AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yay new chapter! Still don't own any of the Characters except Sakura and the younger brothers...

Kagome burst into the house. Nearly out of breath and in a panic.

"Mama! Gandpa! Sota! Anyone!"

A plate was heard smashing against the tiled floor. Then Mrs. Higurashi walked out from the kitchen, shock and joy at her daughters return etched on her features.

"Kagome? Kagome!"

The elder woman pulled Kagome into a fierce hug.

"Mama, I'm glad to see you but we need help. A girl..."

"Of coarse, dear. Bring her in."

At that time Inuyasha, holding Sakura, walked into the house. Followed closely by Sesshomaru and the rest of the gang.

"Over here dear... On the couch."

"Ugh, I'm fine... My head just hurts. Put me down, 'Yash, I can walk."

"Shut up woman. You obviously over did it so you need rest."

Inuyasha laid her on the couch then promptly sat down in front of it to prevent her from getting up. Sakura just rolled her eyes in annoyance.

Brothers!

"When you have recovered, we will continue to your residence in this time. Rest."

Sesshomaru gave her that look that stated "obey or face the consequences". Sakura nodded and closed her eyes, willing the head ache to go away as quickly as possible.

"Hey! Why did you listen to him and not me?"

Sakura cracked her eyes open and slapped Inuyasha on the back of his head.

"He's Alpha, dork."

"Keh."

By the time Sakura was ready to go several hours later, Ms Higurashi had been introduced to everyone, groped by Miroku (Sango immediately hit him with Hiraikotsu), told stories, and served lunch.

"It's getting late. Why don't you stay the night and have dinner?"

"Sounds great, Mama. But... Sesshomaru?"

"Not you too, Kagome!"

"Sit boy."

"GAH!"

Sesshomaru hid a smirk behind a tea cup as he considered the options.

"I believe the rest is needed. Thank you for your generosity, Lady Higurashi."

"It's no trouble at all. Kagome, Sango, Rin, would you girls like to help me?"

Sounds of agreement came from the girls as they stepped over the prone hanyo to help with dinner.

"May I help too?"

Sakura stood up to assist, but found Sesshomaru's hand on her shoulder. Instead of answering he sat her back on the couch, made her lay down, then threw a blanket over her.

"Rest."

Sakura was woken up when dinner was ready. It was a happy affair; stories were told, laughter and smiles were abundant. Sakura found herself truly enjoying the Higurashi family.

"I have an announcement."

Kagome had stood up and was holding her tea cup. The room had quieted down to hear what she was about to say.

"Well, this is..."

"Out with it woman!"

Inuyasha was impatient as always; he really wanted that strawberry cake Mama was saving for desert.

"Ok fine! I'm pregnant."

She immediately sat down, so completely pissed at Inuyasha since didn't let her say the speech she had prepared, she didn't realize that not a word had been uttered since her announcement.

Mama recovered first.

"That's wonderful, Kagome! Is the baby going to have Inuyasha's cute ears?"

Inuyasha made a choking noise at his name. Everyone else made rounds of congratulations on the new parents; some slapped Inuyasha on the back, others hugged Kagome, Sota was dancing with the cat in his excitement. Eventually everyone calmed down and it was time for bed.

The next morning was a flurry of activity. Inuyasha refused to leave Kagome alone for more than 3 seconds; constantly asking if she was okay and if she needed anything. Mama was planing a trip to the store to stock up on baby supplies. Sota and Shippo were playing with Sota's tops. Sango and Rin were trying to help keep Inuyasha from his wife. Sesshomaru, Miroku, and Grandpa were the only ones sitting down, either sipping tea or reading the paper.

Sakura just watched everyone as they went about that morning. She was ready to go home, she wanted to see Rikuto and Haru.

Maybe I can go on ahead. Let them take their time here. I'll leave the address with Kagome, I'm sure she will be able to find it.

Mind made up, she walked over to Sesshomaru.

"Sesshomaru, I'm going to go on ahead to my house. I'll leave the location with Ms Higurashi and Kagome should be able to lead the rest of you there when you are ready."

"Leave the location, but Rin and I will accompany you."

"Okay.."

She walked over to the phone where a notepad and pen were used for messages. She quickly wrote down her address and phone number and ripped off the page. Walking back into the kitchen she found Inuyasha and Kagome fighting over what she should eat for lunch.

"You need to eat more!"

He filled her bowl with more instant Ramen.

"No, Inuyasha. If anything my diet needs to be more balanced. That means no ninja food."

She pushed the bowl away, intent on getting more of what her mother made for lunch. He pushed it back towards her. They went back and forth a few more times. Kagome quickly had enough.

"SIT BOY!"

Inuyasha went to the floor, the bowl of instant Ramen on top his head. Sakura couldn't help but laugh.

"You know he's only trying to take care of you and the pup."

"Yeah, but he's going at it the wrong way."

Sakura stepped over her unconscious brother and handed Kagome the slip of paper.

"This is my address. I figured you'd like to spend more time with your family. Sesshomaru and Rin are coming with me. Join us when you are ready."

