Title: Leaving You Behind

Author: inuyashagirl5

Rating: NC-17/M (Not suitable for persons under the age of 17)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance, Angst

Pairing: Kagome/Kurama (eventually), possible Kouga/Botan

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. InuYasha is owned by Rumiko Takahasi and Yu Yu Hakusho is owned by Yoshihiro Togashi. I only use their characters for my own amusement and for the amusement of my readers.

A/N: *attempts to duck all the flying produce*

Chapter Sixteen: Death

The scenery around her was bright and beautiful. The sky was blue, the trees and grass green. Each pathways was lined with stones of an eggshell color. It was peaceful, yet she had no idea where she was, nor could she recall where she had been.

But when she saw him on the path up ahead, she remembered very well who he was.

'InuYasha!'

He turned when his name was called and he stopped. His brows furrowed in confusion and he frowned deeply. But she didn't care. She had missed him so much and he was there standing ahead of her. She rushed forward, only stopping when he held his hands up, motioning for her to stop.

She wanted to cry and sob, throw herself completely into his arms and cling to him so tightly one would need a crowbar to pry her off. But, with the next step she took, he took another step back and away. It was breaking her heart. Why was he rejecting her? His steps quickened as he moved further out of her reach.

'Please, don't leave me here! I don't know where I am!'

Up ahead another familiar face appeared, but she too didn't allow herself to be approached. Her lips moved, but no sound was released.

'I don't understand! What are you saying?'

They shooed her off and continued on, but Kagome wasn't going to let them get away. It had been too long.

'Please stop! Please! Don't leave me here, InuYasha! Ayame!'

The pair waved her off again, their mouths speaking silent words. She wanted to scream and cry. She didn't understand what was happening to her. Why wouldn't they stop?

oOoOoOoOoOo

The room was nearly silent as Hiei, Kouga and Youko, carrying Kagome's lifeless form, stepped through the portal into the office of Koenma. None of them could look at their team mates. This mission, in their eyes, was an absolute failure. It didn't matter that Kagome's friends had been rescued, or that Kagome had given birth to Haru, because Kagome was dead. She wasn't there to enjoy any of it.

Yusuke stepped forward first, Haru pressed against his chest. He tried to look them in the eye, but they wouldn't meet his gaze. He could see how guilty they felt.

"How?" He managed to find his voice, asking the one question he was sure everyone wanted an answer to the most. Youko pushed by him, moving to the couch being occupied by Sango and Miroku. Both moved as he approached and laid Kagome down. "Dammit! Answer me, Youko! What the fuck happened?"

"They killed each other." Kouga answered for the fox, who was too busy brushing the hair out of Kagome's face to care about Yusuke's outburst. "He ripped her throat out as she purified him."

"She was so brave." Youko murmured, "She stood up to on of the strongest demons in the Makai and she showed him no fear."

The room was silent once again as its occupants stared sadly at the dead young woman on the couch. This was not what they hoped for the outcome.

Botan tore her gaze away first. She couldn't stare at her friend's form and seeing all the blood pooling on the floor where Youko was kneeling. A loud sob from Sango caught her attention and Botan's chest constricted in sorrow. She doubted the girl wanted to awaken to this situation.

"I should go and tell her family." Botan said quietly to Koenma.

"Please do." He replied, "Also, before you go, get word to the other reapers and tell them to keep an eye out for her soul."

Botan gave a short nod, then departed to do as she was asked and then fill Kagome's family in on what had happened. Shippo's smiling face came to mind first and Botan cried. She didn't want to break that little kit's heart.

oOoOoOoOoOo

There were more with them now, and yet they still stayed out of her reach and ignored her pleas. Ginta's eyes were the only one that would look upon her and they were sad, filled with remorse. Yet, when he opened his mouth to speak, it was the same as the others. No sound.

Kagome continued to give chase. She had no place to go and her only hope lie with them, even if they didn't want to help her.

'Please... At least point me in the right direction...'

In response to her plea, they shooed her away again. Though, now InuYasha was becoming irritated.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Botan retold the story of the journey to the small kit who was home alone. He twitched in his seat and pouted and somehow Botan knew he already knew of the outcome.

