"Hide me!" Kagome cried out as she burst through the small café doors. Miroku narrowed his eyes at the latest intrusion on his once peaceful café, unsurprised to find a frazzled Kagome whose eyes were darting about, surveying the room; it was a Friday after all.

"Oh no! Not today, Kagome." Miroku said as he rounded the corner of the bar to escort her from the premises. "We're full today and the Kid's been keeping me up all week."

"You don't understand, Miroku!" Kagome wailed as she desperately fought Miroku's hold on the back of her collar which he was using to drag her towards the door. "He is relentless!"

"Which is even more reason for me to boot you." Miroku replied, his voice monotone. "I don't want the media staking out my place again. Sango would kill both you and me."

"No, no, no! It's not the reporters." Kagome lowered her voice to a whisper and pulled Miroku's ear down so no one else would hear. "It's him." Miroku sighed.

"Kagome, I really don't have time for your games, who is stalking you this time?" Kagome glanced nervously around the café for any prying ears before once again whispering into his ear.

"Sesshomaru."

"Sesshomaru?" Miroku repeated loudly only to get Kagome's hands slapped over his mouth.

"Shhhhh!" Kagome hissed. There was a flash of silver outside the windows and Kagome lunged for the nearest table by the door. Looking over his shoulder, Miroku saw a white car continuing down the street. His wife's best friend was cowering under an occupied table, much to the patrons' amusement, and was occasionally sneaking bread rolls. Rubbing his eyes, Miroku resigned himself to an afternoon spent sorting out Kagome's craziness.

"Alright," Miroku conceded as he knelt beside the table, Kagome's body hidden from sight by the tablecloth. "Just what happened this time?"

"He has been stalking me all week!" Kagome hissed out her eyes wild from lack of sleep. Reaching out, Kagome grasped Miroku's shoulder. "You should prepare yourself too, Miroku. Sesshomaru has finally snapped. We've been telling him that all that work would drive him insane… He was too young!"

"Wow, calm down, Kagome!" Miroku placated, "I'm only getting bits and pieces. Why is Sesshomaru stalking you? He snapped?"

"The dog has got it into his head that we should try dating and has been following me ever since then!"

The café went silent, the whole establishment having been listening in, though none could believe what they had heard. Sure Kohaku had told his brother in law and some of the regulars that Sesshomaru had gotten in a fight over a woman but never had they thought it was Kagome Kohaku was talking about.

"Haaaa?" Miroku exclaimed in surprise, falling over in shock. "Sesshomaru asked you out…in a romantic way? Sesshomaru who we believed was autosexual all through college actually asked someone out and not the other way around?"

"See what I mean! It's an emergency." Kagome said as she clung to one of the tables legs as if her life depended on it.

"Of all the people in the world, he wants you?" Miroku continued in a trance like shock.

"Hey, I resent that." Kagome grumbled.

"He's truly gone off the deep end."

"Miroku!" Kagome yelled angrily just as the front door of the café was slammed open.

"Miroku…come!" Sesshomaru commanded calmly from the entryway.

"I'm not a damn dog." Miroku muttered as he rose to his feet. These two were going to be the death of him someday soon. "Yea, yea. What do you need, Sesshomaru?"

"Have you seen Kagome recently?"

"Nope." Miroku replied calmly. Sesshomaru was about to leave when he noticed the grins on many of the customers faces.

"You lie."

"Sesshomaru! Would I lie to you?" Miroku said crossing his arms defensively. Even to Miroku that sounded weak, Sesshomaru's eyebrow attesting to that fact. Miroku was a known swindler and conman through his university years before Sango straightened him out. "Ah. Yea. Right. That was pretty stupid."

"Indeed."

"She's under the table over there." Miroku said pointing to one of the tables in the back. Immediately Sesshomaru strode across the space and threw back the tablecloth only to find nothing. A jingling of bells alerted him to Kagome's hasty retreat.

"We'll talk later, monk!" Sesshomaru snarled as he tore after the fleeing girl.

When the two troublemakers had finally left Miroku sank to the floor and clutched his chest, heart racing. Miroku used the sleeve on his other arm to wipe the cold sweat that had broken out on his forehead, lying to Sesshomaru did that to a person.

"This is getting old, Kagome." Sesshomaru panted out, Kagome pinned against the wall. He had finally caught up to Kagome in a game center where she had been attempting to blend with the crowd. She should have known that that wouldn't work against Sesshomaru; he always seemed to be able to find her.

