HELLO AND HAPPY 2024 EVERYONE! I BRING TO YOU ANOTHER ONE SHOT IN KEEPING WITH THE CELEBRATION. IF YOU ARE FAMLIAR WITH "AFTER THE RAINBOW", MY OTHER STORY I'M WORKING ON, THIS TAKES PLACE IN THE SAME UNIVERSE. I HAD A REALLY FUN TIME WRITING THIS ONE, WITH THE HELP OF A VERY GOOD FRIEND (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) WHO SUGGESTED MANY WONDERFUL IDEAS THAT IMPROVED THIS ONE-SHOT MORE THAN I WOULD'VE GUESSED! AND IT'S BECOME A NEW FAVORITE! IT WAS A CHALLENGE TO BE SURE BUT, IN THE END, I AM EXTREMELY SATISIFED WITH THIS PIECE!

*FAIR WARNING: THERE IS A LEMON, WHICH I WILL PUT BEFORE IT OCCURS*

ENJOY!

Disclaimer: The InuYasha/Yashahime universe and its characters do not belong to me. I only own the three pups, of which are my own creation.


A NEW YEAR'S MIRACLE

Oh, how I wish we could all be together. Images of her mother, grandfather and younger brother-now all grown, flashed in her mind as she rested against her husband's shoulder.

Thanks to her niece Towa Kagome knew that the New Years was mere days away. The weather turned winter cold, the air clean and crisp with a light dusting of snow, which currently her three children were frolicking in. She and InuYasha brought their pups to the well clearing, the sun bringing a bit of warmth for the first time in days. And her children, particularly her young twins-currently nine months-were fascinated by the snow.

"If I know Mom, she'll have the entire family cleaning out the house, and gramps employing Souta to help with the shed." Kagome told her hanyou, who was nice and warm despite the cold.

"Better him than me. That shed wreaked havoc on my nose!" InuYasha grimaced. He pulled her onto his lap. "I know you miss them." He nuzzled her neck.

"I do, especially when New Years is a time for family." Memories of the past years before returning to InuYasha brought a wistful look. "Being with my family was great, but not having you there always left a hole. As far as my family were concerned, you became a permanent part of it." She looked up to his face. "Every New Year I always thought of you. And now, with three beautiful children, it's brought those feelings back." She watched Moroha being chased by the twins, their youkai speed increasing every day. "I know Mama would love to see all her grandchildren in one place." She quickly kissed his chin. "And I know she'd love to see you. Souta and Gramps as well."

"I wouldn't mind seeing them all again, though I'm surprised the old man's still alive." He chuckled when he felt his wife's elbow in his gut.

"So is Buyo believe it or not. I remembered how you tortured that poor cat every time you came to the shrine."

"It was fun!" He argued.

A few screams caught their attention. They looked up to see the twins on top of their sister.

"Help! I'm being attacked!" Moroha pleaded, spitting out a mouthful of snow. "Get off me you boogers!" She tried to sit up, but Kin pushed her down, finding great hilarity in the situation. Kat went to sit on her legs. "Mom! Dad! DO something!"

"I think we should go rescue our daughter." Kagome patted her husband's knee and sat up.

The twins, born the past spring, were growing up fast. Katana resembling her father in hanyou form, and InuKin in his human state, were starting to experiment with their youkai agility and strength. Not to mention sparks of spiritual energy now and then. Katana liked to use her claws and youkai senses more often, mimicking her father and sister. InuKin while also using his youkai senses stuck, liked using bits of spiritual power and often found solace in his mother.

As the twins were being plucked off Moroha- she growled and got up, shaking the snow off like a dog, a familiar magic stopped the two parents cold.

"InuYasha…." Kagome held Kin to her.

"I know. I sense it too." InuYasha, holding Kat just as close. Both he and his wife looked towards the Bone Eater's Well.

Moroha, sensing the magic was a little anxious. "What's that?" Her spiritual senses were tingling. The twins whimpered, also feeling it yet not understanding.

"You think… the well…?" Kagome gulped, praying that what she hoped for was really happening. "After all these years…?"

"It hasn't worked since I pulled you out those many years ago." He remembered that magic, the power connecting the modern world with the feudal era, the one thing that brought his beloved wife and mate to him in the first place, taking her back for three years and returning her to him… He soothed his young pup, hearing the whimpers. "There's no mistake."

Kissing her son's head trying to calm him, she looked up at him. "What do you think?" On impulse she grabbed her husband's hand. "If it's what I think it is, I'm not leaving you again." Her tone was resolute. And looking towards her teenage daughter she said, "I'm not leaving behind any of you."

"You mean the well? The one that brought you to this world in the first place?" The shinhanyou looked towards the object in question. "Is that what I'm sensing?" She took a few sniffs." It smells different than before, like not just the remnants of decay but like electric now."

"If all of us can sense it, I'm sure it's telling us to go." InuYasha held fast to his wife's hand. "But we all go together!" While he had his reserves about the damn thing, he could smell the hope radiating from Kagome. The possibility of seeing her-their family, again was greater than ever, and truth be told he was a bit excited himself.

With a deep breath, instructing Moroha to hold onto him and her mother, the family of five cautiously walked up towards The Bone Eater's Well, its timeless song beckoning them….


"Yuck!" A child's voice shouted.

"Come on, Mei. Let's get this done so we can help your grandmother prepare Kagami Mochi!" The girl's mother Moe beckoned, beating a tatami mat.

It was a busy day at the Higurashi Shrine, with the New Year's celebration mere days away there was still much to do! While Moe and her daughter were busy beating Tatami mats, her husband Sota Higurashi was with great grandpa Higurashi cleaning out the shed, the occasional coughing and shouts of pain causing the mother and daughter to giggle.

"Yummy!" The girl was all smiles, even with a handkerchief covering her nose and mouth. "I like mochi!"

"I know you do." Moe, her face covered in a handkerchief hugged her child. "And in a few days, we'll be making soba noodles. Your daddy loves those."

A shout and feline screech caused the two to look over in time to see Buyo run out of the shed, no doubt caught in a bad place. The feline ran as fast his fat legs could take him. Although he stopped suddenly in front of the shrine that housed the well. He jogged up and pawed the doors, meowing.

"What's Buyo doing by the well house?" Mei pointed. She knew the well house brought her big sister Towa to their family before she was born and was told of how that well took her auntie Kagome to a place called the feudal era.

"Maybe he senses a mouse or something." Moe noticed how the cat was trying his hardest to get in. He wouldn't stop meowing.

Deciding to let him into the well house, Moe moved towards the building and was but a few feet away when she stopped in her tracks.

"Oh my God, we're actually here?!" A woman's voice sobbed.

"Hell, it actually worked." A male voice responded.