By the end of it, he was in tears and she scooped him up and held him close.

"I'm sorry, Shippo." She held him as he wailed. She felt pity for the small kit, knowing that he had already lost his real parents.

It was some time before he finally calmed. He sniffed and raised his head to meet her gaze.

"Take me to her. Please?"

"Of course." Botan replied and stilled as the door downstairs opened and closed and the voices of Kagome's mother and brother could be heard. "But, let me tell them first."

Shippo waited until he heard Botan be greeted by Kagome's mother before moving from the bed to the desk. His little paws gently touched the small cedar box sitting there, hiding a very big secret.

He lifted the lid and rummaged through the contents before finding the hidden drawer and removing its contents. From Botan's story, Shippo knew the rest of the jewel was now in Koenma's possession. He knew he needed to somehow get it from him and use it to revive his mother.

He slipped the jewel into his clothing as he heard Botan's steps returning to him. The cries of Souta and his mother could be heard downstairs and Shippo's resolve strengthened.

He would bring her back. He would make his family happy again.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Kagome couldn't believe her eyes, but they were there now as well. Her recently departed grandfather and the man she hadn't seen since Souta was an infant. Her father smiled at her, but, like the others, kept his distance.

'Not you too... Please, daddy, don't do this to me! I need you!'

Her father looked sad and troubled. It was as if he was finding it difficult to ignore her. He took one step forward and was immediately stopped by her grandfather and InuYasha.

'Gramps, don't do that! Please! I don't know where I'm supposed to go!'

Her father opened his mouth to speak and still nothing came out. He shared a few brief words with InuYasha and then her hanyou friend began walking closer.

'Please...'

She stepped forward and stopped when he held his hand up. He continued to move to her, stopping only a few feet in front of her. He lifted his hand and ran it across her cheek. The ghostly caress calmed her little and he offered her a small, sad smile.

"You don't belong here yet. Go back."

oOoOoOoOoOo

Shippo kept his gaze averted from the sight on the couch. He didn't want to remember his mother looking like a torn apart corpse. Instead his turquoise eyes searched the room for the other half to the jewel.

He drowned out Kouga's voice as the wolf spoke of the last battle. His eyes had finally found what he needed.

He spied the other half of the Shikon no Tama lying forgotten on Koenma's desk. The attention in the room was all focused on Kouga and if he was quiet and quick enough, no one would catch on to what he was about to do.

If it all went wrong, he could end up in some serious trouble. Who knew what sort of punishment Koenma would give to him. To Shippo, it was worth the chance. He took a deep breath to steady his heart, then leapt.

He landed with an audible thud on the desk and inwardly groaned. So much for being quiet and unnoticed. He bounced forward, his little claws snatching up the jewel and holding it close.

"Wait! What are you doing?" Koenma shrieked and panicked as Shippo snagged the half of the jewel off of his desk and scurried to the far side of the room. All eyes were now on him, but there was no way they could stop him now. "That is not a toy! Give it back!"

Shippo snarled up at him as he tried to get closer, his fangs barred in anger. His turquoise eyes were speckled with crimson. It was a sight none of them had ever witnessed with the small kit.

"Don't you think I know that?" He barked at the junior ruler, "I know what it is capable of!"

He removed the second half from his pocket and glanced up at Koenma's startled gasp. It was clear that he hadn't realized that Shippo had the other half with him.

"Please, Shippo, give that to me." Miroku kept his voice calm as he stepped closer to the kit. He had never seen Shippo this enraged before, but he understood why he was in so much pain. He had already lost so much in his young life.

"I can't, Miroku. I can't." He took another step back, both of his hands coming together and piecing the two halves of the jewel back together.

"You can, Shippo. Please." Miroku held his hand out for the jewel, "You might get hurt."

It was too late to stop him. The second the two halves met, they fused together and Shippo's eyes slipped closed as his lips moved in a silent pleading wish. Both Miroku and Koenma cursed, the monk moving quickly over to where Kagome's lifeless body lie.

Shippo released a startled yelp as the jewel's energy was released. It crackled around his small form, sending painful, searing jolts of energy into him. But, to him, that didn't matter because his mother was shifting on the couch.