"Well maybe if you stopped following me it would be less redundant."

"I wouldn't have to follow you everywhere if you would just listen to me for a moment!" Sesshomaru snapped angrily. Kagome tensed, startled and slightly afraid of his tone. Seeing this, Sesshomaru sighed and released her, moving his hands to the wall beside her head; effectively cutting off any escape routes. "Please listen." he whispered hoarsely as he pressed his head against Kagome's upper back.

"Ok." Kagome quietly said after a moment.

"Thank you."

The car ride to Kagome's home was painfully silent, their minds occupied on what would be said and what would happen to their relationship going forward. Both found themselves preying that the drive to her house would be long and they could have more time to gather their thoughts but, inevitably, they arrived.

Sesshomaru waited patiently for Kagome to unlock the door and were greeted by Dog's cheerful bark as he came scampering around the corner. Smiling, Sesshomaru crouched to scratch Dog's chin, Dog allowing it until he decided that Sesshomaru's hand would be perfect for his teething purposes. Kagome couldn't help the warm smile that spread across her face at the sight of Sesshomaru attempting to "teach" the puppy that his hand was not a chew toy only to fail spectacularly when Dog made a lunge for it again.

A few minutes later, a nervous Kagome entered the living room with their tea and took a seat in the chair opposite the couch where Sesshomaru sat. Aside from the mumbled thank you, the room fell silent.

All week since they had returned from their hiking trip Sesshomaru had relentlessly hunted Kagome down, confident that if he could speak to her about how he felt that she would understand him. Now that he had her there with him, though, he couldn't find the words to express himself. How does one explain such an all-encompassing emotion as the one he feels toward her?

"Sesshomaru-" "Kagome-" They both spoke at once.

"You first." Kagome said, "You have been trying to all week after all."

"Thank you." He said before sighing and rubbing the back of his neck in frustration. "Though, I can't think of a way to explain my actions. I've always been so good with words too…"

"Lawyers…" Kagome muttered irked under her breath knowing that he heard her regardless.

"It's just… I can't…"

"Should I slip into something more comfortable? This seems like it will take a while." Kagome said trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"Wait. Just give me a minute." He said as he got up to start pacing the room. "I've never been one to become attached to things, you know this better than anyone else, and I've never really had to work hard at something; it just comes naturally."

"This is how you're going to start explaining?"

"Women have always thrown themselves at me." Sesshomaru continued, choosing to ignore Kagome's comment for the moment. "I have a nice apartment, a good car, a rewarding career, and a few friends I would consider close.

"I never thought that I lacked in anything and am grateful that I had such privilege. A few weeks ago when Kagura broke up with me I felt nothing just as I hadn't for any who came before her. To me, our parting felt the same as when I lose a pen; inconvenient for a moment until I get a new one. Our relationship was superficial and shallow… all my relationships have been."

"I don't see how this connects back to the current situation." Kagome said confused.

"My father told me that I lacked a passion for life and the people in it. That that was the reason people always left me or thought me to be unapproachable." Sesshomaru paused in his pacing to look at his best friend, his eyes serious and searching. "He was wrong, of course."

"What do you mean?" Sesshomaru continued to watch her for a moment before sprawling himself across the couch; Dog gleefully jumping up on his stomach with a stuffed animal to play with.

"Do you remember the time we went to that amusement park and rode the rides until we had to be ushered out? What about the feeling of excitement and the thrill of the rides that kept us from leaving?"

"I do." Kagome smiled fondly at the memory, specifically the knots that had formed in Sesshomaru's hair that she spent hours brushing out.

"How about the awe and wonder we felt when I tracked you down in northern Canada photographing the starry sky and the northern lights appeared?" Kagome nodded in affirmation. "What about the warmth and joy you get whenever we spend an evening at your mom's house with everyone or your pride when someone can relate to one of your photographs? The overwhelming hormonal lust and desire from when we were in middle school and going through puberty?"

"I remember." Kagome said with a light blush.

"Then you also recall the feeling of fear and desperation when your father passed away?" Though she was silent, her eyes were sad in the remembrance.

"This is how I feel whenever I am with you, Kagome." Her head snapped up at his words and she was astonished by the expression in his eyes, they gripped her and her hand itched to take a photo. She had never seen such depth directed towards her before. "I'm so nervous and excited I don't know whether I'm going to be sick or die of anticipation. My heart races when you say my name and my stomach is constantly aflutter each time you smile. I find myself laughing and smiling without realizing it and whenever I speak with you my chest warms. I am so proud and attracted to everything that makes you you from your chipped nail polish to the chocolate binges you have whenever we watch a sad movie."

