InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Destiny, Time Travelers, and a Little Baby ❯ What happened later that night... ( Chapter 7 )

WARNING : Extreme sweetness ahead. Borders on corniness. I think sometimes it crossed that line…..*wince*

Disclaimer : Well, I've done all I can do, so…..*pastes standard disclaimer haphazardly on fic* There.

Chapter 7 : What happened later that night…..

"Hello? Kagome?" Her brother said over the line.

"Souta? Is something wrong?" Kagome got a little worried.

"Oh, no. It's just that Mom is awake now and wanted to know what you were doing."

"Oh. Well. Nothing much." She blushed. She couldn't really tell her little brother what she was doing, like, five seconds ago.

That would be indecent.

She realized the stove was still on and reached over to turn it off. In the background, she heard a feminine voice mumbling.

"Oh and Mom wants to know if you and Inuyasha finished what I interrupted this morning." He said casually.

"WHAT?!" Kagome screamed, thus making Inuyasha run into the kitchen. Because that's where the phone was.

"Okay, okay. So we all want to know. But I think Grandpa has ulterior motives." He mumbled into the receiver.

Inuyasha heard his last comment and remembered what Grandpa had said before he left. Sure, the old man couldn't do anything to Inuyasha when he was in his hanyou form. But, tonight, and any other new moon night for that matter, would have dire consequences if he had a meeting with the nutcracker. `Well, it's a good thing the kid interrupted us, this time. Who knows how far that could've gone. I don't think we can ever top that one. But it'll be fun to try.' He chuckled to himself, remembering.

"Souta, put Momma on the phone." Kagome was blushing fiercely by this point.

"All right, all right. Chill. Here she is." Souta handed the phone to Mrs. H.

"Hey Sweetie." Mrs. H said weakly and slightly slurred. `Man, that's some good stuff they got me on. Haven't had anything this good since `78.'

"Mom, what have you been telling them?!" Kagome tried to keep her voice down, but it just wouldn't work. She was embarrassed beyond belief.

"Not much." Mrs. H started off. "Just that I really like that Inuyasha and I hope you get married and have lots of grandbabies for me." Mrs. H said, not really noticing what she was saying. "So, have you done what Souta asked you about?"

Kagome blushed and debated telling the truth, which was they had, or keeping it a secret. She had always told her mother everything, so….."Yes." A short and truthful answer is always the best kind.

"Oh that's nice dear." Mrs. H wasn't sure if she was hallucinating or not, but she figured to give a double-sided reply. "How about you two let Grandpa and Souta watch Kaede tonight. They'll be home soon, and it's only seven. You could take Inuyasha to see that new movie that's out. I bet he'd like it. Not really a chick flick but just as good. I saw it with Aki the other day. Very good." She was in the babbling stage of the pain killers.

Kagome interrupted her. "That's nice Mom, but we already saw a movie today. Hey. Who's Aki?"

Mrs. H ignored her question, or maybe she didn't comprehend it. No one could really tell. "Well, that's nice pumpkin, but you haven't seen this one and it would be a nice change for you. Especially since this is the only night for a month that Inuyasha is human, and he hasn't seen much of our world. How about you go see it. My treat?"

Inuyasha leaned over to Kagome and whispered to her, "What are you guys talking about?"

Kagome glanced at him. He looked genuinely curious. She told her mom to hold on for a minute. Placing the receiver to her chest, she said, "Mom thinks we should see a movie since this is the only night you're human and you haven't seen much of my world."

"But I thought we already saw a movie today." His brows furrowed in confusion. `Even though I didn't get what was so funny to everyone. It was just some weird bird and a guy doing funny voices….. Whatever. I'll think about it later.'

"We did, but that was a pretty old one. Mom says the one she's talking about is newer and better." Kagome thought for a moment. "Maybe we SHOULD see it. I mean, it sounded pretty good." She looked over at him. Maybe he wouldn't want to….. "Do you want to see it?" She asked him.

"If you go, I'll go." She smiled at his intense gaze. Suddenly it clouded. "But what'll happen to Kaede for the night?" Inuyasha asked, remembering Kaede's welfare.

"Mom says that Grandpa and Souta will be here soon to baby-sit her." Kagome replied.

"Oh no. Uh-uh. I am not letting anyone sit on her." Inuyasha said vehemently.

Kagome giggled. "Neither would I."

Inuyasha's brows furrowed. "Huh? But you just said-"

"Babysitting is where someone watches her for us." Kagome explained. "She also said she'd pay for the night. That's a good deal if I ever heard one."

"Alright. We'll go." Inuyasha caved. "But as soon as we're done, we're coming back here to get her. Okay?"

Kagome smiled at his protective attitude over Kaede. `I think he'll make a pretty good dad. I mean, if he's this good with a different species of youkai, just think how good he'll be with his own…..ARGH! Stop thinking about that! Now is NOT the time for fantasies.' "Okay." She agreed, then her stomach growled. "Hey, are you hungry?" He gave her a duh expression. "Right. Stupid question." She put the receiver back to her ear. "Hey, Momma? Throw in dinner and you've got yourself a deal."

"Oh, good choice, dear." Mrs. H was beginning to slip back under. "I'll send the money home with Grandpa and Souta." She asked for her purse and gave them an adequate amount of money to give to Kagome.

"Sounds good Mom." Kagome was about to hang up. "Oh, and Mom, I'll be up there to see you tomorrow."

"Okay honey. See you then." Mrs. H yawned. "I'm gonna go to sleep now."

"Okay Mom. Sleep well." Her only answer was a snore.

"See you in about ten minutes sis." She heard Souta say. Then the line went dead.

She hung the phone up and turned back to Inuyasha. "Well, we're having dinner and a movie. How's that sound?"

"Great! I'm starving." He sniffed for a second. "Do you think you could throw away that Ramen now?" He scrunched his nose and covered it with his hand.