"No freaking way!" A younger, more familiar voice. "It worked-just like you said mom!"

She recognized Moroha's voice right away, but what were those other two voices? And Moroha did say mom-did that mean-?

"Mamma, what's going on?" She caught her daughter's hand in time. "I thought I heard voices."

And when those well doors opened all hell broke loose within moments.


Mama Higurashi still couldn't believe the scene before her. It was so surreal.

Gramps and Souta were awestruck as well.

Moe and Mei were shocked but curious to see the sister-in-law/aunt they heard so much of but never met.

So much was happening, so many reunions and introductions all at once, it was hard to get everyone settled into the living room in which they were currently.

"And the well just let you back through?" Mama Higurashi asked, holding her grandson for the first time.

"We don't know why but yeah it did." Kagome sat between her brother and husband. "Couldn't believe it." She looked at Souta. "Imagine my surprise to see you so tall and mature." She gave him a nudge.

"It's so good to see you again, sis." He hugged her to him. "And I've always been mature."

Twin snorts, from Kagome and Moe. "Yeah right. Sometimes I think you were less mature than InuYasha was."

"You're still immature at times, dear." Moe crossed her arms.

The man rubbed the back of his head. "My own sister and wife ganging up on me." He sighed but turned towards his brother-in-law. "You haven't changed much, InuYasha. Now that I'm older and taller you can't pick on me."

"Shows what you know, little man." The hanyou smirked, cracking his knuckles. "I can still kick your ass."

"Bring it on!" Souta smirked back.

"Men…" Kagome muttered, Moe nodding along. But it was still so wonderful to see her brother and the guy he worshipped-and still does, back to their old ways. It was like going back in time, so to speak.

Mei, surprisingly took a liking to her aunt and uncle after a time, and like all the Higurashi women and children both past and present, was fascinated by her uncle's ears. Currently she was on his knee, after having a quick touch and settling down. InuYasha, having developed patience after being around Sango and Miroku's children as well as his own, was curious about the girl. Not afraid nor intimidated-perhaps having Towa for a sister and growing up around the shrine and hearing the many stories surrounding him and Kagome.

And her comment of "Momma, look at those puppy ears. They're so cute!" when she first saw them was enough to make him blush. He decided Souta's daughter was alright.

Moroha was sitting between her grandmother and great grandpa, holding her sister. It was so good to be back with her mother's family, while also seeing her parents among them. Ever since coming out of the well house she was bombarded with familiar sights and sounds and smells. There was a lot of shouting and crying and hugging, how touching it was to see her mom and grandma hug each other, crying tears of joy and sheer happiness. She observed how Souta patted her dad's back and gave him a hug as well. A lot of hugs and kisses were exchanged between the five adults. Seeing her dad shed a couple tears was a beautiful sight, since he only shed tears so openly with her mom. Being welcomed back by her Uncle Souta and hugged like a son by her grandmother was enough for her to cry a bit.

Although the sutra placed on her dad's back by her goofy great grandfather caused hilarity among the tears.

But the most precious moments were when the twins, who remained quiet and shy behind her, clutching both her legs were introduced. Grandma Higurashi cried new tears at seeing two new grandpups. Remarking at how much they took after their dad- and her mother giggling at her dad's reddening face at the attention of his mother-in-law. Katana and InuKin-the names themselves were oohed and ahhed over, were shy at first, cuddling close to their parents. But it wasn't until they were settled in the house and out of the cold that the youngest of the children were able to come out and investigate.

InuKin was now starting to doze in his grandmother's arms, although he never looked away from his parents. Katana, being a bit brave crawled over to great grandpa. After sniffing him for a few moments, she crinkled her nose and sneezed a few times, pinning her ears.

InuYasha watching the while scene, smiled and went to retrieve Kat. "Tried to tell ya, old man. All that dirt and dust ain't exactly flowers to a sensitive nose."

"I'm not that bad!" The old man protested. "I wasn't even in the shed 10 minutes when you youngsters appeared."

"No but you were covered in it, sure enough." Moe spoke up. "What happened to those handkerchiefs I advised you and Souta to wear?"

Grandpa and grandson looked away; guilt written all over them.

"I remember how bad that shed was. Don't tell me it's gotten worse." Kagome beckoned her young niece over, after seeing the inquisitive eyes of the girl. "I don't have a youkai nose and even I could smell how bad it was."

"Well with New Year approaching Mom decided to employ all of us to clean the shrine." Souta watched his sister and daughter get along so splendidly. Mei was still young, but she had no fear. "And before I could volunteer to make the mochi gramps roped me into cleaning the shed."

And so, the conversation continued into the day. While they were here Kagome and InuYasha decided to stay into the New Years, not knowing when the well would call for them to return to their feudal home. No one argued with them, wanting to spend as much time with the newly appeared family.


Of course, with it being close to the new year Kagome and InuYasha were able to participate in the festivities over the next few days. Moroha-so much like her father, was roped into beating the tatami mats and not being all too pleased about it although Mei was thrilled to be working alongside her cousin. Kagome helped her mother and Moe, who she got to know and decided she was a wonderful person and wife for her brother, to making of mochi and the preparation of soba noodles. InuYasha split his time between beating the mats with his daughter and niece, sorting out the shed with Souta and gramps and helping around the house.

"Are we still doing Otoshidama?" Kagome, now in modern clothes, was chopping veggies for the midday meal.

"Of course." Mama Higurashi was at the stove cooking the beef. "That's Mei's favorite part of the whole celebration. I was going to ask you and InuYasha beforehand about how much we should gift Moroha and the twins."

"Oh, I'm sure she'd love that." She set the veggies aside. "Moroha was a bounty hunter before we were reunited and has a fondness for money-although now she puts some aside and helps out around the house." Next step was the rice cooker. "I'm sure she'd appreciate any amount. As for the twins, whatever you feel is best."

The older woman smiled, remembering Kagome's first Otoshidama. It was put into her savings since she was just a babe and has since put that savings to good use in her adventure when she was 15. "You know it's hard to believe that you're a mother yourself now. That you have overcome so much and now have a wonderful life with not only your husband but with three beautiful children." She went over to embrace her child. "I never have been prouder of you."

"Thanks mom." Tears were threatening to fall but Kagome held them back, taking advantage of her mother's hugs while she could.

The front door sliding open and hearing her husband and children come in brought them back to the present.

"Mom, Grandma- great grandpa just mentioned something called Otoshidama." Moroha ran into the kitchen. "How cool is that?!"

"We were just talking about that actually." She greeted her eldest with a kiss. "But the amount will be a surprise."

"Sweet!"

InuYasha, walking in with InuKin in his arms and Souta right behind with Katana, both stopped. "Otoshidama?" The hanyou looked to his wife for an explanation. After a brief one, he handed his son to his wife, before kissing her lips and went to sit at the table. "Doesn't sound too bad."

