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[Happy Holidays]


Rain poured, it was one of those days and Kagome knew Inuyasha wouldn't be happy if she were late again. She held the umbrella over her as she ran towards her home at her grandfather's shrine. A familiar feeling made her pause and turn. There was no one behind her. 'Odd. I could have sworn I sensed the sacred jewel.' She continued on. Every so often the feeling would return as she headed home down her usual route, but though she looked behind her and around every time she felt it there was no one there. Very sure that someone was following her by the time she reached the well, she jumped when Inuyasha slid open the door of the small building that led to the ancient shrine's well.

"Hey, what's up with you?"

"Someone's been following me and they have a piece of the jewel shard."

"Are you sure? Is it a demon?" Inuyasha lay a hand on Tetsusiaga; ready to fight.

"No, it's not a demon. I don't know who it was, but they were somehow familiar..." Kagome trailed off then shook her head.

"Whoever it was they didn't mean me any harm." Inuyasha frowned.

"You sure about that?"

"Yeah, they followed me all the way from school until I got here. If they'd meant me harm I wouldn't be standing here." He couldn't argue with that, she had a point.

"Like I said before, my time isn't as dangerous as yours is."

Inuyasha wasn't so sure of that anymore, but he followed her into the well without comment despite that he felt a p***k of sensation that told him they were being watched; he couldn't pick out a foreign scent from the air though and he blamed the rain.

A figure stood up and brushed leaves from his pants, frowning at the mud that had smeared on them. Hiding hadn't been easy, but he'd made a promise and he intended to keep that promise.

*************************

One year later....

Kagome sat on a park bench, her eyes were on the small bit of jewel that the gang had stolen back from Naraku when she'd accidentally split Naraku's part of the jewel into two with an arrow. They had half the jewel now and Naraku had the other half. It seemed to be a never ending cycle of gain and loss. Kagome stuck the jewel piece back beneath her shirt as something caught her eye in the crowd across the street. A brief flash of white hair.

'Inuyasha?' No, it couldn't be; he'd gone back down the well. Kagome shook her head.

'I must be seeing things. I guess I have given a lot of through lately as to what I'll do once the jewel is complete. I could bring it here since there are no demons, but what would be the point? Destroying it was out of the question. I wish I knew what to do. I guess I could give it to Inuyasha, but would he use it then to become a full demon? After all this time would he still want to?'

It was possible, she knew, but there was no demon who could stand up to the power of Tetsusiaga. Though they hadn't found Naraku's heart hadn't Inuyasha proved he was stronger? Even his elder half brother, Sesshomaru, had not shown his face to challenge Inuyasha over the much coveted Tetsusiaga. Could Inuyasha be satisfied as he was or would he crave to still be more?

'That feeling again...' Kagome thought; her earlier thoughts interrupted.

She felt as if someone were watching her. The feeling was beginning to creep her out. Kagome hadn't felt this for nearly a year and now, whoever this person was, they'd come back. Kagome got up and hurried home. She didn't feel scared, strangely enough.

'Maybe it is Inuyasha this time. After all he has come around so often when I've been at school in the past and he did help with the fungi demons at the school festival, not to mention the Noh Mask and the Soul Piper before that.' She thought.

"Sit."

Kagome muttered the word once she got to the shrine, but there was no sound. She glanced around. No thud, no Inuyasha.

'Maybe I'm just imagining things.' She thought as she headed inside the house.

The figure stood beneath a tree, tense, muttering a few choice words to himself as he watched Kagome go inside. Time was drawing near and soon enough he'd reveal himself. It had been a long wait. Too long for him.

***************

Kagome sat underneath a long tree not far from the village the group had stopped at. Inuyasha sat above her and every now and then she'd look up at him. She knew he'd glance at her occasionally as she'd felt his gaze and once or twice they'd locked gazes until one of them would look away again.

'What could you be thinking?' She wondered.

Kagome had told him about being followed and he'd surprised everyone by saying nothing about it. Kagome stared off at the village in the distance and was still staring when Inuyasha glanced down at her.

'You said it wasn't a demon following you, but who else would? Why couldn't I pick up the intruder's scent? Could it be that whoever is following you is someone we know? But who? Who would have a piece of the jewel and want to follow Kagome around?'

Inuyasha turned his gaze to the others of the group who were drinking tea nearby. It wasn't Sango or Miroku. They didn't have any shards nor had they ever been to Kagome's time before; he'd have known otherwise. The same with Shippo and Kirara.