Kagome laughed heartily. "Sure." She choked out after she calmed down enough to speak. `Inuyasha wants to throw away Ramen?! Never thought I'd hear THAT one.' She walked to the stove. Looking into the pan, it was obvious that there was only one thing to do with it.

She threw the whole pot in the garbage.

It was unsalvageable.

`Mom'll just have to buy a new pot. I don't think even Inuyasha in his hanyou form could get the scorch marks and burned on Ramen out of that pot.' She opened the kitchen window to air out the house and walked back into the living room to help Inuyasha assemble the play-pen. With her help it was up in five minutes flat.

Grandpa and Souta came home, gave her the money and soon they were out on their night on the town. "Where do you want to eat?" Kagome asked Inuyasha.

He blinked and thought of the possible places for eating. "I don't know. Inside is good, less noisy. But outside is good also, less smells in one place."

Kagome could've smacked her head at her own stupidity. "Never mind. I'll pick one for us." She thought for a moment and came up with the perfect place. Her friends always went there and even dragged her along a couple of times. She led him to St. Pete's Bar and Grill. It was nice and had very Irish decorations.

Lots of green and shamrocks and wood and whatnot.

The food was…..interesting, (but pleasant!) and Inuyasha ate a lot of it. Kagome kept her eating to a minimum. All in all, it was worth every cent that was spent. Including the tip. Of course they couldn't have a true experience because they weren't old enough to drink. Then they headed for the movies.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Sengoku Jidai*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sango asked for Kaede's help in getting beautiful.

Miroku refined his appearance using the river as a mirror.

Both had first date jitters.

The sun was setting as Miroku finished primping. It was time to get Sango.

He fidgeted his way through town. When he managed to meander his way to Kaede's door, he stopped. Taking a deep breath to clear away the butterflies, he poked his head through the reed door. Seeing that no one was around, he cleared his throat. "Hello? Anyone here?"

In the room in the back, Kaede had just finished piling Sango's hair atop her head as the monk's call rang out.

"He's here." She muttered to the nervous girl in front of her.

"I know." Sango twisted her hands in her lap. "Are you sure I look okay? I've never dressed like this before."

Kaede smiled at her insecurity. She didn't even know how pretty she was. And in the dress Kaede never wore, she looked even more alluring. The dress was a gift from one of the village women before she decided to become a miko. She said that she hoped it would bring Kaede luck with the boys. Kaede doubted they would be able to look past her missing eye, even with the beautiful dress. She'd accepted the gift of course, but she had never worn it, for a few weeks later, she'd discovered her power and devoted her life to being what her sister was to the village. They hadn't had a miko since Kikyo had died. So she gave up her dream of husband and children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A man would only hinder her ability to purify.

The memory was tucked away as soon as it came and Kaede assured the slayer that she was, indeed, very beautiful and told her to stay put. She walked out of the room and found the young monk `pacing' the room, for lack of a better word. He'd heard voices and decided to wait.

Kaede walked towards him with a contemplative look on her face. She stepped up to Miroku and stared in his eyes. It was like she was reading his very soul. The monk shied away from her scrutiny.

"Is something wrong Kaede-sama?" He asked.

"Aye. I think ye'll have a harder time keeping your hands to yourself than usual this night." Kaede stepped back and looked toward the door.

He too looked and wondered why Kaede would be worried about that. Sango was more than capable of bringing his head from his shoulders if he tried anything too fresh. At the exact moment the thought crossed his mind, he got his answer.

"She is beautiful." He breathed.

Sango was at her finest. Her hair was arranged to perfection. The severity of her bun was softened with wisps escaping to frame her face. Soft yet strong. Just as she was herself. Her kimono was clean and bright. The greens and oranges clashing wonderfully to create a swirling pattern of Autumn and Spring set on the white background of Winter. It was the perfect kimono for the spring festival and Miroku couldn't take his eyes off her. No jewelry adorned her, but she didn't need it. She had a glow all her own that no gem could imitate. He had never seen her look so…..ethereal, so…..otherworldly, so…..feminine, so…..so…..

"Beautiful." He thought aloud.

Sango blushed at his endearment and the color only added Summer's heat to the vision of loveliness before him.

"How am I going to keep you to myself tonight, eh?" Miroku asked with a dashing smirk.

He was in front of her before she could think up a reply.

"Who says I'm going to stay with you tonight?" She asked through a smile.

He raised a brow at the mischief in her eyes. "You better stay with me tonight." He breathed into her ear. "There's no telling how many crazies are out there just waiting to snatch a beauty like you and run off never to return." He finished staring into her eyes.

Kaede loudly cleared her throat and the couple jumped apart from each other. "As I said before monk….." She let it trail, but he understood perfectly what she meant.

Keeping his hands to himself would indeed be very hard tonight.

"Right." He turned to Sango and offered her his elbow. "Shall we?"

"Of course." She grasped his arm and they walked out the door together.

Kaede watched them go. She shook her head. "Young love." she smiled.

Once they got to the forest, Sango called Kirara. They'd found it was best to not have her transform in the village. It scared some of the older people that haven't grown accustomed to her presence yet. So, when all was ready, they climbed aboard and Kirara flew them off to the next village over for a night of festivities and merry-making.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Present*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When they finally got to the theatre, there was a HUGE line. I mean gigantic. Wrapped around the building it was so big. The two stopped in their tracks and looked at what would definitely be considered a long wait.

Weird thing was, they all seemed to be married couples and old people.

"Wow." Kagome breathed. "I've never seen it this packed before."

Inuyasha stared in awe at so many people. `I'm glad I'm human right now, because this would SUCK with my normal senses.' He took a step away from all the older people and bumped into an elderly couple. He turned and apologized. They nodded acceptance and continued on their way. He picked up on a conversation over to his right about what was going on.

