"I can see it! I see the well!"

"I saw it first!"

"Nuh-uh."

"Yeah huh."

"Pups."

Instantly, the two children quieted. They stopped bickering to glance back at their father. To many, he was Lord of the Western Lands but to them, he was simply Papa.

"Do not forget why we have journeyed here."

"Because Mama and Touga need rest," Rin answered.

"And Granny is taking care of Mama's duties while she recovers," Shippo added, before turning to his sister and sticking his tongue out. Rin responded by crossing her eyes.

"Indeed." Sesshomaru ignored their petulant antics. He understood that they were excited. They had been looking forward to visiting their human grandmother for weeks. Sesshomaru had also been eagerly anticipating this day. He was looking forward to the uninterrupted time with his mate and their newborn son.

In the three years since Naraku's defeat, the country had changed, in great part due to his brother. Inuyasha had dedicated his time to restoring the villages and lives that Naraku had destroyed. His efforts had not been accepted everywhere. There were still many who feared demons and half-demons. It was not until Kagome intervened that those people began to change their minds.

Sesshomaru refused to allow his mate to travel unaccompanied. After nearly losing Kagome in the final battle, he rarely let her out of his sight— a habit that often resulted in them arguing.

His concern was not over whether Kagome was capable of defending herself. His mate had proven her prowess on the battlefield. Sesshomaru did not worry about her abilities, which had not lessened since the jewel's disappearance. Above all else, he feared losing his mate.

He had witnessed what his father's absence had done to his mother. Their relationship had not been built on companionship and love. His relationship was. Sesshomaru knew if he were to lose Kagome, he would lose himself entirely in his grief. He no longer balled his mother for how she had treated him as a pup. Sesshomaru understood all too well how monumental the loss of one's mate could be.

His mother had become a permanent guest of the Western Palace. Though initially, she stayed under the guise of ensuring Kagome didn't corrupt the pups with her human ways, it became clear her true intention was to be part of the pack. She spent hours doting on Shippo and Rin. Sesshomaru was only slightly jealous of the attention his mother showered upon his pups…

…until Kagome pointed out that the longer the children were entertained the more time they had alone together. After that, he was grateful that his mother was so taken by the pups.

Arisu had accepted his mate. Despite her earlier actions, she had become quite fond of Kagome. There were moments where Sesshomaru believed Arisu preferred his mate over him or their pups. They continued their tradition of having tea together, much to his chagrin as he was a constant subject of conversation between them.

No day was as humiliating as the one where he discovered his mother had shared stories of him as a pup. Kagome had teased him mercilessly for the day, mimicking his surly face before dissolving into a fit of laughter. The pups had noticed. The pair had inherited their mother's mischievous spirit, especially the kit.

Shippo had continued to develop his shapeshifting abilities. He was capable of holding his illusions for any length of time, including his interpretation of an agitated baby Sesshomaru— an image that Kagome never grew tired of seeing.

"Do you think Touga will look like that?" she had asked one day, her hand absently rubbing her swollen belly.

"Perhaps," Sesshomaru had responded.

Their son's appearance had never concerned him. Sesshomaru only cared that their pup was healthy.

Touga had been born under a waxing crescent. The phase of the moon indicated their son was destined for healthy growth, just as the moon became larger with each passing night.

He came into the world squalling with tiny fists. His hair was the same shade of silver as Sesshomaru's and he received his blue eyes from Kagome. A pair of ears protruded from the fine tufts of hair. As a half-demon, Sesshomaru had not expected his son to inherited their familial markings but Touga appeared with a crescent moon on his forehead and a pair of magenta stripes— one on each cheek.

It had been Kagome's idea to name their pup after his grandfather. Sesshomaru had been conflicted about the decision until she explained her reasoning.

"He was an important part of this family— your mother's mate, your father, Inuyasha's father. Was he perfect? No, but no one is. We all learn as we grow and our son will be the same. Your father was one of the few demons to accept humans and hanyous as equals. I think that's honorable and our son deserves an honorable name. Don't you agree?"

Sesshomaru had.

When he first laid his eyes upon their pup, he had nearly collapsed to his knees from sheer joy. Sesshomaru had never expected to take a mate, let alone a human one. Kagome constantly surprised him. From the day she claimed his heart to the night they mated and she bit him in return and finally to the moment she gave him Touga. He did not know how it was possible to love her more. Then she surprised him again.

"Papa, we're here!" Rin cried excitedly.

Sesshomaru came to stand between Shippo and Rin. His pack visited the Boner Eater's Well often. It served as the portal between their time and the future.

Kagome's instincts about Housenki were correct. The oyster demon did possess the ability to craft pearls like the one Naraku had commissioned. Sesshomaru had paid a handsome sum to the craftsman for a set. To an unsuspecting eye, the brown pearls looked like polished beads, especially when Kagome added them to the pack's necklaces.

