I have created a Spotify Playlist of the songs used, so you don't have to go hunting for them. The Playlist will be updated as the fic is updated, so there'll be no spoilers about what's coming down the road.

Also, keep in mind that I'm telling an alternate history version of Japan to work better with the story of demons and humans co-existing.

Songs in this chapter in order of use, and placed in the story when to hit play:

(1) Need You Tonight (Spotify Singles) – Bob Moses (originally by INXS)

"You are insatiable!" Kagome laughed as she felt Inuyasha grab her around her waist, pulling her back onto the couch with him.

They'd gotten to the studio well before the others, and were already set up for the jam session, but while Kagome was playing some chords on the piano, Inuyasha had snuck up behind her and decided it wasn't quite time for music… at least not the normal kind.

"It's yer fault," he said back to her in a drawl, kissing along the column of her neck. It was true, Inuyasha had a hard time keeping his hands to himself these days. Every time Kagome was in the room, he physically had to resist the urge to just touch her or be near her.

He was hopelessly obsessed with everything that was her.

Kagome turned in his arms, taking his face between her hands and planted a sweet kiss to his lips before saying sweetly, "I didn't say it was a bad thing."

He smirked back at her playfulness before they continued with their displays of affection.

Unfortunately, Inuyasha had been so caught up in the moment, he didn't hear the footsteps that were coming closer to the studio. It wasn't until the latch on the door clicked that Kagome jumped back, but it was too late. They were on the couch in a very intimate position, and they'd been caught red-handed.

"Geez, you two. Get a room, would ya?" Shippo mocked as he set down some of his gear. Sango had to swat at Miroku to not say anything while Inuyasha and Kagome tried to save what was left of their dignity.

"It's not what it looks like!" Kagome tried to explain, but Sango just threw a look that let her know there was no use.

"You know you don't have to lie to us, right?" Sango said with a smile as she took off her jacket," We kinda figured something had happened when you both left the party last week."

Kagome's cheeks were bright red, though Inuyasha seemed to be less phased, "Yeah, yeah, just spare us the awkward conversations and let's move on, shall we?"

Miroku couldn't help himself, "But that's the fun part!" earning a weak swipe from Inuyasha, though it had no real threat behind it.

Kagome felt a need to clarify, "We didn't mean to hide it from you guys. It's just that…" She turned to meet Inuyasha's eyes and continued, "This is still kinda new to us, and we didn't want to make a big deal out of it."

"It's fine. We get it," Sango reassured her friend, "You two don't have to explain a thing. We'll just make sure Shippo doesn't start feeling like a fifth wheel, what with all of us dating each other now."

With the attention now diverted to Shippo, Kagome and Inuyasha took a quick sigh of relief.

They hadn't intended on making it known to the guys just yet, but as the saying goes, when life gives you lemons…

They decided to get started with the session, pitching some new songs ideas Inuyasha had been throwing around.

After a few minutes, Kagome's phone started to ring, and she excused herself to take the call in the hallway while the guys are in the middle of working out some of the music.

"Hey, Mom" Kagome greeted as she recognized the caller ID on her phone.

"Hello, dear. I was just out at the market, getting things for dinner tonight and wanted to be sure you were still able to come over. Do you have any preferences?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm still able to make it tonight. I may be a little later than usual. I'm just with Sango and the others in a session right now."

Her mom's voice lifted a few octaves, "Would you like to invite them to dinner? It's been a while since we've seen Sango."

Kagome thought about it, and answered, "I think Sango and Miroku have some plans later tonight."

"Well how about that friend of yours, Inuyasha? You're always welcome to invite him over as well."

"Huh?" she was genuinely taken aback. While the guys just found out she and Inuyasha were seeing each other, her family certainly wasn't aware of it. It felt a little early to bring him around the family as her boyfriend.

"What does he usually like to eat? I can make whatever he'd like best," her Mom continued, clearly now hunting around the market for other options.

