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It's written in the stars

Chapter 37

Notes:

A/N: *Cries* This is it. The last chapter. It was hard to end it because there's so much in my head I want to write, but I really just doesn't fit and it's time to end this fanfic. As always, finishing a story is always bitter sweet. I'm so proud of this one, and I truly hope you have all enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. This was supposed to be a short story, and obviously turned into something much bigger lol. Thank you to all who've read and to everyone who's commented. Enjoy! :D

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of its characters. All rights belong to the creators of the Manga and show.

….

Two Year Later

"How are you feeling?" Sango asked as they worked in the garden.

"Much better than yesterday," Kagome replied. She put her hand over her still flat belly. She knew morning sickness could be hard to cope with, but this really did suck. "Luckily, the ginger is ready today," Kagome went on. "It'll help."

Sango smiled, putting her hand over her own belly. She was three months with her second baby. Or third if you counted her angle. "Trust me, I know," she said with a laugh.

"I'll tell you what, the morning sickness is far more bearable than Inuyasha's hovering. The man is a walking bag of nerves. Acts like I'm going to break."

Sango laughed again. "Miroku was like that with our first. I thought I was going to have to murder him. He's just worried and unsure what to do. Maybe the guys will talk about it while they are away."

"It is sweet though," Kagome said with a smile. "Besides, I have to admit that I'm nervous too. I'm ready for this, and thrilled, but scared."

Sango took Kagome's hand, giving it a light squeeze. "You are going to be just fine. I've seen you with Yatori. You're far more prepared than you think."

….

"How do you not go crazy with worry? I feel like there's so little I can do."

Miroku laughed as they spoke. They were already almost home, but he'd been expecting these questions since they left two days before. "I felt that way the first time too. Hell I felt it the second time, and sometimes I get anxious with this one. You just have to take comfort in the fact that this is a natural thing, and Kagome is strong and healthy."

"But, what if something happens? How do I know she's okay? She cried a few days ago and when I asked what was wrong she said she didn't know." Inuyasha sighed. "And what about the baby? How can I know the baby is okay?" Man thinking about the next nine months of this worry made him feel nauseous.

"Pregnant woman get emotional. Sometimes they cry for no reason. The baby will be just fine. If you over worry, you will stress Kagome out. Try not to think so hard on it. Kagome will know if anything is wrong."

Inuyasha nodded. He did have a point. "What if I make a horrible father?" This worried him too. It wasn't like he had a father in his life to show him how it should be done.

"You're going to be great. I've seen you with Yatori. That boy loves his uncle Inuyasha."

"I hope so," Inuyasha replied. He supposed it would help that he was no stranger to babies. At least not anymore. He was pretty good with Yatori. That much was true.

He grew more anxious as the village came into few. He'd been ready to be back since before they left. He didn't want to leave Kagome for longer than was necessary.

"Go ahead," Miroku laughed, sensing Inuyasha's want to go faster.

Inuyasha took Miroku up on his offer and ran. He just wanted to see that she was okay. He sniffed the air, catching her scent. As he drew closer he could hear her heartbeat. The sound had become so familiar he knew hers over everyone else's.

He slowed once he spotted her, sitting under a tree, she looked to be resting. As he approached, he heard it. That strange fluttering of a baby in the womb heartbeat. His own skipped a beat as tears blurred his vision. He could hear his baby.

Inuyasha fell to his knees in front of Kagome. Her eyes opened, taking him in and was instantly alarmed by his tears. "What's wrong? What happened?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha moved, hugging her around the middle, pressing his ear against her belly. She froze, clearly surprised and confused. "I can hear our baby," he said, answering her question. "I can hear the heartbeat."

Kagome wiped at her own tears. "Yeah?" she said, only a little jealous that she couldn't.

Inuyasha sat up, his heart overjoyed. "I love you. I love you more than I know how to express." He pulled her into his arms. "I just…I love you. I love you." He kept saying it because he wasn't sure how else to express this emotion he felt. It was nearly overwhelming what he was feeling. He was warm with it, and his heart was surly swelled with it.

Kagome held him back. "I love you too," she replied. She kissed him, and smiled when her tommy fluttered with butterflies. "Welcome home."

