Chapter 27 - The True End

White sheets swayed in a cold breeze as Kagome walked the familiar path from the well-house to the front door. This alerted her in numerous ways, since one; It was the beginning of winter, who puts washing out to dry in winter? Two; It was freezing, and three; They owned a dryer.

Kagome felt her breath catch when a pale hand appeared from behind a sheet and pulled it down, revealing her mother. Mrs. Higurashi's face was drawn and tired. Her eyes were downcast, distracted, and Kagome wasted no time in approaching her, dragging her foot on purpose to alert her.

Mrs. Higurashi glanced up and froze.

Kagome smiled tearfully. "Hi mom."

Seeing Kagome run into the arms of her mother, Sesshoumaru felt guilt simmer in his heart. The natural way they held each other close, the affection, and obvious worry for one another was something he'd never shared with his kin.

Sesshoumaru watched as more family members joined them, her brother and grandfather. They each hugged, relieved smiles on weary faces as they laughed.

His eyes narrowed, so lost in thought he barely noticed the child approaching him.

"You're not Inuyasha." Said the boy, brown eyes appraising him curiously.

The Daiyoukai's rose a brow, "no, I am not." He muttered dryly.

His brow furrowed, eyes drifting over the demons markings. Sesshoumaru felt satisfaction when recognition dawned on his face. "W-wait are you-"

"Sesshoumaru!" Kagome called, soon joining them. He noted that she'd been crying, though one wouldn't think by the large smile on her face. His chest tightened.

"Come on, mom and grandpa want to meet you. Dinner's almost ready too."

"K-kagome! This guy is Inuyasha's brother!" Souta stuttered, remembering Inuyasha's stories about the murderous demon lord.

She frowned, placing her hands on her hips. "Yeah he is, and he's having dinner with us. Is there a problem?"

Souta glanced away, mumbling a 'no' under his breath. Sesshoumaru followed the miko, knowing he should say something to the boy to quell his unease. However when he stepped foot into the Higurashi's home, he felt he should focus on smothering his own.

Their house was smaller than what he was used to, but it was comfortable and welcoming. When he sat among her family and accepted the food (despite it being for humans) Sesshoumaru found the Higurashi's to be a confusingly blasé about the whole story.

"Can't believe I was gone for a whole month, I'm so sorry I made you worry guys." Kagome said during dinner.

"It's no fault of your own my dearest, but please be more careful in the future! My diabetes started acting up in my concern for you!" Grandpa gestured wildly, food still clutched in his chopsticks.

Souta rolled his eyes. "Grandpa, you don't have diabetes."

"Good thing I don't, or it would have acted up!"

The boy shook his head, before turning to Kagome. "Anyway sis, we're just glad you're safe, don't feel bad." He then looked at Sesshoumaru, "so um, out of interest why did you come back with her?"

Sesshoumaru was about to answer when Kagome's hand covered his under the table. "Well actually, we've been dating for a while now, pretty seriously."

A half truth of sorts, but it was no where near saying they were technically married. Grandpa and Souta's eyes widened in surprise. Sesshoumaru rose a brow, but when she gave him a meaningful look he decided to play along.

"Yes, she was relentless in her pursuit of me." His lips lifted when she blushed hotly, but her family seemed unfazed by this.

"Not surprising, coming from our strong willed Kagome, but I do wish you'd tell us these things sooner." Grandpa muttered, eyeing the Daiyoukai and resisting the urge to put a sutra on his forehead.

"Yeah no kidding, but I guess this is kind of cool, you're like that warlord from Dragon's Revolution!" Souta grinned, eyeing the swords at Sesshoumaru's hip.

Kagome glanced at her mother, who was suspiciously quiet, but Mrs. Higurashi caught her look and just smiled. Kagome stiffened, feeling like she'd been punched in the gut. The action reminded her of the Unmother so painfully it stole her breath.

Noticing her expression, Mrs. Higurashi stood up and began clearing the plates. "Perhaps you'd like to show our guest your game, Souta." She murmured softly.

Souta nodded and gestured for Sesshoumaru to follow him, who did so reluctantly. Kagome gave him a reassuring smile as he left the room, Grandpa following behind them.

There was silence as Kagome helped her mother do the dishes, both lost in thought. As Mrs. Higurashi passed her a dish she'd washed, her eyes gentled. "So honey...lord Sesshoumaru seems like a good man. You must be happy with him if you decided to introduce him to us."