"Hey now…" Kagome said warningly.

"But I am terrified, Kagome." Sesshomaru said shakily, his voice allowing some of his fear to enter it. "I am in awe of you, so much that I am almost afraid that my touch would tarnish or break you."

"Sesshomaru you wouldn't-"

"I can't let you go though." He said, his voice wet, as he covered his face with an arm, Dog nudging it hesitantly with his nose. "So many people have left me, so so many. I can't lose you too, Kagome. My life is so empty without you there. I cannot even begin to describe the pain and jealousy I felt toward Koga. Watching you smile for him, embrace him, kiss him…"

"Sesshomaru." Kagome whispered sadly. She had no idea that her actions were felt so strongly by him or that he cared so much.

"I love you so much, Kagome. So much that I am scared and elated at the same time." Warm hands wrapped around his arm to pull it from in front of his face. Kagome smiled down at him from where she knelt by his head. His eyes were red and streaks of tears had run down the side of his face and into his hair. "I love you, Kagome." Leaning over, Kagome kissed his brow.

"Thank you for being honest with me, Sesshomaru." Kagome said softly, still holding his hand in hers. "I care for you a great deal as well."

"So does this mean-" Sesshomaru said suddenly sitting up.

"But like you I'm terrified." Kagome cut him off and began to play with their fingers nervously. "There are so many what ifs and I can't lose you either, Sesshomaru. There is no way of knowing what will happen if we continue down this road and I refuse to take any risks involving you. Absolutely not."

"Kagome, I'm willing to risk anything if it means you will always be with me."

"I'll always be with you if we stay as friends, Sesshomaru."

"But you won't!" Sesshomaru countered, "You will find someone else and start a family with them. You would be so happy, Kagome; you can be happy no matter what life throws at you. But I would die each day seeing the happiness I wanted with you. We couldn't be the same, Kagome. I couldn't."

"It would be so easy." Kagome whispered as she brushed a stray hair from his face. "So easy to fall in love with you." Sesshomaru caught her hand against his cheek and leaned forward so their foreheads were touching.

"Fall for me, Kagome." He whispered back, "Please."

"It'll be our greatest adventure yet." She quipped, eyes shining with affection even as tears of joy and trepidation escaped down her cheek.

Each year millions travel to see the seven wonders of the world; manmade or natural. One town, however, had formed a small citizen's council in response to the eighth. It had been innocent at first but soon became a necessity for public safety. Coincidentally, it was made up of quite a few familiar faces. Miroku, unsurprisingly was the founder of the organization fondly known as PAKS or Protection Against Kagome and Sesshomaru. Though Kagome and Sesshomaru's relationship was widely celebrated and their privacy frequently invaded by curious citizens, their arguments were legendary. They may have been destructive when they were friends but their fights were cataclysmic as a couple. It only took them destroying Miroku's shop once before he started the council to mitigate or prevent the disasters the two left in their wake.

Of course the organization had deep roots in the community as well. The people surrounding Kagome and Sesshomaru were quickly recruited; namely Kohaku, Sango, and their families. Kagome's mother was so happy that her daughter had such caring friends, believing that the espionage aspect was thrilling. Miroku almost felt bad for tricking her. Until he remembered the fifth time he had to repair a gaping hole in his wall. Though the two did pay for the damages, Miroku had to wonder just where all the money was coming from.

In addition to the people closest to them, a hotline to a red phone in Miroku's café had been set up for the general public to call. As many of their fights eventually led to Miroku's, he was given the honor of having the phone. He always felt a chill rush down his spine when it would ring having to force himself to come to terms with the disaster that would soon strike.

So when the phone began to ring that morning, it was with great reluctance that he answered.

"This is Miroku."

"It's a code black, Miroku!" Kohaku practically screamed into the receiver, "I repeat, a code black!"

"What did Kagome do this time?" Miroku paled, code black was only used in the worst of situations and were usually the result of Kagome doing something stupid.

