It was a warm spring evening at the Higurashi Shrine. Kagome Higurashi walked up the stairs to her ancestral home with an extra spring in her step as she imagined being greeted by her husband-to-be. Since their quiet engagement, Inuyasha had greeted her every evening with a kiss before she could enter the door. He was still hopelessly shy about showing affection in front of their friends or family, but Mama had assured her that would pass. Mama had already confided she had seen Inuyasha's greeting through the kitchen window several times, but they had agreed to let Inuyasha remain ignorant.

Her brother was thrilled. Souta had come dashing home every day to greet his new big brother. While the orphan hanyou was unfamiliar with the idea of a little brother, he had been patient enough to watch Souta play his games and listen to his rambles. Mama's insistence that he spend some time in their world to spend time with the family, rather than simply passing through, only made Souta bolder. Kagome secretly hoped having a little brother would teach him a little patience, but Mama had agreed that was unlikely before the wedding.

Her grandfather had accepted the news with minimal grumbling, except to insist on a wedding in their era. The old man had commandeered Inuyasha's strength to reorganize every shelf in the shed to look for a proper gift. The hanyou had already warned her about the cracked plates, broken vase and mummified monkey's paw her grandfather had discarded, after some friendly advice. She exhaled as she imagined the gift she would have to accept gracefully from her beloved grandpa.

Buyo had grown strangely territorial, as if he knew about her betrothal. The feline had taken to sleeping on her stomach or on the edge of her bed in the mornings to guard against the inuhanyou come to wake her. Even though Mama had taken care to prepare a temporary guest room for her soon-to-be son, decorated in calming grays and blues with a small dresser from storage, Inuyasha slept with his back against her bed most nights. Buyo had definitely taken notice and several times attempted to swat his twitching ears with sharp claws.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome called softly. The inuhanyou was not waiting on the steps as she had anticipated. She pouted as she glanced towards the Goshinboku where he sometimes lounged. With a shrug, she stepped inside and removed her shoes. She called for her mother but only silence answered.

"Souta? Have you seen Inuyasha?" Kagome dropped her heavy school bag. Her little brother was already sitting at the television debating which movie Inuyasha would like best. He could tolerate historical documentaries, which weren't history to him, or war dramas, but romantic comedies and science fiction eluded him. He would be asleep before the end of the first act.

"Mama asked him to go somewhere. Grandpa is in the shed again. She said dinner might be late, so she left something in the fridge." Souta repeated distractedly.

"Where did they go?"

"She didn't say. Hey!" Souta waved a movie with a monster on the cover. "Do you think Inuyasha would like Godzilla? You fight monsters all the time, right?"

"Maybe. Thanks, Souta." Kagome went into the kitchen. Sure enough, a cold chicken salad was prepped and wrapped on the middle shelf of the fridge. Kagome made herself a glass of water. She checked the new cellular phone in her pocket for messages but it only mocked her. Her bedroom showed no signs of Inuyasha's departure either. Mama's binder of ideas for their small family wedding sat open on her desk. A small bouquet of white roses sat on her bedside table.

"I told Mama 'no'," Kagome shook her head. She picked up the little vase and carried them to the side table in the family area. The flowers were too fragrant and irritated Inuyasha's nose. When asked his opinion, he had simply sneezed. Flowers were forbidden from her bedroom and her mother knew it, but perhaps she was simply hopeful.

"Buyo..." Kagome followed the cat's tail as it wound past the door frame. He parked his behind underneath the kitchen table and meowed loudly. She understood the message and went to the cabinet for his food. She measured out the amount and met him at his bowl. He began to chow down without any gratitude. She shrugged and began to unpack her bag from the day, setting her papers on the kitchen table.

Inuyasha protested greatly against attending university full-time. Mama had surprised them both by taking his side. So while her friends were attending universities in the city or getting jobs, she had compromised and enrolled into a smaller community nursing school part-time. The skills she would learn would save lives in the village. A medical school would appreciate it on her resume. Mama had cautioned her about making too many plans. They were still planning their wedding and it would be an adjustment. Inuyasha wouldn't be comfortable living in an apartment or a married dorm.

Kaede had advised them to wait until spring to start building their house outside the village. Inuyasha was busy enough leading the construction while she was at school. Cutting the wood was easy enough, but shaping the logs into lumber took time and precision. Miroku and Sango were still on a demon-slaying trip to the north and wouldn't return for another week at least. Inuyasha was discussing ideas for their house with Miroku but refused to give her the details.

Husband. Kagome rolled the word around in her mouth. It was hard to imagine the unruly, wild boy she had first known as something as official as husband. Spouse. This is Inuyasha. My husband. It was equally difficult to imagine herself in the role of wife. Inuyasha would never reduce her to the roles of his era but there were still responsibilities attached to the word. Sex. Babies.

