Chapter 25

InuYasha

"Let me see! Let me see!" Sango yelled, running towards Kagome. Sango had just returned and had immediately begun looking for the pregnant Kagome.

Kagome never even had a chance to react before Sango reached her and pulled open her robes enough to reveal her swollen stomach. I couldn't stop staring at it as Sango placed her hands on it. I had been forced to feel the pup kick the other day and that still lingered on my mind.

I was happy for Kagome, and accepted that I would never have her as my own, but that didn't stop the hurt when I realized that she wasn't pregnant with my pup…but my father's. I had always thought I would be in Pop's position, that I would be Kagome's mate.

Greed had ruined that. I had chosen not to choose, and that ruined everything I had. Now I would have to sit back and watch as Kagome created a family with another male. I was going to be left behind, my best friend taken from me.

I turned away from the scene and couldn't help but catch Pop's eye. He gave me a look that screamed he knew what was bothering me, and he most likely did. It didn't surprise me when he looked away either.

Father wasn't one to rub his winnings in someone's face, but he wouldn't hide them either. He would be respectful and allow me to work through my problems as best as I could. I turned to leave and noticed the way Sesshomaru's eyes were glued to Kagome's bulge.

He had never really been around someone who was pregnant. I had seen Sango with all three of her children, but I had never felt a pregnant stomach before. Needless to say, Kagome's pregnancy was throwing a few people off, even if everyone was happy for her.

I made my leave and headed towards the gardens. There was a tree there I liked to perch in. It kept me away from the others so I could think properly. It seems I have been there a lot lately. The only one who ever joins me in the tree is Kanna.

Kanna.

She still confuses me. I have no idea why she wants someone like me so badly, but she was winning. I thought, after Kagome, I would never feel that way about someone again, but surprisingly, Kanna was working her way into my heart.

No matter how much I fought, that demoness was making me fall for her. Her smile, her laugh, the way she was herself only when she was around me. It was as if she trusted me more than the others. Yes, I could admit that I have thought about mating her.

I was still worried though. Every relationship I have been in, I've screwed up. What happens if I do the same with Kanna? I don't want to. I want to be happy for once, to be in a relationship that doesn't end in disaster, but I'm not sure I'm capable of it.

I positioned myself in my tree, getting comfortable. I knew I was going to be here for a while, all in an attempt to clear my mind which wouldn't happen. Between Kagome and Kanna, it seems I never get any peace.

I would get over Kagome quick enough. It hurt knowing that she was no longer mine, but she made it clear that she would always be my friend. At least until the pup is born…There's no way she can have the time to spend with Pops, a pup, and everyone else.

Kanna was the one who spent most of her time on my mind.

"Don't fall." A voice whispered in my ear, causing me to jump and land on the ground beneath me. I looked up into green eyes, a large smile accompanying them.

"Damn it, Kanna!" I yelled, standing to me feet before jumping back into the tree. I positioned myself back in my spot and waited. I knew what was coming and didn't mind at all.

Kanna wasted no time in situating herself in my lap and leaning back against my chest. Anytime she sat in the tree with me, she did this, and every time, it made my heart beat a little faster. I quite often wonder if she even realizes what she does to me. Probably.

"Are you okay?" She asked, knowing what was bothering me. She saw everything, after all.

"Keh. I will be. It doesn't hurt as bad as I thought, Kagome being pregnant, but I still always thought that would be my pup. I'll be fine though." I admitted with a sigh.

"Think about it. That is your sister or brother. Now you will have another sibling to torture and maybe your brother will leave you alone." Kanna laughed, making me smile.

"I don't think the ice prick will ever leave me alone. I'm just glad my hair is no longer purple." I replied, thankful that I had Kanna to help cheer me up.

"I thought it looked good on you." She teased, looking up at me slightly.

My eyes caught hers, and for a moment, I was stuck. I wanted to brush my lips against hers, just to see how she would react. For a second, I was going to. Then flashes of Kikyou and Kagome reminded me of how horrible I truly am and I looked away, ignoring her disappointed sigh.

"When will you forgive yourself?" She asked, making me growl.

"Do I deserve forgiveness? I chose a dead woman over Kagome, and in the end, Kikyou ended up being a traitor." I spat, looking up at the sky while my hands fisted into balls.

"Yes, you were stupid." She started, making me scowl at her. "But you have learned. You sacrificed your own happiness so Kagome could have hers. You refuse to give Kikyou the time of day and can admit that you were an idiot for taking her in. You have grown and matured, InuYasha, and it's time for you to let go of that past."

I looked down at her as she looked at me again. This time, when our eyes met, my heart swelled. Even Kagome hadn't been able to make me feel as if I deserved a second chance. Sure, she made me accept myself and what I was, but I still believed that I didn't deserve anything.

Kanna, however, can make me see the good in me.