"It's good to be home. I was gone far too long."

She laughed. "You were gone just two days."

Inuyasha kissed her forehead before resting his against hers. "Yes, and it was far too long. May I?" he asked, before laying on his stomach and put his ear back against her belly. "Hi baby."

Kagome wiped at her joyful tears as he lay in her lap, speaking to their baby. They stayed like this a while, him talking while she stroked his hair. Was there anything more wonderful in the world then what she was feeling in this moment?


Kagome stood there naked looking at her reflection in window. She was really starting to show, and hated that she was getting stretchmarks. She knew they would most likely happen, but she hated it anyway. What if Inuyasha started finding her unattractive?

Fear flooded her as she remembered, once again, that she would be the one changing while he stayed the same. Her body wouldn't be the same after the pregnancy. As she got older, she would start to gray and wither away. Would he still love her when she was fifty, with laugh lines and greying hair? Would he still love her when her breast were no longer perky, and her skin wrinkled?

Kagome jumped when arms were suddenly wrapping around her from behind. Inuyasha pulled her to him, kissing the curve of her neck.

"My beautiful pregnant wife." he whispered as he nipped at her shoulder. "Is there anything more gloriously beautiful?" He meant this too. He wanted to be in her, moving, loving. He was ready to make love to her.

Kagome's eyes filled with tears, giving him pause. "What's wrong?" Inuyasha moved in front of her. "Kagome?" he said, taking her face in his hands.

"My body is going to be different!" Kagome said, bursting into tears. "Once the baby is born, it will never quite be the same. Then as I age, it's going to change! I'm going to get old and gray, and you're going to stay young and beautiful!" She had to pause to breathe. "How will you be able to love an old woman with wrinkles and saggy breast!"

Inuyasha pulled her to his chested. "Oh Kagome. You silly woman." he said, shaking his head, though she wouldn't see. "Do you not understand? Have I not made my feelings clear?" He caressed her chin, making her look up at him. He thumbed away her tears as he spoke. "I love you. Now and forevermore. It doesn't matter to me what you look like. I'm in love with your heart. Your body can change all it needs too, and I will only love you more. My love for you will only grow as you change. You will always be the most beautiful woman, and nothing will ever change that. I want you as long as you want me."

"Even when everyone assumes I'm your grandmother?"

Inuyasha smiled. "There's a trick most demons can use. It comes in handy when we want to go in disguise. We can make ourselves look older. I can change my appearance to match yours. I will gladly do so if it makes you feel better."

Kagome held him closer, burying her face in his chest. He could be so sweet. It still amazed her how sweet he could be. "I hope you're right. That you could still love me when I'm old.

"I will love you forever, Kagome. No amount of time or distance could ever change my feelings for you." He kissed the top of her head. "Don't you know that?"

Kagome let out a small nervous kind of laugh. "I guess every now and again I'll need reminding."

Inuyasha moved, taking her mouth with his. "Then let me remind you."


Kagome's heart was heavy as she sat beside a fading Kaede. The woman who had become like a grandmother to her had been ill for a while, and this was not a surprise, but it still hurt. Kagome's herbs had helped, but there just wasn't a cure for old age.

Behind her, Asa walked in, giving them both a hesitant smile. "It's finished," Asa said, going to Kaede, and giving her something.

"Thank you for this," Kaede said with a smile.

"What is it?" Kagome asked.

Kaede looked over Kagome's shoulder with a smile. "Inuyasha, prefect timing."

"How are you?" He asked. It was a stupid question, but what else could he say?

"I've been better," she replied, her smile still in place. "Take Kagome home, would you? She needs rest and is driving me crazy with her hovering."

Inuyasha nearly laughed. "You heard her, he said holding out his hand for hers.

"Fine, but I'll be back in a couple hours.

Kaede waited for them to be gone before looking back to Asa. "Are you sure they will work?"

"Yes. I tested it myself. As long as they have these," Asa said, holding up two identical stones. "It will work."

"Good," Kaede said with a cough. She closed her eyes as she concentrated on breathing. "We must give it to her tonight. I will not see the next full moon." Kaede took Asa's hand. "Thank you for helping me with this. In my state, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish it."

