Disclaimer: Inuyasha and all of it's characters are the property of Rumiko Takahashi

A/N: I own only the idea of this fanfiction and the plot within nothing else. I make no profit off of this story and merely do it for fun.

Also this is my first attempt at ever writing a fanfiction and I welcome any constructive criticism that anyone might have to offer. I am sort of just going with it so please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions.

Her thumb was beginning to hurt where she worried at it, fidgeting with her eyes down cast. She knew he was waiting for her to say something, probably anything. The silence was terrible but she kept her head bowed her bangs casting a shadow across her eyes.

"Why are you so surprised you saw this coming from the very beginning?"

She glared at her inner voice speaking the reason she so often ignored. She couldn't any longer though with reality now rushing in on her life and changing everything. Her shoulders slumped in defeat and she let out a shaky breath. "I just want you to be happy Inuyasha. That is all I have ever wanted…" Her voice was gentle but full of sadness.

"Kagome I need to talk to you… do you mind walking with me for a while?" Even then she could already sense that something serious was about to happen before Inuyasha had even said anything. Rarely was Inuyasha so polite or serious. It was a dead giveaway that this was different. They had walked for a long while before he reached down and took her hand and began to speak. The whole time her heart racing knowing her life was about to be turned upside down. He had been so gentle and tender telling her everything. It was a side she very rarely ever saw from him.

"Kagome… I have to talk to you. All I ask is that you let me speak my piece before you say or do anything OK?" He had gone on to tell her how Kikyo had sought him out. How she confessed her love and desire to be with him. History made him leery of trusting her though. Only when Kikyo went so far as to give him the pieces of jewel fragments she had collected and even saying she would take her own life if that is what he desired from her as she was truly the undead did Inuyasha finally accept what she had to say as truth. He was honest with Kagome about everything. He talked to her about his feelings, his fears, and his desire to be with Kikyo and even his confusion and concern for how he felt for Kagome.

"Kagome I care about you so much. I am mixed up… I love Kikyo but... my feelings for you it just... I can't get it straight. I don't want to hurt you anymore. Every time I ran off to Kikyo and the times you followed. I knew I hurt you I could see it in your eyes and it hurt me as well because that wasn't ever my intention. But I love Kikyo I can't stop and I don't want to lie or hide things from you anymore. I don't want to hurt you anymore Kagome…" She had listened to it all not saying a word. Finally Inuyasha fell silent and they stopped walking somewhere in the middle of the forest. It seemed like hours in silence went by as she tried to get a grasp on all that was happening and what it meant.

"Kagome I am so sor…"

"No." Kagome stopped him before he could finish. Finally she looked up her expression showing a strong determination tinted with her own sadness. She tried to smile though it looked unnatural and forced. "Please don't apologize… It's not what I want. Things between you and I…" She paused swallowing the lump that was stuck in her throat with the continued attempt to not cry. "What we've had… was complicated. I love you; I always will you are one of my best friends. But we both have known this whole time who your heart has always belonged to. Both of us were thrown into this life of hunting jewel shards. With me in a time that is not my own and you unable to be with the women you love." Her voice cracked with the end of her sentence and she had to swallow hard again. Silently demanding that she continued to speak the truth the two of them have been dancing around for nearly five years.

"This life here with fighting countless foes, hunting the shards, and Naraku. The strength we had to rely on in one another despite whatever else we wanted made a strong bond between us. It made something beautiful, but also confusing, and not what either of us thought it was or wanted." She was only half lying since a part of her had always hoped things would change and that she and Inuyasha would find a true and pure love with each other. She now knew that would never happen and it was time to get everything out in the open between them. "You now have an opportunity to be with Kikyo though. Now that she has let go of her vengeance, and rage. And she just wants to take her second shot at life to be with you like she always wanted before that life was stolen from you both. I understand. I won't lie. I am sad but I really want you to be happy, I want you to have the opportunity to find love with the woman you want. So please don't apologize for it." She finally stopped talking unable to say anymore. There was really nothing else to be said.

Kagome tried her best to relax when Inuyasha wrapped his arms around her pulling her into a hug. "Thank you…" She heard him whisper. Parts of her heart were shattering knowing what had always been a temporary love had finally run its course. "You should go to her. Bring her back to the village. She should travel with us now. I am not gunna lie it will probably be awkward for a while. It will take the others a while to trust her, especially Sango. With all that has happened you can't blame them. So please try to be understanding of everyone's feelings. It will just take some time for everyone to get used to, Kikyo included."

Truth was she had no idea if it was really a good idea for Kikyo to join the group so soon. She needed time alone though and knew Inuyasha would not argue. Part of her just wanted to get the inevitable over with. She had been ignoring this reality for far too many years and now it was time.

