Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha

A/N Oh my god, this story is now finally over… -bursts into tears- My baby is all done! I hope you guys like the epilogue!!

Forest of Purity

Epilogue. Everyone's Ending

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The outdoors, oh how she missed the outdoors. The singing birds, the beautiful greenery just beginning to turn orange with the changing seasons. Yes, she definitely needed to get out more since there was just no way she was going to ignore the changing greenery. She loved the fall season. The bright reds and oranges reminded her of a perfect sunset. 'Unless of course, Inuyasha decides to have things his way and keeps me inside the fortress until every scratch is healed on my body.' She thought with a hint of anger, clenching her jaw tightly at the thought.

He simply insisted that she wasn't well enough to step one delicate foot outside the perfectly carved wooden doors. Even though there was no threat for miles away including Sesshoumaru-sama whom had left earlier that day. Her forest was perfectly fine, even though it no longer carried its protective barrier. Speaking of which, she began to recall what Kaede had mentioned to her earlier.

The older woman had just been re-entering the fortress from doing some… target practice in the front of the home. At the time, Kagome didn't quite know why everyone was returning inside surrounded by dark clouds of anger. Now she knew, it was because of what Inuyasha did to them, resulting in them being laughed at and in Miroku's case, getting the living daylights beaten out of him.

As they passed, Kagome couldn't help but let a giggle escape her lips, motioning for Kaede to follow her to the kitchens. "Kaede-baba, I have something to ask." She spoke once she was sure they were alone.

"Ah, ye have a question for me?" Kaede-baba lifted one old eyebrow in confusion, but then smiled kindly. "Ask me anything ye desire, Kagome-chan."

Kagome beamed, "Well, it's about the Sacred Jewel. After I passed out, I never saw what happened to it." She fidgeted nervously, "Is it.. Still around?"

Kaede softly chuckled, "Nay child, the Shikon no Tama no longer exists. Did Midoriko-sama not tell you this? It disappeared when ye made yer wish."

"So that means… I'm free?" Kagome asked slowly, pointing to herself for emphasise on the matter.

"Ye and the Great Miko's to come. Yes, ye are free. But there will always be a Great Pure Miko born every five centuries, for the protection of those who cannot defend themselves against the darkness still lurking in the times." Kaede explained thoroughly, admiring Kagome's sudden glee that leaked off her body in waves.

'I just can't… I can be myself, I don't have to worry about some gem to protect anymore! I can do what a wish to do!' Kagome thought, ready to jump in the air with joy until she remembered her still healing wounds. She knew her hanyou would have a fit if he knew she was even out of her room.

And now here she was, sitting outside of the fortress, happy to finally have some time to herself to think properly. Her overall giddiness had worn off as soon as she started really thinking of what it meant not to have the Sacred Jewel of Four Souls around anymore. It meant, no barrier so no Forest of Purity to watch over, which in return meant no more contract to protect the innocent from the demons and humans alike that wanted to cause harm to them.

'Jinenji-kun will be in danger again, and Kouga-kun's wolf pack now has to be alert and on watch for any approaching threats.' Kagome thought sadly. She could always bring up another barrier as soon as she was healed, except that it wouldn't be as strong as the previous without the help of the Shikon and it would be an ordinary barrier. Meaning no distinguishes between good hearts and dark hearts, just a wall to stop anything from coming in.

"There you are!" A very ill tempered hanyou accused, growling at the woman for being so careless.

Kagome cringed for a second, hearing his irritated growls with her. She didn't mean to use Shippou as a distraction like she did, honest! He just so happened to be walking by her room while Inuyasha was back out to go and find and yell at his brother for approaching Kagome, 'Even though I clearly knew he was already gone.' She mentally laughed.