"It's my pleasure." Asa said with a sad smile. She wished she could heal Kaede, but her healing didn't stop old age.


Shippo took Rin's hand as they walked by the lake. It had been a few months since the last time she was there, and part of him wished she'd stay. He never would ask her to though. He understood her place was beside Sesshomaru, and his was here.

"What are you thinking about?" Rin asked. She could see his head was not here in the moment.

"How much I will miss you when you leave again," Shippo replied.

Rin smiled some. She would miss him too. Ever since the battle, she'd been slowly falling for the fox demon. He was kind and gentle, willing to stand for what he believes in. He was turning out to be a worthy worrier, and handsome. She felt warm and safe when she was with him, and she too would miss him when she left.

"Perhaps soon I will stay here with you," she said as she thought it over. She's always known one day she would fall in love, and her days with traveling with Sesshomaru would come to an end. She hadn't imagined the day would come so fast, but she was nearly sixteen now, and it was only a matter of time.

"You would do that?" Shippo asked, excited. He never thought she'd want to stay here with him.

"Maybe. If I have reason to stay." She smiled, hoping he understood her meaning.

Shippo stopped walking, as he understood where she was going with this. "Will you marry me? In the future? When I have built us a home, and have income of my own, will you be my wife?"

Rin smiled widely. "I will."

Shippo's heart swelled with joy as he pulled her to him and kissed her. As always, his heart hammered in his chest. He pulled away, feeling overjoyed. "I swear to you I will make a worthy husband."

"I know you will. Convincing Sesshomaru of this might be a harder task." She laughed because Shippo seemed to pale some. "Don't worry. We don't have to tell him yet. We can wait for this home you speak of."

Shippo nodded, taking her hand and starting their walk again. "I love you, Rin."

"And I you." She moved closer to him, closing the gap they usually kept between them. Yes, she thought, happy he didn't object. This was much better.


Kagome sat against the well, her hand on her stomach, feeling the baby move. She came here every so often, talking to the well as if her family could hear her on the other side. She missed them something awful, and lately she felt sadness over not being able to share this pregnancy with her mom. Sometimes, a girl just wanted her mom, and this was one of those times.

She looked up when Inuyasha approached with Kaede in his arms, and Asa by his side. She stood, confused and worried. "What is it? Kaede? Are you unwell?" It seemed a funny question considering she was dying, but they understood her meaning. "You shouldn't be out like this," She added as Inuyasha sat her down.

"Come," Kaede said, taking Kagome's hand, gently tugging it to show she wanted her to sit. "There's something I've been working on for almost two years now. I was unsure I could do it, and if Asa hadn't been able to help me, it never would have been possible."

"What is it?" What was so important she came all the way out here despite her state?

Kaede pulled a bag out of her pocket, handing it to Kagome. "This is my gift to you for saving us. You are were an answer to our prayers, and due to your bravery, you saved the lives of many."

Inuyasha moved in for a closer look as Kagome unrolled whatever was wrapped in the cloth. Two green stones, each with leather weaved around them to make them into necklaces, fell into her hand. "They're beautiful."

"They open the portal in the well," Kaede said, beaming. She really didn't think she could do it, but she put everything she had into finding out what anyone knew about portals, and how the sacred jewel could allow passage. She learned of the green stones and their magical abilities. She had to infuse them with magic of her own, and while this weakened her, speeding up her own death, she cared not. This was the best gift she could give Kagome, and was happy to do so. Asa was her errand girl, as well as making sure the stones worked. Asa had to travel far for them, and these stones were no easy find.

Kagome was stunned as she processed what was being said to her. "Wait, are you saying I can go back to my time?"

Kaede nodded. "You will be able to come and go as you please. I warn, though. These stones will allow anyone to use this portal. This is something you must guard with your life."

Kagome was crying as she hugged Kaede. "How could I ever thank you for this?"

"You've done more than enough."

Inuyasha hugged Kagome as she cried happy tears. "We can go as soon as you wish."

Kagome laughed as this all sank in. "I get to see my mom! Sota! Grandpa!" She hugged Asa before hurrying away. "I need to prepare!" she cried as she went.

Inuyasha looked down at Kaede, holding back tears of his own. The fact that Kagome couldn't go home again had always weighed heavily on his mind. "You really are something, you know that?" he said to her.