"It seems she left-"

"You left the country again without letting me know or bringing anyone with you!" Sesshomaru yelled into his phone as he stormed through Miroku's front door; the door opening so hard that the knob left a dent in the wall and knocked the door off its hinges. A tick formed on Miroku's brow even as he made to prepare Sesshomaru's usual code black order: spiced rum. "Of course I wouldn't let you!" Sesshomaru paused to listen to his irate girlfriend try to persuade him. "I don't care if the Isle of Skye has real fairies; you need to tell me if you decide to run off to Scotland." Sesshomaru took a long pull from his drink before he suddenly started choking. "You will not go to Myanmar when you are finished in Scotland, Kagome! You are returning home. When I finish up my case load for this month, I'll get time off so we can go together." Downing the rest of his drink he rose to leave. "Wait, don't hang up on me, Kagome!" he paused, "Kagome. Kagome? Damn!" Sesshomaru exclaimed as he shattered the tumbler against the counter.

"So I take it Kagome took off again?" Miroku asked conversationally, broom and dust pan already in hand. Sesshomaru glared fiercely at the self-acclaimed monk. "Right…touchy subject."

Turning back to his phone, Sesshomaru punched in a combination of familiar numbers and waited for the person on the other line to answer.

"Hello?" a voice inquired calmly.

"Kohaku, it's Sesshomaru."

"Ehhh!" Kohaku exclaimed surprised that his boss knew his private number despite having worked for Sesshomaru for several years having gotten a job after his internship had been completed. "What can I do for you?"

"You will inform the office that I will be taking a week's leave."

"But sir, you have a number of high profile cases! Who is going to end up with all them?"

"Who do you think?" Sesshomaru replied, his voice relaying his annoyance. "Don't lose any of them, Kohaku. I'll kill you."

"Sess-" Sesshomaru ended the call, quickly cutting Kohaku's complaint off. Leaving a pile of crumpled bills on the counter, Sesshomaru made for the door.

"Taking a little vacation?" Miroku hedged hoping that he kept his relief out of his voice.

"She is so dead when I find her." Sesshomaru muttered as the door swayed on its last hinge behind him.

"I can't take much more of this." Miroku sighed exhausted.

"It wasn't that bad." One of the regulars said taking a sip of his coffee. "At least Sesshomaru didn't destroy anything really; Kagome's the violent one of the pair."

"I suppose," Miroku agreed, "but Sesshomaru is terrifying when angry."

"Didn't someone bet that Kagome would run off sometime soon?" Another regular asked as she took a bite of her cake.

"Hmm, I think your right." Another woman said from beside her. "They should be getting quite the pay off."

"I can't believe you people are still placing bets." Miroku murmured as he massaged his temples tiredly.

"What are you talking about?" someone else laughed, "You're the administrator for the betting pool."

"So I am." Miroku laughed dryly.

Across town, Sesshomaru was pulling into the driveway of the home he now shared with Kagome. Walking to the door, he was happy to hear Dog's excited barking. After thoroughly petting and brushing Dog, Sesshomaru began to wander through the house. He liked seeing what few things he had mixed among Kagome's clutter. It was a comforting sight to come home to. Entering their bedroom, Sesshomaru smiled down at the young woman napping in their large bed. Sneaking into bed himself, Sesshomaru snuggled up to Kagome and wrapped his arms around her to bring her even closer.

Kagome stirred slightly, Sesshomaru's slightly cooler skin waking her. He smiled amused at Kagome's effort to fight off the sleep; her heavy lids parting ever so slightly only to fall closed as sleep pulled at her. Deciding to be generous, Sesshomaru took one of her fingers and began to lightly nibble on it.

"Ngh," Kagome moaned annoyed, "Sesshomaru, knock it off."

"You didn't greet me when I came home."

"So you decided to eat me?"

"There was no other choice." He replied seriously. "Sacrifices must be made to appease me."

"I refuse. Eat Dog or something." Kagome said as she burrowed under the covers and away from him.

"You know," Sesshomaru continued as he followed her under, "It's a code black right now."

"Oh dear," Kagome mumbled dryly, "Whatever shall we do?"

"Appease me." Sesshomaru whispered hotly in her ear.

"Not now." She said pushing his head away. "Too sleepy."

"How was Scotland?" He asked knowing that she had only just returned moments before him.

"Pleasant, my crew was surprisingly helpful."

"See what happens when you communicate."

"Don't be an ass, Sesshomaru."

"Anyway," he said hugging her close, "I'm glad your home."

"Me too."

A few hours later their nap was disturbed by a beast of the hairy sorts, Dog no longer allowing his owners to ignore him. His wet tongue laved at their faces and hands as he bounced on top of them.