"I didn't think we'd get this many people to come for Parent's Day." The owner said to his associate.

"Indeed. It seems every Mom and Dad in the city has come out to take advantage of the free movie offer. Great idea, my friend. We'll make a killing in concessions."

Inuyasha was confused. What were concessions and why would they kill in them? If something was going to try to kill his Kagome, he had to know. Maybe her time wasn't as safe as he thought. Which is why he put pride aside and asked Kagome about it.

"Hey, Kagome. Some people over there are talking about `cun-SES-tions', what are they?"

Kagome looked from the line to him, taken by surprise at his question. Automatically she thought of the lesson she recently had in civics. "They're a privilege from the government to own land and stuff, like businesses." He gave her a blank look. "But I think they were talking about the food and drinks you'd buy here."

He looked away, a confused expression on his face. "Why would they kill in them?" He wondered aloud to himself.

Kagome was still looking at him and caught his whisper. "Kill…..in…..them…..? Oh! It's an expression. It means that they'll make a lot of money when everyone buys stuff from the concession stand." Kagome looked thoughtful for a moment. "Must've been the workers you heard. Everyone knows that's where all the money is. I mean, $1.75 for a small Dr. Pepper? Come one that's just ridiculous….."

Inuyasha nodded, as if he understood, which he didn't, and went back to examining the line.

Kagome also started examining it. "There's only three people giving tickets and almost everything is sold out. I wonder why all these people are here in the first place."

"Those workers said something about a…..Parent's Day?" Inuyasha looked over at her questioningly.

Kagome could've hit herself in the head for the second time that night. `How could I not remember the `Parent's Day' special they're holding tonight!' She groaned and tried to explain to him.

"This theatre decided to make up an occasion for all the parent's of the city to get out and have fun." She looked at the line of thirty-something's in a new light. "They're letting all parents in free. It looks like the only movie we're going to see is gonna be at home."

Kagome sighed dejectedly. She was really looking forward to a dark movie theatre away from her family. Maybe a repeat performance of earlier could've happened. But not now. Her brother and grandpa were home and probably in bed by now. She looked up at the board with all the movies and groaned aloud.

"Oh man! Everything's sold out. Even `Joe Ben's Big City Adventure'. Looks like we'll HAVE to go back home."

Kagome took Inuyasha's hand and led him to the bus stop. They got on, paid the fare and in no time they were at the shrine. They walked up all the steps but, once there, found the house to be a little empty.

Kagome walked to the kitchen and found a note among all the junk mail and bills littering the counter. In her grandfather's scrawled lettering, it read :

~Kagome,

Souta and I will be out for the evening and possibly tomorrow. The hospital called and said Katsumi wanted us there for the night. Go to bed and we'll see you in the morning or at the hospital, whichever. We have Kaede with us. She's fine. Nothing wrong at all.

-Jii-chan and Souta~

Each had signed their names and Kagome couldn't help but feel a little suspicious of the circumstances. She had a slight feeling that either something was wrong with Kaede, which she highly doubted, or they were at Aunt Megume's. Now, why would she think that?

It seems that even laid up Momma could cause mischief. But that Jii-chan would get in on it?! Well, that was a surprise. Who woulda thunkit?

Kagome read the note to Inuyasha. He took it at face value and soon they were wondering what to do. It was still early, barely 9:50 pm. "Maybe we should watch a movie?" Kagome questioned.

Inuyasha looked at her surprised. "You have one of those in your house?"

"Sort of. So, what do you want to watch?" He looked at her blankly and blinking. "Nevermind. I`ll pick."

She thought about it for a while. He thought she looked adorable, standing there with her finger on her lips, head tilted, face scrunched in concentration and staring off into nothing. Finally, she broke her reverie and walked to the entertainment center to see if they still had her favorite movie. It had been so long since she had watched it, they might've gotten rid of it.

She searched through the mounds of Disney movies and old animes and came up with her movie.

It was the movie she had watched hundreds of times. That she had memorized every line to. That she thought fit in almost perfectly with the mood right now. A classic. Straight out of the late `80's! It had all the elements needed to fulfill their night.

As the grandpa says at the beginning…..

"Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes…..true love…..miracles,"

It's ALL good.

She squealed in delight and Inuyasha came over to look at her choice. "I love this movie! It's my favorite!" she exclaimed.

He read the title. "The Princess Bride." He made a face at the case. "Is this a kissing movie?" He whiningly asked.

Kagome just giggled. "Why don't you just sit down and I'll make some popcorn."

Inuyasha walked to the couch and sat down, oblivious to the beady eyes watching him from the other side of the couch.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Kitchen*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kagome hummed as she microwaved three bags of popcorn. Once it was done, she put them in a large bowl, got two sodas, and walked back into the living room with her loot. The scene she happened upon was adorable.

Inuyasha was on the couch, where she had told him to go, and in his lap was Buyo. The cat was on it's back in Inuyasha's lap and batting at his long black hair, which had come loose from the braid she had put it in earlier.

It was so precious.

Where was her mother's camera when she needed it?

As much as she hated to interrupt their playtime, it was time to start the movie. She stood in the doorway and cleared her throat. Inuyasha looked up and set Buyo back down on the couch. He got up and helped Kagome set all the food on the coffee table.

She then grabbed the tape and put it in the VCR. Pushing play on the way back to her seat, she sat down…..right on Inuyasha. Blushing a deep red, she apologized and got off his lap to sit beside him.

The movie opened with a young Fred Savage playing a common 1980's baseball game. Inuyasha watched with rapt attention. He followed the movie as well as he could. The game-playing-boy is sick, his grandfather comes to read a `book' to him. This opening part even had a little bit of future history for Inuyasha. `Books become movies? Why?' Soon enough he too got caught up in the plot to ponder the seemingly ridiculous ways of the future folk. `Hmmm. `As you wish' huh? Should I just make up a phrase to tell her every time I want to say I love you, but can't?' He had to think more on that one.