"You know, that runt practically had me fooled when he transformed into you! If it weren't for that stupid tail and the slight scent change, I probably would be back in there acting like a fool for falling for his stupid fox magic!" Inuyasha bellowed, sitting himself down next to her cross legged with his arms stuffed in either of his sleeves. "The hell do you think you're doing out here anyways?! You should be inside resting, not out here where you can—"

Kagome turned her head sharply at him, her fierce glares causing the hanyou to shiver. She inwardly smiled with satisfaction before resuming staring back at the forest. Things were unusually quite despite Kouga-kun's entire clan being right in her backyard doing god only knows what, and the taijiya's also still resting up. Sango had mentioned something along the lines of leaving tomorrow morning to go home, much to the monk's dismay.

"I am fine out here. We've got a fortress full of demon slayers and wolf demons. Nothing is going to hurt me," Kagome told him coolly, half smiling at his loud protests.

He had settled down and just scowled at her, "Whatever wench." He glared away then turned back to her, his scowl replaced with worry, "How are your wounds anyways? You didn't re-open them, right?"

Kagome laughed at his sudden change of attitude, "I'm fine, really. You always were worried about me, even when you were small." She sighed happily, remembering how adorable he was as a pup.

He sputtered incredulously, "Wh-what are you talking about 'when I was small', wench! You've only known me since I was around ten or somethin'." He grumbled, shaking his head at her, "Are you sure you're fine? Maybe you have a head wound Kaede-baba missed." He titled his head down to better look at her, "Or maybe a fever again." He placed a clawed hand against her forehead.

Kagome rolled her eyes and pulled down his hand, "Oh please, I'm fine Inuyasha." Though his eyes were still filled with disbelief with what she was saying, she explained to him that she did know him as a child. "Don't you remember at all the spell that was one you? Anything?"

The half demons nose shrivelled and his forehead creased in deep thought while his right foot absentmindedly fidgeted in his cross legged position. He remembered running away from arrows, just barely getting escaping the clutches of death as he half dragged himself back into the safety of more foliage. A spell? He shook his head and looked up at her, "I don't know what you're talkin' about, wench!"

She twitched as he repeated that nickname she so very much hated, "Stop calling me wench, you blockhead!" She hissed, crossing her arms in a small pout. 'I suppose some things are better left forgotten…'

"Keh!" Inuyasha's ears pinned themselves against the base of his skull in an imitation of her pout, "Make me, wench."

"Why you…" Kagome growled in a very Inuyasha-like way again, and turned her body fully towards him, ready to pounce.

He shrunk at her bubbling anger, slowly inching away from her with every crawling step she took to near him, "K-Kagome, you shouldn't be doin' anythin' that'll hurt you!" That did nothing to cool her temper, so he tried again, this time using a different approach, "Hey, you were sad about somethin' before I came out! Why were you so depressed?" He asked, his tone now taking on a more caring pitch.

She had blinked at him, the burning flames of anger behind her hazel eyes extinguished itself as she simmered down. Of course he was trying to change the subject to avoid a painful beating, she knew that, but was touched that he at least cared for her feelings on some level. 'Obviously he cares for my feelings, otherwise he wouldn't have k-kissed me, right?' She thought, forcing down the hot blush that desperately wanted to coat her pale flesh. "A-ah," 'What was it he asked me again?' She thought for a moment.

He stared at her silently for a few more seconds, waiting for her response. He sniffed curiously, noting that her cheeks were growing pink with what he thought was embarrassment or was she shy about something? Wait! Maybe she was thinking about some other male, like that fleabag wolf… He let out a growl while he focused on the wooden floorboards with interest. Yeah, he would kill that ookami if she was thinking about him right now.

"Inuyasha?" She whispered, raising a questioning brow at his odd behaviour, not that hers was any better. She had basically zoned out for a good two minutes, maybe three.

His ears perked at her wavering voice, and he had risked a look at her, "Uh," He snapped out of his mild violent fantasies of destroying the other male to look again at the girl in front of him. He had asked her something, oh, oh yeah! "So what were you so sad a-about earlier, Kagome?"

She visibly brightened at the mention of her name, but then glowered when she finally remembered exactly what it was she had been thinking, "I, I was just realizing that without the barrier anymore, the others that inhabited this place are no longer protected. Even if I did place a barrier of my own up, it wouldn't come close to the strength of the one that drew on the Shikon for power. Everyone is defenceless."