Kagome felt herself being pulled forcefully backwards just moments after InuYasha finished speaking, The scenery around her blurred until there was nothing but darkness.

She went into panic mode, believing that since she didn't belong there, perhaps she was going somewhere darker. She couldn't think of any reasons that she would be sent to Hell, but maybe she had done something to upset Koenma's father and he was punishing her for it.

Then she felt the pull of the jewel an heard what she assumed was Midoriko's voice whispering in her ear, telling her that her sons needed her and that the jewel still needed her.

As she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw were a pair of concerned and confused golden eyes looking down at her and she didn't understand why Youko looked as such. The second thing that registered was her kit's cry and the jewel's darkened aura holding him in its energy.

She shot up quicker than the group expected and more than half of them were startled that she even moved. Her injuries were now gone, healed by the power of Shippo's wish and the jewel.

She scooped her son into her arms and removed the completed, black Shikon no Tama from his hands. It's color changed instantly, becoming a bright, glowing pink. She smiled down at Shippo, who had his face buried against her chest while he sobbed and cried.

"Shh. It's alright." She cooed softly against the side of his head. It was clear now what he had done, and she would give him one hell of a scolding later for his actions, but for now she just wanted to hold him close and assure him that she was alive.

"Kagome?"

Kagome looked up when Yusuke spoke her name and he knelt down next to her. In his arms was her other son, sleeping contently against his chest. Kagome smiled at them.

"Thank you." She reached out to touch Yusuke's cheek and then moved to brush her fingers over the indigo crescent moon on Haru's forehead. It was the only feature her son had that linked him to Sesshomaru. "He really does look like his uncle."

"I'm glad you're alive. I don't know how exactly, but I'm really relieved."

She could see the glistening of un-shed tears dwelling on the edge of his brown eyes. Seeing him so close to breaking down tore at her heart. He wasn't one to cry. She brought her hand up to cup his cheek again.

"I'm glad to be alive as well." She nuzzled the top of Shippo's head with her cheek and the kit growled in content, "Shippo used the jewel to revive me. He shouldn't have, but I won't complain."

"Neither will I." He grinned back at her. "I don't think any of us will."

She really realized it then. The room was filled with all that had risked their lives to rescue her friends, as well as those friends. She jumped to her feet and faced all of them. Some of them were still staring at her in disbelief, clearly surprised to see her alive and talking. The rest of them looked as relieved as Yusuke did.

"Thank you. All of you." She bowed to them, tears springing forth. A second later and she was engulfed in a tight hug by Botan and Sango and all she could do was cry harder.

Though things were better, not everything was well. Koenma knew things needed to be addressed and some questions needed to be answered. They could have their happy reunion a little later. His father would grow impatient if he didn't give him an update soon.

"We need to make some decisions concerning certain artifacts, Kagome." He stated seriously. Kagome pulled away from the girls hugging her to face him. "And I'd like to know things from your point of view. From the very beginning too."

Kagome rolled the jewel around in her hand. The woman's voice had told her that the jewel still needed her, implying that she would not be parting ways with it any time soon. Her eyes fell on the trio of swords lying in blood on the floor next to the couch. By right all of the swords belonged to her son and she knew she could teach him to wield them responsibly. But, she hated Tokijin. A sword that was pure evil would never be held by her child.

"Tessaiga and Tenseiga belong to Haru by birthright. I will not deny my son either sword. However, he will have nothing to do with Tokijin. It's aura is too dark and too evil and I will not allow him to touch it."

"And of the Shikon no Tama?"

"That is my responsibility." Kagome gave a soft sigh. "I will continue to be it's guardian."

Koenma echoed her sigh. His father wasn't going to like hearing that last part one bit. He'd been hoping she'd allow him to store the jewel in the vault and keep it out of the hands of dangerous and careless beings. It looked as though they'd have to come to a compromise. As long as she held it, she was in danger and his father would likely do what he could to keep the artifact a secret. Along with that, there were other adjustments to be made.