Kaede smiled. "I know. Please, bring me home. I'm awfully tired."

Inuyasha picked her up, now understanding why she insisted he bring her here. "Thank you. Thank you for this."

"You're welcome."


Kagome stood in front of the well, nerves hitting her. It had been almost three years since she's been home, and this felt so unreal she was afraid she would wake up any moment. She'd been too excited before to really stop and think about what this meant.

She'd rushed home, something that the pregnancy didn't make easy, and told everyone about the stones. They were as surprised as she was, but happy for her. Now, three hours later, she stood here, ready to go back to her time.

Inuyasha's hand slipped in hers. He smiled when she looked up at him. "You ready?"

"I'm nervous," she admitted.

"I know. I can tell," he replied, scooping her up into his arms. "But I've got you, and they will be thrilled to see you again." With that, Inuyasha jumped into the well.

"It worked!" Kagome said, new tears in her eyes as she ran towards her home.

"Mom!" she called the moment she saw her working in the garden. "Mommy I'm back!"

"Kagome!" Mrs. H said, tears of her own blurring her vision as she held her baby girl. "Oh, my baby."

Kagome laughed as her mom looked her over. "You're pregnant!"

"Yes," Kagome laughed-cried. "I've wanted to tell you all about it, and then Kaede made it possible for me to be able to travel through the well again." Kagome shook her head. "I've missed you!" she said, hugging her mom again.

"Hey Mrs. H" Inuyasha said when her eyes wondered to him.

"You've kept her happy and safe. You get to call me mom." she said, hugging him.

Inuyasha looked at Kagome, unsure because he wasn't great with people randomly hugging him. Still, he allowed it. "It's been my pleasure. Really."

"Come in," She said, looping her arm through Kagome's. "Sota will be home in about an hour. He's going to lose his mind when he sees you. You have to tell me everything! I want to know what you've been up to."

Kagome laughed, as she was lead in. "And I want to tell you everything."

….

As her mom predicted Sota was thrilled to see her. He even cried, not that she didn't. She was heart-broken to learn that Grandpa has passed away last year, though she'd been prepared for this. His heart wasn't good after all.

She cried over him for a while, and every now and again she felt a fresh wave of sorrow, but she didn't want to spoil her time here. She knew she could come home whenever she wanted, but she still didn't want to think about unpleasant things now.

They stayed up late, talking about everything and anything until Kagome was unable to keep her eyes open any more. As she lay in bed for sleep, she thought about the key points of discussion. Such as, Sota had asked Mai to marry him, and she said yes. The two were just eighteen, and planned on waiting until they graduate college, but the news was exciting anyway.

Also she learned that Hojo had traveled to America where he met a woman named Katelyn. They got married last month, and are currently away on their honeymoon. She was so happy for him, and found it interesting that her name started with a K. According to her mom, he was extremely happy. He deserved happiness, and she prayed he'd stay happy.


The next day Kagome set up a surprise for Inuyasha, and herself. Sota had pulled Inuyasha away for the morning, but promised to have Inuyasha meet her at the OBGYN's office by one. She didn't tell Inuyasha what was going to happen yet, but was excited to see what he thought about being able to see the baby in the womb.

She'd invited her mom to go alone, but she insisted that this was something the two should do alone. She was a little sad her mom wouldn't be there, but agreed.

To hurry her own morning along, Kagome decided to pay a visit to the Asa of this time. She wasn't really sure why she had such a strong urge to do so because she got to see Asa in her own time. Maybe it was because this one knew her in a different way.

"Dr. Chika, there's a Kagome here to see you. Yes ma'am." The desk woman looked at Kagome with a smile. "You may go right in."

Kagome thanked her before doing just that. When she opened the door she was surprised to find Asa wasn't alone. "Hi," she said when Asa and Sesshomaru looked over at her. As well as two children who couldn't be older than two and another woman who she could almost bet was Sesshomaru's and Asa's child. As well as the twins.

"Kagome!" Asa said, going to her and hugging her close. "I see my younger self found the stones. I figured it was only a matter of time."

"Yeah. This is my first time back. I could never thank you enough for this."