Inuyasha thought for a moment and nodded, "Well, it's about time they learn how to really live in this world. I've had to tough it out since I was a kid, so If a measly half breed can do it, than a dumb wolf tribe can."

"What about Jinenji-kun?" She asked uncertainly.

"Jinenji?" He tilted his head in confusion, slightly irritated that she used that suffix in what was clearly a males name, 'Maybe she was thinking of him and not the wolf! Damn, when I find out who he is, I'm gunna rip him a new one and—!'

"The other half demon that lives in this forest. You met him sometime ago when you were under the spell," She smiled again.

"Another half demon?" He half grinned, "Well, if he's as defenceless as you put it, then he can stay with the wolf tribe. The flea bitten mongrel won't have any problems takin' him in." He nodded to himself, "And if he does, then I'll just have to beat him to a pulp."

Kagome stared at him in astonishment. He just had answers for everything, didn't he? If he was so bright then, maybe he'd have the decency to answer another question that plagued her mind. The constant mental repeat of their kiss was enough to drive her mad for answers and maybe, another one of those kisses. "In-Inuyasha? A-ano, about earlier…" She began nervously, wrenching the fabric of her white robes with her pale fingers.

He uncrossed his arms to place his hands on his knees, looking at her again curiously. She was changing shades of colour again, and she asked about something that happened earlier. 'Earlier? O-oh gods, she means that damn kiss!' He also blushed, remembering how much his hands had actually wandered during that kiss. "Y-yeah?"

She was staring down at the floorboards intensely until she locked gazes with him, glad that she wasn't the only one a bit nervous about these things, "U-um, did you mean it…? I-I mean, wh-what I m-mean to say is, do you… do you um, like me in that uh… way?" She stuttered out, mentally cursing herself for sounding like such a fool.

His heart warmed at the thought of them being together, but his arrogant mouth had other plans, "K-keh! Why the hell would I like you more than just a friend, stupid girl." 'Oh shit oh shit oh god damn shit!' He mentally yelled at himself, wincing when she left him in a loud, cursing huff.

'Inuyasha! Y-you! Arg!' She fumed, trudging her way through the fortress to find a quiet place to barricade herself and die. She couldn't believe how heartless he had just been, really, did he have to be so immature about his feelings? Was it some sort of a male thing, or was he just born emotionally retarded? One thing was for sure, that was the last time she would ever go out on a damn leap when it came to her feelings. No way, no way she would do it again, no… Her eyes clouded over with unshed tears while she expertly manoeuvred her way through the various halls.

"Ah! Just the girl we've been looking for!" A voice piped from in front of her.

She lifted her head to stare at four blobs. She closed her eyes and breathed slowly, refusing to let her tears fall and urging them back, for now. When she reopened her eyes, she found her Four Heavenly Guardians standing and staring at her with worry. "H-hello everyone."

"Oh, what's wrong honey?" Jakotsu asked tenderly, grabbing her by her shoulders to bring her in for a hug. "Did that meany Inuyasha have anything to do with this?" He asked, remembering quite clearly what the evil hanyou had done to them earlier in the day.

"U-uh w-well it isn't important—" Kagome hiccupped, and then covered her mouth quickly with her hand. When she felt her guardian step away to give her that knowing look, she shrunk slightly. They really looked ready to kill now.

"No way he's gunna get away with making our girl cry," Bankotsu announced.

"That's right, we'll tear him apart." Suikotsu added with a wild smile.

"Now now, there must be some form of explanation for all of this," Renkotsu decided to calmly tell them, but sighed when they ignored him.

"Please, don't mind him. Just tell me why you were all looking for me?" Kagome finally said in a steady voice, holding her hands up in an attempt to keep them calm.

"Hn?" Jakotsu placed a finger on his chin in thought, "Oh yes! We just came to ask what your instructions were. What with everybody leaving tomorrow morning, we were wondering if you decided yet if you were staying here or not."