The story was all about the power of true love. It was so pure that, even though he should've died, more than once, Westley came for Buttercup. It was a wonderful thing.

He convinced a deadly pirate not to kill him with his love for Buttercup.

He fought a fencing master of twenty years and beat him with his five years of training that he had gotten onboard a pirate ship.

He brought down a giant, not as big as some of the youkai Inuyasha had faced down, but still, it was impressive for a human to do it.

He outsmarted a `Sicilian when death is on the line!' and overcame the poison in both their drinks, because he had enough foresight to build an immunity, whatever that was, to it.

He survived the Fire Swamp, with it's Flame Spurts, Lightning Sand and R.O.U.S.'s, protecting Buttercup throughout it all.

He defeated death, with a little help from Miracle Max, and faked out Prince Humperdinck to finally get back his love. And all the while, he never lost that hope that their love would pull them through it. Well, except the reunion after Venzini, when he didn't realize she still loved him. But that was different.

Inuyasha didn't know how Kagome felt, but at this point in his life, he felt much like Westley. That his love for her could defeat any adversary he had to fight. Even death. He would protect her from all their trials and more if the time ever came.

He looked over at her. She had a grin that could split her face and was giggling every once in a while, eyes bright, whispering the lines under her breath, so as not to distract him from the movie. He smiled at her and grabbed her hand. She stopped reciting the movie long enough to stare at him in shock.

Slowly a smile spread over her face and she gripped his hand back. He pulled her to his chest and settled himself in a comfortable position. She reclined on him, her head resting in the crook of his neck, where it met his shoulder. He inhaled deeply the scent of her hair and cautiously wrapped his arms around her waist to secure her to him. Slowly he relaxed again and settled his head on the back of the couch. Soon, he too had a grin to split his face. He loved her more than anything.

The movie ended. Kagome withdrew herself from him. Without his heat, she felt cold. Walking over to the entertainment center, she stopped the VCR and pushed rewind. She cleaned up the popcorn bits and soda cans they had left out as they enjoyed that fine 80's movie, while waiting for it to fully rewind.

Inuyasha watched her perform regular household duties in a whole new light. He had seen her do many of the standard housewife chores as they traveled together the past two years. He knew she could cook something other than Instant Ramen. And it was pretty damn good too. She washed her clothes in the river on occasion. She cared for Shippo and Kaede like they were her own. She knew how to bandage him up fine, which would be needed when they mated and had pups of their own-

Hold the phone. Married? Children? Was she ready for that?

Oh, he was. After all, he was MANY years older than his dear miko. He'd been waiting his whole life for her. He finally realized that now. But was she prepared to be a wife and mother? Would she even WANT to marry him? He had to find out.

There goes his brilliant idea, popping up again.

Questions in her sleep!

It was the safest and most inconspicuous route. Hopefully the least painful. But the bigger question was, did she even know he loved her? He had shown it more today than ever. He was more open and touchy-feely, their kiss proved that, but did she pick up his signals?

Truth be told, Kagome was getting mixed signals from her hanyou. In Sengoku Jidai, he was cold, mean even, to her. But, here, now, he was the sweetest, most huggable guy ever. Maybe it was just his human side coming out. `Yeah, that's it. He's hormonally unstable right now and has more gentleness in his testosterone. *sigh* He doesn't love me, he loves Kikyo. He. Picked. Her.' She looked over her shoulder at him. He looked deep in thought and didn't even notice she was looking at him. `Probably thinking of that undead bitch.' Kagome couldn't stand it. She wanted to scream at him to just get it over with and stop dragging her along, like a…..a…..a piece of beef! Her eyes narrowed in frustration.

She heard the VCR finish rewinding and hurried to throw away the cans she held. She, then, went back to the living room and saw that Inuyasha was no longer thinking. He looked to her as she came out of the kitchen and watched her move sulkily across the floor. The scowl on her face was undeniable and he decided to ask about it. Of course she said it was nothing. He didn't believe her, but he couldn't call her out on it either.

`Tonight. Tonight I find out how she feels and if she knows. But can I wait that long?'

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Later*~*~*~*~*~*~*

They had decided that since Souta was gone for the evening that Inuyasha could sleep there for the night. Thirty minutes later, Kagome had gone to sleep and Inuyasha was waiting in Souta's bed until he felt enough time had passed. `Okay, now I'll just sneak in and see what's up.' He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. `Any minute now, I'll get up and see.' Another deep breath. `Oh, who am I kidding? I'm too nervous to see.' He fought with himself a moment longer before his pep talk kicked in and he jumped out of the bed.

Getting out of the room was an adventure in itself. Without his hanyou reflexes he almost slipped on quite a few of Souta's toy cars and soccer magazines littering the floor. Once out in the hall, there was nothing stopping him but his own anxiety.

Not that he was scared of a girl. HA! But this girl was Kagome. The love of his life and, hopefully, future mother of his children. This was the girl that could make or break his heart. That could rip away his reason for being with one word at this most truthful of times. This girl, could be the fulfillment or termination of his hopes and dreams.

His life was in her hands.

He snuck down the hall and slowly opened Kagome's door. Inside, she was sleeping, softly snoring. Her hair was fanned around her face and one arm was over her head. Her mouth was slightly open and Inuyasha could almost feel them pressed against his own. He could watch her like this all night, but right now, he had more pressing business.

He crouched beside her bed and lightly stroked the side of her face for fear that she'd awake and `Sit' him. He leaned over her, careful not to lean too much on the bed or to touch her in any way. He began, softly whispering into her ear.

"Kagome. Can I talk to you for a second?" He whispered to her.

She turned towards him, still asleep and made a grunt of compliance.