They needed to do something about Kagome's friends. Sango and Miroku could not be returned to the past where they'd undoubtedly feel more comfortable. Sesshomaru was still alive there in the past and they were frozen in his gardens. No, these two would have to learn to adapt to modern times. He could easily give them updated birthday information. He was sure his father would be alright with that.

"I will have to discuss some details with my father. We'll also need to take care of your friend's living situations."

"That is easily dealt with." Genkai cut in, moving to stand between Kagome and Yusuke. "They can come stay with me for now. Once we get them up to date, we'll figure the rest out then."

"That's very kind of you." Miroku replied with a smile.

"But, first things first." Koenma turned his focus back onto Kagome. "I'd like to know your story from the very beginning. When did you start moving back and forth between time?"

Kagome sat down in a nearby chair and gathered her thoughts. Shippo shifted so he could look up at her and give her an encouraging smile. Kagome drew strength from that innocent gesture and began.

She started with the day of her fifteenth birthday and continued as she spoke of each friend and enemy she met while there. It was clear to everyone listening just how important InuYasha had been to her. Each time she spoke his name whilst telling of different situations, she wore a loving smile.

When the story shifted to darker events, Kagome clutched Shippo tighter to herself and explained how Sesshomaru had killed his half-brother and taken her away. She had been terrified and even now she wasn't even sure why he had kept her alive, let alone why he had chosen to mate with her. She couldn't even begin to speculate.

From there she told of her escape and taking Shippo to the future with her. The rest of the story was known to most of them until she came to the second time she was abducted.

"He didn't harm me while I was there. He only threatened me and told me that he would kill those who were coming to help me. But, I was too panicked and scared... I think that is what pushed me into an early labor."

"Haru is perfectly healthy. No doubt him being full-blooded helped that." Genkai peered up at the infant in Yusuke's arms, "His seed must have been pretty potent to create an offspring of pure blood with a human."

"Or maybe Kagome is just that special." Yusuke winked at her and Kagome laughed softly in return. "Damn, I'm happy I still get to hear you laugh!"

"We all are." Kouga moved closer to Kagome and placed his hand on her head, "I'm also glad that he's gone and cannot harm you or anyone else every again."

"Remind me to never fall in love with a demon like that?" Kagome requested with a smile.

"I will." Kouga grinned.

Koenma departed from them to seek counsel with his father. With the exception of Kagome, the rest of them were free to go home and get back to normal life.

Youko had given back control of the body, leaving the red-head to decide where to go from there. Neither were happy with Kagome's last words, believing them to mean she never wanted to fall in love with a demon. He was a little hurt by the comment, but brushed it off. She was alive and happy. He supposed he could be alright with that. Without a word of goodbye, Kurama departed and left for home.

"I'll stay behind with Kagome." Yusuke took a seat on the edge of Koenma's desk. "I'll call when we're back at home, then I'll bring her up to the temple to get reacquainted with her friends."

"That sounds good. I'll make sure to contact Keiko and let her know you're all safe and you'll be home soon." Genkai moved over to Botan and motioned for Sango and Miroku to follow her.

Sango gave one last hug to Kagome and it was clear to Yusuke that she was still worried for her friend.

"I promise she'll be safe and you'll see her again soon."

"Mm. Thank you." Sango answered with a nod.

Once the room was empty with the exception of Yusuke, Kagome and her children, Yusuke turned to sit sideways. He stared long at Kagome, looking her over and checking for any lingering signs of injury. He didn't see anything. Not even a scar on her throat where it had been torn apart.

"I'm fine. You don't have to look at me like that." Kagome spoke softly, watching him still stare at her neck. She remembered Sesshomaru's last attack and she could understand Yusuke's concern. "Really, Yusuke. Stop that."

Yusuke frowned and turned his head away. He shifted Haru up a little higher and held him close.

"I was worried that I was going to have to introduce Haru to your mother after the news of your death. I wasn't looking forward to seeing her cry." He admitted.

"Has she been told?"

"Yes." Shippo lifted his eyes to hers, "Botan came and told us. But... I swore to myself that I'd get you back for them... for me."

"They'll be grateful. You put your life on the line to save me. It was very brave of you."

"I know it wasn't very smart of me, but, Kagome... I couldn't lose you too."