"Staying here?" Kagome repeated, and then remembered that she really had no reason to stay behind except to protect the ones living in her forest. But that problem already seemed to have been answered. "Well, as soon as my wounds heal, I suppose… I've always wanted to travel, help destroy other evil demons that want to hurt humans."

Bankotsu seemed to be fairly content with her answer and had nodded, "It's settled then, we'll accompany you when you set out."

"E-eh?" Kagome gaped at them, "Y-you don't have to follow my orders anymore, the war is over and—"

"Don't be ridiculous," Renkotsu muttered, "We are your guardians, and we will continue to be your guardians until we die. We were merely curious as to how our next adventure would begin, or if we were to stay here."

"Yeah, but now that you said your going, there's no way we aren't going along with you. It sounds exciting to me," Suikotsu continued.

"Besides, who else would be able to help keep that silly hanyou in line?" Jakotsu giggled, smirking at Kagome's flushed face.

The girl had nodded mutely, the depressing tears she had managed to push away had swept over her again in happiness, glad that her friends were willing to stay with her. She couldn't help but hug Jakotsu again, and motioned for the others to come over and share the embrace. She used this positive energy to help cope with what had just happened moments ago with the arrogant ass of a half demon. With the hug ending, she had asked them if they knew at all where Sango was. She felt the sudden need to speak with her, and to confide in her what had happened.

"Oh, she's over in the armoury shining her Hiraikotsu." Jakotsu answered easily, waving goodbye as she sprinted off in the direction she was pointed to.

She had muttered her thanks to them before she left, then tried to find this so-called armoury. With all the turns she did, she had managed to loose herself a bit, not really knowing where she was anymore. 'So much for knowing exactly where I am. This place is much bigger than I expected…'

'Keep going down the hall, turn left down the next and then right on the second door.' A voice instructed her with a small chuckled.

She jumped at the voice, knowing that it was probably in her head, like they always were. She also knew whom the voice belonged to, the velvety deep chuckle, and she imagined that knowing smile of his. It was definitely Seiryuu-sama who had just spoken, considering this was his fortress and all. So she had followed his exact directions, glad that she had been at least vaguely going in the right path to get there. Once she did arrive, she wasn't very surprised to see Sango with her other self attached to her hip, Miroku.

What did however surprise her, was the fact that the two of them were intensely locked in an endless make out session that could only be separated with her not only clearing her voice, or calling their names, but in fact yelling at them. She was immensely pleased when they had practically leaped apart, faces flushed and lips swollen. She couldn't lie though, she was jealous that those two seemed to have come to terms with their own feelings, even if they did barely know each other, their strong attractions was not unnoticeable.

Yet, here she was with her own problem and selfishly separating the two in hopes of having them comfort her for her loss of having such an affection returned. She was the one with the lifetime friend, she deserved to finally have love in her life! Right? What right did these two have to be together when they've only known of each other's existence for barely a month? She… She really was selfish, and hopeless right now.

"Sango-san?" She asked in a bit of a whisper, feeling a rush of emotions and her throat tighten with all the thoughts that had been plaguing her.

Sango, though embarrass, had noticed Kagome's distress and had been at her sides in seconds, with Miroku also on her other side worriedly. "Kagome-chan, what's wrong? What happened?" She asked, hugging Kagome to help comfort her.

Miroku had also embraced her, then nodded to Sango that'd he'd leave. Being the brilliant houshi that he was, he knew exactly where the root of the problem was, and he'd be damned if he didn't try his best to fix it. So he was off before Kagome could protest, though she probably wouldn't considering it was him and all. If anything she would batter him for, ahem, 'accidentally' brushing his hand across her rear. He shook his head and left the two, giving Sango his best 'good luck' smile while he was off to conquer his own problem.

"H-he is so stupid sometimes." Kagome stuttered with a bit of a whimper, sniffling loudly and wiping away her tears. Sango had brought her over to a set of chairs, and made them sit in front of a small flame that was used to repair armour and weapons.

"By he, you mean Inuyasha?" Sango asked sourly.

