~Epilogue~

Voices echoed through the early morning, followed by whispers from inside of the ancient well. A backpack flew over the side of the lip, successfully landing on a monk whom was busy fondling the backside of a demon slayer. There was no need for a painful smack of discipline, for the weight of the backpack on his head sufficed. The girl, Sango, gasped in delight as two figures emerged from the well.

Shippo was the first to react, his squeal of excitement followed closely by mewing from Kirara. The young fox kit jumped into Kagome's arms once she was safely on the ground, a bright smile lighting his face. The miko hugged him tightly in returned content.

"Kagome!" Sango smiled.

"It's great to see you, too." Inuyasha grumbled, brushing off his kimono from the dust in the well.

"Your safe return is a pleasure to us as well, Inuyasha." Miroku grinned, the backpack discarded mysteriously.

Shippo's eyes widened, "Kagome, did you bring more ninja food?"

Sango scowled at the kitsune, her expression disapproving.

"Shippo, don't you think they should have a chance to settle down before you ask such things? It would be only right to hear about their trip first!"

Kagome smiled in adoration at the child, fondly stroking his copper hair.

"It's okay, Sango. I don't mind the questions. We have been gone for quite a while."

The kitsune's bottom lip protruded in a dramatic display. Kirara agreed, mewing sorrowfully.

"Well, there is no need for grief over their absence; they are here now!" Miroku declared pointedly.

Sango nodded, "The monk speaks truth – for once – and I am quite eager to hear about your recent adventures."

Miroku responded with an offended sigh, crossing his arms over his chest indignantly. Everyone laughed at that, smiling and starting toward the nearby village.

"…and right when I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Inuyasha climbed out of the bus and stomped right over to the man's car!"

Kagome gestured with her hands, the hanyou next to her rolling his eyes at her dramatics. Despite his obvious discontent, the group seemed particularly enchanted with the stories. Shippo and Sango gasped at the news, the monk chuckling in amusement. Kaede sat on the opposite side of the fire, urging the stew in the pot with a spoon. Her good eye settled on Kagome, crinkling with laughter.

It was a comfortable atmosphere, one that was not so unfamiliar. It was definitely homely compared to the month the two companions had spent on the road. As the fire crackled, sending shadows dancing along the walls while the light faded into night outside, the stories grew closer to the present.

Kagome stopped after she told of her kidnapping, and though Inuyasha knew there was more detail than she wished to share, he didn't dare to push her for information. The three listening didn't ask for any further detail either, as though they themselves sensed that the subject was better left without approach. Inuyasha insisted that the miko stop and let him finish for her, his excuse being that she 'wouldn't shut up long enough to let him say anything'. It passed without question, and Inuyasha continued the story.

Miroku interrupted once during the tales, softly clearing his throat.

"Who is this handsome fellow that you keep talking of?"

Kagome smiled brightly, "Katsuo is Ayumi's brother. He drove us everywhere during the trip!"

"He's a damn annoying lecher, that's what he is." Inuyasha growled.

"Katsuo is a really nice guy! He likes Yuka a lot, but I'd say the only way to describe him is 'actions speak louder than words'."

"Does he fondle women?" Sango inquired thoughtfully.

"Yes, though in a more discreet way."

The demon exterminator pursed her lips, and it was quite obvious the subject was lost on her. Her disinterest was immediately evident.

"Actually, I find his personality rather fascinating," said Miroku.

"Keh! Damn lecher. You two would probably be best buddies!"

Kagome couldn't restrain the giggle that escaped her lips at that. Inuyasha was quite blunt in his opinions, out-spoken – perhaps – but always honest.

Shippo tugged on Kagome's sleeve, his green eyes wide with thought.

"Kagome, how did Inuyasha escape the 'concert' without the possessed crowd of girls attacking you both?"

Her lips curved into a soft smile, "They weren't possessed, Shippo. They were angry."

"Stupid women! They don't know how to be grateful, even after you save their ass." Inuyasha scoffed.

Kagome's hearing was quite good, unfortunately. The hanyou let out a yelp as the word 'sit' echoed through the hut. Sango shook her head forlornly, though the monk actually looked affronted.

"I beg to differ, Inuyasha. Women are a very understanding species, once you learn their language."

Sango's eyebrow winged upward, her eyes narrowed.

"Oh, really? And I suppose you would know their language, monk?"

A playful smile tugged on Miroku's lips.

"Of course! It is quite simple, really."

"Do you mind elaborating?" She sighed.

"Certainly. If you yell at a dog to do something, then they won't listen. But, if you pet them, praise them, and treat them nicely, then they are more apt to do as you ask. It is just as comparable with the female species. You can't approach a female with violence or ungentlemanly conduct. If you do so, they are more likely to respond with aggression or irritation."

The two younger females in the room glowered at the monk heatedly. Sango's eyes were the most intense, boring into him like an invisible knife.

"Am I to assume you are comparing me to a dog? If so – which seems likely – I should be quite eager to respond with some 'aggression' of my own."

Miroku swallowed, his fingers clutching at the fabric of his robes. The tables had turned quite dramatically from Inuyasha to Miroku, and now the hanyou only smirked from a few feet away. He wiped at the smeared dirt on his face, golden eyes lit with amusement instead of aggravation.