Asa smiled as she looked over at her kids. "I would like to introduce you to our children. The oldest is Emiko, and the twins are Nanami and Toga. Kids, this is a dear friend, Kagome."

"Hey," Kagome said with a smile. She couldn't help but be surprised that Sesshomaru would name his son after the father she thought he hated, not that she would bring it up. "I didn't realize you had a kid."

Asa smiled as she looked at Emiko. "Well it never came up." No point in saying that Kagome will know Emiko in the past.

"Inuyasha well?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Yes. He's with my brother just now."

"Good. I'm glad." He replied sounding sincere.

She stayed, talking with them until she had to go to make the appointment. She couldn't believe they had kids, and yet it was believable. Sesshomaru clearly hurt over Rin's passing, and was happy as she told him about how Rin was in the past. Obviously it wasn't anything he didn't know, but he seemed to please to hear it anyway.

He was even happier when she told him she would bring him a picture of her. She'd had to be careful about it, she didn't want technology form her time being found out in the past, but she could snap a picture quickly for him. It was odd to see such a carefree and happy Sesshomaru.

It was also clear that the two were still madly in love. She could see it in the way Sesshomaru looked at her, and the way Asa smiled at him. It was true love. Even after all this time.


"So, what are we doing?" Inuyasha whispered as they sat in the odd room. There were mostly other woman here, some very clearly pregnant. There was one woman, looking anxious. It made him feel a little on edge, like maybe he should be on his guard. Why did she keep looking toward the door?

"It's a doctor's office. I'm seeing an OBGYN."

"Huh?"

Kagome laughed at his expression. "It's a doctor that specializes in woman's health and pregnant woman." She replied. She figured telling him it stood for Obstetrics and Gynecology probably would get her another one of the looks he'd just given her.

"Why ar…"

"Kagome?" a nurse called, interrupting Inuyasha.

"Come on," Kagome said, grabbing Inuyasha's hand. She could feel his anxiety all while the nurse took her weight and vitals. She could see his confusion as the nurse asked questions, before leaving and telling them the doctor would be in soon.

"The doctor is going to check on the baby, and make sure everything's okay." Kagome said with a smile.

Inuyasha stood, placing his hand on her belly. "I can tell you that our baby is perfectly healthy. That heartbeat is stronger than ever."

"We have this thing in my time. It allows us to see the baby to a point. It's not clear like a picture a camera takes, but it uses soundwaves to make a picture. I know it's doesn't make sense to you, but don't be alarmed, okay?"

Inuyasha felt unsure but nodded. He knew she wouldn't do anything that would hurt the baby, and that this time had a lot of strange things he didn't understand.

He moved back some when a man came in. He asked Kagome some more questions, some of which the nurse asked. After about five minutes of this, he had Kagome lay down, and he put some stuff on her belly, then put something to it.

Inuyasha looked at what looked to be a TV and there was something there. As Kagome said, it wasn't a clear picture, but he could clearly see the outline of what seemed to be the baby. "Is that the baby?" he asked, squeezing Kagome's hand. Emotions rushed though him, making him unsure exactly what he was feeling.

"Yes," Kagome said, tears in her eyes.

"Here's the nose, eyes." The doctor said, then chuckled. "The baby is spreading their toes. Oh, I can clearly see the sex of the baby. Do you want to know?"

"Wait, you can tell us what we are having!" Inuyasha asked, astounded.

"Yes, of course," the doctor replied, a little surprised by Inuyasha's reaction.

"Please, I would love to know what we are having." Kagome put in.

"Okay. Look here," the doctor said, pointing out a part of the screen. "You're having a little girl."

"We're…having a girl?" Inuyasha said, clearly lost for words. His heart swelled, and he wanted to drop to his knees. A little girl. And that odd picture showed their baby.

Kagome laughed. "We are having a girl!" She couldn't help but love the look on Inuyasha's face. Clearly she'd made the right choice to do this with him.

"I'll leave you two alone a moment." the doctor said, excusing himself.

Kagome stood, not at all surprised to find herself quickly in his arms. "Are you okay?" she asked, because he was crying. She was too, but he was a little more emotional than she'd expected. Not that it didn't warm her heart.