Kagome blushed, looking around the room like Inuyasha was there.

Sango had cautioned her about the adjustment. Her wedding to Miroku had been a beloved but quick affair with sake and a blessing from Master Mushin. The shy slayer was ridiculously happy with her perverted husband. But even after years of traveling together, eating together, sleeping outside together, she said that marriage was different. Traveling with a man and living with one were different.

Kagome clenched her hands as the nervousness gripped her belly. Her excitement about doing that with Inuyasha was at war with her innocence.

"Mama!" Souta's voice stirred her. She looked up from her thoughts to greet her mother. The beautiful matron was already at the fridge, pulling their dinner, fetching clean plates. The sky outside was already turning dark. Kagome realized her stomach was growling. She was about to ask when Inuyasha's red clothing passed the door, hurrying past towards the guest room.

What are they up to?

"Kagome, will you clear the table?" Her mother's quiet request was a demand. There was no room for refusal. Quietly rebelling, she gathered her notebooks and papers to shove into her blue bag. Souta distributed the plates while she was called upon to set the silverware. Her mother's peaceful, determined energy wasn't obvious, but Kagome recognized the feeling.

"Where did you go with Inuyasha, Mama?" Kagome kept her voice even. Unsuspicious.

"Fetch your grandfather, Souta." Mama ushered. The plastic wrap was removed from the chicken salad. She crossed her arms suspiciously as her mother hummed to herself.

The door to the guest room was closed. Kagome pressed her ear against the wood but Inuyasha was silent. She stemmed the butterflies in her stomach and knocked softly. She had to knock again louder before she heard the bed squeak with movement. She counted to seven before the door opened. Inuyasha had removed the robe of the fire-rat and laid Tetsusaiga on the bed. His eyes met hers briefly before sliding away.

"I'm glad you're home." Kagome smiled. She leaned forward on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. His ears flickered and he glanced back at her. His lips moved to say something but failed. He shook his head and gripped her shoulders to place a solid chaste kiss on her mouth. Her heart fluttered as his body brushed against hers and she remembered the muscled chest under his clothing. His wild, woodsy scent filled her nose when she inhaled and a sense of peace engulfed her.

"Mom! They're kiss-ing!" Souta's voice teased. Kagome spun on her heel to kill her younger brother. The boy laughed and ran back to the living room. She moved, preparing to run after him, but Inuyasha's hands stopped her.

"He's just a brat. Ignore 'im."

"Force of habit." Kagome exhaled. She turned her attention back to her intended's face. His amber eyes were studying her closely, guarded. Where did Mama take him? I hope it wasn't embarrassing.

"Kagome, Inuyasha. Dinner!" Mama called.

Dinner was pleasant, if quiet. Kagome kicked her brother under the table, which he ignored, favoring to ask Inuyasha if he knew what Godzilla was. Mama pleasantly ignored Kagome's questions about their earlier trip with reminders about her school's registration deadline and tuition fees. Her grandfather complained about the accountant's notes about their yearly taxes, with the new regulations going into affect. Inuyasha's arm rested against hers easily enough but he was quiet. Mama was determined to make him feel welcome into their family and mealtimes was an important part of that wish.

A warm belly and a family. Kagome watched Inuyasha eat, minding his manners, being self-conscious about his food. She thought for a moment before serving him another round and refilling his water. He eyed her and she smiled. It might take a while for him to feel comfortable, but my family has adopted him wholeheartedly.

Inuyasha was drafted to clear the table while she made popcorn. Souta took out the trash while Mama did the dishes. Her grandfather settled into his chair with his newspaper while Souta setup the machine. He popped onto the couch next to Inuyasha with a grin. Mama took the other chair while Kagome grabbed a blanket and settled next to her hanyou. She leaned against his side and tucked her legs underneath her. He helped her tuck the rag blanket over the three of them.

For the next hour and a half, she simply enjoyed the heat of Inuyasha's side and the safe comfortable feeling of time with her family. She knew his attention wasn't on the movie. Inuyasha was brooding on something and her mother was probably responsible. He barely noticed when she tucked her head onto his shoulder, bored with the flick. Her brother commented on something 'cool' in the movie and Inuyasha agreed distractedly. Her grandfather resigned to bed early, the darkness tiring him, and she sighed against a warm shoulder.

Inuyasha followed her up the stairs to her bedroom after the movie, leaving Mama to clean up. He pushed Souta towards his bedroom after an awkward hug. The boy scurried into his bedroom. Kagome stretched tiredly and plopped down on her bed. Her white socks brushed against the carpet. Inuyasha lingered by her desk and turned a page of her Health book.