Kagome blinked but felt a smile form on her lips. "He is, and I am. We had some difficulties I wont lie, but before I knew it I'd fallen in love with him. It happened so naturally I couldn't have stopped it even if I'd tried. "

Her mother paused, catching the warmth in her eyes and the softness in her voice. Kagome raised her eyes to hers guiltily. "Mom I...the thing is...we're kind of-" She took a breath, glad Souta and Grandpa were out the room. "We got married, or at least that's the gist of it. I-I know it sounds crazy, but in the marble time moved differently, it didn't feel like we were in there for just a month. Besides that, it felt right, it was what I wanted-"

She jumped when she was suddenly evolved in a hug. The soap suds on her mothers hands mingled with Kagomes hair, but the miko didn't notice. She wrapped her arms tightly around her, eyes squeezing shut.

"Oh honey, were you worried about telling me?"

"K-kind of." Kagome mumbled.

Mrs. Higuarshi smiled, drawing back to look at her daughters face. "It's a bit of a shock yes, but we always knew you'd find your place in the feudal era. At first we all thought it would be with Inuyasha, but even after things didn't work out between you two, I knew where your heart truly belonged. You fell in love with that era, and while it was painful to think I'd have to let you go, I've made my peace with it. At least now I'll be certain you'll be safe while staying there, with lord Sesshoumaru by your side."

Kagome's heart melted, even as hot tears ran down her face. Thank you mom.

But then Mrs. Higurashi smiled, "besides its not like you wont be able to visit us."

A horrible weight crashed down on Kagome's chest, and she swallowed. "Oh mom-" She broke off, having to stifle a sob.

They sat down at the kitchen table, chairs pushed close together as hand met hand. Their linked fingers shook as the reality of the situation hit them like a hurricane. No one disturbed them, even as day crept into night, and night crept into dawn.

Sesshoumaru sat atop the roof, unable to hear them but easily picking up on Kagome's distress. His eyes darkened as he overlooked the city, a headache forming. The sights and smells of the city were overwhelming, and the fumes raised the hair on the back of his neck.

He blindly reached for any trace of youkai within the city, but just as Kagome had said, there was none to be found. This, along with everything else, had his eyes bleeding red as claws ripped into the bricks beneath him. He loathed feeling powerless.

When the first rays of sunlight peaked above the horizon and painted the sky in hues of orange, he heard the front door open. Kagome stepped out into the yard, walking past the garden as she wandered further, sitting down at the top of the shrine steps. When she reached out to him with her aura she only had to wait a moment before he was sitting next to her.

"Are you alright?" She asked, voice quiet, as loud as she can manage without it cracking unsteadily.

"Should I not be asking you that?"

Kagome shook her head, "this era is unfamiliar to you, I should have stayed with you to show you around, get you used to it a little."

"The experience inside the marble was enough, I was merely unprepared for the smell." He remarked dryly, pleased when she laughed.

They watched the sun slowly rise, its light a brilliant scorch of colours that blinded Kagome. She smiled, relief flooding her, this really isn't a dream.

Sesshoumaru glanced at her surreptitiously and saw the flex of her fingers over her lap as she considered reaching out to him. Finally, Kagome met his gaze, and her hand covered his, her thumb resting under his. He smiled small and soft, looking at her with an intensity that fanned the embers under her skin, making her feel safe and reckless all at once.

"You are not the only one who fears being idle Kagome."

She frowned thoughtfully. "What do you mean?"

His golden eyes seemed to glow as the sunlight touched his face. "Merely that after Naraku's defeat, this one felt somewhat purposeless as well. I'd sought supreme conquest for many years, in order to be a true lord. Yet after obtaining Bakusaiga I had no desire to win that title."

Kagome's eyes widened. "But you always seem so sure of yourself, of what your doing."

"Hn, this one holds no insecurity about it, a new path will always open." He made no pretense of what he was referring to, his thumb sweeping across her knuckles. Kagome's eyes clouded, and he held off asking about her choice.

He's not used to having somewhere feel like home. He doesn't mean Tokyo, or the shrine, no, home was the nape of her neck, the scent of her hair and the brush of her lips against his. Asking Kagome to leave her family behind wasn't something he took lightly, and not for the first time, he recalled his brothers words after being separated from the miko.

'I'm not the only one who cares for Kagome.' Inuyasha had muttered softly, not knowing that they'd be separated for just three years. The hanyou probably thought it would last forever, yet he'd accepted the fate inflicted on them by the well.