"Naturally," Kagome sniffled again, "He can be very clueless, you know? W-we kissed, and I- just… I-I just wanted to know if it meant something… W-we…"

Sango patted the miko's shoulder, "It's alright, I understand. Don't worry, Inuyasha is just very stupid when it comes to expressing feelings. From all the times that I've seen him, he can be very rash instead of thinking things through like a normal person would do."

"So Miroku's normal is he?" Kagome hid her weak smile when Sango coughed.

"Ahem, no that houshi-san is just special. And by special I mean he has unique way of displaying his true affections. I know his wandering hands can be bad, but his words are so comforting and he's so wise in many ways." Sango said, almost dreamily, "But that's only because he was taught to be good with words and making any form of nonsense sound believable. He's a troublemaking houshi, I must say." She explained.

"What is it you're getting at, Sango-san?" Kagome asked.

"Oh, well I'm just saying that Miroku-san is special because he was taught how to be how he is. Inuyasha, from what I hear, had been on his own for a very long time and learned how to survive by being strong and letting no one close to his heart. The last thing he needed was to be weighed down by useless emotions when survival was all that mattered. That is, until he met you." She pointed to the miko, "You need to give him time. I know he's stupid, and the biggest hard headed moron for miles, but I also know he has feelings for you."

"From what he just said to me, I doubt it." Kagome huffed, hugging herself.

"What did he say?"

"K-keh! Why the hell would I like you more than just a friend, stupid girl."

"What!" Sango stood from her chair, clenching her fists, "I'll rip off those precious ears of his!" She seethed, looking around for her katana.

Kagome covered her mouth when she let out a small laugh, "Sango-san, please don't do that. I'll miss his ears too much."

The taijiya's eyes twinkled with promise of violence, but not yet. She would take her revenge when the hanyou least expected it, that was a promise. "Fine," she lied, "But he is the stupid one for blurting such a stupid thing." She muttered darkly.

"I know." Kagome agreed.

"Why don't we go somewhere where I'm less tempted to use these weapons to kill Inuyasha?" Sango suggested, motioning to the various shields and swords that littered the armoury. None of these would be here if it weren't for her village, and she was glad they brought extra weapons that had come to be used by not only them but the Ookami as well.

Kagome had agreed, and they had migrated to the kitchen after putting out the small flame, where Kaede had already begun whipping up the next meal for everyone. It smelt heavenly, and added to help calm Kagome down that much more. She really did need to learn how to control her emotions, even if she wasn't the guardian of the Jewel anymore, she was still the Pure Priestess, and a role model for everyone around her.

Dinner was served sometime later, Inuyasha hadn't been present to take his share much to Kagome relief. She was happy she didn't have to face him yet, and had brightened somewhat at her friend's antics during their supper. She had come to learn that Miroku would be leaving with Sango to go back to her village. From there they would rest up and begin journeying to hunt down any followers of Naraku and other evil demons that were rumoured to be causing some ruckus.

Upon the mention of this, Jakotsu had told them that Kagome had been thinking of doing the same, and that left them to joke about the possibilities of meeting up again. Once Shippou-chan understood that Kagome was thinking of leaving, he too had said that he would follow her. He had grown attached to her in many ways, and Kagome understood that he most likely saw her as a motherly figure. She didn't have the least bit of a problem with this new development and welcomed it with open arms.

Kouga had been the next one to announce that his men had been scouting the areas for a new place to live. He said something about going to the mountains with Ayame-san and living there with both their tribes together. To this, Kagome had asked him if he would allow Jinenji to go with him, since he would need a safe place to be, and she didn't want him to be alone. As soon as she mentioned him, Kouga-kun had come up with the idea of the hanyou becoming their official healer, and thought about asking the half demon to not only join them but maybe also teach some of the other's how to grow herbs, and which would be appropriate for certain wounds and poisons.

All in all, it had been a long day that had extended into a long evening. Kagome was physically and emotionally tired. She could barely move her limbs to slip into bed, wincing when she felt a bit of tearing in her flesh. It wasn't too bad, but she had reopened one of her wounds a bit on her side. Even with the increasing spiritual powers returning in her system, it still wasn't enough to really start healing her gashes. Not for at least another day or two.