"I know and I'm glad you understand that what you did was noble, but wrong. Should it occur again..."

"You give me the jewel and let me make the wish." Yusuke cut in, scowling. "And what you did, Shippo, was both noble and right. You and your brother needed her. You did the right thing."

"I don't think you're grasping the situation. This isn't a toy and it shouldn't be used so carelessly. Shippo knows that. He knows the problems it could cause." Kagome stressed, but Yusuke wasn't hearing it.

"I don't see the problem in reviving someone that is important to you."

"The jewel became stronger with the selfish wish. If it falls into the wrong hands, it would be dangerous, especially if selfish wishes are continually made and they would be. There is no such thing as a non-selfish wish."

"It won't fall into the wrong hands. We won't let it." Yusuke stated firmly.

"You're right on that point, Yusuke." Koenma said as he re-entered his office. He sat behind his desk and turned serious eyes on Kagome. "My father has decided that we will re-seal the jewel within you. Along with that, you, Shippo and Haru will be moving in with Genkai as well. The swords Tessaiga and Tenseiga can go with you, while Tokijin will be destroyed. Is that alright with you?"

"Will I be able to see my family?"

"Yes. The move to Genkai's is solely due to you having two sons that are demons." Koenma replied, "I trust the two of you will be able to stay silent on the jewel's location. The others will not be told the truth. The less people know, the better."

"You can count on me!" Shippo chirped and Yusuke ruffled his hair.

"Same here."

"The jewel please and Shippo, please move from her lap. I don't want you getting hurt."

Once the jewel was in his hand and Shippo was out of harm's way, Koenma held the jewel to Kagome's chest with his palm. Kagome gasped as his power flared and warped around the gem and slowly he pushed it back within her body. Though there was no pain, the feeling of it sinking in was uncomfortable.

"This isn't going to cause any negative effects, is it?" Kagome grimaced as she watched the last of the jewel slip into her chest.

"Not really, unless you think having an extended life is negative." Koenma murmured. He stepped away and pulled his power back into himself. "There. That should do it."

"How extended?" Kagome's eyes were wide and Koenma gave a nervous chuckle. Kagome could feel her stomach already flopping around at the sound.

"Let's put it this way, when Haru is all grown up, you'll probably look as you do now." Koenma backed away when Kagome was quick to jump to her feet. "I know it'll be tough sometimes, but it is for the best. You are the best guardian the Shikon no Tama has ever had."

"But, my family, most of my friends... They'll age and die and I'll be... I won't age at all!"

"But the jewel will be safe and protected and no one else will be forced to suffer because of it. Besides, you'll be able to stay with Shippo and Haru. The trade seems fair."

"But, Yusuke..." She turned to her friend and frowned. He would one day be old and then gone.

"I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." He quickly replied and held Haru out for her to take.

"I know it doesn't sound very fair, but everyone will understand. You're making a huge sacrifice. You're taking on a very important roll." Koenma added.

Kagome held Haru to her chest and smiled when he lifted his eyes to hers. They still needed to do some serious bonding. She hadn't been able to hold him until now and he was probably wondering who the heck she was.

"I almost didn't get to hold you at all..." Tears filled her eyes at the thought. "I'm not a very good mother already..."

Haru's lips quivered as his bottom lip jutted out into a pout. His own eyes began to water as he continued to stare back at her.

"Haru doesn't like hearing you say that." Shippo carefully crawled up to sit on her shoulder. He leaned his body against the side of her head. "I don't like hearing you say that. You are our mother and you're alive."

Kagome kissed Haru's forehead tenderly, letting Shippo's words soothe her. He had a very valid point. She was alive and she could still be their mother.

"Oh crap! My mother! I have to get home!" She panicked, all other stuff was forgotten as she thought only about getting home to see them and assure them she wasn't dead.

"Very well." Koenma chuckled and opened the portal to the shrine himself. "I'll be in touch, Kagome. I'll probably see you up at Genkai's temple."

"Alright! Thank you!" Kagome rushed and hurried through the portal. Koenma sighed softly as he watched her go.

"I'll keep a close eye on her. She'll be safe." Yusuke said as he entered the portal himself.