He smiled gently at his love and asked her his first question. "Do you know who this is?"

"Inuyasha." She moaned out. His heart jumped at the sleep thick sound of his name on her lips.

Question number two came soon after. "Are you ready for a family? Marriage, kids, the real deal?"

"Yes." She murmured. He had to lean closer to catch it, but let a smile slip at her words.

"Would you want to marry me?" He held his breath for this one.

"Of course I would. I love you." She stated more clearly.

He was shocked at her answer. He had guessed that she had feelings for him, but to get an outright admission without asking for it. He didn't expect that. Now, the only question left was….."Do you know that I love you?" If she didn't…..well, he didn't know what he'd do. She just had to know. She had to.

She made a sound that would've been a snort, if she was awake. "You don't love me. You love Kikyo." Her voice got clearer as she spoke. "She's better than I could ever be. All I am is a copy, a replacement. How can you love me when all you see is her?" She had just let him know her biggest fear, insecurity, and source of frustration. And he didn't even know it!

After hearing her statement it took a few seconds to process. Mainly because she sounded so unsleeping that he was almost scared.

`Is she awake?' He waved his hand in front of her face. `Nope. Sleeping like a log. Wait. What did she say?! I don't think that! Not for a long time now. But SHE thinks I do. Shit! How do I convince her otherwise?' He thought for a moment. `I hate to admit it, but, maybe.' He groaned softly. `Ugh. Maybe I should talk to Miroku. The pervert has to have some good advice floating around up there.' He smiled slightly. `Advice he obviously doesn't listen to himself if his work with women is any indication.' He chuckled for a moment, then his eyes landed on Kagome again. `Wait for me Kagome. Wait for me to show you. Don't give up on me.' He thought, throwing her a sorrowful look over his shoulder as he went out the door.

Inuyasha went back to bed with a new resolve. He had to prove his love to her. But how would he do it? If the demons they battled found out about his feelings for the girl…..let's just say, it won't be so easy to protect her anymore. He'd have to convince her to keep it under wraps. Or hold off mating with her until it was all over. `Yeah right.' He could barely stop himself from jumping her this morning. `Just this morning? So much has happened today. It feels like weeks.' (u.u; No comment.) As long as he could smell her, and her changes in scent, there was no way he could keep his hands to himself. He couldn't last much longer and he knew it.

Thinking thoughts that went in circles, he finally gave in to the Sandman and drifted off.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Sango and Miroku*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kirara touched down in the fields behind the village. She detransformed and jumped on Sango's shoulder to play chaperone instead of taxi. They could hear the music and commotion from this far away and could only imagine the fun to be had in the center of it all.

The village was brightly lit with different colored lanterns strung from rooftops and store fronts gliding across the roads and lacing through back alleyways. The entire town was decorated in festivity. From the lights to the people to the animals. Everything was in color. It was a welcome break from the monotony of daily living and everyone was basking in the glow of joy.

Just as Sango was getting excited about all the things to do, Miroku decided it was time to get rid of a certain cat.

Kirara smelt something.

Something good.

Something familiar.

From the corner of her eye she saw it. Miroku jiggling another bundle down by his side. She gave him a warning glare before jumping from Sango's shoulder, taking the bundle between her teeth and running back to the forest to devour her newly acquired treat. Miroku smiled.

"So. What do you want to do first?" He asked her.

"I don't know." She replied. "Why don't we see what there is to do?"

"Lead on." He motioned forward.

So, they walked through town.

Took in a play.

Walked closer together.

Held hands.

Played a few games.

Had to stop holding hands because Miroku had won Sango too many prizes.

Went to a food hut and ate.

Saw some village kids trying really hard to win the prizes Miroku already had. Out of the kindness of her heart, Sango gave away all of them but one, a cute doll that reminded her of a certain monk.

All in all it was a terrifically memorable night.

They turned toward home, and Kirara of course, when they noticed a stand that they hadn't seen before. It was a lovely little tent, but it stuck out horribly. It was blue and purple and black and had moons and stars and suns on it. But they were drawn in a way totally foreign to these feudal times. They slowed to look at it as a voice called from within.

"See your future?" It entreated.

Sango curled in closer to Miroku as he held her protectively within his arms.

"What do you think, Miroku?" Sango asked. "Should we?"

"I'm not sure." Miroku concentrated on looking into the hut, but nothing showed. "I sense no demon aura, but be on your guard. This isn't the first time I haven't felt any and you remember how that turned out."

"Yes." Sango twisted in his grasp to look up at him. "So there could be something we need to get rid of anyway?"

"It's possible. And it's our duty to save the people in this village, not to mention the party, by vanquishing it before it devours any victims."

"Hn." She straightened and turned to face the tent. `Now is NOT the time to play helpless female. What was wrong with me? Clinging to him like that. Like I'm scared of any old demon. Girl, please.' She stepped forward.

"Just remember Sango." He held her back by her shoulder. "Be on guard. No matter what happens in there." She craned her neck to look at him as he gazed into her eyes. The warmth of his hand almost made her shiver, but it was gone too soon in favor of the small of her back. This caused her to tense, but she needn't worry, it didn't wander. Together they stepped forward.

They passed through the curtained entrance and were enraptured with the interior immediately. It was so…..mystical. A single table with a clear ball in the center. A single candle keeping sentinel against the night. And in the back, hidden by shadows, stood an old, gnarled woman.

She herself appeared to be from somewhere far away. Her skin resembled bark, both in color and texture. Her hair was long and white, with sections braided and tied off by leather strips and beads and interwoven through the entire mass was gold strings. Her clothes looked like multi-colored scarves pieced together and decorated with gold bits and rope. Gold sparkled from her ears, neck and fingers as their precious jewels caught the light of the candle.

"Come in." She waved them forward as she stepped towards them. "Sit."