She stayed sitting up in her bed, ignoring the small crimson stain on her white robe in order to stare blankly at the wall in front of her. She could no longer feel tears well up in her eyes when her thoughts shifted to the hanyou, she was that tired. Instead she just felt inner turmoil and half wondered what he was doing at this very moment.

Was he thinking about her?

Was he as miserable as she was at the moment?

Or maybe he was perfectly fine, not moping around like she had been doing.

"I told you not to push yourself, now you've gone and opened up your wound." A familiar voice scowled, but in a gentle manner.

Kagome narrowed her eyes in the dark to see him, but with the lack of moonlight, it was very difficult. She desperately wanted to see that glint of silver, and warm golden pools, but found none. Instead, she was greeted with a black haired stranger, and barely resisted the urge to scream until she spotted what he was wearing.

"Inu-Inuyasha? I-is that you?"

"Feh, who else would it be?" Inuyasha shifted closer to her and sat down.

"Why do you look..?" Her voice faded when she caught his eyes. From what she could see, which wasn't saying much, was that they were a dark almost purple grey colour. His hair, once sparkling silver, was now inky black. The worst part had been the lack of dog ears that were usually perched on his head. Instead he had human ears hidden behind his long inky black locks.

"So human? Keh, I never did tell you… this is my human form. I turn into this weakling when the lunar cycle begins." He explained, "But even so, my nose is still more sensitive than a regular humans, maybe not as good as my demon nose, but good enough to be able to scent out blood in a room just fine." He paused, staring at her with an emotion she barely recognized.

"Is that why you didn't come to dinner? You don't want the others knowing of your night of weakness?" Kagome asked.

"Feh, why else would I miss a meal?" He snorted, inwardly wincing when she turned her head and looked down at her lap. He didn't mean to sound so cold, he just couldn't form the proper words sometimes... He sucked in a long breath, remembering what the houshi had told him.

"Do not insult her, do not yell at her, and above all do not upset her."

He nodded to himself.

"Now the best way to a woman's heart is with kind words, maybe some poetry—"

"Hey you know, Kagome, how enticing your eyes can be? Sometimes, I loose myself in them if I stare too long, and I love to stare at them. Wonderful, warm, pools of hazel." He breathed, tilting her head up with one of his rough fingers.

"—I don't do poetry, monk, but I'll think of somethin' nice."

She stared at him as if he had grown a second head, "Inuyasha? What are you saying?"

"Well if that fails, you can always try to impress her with your intelligence—"

Inuyasha tried to keep calm, "I'm trying to express your beauty with a selection of words that best compliment your one aspect that draws me to you most." He tried his best with that one, sounding smart with an extended vocabulary seemed like a good idea that was working until Kagome gave him another look of confusion.

"—I grew up in the woods, by myself, only interested with surviving against monsters, not learning how to speak like a damn noble."

"Why are you talking like this?" Kagome asked, searching for any indication in his facial expression for some form of answer.

"Well if that fails, then my friend you have no choice but to try to be the seductive hunter, ready to pounce on his pray. Now that can't fail—"

Inuyasha grinned at her sexily, shifting so that he was on all fours, and moving closer to her. She inched away slightly with every step he took closer, until she couldn't move any further due to the wall behind her. He placed his face close to hers, his hot breath tickling her lips, her cheek, then he moved so that his face was in the crook of her neck. He nipped at her flesh softly, feeling her shiver under his touch. His grin widened and he moved so that his mouth was next to her ear, "I'm talking like this, because you drive me to be like this. Do you have any idea how gorgeous you really are?" He whispered huskily in her ear.

"—I can't do that to her! What if I get hit, or worse kneed in the groin for getting that close to her!"

Although she had somewhat wanted something like this to happen, she didn't quite imagine it like this. She couldn't deny what he made her feel like, and she undoubtedly enjoyed the compliments he kept showering her with, but this was just not like him. Maybe he was mentally unstable as a human or something, either way, she had placed a hand on his chest and pushed him away so that she felt a bit more settled. "Inuyasha, stop it."