"Fine," Sesshomaru eventually gave up, "I'll play with you." Satisfied, Dog bounded out of the room to retrieve one of his toys. Looking back at the warm bed Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at his sleeping girlfriend. If I had to wake up so does she.

"Sesshomaru!" Kagome's yell could be heard throughout the house as she chased after both him and Dog who had taken off with the bed sheets. As usual though, Kagome found herself wrapped up in the blankets, effectively immobilized with Dog and Sesshomaru both seated happily on her back. "If you bite Sesshomaru, I'll give you his food for a week, Dog!" Kagome bribed. Dog looked at Sesshomaru in curiosity, clearly not understanding a work Kagome had said but looking to his alpha for guidance.

"No." Sesshomaru stated firmly. At that, Dog laid down with his head on Sesshomaru's lap. "Good boy."

"Traitor." Kagome muttered. Sesshomaru smiled and planted a kiss on her cheek. A knock at the door drew both of their attention and sent Dog running for cover. Stretching as he stood, Sesshomaru made to answer the door; not caring how suspicious his girlfriend rolled up on the couch would look to the guest.

"Ah, Sango!" Sesshomaru said, opening the door wider to allow her in. "Come on in, Kagome's over there."

"Sango! Save me!" Kagome cried out from the couch. Unfortunately, Sesshomaru sat himself back down and Dog came out to greet Sango.

"Look Kagome," Sango said blushing furiously, "I know that Sesshomaru has some…animalistic tendencies but could you please keep them to the bedroom? I mean, this is the living room and anyone who passes by might see…"

"Wait!" Kagome exclaimed, "You think this is some sort of mating thing?"

"There are many people who enjoy bondage, Kagome. It's not something to be embarrassed about." Sango continued despite the furious blush that clearly said that she was embarrassed. Kagome could only gape at the conclusions her friend was drawing. Craning her neck to look up at her boyfriend, she was horrified to see the roguish smirk on his face.

"Sesshomaru?" she inquired hesitantly.

"What interesting ideas your friend has, Ka-go-me."

"Sango, help me!" Kagome cried squirming even as Sesshomaru began to tie the knots tighter. Sango continued to watch, entranced; fanning herself with her hand.

"Any-anyway, Kagome. I just stopped by to drop off your winnings." Sango said as she scurried forward to place the money on the coffee table. "Though I don't think it's very fair that you two are placing bets and ensuring that you win by acting on them. Have a good day and welcome back!"

"Sango!" Kagome's eyes teared up as her final hope for salvation escaped. Swallowing thickly, she once again turned to look up at the looming predator above her.

"What did I ever do to deserve this?" She lamented.

"I didn't particularly like that phone call earlier." Sesshomaru said nipping at the back of her neck. "I don't want you out of my sight ever."

"I wasn't even in Scotland when I made that call. I was in the car headed back from the airport!"

"Doesn't matter, you weren't with me." He paused in his ministrations, "And what was all that talk about Bagan, Myanmar?"

"…"

"Kagome." He said warningly.

"Consider it an advance notice for next week?" She replied innocently, "They have some amazing temples."

"So you were planning on leaving so soon again?" Sesshomaru chuckled darkly from above her.

"About that appeasement…"

"I've got all week off, Love."

Everything was perfect; Sesshomaru had ensured that it would be. They, well he, had been preparing for this day for the last few months. The musicians and priestess had gathered and he had been told that preparations at the shrine had been completed. Even the weather was favorable, a partly cloudy sky keeping the air warm enough for an outdoor ceremony without the guests being overheated in their ceremonial dress. Yes, everything was in place just as he had planned. So that led to his main question.

Where was his bride?

She was over a half hour late to their meeting point where the procession to the temple would begin. Of course, he had planned for her to be late so she still had ten minutes until she was actually late, but he was still annoyed that even after the care he had put into this day she would up and disappear like this. When he got ahold of her…

Of course he wasn't concerned that she was getting cold feet. Rather, he figured that something had captured her interest and, like a child, she had wandered off. With a muttered, 'I'll be right back,' Sesshomaru began the hunt for his bride.

He was passing one of the more obscure trails on the way back to her dressing room when a small yellow flower caught his eye. Knowing that if it captured his attention Kagome must have been enthralled, he set off down the narrow wooded path. Sure enough, Kagome was crouched before a small pool of water, eyes shining in delight at the little fish swimming about. Rather than chancing her falling into the water in surprise should he call out to her, Sesshomaru simply scooped her up and began to head back to the procession.