"Hold on, Mom! Let me ask him after the session and I'll let you know for sure. Just make whatever you were going to make, and I'm sure he'd be fine wi—" Kagome stopped herself and clarified, "Except curry. He doesn't usually do spicy well. But he's otherwise pretty agreeable when it comes to food."

"Good to know," her Mom said, "Alright, I'll grab some extras and even if he can't come, we'll just have some leftovers then."

"Sounds good," Kagome replied, "I gotta get back in there. I'll see you later tonight!"

"Have fun, dear!"

She disconnected the call, and made her way back over to the studio door, watching and listening from the window as Inuyasha and the others were working out a song structure. (1, just a few seconds)

It sounded very different from their usual music, and Kagome had to admit she liked the rhythm of it.

After the session, Kagome and Inuyasha headed out together, and she asked, "By the way, my mom asked if you'd be interested in joining us for dinner tonight."

Inuyasha body physically shuddered as he continued to walk beside her to his truck, "Uh, feels a little early for that kinda thing, isn't it? Besides, doesn't your family live at a shrine?"

"Yeah, but you've been there before, and there wasn't an issue. My family already likes you, so it's not like you have to impress them or anything. And we don't have to tell them about us just yet. You can just come as a friend."

As they got into the truck, he mumbled insecurely, "I dunno…"

Kagome closed her door and leaned over to kiss his cheek, "Listen, you don't have to come if it's not comfortable for you, but it'd be better for you to get to know them more without the added pressure of us 'dating'. And… I would really appreciate it if you did come."

He gave her a sideways glance, and the pleading look on her face was one he knew he couldn't refuse. He sighed loudly, "Oh alright. But you owe me…"

Kagome giggled, before responding sweetly, "Oh don't worry. I plan on rewarding you handsomely."

Inuyasha's ears twitched in excitement, noticing the sudden change in her scent and letting him know exactly how she planned on rewarding him. That cinnamon and ginger spice… it was going to be the death of him, he was sure of it.

They arrived at the Higurashi shrine just in time for sunset, Inuyasha felt somewhat underdressed, having not been used to these kinds of interactions, but Kagome reassured him that they were a casual bunch.

His nerves got the better of him and he asked as they walked up to the front door, "Kagome… what if… what if things go sideways?"

Kagome looked back at him, and saw the tense expression in his brow. She walked up to him and lifted her hand to his cheek, "You have nothing to worry about. Whatever you think might happen, I promise you it won't. I wouldn't bring you here if I thought they'd hurt you."

Inuyasha let the warmth of her hand permeate through his skin and nuzzled into the affectionate gesture.

She was right. If she could trust him with everything she had thus far, it only made sense for him to return that trust in her; to trust that she wouldn't allow anyone to hurt him like he had been, especially not her family.

He turned in her palm and kissed her hand before smiling, "You're right."

She smiled up at him, "Don't worry about a thing. I've got you."

They opened the front door and Kagome called out, "I'm home!"

"Welcome home, dear!" they could hear her mom call from the kitchen, "Is anyone with you?"

"Yeah, Inuyasha was able to come," Kagome responded as they removed their shoes and headed into the main living room, finding Souta and Grandpa seated by the kotatsu table and watching the news.

Souta was quick to greet them with a smile and a polite wave, "Hey sis! Hey Inuyasha!

Grandpa turned as well, giving a light bow, "Kagome! Good to see you able to make it today!"

Kagome quickly laughed it off, "Well, last week was hectic with the New Years Eve performance we had."

Her mom came around the corner, "Kagome, would you mind helping me in the kitchen?"

"Sure thing!" she answered before turning to Inuyasha, "Feel free to make yourself at home. You can come with me in the kitchen, if you want."

Inuyasha nodded, deciding that it might be better to stay close to her for the time being.

As they entered the kitchen, Kagome was quick to let Inuyasha sit at the table while she helped her mom get some vegetables cut and peeled.

"Inuyasha, it's good to see you again! I'm glad you were able to join us tonight," her mom said in a gleeful tone and offering polite bow to their guest.