They all sat down around the table. The woman stared at them through the darkness in the hut.

"You want to know your future, yes?" She asked with a gleam in her eye. "I see. We will consult the ball."

She waved her hands through the air over and around the ball. A blue mist swirled inside it as she summoned her magic.

`Is this what I've been reduced to? Some second rate fortune teller?'

`Just play your part.' A feminine voice boomed in her head.

`They are destined to be together but need a little shove in that direction. Now just do it, please.' A masculine one calmly stated. `We need your help.'

`Yeah, yeah.' She squinted into the ball to take away anything hinting that she was hearing voices again. `I'll do it. But remember our deal-'

`As always old one!' The first voice resounded. `We'll get you out before anyone else comes.'

`As long as you remember the deal.' She muttered.

She concentrated on finding the right folds of fate. It was hard, but she had been doing this a long, long time. Soon she saw the images as clearly as if they were playing before her in real time.

"Ah yes." She muttered. "I see great passionate joining for you. Not far away."

Sango reddened as Miroku sputtered. Surely she couldn't mean…..with them?

"I also see great trial. Big fight. Very hard, but farther away. The details are…..what word…..fuzzy, but there is white cloud over one you must fight. Cloud in shape of…..baboon with spider?" She looked to them as understanding dawned. `Yes these are the right destinies.'

"You have many friends already, but more will come. From most unlikely of places will come great ally. From great enemy will come great help. Enemy of friend will become friend. And friends too will find passionate joining. A human and a…..dog-man?" She squinted to make sure as she heard choking from the couple before her. "Strange friends you have. But they must go through much before have happiness. It is very important, this battle you fight. Fate of world in your hands. Fate of life in your hands. Fate of love in your hands."

"Do you see how the battle will end?" Miroku asked. Couldn't hurt right? She'd pretty much predicted everything else so far.

`NO!' Both voices screamed. `THEY CAN'T KNOW THAT!'

`Alright. Okay. I won't tell them.' She assured the voices. `Just don't do that again. It hurt.'

"No, I not see. Your love will be strong for it will need to be to fight this evil." She `came out of her trance' and looked at them. "That is all ball tells. Go now."

She stood and held open the flap for them. As they passed through, Miroku turned to the woman.

"How much do I owe you?"

"For what?" She asked confused.

"For the fortune." The woman raised her brow. Never before had she accepted pay for doing the bidding of Watchers and now would be no different. Miroku tried another reason that she might get. "For spending your time on us. For-"

"Money is of no importance." She closed the flap on them. "Time is not important." She called through it as she started packing up her things. "Yeah yeah! I hear ya! Crazy old, all knowing, hmnfrumn….." She muttered.

Miroku looked at Sango and shrugged. He would've taken payment for that.

They started walking home again. They were at least twenty feet away when in their heads came the old woman's voice.

"Only life is important. And love."

It sounded so close. Like she was speaking right into their ears. Both flipped their heads back towards her hut, but it was gone. There was no old woman, no odd tent, no nothing. Like it never existed. They looked back at each other and hurried on their way home.

Just as they were cresting a rise, Sango slipped. The kimono was much more limiting than her usual one and she overstepped it's allowance. Miroku caught her and hauled her back up the hill and into his chest. His heart was thudding. He'd thought he might lose her because that was a long hill. It wasn't particularly steep, but if she'd fallen it could've broken her neck or back. Of course it could've just bumped and bruised her, but when you're in love…..bad is always the worst.

"Are you okay?" He whispered in her ear.

Sango fought to calm her breathing. Why was it that just being near him got her breathless lately?

"Fine." She choked out. "Just a little dizzy."

Miroku stroked her hair and supported her as her knees became weak. "Maybe I should just carry you back home."

"Don't be ridiculous." She protested as he lifted her into his arms as if she weighed no more than a feather. "I can walk perfectly fine." `At least when you're standing away from me. Far away.'

He peered down at her face. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely." She breathed as his eyes peered into her heart.

They were again drawn together for an unknown reason. Lips met and sparks flew. They were on the ground in the next instant. Neither was sure how they got there. But neither complained about it either. She was in his lap, curling around him, trying to draw him into herself as an ache bloomed below her obi. He stroked her back, pressing her closer to himself to relieve a frequent throb that was becoming more urgent with every moment she was in his arms.

Both their eyes were closed as they got lost in each other. Miroku eased his hand down her waist, skimmed down her thigh and found the kimono's fold. He traced the fold, debating whether to slip inside and begin that passionate joining or just be content with what he had.

Sango was practically trembling with the intensity of it all. Her love for him was burning like a beacon in her soul, but something was missing. She just couldn't figure out what. The ache was calling for something, something that she couldn't provide here and now.

Miroku traced her lips and she gasped. He took the opportunity to taste her further. Her eyes shot open. He'd just invaded her mouth and it felt good. Weird, but good weird. He tapped her tongue, trying to get it to dance with his. Slowly, she complied. It was a different experience. She'd never done this before and he was so skilled. She tried not to think about how many women he had to have kissed to become this proficient as she mimicked his movements.

He finally decided. After all, a monk was still a man. And a man was, well, instinctual when it all came down to it, only thinking about breeding. Come to think of it, how much did he and Inuyasha actually have in common. He quickly stopped thinking about his dog-demon friend as it only served one purpose. Taking away his fervor for the moment. He stayed his hand until Sango was completely engrossed in his kiss and slipped his hand into her kimono.

Sango barely registered the extra hand or draft in her clothing. She merely moaned into his mouth as he grazed his hand against the bare skin of her hip to her thigh and over to her inner thigh. He almost couldn't imagine this. Her skin was so soft, just as he remembered it. He kept on his path until he found the one thing he was always thankful for. No underwear for women. The sheer heat coming from her was incredible. He cupped her mound and Sango finally broke their kiss.