Each pearl was connected to its bearer through their blood. That part of the process had been simple. Linking the pearls to their destination proved to be a challenge. It had taken Housenki over a year to research a way to generate a portal between their time and the future. Several failed attempts and weeks of frustrating tests later, he finally found a solution.

The ground at the bottom of the well was imbued with power from the hundreds of demon remains that were decaying within. Since the demons had been purified by a descendant of Kagome's family, the essence of her power existed there as well. Housenki advised them to use the earth as the catalyst for the portal.

The first time, he and his mate stepped through, Sesshomaru feared they would be lost in oblivion. He had forgotten about the strange, weightless sensation that occurred during time travel. Once they landed safely in Tokyo, he breathed easier.

Kagome's family was overjoyed to see them. Her mother had clung to her for several long minutes, crying and muttering her thanks to the gods for delivering her daughter home. Kagome's grandfather and brother had similar reactions.

The jewel's absence had been a blessing for everyone except them. Kagome's family had been forced to wait over a year for her return. There had been no way to contact them, no way to send a message that she was safe.

Sesshomaru recalled the nights his mate had lamented over the predicament. Seeing Kagome so distressed bothered him. He never wanted her to be in pain. Her despair prompted him to take action. Sesshomaru chose to honor her family by having a shrine built in their name. It was not until construction was underway that he realized what he had done— and its impact on the future.

Souta had asked Sesshomaru if the kanji above the shrine's doorway was for him. At the time, he had not known how to respond. It seemed that he had only needed to be patient to discover the answer.

When the shrine was complete, Sesshomaru carved the kanji with his claws. Instead of writing the single character for 'dog,' he added a second character so the doorway read 'Taisho'.

"I saw it one morning when I came out to sweep the porch," Kagome's mother had shared during their first visit. "That's how I knew you were alright. All of you."

Sesshomaru smiled. Though he had procured her favor previously, having Kagome's mother's approval made him proud. He was grateful that her opinion of him had not changed in their year-long absence. Regardless, he vowed to uphold his promise of visiting as often as possible. Today was one of those days.

"You are both to be on your best behavior. I am aware of how shamelessly your grandmother spoils you but that does not give you the right to abuse her generosity. If I hear of any incidents when I come to collect you, I will ensure this is your last visit for a while. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Papa," Rin and Shippo replied.

"Good."

He took each by the hand and helped them hop up onto the lip of the well. From there, the trio jumped in.

Time travel never ceased to amaze him. Despite the yoki flowing within him and the power of his blades, Sesshomaru had never experienced anything quite like the free-fall through time. It was strangely calming.

That calm only lasted until they reached the modern age. The noises and scents of Tokyo were an assault on his senses. Though Sesshomaru enjoyed visiting with Kagome's family, he did not appreciate their location in the overpopulated city.

"I can't wait to show Grams my latest trick," Shippo said, clambering up the side of the well.

"I'm going to tell her all about helping Mama in the garden," Rin announced.

She couldn't climb the well the same way her brother could. Sesshomaru lifted her into his arms and leaped out.

"Thanks, Papa." Rin kissed him on his cheek, before running out of the well house after her brother.

Sesshomaru followed them with a frown. For years he had fed, bathed, and clothed his pups. He had trained them, protected them, and yet all they cared about was showing off to their grandmother.

Kagome's mother laughed. "Don't look so sour. They're just excited."

"It is because you indulge them far too often."

"And you don't?" she countered.

Sesshomaru smirked. "I see where my mate inherited her fiery spirit from."

"How is Kagome?"

"Exhausted."

"And your son?"

"Exhausting."

Kagome's mother grinned. "That's normal."

"That is what I was told. My mother often reminds me that I was also a difficult pup. I do not find her words comforting. Neither does Kagome," he shared.

"The children are welcome to stay here for as long as you want. I'm sure the two of you could use a break."

Sesshomaru bowed his head. "You have my thanks."

"Grams, come on!" Shippo tugged on Kagome's mother's hand.

"In a minute. I'm talking to your father."

The kit pouted.

"Shippo," Sesshomaru chided.

"Papa, can't you hurry up? I want to play with Grams too," Rin whined.

He sighed. Sesshomaru hoped Touga would not grow to mimic his sibling's poor behavior.

"Why don't you two go inside? Souta just left for school," Kagome's mother said with a wink.

The pups' faces lit up. With their uncle out of the house, his gaming console was free. It was the one thing they coveted more than time with their grandmother.

"Race you!" Shippo cried, darting toward the house.

"Hey! No fair! You had a head start," Rin shouted, chasing after him.

"Are you certain you are alright with them staying here?" Sesshomaru inquired.

"Of course!" Kagome's mother assured him. "We love having them. It was all Souta talked about at breakfast. He can't wait to play soccer with Shippo."

"If they ever become too much—."

Kagome's mother held up a hand. "Don't worry so much. Besides, you have more important things to think about." She passed him a small box. Sesshomaru removed the lid to reveal a gold band with a single diamond set in the center. "It was my mother's. Even though they never met, I'm sure she would have wanted Kagome to have it. She would have wanted her to be happy— for you both to be happy."