"Will you be alright out here? We aren't far from the village. I could walk back with you before I go get Kikyo." The happiness that he was unable to contain at the idea of going to get Kikyo cut through Kagome and stung but she smiled and shook her head. "No really I am alright. I can walk back on my own. I am going to go home just for a few hours ok? I need to get some fresh clothes and supplies. Plus I would like to check in on my family." Inuyasha nodded and stared down at her for a moment as mixed emotions swirled in his eyes. Happiness, relief, sadness, and evident concern were all there. "Alright if you aren't back by night fall I will go check in on you." He said before he turned and took off into the forest. Kagome stood there and watched until she could no longer see him.

Sighing she reached for the small chunk of jewel that hung on a chain around her neck. Taking it off she took it and the four shards that Kikyo had given to Inuyasha and fused them together. The jewel was nearly half way complete. She knew that there were likely only a few left to find before they would have to face Naraku for the rest. "Koga has two shards I wonder how many others there are really left to find now." She stared at it for a moment thinking about how all that had happened started with her accidently shattering the jewel. Slowly a scowl formed across her face as resentment flared up inside her knowing if it weren't for the jewel none of this would have ever happened. As quickly as it came to her the resentment and anger was gone. If it hadn't been for the jewel she wouldn't have the people she loved so much in her life now. Shippo, Sango, Miroku, Inuyasha, she would have none of them without the jewel. So with only a sheer determination to not stand in the forest all day she began to make her way to the well.

As Kagome walked she began to feel her emotions settle and a strange sense of peace washed over her. While the sadness lingered, and a justified concern for the future and what it had in store for her did still weigh down on her, she was surprised at how calm she felt. It was almost as if she too was relieved.

"Finally the thing I have feared for so long happened. I am sad but I guess I am also happy it is over. I can finally try to move on and let go. I guess before it was always just something there in the back of my mind that made it like walking along the edge of a cliff when with Inuyasha. That constant fear of falling can finally end… We can continue to be a part of each other's lives as friends but I can finally accept the reality and truly move on."

With that final thought she picked up her pace a new determination within her as she made her way through the forest.

"Finally I'm home." Kagome said to herself as she pulled herself out of the well lugging her bag behind her. She was about ready stand and make her way out of the shrine when something grabbed her bag making her lose her balance and nearly fall back into the well. "Ahhh…. What?!" Her heart raced as she regained her balance and waited to see what was happening but when nothing did she slowly glanced behind her. What she saw caused her to groan loudly. What she had assumed to be just another demon attempting to take her life in pursuit of the jewel shards was a simple stuck out nail that had snagged her bag. "Oh come on really?" She mumbled trying to yank her bag away from the nail. With her frustration growing she gave her bag a hard pull only to fall back and land on her butt with a thud. Her yellow bag now had a large hole spilling her belongings on the ground.

"Just great!" She yelled her emotions resurfacing as she closed her eyes tight trying to not let something so silly upset her so much. After taking a few deep breathes she finally stood and gathered her things before heading to the house. "Just another thing I will have to do while I am here. I guess I am surprised this stupid bag lasted so long anyways." He thought to herself looking down at the dirty faded yellow mess she now carried.

Once to the house Kagome tried to open and close the door as quietly as possible. She really did just want some time to herself before facing her Mother who was sure to sense that something was different. Lucky for her no one seemed to be home though. "Good I think a nice hot shower is what I need right now."

"Ah, that felt great. It feels like it has been forever since I was able to just relax in the shower." Kagome said to herself in a considerably better mood. The shower had given her time to put things into perspective. While her heart still hurt she was able to find comfort in the idea of finally being able to move on. While she didn't suspect any suitors would be in her near future it was nice to know that whatever she and Inuyasha had would no longer stand in the way. She could actually let herself even consider the idea of maybe finding someone. "Oh come on Kagome how are you supposed to maintain a relationship when you time travel be serious. What man would understand?" Suddenly the image of a certain wolf demon flashed in her mind before she could banish it. "Hmm what was that about? Men are the last thing you need to think about right now." With that final thought she made her way to her closet to find clothes.

Fifteen minutes had gone by and it looked as though someone had tried to ransack Kagome's bedroom. "Uh! That is it!" She screamed in defeat falling back onto her bed in frustration. With her time spent traveling so much it left no time for things like shopping for new clothes. She hadn't realized what a sad state her wardrobe really was, having not spent any significant time at home in months now that she was finished with school. But she couldn't find a single suitable thing to wear now. All of her clothes were either not appropriate demon hunting clothes or they no longer fit. Despite almost being 20 she still even sometimes wore her school uniform out of habit. Now she realized she really did need to figure something out. "First it was my bag, and now my clothes. Ah! Let's face it I even need new shoes the ones I have just about have holes in them."