I was surprised when it was her lips that covered mine and, at first, I wanted to pull away, but her tiny hands on the sides of my face stopped me. It was then that I noticed how my heart was beating right out of my chest and my breathing had stopped.

I liked it, her kiss, and I wanted more. So, I gave in. I closed my eyes and kissed her back. I did something I have never done before and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her as close to me as possible.

When her tongue brushed against my lip, I knew what she wanted and I obliged. She tasted magnificent. Truthfully, I had never done this with anyone before. Kagome and I had kissed but it was just a little peck, and I could never get past Kikyou's smell so that I could taste her.

I'm not sure how long we stayed like that, but eventually, we pulled away, both of us panting. Her hands still rested on my face, her thumbs rubbing my cheeks slightly. There was no way I could ever turn her away now.

"When Kikyou is dealt with, I will make you mine." I declared, loving the way the largest smile I have ever seen spread across her face.

With her, my future is bright.

Hitomi

I sat on my bed, reading over a scroll. I had to admit, it was a little difficult. The language had changed over the course of five-hundred years, and it was as if I was learning to read all over again. In truth though, my mind could hardly even focus on the scroll.

Instead, it was stuck on my children. Kagome was happy and pregnant and mated, and I couldn't be more proud of her. Souta was fitting in nicely in this world and would be devastated when we left. And there lies all of my problems.

I wasn't sure I wanted to return home anymore. I had my daughter, and soon-to-be grandchild, and Souta was happy here so why should we leave? I guess I wouldn't be so worried about it if I had more of a permanent living situation.

Mattaki would gladly allow us to live in his home, but I really don't want to intrude. Their family was growing and they will need their space. I doubt I could ever be comfortable living with Sesshomaru, and Kai…Oh, how I wish I could live with Kai.

It's been years since I have looked at a male as I once looked at Kagome's father. In all honesty, it caught me off guard just how quickly I developed feelings for the flirt. I wasn't stupid though. I was an older female, one he would never glance at.

I wasn't about to set myself up for heartbreak, that's for sure. So, if I were to stay, I would need to think of somewhere for Souta and I to live. That was going to be the hardest part. Not many villages would accept an older female and young boy.

"Let me in!" A deep voice yelled, banging on the shoji screen and causing me to jump. I ran to the door and slid it open, revealing a frantic Kai who barged past me and jumped over the bed, cowering down.

It wasn't until a bunch of screaming females ran past my room that I realized what he was doing. He was hiding. I turned to him, laughing when he peeked over the bed, trying to see if it was safe. Of course he would be chased by a horde of females.

"Well, shut the door, Woman. I don't want to be found." He hissed, making me laugh more. I shut the door and locked the screen, not that it would be much help against demons.

"Would you care to explain?" I asked, sitting back on my bed and picking up the scroll.

"Sesshomaru. It's his payback for me laughing at your daughter's pranks. He sent word out that I was looking for a mate, and now I'm being chased by crazy females." Kai explained, sitting on the bed beside me and leaning against the wall with a tired sigh.

"That is unfortunate." I replied, unable to keep the amusement out of my voice. He opened his eyes, revealing his slit pupils as he glared at me.

"Whose side are you on, Woman?" He asked, feigning hurt.

"I have to admit, it is a fitting punishment. Maybe now you will stop flirting with everything that moves." I scoffed, noticing the way his eyes narrowed at me.

"Are you jealous, my sweet Hitomi?" He asked. I couldn't stop the blush that graced my cheeks, and I scolded myself for allowing it to happen.

"No, why would I be?" I asked, hoping my voice didn't sound as strained as I thought it did.

"Hn." He mumbled, looking at me suspiciously. "What are you reading?"

"I am still trying to find a way home." I answered, surprised when the male beside me growled slightly.

"You still wish to return?" He asked, looking away from me.

"I don't know. Kagome is pregnant and I don't want to leave my daughter or grandchild, and Souta loves it here, but we don't have anywhere to stay." I admitted, throwing the scroll to the floor.

"I am sure Mattaki would let you stay with him, and if not, I will beat him." Kai stated, making me laugh.

"He has offered, but they are growing a family. I don't want to intrude on their space." I sighed, looking up at the male beside me. "I do not think living with Sesshomaru is a good idea so where does that leave me?"

"Stay with me. My home is not as big as Mattaki's but you are welcome to it." Kai offered, making my mouth drop slightly.

Oh, how I wanted to accept, but I didn't know if it was a good idea. I already had feelings for the demon beside me. How much would they deepen if I agreed to live with him?

"I'm not sure. Is it proper to allow an unmarried woman and her son to live with you while you yourself are not tied to anyone?" I asked, hoping that he would take back his offer.

"As if I care what others say. Plus, I would have no problem tying myself to you." He admitted, making my mouth drop.