"Sesshomaru!" Kagome said shocked, "You surprised me, what are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that." He replied rolling his eyes, "Just what time do you think it is?"

"Umm."

"You were making us late."

"Sorry," She mumbled. A few moments later Kagome had a thought. "Hey Sesshomaru, do you want to move in with me?"

"I already live with you." He said raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Well, yes you do. But, you never asked," Kagome pointed out, "You just showed up with your stuff one day."

"I was showing my resolve."

"It was the day after you confessed to me."

"…I was showing my resolve." He paused then proceeded to answer her original question, "Yes, I would like to move in."

"Great!"

"This is a rather bizarre conversation to have before a wedding."

"Well, you didn't ask properly."

"Hn."

"Hey Sesshomaru."

"What now?"

"Thanks for loving me."

"Hn."

The procession was relieved when the two finally returned, having become quite worried that they would have a runaway bride on their hands despite how handsome the groom was. Relieved, they began the procession to the temple. Sesshomaru's hand clasped Kagome's as they began to climb the steps to her family shrine.

"I didn't mention it before," Sesshomaru whispered as he helped her over the step under the torii, careful not to touch the step or walk under the center of the torii. "But you look beautiful today, Kagome."

"Of course I do." She huffed. "It's my wedding day." Sesshomaru smiled, amused at the blush coloring her cheeks.

"Mhmm."

"Ok, now you just sound patronizing."

"Love you too."

"Jerk."

When they reached the shrine, they bowed solemnly while being purified by the priest. Sesshomaru smirked when he saw Kagome flinch in surprise when the water landed on her. He always used to tease her saying that she should have been the demon and he the priest when they were kids.

They then listened patiently while their marriage was announced to the deities; the priest asking for protection and blessings for the couple. When that was completed, the priestess then preformed a sacred dance.

Sesshomaru and Kagome were instructed to kneel while partaking in the exchange of nuptial cups. They drank from each cup three times and Kagome had to clench her fists to keep from clobbering her fiancé who was clearly amused that the rice wine was already getting to her. She had always been an extreme lightweight but didn't want to make a fool of herself at her own wedding by adjusting Sesshomaru's attitude…and face. They were then given the marriage vow and instructed to read it.

"We make this marriage vow respectfully before the Hachiman deity.

We, Kagome and Sesshomaru, are delighted to be able to make our vows on this great day, and to become husband and wife through the blessing of the Hachiman deity.

We swear before the Hachiman deity to love and respect each other forever and to strive to bring our family prosperity

Moreover, we swear never to veer from the true path of matrimony, and to work to share the divine grace of Hachiman deity by helping people and society."

Kagome and Sesshomaru then received the tamagushi offerings from the priest and approached the sanctuary's altar. Kneeling, they both prayed silently before placing the offerings on the altar so that the stem of the tamagushi faced the shrine. They then bowed twice before the altar, clapped twice, and bowed once more before rising.

The priest directed Sesshomaru to take Kagome's hand in his own and the rings were presented to the couple. When both rings were placed on their fingers Kagome's tear filled eyes met her husband's which shone with just as much happiness. His smile told her how precious she was to him and she practically melted.

While their families partook in the sharing of rice wine Sesshomaru gathered his bride into his arms and held her there tenderly as a single tear trailed down his cheek.

"I'm never going to let you go now." He spoke quietly for her ears only.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Dad, would you leave them alone already?" Inuyasha complained as his father began to talk about visiting Sesshomaru and Kagome later that afternoon. "I'm sure they've seen enough of your mug these past few weeks to last them a lifetime."

"Are you volunteering to take their place, Inuyasha?" Taisho inquired slyly.

"Nope, in fact, this afternoon seems like a great time for you to drop in unexpectedly." Inuyasha said as he slowly began to back away. He and Kikyo had been beating him off with a broom the last few years and they were finally getting some relief at his brother's expense. Not that Sesshomaru didn't deserve it. Inuyasha was still trying to get the image of creeping legs and slithery bodies out of his mind. Sesshomaru had somehow discovered what he had done back in grade school with the cat nip and had gotten his revenge. All he would tell anyone of the encounter was "four hours, dark shed, thousands of eyes watching him, hairy legs, forked tongues, and babies."

