Disclaimer: See Chapter One.

From Beneath the Ashes

~~*~*~~
Chapter 4 - Returning Home
~~*~*~~

"Oh, I wish that I could go with you both." Sango cried as she embraced Kagome tightly. They were standing in front of the departure gate at the airport, where Kagome and Inuyasha would be leaving in only moments.

"I know Sango, but you and Miroku need to get back to college. We'll see you in a couple of months when classes are over, all right." Kagome said as she stepped back from Sango.

"Will you be all right? Is someone meeting you at the airport? Do I need to call your house later or are you going to call me?" Sango said in a rush of breath.

"Sango, don't worry. Momma and Sota are supposed to be picking us up and I promise I will call you when we get home." Kagome said as she patted Sango's shoulder comfortingly. She smiled as she was suddenly caught up from behind in a large bear hug. Hearing a low growl of discontent from Inuyasha, she smiled at him as she turned in the arms that held her.

"Miroku, behave. You'll take care of Sango for me, won't you." she said as she gave the man a quick hug and slipped out of his arms before his hands could begin to roam.

"Of course, I will see to it." he grinned as he slid an arm about Sango's waist.

"Kagome, we have to go." Inuyasha growled impatiently.

"We have to go, I'll call you, promise." Kagome said as she quickly embraced Sango and Miroku before taking Inuyasha's hand.

Sango and Miroku watched as the pair boarded the jet waiting to take them back home. Turning as one, they both walked towards the parking garage, both praying that everything would work out all right for them.

~*~

"Kagome! Kagome! Over here!" shouted an excited voice. Kagome peered through the crowds to see a figure jumping up and down madly, hands waving over her head. Sighing heavily, she turned to the man standing beside her.

"There's Mom, I had better warn you now, she's a little exuberant." she said, a rueful smile crossing her face. He looked so anxious and nervous, but before she could reassure him, she was tackled from behind and an excited squeal filled the air.

"Kagome, you're home!" shouted her mother. Sota stood off to the side, shaking his head in embarrassment over his mother's antics.

"Mom. . ."

"Is this Inuyasha? Oh, look at those cute ears." and before anyone could stop her, she had her fingers wrapped around his tender ears, rubbing them excitedly.

Inuyasha growled softly as Kagome pulled her mother off of him, looking embarrassed by her actions. She took her by the arm, pulling her away and down the hall.

"Hi, I'm Sota." chimed the young boy standing next to him. "Sorry about mom, she gets a little excited at times."

"Feh." Inuyasha grunted, eyeing the boy warily.

"Come on, we had better catch up, so they won't leave us."

Inuyasha watched as the young boy turned and skirted the thinning crowds in search of his mother and sister. Shaking his head in disgust, he followed quickly, ignoring the stares he was receiving.

"So, are you going to marry my sister and become my brother? That would be so cool, I've always wanted a brother. Your ears are awesome, I wish that I had some like yours. Do you think that I could touch them later, please?" Sota chattered on non-stop, skipping along side of him. Inuyasha grimaced at the constant questions.

"Sota, leave Inuyasha alone!" hollered Kagome. Inuyasha sighed, hoping that this wasn't an indicator of more to come.

~*~

The trip to the shrine was pleasantly filled with silence. Inuyasha sat in the back seat next to Kagome, staring wistfully out the window. The landscape surrounding them was familiar and welcome to his tired soul. The scent of pine, earth, wind and water filled him with a sense of peace that had long since been gone from him.

Feeling movement next to him, he looked over at Kagome to find that she had drifted off to sleep, leaning against him. Moving carefully so not to wake her, he slid his arm about her shoulder and settled her head against his shoulder. She murmured softly in her sleep as she snuggled closer into his embrace. He looked lovingly down at the wonderful woman in his arms, not really believing that she was really there and that he finally was home with her.

He gently laid his cheek against her hair and inhaled the lavender scent that surrounded her. Closing his eyes, he thanked whatever power that had brought this woman into his life. If he hadn't decided to walk into that diner before he had left for training, he would have never found Kagome. Love swelled through his heart, threatening to burst and overflow. He drifted off to sleep, contented and happy for the first time in a very long time.

~*~

"Kagome, why don't you and Inuyasha take the guest room. I don't think that your old room will be big enough for the two of you." her mother called out as Kagome and Inuyasha carried their bags in the house. A blush highlighted Kagome's cheeks as she nodded, mortified at her mother's words. Inuyasha looked startled and slightly embarrassed also.

"This way, the room is the last on the left." Kagome squeaked.

Inuyasha nodded and followed her up the stairs and down the hall to the room. It was a large wide open corner room, with large windows and a small balcony. Sunlight streamed brightly into the room, adding a golden haze to the light colored wood of the furniture. A large bed stood in one corner, with a small couch, writing desk and night stand. A door on the wall to the left of the entry opened up into a private bath.

Kagome walked across the room and placed her bag on the end of the bed before striding to the balcony doors, opening them wide to let a light breeze flitter in.

Inuyasha watched as she leaned against the railing of the balcony, her back stiff. He dropped his bag next to hers on the bed and walked quietly up behind her, resting his hands on either side of her, his head nestling into her dark hair.

"It's good to be home, isn't it Kagome." he whispered softly. She nodded lightly before turning in his embrace, her arms circling about his waist as she burrowed into his long lean frame.

"I've been waiting for this moment forever, Inuyasha. For you to be here with me, holding me in your arms." she sighed breathlessly against his chest.

"As have I, my love." he replied as he tightened his hold on her, looking out over the fading sunset, cherishing this peaceful moment in time.

"As have I." he whispered again.

~~*~*~~

A/N: They finally are back where it all started. Will their life become easier or will it all fall apart? Let me know what you think. Thanks for reading.