"Thanks. We should be there in a few days."

Sakura looked over at Sesshomaru.

"As soon as I tell everyone else what's up and tell them bye I'll be ready to leave."

"Very well."

Once everyone was updated and told good bye, they were off.

It was a bright, sunny summer day. Sakura was enjoying the walk home, even if the smell of pollution was more pungent to her. Sesshomaru was walking on her left, Rin on her right. As they walked she'd point out sites of interest. Rin seamed intent on learning all she could while Sesshomaru looked his normal bored self...though if you looked closely he was breathing rather shallowly and his eyes darted to every possible danger; Sakura could smell his anxiety.

They rounded a corner and crossed the park. Sakura stopped in front of an old multistory manor house with a well kept front yard.

"Home."

Sakura walked through the gate and was about to open the door when it was opened for her. Two boys around 11 or 12 years old with dark brown hair, light mocha eyes, and the typical Asian complication. Sakura smiled at them.

"Sis?"

"Boys!"

Sakura flung her arms wide and the kids jumped willingly into them. They hugged her and she them; they were laughing, crying, and exchanging "I missed you"s all at the same time.

"You look so different, sis. What happened to you?"

Rikuto traced the marks on her cheeks and the moon on her forehead.

"I told you she joined a gang! The tattoos prove it!"

Haru, always up for an adventure, made one up to explain away her disappearance. Sakura laughed at his antics and released the boys.

"No, I didn't join a gang. But I was sent back in time. Lets go inside, I'll explain everything."

"No need. Mom told us what was going to happen when she died. Haru just likes making stuff up, you know that."

Sakura laughed again and made to herd the boys inside again. At the door she turned and motioned for her two companions to follow. Once inside she closed the door.

"Who are they?"

Rikuto, always the frank one, went straight to business. He faced Sesshomaru with arms crossed, eyes narrowed, and a frown marring his usually bright face. Sakura moved to stand behind her younger brothers and placed a hand on both boys' shoulders.

"Rikuto, Haru, this is my eldest brother, Lord Sesshomaru and his ward Rin. Sesshomaru, Rin, these are my younger brothers."

Rin made a formal bow.

"Pleasure to meet you."

Sesshomaru merely inclined his head

"Hn."

The boys responded in kind.

Sakura led them to the living room. Once everyone was settled, she turned to the boys.

"Ok, now that's out of the way. How about you boys explain what you know about my little trip and I'll explain my end?"

The boys looked at each other and shrugged. But it was Rikuto who answered.

"Okay, but you have to make your famous Kaiseki ryori. It's been a year since we had it.

A year? That's how long I've been gone? A year?

Yeah. Wakashia-san has been in a panic since you left. He didn't know who he needed to report to.

Who's been taking care of you?

Wakashia. As long as you are gone, we are the only heirs to the tea houses. They can't write us out unless we give up our status.

And we refuse to. We know you and Mom wouldn't want us to be with out anything.

Sakura just stared at her baby brothers.

How in the world did they get so smart?

And how do you know all this?

When Mom got sick and you buried yourself in work, she taught us the laws, what would happen to you, and how to run the company.

Don't worry, she was very thorough. We've been checking everything behind the Boards back and when we find something unsatisfactory we send Wakashis-san to fix it. Technically, he's our guardian.

Okay, I guess it's my turn to tell you about my adventures?

The boys nodded and she launched into the story. She left out the more adult parts and in the spaces where she was unconscious or asleep, either Rin or Sesshomaru would add to it. The young males ohh'ed and ahh'ed at all the right parts. During several of those instances, Sakura went and prepared dinner. When it was done they moved to the dinning room. It didn't take long before dinner was winding down and so was the story.

And so that's when the well let us through and we were able to make it here. The rest of our group is at Kagome's home, but they should be joining us in a few days. During that time we will need to clean up some of the guest rooms. I can count on you boys for help, right?

The boys stood at attention, gave her a salute, big grins on their faces, they chorused.

Yes ma'm!

Good. Now, I need you to make up two rooms while I clean up dinner and show our guests around.

They saluted again and took off at a dead run upstairs.

Well that will keep them out of our hair for a bit.

Sakura started to pick up dinner. She smiled when she noticed Rin helping her.

Thank you.

You are welcome, Sakura-sama.

She put the dishes she and Rin picked up had in the sink and started to run the water. As she was washing those dishes, another pile appeared at her elbow. She turned to thank Rin again, but found Sesshomaru instead. She smiled and took the pile.

You don't have to help. Please sit and enjoy your tea.

Is this not what families do? Assist each other with household chores.

Yes but I was not expecting you to help. You just seem too...

If you do not want my help just say so.

No, help if you wish. Thank you, again.

Sesshomaru nodded and gave his customary 塗n With both Rin and Sesshomaru's help, the dishes were done in record time.

All done! Okay, how about that tour?

Rin became excited; bouncing on the balls of her feet with her hands clasped in front of her.

Oh, yes, please!

Sakura smiled at her enthusiasm and started the tour.