"Speaking of money…" Souta eyed his eldest niece, who looked entirely too innocent.

"Hehehe, come on, it wasn't that bad-"

"There's a difference between spoiling and going overboard!" Souta handed his puppy eared niece to her grandma.

"What's going on? What did Moroha do?" Kagome, with the experience of handling a shinhanyou pup continued to help with preparing lunch. "InuYasha, can you grab the plates, please?"

"Your "adorable" daughter ran up my credit card with so much stuff I'm still paying that off." Souta decided to help set the table by grabbing cups and napkins. "And you knew exactly what you were doing too, Moroha."

Said child gulped and looked to her parents, both with varying expressions: Her mothers of apparent anger and her dads of barely controlled mirth; his mouth twitching so much it was comical.

"Moroha…" Kagome said in a tone that was reminiscent of InuYasha knowing he was about to eat dirt.

InuYasha, though did not hold back. "Did you really?!" He chuckled. "You know I would say that was payback considering what your uncle did when he was a runt." He continued to laugh, ignoring his wife's outrageous expression. "Karma sure is a bitch."

"InuYasha!" Kagome shook her head. "Why are you laughing?"

"Remember back before the final battle with Naraku?" Seeing his mother-in-law struggling he went to retrieve his daughter, who in turn nuzzled and cuddled into her father's warmth. "When I swore to protect you with my life?" He saw the recognition in her eyes and continued, "Well…" he reddened a bit at the next moment, "when I was leaning down to kiss you…"

"We were interrupted…" Kagome too blushed at the memory. Then looked at her brother. "And you came barging in at the worst time." She remembered how frustrated she was for the rest of the day. And she knew InuYasha was too- in more ways than one. "I wanted to pummel you so bad."

"Hence why I said Karma is a bitch." He laughed at his brother-in-law. "You barged in on our private moment and our daughter unknowingly got payback years later."

"How was I supposed to know you two were about to lock lips?!" Souta shot back. "Heck I was lucky you guys weren't doing anything else disgusting."

Perhaps if we weren't interrupted… Kagome blushed at the thought, her mind running away with what naughty stuff they could've done.

"If I wasn't holding my daughter right now…" InuYasha threatened….

"Want me to take Katana, dad?" She offered, wanting to see a show.

"InuYasha, don't kill him!" Kagome pleaded. "Moroha, don't encourage him!"

In the end though, Moroha ended up taking her sister so her dad could headlock her uncle while her mother sat back and watched, shaking her head but no longer interfering. Mama Higurashi noticed that perhaps her daughter secretly cheered that her brother was getting payback for so many years ago. Needless to say, it was an entertaining lunch that brought laughter, tears, embarrassment and a familiarity that was sorely missed for many years.


Oshogatsu was upon them. The soba noodles were made, the Otoshidama were prepared for the four young ones and the cleaning of the house and shrine were complete.

As predicted the men dug into soba noodles. InuYasha was assured that no spices were added to the dish and dug in with gusto. Souta was no slouch either. But surprisingly Moroha gave her father and uncle a run for their money. And even Kat and Kin were eager to try the soba. Like their father, the pups weren't keen on spices, but Kagome was glad to see her family enjoy the Toshikoshi Soba. No doubt their resilience would be even stronger in the coming year.

Even now Mama Higurashi spent every moment possible bonding with her three grandpups. While she often looked after Mei when Souta and Moe couldn't and loved her dearly, being able to see and watch Moroha and her twin siblings were a joyous treat. Moroha proved she was a great babysitter, looking out for her brother and sister, or "boogers" as she called them, often with affection. The relationship reminded her of Kagome and Souta so much. And plus, she knew watching the kids gave her daughter and hanyou son-in-law some time away. They were protective of all their pups, and Kat and Kin weren't even a year old yet, and with what happened with Moroha, she couldn't blame them for being so watchful.

"They love you so much. I can tell." The matriarch of the Higurashi observed. She and the three shinhanyou were outside by the Goshinboku, something familiar and comforting to them all.

"Yeah, who knew I would have siblings to take care of, when a few years ago I never thought I would have a mom and dad again, let alone siblings?" Moroha practiced her iron reaver soul stealer, noticing how Katana was mimicking her. "It's still surreal sometimes."

"You know you sound just like your father." At the girl's puzzlement she continued, "From my own observations and what your mom has told me, InuYasha had a rough childhood. No one wanted him around and was alone for a long time. But from the time he showed up dragging your mom back to the feudal era to the moment when the well took him away from her, I saw that he was starting to look for companionship, a friend he could count on. And your mother was that person, no matter what he tried to hide."

"Really?" Entranced by the story, she sat say by her grandmother, with Kin between them and Kat coming up to climb on her grandmother's lap. "Mom has said he was a rogue when they met. And was so angry and cold-hearted." She shook her head. "That does not sound like dad at all."

"Life dealt your father a bad hand, no question." Her hand stroked a fluffy puppy ear and Kat relaxed against her. She secretly rejoiced to have a grandchild with their father's ears! "But your mom was equally stubborn, and they often butt heads, especially in the early days. I wasn't sure if they could come together." Then, in true InuKin fashion leaned against his grandmother for attention. "But gladly I was proven wrong."

Kicking her legs back and forth, Moroha looked to the Goshinboku. "I hear many stories of their journey to defeat the evil Naraku. And how they often beat powerful foes and overcame many challenges to finally bring Naraku down. And then their separation… they don't talk about it much because I can see how much it saddens them."

"Your mother wasn't truly happy, she may have looked it, but I knew her." She cuddled the pups close. "But anyway, your father after a time, came to realize that having Kagome, and by extension their other friends were what kept him going. He once said to me, in private, that he was lucky to have Kagome. Damn lucky, were his exact words. He never in a million years would've imagined he'd have friends, let alone a girl- a woman, he corrected himself, who loves him for who he is."

"Dad can be sentimental when he wants to be." Moroha cracked her knuckles, then her neck. "Although when him and mom are alone though…." She shuddered. "Luckily I've learned to steer clear when they're in the mood."

The grandmother chuckled. And with it being a full moon and New Year's Eve, she had a feeling that either Kagome or InuYasha would ask her to watch the kids tonight after the fireworks and celebration.


The fireworks against the full moon were a fantastic sight to behold. All four grandchildren were entranced by the many colors and shapes. Souta and gramps set up the display earlier and were now enjoying the spectacle. Souta and Moe were holding hands, gentle smiles across their faces. Mama and great grandpa Higurashi were among the kids, both looking happy and so proud to see everyone enjoying themselves.