A heaviness weighed in his heart, and neither of them broached the subject of the well. Sesshoumaru inwardly cursed himself for his cowardice as his hand tightened on hers.

OOO

The next day Kagome walked into the city, nervously glancing at the Daiyoukai by her side. He'd allowed her to cover up his markings using make-up, and was wearing an old suit that had belonged to her father, but his long silver hair stuck out like a sore thumb. It had been the same with Inuyasha, but the Hanyou had at least worn a cap.

"What is it?" His eyes slanted down to meet hers.

"Ah-um, nothing, its just...can I tie your hair back?" Kagome gestured, noticing a group of women blush and giggle as they walked past, whispering; 'He's so hot, but is he cosplaying? Look at that hair!'

Sesshoumaru allowed her to tie it, ignoring the attention of the other humans and instead taking in the sights with concealed interest. The world had progressed alarmingly fast in 500 years.

Kagome smiled and took his hand, walking the eerily familiar path they'd used in the marble, passing the school. She peeked in as they walked and had to stop for a moment, taking in the sight. Sunlight hit the dusty pale bricks, shouts of school children rang into the air, and the distant smell of food coming from the kitchens filled Kagome with contentment.

As she was about to turn away however, a face caught her attention. "H-hojo?" She breathed.

Sesshoumaru watched as she ran up to the boy, stopping just shy of crashing into him. "Oh, hi Kagome, I'm surprised to see you here, I just dropped off my sister. You look well though." Hojo said pleasantly.

Kagome couldn't stop herself, she hugged him, just to assure herself he was really there. Something she noticed was that his eyes were distant, his greeting polite but airy. He wasn't anything like how she'd made him in the marble. I imagined the old Hojo, and exaggerated his crush on me.

She pulled away, happiness shining in her eyes as he stood in front of her awkwardly. Realizing she hadn't said anything, her face flushed red. "H-Happy New Year hug!" She cried, waving her hands uselessly in the air.

Hojo looked at her in confusion. "But winter's only just started...why would you-"

"Okay! Well I gotta go! Great seeing you Hojo!" She grinned weakly, turning on her heel and quickly meeting Sesshoumaru at the gate. "Is he looking at me like I'm crazy?" She muttered lowly to him as she passed.

"Hn, he seems deeply concerned." He smirked, following as she speedily walked away from the school.

Breathing a sigh of relief when they reached the library, she glanced up at him. "Why did you want to come here again? I thought you read all the books in the fake library."

"I did, but your grandfather mentioned a new section had been opened. This one will not be long." Sesshoumaru said, walking into the building soon after. Kagome's brow furrowed. He read so much about the future while in the marble, he must be planning something. This has definitely gone past simple curiosity.

Just as she was about to join him, a hard force met her shoulder, sending her staggering back. Righting herself at the last minute, her temper flared. "Hey! Watch where you're-"

Words escaped her as the older boy turned to look her in the eye. He was wearing a leather jacket, his hair much shorter but still pulled into a braid. "What?" He muttered, voice entirely different, eyes a deep brown.

I-it, it can't be, H-Hiten? Her brain went on autopilot as her mouth opened and closed.

His annoyance melted into slight concern as he watched her face grow pale. "Um, hey, whats up with you?"

"Must be you making her feel sick Hajime, I told you not to scare girls with that attitude of yours." An easy going voice called out from behind them, and Kagome's eyes widened as a different version of Bankotsu walked up to them, hands in his pockets.

His skin was paler and his hair was short, though bangs still swept into his eyes. He looked entirely unguarded however, and it was this stark difference in him that made Kagome click. They're reincarnations...

"Shuddup would ya, its her fault for walking into me." Hajime grumbled, pushing past them and continuing on down the street.

Kagome watched him go blankly, utterly amazed.

"Don't mind him," said the new Bankotsu. "He isn't such a bad guy once you get to know him." He smiled kindly, and Kagome snapped out of her daze, unable to do anything but smile back.

"Yeah, I don't doubt it." She murmured softly.

He blinked, but seemed to think better of saying anything more as he gave a slight wave and turned away. Kagome watched as the two disappeared around a street corner. She felt a lightness in her heart, and even though she knew they could only be reincarnations of the real mercenaries, she couldn't help but see a little of the marbles incarnations in them as well. However impossible that might be, she smiled.

When they returned to the shine a few hours later Kagome spent time with her Grandfather and Souta, helping them with various tasks they'd neglected. Sesshoumaru wandered into the garden and found the Goshinboku, seemingly untouched by the all years that had passed.