"W-What?" I asked, ignoring the way he laughed.

"You are much like your daughter, at least according to Mattaki. Neither of you see what is right in front of you. He told me he had to spell it out for Kagome before she finally understood what it was he wanted. I assume I will have to do the same with you." He replied, smiling down at me, his two long fangs poking over his lip.

"And what do you want?" I asked, swallowing slightly.

"Why, you, of course. I wish to court you and eventually take you as my mate." He admitted, making me gasp again.

"Are you just saying this because it will get the females to go away or because it will be easier to explain if I were to move in with you?"

"My dear, no. I have been speaking to Mattaki for a couple weeks now on how to approach you. You are welcome to ask him, if you wish." He answered, slowly placing his hand on my cheek.

"I am older." I argued, still unable to accept what he was saying.

"As am I." He laughed. "You may be older, but you have aged beautifully and I would not change anything about you."

"You really want…me?"

"Of course. I do not lie. I have wanted you for some time now. I also know you want me. I have seen your glances and stares, just as much as I have smelled your arousal. However, I do not wish for only a physical relationship. If you agree to court me, I will be trying to win your heart as well." He informed, making me blush slightly at the thought of being intimate with this male.

"And Souta?"

"He will be accepted as my own son if you both wish it. He is a good lad, and you have done well with raising him and Kagome." He complimented, making my heart skip a beat slightly, before his eyes turned serious. "Tell me, Hitomi, will you allow this old demon the honor of courting you?"

"Y-yes." I whispered, watching as Kai's face grew into a giant grin. Slowly, he covered my lips with his, and I couldn't help but to sigh into the kiss.

My body immediately relaxed into his hold, and when he realized this, he pulled me into his lap, never once breaking our kiss. His arms wrapped around me, holding me to him, and I never wanted to leave.

He finally pulled away, leaving me gasping for breath, and I couldn't help but glare at his smug look. He chuckled deeply before running his fingers over the crook of my neck. He leaned down slightly and kissed my skin, and I knew what was coming.

Kagome had explained the courting and mating rituals to me a few days ago, and now I understood why. When I get the chance, I will have to scold that girl for not giving me a warning. I was her mother, and she left me in the dark.

I had expected his bite to hurt but was surprised when it didn't. I sat completely still, attempting not to react to the feel of his tongue on my skin. It was wonderful, and I felt naughty for wanting his appendage in other places.

When he pulled away, his eyes locked with mine and he smiled. He reached behind me and grabbed the tiny mirror I kept on my nightstand. I was surprised to see a green raindrop, and it took me a moment to realize that his mark was venom.

"Venom." I whispered, looking up at him.

"Of course. I am a snake after all, even if I'm not as cruel and manipulative as most snakes." He teased before setting the mirror down and looking at me. "I am venom, in every way, shape, and form. If you choose to mate me at a later date, you will be immune to all venom, just as Rin can no longer be hurt by poison and Mattaki cannot be harmed by reiki. It is a defense mechanism to ensure that we do not hurt the ones we care for."

"That will come in handy." I replied, still shocked at everything that just happened.

"Indeed, it will." Kai chuckled before lowering his lips to mine again.

Needless to say, my life would be different from here on out, but I could live with that.

-sSs-

Finally these four have gotten together. Lol. Sorry it took so long to get this out. I hope you enjoyed it though.

Shout outs:

DarRose224, DarkRoseTrinity, Janelvonne, vader634, Founders' Child 21, deadsoldier117, jmcastultz: Thank you all for following this story. I will do my best to keep it interesting for you.

DarkRose224, MeowChan88,DarRoseTrinity, dragonblue, vader634, Janelvonne, Founders' Child 21, Library Ghost 01, Lady of Jupiter: Thank you all for favoriting my story. I hope you will continue to enjoy it.

Janelvonne: I am glad you are liking my stories. I hope this chapter is as good as you were wanting.

RedDrake323: Thanks for your review. I am glad you liked it.

Slvrphoenx: Satori just seems like someone who would make a big entrance. The Kikyou secret will not be what anyone expects. Lol. I can't wait until I get to see everyone's reactions towards it.

Decadenceofmysoul: Yes, Satori got what she deserved, but this will not be the last we see of her…maybe. I haven't decided yet.

CrazyGryl: Mattaki would have never gone to her, especially while Kagome was pregnant. Lol. But of course Satori wouldn't sit back and do nothing.

LADY SILVERFOX: That sounds like a good idea. I want at least two more chapters before the baby is born, so I can add that. It will be cute. I don't know if I will do anymore pranking, however if I decide to I will keep your idea in mind. You do have good ideas after all. Lol.

DarkAngel8605: I wanted a little humor in that chapter, and I am glad I achieved my goal. Thank you for your review.

I do not own InuYasha.