"I know you will, Yusuke."

oOoOoOoOoOo

The first sounds they heard when the entered the house were Souta's gut wrenching sobs and his mother doing everything she could to calm him. Kagome felt terribly guilty hearing such sounds from her brother. He'd already cried enough in the last several months and now the sounds he was making were her fault.

She handed both Haru and Shippo off to Yusuke and made her way into the living room. Souta had his head buried in their mother's stomach while she ran her fingers through his hair. Kagome swallowed hard and forced her tears to stop from falling again.

"I'm very sorry I upset you so badly." She spoke softly, but her family still startled at her voice. "But, I'm not dead."

"Ka-Kagome?" Her mother's voice wavered.

"Kagome!" Souta was off the couch and in his sister's arms in under a second. "She said you were dead! She said he killed you!"

"He did." Kagome answered sadly, "But, Shippo used the jewel to revive me so I could return and be with those who need me."

"But, what about the baby?" Her mother was now staring at her once again flat stomach.

"Here." Yusuke stepped into the room and held the tiny pup out for her to take. Rei's eyes opened wide at the sight of the infant and she pulled him in immediately to hug him.

"His name is Haru." Kagome smiled as her mother snuggled her second grandson. "He's a full demon like his father, but as you can see..."

"He looks like InuYasha!" Souta said excitedly while watching the child over his mother's shoulder.

"Exactly." Kagome nodded proudly.

Haru gave a yawn and then a soft whine. Rei melted at the sound and giggled. She held him up for Kagome to take back.

"I bet he's hungry." She stated.

"Ah. You're probably right. I'll go upstairs and take care of that. Yusuke and Shippo can fill you in on everything else." Kagome gathered Haru into her arms and walked up to her bedroom.

"He did kill her?" Rei asked after her daughter was upstairs and out of listening range.

"Yes." Yusuke frowned, remembering the sight of Kagome dead in Koenma's office. "It wasn't pretty, but she also killed him. There's no chance of him being revived."

"I want her out of trouble from now on. I'm growing tired of seeing her suffer and I'm tired of worrying that she won't come back."

"Things won't be the same, but she'll be safe now. She has to move away from here for her sons sakes, but I will always be willing to bring both of you to see her." Yusuke reached out to mess up Souta's hair and grinned.

"How far away?" The young boy asked and brushed Yusuke's hands away.

"Less than a day by car, then about and hour or so by foot. The temple is in a very secluded location, but it's the best place for the boys to grow up."

"We can handle that." Rei answered, "You don't need to tell us anything else. I don't really want to know all of the details. She's safe and alive. I'm content with that."

"Alright. I'm gonna head up and check on her and make sure..."

"You really shouldn't, Yusuke. I doubt she'd want you to walk in on her while she is breat feeding her son." Rei laughed as all color drained from Yusuke's face.

"Scratch that. I'll just stay down here. I should call Keiko anyway..."

"Good idea." Rei laughed. "Why don't you invite her over and I'll make a big dinner? We'll celebrate both of you returning home safely!"

"You really are too nice."

oOoOoOoOoOo

Kagome watched as her son fed. His tiny clawed fingers were wrapped around one of hers and he wasn't letting go. It was fine with her because she wasn't ready to let go of him either.

"I really am sorry, Haru. Mommy will do her very best to protect you from now on."

He blinked up at her, his blue eyes stayed on hers and she willed herself not to cry. He was a very beautiful child and he was all hers.

"I suppose the members of your father's family were beautiful. Your uncle InuYasha was especially handsome. I'll be sure to tell you all about him when you're older."

Haru yawned, releasing his hold on her nipple, then snuggling against he breast. Kagome covered herself and lifted him to rest against her shoulder. She hummed softly a tune she had learned from her father when she was little. It had no words, but it had always made her feel safe and loved. Even though Haru had no father now, she would give him all the love and comfort she could muster.

In only a few minutes Haru was asleep. Kagome briefly contemplated lying him down, but quickly decided against it. He was comfortable where he was and she was okay with that. She moved back downstairs and took up a seat next to her brother, who was holding Shippo close and watching television. Both boys looked her way.