If I survived to this time, would this tree be the only thing that had lived through the feudal era with me?

"I don't know if Kagome told you, but her father proposed to me under this tree." Said a kind voice.

He turned to find Kagome's mother approaching him, wrapping a coat around herself to protect her from the chill in the air. He rose a brow in interest, looking back at the tree thoughtfully.

Mrs. Higurashi smiled, undaunted by his silence as she stood next to him. "Where did you propose to Kagome?"

"I did not ask in human terms. This one did many things to imply my attachment to her, though that method proved a difficult one." He frowned lightly, the difference in their cultures making itself known to him again.

"It seems to have worked though. Her father would be very happy to see her married."

Sesshoumaru glanced at the older woman, "and what of you?"

Her brown eyes creased at the edges as she smiled, a weary look hidden behind one of joy. Hn, must be where Kagome gets it from.

"I trust you to treat her well, but I have some concerns, for mostly selfish reasons." She said softly. "Kagome was only five when my husband passed away, and Souta had yet to be born. After we moved here she became my right hand. She was always there to help, and she took on many responsibilities at a young age just to lighten the weight I had on me."

Sesshoumaru absorbed this information silently, his eyes faraway. Mrs. Higurashi continued, though inwardly the lord wished she wouldn't. "I never would have made it without her and Grandpa. She's always thought of me as reliable, but really I've always been the one relying on her. But her happiness comes first, and I know she can find that with you."

Sesshoumaru nodded faintly, and Mrs. Higurashi smiled genuinely this time. "Just promise me you'll take good care of her."

With that said she left him standing alone in front of Goshinboku. She'd given her blessing, he should have been pleased. Yet an uneasiness crept under his skin, and thoughts he'd tried to deny came racing back. They are a singular family.

That night, Kagome tossed and turned, finally kicking off the sheets and leaving her bed a crumpled mess. Sesshoumaru had been absent at dinner, and she'd tried reaching out to him using her aura but to no avail. It was like she could sense him in the area but he'd closed himself off from her. She'd tried searching for him on foot, but knowing the Daiyoukai he'd only reveal himself when he wanted to.

Gnawing at her bottom lip in worry, she walked downstairs, grabbing some tablets from the kitchen that would help her sleep. She'd swallowed the pills and downed a glass of water before she noticed a dark presence in the room.

She jumped when she saw him, heart racing. "Sesshoumaru! Geeze don't creep up on me like that." One look at him though made concern grip her tightly. Approaching him, she caught his guarded eyes and instantly asked what was wrong.

"There is no cause for concern miko, this one was merely committing future events to memory. Such things will be useful when returning to the past." He held a modern history book in his hand and placed it on the table, apparently done with it.

Kagome frowned in uncertainty. "What do you plan on doing with that information?"

"What you said about demons in the modern era is correct. None of them appear to have survived. I seek to rectify this by hosting a place of safety at my fathers old stronghold." His eyes were intense, but they softened slightly. "This one will make certain not to change anything in history miko, we will simply be removed from it, and not forced into extinction."

He doesn't know what he expects her to say, but thinks that perhaps it will be something cautious.

Yet she just smiled widely. "T-that's- that's great! I've always hoped that a society of demons had survived somewhere in the world, and that maybe I just couldn't find them. Maybe using Fox magic could conceal your youki and markings if you perfected it." She says, her eyes bright and her cheeks pink, and every fibre of him belongs to her as something hooks hot and low in his stomach.

He notices her yawn soon after and guides her up the stairs. When she lays in her bed and gently pulls him down to her, their lips meeting, Sesshoumaru has to bite back the thrill that runs through him like a lightening strike. Every nerve ending is suddenly electric, oversensitive and aching.

Kagome felt drowsiness settling in her bones, and soon found herself lying back on the pillows, Sesshoumaru pulling the sheets over her body.

"Sesshoumaru." She murmured sleepily.

"Hn?"

She breathed in deeply, "I...want to stay." With you, was what she thought she said.

Sesshoumaru didn't answer for some time, and Kagome was just falling asleep when she dazedly caught his soft reply. "This one understands."

Kagome then drifted to sleep, unaware of the quiet demon who watched the stars with a hollowness in his heart.

OOO

She dreams of books from her childhood, about girls visiting magical realms. Alice, Wendy and Lucy, all bright eyed heroines in love with their fantasy worlds, had been forced to return to reality whether they'd liked it or not. Perhaps that was the right thing to do, she'd had her adventure and played the part. But she had one thing that those girls hadn't gotten; Tme and choice.