"Kagome is that you dear? Are you alright?" Came the voice of her Mother before her bedroom door opened. "Oh my, Kagome what happened to your room?" Sitting up she took a second to look around before blushing in shame. "Sorry Mom. I am just having a hard time finding anything I can wear and take back with me. A lot of my clothes no longer fit or they aren't really something I need to be wearing while there." She said softly looking around still trying to figure out what she was going to do.

"You know I still have some shopping to do for groceries and things we need. If you could find something to wear just for now we could go get you some new clothes." Her Mother said with an understanding and loving smile beaming on her face. "It would be nice to spend some time together. It has been a while since you and I had any Mother, daughter time." Kagome really did feel bad at the idea of her Mother spending money on her but she didn't really have many options. Time travel and demon slaying weren't exactly well paying jobs. "That sounds great Mom I owe you one."

Kagome arrived back in the feudal era just as the sun was setting. "Oh good I got back just in time." She said to herself swinging her legs over the side of the well and standing. Shopping had taken up the majority of her visit home only having time to have a nice dinner with everyone after they arrived back at the house. When her Mother realized that Kagome needed literally everything from clothes to shoes and even under garments her motherly instincts took over and caused her to go a little crazy making sure Kagome had absolutely everything. She was even able to help Kagome find a new bag to carry everything in. They had both agreed that something a little more durable than a school backpack was needed. So in the end they had settled on a green military style tactical backpack. It felt a little awkward to carry with its stiff material but she hoped it would last even longer than her yellow backpack had.

Her style as well had even been upgraded. Her school uniform being traded in for a couple pairs of jeans and shorts and a few simple fitted shirts of different colors. Now she wore a pair of denim shorts with a black, t-shirt and black sneakers. "Why I waited so long to figure out that pants and shorts opposed to skirts would likely be better to run around in I have no idea." She thought to herself and started to make her way to the village where she knew the others would be waiting. Her pace slowed though at the realization that she was about to face everyone.

"I am sure that by now Inuyasha has returned with Kikyo. I wonder how the others are taking it." She knew that Sango who was like her sister was probably angry and suspicious. All the more reason she knew the faster she got back the better. It was still hard. Part of her wished she wouldn't have to face Inuyasha with Kikyo or have to see the looks of sympathy from the others. "Oh well Kagome time to be a big girl come on lets go we can't stay out here all night. Let's not make Inuyasha come looking for us." With that in mind she picked her pace up again and tried to prepare herself for whatever she might find.

The closer she got to the village the more her concern grew though as she could hear crashing and raised voices. "How could you do this to Kagome, Inuyasha!?" She could hear a very angry female voice demand. "Sango! Oh no." Kagome realized Kikyo's arrival had not gone over well and she started to jog hoping there wasn't an all-out war waiting for her.

"This doesn't concern you Sango so just back off!" Came the angry response of the hanyou. "Damn it Inuyasha I told you to be understanding and patient." Now Kagome began to run as she heard another loud crash. When she finally did make her way to her friends the scene before her was a bit nerve wracking. Sango stood with her Hiraikotsu ready for an attack rage clear in her expression, Kikyo stood a few yards away with her bow out and an arrow notched back ready to fire at Sango. Inuyasha was pulling himself up from the ground where he had obviously been thrown into the side of a hut. "Damn it Sango! What was that for?" He yelled in frustration his lips pulled back exposing his canine like teeth.

Kagome had seen enough. "Stop it! All of you what is wrong with you guys? For pete's sake Kikyo put that thing away." She was trying to remain calm but it was taking a great deal of effort not to draw her own weapon on the women who so often fought against them, for daring to threaten the life of her sister. "Kagome!" She heard Sango yell out in relief as she ran over to her and hugged her tightly. "Are you alright?" Sango whispered into her ear. She nodded her head in response and said they had a lot to talk about but that now was not the time. "Are you really ok with this?" Sango asked her stepping back now not bothering to keep her voice down but loud enough so everyone would hear. Kagome sighed glancing around at everyone. "Yes I am. Inuyasha and I had a long talk and as long as Kikyo's intentions are pure this is what is right." She said firmly trying to hide her apprehensiveness over the whole situation.

"But…" Sango began before Kagome interrupted her.

"Look Sango I know this is all a bit confusing but let's just get through the night in peace. I promise I will explain things just not now." She said hoping her friend wouldn't keep pushing the subject. To her luck though Sango nodded her head and seemed to accept Kagome's answer. "Ok let's just go inside and try and get a good night's rest." With that everyone began to make their way into the hut she was just about to step inside when she her someone say her name softly. Turning around she saw Kikyo standing a few feet away. "May I speak with you for a moment before we join the others, please…" Kikyo asked her. Sango glared obviously not trusting the new addition to their group but Kagome gave her a reassuring smile and quickly said it was alright before she made her way over to where Kikyo stood.

