Devotion and Sacrifice

By Danyealle

(fanfiction/angst)

Chapter 12

The End?

After the question and answer session ended Miroku had produced a couple bottles of Saki which quickly started making the rounds.  Indeed, Inuyashas’ return was something to celebrate and the pack intended to do just that.  When a bit of tipsiness began to show Sesshomaru slipped out of the hut and disappeared into the surrounding tress.  He found a quiet place far enough away that he wouldn’t be disturbed but close enough that if there was a problem he could hear it.  What he was needed was some time to think about what had happened and the ramifications of it.  Especially when it affected Kagome and his relationship with her. 

Because he had changed a bit since they had become closer he would admit that a tiny bit of insecurity about her had crept in on silent feet since Inuyasha had reappeared.  It was now time for him to sort things out the best he could.

~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~~

While listening to Kouga and Inuyasha banter the way they always had Kagome saw Sesshomaru slip out. She gave it about 10 minutes then excused herself.  After that it was easy enough for her to find him.

Of course, he sensed her coming before she got there and felt a bit better when she plopped that nice ass of hers on his lap.  Looking down at her, one arm automatically went around her waist.  “Why aren’t you with your friends?  I’m sure the celebration is still going on.”  He asked softly.

Shifting around until she was sitting sideways on his lap then leaned against his chest.  Looking up at him, she smiled, “Because you aren’t there.”  She replied simply.

Almost immediately his beast was once again purring like a neko.”  “Hn…” was all he said but the corners of his mouth turned up just a bit.

Starting to twirl a lock of his hair around her finger, she glanced up at him.  “Sesshomaru?  Do you remember when you told me that mating was something that lasted forever?”

Feeling his heart skip a beat, he looked down at her, “Yes.”

Shooting him what was suppose to be a glare she said, “Just because Inuyashas’ back doesn’t mean you can get rid of me!  You promised me forever Mr.! And forever I will get!  Don’t think for one minute that you can get rid of me that easily!”  She huffed, sticking her tongue out at him.

For the first time in as long as he could remember a smile of happiness slid across his face.  In her own quirky way she had alleviated his insecurity and had told him that her feelings hadn’t changed one iota.  Something the hentai monk had once said tickled his brain.  He had said that Kagome had enough love for the whole world and still had some left to spare.  Apparently he was right. 

Schooling his features into the best death-glare he could muster he sighed deeply, “You have to be the single most persistent woman I’ve ever met!”  He tried to snarl.

Grinning, she winked.  “Damn right I am!”  Lowering her voice, she said softly, “And you like it too Lord Demon Bad-Ass!”

Grinning again he actually chuckled that time.  “Yes I do.”  Looking into her eyes, he smirked, “That’s also a nickname I could deal with.”

Rolling her eyes, she just shook her head but a soft giggle escaped her.

“I suppose this all means that me and the asshole there are going to have to try to get along, doesn’t it?”  Inuyasha said, stepping in to view.

“I would settle for no violence, blood shed or open hostility.”  Kagome replied, giggling a bit.

Plopping down beside them, Inuyasha chuckled, “No promises but I can live with that I think.”

“As can I.”  Sesshomaru replied stoically.

Without saying a word, the obviously tired hanyou laid down beside them, put his head in Kagomes lap then shut his eyes.

Putting her head in the crook of Sesshomarus’ neck, she nuzzled him gently and put a hand on Inuyashas’ head.  With a soft, contented sight she shut her eyes.

Kissing her gently on the forehead, he gave her a gentle squeeze and rested his cheek against her head.  He put a hand on his half-brothers shoulder and gave it a bit of a squeeze before he wrapped his arm around the woman.  “Sleep, both of you.  I’ll ensure you’re safe.”  He said softly, a warm, calm feeling enveloping him.

“Thanks.”  Was Inuyashas slurred response.

“Love you.”  Was Kagomes’.

~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~~

As Mrs. Higurashi was serving Souta and Grandpa breakfast, Kagome and Sesshomaru walked in the door.  Smiling, she said, “You’re back already!”  Quickly, she sat out two more places and motioned for them to sit.

“Hang on mom, I have a surprise for you!”  Kagome said, grinning from ear to ear.  Quickly, she vanished outside.  Everyone gave Sesshomaru a questioning look but he just smirked as he sat down at the table.

Less than a minute later, Kagome came back in with Inuyasha in tow.  The old priests’ jaw dropped open.  Souta yelled his name then launched himself out of his chair and wrapped himself around his half-demon hero.  All Mrs. Higurashi could do was stare at him, both hands clapped over her mouth, tears in her eyes.

After picking the boy up one-armed, Inuyasha walked over and wrapped his other arm around the woman he saw as a mother-figure.

Once everyone calmed down, he looked down at her and grinned, “Can I get some ramen?  Someone didn’t bring any along with them, only what was left in her pack,” he said looking at Kagome. 

She just grinned at him.

Pulling away, Mrs. Higurashi wiped her eyes and smiled, “Of course dear!  Sit down and I’ll fix some.  While I do that, fill us all in!”

After he and Kagome seated themselves they ate as they walked her family through the previous days events.  Of course those who hadn’t been there were spellbound by the tale.  Inuyasha happily worked himself through several cups of the instant noodles while he talked.

After the food and tale was done her mother disappeared from the room, saying she had something for Kagome.  When she returned, she put a book-like rectangular item with a crest on the front in her hands.

Immediately, tears filled Kagomes eyes.  When she opened it and began to run her fingers over the lettering on the inside a couple of them trickled down her cheeks but she was grinning from ear to ear.

Slipping an arm around her shoulders, Sesshomaru looked at what she was holding, “What’s that?”

Eyes sparkling, she grinned, “My diploma!”

“I’m proud of you!”  Sesshomaru said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“Me too!”  Inuyasha said, resting his head against hers.  After a couple minutes he straightened up.  “Enough of that crap!  We have supplies to get woman!”

Rolling her eyes, she replied, “Let me guess… Ramen?”

“Of course!  With Lord Stick-Up-The-Butt along we can get more!”  He said, grinning.

Sesshomaru shot him a withering look and Kagome rolled her eyes.  “Last time you went shopping with me we ended up with five cases of the stuff.  How many more do you want?”

“At least 10 this time.”  He grinned.

Groaning, Kagome rolled her eyes again but went to get her purse.  Honestly, as happy as she was to have him back she would by him as much as he wanted.