No longer the reckless girl of 15, she now had the foresight to weigh choices, and knew the consequences.

Kagome opened her eyes, anticipation in her heart. She'd live with this the rest of her life, but inside her heart, she knew nothing could make her regret it. When she thew off the covers, Kagome found herself alone in her room. She had a vague headache, and figured the sleeping tablets hadn't been such a great idea.

Walking downstairs, she saw no trace of the demon lord.

"Sesshoumaru." She called, reaching for his youki. Something gripped her harshly when she found no trace of it.

Fear assaulted her senses, and in her mind she feels Naraku's hot breath on her neck. Yesterday had been different, she'd been able to at least sense him in the area. Racing out into the yard in bare feet, she called his name again, a desperate edge to her voice now.

"Sesshoumaru!"

Sensing a vague trace of his youki, her heart leaped, and she followed it without question. When the youki lead to the doors of the well-house however, she stopped dead.

"Kagome," her mother called, but she can barely hear her.

"He left." She breathed, the mark on her shoulder flaring in agony. Why, why didn't you take me with you?"

Mrs. Higurashi took her hand, breaking her out of her dazed state. "He seemed heartbroken this morning honey. He said you'd made your choice to stay here, and that he would seek you out if he survived the 500 year gap, I tried to stop him."

Kagome looked at her, eyes wide. "But- I didn't! I...I don't remember what I said last night mom, but I thought I told him I wanted to be with him."

Her mothers eyes gentled, and she seemed to accept something as she smiled.

OOO

Inuyasha turned sharply when he sensed a familiar scent in the well. Sesshoumaru soon appeared, jumping over it's side and into the clearing.

Shippo raced forward, mouth stretched into a wide smile, eagerly awaiting to see Kagome join him. But the Daiyoukai stood still, as if carved from stone, eyes like winter ice. Inuyasha growled, flashing his fangs.

"Where's Kagome?"

His hands curled into fists when Sesshoumaru didn't answer, and he took a step towards the demon, shaking in anger.

Rin approached the clearing happily, carrying a basket of food for her friends. She held hope that today would be the day Lord Sesshoumaru returned with Kagome. It had been almost impossible to get Inuyasha and Shippo to leave the well ever since the lord had left several days ago.

Her head snapped up in surprise when she heard a raised voice coming from ahead. "Where the fuck is she! You were supposed to bring her back with you! I never should have let you go after her!"

Rin's eyes widened and she quickened her steps until she was running. When she arrived at the Bone Eaters Well she was panting hard, and felt her heart pulse in worry at the sight of the two brothers.

Inuyasha gripped the front of Sesshoumaru's collar tightly, snarling insults in his face. He chocked when a hand snapped out and gripped his throat, cutting off his words.

Inuyasha snarled and looked up, startled when he saw his brother's face clearly for the first time. Sesshoumaru's head was bowed slightly, eyes sightless. His expression was paper thin, almost desolate.

"Stop this, please!" Rin ran up to them, her eyes catching Shippo's look of anguish.

She placed her hand on the Daiyoukai's that was hanging at his side. "Lord Sesshoumaru, what happened? Why isn't Kagome with you?"

The haze cleared in Sesshoumaru's eyes, and he slanted his gaze down to her. "She is safe. After freeing herself from the illusion, the miko returned to her original time."

"W-what?" Rin gasped.

Inuyasha's eyes widened as he stepped back, breaking out of Sesshoumaru's loose grip. "She-she what? No way, Kagome's place is here. She stayed in the future before and after three years, we finally got her back. I remember her in the marble, she wanted to be here."

Rin looked closely at her lords face, now understanding why he seemed so tormented. Inuyasha growled, pointing a clawed finger at Sesshoumaru. "She's your mate aint she? Why didn't you stop her?"

Furious, blazing golden eyes locked with his as a low snarl escaped Sesshoumaru's thin lips. "It was her choice to make. Do not question her decision."

Rin's brow furrowed as her heart squeezed. "Inuyasha...please." The soft plea left her lips as she looked beseechingly at the hanyou to stop. Shippo shook his head, tears swimming in his eyes as he dashed away in the direction of the village.

Inuyasha's ears flattened, frustration flashing in his eyes. Sesshoumaru turned sharply on his heel and stalked quickly from the clearing, ignoring Rin's urgent shout; "My lord!"