Sesshomaru had later told Kagome that he didn't mean for the spider eggs to hatch but that he didn't regret it happening either. If someone so much as mentioned a spider, shed, or snake Inuyasha would begin twitching and immediately require a long bath.

In all, Inuyasha didn't particularly care that he had sentenced his brother to an afternoon with his father. There were worse things after all… like an afternoon with Sesshomaru's mother. That was a truly horrifying prospect.

Taisho could barely contain his excitement. His coldhearted son had not only found happiness, but had begun to open up to more people. Sesshomaru had become increasingly approachable with Kagome by his side and Taisho couldn't be happier. Taisho laughed fondly when he recalled the time Sesshomaru and Kagome walked up to Miroku and handed him a pile of cash saying that they felt guilty scamming everyone for so long and bought everyone at the café dinner. They didn't, however, feel guilty for scamming them in the first place; believing that if the town was going to be placing bets on them they should be allowed to participate too. The two had scurried out quickly though so to not face Miroku's wrath when he realized that all their destructive fights were staged.

They had been married for a little over two years now and they still seemed to fall in love with each other each day. Evening strolls in the park and impromptu lunch dates were commonplace now. They were never far from each other, no more than an arm's length or a few strides at most. Taisho chalked up Sesshomaru's need to constantly be touching Kagome as another one of his animal characteristics. It seemed to calm him immensely to know that she was beside him, supporting him. Besides, from what he could tell, Kagome certainly didn't seem to mind.

Taisho was as quiet as possible as he used the spare key they gave him, to be used only in emergencies, to enter their home knowing that they preferred silence now a days. He had to be careful as he made his way through the living room, the floor littered with stuffed animals and toys, Dog nowhere in sight.

The walls were no longer adorned with photographs Kagome had taken of landscapes. Instead, the spaces were filled with the pictures of smiles and laughter Sesshomaru had taken over the years. He was quite apt with a camera when directed at people and not nature.

As Taisho passed through the kitchen he noticed that the countertops were clear of Kagome's clutter and her camera equipment was locked away in her office. The stovetop had covers on it and there was a gate resting against the wall beside the stairs. The fridge was clear of all magnets below the fridge's handle a few well-wishing cards having been clipped there.

Like the living room, the hallway leading to the bedrooms was covered in pictures Sesshomaru or someone else had taken of them. Spying the slightly ajar door to the left, Taisho poked his head into the room finding it vacant. His target was elsewhere then. Quietly, he eased the door shut and turned to the master bedroom.

Dog's head jerked up at when the intruder silently entered before settling down once again when he deemed Taisho as not being a threat. Without realizing it, tears began to gather in the great man's eyes. His son was wrapped protectively around his wife, his hand resting atop her own. It was there that the Taisho found the reason his target was not safely tucked away in his crib. Clutched close to her chest, was Kagome and Sesshomaru's son. His pudgy cheeks were relaxed as he slumbered in his mother and father's arms, his tuff of silver hair mussed spectacularly from the restless sleep he had no doubt been having before his parents retrieved him.

Their bedroom, like the living room and hall, was filled with pictures of the three of them. Their son laughing excitedly as he pet a giraffe at the zoo, him holding a curious shell he had collected and given to his mother when they went to the beach, Sesshomaru laughing with his son on his shoulders and Kagome holding his hand as Dog walked beside them at the park, and the three of them stargazing at the Tanabata festival. The home was filled with their love for their child, toys littering the floors and keeping anything dangerous out of reach.

Upon closer inspection, Taisho found that his grandson had a tight grip on both his parents' hands. Though they were hidden at the moment, Taisho had seen his grandchild's amber eyes lit with delight and a smile not unlike Kagome's stretched across his face. Their son was kind to a fault even at such a young age, making sure to share his toys and snacks with his grandfather and never fussing for his parents. He was even gentle with Dog, helping his mother or father brush or feed him regularly.

Yes, he thought, his son has accomplished what few are every able to; he found his passion in her and she found hers in him. Here in this world with their son and dog, they built a beautiful home together. One where they will continue to grow as individuals and together as a married couple. A home where their son and any future children will flourish and shine. A place for friends and family to gather and enjoy each other's company. They fashioned all this with their aspirations, dreams, courage, affection, fears, strength, and passion.

Their family and the home they created together is their passion.

Sorry this is a little late, my brother and I were backpacking all last week in the Appalachians so I couldn't really write anything. Anyway, this was the last chapter for this story! I hope you all enjoyed it.