'This just doesn't make any sense at all. Looks like the only way to find out is to follow her myself.'

He'd keep that to himself though as he'd little doubt that she would reject the idea and he wasn't about to blurt out why he insisted that he had to find out who it was that was following her. He'd have to be careful thought; one word from her would leave him in a world of hurt as the ground was much harder in her time then it was here. At least that would be something though; he was frustrated that Naraku had disappeared again and was still hunting Kikyo though she too had gone into hiding.

'I can't help but wonder, why did Kagome save her?'

Kagome had once saved Kikyo from death after she'd been poisoned by Naraku's miasma. Inuyasha brooded over the question as it wasn't one he'd had time to think of before.

'Why Kagome? Why did you save her? Why do you keep coming back again and again? Why do you chose to stay with me now even when there are others?'

His mind drifted as he thought first of Koga, the weak wolf demon who'd professed to being in love with Kagome, and then of the boy from Kagome's time he'd seen once; Hojo. It had been more then a year ago that he'd awakened from his enchanted sleep and Kagome had freed him from the tree.

'Kikyo pinned me to that tree, but it was Kagome who believed in me even then and she set me free. Kikyo didn't believe me when I told her the truth the first time. She tried to kill me.'

Inuyasha leaned back against the tree trunk at the thought. Kikyo knew the truth now and wasn't out to kill him; instead she'd tried a few times to kill Kagome.

'What am I to do with you when all of this is over?' He wondered.

**********************************

Kagome felt a chill in the air. It was nearly Christmas in the Feudal Era as well. There were no snowflakes though; not yet anyway.

"Kagome!"

Kagome turned to see Sango and Miroku heading her way with a transformed Kirara. Inuyasha was right behind them. It was Miroku who had called out to her as she'd finished climbing out of the well.

"We've found it. Naraku's heart. We're going to need your help though." Miroku said once the four of them had met up.

"Let's go then." Kagome set her back down, hefting the bow and arrows Sango had brought for her.

"What about Shippo?" Sango asked.

"He's with Kaede. We'll leave him there, he'll be safer." Miroku replied.

Inuyasha said nothing as he crouched down to let Kagome climb on his back. Sango and Miroku climbed onto Kirara and they set off. The journey was long and the further they went the colder it became. After a while they finally reached the mountain village where an old woman lived with one other, a young girl. The woman was tending to an infant when they arrived.

"Let me handle this." Miroku said in a serious tone as he dismounted Kirara. Inuyasha grumbled beneath his breath, but he only let Kagome down as Miroku approached the woman who held the sleeping demon child.

"Good eve monk, demon slayer. What can I do for ye?"

"That child. We have come to purify it."

"Purify him?"

"He's a demon." Miroku pulled out a sutra saying as he did. "I will prove it."

The woman stepped back from him and it was then that Miroku realized the infant was awake and manipulating the elderly woman. Seconds later a horde of demons appeared.

"I'll keep them busy, get the infant!" Miroku called to the others as he released his wind tunnel; sucking up demons as they came.

"Miroku! Samyoso!" Sango yelled in warning and Miroku wrapped the cloth back around his wind tunnel as Inuyasha let loose his Wind Scar on the approaching demons.

Clutching his staff, Miroku battered demons away as he went after the demon child who was escaping through the mass of demons; he'd seen that Sango and Kagome were too busy fighting the demons that kept coming and coming and Inuyasha was too far to reach the infant.

'I have to act fast. They won't be able to hold them off forever.'

Miroku chased the two to one of the few huts.

"End of the line demon!"

The woman turned as Miroku tossed a handful of sutras, covering both her and the infant. The demon child let out a scream before he vanished. Released from the demon's influence, the old woman crumpled and Miroku moved to catch her. Outside, the demons stopped attacking and dispersed into the sky as quickly as they had come.

"Huh? What's going on?" Inuyasha asked.

"Where's Miroku?" Sango asked, looking around.

"Look! Over there!" Kagome said.

Sango turned to see Miroku standing near a hut in the distance with an elderly woman.

"Miroku! Did you get the demon?" Inuyasha called as the three headed towards him and he sheathed Tetsusiaga.

"Yes. Naraku is no more. Now we've only to find the rest of the jewel." He replied when they caught up to him and the elderly woman.