The monk shifted uncomfortably, "I would never compare you to a canine, Sango. I merely would comment on the fact that you are a spirited female. More referable, you might be compared to a horse."

Kagome, Inuyasha, and Shippo flinched as a loud smack stung the monk's cheek. Inuyasha shook his head, mumbling along the lines of 'digging his own grave'. Shippo made a quiet escape to Kaede, mostly to see how the stew was progressing. In his personal opinion, the older companions of the group were getting much too rowdy for the comfort of a small kitsune such as himself.

The miko of the group continued the story hurriedly, deciding that it was best to ease the tension between the couple sitting across from her.

The night was quiet peaceful, fireflies dotting the fields beyond the village boundaries. She stood in them now, watching as they flitted around her carelessly. They seemed to dance above her head, spinning and dashing in their own innocent glee. It was as though they themselves were unaware of the dangers and horrors surrounding them in the world.

The moon glowed a pearly white, nearing its fullness in the coming nights. Kagome had almost forgotten that it was near the new moon again. They had been gone so long, that she hadn't noticed their absence until the atmosphere around her had showed it.

The grass under her feet was lush, and the clouds overhead informed her of approaching rain. Summer had flown by at an astonishing speed. She captured her lip between her teeth, chewing on it in thought.

She felt a little guilty about her quick departure from home. Kagome had been gone for at least a month, and yet she hadn't even stayed at her home for more than one night. Her mother must have missed her dearly, and yet she hadn't even waited long enough at home to spend quality time with her.

If I hadn't come back, though, then Miroku, Sango, and Shippo would have been worried. We have to continue searching for the Jewel Shards immediately. There is no time for rest.

For all she knew, Naraku might have already collected them all in her absence. The guilt ate silently at her heart, making Kagome furrow her brow in concern. What if the village had been attacked while she was gone? What if one of her companions had been on the verge of death, and she would have never gotten the chance to say goodbye? These were thoughts that only now occurred to her, even though she already had been on the trip.

Kagome was so deeply in her own thoughts that she couldn't help but gasp in surprise as two arms circled around her waist. They gently pulled her back against a firm barrier, and it rose and fell against her. A warm feeling stirred in Kagome's stomach as Inuyasha held her against his chest, his breath tickling the back of her neck. Even though she knew they were alone, and there was no possible way he would hold her unless they were, Kagome couldn't help but feel a flush of embarrassment. She was certainly the most innocent in this situation.

After the surprise wore away, though the blush didn't, Kagome rested her own arms on his. Her hands were small over his, and just looking at his arms around her waist made her heart flutter involuntarily.

"Are you alright?" He whispered.

Kagome smiled, "Yes, why?"

"Your heart is beating like a rabbit's."

The miko could feel heat flood her cheeks at his words. Though she was the most innocent, it might not be far from the truth to state that Inuyasha was the most ignorant when it came to women. His concern was no less endearing.

"I'm fine. You came to check on me?"

"You're too stupid to take care of yourself. I can't stay away from you too long or you'll get kidnapped."

In any other moment, she probably would have grown quite angry with him. But he was too comfortable against her, and his scent was making her thoughts disoriented.

"Thank you."

Inuyasha was silent for a moment, no doubt confused. After a pause, he responded.

"What for?"

Kagome sighed contently, her head falling back against his shoulder. He leaned his head forward a bit, pressing his cheek against hers.

"For going with me, taking care of me, saving me….holding me…"

His jaw shifted slightly, and after a moment she realized that he had smiled..or smirked.

"Someone had to do it. I was right, though; you can't go somewhere without getting into trouble."

"I'm glad you went with me."

His voice was soft, "So am I."

For those few moments, even for those few minutes, nothing else existed. There was no Naraku, and certainly no such thing as Kikyo. There was no Sacred Jewel to be found, and there was no existence of demons. There was just Inuyasha and the sense of comfort that surrounded them like incense.

It was so quiet, in fact, that Kagome didn't even notice when his arms pulled back. She was close to protesting when his hands rested on either side of her waist, turning her to face him. Kagome had to keep from blushing more deeply as their eyes met. It wasn't too dark out, and the lights from the village – aided by the moonlight – made it easier to define his features.

His eyes burned luminous amber, a bright contrast to the dull darkness around them. They captured her gaze, making it almost impossible to look away. So intensely was she focused on his eyes, that once he spoke her hands shook slightly.

"Can I ask you a question?"

Kagome blinked in surprise, her fingers trembling as she fidgeted with her skirt. She had decided to wear casual clothing for her return, and now she was quite glad. The long sleeves of her uniform shirt would have made her feel overheated, especially since her face already was.

"Yes."

Inuyasha's tongue darted out, wetting his lips. Was it possible that he was as nervous as she was?

"I've been thinking about…stuff. A lot happened on the trip, and some of it made me realize things. Like…well, like what is really important. When I held you – after saving you from that Taro bastard – it really made me start thinking."