"Thank you for this. I don't understand it, but we got to get a glimpse of our baby, and she's beautiful."

Kagome smiled, holding him back. "She is, isn't she?"

…..

Kagome couldn't help but to smile as Inuyasha talked them to death about the ultrasound. He just couldn't seem to keep his joy in, and kept looking at the picture. She had known he would find this cool, but she hadn't anticipated this reaction, but loved it.

They were around the dinner table when the door rang. Sota excused himself to get it. Kagome noticed Inuyasha went from carefree to tense, and when Sota walked in with Hojo behind him, she understood why. However after moment, Inuyasha relaxed, and even put a smile in place.

"Kagome!" Hojo said, his tone shocked. He went to her as she stood, hugging her close. "I never thought… Oh my god! You're pregnant!" Hojo beamed as he spoke. They pulled apart for a moment, but Hojo pulled her back to him, laughing. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too," Kagome replied. It was the truth. She had missed him. Just because she chose Inuyasha, didn't mean she didn't still feel things for Hojo. She looked over his shoulder to see a woman standing in the doorway a little awkwardly.

Hojo cleared his throat as he pulled away. "Kagome, I want you to meet my wife, Katelyn."

"Nice to meet you," Katelyn said as she moved toward Kagome to shake her hand. Her Japanese was nearly flawless.

"Nice to meet you as well. I heard a lot about you. My mom really likes you."

Katelyn blushed, and it was seriously adorable. She was a little shorter than Kagome was, with golden hair and pretty green eyes. She wasn't super thin, but wasn't big by any means. She was really pretty, and Kagome could see what grabbed his attention.

"This is my Husband, Inuyasha," Kagome said, introducing Katelyn to him. Inuyasha stood, walking around the table to take her hand.

"Here," Inuyasha said, handing the picture to Hojo. Kagome held her breath as Hojo looked over the ultrasound with a huge smile. "It's a girl." Inuyasha added, clearly feeling uncomfortable. He was doing this for Kagome.

"That's awesome. You have no idea how glad I am that you're doing good." He handed it back to Inuyasha. "Thank you."

Inuyasha inclined is head in a nod. "Want to Join us for dinner? I believe there should be enough.

"Yes," Mrs. H put in. "Please, Join us."

Kagome sat after they agreed to stay. Hojo and Katelyn told them about their Honeymoon. Hojo asked Kagome and Inuyasha what they'd been up too. At firsts he was unsure how to answer him, but he explained that he'd told Katelyn everything, thought he wasn't sure if she believed him. This lead to Inuyasha showing her his ears, and proving to her that he was in fact half demon.

The evening was a happy one with family and old friends. She yawned hugely, prompting Inuyasha to go to her.

"I think I should get you to bed," he laughed.

"You're probably right," Kagome replied as she stood. "Thank you guys for such a great night," She added as she Hugged Katelyn and Hojo.

Later she lay in bed holding onto Inuyasha. "Thank you for tonight. I know Hojo leaves a bad taste in your mouth."

Inuyasha chucked as he moved so he was face to face with her. "It was actually easier than I would have thought." He put his hand on her belly, smiling when the baby moved. "She's strong." He looked back at Kagome. "Before, I couldn't be sure that you were mine. Even after we got together, I was afraid of losing you. But I know now that you are mine. I'm not afraid of losing you to him. That's why I could be nice tonight."

Kagome caressed his cheek as she smiled. "I am yours," she confirmed before Kissing him.


Three months later

"Why should we care?" Sesshomaru said as they made their way to Kaede's village. Though he supposed now that the woman has passed, they should call it something else.

"Because Kagome and Inuyasha had a baby!" Asa replied excitedly. She was so thrilled to receive the news, and while she was dragging Sesshomaru by his sleeves, she could almost swear that he had smiled just a little upon hearing it.

"I'm excited to see the baby too!" Rin said, smiling.

"I think It's a waste of time," Jaken added with a huff.

"Of course you do, Master Jaken. You don't have a heart." Rin teased.

"Yeah? Well you only wish to return so you can see your precious Shippo again," Jaken jabbed back.

"I haven't the faintest idea of what you're talking about." Rin glanced in Sesshomaru's direction. Would he believe Jaken's words?