There was silence. Complete silence. None of them knew where Naraku had been. They knew one thing for sure though; if they found where Naraku had been they might find Kohaku, Sango's younger brother, who would be free. Free. It was the only thing Sango could think of.


*********************

Three days later...

'I have to get to her.'

It was the only thing the young demon slayer, Kohaku, could think of. Memories of his sister danced in his mind as he finally emerged from the forest only to find the village he'd been told he'd find her in. At long last he was free of Naraku. As he neared the village he called out to her.

"Sango!"

He paused only a moment before calling out again.

Sango sat outside Kaede's hut with Kirara dozing in her lap. As she looked up at the sky she noticed the clouds beginning to gather. There would be snow soon. It was cold enough. Kirara stirred even as Sango's mind drifted. Inuyasha spent more and more time at the well; waiting for Kagome to return. His only company was Shippo who went there from time to time. Miroku spent his time helping out Kaede. Sometimes staying in the village in her absence, which kept him quite busy with the villagers. Miroku hadn't mentioned once to her about officially taking her to be his wife as he'd once asked her, but he'd not flirted with the young women of the village either. Sango was never quite sure just where she stood with him. Perverted or not, she loved him. Her thoughts were broken when Kirara hopped off her lap. Sango stood up.

"What is it Kirara?"

"Mew!" Kirara dashed off and as Sango followed her she heard her name being called.

"Kohaku?!?" She called.

"Sango!"

"Kohaku!"

Sango rushed to him and threw her arms around her younger brother. Several of the villagers around them had paused in their tasks to watch the tearful reunion. Among them was Miroku who still kept his hand bandaged despite that he knew he no longer had the wind tunnel. Proof of Naraku's death.

"Kohaku. It's good to see you." Sango said after she'd pulled back and began to wipe tears from her eyes.

"Sister, it's good to see you too."

"Mew."

"You too Kirara." He added as he smiled down at the demon cat.

"There's a lot we need to catch up on." Sango said, having dried her eyes.

"Yes, there is."

Miroku watched the two walk off, but he didn't follow.

'Sango. I'm happy for you. What about the jewel shard though? What will become of him then?'

He turned back to picking herbs when the two had disappeared from sight, the questions in his mind unanswered.

"Sango."

"Hmmm? What is it Kohaku?"

"Here."

Sango stopped as he held out a piece of cloth that was wrapped around something. She took it and nearly dropped it in surprise when she'd unwrapped it. It was Naraku's half of the sacred jewel and it was still black from being tainted by him.

"Kohaku, how did you....?"

"I took it after Naraku disappeared. I didn't know what else to do with it, but Kagura and Kanna didn't want it and I couldn't just leave it."

Sango smiled.

"Well, I know what to do with it. I'm just glad you're back though." Kohaku smiled back.

*****************************

Kagome stared at her calendar. Three days until Christmas Eve. It was decided. She'd go back, give them the gifts she'd bought them and then she'd come back to celebrate Christmas with her family. She could hardly wait as she'd over heard her mother telling Sota that he was to behave Christmas Eve as she had a very special gift for Kagome. Kagome couldn't help but wonder what it was. She packed the gifts carefully in her back before she hurried off to the well; eager to see her friends again. As soon as she'd gone out the door, her mother dialed a number she'd come to know by heart over the last year.

"Hello." A familiar voice answered.

"She just went back. You're coming Christmas Eve right?"

"Yeah. Right after dinner as we'd planned."

"Right." Kagome's mother had wanted to confirm the plan. Timing would mean everything.

"Mrs. Higurashi?"

"Yes?"

"Make sure.... make sure she answers the door." He stumbled a bit.

"I will. See you then."

"Yeah."

She hung up, humming to the song "The Most Wonderful Time (of the year)" that was coming from the radio nearby.

As soon as Kagome arrived on the other side of the well she found herself hoisted up by Inuyasha, bag and all.

"Hey, you can put me down now."

Inuyasha set her down. He'd been so glad to see her that he'd not realized he hadn't put her down.

"Good news." He said.

"Oh?"

Inuyasha produced the other half of the jewel. As soon as Kagome took it the jewel lost its taint.

"How'd you find it?"

"I didn't. Couple of days ago Sango's brother showed up in the village with it."

Kagome smiled, happy that Kohaku was alive and well. Inuyasha didn't hear her next comment as all he could think of then was how radiant she looked in the red sweater and blue jeans she was wearing.

"I'm happy for her."