"What's up Kikyo?" She said a little too cheerfully in her attempt to mask the fact that she was very uncomfortable. "I wanted to talk to you. I know this will be difficult for you… for everyone but you especially. But I wanted to assure you my intentions with Inuyasha really are pure. I really do love him and just want the chance to live the life with him that I couldn't fifty years ago." The older miko said staring at Kagome openly. "Look Kikyo… I understand what you are saying and appreciate that you recognize this is going to be hard. But you have to give everyone their time and space. We have been tricked by you before more than once. I really do hope that you are speaking the truth just don't expect the others to accept you or your word easily. It is going to take time. If you can give them that and prove to them you are being honest I have no doubt they will welcome you into their lives." Kagome knew she was being a little short but she just didn't have it in her to fake cheerfulness. She was just being honest and she had a feeling Kikyo knew that when the other nodded and offered a small smile before heading into the hut.

"Well… this is going to be… interesting." Kagome thought to herself taking in a deep breathe of the night air steeling her nerves before she made her way into the hut.

The night had been rough. Seeing Kikyo wrapped in Inuyasha's embrace as they fell asleep had hurt. It had taken her forever to finally drift off to sleep and when she woke she still felt exhausted. But they had to head out. They had heard rumors of a Boar demon that might possess a jewel shard out towards the East. It wasn't often anymore that they heard such tales now that most of the shards had been collected. They couldn't risk not investigating. So after everyone dressed and had a quick breakfast they set out. She had to admit it was a bit odd seeing Kikyo being carried piggy back style by Inuyasha like she herself so often had been. Just further realization that things were changing. Though truth be told it was a much smoother ride on Kirara's back.

"Do you sense a jewel shard yet Kagome?" The young fox kit asked who was currently being held in her arms. "No, nothing yet Shippo. I hope we do find something though. It has been weeks since we last found anything." She said happy for the distraction from her own thoughts. "I agree Kagome. While on one hand it is a good sign knowing we have collected most of the shards it also means at some point we will have to try even harder in finding and destroying Naraku." Miroko said over his shoulder from where he sat in front of her. Kagome nodded her head as her lips pulled into a small contemplative line. "I know soon that is going to be our only priority. Not that we haven't been trying to find Naraku but it was easier when every few days we were simply hunting down weaker demons for random shards. Now we will have to face the one who has hurt almost every single one of us and recover the other half of the jewel."

Suddenly Kagome was ripped from her thoughts when a familiar pulse pulled at her chest. "Guys stop I sense something!" She called out causing the group to come to a halt. "Where is it coming from Kagome?" Inuyasha called up to where they were hovering in the air on Kirara. She frowned in confusion though suddenly realizing something is was off. "Well? Where is it? What about you Kikyo do you know which direction it is coming from?" Inuyasha asked ever impatient. Kikyo too had a look of concentration and confusion on her face though. "There is more than one and they are coming at us fast from different directions."

"Guys there is more than one and they are coming this way fast from both sides." At that everyone was thrown off and began to look around trying to figure out what to do.

"Look out!" She suddenly heard Inuyasha call out but it was too late. Through the trees came crashing the huge Boar demon they had been looking for and he came right at them slamming into Kirara sending everyone flying towards the ground.

"The jewel, the jewel! I can sense it. I must have it!" The Boar called out heading straight at Kagome just as she was pulling herself up from where she had crashed into the dirt.

"Kagome!" She could hear her friends yell as no one able to react fast enough before the Boar reached her. "Give it to me! Give me the jewel shard!" He yelled as he grabbed her by the arm pulling her up to his face, the ground once again far below her. She tried to ignore the pain that shot through her from being dangled by one arm and even in the situation she was she still couldn't help but notice how awful the demon's breathe was as he huffed in her face. "The jewel is mi…. Ahhhhh!" Mid-sentence the demon was suddenly hit in the head forcing him to drop Kagome and cry out in pain. "Get away from Kagome you disgusting swine." She heard a familiar deep male voice demand and before she hit the ground she was caught by strong arms. "Koga!" She said in happy surprise smiling brightly. "No wonder I sensed more than one shard."

"Hey Kagome did ya miss me?" The wolf demon asked ever the flirt and playful despite the fact that there was a boar demon just a few feet away. Before she could answer him though Koga put her down and forced her to stand behind him. By then the rest of her friends had made their way over weapons out, ready to strike the Boar down. "You fools! I will destroy all of you." She heard the now even angrier boar demon cry out as he turned and began to make is way towards them.

A/N: Well that is it for now I hope it wasn't too bad.