"Oh sure you don't. I heard him give you a marriage proposal. Don't think we don't know all you're secrets little girl."

"Enough!" Sesshomaru said, turning to Jaken. "Eavesdropping on Rin will not be tolerated." Yes, the idea of her getting married made him a little sick for some reason. It was a surprise when he'd realized Rin had fallen for the fox demon, but he supposed she could have found a worse suiter.

Not that he was going to just hand her over to him. Rin was is little girl, he didn't care how old she got, she would always be a little girl to him. No, he wouldn't just hand her over. Shippo was going to have to prove his worth before getting permission to wed her.

Rin smiled as Asa looped her arm through hers. "Well I'm excited to meet my niece. I bet you she's beautiful."

"Do you think she will have ears?" Rin asked.

"Probably. She's a mutt like her father," Sesshomaru replied.

Asa turned, swatting his arm. "I don't ever want to hear you say those words again!" she said, both serious and playful. "She may have ears, and it will only make her even cuter." She eyed Sesshomaru again, daring him to make a mean comment. The demon only smirked.

Rin laughed at them. She hopped she found a love like that. Someone she could just be herself with, and know that they would always be there. Someone to banter with. She hopped it was Shippo. She really did love that demon.

"Do you think he disapproves?" Rin asked Asa. They were currently alone as they rested. They were about a day away from their destination.

"I think the idea of you getting all grown up as freaked him out," Asa replied with a smile. She pulled Rin closer to her. "I wouldn't worry. He would have said so if he disapproved."

Rin Sighed. "I'm sixteen now. It's the right age to marry."

Asa nodded. "Yes, you're right. However, there's no need to get married off right away."

"But I love him! I'm so sure of my feelings for him. I'm sure he feels the same way. I feel it right here." Rin put her hand over her heart.

"Don't stress over it too much. Sesshomaru will come around."

"What about you? Do you approve?"

"Of course I do. Shippo is a fine young man, and you light up anytime you see him or speak of him. How could I not approve?"

Rin rested her head on Asa's shoulder. "Thank you, mom."

Asa's heart filled with pride. She loved it beyond words when Rin called her mom. "You're so very welcome, sweetie."


"Miroku practically has her married off," Sango laughed as she put the twins in their bed.

Kagome laughed too as she looked down at her little bundle. Kiaria had graced them with her presence just a week before and Kagome couldn't believe how in love she was with her. Though she had to admit, she was exhausted. "I'm not sure her daddy is going to ever let her get married. Even to Yatori."

"I think not," Inuyasha announced as he walked in. He'd been gone since morning, and was happy to be home. He didn't like leaving his girls. How would he ever do long trips again? He walked over to them, Kissing Kagome before taking Kiaria. "Hey, baby girl," he cooed as he paced away.

Kagome and Sango silently rolled their eyes at him. No father wanted to see their little girl grow up, but it was bound to happen. Miroku had said something similar about Misaki, however the boys were free to marry. Go figure.

Sango smiled as Miroku came in, Yatori on his hip and a smile on his face. He greeted her first, giving her a kiss before looking in in the twins.

"It's a shame they've already fallen asleep," He commented.

"Yes, and if you wake them I will murder you," Sango warned, knowing that was exactly what that man wanted to do. "Yatori is perfectly awake. Why don't you take him fishing?"

"You should go too, Inuyasha. It's been a while since you've done anything besides sit with us and work."

Inuyasha seemed hesitant, but he agreed. He Gave Kiaria another kiss before handing her back to Kagome. They shared a look before he hurried on after Miroku. "We should find Shippo and invite him as well."


"She's precious," Asa said as she held the baby. She couldn't believe how tiny Kiaria was, and bless her little hear she had ears like Inuyasha's, which she secretly adored.

"I'm partial to her," Kagome replied, beaming with pride.

"I bet," Asa said with a laugh. "It's amazing, isn't it? How in just nine short months a woman can create a life inside her?"

"Hey, we help," Inuyasha grumbled.

"Yes," Asa chuckled. "Men are required."

"It is amazing," Kagome agreed.

"You want to hold her?" Asa asked Sesshomaru as she stood. She looked over at Inuyasha, allowing him to object though she didn't think he would. The brothers had built a tolerance for each other, and she hoped it would only grow from there.