"Uh, it's… no problem. Thanks for inviting me," he answered rather stiffly.

"It's no trouble at all!" Mama replied, "I hope you like steak. Kagome said you were okay with anything so long as it wasn't spicy, so I hope that's alright."

Inuyasha's ears twitched, which Kagome quietly noted as she sat the table next to him to start working on the vegetables. He was always a sucker for a good steak, "Uh, yeah, that sounds great."

As Kagome and her mother initially exchanged light conversation, catching each other up on their lives, before her mom asked, "So Inuyasha, how did you get into music? Kagome says you're quite talented."

His cheeks flushed a little, "Um… well, it was kind of a hobby I got into when I was a teenager, and just never quite stopped, I guess."

"What do you play?"

"Guitar and I do some singing as well. But it's nothing special."

Kagome lightly interjected, "Don't let him undersell it, Mom. His playing and singing are amazing! He'd give some of the other students at the conservatory a run for their money."

"Did you go to school for it as well?" Mom asked.

He shook his head, "Nah, I was self-taught. Just kept practicing and managed to kinda luck out that I had a knack for it."

"That's quite impressive!" Mama commented, "I remember Kagome's father was always wishing he could be more gifted when it came to music, but turned out he just had a good ear for it, and not so much the hands to match. But it didn't make him appreciate it any less."

Inuyasha thought the moment would get awkward at the mention of Kagome's late father, but it seemed like her mom was at peace with it.

She continued on, asking Inuyasha questions about himself, letting him go into as much or as little details as he liked, and he had to admit, it was nice to have someone ask you about yourself, and actually listen to what you were saying. She asked about how he met Sango, and he explained about how he and Miroku had been in a band for some time, and needed a new drummer. He talked a little about his job at the shop, and the conversation was remarkably seamless.

After a while, Inuyasha asked if they could use any help with anything for the meal, and Mama asked if he could help set the table, which the plates and utensils were already out. He placed them around the settings, and just in time too.

Just as the meal was ready, and while Mama went to get Souta and Grandpa, Kagome quickly reached for Inuyasha's hand and whispered, "You doing okay?"

He gave her a confident smirk, "Yeah. Yeah, it's… all good."

"I'm glad," she smiled back just before her family came back to the kitchen. They all took their seats and Kagome and Souta both called out simultaneously — like it was an old habit, "Thank you for the meal!"

Inuyasha, bowing his head at the neck, repeated, "Thank you for the meal."

Kagome looked over and saw her mom give Inuyasha warm smile before saying, "Enjoy!"

During a short lull in the conversation, Grandpa piped up and said, "So Inuyasha, your family heritage… I imagine you must come from a long line of great demons."

Inuyasha initially froze up, the piece of steak hanging from his chopsticks.

Kagome immediately spoke up, "Gramps!"

"What?! I was just curious! You know there's ancient legend of noble dog demons who used to rule most of Japan! I heard there's still some today who have powerful connections, and there's not too many dog demons around these days. I was just wondering if his family was part of that same linage."

Inuyasha decided to distract himself with the piece of meat, stuffing it in his mouth.

"What do you mean 'ancient legend', Gramps?" Kagome tossed back.

"Legend goes that a great dog demon General ruled the Western lands for hundreds of years, and that the only reason peace came to Japan within the last thirty years was because of his heart softening for a human woman. No one knows for sure if that's the case, but…"

Kagome had never heard of this, "Gramps, even if that is true, it's rude to just ask people if they're related just because they have a similar demon trait!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply anything," Gramps responded genuinely, "And I didn't mean to assume…"

Kagome just sighed, looking to Inuyasha, who was just chewing along, pretending like he didn't even hear it.

Before it could get too awkward though, Souta chimed in, "Hey, so I heard about this thing that happened at school the other day…"

The meal continued on without much more interest, and as they were cleaning up, Inuyasha excused himself to use the restroom. Kagome wanted to follow after to make sure he was alright, but she got caught up tending to the dishes.