Kagome, being held securely by her husband, was feeling something else entirely. And with the full moon bright and round, she could sense his demon wanting to come out and play. "Your demon is restless." His tongue lapped against her neck to her ear. He growled in approval of her gasp and the rapid spike in her arousal. "Now I know why you're hugging from behind."

"You're at your most fertile tonight." He whispered, his voice going deep. "And my demon wants to breed you-I want to breed you." He emphasized by grounding against her.

She looked behind to see that indeed, his sexy demon stripes were starting to appear, and his eyes were changing too. His sword against her ass was more proof that his demon wanted her and wanted her bad. "Wait until the kids are in bed. I'll ask mom if she can take them tonight."

"Better not be long, your scent has been driving me crazy all damn day woman." His slightly sharper fangs bit her neck. "I can only hold for so long before my claws will rip your clothes off."

Her shiver pleased him.

Luckily it wasn't long before the kids began yawning. Souta and Moe opted out of the sake, putting Mei to bed in the guest bedroom before retiring not long after. Mama Higurashi was more than willing to take the three grandpups to her room for the night. While the family slept together in Kagome's room since they came through the well, tonight the elder knew her daughter and son-in-law were itching to be alone. The relief was evident on both their faces.

So, after a few rounds of celebratory sake, and within an hour of the year ending, the hanyou not subtly threw his wife over his shoulder, both flushed with drink, and ran upstairs for the evening. It wasn't long until the real fireworks began to happen.


Lemon starts here:

"Oh my fucking kami!"

True to his word, InuYasha's demon came out within seconds of her bedroom door being closed and locked. Hands and mouths were attacking each other, tongues and teeth licked and bit as they quickly lost their clothes before toppling onto the bed. And Kagome knowing what her hanyou- her demon now fueled by sake, wanted, she enticed him by getting on her hands and knees and showing her backside. Looking over her shoulder, she patted her bottom, licked her lips and whispered,

"Come get your bitch, puppy."

InuYasha wasted no time in mounting her, her channel hot and slick and ready for him. He knew when they both consumed more than one cup of sake that their sex was more intense, wilder and more passionate. Her arousing moan only encouraged the hanyou turned demon even more to drive her completely crazy and continuously breed her through the night.

And there would be a pup tonight, he would make sure of that!

Growls and gasps and groans and pleads echoed in the bedroom as the full moon rose in the sky and distant fireworks welcomed in the New Year. Sharp claws shred the pillows, the comforter and sheets were sliced to ribbons. The bed repeatedly hit the wall with the force of InuYasha thrusting, the creaking increasing at Kagome's urging to push harder, move faster. After each climax-he'd wait after she had a few before spilling his seed into her, they would switch positions, often InuYasha being on top. Kagome, even in her drunk state knew he'd only allow her on top for a very short time before he dominated her once more. Not that she minded, she loved seeing his body in action.

"I love how… your body…feels against me…" Currently she had her hands on his ass, loving how hard and firm it was, her legs around his hips. "You're so sexy… " Her hands slapped his butt. Hard. "Kami I love your ass!"

He growled against her neck. "You talking dirty only turns me fucking on even more!" He pressed his lips to her jaw line, tasting the salt of her sweat. "You taste so sweet right now." Releasing his claws from the bed frame, his mouth moved down to her breasts, making her releases his ass. "Your nipples are so long, so red…" He kissed them both. "They've produced milk for our pups." He bathed her swollen breasts with his tongue, "And will do so again…"

"Oh fuck!" She yelped; eyes closed tight. Her hands kept his head on her breasts. "Don't you stop, damn it!" She growled.

But he did, the arrogant jerk. Flipping them over, her on her back against his chest. Once he entered her, he held her legs apart and began to thrust again. "I'm in control tonight, Ka-Go-Me." Thrusting hard after each syllable. "I decide when to start, and when to stop." He nipped her ear. In response she grabbed for handfuls of his silver mane.

"Oh…." In this position she was completely vulnerable. "You…bastard…" She moaned helplessly.

They both knew she wasn't helpless. She had the power to say stop if he was getting too rough. His wife developed one hell of a sex drive after they married and could take a lot when his demon wanted to come out. But he knew when her body had enough even before she did and ended before things got out of hand.

Grabbing a breast and playing with her pleasure button really got her roaring. His legs kept hers from flailing and kept her from bucking. And then with an extra boost of power, his cock thrust harder, deeper and faster into her, sensing her climax was building. She was going to burst.

"Feel how hard you make me, wife?" He growled into her ear, Pinching and rolling her nipple. "How much I love you?!" His fingers below rubbed and tapped her clit, hard and swollen. She could no longer talk, only groan and roar like an animal. "You ready to explode, my mate?"

She pulled on his hair, no longer able to answer verbally. All she cared about was getting to orgasm. The heat of their bodies, slick with sweat, and the feeling of his huge cock inside her, pounding away like he never has before was driving her mad. His voice, so deep and sexy with his filthy words pushed her to the edge.

"COME INSIDE ME, YOU SEXY BEAST!" She screamed hoarsely.

And with that, holding her tight, he felt his release from deep within his balls and shot up hard inside her. He groaned at holding back for so long, long spurts caused by her clenching channel. It wasn't uncommon for them to climax simultaneously but when it did, her walls clenching his cock prolonged his own, releasing more seed into her womb.

Lemon ends here

After a few minutes, he rolled them over to their sides. Each was hot and sweaty, catching their breath as they recovered from such an intense episode.

"Are you okay, Kagome?" He felt his demon receding, knowing that he successfully bred her. "I wasn't too rough with you, was I?" He pulled her hair back from her face.

She shook her head. "No, that was fantastic, InuYasha." She looked up and cradled his cheek. "You were on fire tonight…I loved it."

He saw the sincerity, the pleased expression on her beautiful face. He kissed her deeply, his tongue dueling hers. They always kissed after an intense night of love making. It cemented their bond, their love for each other. That nothing would ever come between them, and they would care, love and respect each other, and stay by each other's side, like they've always done.

Downstairs, in Mama Higurashi's room, Moroha heard the sounds from upstairs and knew her parents were doing the dirty again. She wasn't naïve, as a shinhanyou she sensed her father getting restless throughout the day and during the private fireworks the demon was close to the surface. It was a full moon after all.

Covering her ears, she rolled over and was glad to see her sister and brother sound asleep. Grateful they were still young to sleep through such a thing.

She heard her mother roar; her father growling and it was starting to make her feel uncomfortable. "Oh man…" She put her pillow over her head, trying to muffle the noises. How anyone can sleep through this was astounding!

It would be a miracle if she slept at all tonight.

Happy Oshogatsu to her indeed!