She stared into his eyes, darkened by desire, as she arched into his hand and bit her lip. She felt the ache get more intense. As she struggled to figure out what she needed, he slipped a finger into her cleft right on her nub. She cried as the heat flared higher in her abdomen. He slipped it down and into her core and she knew what was missing.

"Wait! Not yet!" Two voices yelled silently to the night.

"Stop them!" Sango's watcher pleaded to Miroku's.

"Riiiiight. And how will I do that without blowing the biggest secret since the creation of man?" He hissed back.

"I don't know!" She fumed. "It was you who watched over the smart one all his life. Do something." She growled.

"I tried he isn't listening!"

"Then try something else!"

"Fine! Just GIVE me a minute, alright?" He disappeared only to return a second later. "Okay, just one moment."

"What did you do?" Samara asked.

"I had a talk with Wren, if you must know." Morgan answered.

"What business could you possibly have with her?" Samara asked with suspicion.

Morgan almost smiled at her. "Have you forgotten who's watcher she is? I mean, I know we don't really talk to the others, but surely you remember her?"

"Kirara?"

He only nodded as Kirara walked into the clearing, effectively breaking the lovers' moment. She gave the evil-eye to Miroku and tried to hide Sango from his vision. Both were shaken that the moment had gotten so hot and heavy, but were also a bit disappointed. Again Miroku had to struggle through immense pain to stand and Sango had to deal with an ache that was just about to go away when Kirara walked in. Now that she stood, she also had to ignore the extra wetness threatening to run down her leg.

Kirara vaulted Sango onto her back and rode off, leaving Miroku to walk home. It might have been harsh, but she did warn him before she left. She trusted him with her charge and look what he did. Tried to rut with her. He didn't even go through the steps, as her lady wishes, and all of a sudden he wants to jump to there. See if she ever leaves them alone again.

Miroku watched them fly off. He sighed as he began walking. Looks like he would have his second cold bath of the day this evening.

Samara looked down at Morgan and Miroku from her place flying beside Sango. Finally, they could both breath easy. It was all coming together. "I knew that old hag was good for something other than annoying me and Morgan."

Morgan watched Samara fly above him with sad eyes. All these years, all these reincarnations that they'd led to each other and she still didn't know he loved her. She was just as stubborn and thickheaded as the soul she followed. But, it always remembered who it loves. Maybe one day she will too…..

*~*~*~*~*~*~*The next day*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Inuyasha woke with the sun. He felt a tingle go down his spine as his hanyou strength returned. In the first heartbeat, his eyes changed to gold and his hair to silvery white. In the second, his canine teeth unfurled into two fangs, his claws grew back out, and his ears slipped to the top of his head, grew fur, and became more doglike. He was back to his old self and was too restless to just fall asleep again. His stomach rumbled loudly and he decided to make breakfast.

He walked downstairs to the kitchen and started to make some Ramen. Hey, it was all he knew how to make here. Once it was done, he inhaled it with little respect to manners.

The scent of food wafted up to Kagome and gently called for her to awake and face the day. She'd had the weirdest dream. She'd dreamt that Inuyasha came to her and touched her face. He looked enamored with her and then he hit her up with all these weird questions. She'd answered truthfully, it was only a dream, and then he'd left looking sad. It just broke her heart. She'd had a blank dream after that. So, needless to say, she didn't feel that hot this morning.

She wandered into the kitchen and saw Inuyasha just finishing his Ramen. `I am NOT going to ask how he figured out the stove. I'm just…..NOT gonna ask.' She reached into the pantry and got out some cereal and then grabbed the milk from the fridge. Mix it together in a bowl and she had breakfast.

The morning went by quickly. They went to the hospital. Neither said much. Inuyasha was still thinking of how to prove his love to Kagome and Kagome wasn't thinking much of anything. She had more important things on her mind. Like, trying to figure out Einstein's Theory of Relativity and it's applications in modern society. Stupid Intro to Physics class.

Either way, both were too preoccupied with their own thoughts to bother with talking. They got home later with the rest of the family and Kaede. Mrs. H got use to her crutches pretty quick and was soon hopping around on them almost as fast as she usually walks.

They went back to It's All Fetal and exchanged the clothes for various bigger sizes since Kaede seemed to grow so quickly. Right now, she was wearing a pair of Kagome's OLD, old, old baby clothes. They smelled musty and had moth balls all over. Thank God they went right after the hospital. But, they decided to keep the playpen. It was easy to carry, and Kagome thought it could be useful.

They got their money back for the clothes and most of the diapers and pins. Hopefully she'd outgrow that little habit soon. They hit up a few more stores for older kids clothes and they went home after that.

The rest of the night flew by, and, as it turns out, the playpen did come in very handy. Kaede had developed the ritual of going to bed late and sleepwalking once she hit REM sleep.

On Monday, Kagome went to school. The whole time she was gone Kagome's mom and grandpa got to see first hand what it was like every time Kagome left Inuyasha behind. He was restless. But mostly, he was just plain hard to look at. From the look on his face you'd think his puppy just died or something.

He mostly stayed in her room to be surrounded by her scent. Hey, if he couldn't have the real thing, he'd at least have her presence. He couldn't go out and just leave Kaede alone. Mrs. H might've been gimpy now, but she had places to be. The painkillers they gave her at the hospital really came in handy. And Grandpa was too busy with the shrine's upkeep to watch a baby youkai.

So he had to watch Kaede all day. He had to feed her and change her and follow her around the house. It wasn't annoying though. It was a joy really. But watching Kaede just made him ache for Kagome's swift return. Without her, watching the child had lost it's appeal.

He'd thought about what he'd do all last night and today and was finally forming a plan. It would be exceedingly hard for him to live in this time, so he'd have to convince Kagome that his time was best for raising a family and such. But that was after he'd shown her his true feelings for her.