When Kagome's cheerfulness faded suddenly Inuyasha was snapped from his thoughts.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just that Kohaku's life depends on the jewel shard in his back. He'll die if we remove it. I can't do that to Sango.... Not ever for this." Kagome stared down at the jewel piece in her hand as she touched it to her half; the two parts fusing together. Only a small chip was left where the last shard would go.

Inuyasha was silent a moment. He knew that if the jewel wasn't complete he couldn't become a full demon. He made his choice then and there.

"Fine by me. After all, that jewel has seen enough blood."

"Inuyasha...."

"Forget it. I won't touch the kid." He said abruptly and walked off. Leaving Kagome to wonder if he really hadn't changed his mind after all.

Kagome was greeted warmly by the others when she reached the village though it was a bit awkward with Kohaku since he'd tried to kill her at least once, but it was also a relief too. The group liked the gifts she'd brought. There'd been candy for Shippo, a scarf for Sango, a pair of mittens for Miroku and instant ramen for Inuyasha. They'd eaten supper and traded stories with Kohaku until late into the night. With the fire low, the group decided to turn in for the night.

****************************

Kagome sat with her friends, finishing breakfast as she told of her plans and that she'd be back after Christmas.

"Sango." Miroku said once he'd finished his soup. Sango looked at him, not saying anything.

"If you're ready... I mean... if want... I mean... will you build a life with me? Be my wife?"

Sango set down her bowl and threw her arms around him as she leapt into his arms.

"Yes!"

Inuyasha and Kohaku just stared at them in surprise while Kagome only smiled. Later that day the whole village turned out for the ceremony. As the villagers celebrated, Kagome saw Inuyasha slip away. She imagined he was thinking of Kikyo. Fighting back her sorrow she followed him. Inuyasha was standing at the base of the Sacred Tree when she caught up with him. He was staring up at it; he didn't say anything as he turned to face her. For the longest moment they stood there; each in their own thoughts.

'This is where it all began. Without Kagome I would still be sealed to the tree.' Inuyasha thought.

'I first met Inuyasha here, near the well. It seems like forever ago and yesterday that we met. Now the jewel is all but complete again.' Kagome walked towards him, determined.

'What is she up to?' He wondered. She paused before him.

"Before I go, I want to give you one last gift."

Inuyasha, a bit baffled, said nothing and before he realized what she was doing Kagome had pulled off his rosary. The subdue spell dispersed from the necklace. He stared at her then the rosary as she placed it in his hands. He then looked back up at her.

"Kagome.... I.... " He trailed off. What was there to say?

Kagome only gave him a slight smile, but he saw there was sadness in it.

'Now you're free Inuyasha. I hope you have a good life with her.' Kagome thought sadly as she turned and walked away.

'Kagome..... why?'

It was all he could think. He was too stunned to go after her. When she was gone from sight he stared down at the rosary.

'Is she telling me to choose? Or is she...?' He didn't complete the thought.

For the longest time he stared at the rosary before he stashed it in his hoari and took off after her. He had to know. The first person he saw when he reached the village was Miroku.

"Where's Kagome?"

"She went back to her time. I thought you knew she'd left."

Inuyasha growled in frustration and took off back towards the well.

"Is something wrong?" Sango asked as she came up beside her new husband.

"I don't know." He said as he put an arm around her waist. "Whatever happened I'm not so sure Kagome means to come back."

"What makes you say that?" Sango asked, taken aback.

"Inuyasha wasn't wearing the rosary."

"You mean... she took it off ?!?" Miroku only nodded.


Kagome swung her legs over the well and was poised to jump when the sound of a soft thud made her pause. She knew, even before she turned around that it would be Inuyasha. Kagome saw that he wasn't wearing the rosary. She figured he'd tossed it aside after getting over the shock.

"Kagome... are you....?" He didn't want to have to ask.

"Yeah. I'll be back. Just like I said."

Kagome pushed off into the well before he could think to say more; his last words to her followed her through though he'd spoken softly.

"I'll wait for you. I promise."

********************

Tears blurred her vision as she climbed from the well. Kagome knew she'd see him again after Christmas and that was only two days away now, but she couldn't help feeling she'd lost him. Feeling exhausted from the trip, Kagome was asleep as soon as her head hit her pillow.

The next morning Kagome was awaken by the familiar feeling of the sacred jewel. It was close. Kagome blinked and reached for the jewel only to find it was gone. Kagome bolted up and hurriedly got dressed. She searched everywhere for it, even long after the sensation of its closeness had faded.