Inuyasha closed the door and paused to look in the mirror, leaning over the sink and letting his head fall forward.

Kagome's grandfather had actually been right…

Inuyasha was related to the dog demon General. Inu no Taisho, the Dog Demon General of the Western Lands.

Or at least, that was his title up until he met Inuyasha's mother. It was after that that humans and demons started negotiating peace treaties and started to co-exist with one another.

Of course, his clan wasn't necessarily happy about that, and after his death, Sesshomaru — Inuyasha's older half-brother — took over as head of the clan. But the treaties were signed, and there was no going back.

Inuyasha existed only as whisper of a possibility to some of those who suspected why the Great Dog General gave up his campaign and negotiated peace with humans. And Inuyasha wanted to keep it that way. Better he be non-existent to them than be discovered and his life thrown into more chaos than it already had been.

He didn't think that Kagome's grandfather would have been one of those people who heard those stories.

He splashed some cool water on his face before drying off and leaving the restroom. But on his way out, he noticed Kagome's kid brother standing outside the door.

"Uh… I'm all done, if you need it," Inuyasha offered.

Souta shook his head, a determined look on his face, "Can I… talk to you for a minute?"

He pointed towards the front door, and Inuyasha suddenly felt uneasy. He didn't get any kind of negative feeling from the kid, but the way he was acting, Inuyasha wasn't sure what to expect, "Uh, sure?"

They got their shoes on and headed outside, Souta leading them around to the tree that was near where their father's funeral was held.

Inuyasha stuffed his hands in his pockets, waiting for the kid get to the point.

"Inuyasha… I-I have a favor to ask you," Souta started, walking up to the tree.

Inuyasha gave the kid an odd look, "Aaaand what's that?"

After a brief moment of silence, Souta turned around, "I don't… have anyone else I can really go to about this kinda stuff…"

'And yet you're asking me,' Inuyasha thought to himself.

"But… after the way you've been so supportive of my sister, and our family, I just thought… maybe you'd be willing to give me some advice."

"Advice…?" Inuyasha asked confusedly.

"Yeah! You see, there's this girl I like in my class," Souta exclaimed. He started to prattle on and on about this girl, about how smart and cute and kind she was. Inuyasha couldn't fully track everything because the kid was talking so fast and for so long, it became a blur.

"So… what are you asking me about?" Inuyasha interrupted before Souta could keep going down his train of thought.

"Oh, I was wondering how I should ask her out?" Souta said it so bluntly, like it was obvious that that was what he wanted.

"Huh? How the hell am I supposed to know?" Inuyasha rebutted.

"Well, you're dating my sister, aren't you?"

"Huh?!" the dumbfounded look on Inuyasha's face was instantaneous.

"Well, aren't you? I mean you two seem to always be hanging out with each other, and I've never seen her be as close with a guy the way she is with you. So, I figured I'd ask… how did you ask her out?"

Inuyasha's cheeks turned insanely red, "Y-You're imagining things!"

"Really? Well, if that's the case, I hope you ask her out soon…" Souta said rather plainly, "'Cause I know she's got feelings for you."

Inuyasha's demeanor softened, "You do, huh?"

Souta nodded, "We all do. And it's easy to understand why. You're an absolute badass! And look at everything you've done for her ever since what happened with our dad…"

Inuyasha somewhat scoffed at himself, 'Guess we're not very good at playing things cool.'

"All I know is that… after my dad got sick, I haven't really felt like I've had anyone to look up to or ask about these kinda things. Mom has had enough to worry about, and Gramps isn't the most helpful. I'm almost fourteen, but I don't know how to do any of this stuff so… can you help me?"

Inuyasha gave the kid a sympathetic look. He had to respect him for being bold enough to ask for help, and from someone like him.

Inuyasha sighed, "I can't promise I'll be of much help."

Souta's eyes lit up, "Thanks, Inuyasha!"