"Um," Sesshomaru said as she approached him.

Kagome held back laughter as Asa handed the baby to him because you would swear that she was giving him a bomb, not a baby. He looked pale and like he might drop dead right there.

"Don't worry, she's not going to break," Asa said, clearly trying not to laugh herself.

"Um," he said again.

After a moment, and the baby was settled in his arms he seemed to relax some. Not a lot, but color started returning to his cheeks. "See, Isn't she adorable?"

Sesshomaru looked down at the small human, and had to agree she sure was something. She had very little hair, but it was white with ears just like Inuyasha's, but the baby's deep brown eyes were all Kagome. He stroked the little cheek with the back of his finger. She was really soft. It felt like he could break her by just looking at her.

"She's acceptable," he replied, relieved that Asa was taking the baby from him.

Kagome shifted as Kiaria was given back to her, and she understood what Inuyasha was doing when he walked over, kissing Kagome's head, while rubbing a thumb on the baby's cheek. She wondered if he realized he was marking what was his, or if it was just an instinctual think that he didn't notice.


"What do you think?" Shippo said as Rin looked around. They were on an empty piece of land that was close to the trees, but also had easy access to the water. It was a pretty large piece of land and it wasn't far from Kagome and them.

Rin looked at him, confused. "I don't understand."

"This is mine. Ours. I bought it a week ago, and I'm going to build the house here," Shippo said, going over to a part of the land. He pointed out there the front door would be, and where their room would be. After laying out the house, he showed her were the garden would be and where they could build a fence for some live stock. "So?" he said, a dazzling smile in place. "What do you think?"

Rin smiled. He wasn't kidding when he told her he was going to make himself a worthy husband. Not that she hadn't already thought he was. "I think it's prefect," she replied as she hugged him.

"You're serious about this then?" Sesshomaru said, making them both look over. Sesshomaru wasn't alone. Kagome, Asa, and Inuyasha were also there. Rin couldn't tell if Sesshomaru was angry or not.

"Easy," Asa said, putting her hand on his arm.

Inuyasha and Kagome moved closer to the young couple, ready to stop Sesshomaru should he become unreasonable.

"Lord Sesshomaru," Shippo said formally, bowing his head. "Please, accept my request for Rin's hand in marriage. I don't have a lot to offer, but I will work every day to become someone worthy of her. What I lack in material things, I will make up in love. Please, allow me to marry the love of my life."

Rin smiled, taking Shippo's hand. "It's what I wish for as well. I love him and want to make a home with him."

Sesshomaru felt heartbroken. Not because he didn't want the two to marry, but because she was his daughter and he felt a little like he was losing her. Perhaps this is how all parents feel when this time in their kids' lives come.

"You have my approval, however, I ask you wait at least one year before marring. Allow yourselves to grow closer and be sure this is what you want." He turned to Inuyasha and Kagome. "Would you allow Rin to stay with you in your home during this time?"

Kagome smiled. "Of course. She's always welcome."

Shippo and Rin hugged as they laughed with excitement.

"Thank you, father," Rin said as she ran to Sesshomaru and hugged him.

"You're very welcome," Sesshomaru replied, surprised that he felt the need to cry.


Inuyasha climbed into bed, handing Kiaria to Kagome as he did so. He wrapped his arm around Kagome as she put the baby to her breast. "I can't get over how cute she is."

Inuyasha smiled as he looked down at their daughter. "I can't believe it either. She's just so perfect. Just like her mommy."

Kagome smiled and looked up at him. Like so many times before, she felt a wave of emotions hit her. She loved this man. She loved her daughter, and she loved her life. "I just love you so much," she said, needing to say the words. "So much."

Inuyasha caressed her cheek before kissing her. "And I love you."

The both looked down when Kiaria cooed, and they both laughed because she was smiling up at them. How could they ask for anything more than this?

Their path was not easy, and finding their way to each other was a roller-coaster, but now that are here, side by side, ready for whatever the future holds, they know that ride was worth it. With him by her side, and she by his, they knew they could whether any storm. They knew that home was where the other was, and they were each other's forever, and they would never let that go.

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Reviews and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks :D