very well done. When they got their orders they all began to eat. Sango put the fish plate on the ground where Kirara was, and she dug into it with a happy 'Mew!' "This is delicious, Mother!" Rin said. "What kinds of herbs do they add to it when they cook it over the campfire?"

"Oh, they cook this inside, Rin."

"How would they bring a campfire inside? Do they have a indoor fire like Kaede does?"

"In a way, Rin. They gave things called stoves here, its kind of like an indoor fire surrounded by metal, so it doesn't burn anything. They can cook anything by putting the meat on little metal bars that are on top of the fire, instead of sticks like we have."

"Most interesting," Sesshomaru said. "Do you have any pictures of these 'stoves'?

"I think Kagome has pictures in her books. I'll try to look them up when we get back to our rooms." Kirara, having finished the fish, came over and rubbed against Sango's leg. Sango looked down, amuzed. "Did you enjoy your dinner, Kirara?' Kirara 'mewed.' her agreement.

After they had finished the rabbit, the waitress came back. "Did you enjoy it?"

"Oh, yes, it was soo good!" Rin said.

"Would you like some dessert, Sweetie?"

"What do you have?"

"We have rice pudding, cheesecake, ice cream., chocolate cake.."

Rin's eyes lit up. "Ice cream?"

"I'll bring you some, Sweetie."

Sesshomaru looked at the waitress. "I believe I would like to try some ice cream as well." Sango ordered the chocolate cake. As Sesshomaru tried the ice cream, his eyebrows rose up. Sango noticed this.

"How is it, Sesshomaru?"

"Its cold…but very pleasant. Now I see why you wanted this, Rin. It's very enjoyable." As the waitress put down the bill, Sango reached for her purse. Sesshomaru reached into the pocket of his kimono and brought up a purse of his own. "Sango…you have paid for lunch and our room, so I will pay for this dinner." After reading Kaede's note, he left the right amount of money, and some extra, after Sango explained about tips. When they reached their room, to Sango's surprise, nightshirts were laid across the beds, one Sango's size, and a smaller one for Rin. Shaking her head with wonder at Kaede's quick thinking, she settled down on one of the beds and pulled something out of her backpack. Rin explored the room.

"Mother, Father, look! There's one of those…televisions here! Can we try it, please?"

Sango stood up. "Ok, let me see if there's anything for you on…" she flipped through several channels..a movie…a sports program…the news…finally landing on a Wile E Coyote cartoon. "Here we are, Rin. A cartoon…I think this is Wile E Coyote."

"Oh! Kagome's told me about these shows!" Rin settled on the floor. Saesshomaru came over to her.

"What are you watching there, Rin?"

"It's called a cartoon, Lord Sesshomaru. It's about this funny coyote- Wile E Coyote- and he's trying to catch this bird- a Road Runner- and eat him. He build all these inventions, but they never work right, and the bird it very fast….almost as fast as you, Lord Sesshomaru. The coyote ever manages to catch the Road Runner."

Sesshomaru settled on the bed. "Most interesting. I believe I shall watch this with you." Rin settled quietly on his lap. The cartoon was one of the funniest eps of Road Runner and Rin was laughing hysterically at each and every mishap that fell upon the coyote, even Sesshomaru had to smile. Meanwhile Sago had gathered her bathing stuff and Kirara had made herself comfortable on one of the bed pillows.

"I'm going to go take a bath right now. Rin, stay in the room with Sesshomaru."

"OK, Miss Sango," Rin said. But when Sango began to head for the bathroom Rin called out, "Miss Sango? Aren't you going outside?"

Sango turned around. "I don't need to, Rin."

"But, the hot springs are outside. "

"There are no hot springs out here, Rin. If we want to take baths, we go in here," she indicated the bathroom.

"In there?" Rin asked.

"Yes, its called a bathroom," she gestured for Rin to follow her inside. Sesshomaru follwed her in. Sango pointed to the bathtub. "Kagome told me that you can fill this with water, and it's kind of like an indoor hot spring. You can bathe right in here." She pointed to the huge metal hook-like thing right on the edge of the tub. "The water comes out there. The water is in a huge lake, ad metal things called pipes are in the lake. When you turn on this," she spun a small wheel to the left of the hood, and immediately a jet of hot water came out of the hook. "The water comes from the lake, flows through the pipes, and comes out here." she pulled a long stick on top of the hook. "You also pull this to plug up the tub and let it fill with water, otherwise it would all flow into this drain and into another place." She pointed to the left wheel. "This is for hot water, this is for cold," she pointed to the wheel to the right."

"Wow," Rin said. "Look, Lord Sesshomaru, an indoor hot spring! That's so neat. Miss Sango…what's that thing hanging up there?"

"That's called a showerhead. It's kind of like a mini waterfall. If you turn this," she pointed to the large wheel that was against the wall. "Water comes out of here, and flows like a waterfall."

"Neat."

"Fascinating," Sesshomaru said. "All ight, Rin, let's go back to seeing those cartoons and let Sango bathe."

As they settled back into their places, Rin looked up at Sesshomaru. "Lord Sesshomaru? I'm really enjoying our time here, but I'm still worried about Inuyasha. He's nice…I hope he doesn't die. I don't want him or Kagome hurt, they've been so good to me."

"I know, Rin," Sesshumarou said. "I also am worried. But I will NOT fail my brother. He's in a lot of pain right now…and I don't lie, it will probably get worse before it gets better. But once he sees Kagome, I know she'll give him what he needs. We have to depend on her, and do whatever it takes to reach her in time."

"I wish I could do more, Lord Sesshomaru. I like both Inuyasha and Kagome. Can I do anything more to help you?"

Sesshomaru gave his small half smile. "Just being here, Rin, is doing plenty."

"It is?"

"Yes…before you came into my life, Rin, I didn't always treat my brother well, Rin. There were times when I didn't want to have anything to do with him…I'll tell you most of the reasons when you're old enough to fully understand…but mostly because I was so obsessed with building an Empire, and wanting the best weapons in all of Edo in order to do it."

Oh yeah, Master Jaken did say something about you gaining enough power to build the Great Empire after you defeat Naraku."

"Yes…that was my original plan for my life. But now….ever since you entered my existence, Rin…you've helped me to see that an Empire ISN'T the most important thing. It's like I explained to Kaede, you've helped me to see that friendship, cooperation, and kindness don't make you weaker…in fact, they make you stronger and more determined. I don't think I would have known that if it wasn't for you."

"I'VE helped YOU, Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin asked. "But…you're always the one helping ME!"

"Well, sometimes YOU help ME, Rin. Having you here, right beside me as we go through this new world, you help me more than you can ever know." With a smile, Rin moved closer to him.

When Sango bathed, changed into the nightshirt, and got out of the bathroom, she had to smile at the picture in front of her…Rin on Sesshomaru's lap, enjoying cartoons with him. Rin looked up when Sango came out. "Oh, Miss Sango, you're back." She jumped off Sesshomau's lap. "I was wondering?"

"Yes, Rin?"

"May I try these indoor hot springs as well?"

"Of course, Rin. Get the nightshirt off the bed and meet me in the bathroom, I'll fix the bath for you."

When Sango came out after filling the bathtub (only halfway seeing as how Rin was still so little) she saw Sesshomaru on the bed wating something else.

"What are you watching, Sesshomaru?'

"This…I believe they called it the news, Sango. I just want to know what's going on in Kagome's time."

"That's smart to do," Sango agreed. She picked up the black book she had put down on the bed and opened it, gazing at what was in there. She would flip through it with a smile occasionally laughing…but then the smile disappeared and sadness crept over her. Sesshomaru turned from where he was sitting.

"What is that you're looking at, Sango?"

She lifted her head up. "They're called 'pictures', Sesshomaru." She showed them to him. "In Kagome's time, they're like small little paintings. Kagome has this thing called a 'camera' that can quickly paint a small picture like this in seconds. She's taken all kinds of pictures of all of us and put them in these small books called 'albums' so we can look at them whenever we want. She made one for each of us."

"I see."

"Would you like to come and look at these with me?" Sesshomaru walked over and sat next to Sango. She laid the album across both of their laps so they could look at it together. Sango pointed to a picture of the group pf them, minus, Kagome, gathered around a campfire. "This picture was taken during a quiet time, when we were just resting." She pointed to another one, this one showing Sango and Miroku stting very close together. "She took this after Miroku and I became engaged." She smiled tenderly at the picture before she turned the page. Her eyes it up when she saw a picture of the whole group gathered in Kaede's village with Kaede and a few villagers in the backgrund. "This was taken when we saved Kaedes village from a Bear demon. All the villagers gave us a bit of their dinners to show their gratitude." Sesshomaru looked o with interest.

"And what is this picture here?" he pointed to one that had all of them gathered on a red checked blanket. It looked like a picnic lunch that had been set up on the blanket, the centerpiece of which was a round white brghtly decorated pastry with flowers and just blown out candles upon it. Inuyasha himself was beaming, and Sesshomaru noticed a few tears brimming. All of them had ear-to-ear smiles.