Now this part was the part that was still trying to kick his butt.

SHE thought he still loved KIKYO and that she could never compare to the dead priestess. HE thought she was a MILLION times better than Kikyo could EVER be and he only loved her. He just had to convince Kagome of this.

He had finally decided to take Shippo's constant `advice' and the nice act was working pretty good. He'd managed to keep his profanity down and not fight with Kagome as much. Heck, he'd even gotten to kiss her for it. If he could just keep it up long enough that it became a habit….. Maybe he should have some lessons in smooth talking from the monk. Even he himself knew that he couldn't express things very well with pretty words and flowery phrases.

He'd definitely need help and the only one he could look to was in Sengoku Jidai.

He waited fairly patiently for Kagome to get home after coming to this conclusion.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*At School*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kagome was in math class. She was having difficulties figuring out these equations and was getting fairly annoyed with the way everyone around her kept looking at her when she'd ask questions. It wasn't her fault she was too busy saving this future to keep up in Calculus. Jeeze-O-Pete's! What was she? A miracle worker? Luckily it was the last class of the day. After this she could talk to the teacher, get some pointers in private, and be on her way home.

When the final bell rang, she rushed to get her things together and walked back to the teacher's desk. She asked him to explain some things and took more detailed notes than she'd been able to get from Eri. She thanked him and started her long walk home.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Back at the Shrine*~*~*~*~*~*~*

`My Kagome-sense is tingling.' Inuyasha thought. `She must be coming home. Finally.'

He could smell Kagome before he could see her. It was the best thing he'd smelled all day. Warm, welcoming, beautiful, and gentle. Just like the woman herself.

He set Kaede on the floor and jumped over the couch he'd been sitting on. Then he raced to open the door before she could.

She was halfway up the shrine steps when she was suddenly enveloped in the strong arms of her hanyou. He carried her the rest of the way and only set her down once they'd crossed the threshold.

Unfortunately, Mrs. H was there to witness the whole thing. The Grandma Song raced through her head again as she saw what would someday be the most joyous few steps Inuyasha would ever make. The fact that he was grinning like minx at the woman in his arms only helped her picture it.

Anyway, it all came down to a tearful goodbye for Kagome, seeing as Inuyasha insisted that they get back to the Feudal Era that minute. Kagome complied. In fact, she even wanted to go back. She was starting to miss Sango's friendship. Shippo's irrepressible joy at her appearance. Grown-up Kaede's advice and medicines. Even Miroku's lecherous ways. Okay, not that so much, but he did have that great sense of humor. He always managed to make everyone laugh.

They finally made it back through the well and were greeted by the whole gang.

"KAGOME!!!!!" Shippo called. He'd missed his adoptive mother and had been feeling pretty abandoned since they took so long to get back. He jumped to her shoulder and started making Kaede laugh with silly faces. "She looks a lot bigger."

"She grew a lot Shippo." Kagome admitted. "And she has some pretty amazing abilities that I'll tell you about later."

"Kagome-chan. I missed you so much." Sango hugged her. "You'll never guess what happened. I have SO much to tell you." She whispered to the girl.

While everyone else was busy greeting Kagome, Miroku made his way to Inuyasha, who was watching from the sidelines, as usual.

"Inuyasha. Good to see you can still stand." Miroku greeted him with a clap to the shoulder.

"What's that supposed to mean, Monk?" Inuyasha glowered at the houshi.

"Nothing friend. I'm just amazed that in the three days you've been gone, Kagome hasn't sat you enough times to break your back." He smiled. "Again." Miroku dodged the swipe of the hanyou's claws just in time. "And you Kagome-sama. Very nice to see you again as well." He reached out to give her a hug, and ONLY a hug, when he was pushed back, a growl very close to his ear.

Kaede stepped into the clearing and took in the scene. Miroku being glared at by Inuyasha as Sango and Kagome looked on with curiosity.

"Yes, Miroku, it is good to see them all back in good health, but I do fear for yours." She stated with a smile.

After Inuyasha finally stopped glaring at Miroku, they started down the well worn path. Everyone ignored Inuyasha's perpetual foul mood and laughter rang throughout Inuyasha's Forest as they walked back to the village. The occasional thud was heard as Miroku met Hiraikotsu again…..and again…..and again…..

`Maybe we should get a leash for that boy.' Kagome thought. She didn't notice that Sango wasn't hitting him as hard as she usually did. Or that she'd whisper things to him that would cause him to act in a way that warranted a meeting with the boomerang bone.

They eventually reached the hut and started catching everyone up on what happened to each other while they were away. Of course the girls couldn`t wait to relax in the hot spring, and to talk about the things that couldn't be said in mixed company. Sango decided it was best to leave out what happened Saturday night. It was almost too unbelievable to be true anyway. So they excused themselves and began the walk to the spring.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

AN: This version isn't getting as many reviews as my first. Please tell me why. If I need to fix something, I need to know what it is to fix. I started writing here to get better, but I can't improve if I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

I know it's been dragging, but it picks up next chapter. This was just a very necessary arc in my story. Boring, I know, but necessary nonetheless. And that I haven't been updating regularly, but my life's a bit chaotic right now. Hopefully it's settled down somewhat.

I moved back to OK. Couldn't find a job in WI. No one wanted to hire the `stupid redneck'. Man, people acted like I was so stupid and didn't know how to drive just because I didn't talk like them and had an Oklahoma license plate. Seriously though. I'd be going the speed limit or five over, driving perfectly fine, not swerving or fishtailing, staying in my own lane, and then they'd speed up to ten over or more just to get around me and then slow down. Ticked me off. But the cheese WAS good and I LOVED the weather.

That's all I'll miss about Wisconsin.

Enough of me talking about me. Please, tell me about me. R&R ^__________^!!!