He couldn't stop, he needed to get away. His skin felt too tight, he swallowed but his mouth remained sickly dry. Temples throbbed, everything ached and his heart was squeezing too damn tight. Sesshoumaru wanted to plunge his claws inside his chest and rip the useless thing free. Perhaps then he'd be rid of these feelings.

This one said it was useless to love, knew it to be so. Then why...why did I allow myself to love her when I knew such a thing could not last between us. I was merely pursing a dream.

He thought of Valentines and felt his throat constrict. That dream had cost him dearly, just as he'd predicted.

"Loving people is not a weakness. And even you aren't immune to it, no matter how much you say it doesn't exist." Kagome murmured softly in his mind.

If it is not a weakness then why does it cause pain miko? It festers and aches like a wound, and am I better off because of it? He growled, finding himself coming to a stop.

He could see her gazing up at him quietly. "You're not untouchable Sesshoumaru."

No, perhaps not. But look what good its done. Do you feel its sting miko? Being so far removed in the future, will you even think of me? Sesshoumaru breathed heavily, hearing a dull roar in his ears. He felt his claws draw blood from his palms, and quickly loosened his fists.

Harrowed golden eyes fell shut. Being separated from ones mate was the cruelest thing to inflict on a Daiyoukai. If a mate died, the other was usually driven mad with grief, but he could not mourn her loss because she lived.

Yet he felt her absence keenly. He was alone, and would remain so for 500 years. His soul was split in half, and would remain incomplete until he saw her again. Even with this slight resentment, he could not bring himself to hate her. No, she needs her family, and this one gave her the choice. I will merely...endure it.

Sesshoumaru opened his eyes slowly, calming his racing heart that weighed heavily in his chest. He began walking forward, the sun at his back as he continued.

It wouldn't be easy, no, it would even be harder than when he'd lost his father, but he would go on existing. He knew Kagome wouldn't want him to merely endure life, but that was his compromise. He could not enjoy this world, but he was still a lord and had duties to perform, lands to protect and a plan for the future.

The Daiyoukai thought he heard someone calling his name but dismissed it. He wished she had chosen him, but such gifts were not meant for demons like him. After taking so many lives, he wondered if this was the Gods punishment.

None the less, a surge of possessiveness that shook his hands rose up inside him. Kagome, I will see you again. This Sesshoumaru swears it.

His instincts roared to life as he carved the vow into his very essence. Raising his eyes skyward, he smiled slightly.

A hard force struck the back of his head. Sesshoumaru froze instantly, eyes wide in surprise.

His gaze shifted to his feet, where a brown shoe lay in the grass.

"Oh thank God you finally stopped! Geeze Sesshoumaru-" A voice wheezed. "I didn't know you did power walking! Maybe slow it down a notch huh?"

Sesshoumaru turned wide, disbelieving eyes behind him. There had to be some mistake. Because he was not seeing Kagome breathing heavily right before him.

At his silence, she glanced away and awkwardly gestured to the shoe. "I'm sorry about throwing that at you but its just- you were walking so quickly I couldn't get your attention, so-"

"You are not here." He uttered softly.

Kagome blinked as Sesshoumaru continued, eyes hollow. "This one tires of illusions. Leave me be."

His face was ashen, eyes dulled and unnaturally empty. Kagome's voice wavered. "S-Sesshoumaru, its me. I'm here I swear."

His expression didn't change in the slightest, and the miko's blue eyes filled with tears. Sesshoumaru vaguely picked up the scent of salt in the air. "You left, I don't remember what I said, but mom told me those sleeping tablets are pretty strong."

Kagome swallowed, ignoring her tears as she kept her gaze steady. "I followed you back, and the well closed behind me, because what I wanted to say last night -what I meant to say, was that I wanted to stay here with you."

Something shifted behind his blank face, and Kagome smiled gently, stepping closer.

Sesshoumaru pushed the disbelief and shock away to focus on her scent, his eyes widening. The mark on his shoulder finally eased, and when she extended her aura out, his own met hers in the air. The confusion and caution in his eyes melted away, and Kagome's smile widened.

Long pale fingers tangled themselves in black locks as Kagome found herself pulled flush against him. She laughed brokenly, half laughing at them and their propensity to confuse each others feelings, and half out of pure relief.

Sesshoumaru hid his face in her hair, arms tightening around her as his eyes drifted shut. The scent of untamed purity, softness and warmth filled his scenes as he inhaled. Home, he sighed against her skin.