"Oh man, Inuyasha's gonna kill me!" She groaned aloud.

Back in the Feudal Era, Inuyasha was making a discover of his own. He leapt into the bottom of the well as something shiny had caught his eye when he'd sat in a tree nearby. He landed with a soft thud and uncovered the object. His eyes widened slightly with surprise.

"The jewel, but Kagome wouldn't just leave it behind...."

A sickening feeling stole over him as he leapt out of the well. He had to give her the jewel back. He leapt down into the well, but to his utter shock he only hit the bottom and he realized what he didn't want to; what he'd hoped would never happen.

"It.... it's sealed off.... Kagome.... Kagome!"

Kagome sat at the base of the Sacred Tree; she'd just made the same discovery herself only moments ago. She didn't cry. She couldn't. It hurt too much for tears. Kagome put one hand against the tree and closed her eyes.

'Kagome?'

Her eyes shot open at the sound of Inuyasha's voice and then she realized that it was the tree, just like the time the well had been sealed by a tree of ages.

'Inuyasha.... I... can't get back... I tried.'

'I know. It's the same here. I'll find a way though. I swear to Kami I will. No matter how long it takes.'

Kagome smiled through the tears that now coursed down her cheeks.

'Inuyasha.... I'll wait for you.'

Kagome opened her eyes and broke the contact as she went to wipe the tears from her eyes. If anyone could find a way it would be Inuyasha; she was sure of it.

**************************

It was Christmas Eve and still Kagome hadn't heard from Inuyasha. Her family was going to have a small party, but Kagome didn't feel much up to it. She walked through the mall though she'd done all of her shopping earlier. As she passed a clothing store a familiar voice made her freeze in her tracks.

"I'm sure she'll love it dear. Don't fuss so."

Kagome spun around. A man and his very pregnant wife were coming out with a bag. The two were bundled up against the cold and, despite the clothes, Kagome swore that the two looked just like Miroku and Sango. She turned away as quickly as she could before they noticed that she was staring.

'I guess they have reincarnations here....'

The thought had never occurred to her before that her friends would be reincarnated like she was. Kagome moved on as a sharp pain went through her as if she were being stabbed in the heart. She missed her friends dearly.

'If only I hadn't lost the jewel...' She thought with a sigh. 'What's the point? I might as well go home.'

Four hours later Kagome sat with her family, trying to act cheerful. It was the holidays after all. There was a knock at the door as Kagome's mother was hanging up the phone from a call she'd received.

"Kagome, will you get the door?"

Kagome got to her feet reluctantly. She was feeling so down that she didn't even notice the tingling sensation that had often told her in the past that the sacred jewel was near. The feeling was telling her it was right behind the door. She wasn't in the mood for another guest. As soon as she'd opened the door her eyes went wide. Inuyasha stood in front of her dressed in a bright red coat and blue jeans. Even with the poor light outside she could make out his ears.

"Inuyasha...."

Before she could say anything more he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him. Her mind went blank as his lips met hers in a shearing kiss. Time seemed to stand still at that moment and it was Inuyasha who finally broke the kiss after what seemed like forever.

"You're... how is it... the well... I mean..." Kagome stumbled, trailing off as he shook his head.

Kagome stepped back to let him in and he released her; her mind was still a bit hazy from the shock of the kiss. Her brain wasn't so muddled though that she missed her mother's smile.

"You knew about this? Mom? Grandpa? Sota?"

"Yeah." Sota said sheepishly.

"To be honest, they found me." Inuyasha said.

"Why don't you sit down and tell us about it." Kagome's mother said.

Inuyasha nodded his thanks as he sat down and Sota handed him a cup of hot chocolate.

********************************

Inuyasha took a slow sip of the hot chocolate before his eyes became hazy with memories and he began to speak.

"After the well sealed I tried everything I could think of. Kaede, Sango, Miroku and Shippo did what they could, but their efforts were in vain." He closed his eyes as his expression went from being bleak to filled with pain.

"I even went to Kikyo and Koga, but they couldn't help me. I ran into Hojo, but he was just as useless. I finally hunted down Sesshomaru, but despite all he knew he couldn't help either. I left Edo and went on a long search; going from village to village, city to city and when I finally found myself going in circles I went back to Edo. Miroku and Sango had four kids; a boy named Mirok, a girl named San and twin girls, Kagome and Aria." Inuyasha paused only to sip his drink.

"I watched them grow up and grow old... even as I never stopped searching. I visited other places across the sea and as I traveled I began to understand some of what Kagome had told me about this time. Time continued to pass and I kept close to Edo though I never found a way to open the well. So I waited. Knowing that if I lived long enough that we'd see each other again." He smiled slightly.

"I was living in a small town several miles from here. I'm not even sure of the name as I never really paid that much attention. I happened to be visiting the Hika Shrine when your mother spotted me and she knew right away who I was even though I had covered my demonic features well. I explained everything to her and she agreed to set this all up for tonight just to make sure that I wouldn't accidentally run into you or my younger self." Inuyasha paused and set his cup down before he took off his coat. He was wearing a purple sweater with dark green stripes. Kagome stared at the mix of colors that were oddly familiar. Inuyasha noticed and smiled sadly.

"I wear these colors to remind me of our friends. They missed you Kagome; they really did."

"I wish I could have known their kids."

"Actually, you know one of their descendents."

"Who?"

"Yuka." Kagome stared at him in surprise.

"Are you sure? She doesn't look anything like them."

"Probably not because there's such a mix in their bloodline now. Sango and Miroku made sure their children traveled with them to follow in their footsteps."

"What do they do?"

"Well, Mariana, Kagome's grandchild, is a lawyer. Hiewani, San's grandchild, is a doctor. Aiuna, Mirok's grandchild and Yuka's mother is a...."

"Nurse, yeah, we've met once." Inuyasha nodded before going on.

"Ariona, Aria's grandchild is a stockbroker and a writer." He took a sip from his cup.

"Ah, Kagome, before I forget..." Inuyasha dug beneath his sweater and Kagome's eyes became wide as he drew out the Sacred Jewel and pulled it off; it was complete. She almost had missed the beads of the rosary that also hung beneath his sweater. He dumped the jewel into her hands and she knew then that it had been him all along that had been following her.

"You... kept it."

It was the first thing she could think to say. He shifted a bit uneasily and a slight blush crept to his cheeks. He knew from her words, as she stared at him, that she'd seen the rosary.

"Yeah.... I uh... couldn't get rid of it. It was all I had left..." He trailed off and they both looked away. Kagome stood up and put the Sacred Jewel around her neck. It was time she got her answers.

"Er... Inuyasha, can I speak to you in private for a moment?" Inuyasha set down his cup and followed her up to her room. He shut the door behind them; knowing he was about to be grilled.

"Why? Why did you come back Inuyasha? Why did you wait five hundred years?"

Her eyes met his as he crossed the room to where she stood near the bed. He knew she deserved to know; that she should have known a long time ago.

"When you took off the rosary that day at the tree my first thought was that you might be trying to tell me that I should choose and I knew I'd put it off too long. I made my choice and kept the rosary. I was going to give it back to you, but things didn't work out that way." He pulled out the rosary so that it hung over the sweater.

"I've had to hide it as such things now are seen as relics, but I kept it and, I suppose, because some of the enchantment is still there the beads and fangs have never chipped or broken."

"So, all this time.... that would make you...."

"Five hundred and sixty-five years old."

"Inuyasha."

"Hmmm?"

"You didn't answer my question." He blinked in confusion a moment and then smirked slightly; reminding her of the arrogance she was so use to, but she realized that his smirk held amusement rather then the mockery it had in past times. It faded and his expression softened; Kagome saw then what she'd only dreamed of before.

"I did it all because I love you Kagome."

Warmth spread through her and her eyes shone with her own affection. Inuyasha felt relief seeing this and warmth filled him at her next words.

"I love you too Inuyasha."

******************************

Inuyasha seemed to hesitate over something for a moment then, though he seemed to want to say something, he said nothing.

"What is it?"

"It's nothing."

"Inuyasha."

He sighed inwardly even as he nearly flinched at the familiar tone that told him she was slightly annoyed and meant that there was a possible "sit" to follow. Though he knew she couldn't use the command anymore he still answered.

"It might be too early for this, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you. That's why I never used the jewel. I was going to ask you to be my mate, but I'm not so sure your mother would approve." Kagome just smiled at him for a moment before she threw herself into his arms, whispering.

"I want to be with you always. I'll be your mate."

He held her close, burying his face in her hair. Inuyasha then pulled back gently and rubbed his lips against hers in a gentle, loving kiss.

"We should go back down before they come up here looking for us."

Inuyasha pulled back, but she could see in his eyes that it was with reluctance; it caused a chill to run through her followed by thoughts that caused her to blush a deep red. As if reading her mind, Inuyasha chuckled softly and let go of her. He went down stairs. Kagome took the time to compose herself before she joined him and her family.

"So, what have you been doing for work?" Sota asked as Kagome came down the stairs.

"I was managing a construction company and became co-owner recently, which allows me more traveling flexibility."

"What else have you done?" Kagome asked as she came into the room.

"Various jobs. Wood cutting, accounting, jailer, police, detective work, construction... the list goes on and on."

"Didn't anyone suspect?" She asked.

"At first, yes. Until I learned how to hide my demonic features effectively and I moved from job to job, changing my name each time I took a new job. It kept suspicion down. I also moved from country to country on occasions. It became difficult though in the early 90's and I had to start faking my own death just to keep public officials from getting suspicious."

Kagome fiddled with the jewel as she stood looking at her family. She was wondering if she should tell them. Sota noticed.

"Hey Kagome, what will you do with the jewel?" Sota asked.

"I suppose I'll purify it."

'Eventually...' She added silently to herself as she wasn't sure when or how.

*************************

"Mom.... Grandpa, Sota. I have something I want to tell you."

Inuyasha met her gaze over his cup. He had a good idea of what she was going to say and wasn't sure it was such a good idea, but he said nothing.

"Inuyasha asked me to spend the rest of my life with him and I said yes."

'Well, at least she told it as I said it.' He thought.

Inuyasha wasn't one for the whole type of ceremonies they had now that were called weddings. A lot of tradition had changed. He'd accepted it and adapted, but that didn't meant he had to like it.

"You mean he wants you to marry him?" Sota asked.

"Sort of."

"Well, congratulations dear." Her mother said. Her grandfather's jaw hit the floor.

"What do you mean sis?" Sota asked.

"Well, in Feudal Japan the ceremonies were different from what we have today and that is how he asked me." Kagome's expression became thoughtful as she continued.

"I've had some history with it and there was Sango and Miroku's ceremony." Kagome turned to Inuyasha who was smiling slight behind his cup.

"I hope doing a ceremony like theirs is what you meant." Inuyasha nodded.

"Well then, why don't you tell me all about it." Kagome's mother said cheerfully as she stood up, ready to take her daughter into the kitchen.

"Wait a minute Kagome! Aren't you all rushing things?!" Her grandfather said, finding his voice.

Kagome looked at her grandfather for a long time. Everyone was looking at her. When she finally spoke there was determination in her eyes along with her love for Inuyasha.

"Maybe you're right grandpa." Her tone was soft as she went on.

"Then again, Inuyasha was willing to protect me with his life near the very beginning of our relationship."

The image of Inuyasha holding Tetsusiaga on his right shoulder, the sword just an old katana blade, came to mind; his expression serious as he said to her with stubborn determination.

"Just stay here and let me protect you!"

"Time and time again he saved me before he really even liked me." Everyone, except Kagome, turned to look at Inuyasha who set down his empty cup.

"It's true. For a while I hated her because she looked so much like Kikyo, but that was before I came to know her. It was our first battle against the Spiderhead demons that I began to realize, to truly see, that she wasn't anything like Kikyo. You remember that fight Kagome?"

"Yeah. It was the night of the new moon and the first time that he was nice to me."

"It was also the first time I realized that I needed her as much as she needed me."

"You had a funny way of showing it." Inuyasha chuckled a bit, giving her a sheepish look.

"I was still only an adolescent, a proud one at that. I was never content to be a half demon until I met you. You accepted me as I was and when I told you I wanted to be a full fledged demon you didn't ask why I didn't become human or even suggest it. When I'd told Kikyo... she'd put the notion in my head that if I became human by using the Sacred Jewel we'd be able to be together. I suppose it would have worked out that way if Kikyo hadn't found the burned bandit that became Naraku." Kagome nodded.

"We've been through a lot together, grandpa, from the start and our friends, Miroku, Sango, Kirara, Shippo and Kaede helped us out. Even if I gave it time, I don't think I'll ever find anyone else who'd ever protect me like Inuyasha; who'd ever even come close to being able to or who I could love half as much."

"Only one other I know would come close, but I don't think you'd want to seriously consider him as your mate."

"Who?"

"Shippo."

"You mean he's..."

"Of course and Kirara too. They're full demons after all. Keh. You might be surprised what demon types did survive. Even with that nuclear blast, most survived it so long as they weren't close enough to be hit by the shockwave that followed the detonations. Let me tell you, those Americans can be pretty brutal fighters when they think you're an enemy. I had to cut a few down to save my own hide and Shippo a few times."

"Did he and Kirara always travel with you?" Sota asked.

"Not always. It wasn't until just about the time that the wars between the states stopped that Shippo had to come with me. For a while, Kirara was safe, but after Sango's first daughter's death I was told that I could have her. I was also told that if I ever showed my face in Edo again that they'd kill me. So I put a few centuries between us before I came back to Edo again."

"Where's Shippo now?" Kagome asked.

"Probably working. He throws costume parties so he can be himself once in a while. He's a good fighter too now. Not the pushover he was as a kit."

"Inuyasha! What a thing to say!" Inuyasha winced slightly.

"It was true though; he'd plenty of nerve to make up for it, most of the time. I guess I'd better be going. Shippo expects me to get supper tonight and I still have to feed Kirara."

"Why not bring them here? After all, it is Christmas and you will be my future son-in-law." Kagome's mother said.

"Speaking of law. How'd you manage to keep Shippo a secret?" Kagome asked.

"I... er... didn't actually. I... adopted him. It was the only explanation I could give and so I forged a few of his documents like I did my own."

"Inuyasha... Just how could you manage to do all this and not get caught?" Kagome asked. He looked at her a bit sheepishly.

"Well, I learned how to by pass things from people like hackers and stuff. I had to really." Kagome just shook her head at the thought of numerous people he'd probably gone through.

"Well, you did what you had to." Kagome's mother said, obviously thinking nothing of it. "Now, will you stay with us for Christmas?"

"I'd be happy to. Just let me call Shippo to let him know; he'll have to swing by the house to get Kirara."

"Of course. The phone's there in the hallway."

"Thanks." Inuyasha left the room to make the call.

"This is so cool! I get to have a half demon for a brother!" Sota said.

"Brother-in-law." Kagome corrected, but smiled at her younger brother. She wasn't sure that this night could get any better.


************************** -Epilogue-

Kagome snuggled up next to Inuyasha; her husband, her mate. It was nearly half a year since that Christmas where she'd been reunited with Inuyasha, Shippo and Kirara. Inuyasha's grip on her waist tightened slightly in a possessive move. He nuzzled her neck gently where his claim bite was. It was small enough that most people wouldn't notice it. His other hand idly played with a few strands of her hair as he looked at her with lazy contentment.

"What's on your mind?" He murmured.

"I was just thinking about the jewel. If I purify it with a wish, what could I wish for that wouldn't ruin things? I could wish for peace, but then what if evil demons multiply or something worse comes along and war is inescapable?"

Inuyasha's eyes fell on the jewel that sat on a nightstand well within reach; he looked at it thoughtfully.

"I believe I have an idea. Though I don't know what will happen exactly."

"What do you have in mind?" She asked.

"Well, you could wish that the jewel would make it possible for us to live out a fairly normal life together. As normal anyway for a human, a half demon, a fox demon and a fire cat demon can get anyway."

Kagome thought hard about it and how to word the wish. There was a long period of silence before she reached for the jewel. Kagome, clutching the jewel, then made the wish as her mate's arms held her close to him.

"I wish that Inuyasha and I can be able to live with Shippo and Kirara to lead somewhat normal lives and to be prosperous."

"Prosperous?" Inuyasha murmured before the light from the jewel blinded them both momentarily before it vanished. When the light faded Inuyasha noticed that Kagome's scent had altered slightly. Inuyasha blinked. Kagome was now a hanyou like him! Her ears were a dark brown and her eyes had a hint of golden amber in them; making her eyes a golden brown. Her hair, though was as black as ever.

"Kagome?" He probed gently.

He hadn't thought that the jewel would make her like him. He'd assumed the wish would make him human. Kagome smiled slightly; her senses were sharper and she could smell Inuyasha's concern.

"Not quite what I was thinking, but I think I like it."

There was such delight in her voice that he relaxed in relief. As soon as he did though he noticed a change in her scent.

"Now that I'm like you I can leave my mark." She all but purred.

Kagome's tone sent delightful chills down his spine. He almost didn't feel the shallow bite that marked him as her mate. When she drew away he pulled her close for a tender kiss before he showed her one of the many pleasures that being a half demon could bring.