"I see your point. If that fails, then just beg for forgiveness and tell her how much of an idiot you were for saying those harsh words—"

The now human Inuyasha backed off almost reluctantly, having liked that personality very much. He half wondered what I'd be like if he were to get close to her again but in his hanyou form, her scent filling his nose like a drug. That is, if he survived this night and managed to get Kagome to forgive him. He opted to scratching the back of his head nervously and chewing on the inside of his cheek. "I'm sorry." He muttered so low, she had almost missed it.

"—What if she doesn't forgive me? What if she doesn't fall for any of those weird personalities that you want me to do? What if she doesn't want to be around me anymore?"

Kagome flushed, "What?"

"Trust me, I know you may not remember much about me Inuyasha, but I do know how kind Kagome is. She will forgive you."

He took in a large breath, "I'm sorry for.. What I said. I didn't mean it." He held his breath when he risked a glance back at her, cursing his moonless night for not allowing him to see her facial expressions properly.

"You mean what you said just now? Because that was somewhat nice for a change," She finally spoke, causing him freeze up dramatically.

She had missed the point he was making. Missed the fact that he was apologizing for the insults from earlier, not his antics from just now. "God damn woman! I wasn't talkin' about now, stupid! I was talking about when we were outside!" He blew up, growling at himself almost immediately after he yelled those words, and cursed under his breath.

"O-oh,"

He could see that her frame was shaking, and felt the utmost deepest regret for his outburst. Had he made her cry again? He couldn't really tell without his nose, and her face was hidden behind her hair. Damn he was so stupid, so rash, and above all— He blinked when he heard a small giggle.

Was she…

Was she laughing at him?

"Oi,"

She just shook her head and tried to cover her mouth to stop the giggles.

"Oi, woman!"

She tilted her head up, her body still shaking as she tried her best to control the strong urge to laugh out loud.

"Are you mockin' me!"

She shook her head vigorously, and only removed her hands when she found that she was back in control of her laughter. "N-no, I just realized why you were acting so strange. I-I thought that it was because of your human night, but then you apologized.. Now I see, this has Miroku-san's name written all over it." She smiled, "I can't believe, you tried to change yourself for me… That was very considerate of you."

"Keh! So you're tellin' me that I went through all that hell for nothin?! All I had to do was just say sorry?" He almost whined when she nodded her head. He had honestly gone through hell trying to rack his brain and prepare himself for approaching her tonight. All of that advice, wasted.

"Inuyasha, I like you because of your personality. I like you as you, not as some poetic, gentle spirit." She explained, brushing some of his stray inky strands out of his eyes, "I like how your rough around the edges, even if you can be a bit dumb when it comes to emotions, I know that you do show that you care in other ways."

His cheeks flushed, yeah, she liked him. From what he understood, she really liked him. He smirk, "I like you too, wench, along with your temper tantrums you like to pull too."

'He—Wait what?!' She thought, "What temper tantrums?! I'll have you know, I have grown out of those a long time ago! I am not a child anymore Inuyasha—"

"Oh I know." Inuyasha purred, inching himself closer to her again, making her nervous with their proximity. "You are definitely not a child anymore." He chuckled, lowering his head so that he could plant searing kisses along her throat. He nipped at her flesh, moving up along the curve of her pale throat until he began nipping and kissing her jaw line. "No, you blossomed into a woman a long time ago," His ears strained to hear a faint moan from her lips, urging him further.

He had slowly brought her into his lap, wrapping his hands around her waist as a starting point, "I just wish that I could have found you sooner. Being away from you, drove me crazy." He admitted, rubbing small circles along her lower back.

"I missed you too," She also admitted, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He was glad, and relieved to know that he wasn't the only one to have felt so alone when they were separated. He kissed her cheek affectionately, "You know I'd never do this to you, just to use you Kagome. I do… care for you a lot."

Kagome nodded, "I know, I just wanted to be sure."