Kagome rested her head against him, hands gripping him tightly as she felt him murmur against her neck; "This one did not believe it was possible. Why did you not stay with your family?"

"Because, this is my home. My real home. It took me a long time to figure that out, but four years ago I didn't get a choice. The well stranded me in the future, and all I wanted was to come back. But when that finally happened, things had moved on, and I didn't know where I belonged."

The Daiyoukai lifted his head to look at her, arms still around her waist as she smiled up at him. "Being in that marble was horrifying in some ways, but I owe it allot for opening my eyes. Shippo might be interested in his studies, Sango and Miroku have their kids, and things changed between Inuyasha and I, but that hasn't affected the bond between us, I know that now. There's no reason to fear whats changed anymore."

A brush of cold air made Kagome shiver in his arms, and Sesshoumaru brought the fur pelt around his shoulder forward until it wrapped around her. "T-thanks." She shivered when his hand brushed against her neck, and a surge of longing rocks through her so violently that her breath catches.

"I don't want to be anywhere but here Sesshoumaru." She breathed, heart slamming in her rib-cage when his eyes darkened.

A second later, he'd closed the space between them, mouth pressed against hers. Relinquishing his already limited restraint, Sesshoumaru snaked an arm around her waist and deepened the kiss.

Kagome arched into him as her hands lifted to his hair, bringing him closer. Sesshoumaru growled lowly, unable to deny her. Claws and blunt fingernails scraped against skin as Kagome shuddered all over.

Hands never left her body. Devastating lips wreaked havoc on her senses as threads of silver tickled her feverish skin. Throughout it all she felt his hands shake with want of her, and as their kisses slowed she smoothed her hands, her caresses becoming gentle. A part of her felt his disbelief even now, and her heart ached with love and the unspoken promise that lay within.

I wont leave again, promise me you won't either. She tried to say, breaking away to kiss his markings slowly, reverently. His breath came in warm puffs against her neck as his hands finally stopped shaking, and Sesshoumaru's hooded amber eyes opened. Kagome blushed as he watched her with unbroken intensity, the beast lying beneath the surface.

His hand sought the mark on her shoulder, and Kagome obliged by pushing the fabric of her jumper aside. The mating mark now looked closer to a crescent moon, and Kagome heard a rumble of approval from Sesshoumaru before he bent to kiss it.

Her fingers ran through his hair as his tongue swept across the mark, his hands running down her back and settling at her hips.

"W-we should probably head back to everyone else, I kind of rushed past Inuyasha and Rin to catch up with you."

Sesshoumaru smirked and drew back, adjusting her clothing so that she was covered from the cold. "Hn, that would probably be best. If we continued this one would not be able to restrain himself, and would be unable to give you back for at least several days." His tone was smooth and dark.

"Several days huh?" Kagome mused, trying to act unaffected as Sesshoumaru's hands caressed down her back.

"Hn, or perhaps several weeks would be more agreeable." He added, lips lifting as he sensed the subtle change in her scent.

Kagome blushed and laughed breathlessly, knowing he was deadly serious. They shared a look, before Kagome smiled and shook her head. "That'll have to be a rain check."

He seemed vaguely disappointed but Kagome just giggled, her hand meeting his as she weaved their fingers together and stepped away. "Come on, lets get back before it snows."

The pair turned and headed in the direction of the village, walking underneath the bare trees of winter. But even as the weather turned colder, nothing seemed to affect the warm glow between them.

O

After many weeks had passed, and the worst of the winter storms had melted away into the beginnings of spring, Kagome found herself stepping out into a field. It was the middle of the night, and the sky was so clear that she could see countless stars hanging above.

"I wish I'd brought my telescope with me from the future." She muttered, wrapping her arms around herself when a particularly biting wind raced through her.

She felt a familiar presence behind her. "You do not need such things to be closer to them."

Kagome smiled and turned to face him, "well after being inside that marble I didn't want to ask you to waste your youki."

Golden eyes gleamed in the darkness. "I would not consider my youki wasted on something such as this."

The miko couldn't bring herself to argue as a cloud of energy formed at their feet, lifting them up off the ground. Kagome quickly held onto Sesshoumaru, thankful that he wasn't wearing his armor so she could burrow closer into his side.

His arm wrapped around her waist as they rose higher, past the trees and up into the cloudless sky. The air was freezing and her breaths became visible, but Kagome paid it no mind as they climbed higher still, until the stars loomed closer than ever.