It was nearly noon when Kagome first woke up. She sensed she was alone, not feeling her husband's arms or hearing his soft snoring. Rubbing her hands all over her body she could still feel in the intensity of last night/this morning's celebration. How his mouth kissed and licked and nuzzled her neck, the way his hands caressed her most sensitive parts; her breasts with nipples that called for his fingers and his tongue….her ass that yearned for those large hands to knead and spank as he saw fit….her core that even now called for his cock, was sore yet so satisfied… His claws that grew sharper when he turned full demon brought delicious shivers all over… and seeing those sexy purple stripes not just on his face but also on his hips that she loved to play with-and it also gets him revved up which makes for some passionate moments!

Getting up-or else she'd have to masturbate, and she wasn't going to do that with her husband just a shout away, she put on her mate's haori which gave her more warmth than her comforter, in the light of day she could see the full extent of last night's activities. Feathers everywhere, her sheets and comforter reduced to nothing but washrags. Her bed frame took such a beating it was cracked in several places. She could even see where InuYasha must've been gripping it so tight pieces were missing. Her entire bed was askew, her bedside table was toppled over and somehow there were scratches and marks on her walls above the bed.

And her husband was nowhere to be found.

Sighing at the chaos that was her room, she tightened her robe and went to do her business. After a quick wash, picking out the feathers stuck in her hair and taking some aspirin for a lingering headache, she went back to her room, closing the door only to see her hanyou sitting on the mess that was her bed.

Giving him a content smile, she went to grab a brush, seeing that her head was nothing but a bird's nest, complete with a few stray feathers she missed.

"Here, let me." He took the brush from her and began brushing her hair with his claws. She loved how they felt against her scalp, sending delicious shivers down her spine. She leaned back against him. "You're so good at this. No wonder the kids often want you to do their hair."

"They want it, I'll do it." His claws went from the top of her scalp down the ends that reached the top of her buttocks. His haori was now slipping off her shoulders, exposing the tops of her breasts. He stopped combing her locks and pulled her against him, so they both could look at their reflection.

They both had their fair share of scratches and marks. It was to be expected after such a long and intense night. She saw the hickey on the left side of his neck, and he saw the bite mark on her right shoulder. There were some scratches on her breasts. He was marked by numerous hickeys on his pectorals.

"Damn. I hate that I marked you up so much." He sighed, shaking his head. "Shouldn't have been so rough with you." He eyed the bruise on her shoulder, sickened at the dight. "Damn woman why didn't you say something?!"

"What?" She turned around and saw the big bruise on her shoulder. "It's not that bad, InuYasha."

"Don't give me that, woman!" He let her go and started to pace. "I should know better than to cause you unnecessary pain, hell my demon knows better!" He growled, grabbing his head in frustration.

"You didn't do anything that I didn't ask for." She crossed her arms, distressed. "InuYasha it's okay-"

"It is NOT OKAY!" He shouted. "You're my mate and I hurt you." His voice broke, then let his bangs cover his face. "Can't tell you how sorry I am."

"Inu… please don't ruin this." She walked in front of him. When he didn't look up, she cradled his face to look at her, his eyes watery with unshed tears. "I'm OKAY." She rubbed his cheekbones. "If anything, last night was among the best nights I've ever had! I loved every second of it."

He grabbed her wrists, her touch wanting his tears to fall. "You must be hurting though. I feel like I ruined what we had last night-"

"Stop that thought right there- and LISTEN TO ME!" Her voice was rising with each word. "You ruined absolutely NOTHING!" She had him by his forelocks now. "Why can't you see these marks, these bruises and hickeys, they're nothing that I can get upset about, because it shows that I have a passionate husband who loves me so much! Sure, they might ache a bit, but in the grand scheme of things, I look at those and smile, because my husband, my mate loves to have his way with me!" Her arms wrapped around his naked torso. "Believe me when I say that I'm so happy and so content, I wasn't even upset about the mess we made last night." Her hands started rubbing up and down his back. "Don't you know that you'd never hurt me on purpose?"

Letting out a big breath, he hugged her back. "My head knows that, but my heart is screaming at me that I put those scratches on you, bit you with these fangs!" Sniffing a few tears back, he felt his heart not so heavy with guilt now. "How can you be so damn forgiving?"

"Because I love you, you baka. That's why."

"And I'm a lucky bastard for it." For the first time that morning, he smiled.

"Just don't torture yourself, InuYasha." She grabbed his ass, kneading the hard muscles. "That's my job."

"Woman…" He warned, before attacking her lips.

After making up-or making out, they went to get dressed. Kagome handed his robe back, leaving her form completely bare and knowing that her hanyou was once again contemplating throwing her to the bed to kiss every inch of her body, despite having nearly done so just minutes before. Giggling, she tossed him his hakama, "Come on, dog boy. We have children to tend to."

"Your mom knew we would be up late and has taken care of feeding them and kept them busy." He shrugged on his inner shirt. "Have to admit it was nice to sleep without them for a night." When she didn't answer, he looked over to see her in front of the mirror. "Kagome?"

She put a hand to her stomach, feeling how hard it was. Turning to her left then right side, she noticed how swollen it looked. Her hands went to cradle her belly. "Oh, my kami…InuYasha?" She called.

"What's wrong?" He came up behind her, and noticed the sight swell of her abdomen and how she was feeling around, as if not believing it. Rubbing up and down her arms, he took a deep sniff and confirmed what he first thought, "What's on your mind?"

"It's impossible right?" Kagome leaned against him. "I know you said with all the right conditions we'd conceive. But how can it be this soon?" Her husband's warmth and hands covering hers on her stomach was enough to soothe her fears. "I mean, you said the pup would be a hanyou right?"

"Definitely. I can tell you that the pup in your belly is like me. A hanyou."

Kagome trusted his nose. It never lied. And he never lied to her. "Wow… unbelievable." Then she gasped. "InuYasha did you just feel that?" She moved his hand to the spot.

After a moment, he did. "Wow." He echoed. His pup was already kicking. "Already so strong!" He pulled her even closer and kissed her cheek. She turned and kissed him back. Both laughing with considerable joy, he turned her around, picked her up and twirled her around, loving her even more that she was once again carrying his pup!


The announcement came after the children received their Otoshidama. Moroha was eager to spend her earnings since she wouldn't be able to do so once they crossed back over, and InuYasha and Kagome were thankful for the twins' gift, which they would put to good use before leaving.

Once the excitement died down, Kagome looked to InuYasha, who nodded and took her hand. "Everyone, InuYasha and I have an announcement."

The whole family grew quiet. Katana crawled over and sat beside her mama. InuKin did the same, but into his father's lap.

"Mom…?" Moroha went over to join her family. She took a few sniffs and her eyes widened. "Are you…?

Cradling her daughter's face, the mother smiled. "Yes."