Inuyasha sighed, he liked this. He liked this a lot. He rested his forehead against hers and just stared lovingly into her eyes, "In my human form, I'm more prone to being emotional than when I'm hanyou. So after this, I'm sorry if I don't show much affection, you know… around others and stuff. I just.. my demons side makes me different and I—"

"It's okay. I understand," Kagome reassured him, "Even if you don't tell me you care for me every night before I go to sleep, I'll know that you really do. And you should know that I love you too, and I always will." Kagome whispered.

His hands had tightened around her and he bit back a groan, she loved him. She loved him. "Keh, well now that you have me, consider yourself stuck with me, wench." He purred sexily, closing the little distance that was left with ease. He brushed his lips softly, taking her lower lip between his to taste her. When she hungrily returned the affection, he was half surprised that she was the one first to demand to deepen the kiss, and he welcomed it without a second thought.

Kagome had wanted to yell at him, for using that name again with her. But maybe, just maybe, she could get used to it. It would be a small price to pay to be with him forever, finally free, finally able to do what she's always wanted to do.

Seeing the world with her childhood friend, her most cherished loved one.

Finally, she could be like a normal woman in love.

Inuyasha pulled away from her suddenly, remembering something very important, "Oi, that injury of yours ain't gunna heal itself if it keeps bleedin' everywhere."

"It's fine, all I need are some new bandages and I'm good as new." Kagome tried to reason, because really, she wanted to keep doing what they were doing.

"No way, that old hag should have let me use my saliva when I had the chance! Instead, she used those stupid herbs that do jack all while I could have healed you by now." He growled.

"I'm fine."

"Take off that robe and we'll see who's fine."

"What?! I am not just stripping in front of you—"

"It ain't anything I haven't seen before—"

"—You what?! Pervert! You're just as bad as the houshi!"

"No, no one is as bad as the houshi."

"I begged a differ!"

On the other hand, maybe being a normal woman with a perfect relationship was a bit overrated.

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Owari

A/N All done! I hope you guys liked the ending! It was tough to find a proper spot to stop. So since I wanted to add something else, I'm gunna do a little bonus 'after the credits' type thing. Since I think that the ending should have included this scene.

Thank you all for tuning in to this story, and for your wonderful reviews! Even if you didn't review every chapter, that's fine, as long as I know you liked it in the end! Thanks again, you guys are what inspire me most! And I hope to see you guys when I continue my other fic! Toodles!

Cut scene:

Sango sighed happily from the other side of the door, leaning against Miroku, "I'm so happy for them, they're finally together."

Miroku smirked, "Well, if it weren't for my expert advice, they wouldn't be right now."

"Oh please, that advice of yours couldn't have done this." Ayame snorted, curling up against Kouga. "All I know is that I'm happy he's human tonight, because we can finally get away with spying on them."

Kouga nodded, "Yeah, I agree. There was no way in hell I would have come to do this if he wasn't human."

"I still can't believe he managed to hang us all up there." Jakotsu mused out loud, referring to the incident in the morning.

"And then instead of the others helping us get down, they pointed and laughed." Bankotsu added with a scowl.

"Don't forget, we were cut down by someone who took pity on us." Renkotsu piped.

"Except that the old hag just had to humiliate us even more by shooting us down with her damnable arrows." Suikotsu grunted in annoyance.

"If I were you guys right now, I'd be stepping away from the door," A smaller voice warned from a few steps away.

All eyes were trained on the small kitsune that smiled evilly at them.

"Sh-Shippou-chan, you wouldn't rat us out, would you?" Miroku swallowed nervously.

The fox kit's smile broadened even more, "I guess you don't know what us fox demons like to do in our pass time." He took out a spinning top, ready to knock open the door with his fox magic. Oh yeah, he would revel in exposing them to an angry Inuyasha.

Everyone took in a nervous breath, and then they all booked it out of the hallway faster than humanly possible.

Shippou tucked the top back in his shirt with a small giggle, "Idiots." 'Inuyasha owes me one.' He thought, 'and I've got the perfect leverage against all of them when I need it.' With that, he had walked off back to his room, whistling innocently.

End of scene.

A/N Haha, I love Shippou-chan!! Anyways, thanks again for reading! And ta ta for now!