Sesshomaru bowed once more. "It is an honor."

"When you asked about a ring for Kagome, I was surprised. I didn't realize demons recognized human marriage customs."

"Many do not, however, if it is important to my mate, it is important to me."

Kagome's mother nodded. "I'm sorry it took me so long to find it. I just didn't think Kagome would want you to buy a ring, at least not when this one has a history."

Sesshomaru's eyebrows raised expectantly.

"My parents were married for twenty-five years before my mother passed. What I remember most about their relationship was how comfortable they were around each other. They fought, as every couple does, but they always took the time to come back together and work through their disagreement. They were equal partners in life and love. I see that with you and Kagome."

"Thank you."

"Now, get going!" Kagome's mother said, playing shoving his arm. "I expect to hear all the details when you two bring my newest grandbaby to visit."

"Indeed."

Sesshomaru said his goodbyes and returned across the well.

Without his pups to distract him, he became aware of how long he had been away from Kagome. He did not waste any time in returning to her side. In a burst of brilliant light, Sesshomaru transported himself to the Western Palace.

He found her in the nursery, curled up by the window with Touga tucked against her chest. Sesshomaru approached quietly, not wishing to wake the newborn from his slumber. Kagome's breath was even and slow. It seemed they had both fallen asleep.

Sesshomaru gently brushed her bangs out of her face. "Mate."

"Mm?"

He leaned down, depositing a soft kiss to the crown of her head. "Mate."

Her eyes fluttered open. "Hey, you're back."

Sesshomaru nodded.

Kagome's gaze flickered down to their pup. She smiled. "I finally got him to sleep."

"I apologize for waking you."

"No, it's okay. I wanted to know how it went."

"As expected." Sesshomaru shared their pup's antics, including Rin's dismissal of him in favor of seeing her grandmother. "She is only three and already she wishes to be left alone."

"She doesn't want to be alone. She's just independent," Kagome assured him. "You can blame me for that."

"I blame you for nothing."

His mate grinned. "Not even this one?" she teased, inclining her head toward Touga.

"I will admit that I miss sleeping in our bed but if this is the price to have you both, then I will gladly pay it," Sesshomaru said.

"He is pretty cute, isn't he?"

"Clearly, he has inherited his father's handsome features."

Kagome snorted. "As if. He gets his gorgeous eyes from me."

"Our son did not inherit these from you," Sesshomaru returned, carefully prying Touga's tiny fist away from his mate's chest to reveal long nails.

"He is half-demon," she pointed out.

"And half-human," Sesshomaru acknowledged. He released his son's hand in favor of taking Kagome's. "That half was given to him by his mother, my mate, and my wife."

Kagome gasped as he slid the ring onto her finger. "Sesshomaru! What is this?"

"A symbol of my commitment to you."

There were tears in her eyes as she stared up at him. "How did you— where did you even get a ring like this?"

"Your mother," he revealed, pleased to see the genuine surprise on her face. "It belonged to your grandmother. Your mother believed you would appreciate this over a purchased band."

"I do," she confirmed. Her cheeks reddened.

Sesshomaru placed his hand on her forehead. "Are you unwell?"

"No, it's just…that's what you say when you accept your marriage vows. There's a ceremony with your friends and family and you declare in front of everyone that you take that person as your partner. In some traditions, they ask you if you take that person as your beloved and you're suppose to answer 'I do'."

"I will tell anyone who asks; I do."

"I do," Kagome echoed, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"If you wish to have a ceremony, we will, though you would have to teach me. The monk and slayer's wedding was my only experience with the human custom. Is it traditional to smack the husband repeatedly?"

Kagome laughed. "No, that's just Sango and Miroku."

"Let us hope their children take after the slayer."

"I think that would be best for everyone," Kagome agreed. "I don't want our kids picking up any bad habits."

"The pups will be respectful to others, especially any they would consider a prospect for a mate," Sesshomaru said.

"Don't rush it! They only get to be kids for so long. Look at how fast Rin's grown this year."

It was true. Their daughter stood nearly as tall as her elder brother, a fact she liked to point out to Shippo often. Rin had figured out her brother's weaknesses. Shippo also knew hers. Their cleverness was a source of both pride and distress for Sesshomaru. With Kagome's guidance, he was working on how to handle it.

Sesshomaru had learned a great deal from his mate. She had taught him compassion, renewed his belief in the value of family, and showed him love. In turn, he had advised Kagome in her training and helped her develop proficiency in a number of weapons to build her confidence. He was certain that they would continue to learn from each other throughout their days together but his most cherished memories would always be of their lessons in parenting.

Author's Note: Thank you for going on this journey with me! When I started this fic in July 2020, I never expected it to become anything more than a short crack fic. This has been a labor of love for me and I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone who has read, commented, and messaged me about this story. You're all wonderful! Thank you.