Sango's eyes took on a pleasant, faraway look as she gazed at the memory. "That picture was taken at Inuyasha's birthday party."

Sesshomaru raised his eyes. "Bithday party?"

"Yes. Kagome told me that on the anniversary of someone's birth,…that's called a 'birthday'…in her era people celebrate by throwing a special party and giving the person gifts."

"Oh?"

"Yes…what happened on the anniversary of your own birth, Sesshomaru?"

"My parents would throw a grand feast for me…ad they would give me gifts. This kimono that I wear in fact, is the last gift my father gave to me before he died."

"That's why you wear it almost all the time?"

"Yes. Tell me….what did you do for Inuyasha on his birthday?"

Sango smiled. "That was just a few months ago…I can still remember…"

Kagome and Sango were finishing fixing the food around the checkered tablecloth Kagome had brought with her from her time. Finally they stood back to admire thier work. "It looks great! thanks a lot, Sango!" Kagome said happily.

"You're welcome, I had fun doing it," Sango said. "He's gonna be really surprised when he sees this!"

"Mew!" Kirara agreed, moving closer to the ramien noodles.

"No, no, no, Kirara," Sango said laughing and scooping up the little kitten. 'Not yet! You have to wait till Miroku bring him back here!"

"Mew," Kirara said sadly.

"I know, I know, you're hungry. They'll be back soon, but for now your little paws have to stay out of here." Kagome finished pouring glasses of tea and putting them next to the paper plates.

"There! OK, now for the centerpeice!" Out of the picnic basket she lifted out a plastic container. Setting it in the middle of the spread she opened the top and took out...a huge chocolate birthday cake!"

Sango whistled. "Wow, Kagome..that's beautiful! What's that called again?"

"A birthday cake, Sango! When it's someone's birthday where I'm from, they celebrate with a big meal and have this for dessert. They put these wax sticks called candles on it and sing. Then the birthday person makes a wish and blows them out. Just a fun little tradition."

"There's so many fun traditions where you're from, Kagome!"

Shippo happily ran over to where the picnic was. "Hi, Kagome, hi Sango! Wow, that looks great!"

"Thanks, Shippo. I think we're all ready, you can get them now."

"OK."

"Does he suspect anything, Shippo?"

"Nope, not a thing. Miroku's taking him fishing and he's managed to distract him with conversation. I can't wait to see his face!"

"OK, you can get him, Shippo!" As Shippo ran off Sango smiled at Kagome.

"I didn't even know today was Inuyasha's birthday!"

"Yeah, he doesn't like to share things like that."

"I wonder why?"

"Maybe because no one ever really cared before...so I guess he thinks no one should care now."

"That's so sad."

"Well, you know he's not very emotional..but I wanted to do something." Sango nodded. She then saw the familiar shaped of Inuyasha and Miroku coming up the hill with Shippo leading the way. She also noticed Miroku was walking aslightly ahead of Inuyasha. Sango and Kagome sat down upon the blanket to wait.

"I don't care what you say, you scared almost all the fish away with your talking!"

"We still have enough for a few days!"

"Yeah, a FEW days! We could get a lot more if you had only stopped chatting for a second."

"But these were the best ones in the lake! Come, let's pertake of them."

"All right, all right, but if the girls want more, you're explaining it to them!"

Suddenly Miroku quickly turned around, unveiling the picnic to Inuyasha along with the sitting girls and excited Shippo.

"SURPRISE!!"

Inuyasha for a moment looked stunned. "Huh?" Kagome stood up and hugged him tight.

'Happy Birthday, Inuyasha!" Inuyasha stood puzzled. "Don't tell me you forgot your own birthday!"

"No, no, but...how did they know?"

"I told them!"

"But why?"

"So we could do this!" She indicated the whole picnic.

"Huh?"

"It's for YOU, Inuyasha! It's all for you today! Look, I brought your favorites! Fresh sushi and ramein noodles!!"

"Chicken?"

"Of course!" She lead him to the head of the blanket.

"You did all this?"

"We all did, my friend. It was my job to distract you all day while the girls prepared this!"

"You big.." Inuyasha said sarcastically...but he couldn't hide his smile.

"Come on, Inuyasha, let's eat!" Shippo said.

"Not yet, Shippo," Kagome said. "First we have to give him his presents."

Inuyasha looked surprised. "Huh? Presents?"

"Yes," Kagome lifted a small brightly wrapped object ut of the basket. "When a person has a birthday, their friends traditionally throw them a party…or a picnic, like we do, and we give them presents. Just to say we're glad you're with us for another year!" she gave Inuyasha the object. "Here, Inuyasha. Happy Birthday! Go ahead, open it."

Inuyasha stared at it for a moment, "A….a present? For me?"

"Yes, just for you!"

"I..I haven't gotten a present like this in years… "

"Well, you have one now. Go ahead, open it." Inuyasha gentily used his claws to tear it open…there was a small gold pin engraved with everyone's name on it. "That's our way of showing that you'll never be alone ever again, Inuyasha. You'll always have us, and we'll never leave you, ever." Kagome pinned it to Inuyasha's kimono. Inuyasha squeezed her hand.

"Thanks, Kagome."

Sango then pulled out a large wrapped gift. "here you go. Happy Birthday." Inuyasha unwrapped a whitting stone. "Now you can sharpen your sword easily no matter where you are."

"Hey, thanks," Inuyasha said. Miroku then handed him his package.

"There you are, my friend. Birthday greetings." When Inuyasha unwrapped it, there sat some brand new brown sandals. "For when it gets cold. Now you have some shoes to walk in."

Inuyasha tried them on, and they fit perfectly. "Thanks, Miroku. They're a perfect fit."

"You're welcome."

Shippo jumped up happily. "Here, Inuyasha. Happy Birthday!" Inuyasha took a picture from Shippo's hands that he drew, one of him and all his friends gathered around a campfire.

"Thanks, Shippo," he rumbled his hair. He heard a 'Mew!' from his shoulder. He turned to see Kirara holding a small flower in her mouth. Dropping it into Inuaysha's palm, she purred against him and licked his cheek. Inuyasha patted her behind her ears before she jumped back into Sango's lap.

"Is it time to eat now, Kagome?" Shippo asked.

"Yes, Shippo, we can now." She gave Natasha a containher of his favorite Ramien Noodles and sushi. After everyone had eaten hearty, Kagome reached for the cake right in the middle of the blanket.

"What is that, Kagome?"

"Another thing just for you, Inuyasha. See, when someone has a birthday, after they've eaten they also have a special dessert. It's called a birthday cake! It's a special pastry that's only baked once a year for someone on their birthday."

"That looks good!" Shippo said. "So, can we cut it and eat it?"

"Oh, not yet. First we put these tiny candles all around it and light them up."

"Then we sing, right?"

"Right."

Inuyasha raised his eyebrows. "Sing?"

"Yes, on someone's birthday they sing a special song to the person. Then the birthday person blows out the candles and makes a wish. It's a special tradition." She turned to everyone. "Ok, you all remember the words?" She put the cake in front of Inuyasha and started the song.

"Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday, Inuyasha.

Happy Birthday to you.

Birthdays are a time for celebration,

A time when all around you is good cheer.

So we'll all raise our glass,

And hearty may we laugh,

And toast this merry fellow that is near.

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday Inuyasha,

From us who love you!"

At the end of it Inuyasha had his face down and his hair hidden from view…but they could all plainly see him reach up and brush something off his cheek. They knew it was a tear, but they knew better than to say anything. Instead Kagome reach up and gave him a kiss on the cheek, as did Sango.

"That was one of the few times I ever saw him cry," Sango remembered.

"He cried?" Sesshomaru asked, surprised.

"Yes…he was so touched that we did tat for him. He never had a birthday party ever in his life….he was so happy..,."

Sesshomaru looked at Sango. "When is his birthday, Sango?"

Sango looked shocked. "You don't know your own brother's birthday?"

"I…don't remember…we haven't been close at all…not until a few months ago…"

"It's May 14...the day before your Father died."

"Oh yes…" Sesshomaru said. "Brother..I promise you…when this day comes around again, I will give you a grand feast..and gifts…you will never celebrate this day alone again." He turned to Sango. "When is your birthday, Sango?"

"August 9."

"And Miroku's?"

"April 19."

"Shippo's?"

"October 17. Kagome's is January 15, Kirara's is March 22." He looked at Sesshomau. "When is yours, Sesshomau?"

"December 15. Rin's is June 9. Jaken's is November 22. I do give him a feast and a gift. He does appreciate it greatly. Rin as well."

Sango gentily took the picture from the photo album. "Would you like to have this picture?"

"Me?"

"You're his brother. You should have a photo of him."

Sesshomaru took it. "Thank you. What is that picture of?"

Sango looked at another picture of a dirty and brused Inuyasha sleeping against a full grown Kirara, who was looking at him happily and covering him with her tails. "Oh, Kagome took that picture after he fell asleep after a huge fight he had with Koga. He was injured and Kirara helped him first fight off Koga, then when she saw how the fight had tired him out she let him sleep on her."

"She really loves Inuyasha, doesn't she?"

"We all do," Kirara went over and lightly pawed the picture, going 'Mew?' in a worried voice. "Don't worry, Kirara. We'll find Kagome and bring her to Inuyasha. That's a promise." Rin came out of the bathroom.

"Miss Sango, that was so nice! Not as much fun as a hot spring…but I enjoyed it."

"I knew you would, Rin."

"What are those you're looking at, Sango?"

"They're called pictures, Rin. They're like little mini paintings that you take with something called a camera. Would you like to look at them?"

"Oh yes!" Rin took the album and began to flip through the pictures.

Sesshomaru stood up then and moved toward the window. Sango noticed and came up to him. Kiara jumped on her shoulder. "Sesshomaru? What's wrong?"

"I'm still very worried abut Inuyasha."

"I am too," she looked up at the stars.

"You are truly blessed, Sango. More blessed than I have been."

Sango turned to him. "I'M more blessed than YOU? What do you mean by that, Sesshomaru? I mean, I'm a human. You're a Demon. If anything YOU'RE more blessed. I mean you have amazing powers far beyond what I have! You can teleport, you have your poison claws and Demon Whip, you have massive strength…"

"Yes…but you have something I do not have. Your heart is much bigger than mine."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you can feel easily…and you can experience all kinds of things that comes very hard for full Demons like myself. Full Demons have smaller hearts than Humans do…I suppose when I learned that years ago, that's why I thought they were so weak. I was under the false impression that a heart can get in the way of your overall goals. Now I know I was wrong. It's easier for Inuyasha to help people and to express emotions because his heart is one of a human, so it's about as big as yours. My own heart is much smaller….so it's harder for me…it was hard for my parents as well to express emotions. That was one of the reasons why I had such a disdain for Izoyoi…when Father was around her, he started to open up and express feelings I never saw before…and I guess I was confused."

"What do you mean? Your parents never showed love?"

"Oh, they did….but just between them. You see, Demons only show intimate love in private. Kisses, and hugs…like my brother and Kagome share…only Demon husbands and wives do that. That's the only time they kiss and hug."

Sango was shocked. "So…you were never hugged? Never kissed as a child?"

"No, I never was."

Sango's eyes grew wide…it started to make sense! "Well, if you were never hugged or kissed.,..how did you know you were loved?"

"My parents told me they loved me….every day."

"They never did anything?"

"They did. Hold out your hand, Sango, I'll show it to you." She held out her hand. Sesshomaru took it, held it to his heart, and rubbed it against his heart gentily.

"That's it? That's all you do?"

"Aside from saying I love you…yes. That's how demons show love to each other. It's symbolic, you see. It means we're giving the person our heart."

"So…you've never been hugged? Or kissed on the cheek?"

"No. The only Demons I've seen do that were my parents, and other married Demons that were friends of theirs. I never thought it was unusual that only married couples hug or kiss."

"ANY kind of kiss? Even one on the cheek is forbidden?"

"Unless you're married. I never thought too much of it. But when I see my brother and Kagome…or several other humans hug…sometimes I do wonder.."

Sango shook her head sadly. "You missed out on a lot."

Sesshomaru turned his head. "What do you mean?"

"I mean…hugs are wonderful ways of expressing love. They don't have to be intimate. They're just a way of showing love to anyone. Not just your husband or wife…anyone. Your family, even your friends."

"I know my brother has no problem hugging or kissing…I have even seen him hug you on occasion. I know his human heart…and how his mother raised him…had a lot to do with it."

"He did tell me his mother used to hug and kiss him every night, just as mine did. I still remember my parents hugging me every night before I went to bed, or when I came back from slaying demons." She smiled slightly at the memory. "That was one of our nighttime rituals, and one I enjoyed so much. Sometimes I can still feel my Father's arms around me…it was a nice feeling.."

"What did happen to your family Sango?"

Sango bowed her head at the painful memory. "Naraku, that's what. My Mother, she died from pneumonia before the massacre happened, so she was spared it. But…what happened was my brother, Kohaku…Naraku took the form of a Lord of a Castle and sent a Snake Demon to ransack the village. He then called us to exterminate it, but that was only to distract us. He then took possestion of Kohaku and put a shard of the Shikon Jewel into his back which allowed Naraku to control him." She blinked back tears. " He…made Kohaku kill my entire village…our father…all our friends from the village…and he almost killed me. But, I know he didn't mean to do it…he doesn't even know what he's doing! Naraku still has him under his power…"

Sesshomaru growled at that. "Naroku….possessing a child…forcing him to kill his own family…I thought he was evil before…but this…" he said angrily. "His reign of evil WILL end!!" He bunched one of his hands into a fist…but had to stop himself from slamming his hand into the balcony, instead he put it on Sango's shoulder. . "You are no doubt a veery strong woman to have lived through all that. Sango, I promise you…as soon as my brother is well again and we stop Kikiyo, I'll help you get your brother back from Naroku…and we'll all destroy him."

"Thank you."

Sesshomaru nodded. "Now that I now the true value of family, I will help you get yours back, the way you're helping me get mine back." He removed his hand.

Sango smiled. "That's what friends do for each other."

Sesshomaru looked at Sango. "That's another thing I've noticed, Sango. Just how close you really are to my brother. How you've all allied with him, and how devoted you are to each other. How much you care."

Sango nodded. "Next to Kagome…Inuyasha is my best friend. I guess because he's been through a lot in his life, just as I have. I can really TALK to him. Sometimes when I'm having problems with Miroku and Kagome's not here, I can talk to Inuyasha late at night by the fire, after everyone else has gone to sleep. He just listens. We have the most pleasant talks…" her eyes filled with tears slightly, which she blinked away.

"After all I put him through, I'm the first one to say he needed that in his life. It's so hard for me…to show I care.." Sesshomaru sighed. "You know, Sango..one power that Demons don't have….that I wish we did?" she shook her head. "The power to go back in time. Just…erase everything I have ever done to Inuyasha….take him in when he was six…be a true brother to him."

"There's still time to make it right with him, Sesshomaru. I know he'd never say this out loud, but he does want to get to REALLY know his family. You're the only one he has left, and I know he HATED having to defend himself against you. You can do it, Sesshomaru, I KNOW you can. You've already reconciled with him…now you can take the next step and really get to know him. After all, Sesshomaru…when he decided a few days ago that he wanted to propose to Kagome, who was the first person he told? Even before Miroku, Shippo, Kirara, and me? You. His older brother. He wanted YOU to be the first one to know this. He wanted your blessing."

"You're right, Sango."

"You've both taken steps to reconcile…you can take more. You have plenty of time to make it up to him."

Sesshomaru stared at the stars. "I hope so…"

"Me too." she turned to Sesshomaru. "You know what's a good way to start?"

"What?"

"Tell him you do love him…and hug him. You can do that…he would like that, I KNOW he would."

"Hug him, Sango?"

"Yes. You can hug him, its alright to. You know, Sesshomaru, just because your parents did things a certain way doesn't mean YOU have to just because YOU'RE a Demon! You can be your own person. You can do things differently. Just because you're a full Demon doesn't mean you HAVE to do EVERYTHING like all Demons do. I mean, look at me! Do you know what women at my village did? They cooked, kept their houses clean, looked after the children, made the clothes, polished the weapons. I mean….that's not ME! Don't get me wrong, Id love to have children of my own someday. Miroku and I already decided on children after we marry. But that's not ALL I am. True, my Mother wasn't too thrilled when I told her I wanted to follow my father and become a Demon Slayer, but she understood this was MY life and MY choice. As much as I loved my Mother, I wasn't my Mother, I was myself. The same way you're not your Father, however much you might have loved and respected him, you're not him."

Sesshomaru lowered his head. "I have been in my Father's shadow for so long, trying to become as powerful as he."

"But you're NOT him, Sesshomaru. You're you. And you CAN do things differently. It's not disrespecting him if you do…it's just you living your own life. "

"It IS my own life, Sango…and I DO intend to change it. I no longer want an Empire…I want a family."

"You already have one, Sesshomaru. You always have."

"Yes…and now…I can add to it. Not just Rin…but Kagome…and you, Miroku, Shippo, and Kirara."

"You don't have to follow every single Demon tradition just because you ARE one Doing things like hugging doesn't make you any less of a Demon."

"I'm not quite sure I really know how."

"How to hug? Oh, it's easy. Here, I'll show you," she stood back a bit. "Here, hold out your arms." Seeing as how he was in his human cloak, he had two, so he could do it easily. Sango walked into his outstretched arms and put her own around her shoulders. "Now, close your arms around my wait, and squeeze very gentily." She squeezed his shoulders gentily and then pulled apart. "See? That's a hug. A friendly hug. No intimacy, no romantic feelings, nothing at all. Just something shared between friends. It's not bad, is It?"

"No," Sesshomaru realized. "That…felt nice."

"Hugs do feel nice. Hugs can do so much. Like your parents, it can show affection, or it can cheer someone up if they feel sad, or it can just show a friend you care. Lots if uses for hugs. You can do it with your one arm as well"

Sesshomaru stared at his right arm. "Yes," he lifted his head. "That will be the first thing I do once we find Kagome and get her to Inuyasha. Once my brother is well…I'm going to hug him."

"That's good. See, you CAN be your own person. You can love you Father still…but you know you're not him. You CAN do things differently."

Rin then came up to them. "Lord Sesshomaru, would YOU like to try these indoor hot springs? I left some water in the bathtub for you."

"I would, very much. Thank you, Rin. I also think I'll try that indoor waterfall as well."

"I'll show you how it works.." he lifted Kirara from her shoulders. "Kirara, stay with Rin." she waked him into the bathroom. "Here, I'll give you some fresh water," she let the water ut of the tub and filled it with fresh water. "The shower…that's the indoor waterfall…come from here," she indicated the showerhead. "You turn it on with this."

"All right," he took off the pendant and gave it to Sango, assuming his normal demon form again. Sango left the room and closed the door behind her, sitting beside Rin again as she continued to look at the pictures.

"Miss Sango? What's this picture here?" she pointed to a picture of Inuyasha and Sango, standing very close to the fire. Her hand was on Inuyasha's shoulder, and they were both smiling.

"That was after Inuyasha and I had a talk over the fire late at night when neither one of us could sleep. I didn't even know Kagome woke up, but she did and took that picture suddenly."

Rin giggled. "And what's this picture? Were you hugging Inuyasha?" She pointed to another picture that had Inuyasha and Sango with their arms around each other's waits and their other arms were up with thier hands clasped together.

"Oh," she giggled. "That was when I taught Inuyasha how to dance."

Rin giggled. "You taught Inuyasha how to dance?"

"Yeah.." she smiled at the memory…

Sango came across Inuyasha sitting down ith his arms folded, just staring out at the sky with no expression, Miroku and Shippo had gone to gather firewood and were setting up a campsiite around the well, waiting for Kagome to come. Sango couldn't help but notice that Inyasha wasn't facing the well this time. She waked over and sat down next to him. "Hi," she said.

Inuyasha turned around. "Hi."

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Yeah, nothing. Why?"

"Cause whenever you sit like this, I can tell something's bothering you. You're not even facing the well. Come on now. What's wrong?"

"Nothing wrong, OK? Nothing at all."

"The why are you facing AWAY from the well? Like you didn't want Kagome to see you. What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Did you guys have a fight?"

"No."

"Then what is it?"

"Maybe I just don't wanna talk to her right now."

"Why? DID you have a fight?"

"No…" he looked down. Sango touched his shoulder.

"Did something happen? Come on, talk to me…you know you can."

"It's just that….you ever notice all she's been talking about lately is this stupid dance her school's having?"

"Oh yeah, that Senior Dance."

"Yeah, it's al she's been talking abut day after day after day, I can't stand it anymore! Wish she'd just shut up about it."

"Why?"

"Hmmph….she's probably gonna want to talk about it more today.."

"So? Why don't you want to know any more about it?"

"Cause…she might think I was interested."

"And?"

"And….she might want me to go with her…"

"So?"

"So…" Inuyasha looked around. "So….I don't know how to dance."

"You don't know how to dance?"

"Nah..never danced in my life…never had any need to."

Sango stood up. "I can teach you how to dance."

"You know how?"

"Sure, it's easy. Come on," she grabbed Inuyasha's hand and gentily pulled him up. "It's actually simple to dance. Just first put your arm around my waist," he did so. She put her arm around his shoulders ad took his other hand, holding it up in the air. "Ok, now all you do is sway, like this." She began to sway. "You feel my hips? Now you move your hips exactly the same way…like this…OK…yeah, back and forth, just like that. There, see? You're doing it! See? It's easy to dance. OK, now, hold these hands up," Sango then let go of Inuyasha's waist and moved in a circle before putting her arm back around Inuyasha's wast. "There, tat's another move."

"Oh?'

"Yeah…now if you want to say dip her, it's easy to do that to, as strong as you are. First, pull me a little closer," he did so. "Now, I step back with my right, you step forward with yours, and then I'll lean back, and you use the hand around my waist to balance me." He succeeded in dipping her. "Very good! See, you CAN dance!" But when they stood up, they both turned white at the sight of Kagome sitting by the well watching them. Sango quickly let go of Inuyasha's waist. "This ISN'T what it looks like!" she began.

"I know, I've been watching you," Kagome said happily, holding up her camera. "Hope you didn't mind, you just looked so cute." Inuyasha turned bright red. "You can dance really well, Inuyasha! But you forgot one thing…"

"What's that?"

Kagome reached into her back and pulled out her mini stereo. "Music!" She turned on a slow romantic song and moved over to Sango and Inuyasha. "May I cut in?" Sango nodded and stepped away as Kagome stepped into Inuyasha's arms. Sango silently coached him as he swayed with Kagome. Catching Sango's eyes, they both smiled.

Rin giggled at the memory. "That must have been so sweet to see, Sango."

That was, Rin." Her eyes gazed over at the memory. Sesshomaru came out of the bathroom just then and accepted the pendant back from Sango, putting it on as he assumed his human cloak again.

"Did you enjoy your bath, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"I did, Rin. That indoor waterfall was the most pleasant." He looked at the clock mounted on the wall. "It's time for you to be in bed now, Rin." Sango turned off the television and put away the photo album. Sesshomaru picked up Rin and carried her to one of the beds, tucking her into it gentily. "Pleasant dreams, Rin.":

Rin happily snuggled into the bed. "Pleasant dreams, Lord Sesshomaru. Don't worry, we'll find Kagome tomorrow." She reached for his hand and squeezed it tightly before she closed her eyes.

Sango watched the touching scene in front of her with a gentile smile. "Hey," she said as Sesshomaru returned to her. "Who says you don't know how to care?" She nodded at Rin. "I think you proved right there that you DO know how to care! When that little girl was killed by those wolves, you restored her to life. You took her in cause her village was all killed by wolves, you feed her, you clothe her, you teach her, you always have her with you, you protect her with your life. In my book…that shows you CARE. You DO know how to care. It just took someone special to bring it out!"

Sesshomaru looked upon Rin. "Rin…Rin is truly special, Sango. More special than I could ever express in words. At first I didn't know why I wanted to protect her so badly….now I can't picture my life without her. She's brought so much joy….and so much meaning. If anything were to happen to her…a part of me would also die."

Sango smiled even bigger. "You know what that sounds like to me? It sounds like love. You DO love that little girl, Sesshomaru."

"I do," he realized. "I honestly do love Rin. She IS my daughter."

"You know…I think you're as good a father as your own."

"Thank you, Sango. I only wish…I culd speak to my own Father…and to Izoyoi…to tell them how wrong I was..and to tell them how sorry I am,..

"Talk to their spirits, Sesshomaru. I talk to my Father all the time. Just say what you want, and the angels will bring your prayers to Heaven," Sango yawned a bit. "I think I'm ready to go to bed.." she looked at the room, realizing there was only one bed left! She glanced uncomfortably at Sesshomaru.

"Why don't you take that bed, Sango?" he said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm not tired yet. I'll just look at the stars for a while…then I'll probably sleep on that couch. Demons don't need to sleep as much as humans do." Sango nodded and climbed into the bed. Kirara made herself comfortable on a pillow right next to her. "Sango? Thank you for our talk. It was most enjoyable."

Sango smiled. "You're welcome. Good Night, Sesshomaru," she said as she turned off the lamp.

"Pleasant dreams, Sango." He sat upon the windowsill and stared up at the stars in the sky. He turned toward what he hoped was the way to the well and tried to send a telepathic message to Inuyasha. "Brother…"he thought. "Hold on. Hold on, Inuyasha…we're on Kagome's street…we're almost there. Hold on, Inuyasha….so I can apologize to you….and we can be a family. I love you, Brother…hold on…"

What I thought wasn't mine

In the light

Wasn't one of a kind,

A precious pearl

When I wanted to cry

I couldn't cause I

Wasn't allowed

Gomenasai for everything

Gomenasai, I know I let you down

Gomenasai till the end

I never needed a friend

Like I do now

What I thought wasn't all

So innocent

Was a delicate doll

Of porcelain

When I wanted to call you

And ask you for help

I stopped myself

Gomenasai for everything

Gomenasai, I know I let you down

Gomenasai till the end

I never needed a friend

Like I do now

What I thought was a dream

A mirage

Was as real as it seemed

A privilege

When I wanted to tell you

I made a mistake

I walked away

Gomenasai, for everything

Gomenasai, Gomenasai,

Gomenasai,

I never needed a friend,

Like I do now

Gomenasai, I let you down

Gomenasai, Gomenasai,

Gomenasai till the end

I never needed a friend

Like I do now.