Looking out towards the family, the hanyou proudly announced, "We are going to have another pup!"

The room was quiet for all few seconds before everyone whooped and hollered and congratulated the family.

"Such joyous news!" Moe embraced her sister-in-law.

"Congratulations, brother!" Souta patted InuYasha's shoulders before dragging him to a hug, which the hanyou returned, murmuring his thanks.

"Oh my Kami…" the teen uttered, before jumping up. "This is incredible!"

Grandma Higurashi went and hugged her, excited for the girl. "Congratulations darling." She cupped the shinhanyou's face, so much of her mother shining through. After kissing her forehead, she went to congratulate the hanyou and his wife.

"What a complete surprise!" She gathered them both, tears running down her face. "I'm so happy for you two!"

The couple embraced back, "Thank you, Mom!"

"Thank you, Mama Higurashi."

Afterward, the couple went to their children, gathering the twins and their teen daughter into a family embrace. InuYasha hugged his wife, who in turn hugged Moroha, while both twins were nestled in the love and warmth of their parent's arms. Mother and daughter were crying tears of joy.

This was one New Year that the Higurashi family wouldn't ever forget!


What he saw upon opening the bedroom door was nothing short of heartwarming.

His wife, propped up in her bed, fast asleep with a twin on either side of her, also snoozing away. She held them close to her, shielding them. The place where his fourth pup grew was growing very rapidly, faster than they anticipated. Instead of being nearly a month pregnant she looked to full term.

Closing the door quietly, he leaned against it, just content to stand and watch his beautiful wife, his reason for living, an angel that has brought him more to his life than she could ever know. "Look at her," he spoke softly, "I would die for her," his eyes traced her lovely face, "I would, and have killed for her," oh how he enjoyed-has always enjoyed, watching her, memorizing everything she did. "Either way, what bliss."

Her eyes fluttered open then, looking right at him. He wondered if she heard his words, blushed a little at the thought, but no longer ashamed of saying how he felt. He wouldn't be surprised if she did.

"Hey." she whispered, voice croaky.

"Hey."

"Didn't expect to fall asleep for so long." She covered a yawn. "These two passed out halfway into my story." Katana's small puppy ear barely flicked. "I'm glad they're sleeping more and longer through the night now."

"Yeah, I noticed that too." The husband and father gently sat on the bed by her feet. His placed his hand on her swollen belly, "Are you sure you're okay?" His worry was evident. Neither Moroha nor the twins grew this quickly. Perhaps because this child was a pure hanyou like himself. "You've been sleeping quite a bit more."

She patted his hand. "I'm sure. I feel nothing's wrong; I think just because this one's a half demon and our others are quarter demon that the growth rate is more accelerated. And you've said yourself there's been no trace of anything abnormal."

That was true. Every morning when he woke up, he noticed her stomach expanding, and he always checked to make sure all was well. He sensed the pup was very active, a good sign. But he's never seen such an accelerated pregnancy. Even Mama Higurashi was a little worried that Kagome's pregnancy was advancing too fast. Her energy levels were decreasing as her appetite was increasing, like any other pregnancy. Babies with demon blood often grew faster than human babes because of the mother's vulnerable state. With Moroha and the twins, it was roughly seven months for both. So, this was a whole new experience.

"As long as you and pup are healthy." He lowered his head to her belly. The pup was silent, as if it too was sleeping. The heartbeat was strong. He smiled, relieved. "That's all that matters to me."

"I know." She smoothed his bangs back and rubbing a soft silver ear. "You've always been that way. With each of our babies. I couldn't ask for a better mate, a better father."

He reached over to kiss his beloved Kagome, who in turn cradled his face. It was a slow sensual kiss, one that would've gone for a while if not for the twins slowly waking up.

The two, immediately seeing their dad, crawled over greeting him with the cutest smiles. He gathered them up, "Look who just woke up!" He chuckled as he got up and bouncing them around the room. "Keeping your mama company?"

"They kept close to me and the pup as I was nodding off." She giggled at the scene. He loved dancing around with his children. Speaking of which…

"I brought food!" The missing pup walked in with a tray of delicious edibles. "Grandma sent these up when dad didn't come down, so she figured mom was awake."

"Good timing, sweetheart." Kagome scooted up more. She pulled her husband's haori closed, having her twins napping against her bare skin covered by the fire rat. "Did she bring up ramen?"

"Chicken ramen with extra chicken, just how you like it." Moroha set the tray on the bedside table. "And she made some omelets as well. Plus, extra pickled radishes that dad loves so much."

Soon all five members were on the bed. InuYasha sat cross legged against the wall beside his wife, Moroha on the opposite side, and the twins switching between sister and father. With their growing fangs they were able to experiment with different foods.

Kagome had her ramen, often sharing bites with her family. Like her father Katana had a fondness for noodles and started doing the puppy eyes for more.

"Kin likes the radishes." Moroha watched as his little hands made for the crunchy veggies. "Looks like you have some competition, dad." She inhaled a piece of a cheese omelet.

Snatching up his son he picked up a small piece to feed him. "He's got good taste."

"And Katana has developed your love for ramen it seems." Kagome wiped her daughter's mouth. "I think I need to learn how to make it before we go back home. Otherwise, I'll have a riot on my hands."

Spending over a month in the present was far longer than they expected to stay. But with the pregnancy they decided it was better to stay put and wait until mother and child were well enough to travel back through the well. Plus, it gave Mama and Souta and great gramps more time with the children.

Soon after the food was consumed, the family decided to lay down and nap. InuYasha placed his son between his mother's belly and himself. He noticed that Kin would often place his head against her stomach and just listen, seemingly fascinated. Then he noticed Kat placing her head on her mom's belly, ear flicking while patting gently, as if to say I'm here. She was nestled against her big sister who also patted her mother's stomach.

"I can't wait until she's here." Moroha spoke softly.

"You mean 'He', right?" Her dad countered playfully.

"It's definitely going to be a girl." The teen grinned. "Right mom?"

"I don't know. You both have a fifty-fifty chance of getting it right." She knew what she wanted but wanted to wait until the birth for the gender reveal.

Slowly, the kids drifted off, the rain pit-pattering against the windowpane. InuYasha remained awake, watching his kids sleep sweet dreams. He rested his head against his wife's. "You know when you mentioned new year's resolutions- about what you wanted to accomplish the coming year?"

She hummed, watching as their fingers danced with each other.

"Well, when we discovered you were pregnant, I only had one thing in mind…" He nuzzled her hair, loving her smell. And placing a kiss to her temple he whispered, "and that was to protect you and our pups with my life."

"Oh InuYasha…." His declaration, so sincere and so thoughtful, brought a surge of love and warmth from within her soul for her husband. And to think he thought himself not good enough when they were expecting Moroha. "You have always been an excellent protector, a good provider for our family. Our children want for nothing. They know you would do anything to keep them safe and happy." She kissed the back of his hand twice before looking up at him. "I remember when you made that promise, right here in this room before our final battle with Naraku. "

"I meant every word of it then and I mean it now." His eyes bore into hers. "You mean more to me than anything. Without you, I wouldn't have this life." They both gazed at their three sleeping pups, pups born from their love. And their fourth, nestled safely in her womb. "Sometimes I don't think this is real, that I'm still stuck to the Goshinboku in a deep never-ending sleep."

"But you aren't, my love. "She rubbed his cheek, specifically where his purple stripe appeared when turned demon. "And I'll prove it you over and over again if that's what it takes."

"If it involves kissing you every day and mating you every night, feel free to prove me wrong." He kissed her sweetly. "You're an addiction, woman."

"As are you, my sexy husband." She kissed him back just as sweetly. "One that I'll have for the rest of my life."

With that she nestled into her pillows, falling into a precious slumber surrounded by her husband and children, safe, loved and secure.


"Keep pushing! You're nearly there!"

A few nights later, under the next full moon, in the Higurashi household a miracle was taking place. Just a month after getting pregnant Kagome was now giving her all to bringing her fourth child into the world. Knowing that the child would be hanyou she was adamant in staying home to give birth, since going to the hospital was risky and demon births were unpredictable.

After her water broke just past midnight, the household rushed into action. Only InuYasha, Mama Higurashi and Moe were allowed in the bedroom. Souta, gramps and the children were all delegated to the living room downstairs.

Just like before, the hanyou sat behind his wife, letting her squeeze his hands as each contraction hit. Her shouts and screams of pain were enough to tear his heart out. Granted he could leave the room, and no one would think less of him, considering the birthing chamber was women only. But being the stubborn man he was, he stayed put. No way was he going to leave his Kagome to give birth alone, without him. He was there for all three of his pups being born. He'd be dammed if he abandoned her when she needed him most.

"DAMN IT!" Kagome arched her back, pushing against InuYasha. "Damn this hurts!"

"You're doing great, Kagome." Moe wiped the woman's forehead. "Just keep going."

"Deep breaths, Kagome." Mama Higurashi remained calm and focused as she watched for the first sign of the baby. "This is progressing faster than I've ever seen."

InuYasha coached her to breathe with him, trying to keep her in focus. Kissing and nuzzling her from time to time helped to distract him from the pain in his hands. He thought they would forever be numb.

When Mama first saw the head a while later, she urged her daughter to push and push hard. She instructed Moe to be ready with a blanket and a warm washcloth. After ten seconds, Kagome paused to take a few deep breaths and pushed again for another ten seconds. All the while her husband remained her rock, encouraging her, praising her.

And finally, after a few minutes Mama Higurashi caught the babe as it slid out, screaming for all it's worth. She started crying as she held her newest grandchild for the first time. "Congratulations you two." She looked to her daughter and son-in-law. "You have another lovely little girl."

After cleaning up the crying infant, she was put against her mother's chest, skin to skin. "Welcome to the world little one." Kagome whispered, her own tears streaming down her face. Her fingers stroked her daughter's cheek, flushed red. She noted the tiny silver flaps against a small mane of silver moon hair. "She's got your ears, daddy."

He stared in awe, another beautiful girl. He had another daughter. Like Kagome he couldn't hold back the tears. "And my hair." He sniffed, not ashamed to be crying in front of his wife nor the company that he forgot were there. He turned his wife's head to kiss her deeply, so grateful and so proud of her. She eagerly kissed him back. "Thank you, my Kagome." He murmured, looking into her beautiful watery brown eyes.

"Thank you, InuYasha."

The tiny pup nested against her mother's chest was the spitting image of her father. Much like her sister Katana. And even more so when the girl opened her eyes to reveal deep golden eyes, much like her sire's, although if one looked closely, there were tiny flecks of brown, a feature that made her even more incredible. Eventually Kagome moved her newborn to her breast where the babe began to suck eagerly.

The women, after helping Kagome expel the afterbirth, cleaned her up a bit and settle comfortably against her husband, left to tell the remaining family the wonderful news.

"Woohoo!" Moroha fist-pumped the air. "I called it! Pay up, gramps!"

The old man grumbled but paid the bet. "I still think you cheated, with you having a sensitive nose."

"It was just a guess- dad can't even tell the gender and you know how sensitive his nose is." Then she looked at her uncle, who was sweating buckets. "You too Uncle Souta."

To say the least the women were astounded yet not terribly surprised at this reveal. But they found it rather amusing those two grown men lost a bet against a teenager, who was looking mighty proud of herself.

"Moroha, your parents want to see you, Kat and Kin upstairs." Mama said, reaching for her granddaughter while Moroha carried her brother. "They're anxious to see you all."

Moroha's heart was pounding. No matter if this was the second time going through this, the old nervous part of her feared she wouldn't be a good sibling. But she gulped it back down, determined to prove to herself and her parents that she was capable of being a good daughter and a wonderful sister.

Mama Higurashi knocked softly and the two walked in, careful not to disturb the newborn, still suckling away.

"Come over here pup." InuYasha whispered, nodding towards the space beside him and Kagome.

After sitting down and adjusting the two pups, the elder Higurashi quietly left, closing the door behind her.

Nestled in a soft blanket, held by her mother who continued to nurse without a care, Moroha, Kat and Kin got their first look at their new family member. Kat was in awe, seeing someone smaller who looked just like her. She sniffed her baby sister, curious yet cautious. She leaned forward to take a closer look and continued to watch; she looked up at her mother.

"This is your baby sister, Katana." Kagome hugged her toddler close, soothing the girl. "And you're a big sister now, like Moro." Kat looked over to said sister before looking back at her mother. She reached out her hand as if to touch but pulled back, scared.

Kin, supported by his father's hand was more adventurous and crawled even closer to watch the babe nurse from their mother. Eyes narrowing, he looked to the pup, to his twin sister and back, as if wondering why they looked identical. He sniffed the infants' hair, and pulled back, confused at the new smell.

"What I tell ya, mom? Dad has that same look when he's trying to figure out something." Moroha chuckled.

"That he does." Kagome agreed.

"Would you two stop that?!" InuYasha muttered, blushing at the attention.

"Awe dad, you know we love you. " She kissed his cheek before settling against him. She reached out a finger, careful of her sharp claw, to touch her sister's cheek, soft as a feather. The pup opened an amber eye, a small puppy ear subtly turned towards the intrusion. "She already has the side eye."

"I have a feeling this little girl will become a force to be reckoned with as she grows."

"Just like her mother. " The proud father chuckled.

"And her father." Kagome added, letting her nursing pup finish. After she gave an impressive burp, she passed the girl to her sister, letting each other take in their scents and identifying each other as family. Katana and InuKin, while too small themselves to hold their baby sister, got their turn to make sure their tiny sister knew they were siblings, all going by youkai instinct.

Finally, she was passed onto her father. Amber eyes met amber eyes, knowing the powerful and protective aura and familiar scent of her father, the newborn closed her eyes and fell right to sleep. He felt Kagome do the same against his chest, exhausted but content. And one by one the children finally fell asleep.

Before their three eldest came in, InuYasha and Kagome decided on a name. One that was precious, beautiful and in keeping with the full moon-which she was conceived and born on.

"Welcome to the world, our little Tsukiko."


Some hours later after the household got some well-deserved sleep, the whole family gathered to welcome the newest addition to the Higurashi and Inu clans. Little Tsukiko was passed around, from her grandmother, to the now 5x great grandfather who couldn't help but shed a tear, and to her Uncle Souta who pointed out how much she takes after her dad. Moe, although a bit hesitant, was encouraged to hold the pup. Holding a half youkai was a first for her, but being around Moroha, Kat and Kin gave her the push. She said aloud the little brown flecks in her amber eyes were a beautiful feature. Eve Mei got to hold the infant on her lap with the aid of her mom and dad. She welcomed her new cousin with enthusiasm.

After a while, InuYasha was sensing his pup getting anxious. Not even being a day old little Tsukiko couldn't be too far from him or Kagome and retrieved the girl. He cradled her close to his chest, letting her know dad was here and she was safe, that nothing was going to hurt her. Eventually the babe settled and closed her eyes in slumber.

Satisfied, he went to his wife's side. Even looking worn out mentally and physically, she was a sight for his sore eyes.

"Just think, when we eventually go home everyone will be shocked that we have another pup." Kagome was surrounded by her entire family and couldn't be happier. Her eldest was beside her, resting her head on her mom's shoulder.

"Can't wait until Kouga hears about this." Moroha saw InuYasha eyes narrow before a smirk took hold.

"I can't wait to see that mangy wolf's reaction." If there was anything that pleased him to no end, it was sticking it to his former rival that he was the father of all Kagome's pups. That she chose HIM to marry and have children with.

"I know that look, InuYasha." She kissed her teen's forehead and watched as the twins, who were being held by Souta and Mama respectively, crawled over to them; Kin crawling to his dad and able to watch his sleeping sister better, and Kat who was on his opposite side, being supported by her mother, who too wanted to see her newest sibling. "Don't go antagonizing him too much."

"That scrawny wolf has it coming for all the hell he put me-us, through." He sat his boy more comfortably on his lap. "He's probably still miffed that you decided to be with me, not him."

"Perhaps, but he has Ayame now so don't go stirring up trouble where it doesn't need to be." The new mother accepted a cup of water, provided by her mother. After taking a drink, she offered it to her eldest shinhanyou. "Besides, he stepped aside when he knew my mind and heart were set."

Sessing that this was going somewhere private, Mama shooed everyone out save for the twins and Moroha. After kissing her daughter's forehead, kissing InuYasha's cheek and a finger kiss to her newest granddaughter, she left the family alone.

"Still, with every stupid thing I did, you had every right to not be with me." His ear flicked, a sign he was getting uncomfortable. "I mean you had your choice of suitors. If you didn't fall in love me… would you have gone with… the wolf? Or even…Akitoki?"

"What has brought this on?" Her hand automatically started combing through his silver locks, so soft and silky. "I know your jealous streak is a long one."

He remained silent, not disputing how jealous he was in the past, and sometimes even now. It still irked how much he had to fight off other suitors for Kagome's affection, and unknowingly her heart.

"My mind and heart were always set on one person from the beginning, even if I wasn't always aware of it."

"Who?"

"Good thing you're so cute." He could still be so clueless at times, but she still loved him. "Who do you think, silly?" Her fingers twirled some strands.

A tiny hand patted his cheek, snapping him out of his confusion. He looked at his son, staring up at him. Then he felt his daughter patting his knee.

"Duh, who else would she be talking about dad?" Moroha reached over, poked his arm.

"Even your children know that I would've chosen you regardless of how many guys declared their love for me." She scooted over to lean against him. "There never was anyone else. The Bone Eater's Well brought me into your world for a reason. "

"Certainly not for a scrawny flea-bitten wolf or a pitiful excuse for a samurai."

"You doofus, of course not." She waited for a kiss before continuing, "It's always been you. Ever since I first saw you pinned to the Goshinboku, my heart knew I found my soulmate, even if I didn't know it. You," her hand went to his, the one that held their newborn, "someone who wanted to change because he didn't think himself good enough, but never gave up because he was so stubborn it was difficult to get through, I fell in love with you. The person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, the man I wanted to be the father of my kids." She looked at each of them, so lovingly. "Fate brought us together, to trust the other, to love and care for each other, to stay at each other's side despite the odds and overcoming the impossible at every turn."

InuYasha couldn't disagree. "To think all we've gone through to get to this point…"

"You didn't know this, but I made a silent promise, after I asked to stay with you." He remembered that day, vividly. One that changed the course of both their lives. "I told myself, I want you to be happy. I want to laugh a lot. I don't know what exactly I'll be able to do for you. But I'll always be by your side."

Could this woman be any more beautiful, or have a bigger heart than anyone else I know? He rested his head against hers, emotions coming to the surface. "Oh Kagome… you don't know how much that meant to me."

"I think I do." She answered. She knew her words affected him more than he was trying to let on.

The kids, who remained silent throughout all this, saw this opportunity to offer comfort by hugging their mom and dad, who kissed and nuzzled them in return.

"Thank you, Kagome." He cleared his throat. "I don't think I say this enough, but I thank every day I wake up and you're still here with me. And I don't take that for granted anymore."

"Oh, I love you so much InuYasha."

"And I love you Kagome. With every beat of my heart."

And she believed him, with every beat of her heart.

Happy Oshogatsu


AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!

THERE ARE SOME MOVIE REFERENCES SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE STORY. POINTS TO WHOEVER CAN GUESS THEM!

THE NEW YEAR EVENTS IN THIS STORY ARE SOME ACTUAL TRADITIONS THAT TAKE PLACE IN JAPAN. WITH SOME RESEARCH I WAS ABLE TO INCORPORATE THEM AND THEY FIT REALLY WELL IN THIS FIC!

AND YES, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE WAITED, THE LATEST CHAPTER OF ATR(AFTER THE RAINBOW) WILL BE POSTED TOMORROW!

ONCE AGAIN, HAPPY 2024 EVERYONE!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

JA NE!