"Wanna switch?" Souta asked, eying his sleeping nephew in her arms. Kagome nodded and he released his hold on Shippo, who hopped into Kagome's lap. Carefully she held Haru out to him and he took him with gentle hands, cradling his head until it rested against his chest. "You should have named him InuYasha. I bet that would've really made that guy angry."

Kagome chuckled quietly, but shook her head. "I couldn't do that. His name was special and it deserved to be one-of-a-kind. But, it's not like we won't forget it. He left big impressions on all of us in different ways. The two of you looked up to him like an older brother, or perhaps in your case, Shippo, like a father. He was important to you."

"But, he was more important to you, Kagome." Souta frowned and willed his tears away. "You would have married him and had a big family. You can't do that now."

"Well, I can't with him. But, there is always a chance of me finding someone else to love." Kagome hesitated with her words. Her memory of a near kiss with Kurama was quick to surface. She was sure she didn't love him, but he did mean more to her than she thought.

'He didn't say anything to me when we were in the Reikai though... Maybe I was just imagining things...'

"He'll have to get our approval first, right, Shippo?" Souta grinned at the kit who was quick to agree and move to sit on his uncle's shoulder. Kagome laughed and reached over and messed up Souta's hair. His eyes were still watery as he looked back at her and she wiped them away.

"I'm still alive, Souta and even if I am moving away, you can still come see me or call whenever you want." She reassured him with a smile. "I think Keiko is here. You stay here with the boys. You are their uncle, Souta. A very, very young uncle."

"We're fine here. Go on." Souta said absentmindedly, staring down at Haru who was yawning and blinking his eyes open.

Kagome moved into the hallway to greet Keiko as she and Yusuke walked towards the kitchen. The girl was quick to jump forward and hug her and Yusuke laughed at them. Keiko pulled away as her mother came out to greet her as well and motioned for them to enter the living room where the boys were. Haru's eyes were quick to move to Kagome as she sat once again next to Souta. His blue eyes shifted to Keiko as she kneel before the trio of boys.

"Oh my... he's so cute!" Keiko reached out to gently poke Haru's nose. His face scrunched up, then he sneezed. The room was filled with laughter and Kagome smiled at her little boy. He was pouting at Keiko.

"I don't think he likes having his nose touched." Kagome reached over to run her fingers across his forehead. A soft purr-like growl came from Haru's chest and Kagome giggled. "But, he seems to like when his forehead is rubbed."

"Can I hold him?" Keiko asked and Souta held him out to her, allowing her to take the child into her arms. She stood slowly and moved to stand near Yusuke. "Maybe someday we..."

"Don't even finish that thought." Yusuke interrupted her, his face turning bright red. "We are too young for that!"

"Idiot." She replied simply. "I was going to say maybe someday we could take him to the park to play. As if I'd want to have a baby with you anyways."

With a huff, Keiko turned away from Yusuke and made baby noises at Haru. Kagome covered her mouth as she laughed, but Yusuke wasn't having that. He pulled her hands from her mouth.

"I want to hear you laugh. I like hearing it." He gave her a look that clearly relayed how he felt. Even though he had all the proof in the world that she was alive, he still wanted that extra reassurance that she was with them. She let her hands fall into her lap and laughed openly, happy to be home and happy to have such great family and friends.

The rest of the night was filled with a lot of talk and laughter. Her mother had gone out of her way to make everything she liked and everyone made sure to eat their fill. Shippo stayed close by her, sitting next to her at dinner and touching her when he got the chance. She would be giving him reassurance for awhile too it seemed, but she could understand why he was acting as he was.

After dinner, Yusuke left to walk Keiko home and Kagome moved into her bedroom to ready herself and her sons for bed. A soft knock drew her attention and she turned to find Souta standing in her doorway with his pillow and blanket. She didn't turn him away and allowed him to set his stuff up on the floor next to her bed. She climbed into bed, her sons settled on the inside. Haru had nestled himself into Shippo's chest and fell asleep. With a soft smile Kagome laid down and drifted off to sleep herself. The day had been long and difficult, and in the morning, she had to start packing.

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