Sesshoumaru dragged his fur around her shoulders and increased his youki until it warmed them, catching the way her mouth parted in amazement.

Blue eyes drank in the scenery before them, and gazed up at the stars in almost childlike wonder. He knew the moment she thought of her father, because her eyes dimmed, and she seemed to draw back into herself.

"He would want you to enjoy this Kagome."

She looked up at him and smiled gently. "I know, I just wish he could have seen them this close too, they're amazing."

Thoughts of her father carried thoughts of her family, and Kagome sighed. "Mom said she understood that I wanted to stay here. I knew she'd say it, but she hides her sadness from everyone. She said she'd miss me, and even if I do live to see her in 500 years, she'd know I wouldn't be quite the same person." Kagome's eyes grew sad, before she shook her head, hands tightening on his clothes. "But then...she said no matter how much time passed, nothing would change between us."

Sesshoumaru's arm tightened around her. "You miss them."

A forlorn smile touched her face. "Of course, I'll always miss them. But I don't regret anything."

Since escaping the marble Kaede had been certain it wouldn't be fixable, but Sesshoumaru hadn't taken any chances and melted what was left of it with his poison claws.

Shippo had apologized no end of times for causing the whole thing, and had stuck to Kagomes side like glue for the first week since she'd decided to stay. After a while he'd calmed down and had left once again for his kitsune training, taking Souten with him. Shippo's master had said he could bring the thunder demon with him so long as she was a magic user.

"It surprised me when Koga and Ayame stayed for a few weeks to check on Souten. She seems to have really bonded with them, don't you think? I wonder if they'll adopt her."

"Hn."

Kagome smiled, gazing up at the sky. "If she leaves with them, Shippo will miss her, especially now that Rin's talking about leaving the village too."

His jaw ticked. "That will not happen for another few years."

Kohaku had visited the village again, and was shocked to find what had happened in his absence. Before he'd left though, Kohaku had taken Rin aside and spoken to her in hushed tones. Both of them had been blushing deeply, and since then Rin had often spoken about leaving the village to become a healer.

Kagome suspected the demon slayer had asked her to travel with him, but Sesshoumaru didn't like talking about the subject. She glanced up at the tense demon and felt her heart warm. When he caught her look, he rose a brow silently.

She shook her head. "It's nothing. I was just thinking you'll make a good father some day."

The change in his eyes was instantaneous, and he pulled her closer, dipping his head to rest his lips against her neck. Children with Kagome was something he'd never thought possible a year ago. But now the impossible was within his grasp, and the idea of having a family was perhaps the most satisfying one he'd had.

He pushed away his pride and any sense of dignity, sighing slightly. If it was for her, he supposed he could say the words. Sesshoumaru smoothed his voice. "Kagome, my life hasn't been the same since the day I met you. From this moment on, I want to be with you...always." He murmured softly.

Kagome tensed, eyes snapping open. What the- "Sesshoumaru...w-where did you hear that line?"

He seemed to pick up her change in attitude as he lifted his head, gaze puzzled. "...Shippo said that if I spoke these words, they would please you."

Kagome bit her lip, smothering the urge to laugh. "U-um, that line is what Sora says to the heroine at the end of one of my otome games. It's in my Mocking Moon walk-through."

Confusion melted into quivering rage within his hooded eyes. "The kit will die for this. No wonder the half breed was snickering when he told me." He seethed.

Kagome couldn't help herself, she burst into laughter, tears stinging her eyes. Her laugh rang out into the sky around them, and if someone had looked up at that moment they would have had the peculiar honor of seeing a miko guffawing in the arms of a demon lord on a cloud.

Her laughs were soon silenced by said demon lord, and Kagome smiled against his lips, contentment shining in her aura as it linked with his. The two energies rose, until they danced up into the night sky, as if merging with the very stars above.

o

The End

o

Thank you so much to all of you for your support whilst I wrote this fic. This year has been the hardest of my life, but having this fic to come back to has been so helpful I don't know where I'd be without it. You have all in some way made my life feel like its still worth living, even without my mum around. After her suicide, I felt more abandoned than ever, but all of the above has helped me, slowly but surely, more than you know.

So sincerely, have a Happy New Year. Lets make this one a better one. *Hugs* There will be more Sesskag fics from me in the future, so I hope to see you again, but if not, thanks for reading ;) xxxxxxx (and yes it was chessy but gosh darn it, I want the cheese!)