"What did you think of the movie?" She teased.

"Stupid." Inuyasha shrugged. "Real people don't stand around and scream at a demon. They run."

"Godzilla isn't a demon, silly."

"Close enough." Inuyasha dropped to rest his back against her bed. Her hand touched his head, admiring the thick hair, tweaking his right ear. He ignored her affection but she knew it pleased him. His mouth twitched at the edge before he caught hold of her ankle, tugging at her sock. The white fabric was tossed into the floor. The strong hand around her ankle kept her foot still as he dragged his claws delicately down the arch.

"That tickles!"

"Fair's fair." Inuyasha smirked.

"Fine." Kagome stroked the back of his ear with a broad stroke of her thumb. Her calf jerked as Inuyasha turned at the waist and ran his claws against her foot again. She caught the look in his eye and let out a laugh as he caught her under the knee and tickled the skin there. Both hands tweaked the sensitive hairs guarding his ears. Kagome gasped when Inuyasha pulled her forward to slide off the bed into his arms. She defended herself valiantly as his claws ghosted towards her ribcage to win their war. She tried to reach his ears but he caught her wrists and used his superior height to keep her out of reach. In a desperate move, she sealed her mouth over his, smiling, knowing it would distract him.

Inuyasha's hands at her ribcage froze. When she pulled back, she smiled. His amber gaze was surprised, unguarded.

"Cheat." He muttered.

"It's not cheating." Kagome grinned victoriously as she tweaked his ear again for good measure. She was sitting with a leg on either side of him for balance. She noticed his quick glance at the skin exposed by her blue sweater. She blushed when she realized their play had put her breasts practically in his face. A quick change in her posture put them back at eye level. Inuyasha dropped his hands to rest casually on her waist.

"Are you still going to the store with me tomorrow?" Kagome asked casually.

"Course, wench." Inuyasha's shoulders relaxed. The familiar ground eased the tension. She let her hands rest on the back of his neck casually, interlocked.

"We could have lunch at a restaurant on the way home. You still haven't tried hamburgers." Kagome continued. "I read about a street fair near the school. They're bound to have food on sale and games and performances. I've always loved cotton candy."

"If you want." Inuyasha squeezed her hips.

"It's a date." Kagome leaned forward to kiss his lips. Her chaste intentions were dismissed when she felt Inuyasha's hand wind into her hair to support the back of her head, guiding her into the kiss. His lips pressed slightly harder as he sucked her tongue into his mouth, mindful of his fangs. The suction of her lower lip was pleasant. She adjusted her hips a bit for comfort as her breasts lightly brushed against Inuyasha's chest. It was easier to feel the lean, hard body without the thick haori to separate them. She blushed when she heard a feminine moan and realized it was her own voice. Even through the sturdy fabric of her bra, she felt her nipples reacting to the contact.

Inuyasha's hand widened on her hip, grasping the outer join of her thigh and waist. He tilted his head farther to the left to mirror her posture. Her head followed as their kiss deepened. Her hand dropped from his neck to grasp his white shirt, desperate to hold onto something, as a pleasant warmth flushed her skin. She whispered his name during a break for air, keeping her lips against his. The hand at her waist clutched onto the loose fabric of her skirt, pulling the fabric upwards to expose more of her leg. Kagome gasped when she shifted her hips and felt something underneath her, something new. Inuyasha's eyes widened and he immediately turned his head. The dark blush that colored his cheeks confirmed her suspicions.

"It's ok." Kagome fought her embarrassment and curiosity to press chaste kisses to his forehead and cheek. Inuyasha had already lifted her enough to shift the hardness away from her. She tried to kiss his mouth but he hugged her around the waist and used his strength to stand, lifting her as easily as a doll. He set her on the bed easily but she refused to release his hair. He scolded her quietly and tried to untangle her fingers without harming her.

"We're engaged, Inuyasha. Stay."

"It's late, Kagome. You need to get some sleep." Inuyasha caught her wrists gently.

"Is something wrong? Did I do something?" Her frustration boiled over. His eyes widened. "We're engaged and the farthest we get is a kiss. You run away when we make out. Don't you get how frustrating that is?"

"Wrong? Fuck." Inuyasha looked bewildered. "Kagome!"

"Is there something you don't want me to see? A scar?" Kagome continued.

"What? You've already seen most of me, stupid! What do you think I'm hiding, a tail?"

"Are you worried I might lose my powers?"

"No, Kagome! Fuck." Inuyasha dropped into a sitting position, burying his face in his hands. She leaned forward on the bed. A string of 'fucks' continued to stream from his mouth alongside other profanities. Remorse and confusion radiated from his tense, bowed posture.

"What was that last bit?" Kagome asked gently.

"You're fucking perfect for me." Inuyasha groaned. "Beautiful and smart and powerful. You have a good family, that lets a stray dog in your bedroom, without even asking for a dowry. I even offered and your mom turned me down, saying I was enough! Then it turns out you're as frustrated as I am, waiting. Fuck!"

Kagome's head spun as she listened to Inuyasha's words, trying to understand what he meant. Her modern mind balked a bit as she imagined Inuyasha offering money to her mother for her marriage. Then she remembered that it was the same thing Miroku had offered Sango. To him, it was the most romantic gesture he could make, offering to support his new family in return for accepting him. Her mother's unconditional acceptance made Inuyasha want to return the favor in the way that he knew.

"Oh, Inuyasha." Kagome's voice was gentle.

"I'm trying to behave in your mother's house." Inuyasha drew a ragged breath. "I can't jeopardize our marriage by being my usual self. I'm watching my mouth and helping your mom run errands. I'm being nice to your brother. I don't have money or family or some estate to offer."

"Mama adores you. She's not going to turn you out. They don't want or expect anything in return. She's trying to show you they accept you. They're your family too." Kagome kept her voice soft. Oh, Inuyasha! Poor Inuyasha.

"Until I defile her daughter under her roof." Inuyasha grumbled.

"Mama already thinks we're having sex." Kagome felt her face flush. Inuyasha's head snapped up. "We've been traveling together, alone, for years. She knows how we feel about each other. When we got engaged, she took me to the doctor. She's never asked for any details, but she told me I could ask her any questions, any time. I told her we hadn't and she just smiled."

"What doctor? What does she think, I hurt you? I'm diseased?" Old, righteous anger threatened to erupt.

"No, Inuyasha! Just, stay." Kagome reached into her bedside table and brought out the little compact. Her hands trembled a bit as she remembered the plastic sheaths inside the little brown bag. "Women in my time see a special doctor, a lady doctor, that can make sure you're healthy. They fix things like bladder infections or irritations or problems with your monthly cycle."

"Oh. I guess that's ok then." Inuyasha studied the floor.

"There's also medicine that can control pregnancy, somewhat, so you can decide when to have babies." Kagome held out the compact. "Mama already told me she wants grandchildren, one day, but not when we're newlyweds. I want to finish nursing school and start the hospital in the village." Inuyasha accepted the plastic compact and inspected the little dial of pills contained inside. His ears flattened.

"Some of these are missing."

"I'm already taking them." Kagome answered.

"So you won't have a baby with me?" Inuyasha repeated for clarification.

"So we can be married and have sex without worrying about an accidental pregnancy. So we can build our house and be ready." She slid down to the floor to sit on her knees. She slipped her hands into his. "It's not saying that I don't want children with you. I just want time with you first."

Inuyasha considered her earnest expression and her love for him. He nodded in vague understanding of Kagome's medicine and handed the little compact back. Surprise pregnancies in the village led to hardships sometimes, food worries, quick marriages, blood feuds. If Kagome's medicine could grant her some autonomy from those concerns, he would try to understand.

"I just wanted you to know, so you would see that Mama loves you." Kagome flushed. "She already brags about her son at the grocery store, her new son. She's told everyone at the library and the post office. She told the mailman!"

"Really?"

"The florist, the dressmaker, the cakemaker," Kagome ticked off names on her fingers, lifting her eyes to the ceiling. "The wedding notices to extended family, for after we're married. Grandfather's friends at the antique store. Visitors to the shrine..."

"All those people?"

"She's taking a photography class for the wedding so she can print the photos at home. Like those?" Kagome pointed to the photo album in her bookcase. "It's the most fun she's had in years. She's told all of the other students it's for her daughter's wedding. She loves going through the planning book to make sure the details are perfect."

Inuyasha went silent in consideration. It's been years since he's been accepted by anyone, nevermind an entire family. Mama is so proud that he's joining our family.

Kagome glanced at the clock and balked at the hand's position.

"I have to get ready for bed. Promise you'll stay?" Kagome squeezed his hands. He nodded dumbly as she ran to get her pajamas and change in the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and brushed the tangles out of her hair. When she returned to her bedroom, Inuyasha was already in guardian position beside her bed. She pulled the bedspread back and climbed underneath. When Inuyasha was satisfied she was done, he gently pulled on the little metal chain on her lamp. His eyes still flashed in the darkness and the white hair betrayed his position.

"I love you, Inuyasha." Kagome whispered softly. A warm, masculine hand pattered her knees comfortingly as she led her eyes slide closed. Exhaustion washed over her. Her lips turned upwards when she swore she heard him whisper back to her.