He paused, though she didn't dare to say anything. It was rare when Inuyasha actually confided about anything related to emotion, and she wasn't about to interrupt him. His hands were shaking slightly, and she could feel it through the material of her shirt. So, he was nervous?

"I can't guarantee that bad things won't happen. I can't tell you that I won't make you mad anymore or not be a jerk. I can promise you, though, that no matter what happens, I won't ever stop wanting you. I can promise you that no one – not even that damn Hojo – will ever love you as much as I do."

Kagome gasped, her eyes widening. Was he actually saying what she thought he was saying? Inuyasha swallowed, and she watched impatiently as he wetted his lips again.

"Kagome, if we survive defeating Naraku – and if you'll accept me – will you consider being my mate?"

The miko stared at him in shock, her chocolate eyes impossibly wide. He was asking her to...was it a dream? The hanyou met her gaze steadily, though the emotion in his eyes was anything but steady. He looked utterly open, much more open than she had ever thought possible of him. That of course, was when she realized - with stunned comprehension - that he was actually placing his heart in her hands. He was not only trusting her, but he was also offering everything he possessed. His desires, his hopes, his future...his love.

Not only would she be accepting him if she said yes, but she would also but giving her whole self to him. Everything she had in her heart would be his to share and cherish. Everything. The realization only served to make her heart swell in emotion. She wanted him, more than she had wanted anything in her whole life. Kagome had come to not only want him, but she depended on his existence. She had grown to crave seeing his face, his irritating attitude, his stunning hair and adorable ears, his bright kimono...everything. She wanted everything about him, the good and the bad. She didn't wish to change anything about him. Every detail of him was what she had fell in love with, and it made Inuyasha who he was.

Her mind wandered to her mother, and for a moment Kagome worried. What would her mother think if she 'married' at such a young age? As much as she wanted Inuyasha, she also wanted nothing to change. Naraku would certainly take further action if he learned of their new relationship, and it was possible that she wouldn't survive to see his death. It was possible she wouldn't survive to be with Inuyasha.

"Do a favor for me, will ya? Don't ruin it."

The memory of Yuka telling her that at the hotel was like cold water in her confused thoughts. She understood it now. It made sense, though she hadn't understood the meaning back then. Yuka had always been more observant and clever than she ever let anyone know. She knew Kagome better than anyone ever had, and to be honest, the young priestess was glad.

Kagome lifted her hand, forming it against Inuyasha's cheek. He watched her questioningly, though nothing was said. Kagome was silent, lifting herself onto her tiptoes. It didn't take much effort, and as her lips gently pressed against his, Inuyasha's arm snaked around her middle. The other hand found her chin, one finger curling under it and lifting it up. His lips parted against hers, moving with as much intensity and curious innocence as her own. As she tasted him, his heady pine scent making her heart thud erratically, she finally formed an answer.

Anything was worth risking for this. For him.

Yes.

Whitwolfffy: *sniffles* The End.

Katsuo: No crying. You promised you wouldn't cry.

Whitewolfffy: I know, but I just feel so happy...and sad. Kat, can you please take over the cupcakes for me? I'm need to go pout now.

Katsuo: *watches as she shuffles off* Alright, everyone! Since Whitewolfffy is going to go sob, I'm going to hand out the cupcakes. Are you ready? Here we go...

CUPCAKE LOVE GOES TO: Mari605i, alikmionejean, The Honorable Gucci, Rainbowed-Sunned-Spirit, purduepup, Inu'sgirl4ever, SinisisterGinny, Falintie 34, delgoth18, Bugness Monster, ScaryDreams10, chaslyn luvs sasuke, ashinat crimson flames, Kaname Kururugi, ravynedoom, crazywriterchick2901, inu-1111, PriestessTeeTee, Kitteninthemoonlight, Scarlet Ash and Cerulean Flame, sunokofairytale, Naybas, InuYashaMegaGirl, animated-vampire, InuKag19, Keeaykeay, Katylicious, inuyashi12, .Fish., inusgirllovesmonkeys, Cheza the Flower Maiden, inuyashaloves kagome4ever, IceShadowKistune, BB-Redustrial-BB, iNUGOME-075, Tokyo Lover 96, animeluver3460, dominygringa, and Sora7.

Katsuo: If you were not listed, it is because you never reviewed or Whitewolffy couldn't find your name in the reviews. If your name is toward the end, it does not mean we love you least. It means you reviewed later on in the story ^.^ There are probably a LOT more of you (we know because we viewed it on the 'story traffic' section) but since you didn't take the time to leave a review (or were unable to) you are not listed. *sad panda face*

Whitewolfffy: *shuffles back from emo corner* I would like to thank you all for your loyalty and undying patience with my tiny brain. If you are particularly interested in my writing (or you just want to read more about Katsuo), I suggest you go read my other current Inuyasha fanfics. I have a fanfic in progress that includes Katsuo in it! So, go check it out if you are interested. It is called 'It Takes Two'.

MUCH LOVE AND HUGGLES TO EVERYONE WHO READ AND REVIEWED! I have loved writing this story because of all of you, and it probably wouldn't be finished if you people hadn't have left reviews. Thank you. Ja ne~

Whitewolfffy~