After Kagome finished the dishes, she excused herself to go find Inuyasha, worried that maybe he'd taken off. He'd been gone for a while, and hoped that her grandfather's outburst hadn't made him feel insecure. She promised she'd protect him, and yet she felt like she may have let him down.

She noticed his shoes were missing from the front door. Her heart sank a little at the realization, and she immediately tossed hers on, hoping she could catch him. As she left the house, she saw that his truck was still out front.

'So… he didn't leave then?' a wave of relief washed over her before she started to follow the sets of footprints in the snow that rounded to the shrine grounds. She looked across the area and saw Souta and Inuyasha standing near the tree. It looked like they were talking.

She thought about going over to make sure everything was okay, but after a minute of watching them, she saw Souta's eyes widen in excitement — a look she hadn't seen from him in years. Inuyasha then reached out and ruffled his hair, like he was teasing him… like a younger sibling. And Souta couldn't have looked any happier.

Kagome's heart warmed at watching her brother look up at Inuyasha like he was…

It had been very hard on Souta since their dad's diagnosis. He was a pre-teen at the time, and while he must've had so many questions and things he wanted to ask about, he bottled it all up, just so that it wasn't one more thing for the family to worry about.

Kagome had been able to see that in him, but she didn't know how to talk to him about it. She figured that eventually he'd open up again. He'd always been a pretty carefree kid, and now, that same carefree attitude seemed to be coming back.

In a way, she hoped he and Inuyasha could have a good relationship.

She left them alone, deciding everything was probably alright.

It wasn't long before Souta came back inside. Kagome asked, "Hey Souta, where's Inuyasha?"

"Oh, Gramps snagged him to show him his bonsai trees."

Kagome's face fell as she let out an exasperated sigh, "And you let him?!"

"This one has been my pride and joy. I've been pruning it meticulously almost daily," Gramps explained, showing Inuyasha the small potted tree.

Inuyasha looked it over and nodded, "It's well-manicured, that's for sure."

"Have you ever been interested in the hobby?"

Inuyasha took a second before he replied, "No, but my mother, she actually kept some bonsai trees for a few years when I was a kid."

"You don't say!" Gramps chimed gleefully, "She must have had a steady hand after doing it for so many years. I'm still new to it myself, but it's been good to have something to focus on…"

Inuyasha picked up the insinuation the old man was making. It was good that he had something to put his energy into after his son's death a few months ago. Rather than being bitter and angry that the world took away his son before him, he centered that into growing these small trees, and caring for them. And the fact he felt such an eagerness to show them to Inuyasha… he almost felt unworthy of it.

"Listen, my boy," Gramps started, setting down the tree, "I want to apologize for my rudeness earlier. I didn't mean to make you feel like you were different."

Inuyasha listened to him quietly as he continued.

"I come from a generation where humans and demons living together was unheard of. It was a different time, and there were many lives and families torn apart by these ancient feuds. But… over the last thirty years, I've slowly started to change my way of thinking on the subject. It does no one any good to hold onto hate and resentment, especially for those who have done no wrong to me or my loved ones."

As the old priest turned back to the younger half-demon, a determined but sympathetic look on his face, Inuyasha tried his best to appear neutral… unfazed.

"I hope you don't take my old ways of thinking into consideration when it comes to my family. They have all taken a strong liking to you, and I can see why. You're a good man, and even if I speak out of turn, or say something uncouth, I do wish for you to know that my intentions are pure and I only wish to get to know you better."

Inuyasha gave the man a small nod. He could tell the man was being authentic, "I appreciate that. I've been told I can be rough around the edges, but… thank you for… opening your home to me. I've never felt terribly comfortable around shrines and holy places, but… it's been nice being here with you all."

Gramps smiled a toothy grin, "Never a worry! You're always welcome at the Higurashi shrine!"

Before he could continue, Kagome threw open the door to the storage room where she knew her grandfather tended to his trees, and demanded, "Gramps! What makes you think Inuyasha would be interested in seeing your bonsai trees?!"

"Oh Kagome! I was just showing him how far along they've come in just a few months!"

She sighed, but as she walked in, she saw Inuyasha's calm demeanor before saying, "I hope he hasn't bored you to tears yet with stories about the shrine."

Inuyasha let out a small scoffing laugh, "Not yet."

"Actually, my boy, did you know that the Higurashi shrine was founded almost 500 years ago?"

Kagome quickly pulled Inuyasha with her before her grandfather could start his next tall-tale, "You'll have to tell him another time, Gramps!"

As they walked the grounds, she quietly whispered, "I'm sorry I left you alone with them. They can be a lot sometimes."

Inuyasha shook his head, "Don't worry. They were… fine."

"But…"

"Honestly, Kagome… Your family's been great. Don't work yourself up over it."

"They are?"

"I've been called a lot of things, and had people say the worst kinda shit to me. Your family… they're… well, they're good people. And I can see where you get it from."

That made her cheeks glow a little, "You don't… think they're weird? I know Gramps can be a handful, and Souta can be an obnoxious brat sometimes… but, I just don't want them to make you feel like you're different."

Inuyasha gave her a sideways look, "You don't think I know when someone's being a dick to me?"

She gave a somewhat bemused look before saying, "Right…"

"I know what assholes look like, and your family, they aren't assholes. Your brother was actually asking me for advice."

Kagome looked over and asked, "Advice about what?"

Inuyasha fumbled a little, "Uh, nothing serious, just some guy stuff."

"Guy stuff, huh?" she mimicked incredulously.

"Though… he did say that they all already know we're dating, so… doesn't seem like we need to hide it much anymore."

"They do?!" Kagome asked surprised, "Ugh…"

"Kagome… are you… do you not want people knowing about us?"

The question was so jarring, she paused, and Inuyasha quickly looked back, "Why… would you think that?"

He shrugged, "You didn't tell Sango or the others… you didn't tell your family… it's fine, if that's what you want, but…"

"Inuyasha… I'm so sorry," she started, reaching out for him to hug him, causing him to feel a little confused.

"Uh… what for?"

He felt her arms tightly encircle his torso as she spoke, "I didn't tell them because I didn't want you to feel pressured by people knowing. I just wanted us to be able to date for a while, without everyone having their opinions and making comments. I want you to know that it's not from a place of wanting to hide you or feeling ashamed of you… okay? I love you… and I'm sorry if I made you doubt that."

Inuyasha's shoulders relaxed and he soon returned the embrace, resting his chin on top of her hair and gently brushing his hand up her back in comfort, "You don't hafta apologize. It's just the voice in my head. I shouldn't've said anything."

"But I wanna know what you're thinking… what's going on in your head," she replied, "Don't feel like you need to bottle that stuff up… okay?"

A smile wormed its way to his lips as he sighed, "Alright. I'll try."

After a few moments, Kagome finally let go of him and looked up at him which earned her a quick kiss from him.

She whispered against his lips, "Wanna head back inside for dessert?"

Inuyasha gave her a lustful look before she realized what she'd insinuated, "You know what I meant!"

"Suuuuure," he drawled, pecking her lips once more before she pulled away to head back to the house.

After some sweets and some more light conversation, Kagome and Inuyasha called it a night and they said their goodbyes to her family, heading out to his truck and driving away.

"Want me to take you home?" he asked her.

She thought about it for a second, but soon replied as she snaked herself towards his side, "Actually… let's head back to your place."

"How come? Don't you have work tomorrow?" he asked as he turned the ignition and the truck started up.

Kagome softly giggled as she purred in his ear, "I still owe you for coming out tonight."

Thanks for your patience, everyone! Work has been hell for the last few months, and I was a bit side tracked by getting super invested in Suzume as a movie (go watch it if you haven't already, I have a few fics for it if you'd also like to read those).

I'll start working on the next chapter shortly, so hopefully it won't be so long between updates again.

Thanks again to Ruddcatha for being the bestest beta-reader! 3

Until Next Time…