It Is Good To Be Kagome

A/N: This is just the latest installment of my collection. I wanted to portray Hojo as something other than a weirdo, coward, or simpering idiot. Instead, I thought that he is quite the romantic and would eventually evolve into something to be proud of. So, here is my one-shot/Song shot for Hojo. Next up (and I know that Katzztar is going to be happy) will be Kuwabara. So, keep your eyes peeled for our next hunk, and then after Kuwabara, I am going to be keeping that pairing a secret. So, you will just have to deal with the suspense. I have also started a new fic called "Something To Talk About" Check it out for Sess/Kag pairing.
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TITLE: Hands To Heaven/ Song-shot(first one I have done on this site) *Hands To Heaven belong to Breathe*

PAIRING: Hojo/Kagome

SUMMARY: Hojo finds Kagome and brings her home with him. He learns her secrets and vows to never leave her side. Does the young man who was once known as "Every Mother's Dream" win Kagome's heart or will he be left in the dust?
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As I watch you move, across the moonlit room

The day had started out normal. He had gotten out of bed and stopped to pick his partner up from his house. He had watched with amusement as the older man pried his two-year old twins from his legs and kissed them on the head, telling them that he would be home for dinner. Hojo knew that he silently added the words, “I hope” in his mind, but didn’t want to do anything to cause fear in the hearts and minds of his kids.

When they got to the station, their lieutenant was waiting on them, and had them go and examine a new crime scene. A young woman had been viciously raped and murdered and when he saw the victim’s face, he was reminded of Kagome.

The young girl had nearly identical features, but had a large tattoo of a tiger and dragon on her back, but it still did not ease the pain of thinking about Kagome in a similar situation. His partner knew all too well about his love for Kagome. In fact, it had been he who suggested that instead of gazing at her from afar, that he should just go up and tell her how much he loved her; needed her.

But, Hojo knew that he could not do that. He knew that Kagome was keeping a secret and though he didn’t know what it was, he would wait patiently for the day when she willingly told him. He would not judge her, nor would he make fun of her. Instead, he would listen and help her in any way he could.

The day had passed quickly and he had decided to have dinner at a local restaurant. He had bumped into Yuki and Eri and their new husbands. If things had worked out differently, it would be he and Kagome who were married. After his meal, he got back into his car and drove to the shrine. He parked and climbed out, his gun and flashlight in hand.

About a year ago, there was a thief prowling around the neighborhood and it had been him that Kagome’s brother, Souta, called to come and check things out. Ever since then, he made it a point to look around and make sure that Kagome’s family was safe.

On this night, though, things went differently. He started to look around, got to the well house, and heard the sounds of sobbing. Cautiously, he opened the door and found Kagome, sitting on the ground with her clothing and hair messed up, and tears streaming down her face.

He quickly moved to her side and began to check her over for injuries. As he looked her over, she looked at him with fresh tears in her eyes and said, “He betrayed me, Hojo. He said that he loved me and he lied. He lied so that I would help him get the shards. He killed them. All of them. Even Sesshomaru and that precious little girl, Rin.” Her voice broke and she began sobbing once more, and all he could do was hold her in his arms and rock her.

Instead of taking her to her house, he lifted her in his arms and carried her down the steps to his car. Once he had climbed in beside her, he reached over and buckled her up, before starting the engine and driving to his house.

The first thing he did was undress her to make sure that she was indeed alright and without serious injury and then he took her into the bathroom. Her sobs had lessened, but not enough for her to be of any help in caring for herself. When she was nude, he turned and started the shower. He quickly undressed himself and then gently lifted Kagome into his arms and carried her into the shower and underneath the warm water.

She stood there, not moving an inch, as he bathed her battered body. He silently kept reminding himself that as much as he would love to browse her exquisite body, now was not the time for such things. Right now, she needed to be cared for, and that was exactly what he was going to do.

After the shower, he dried her off, and then took her to his bed and placed her between the soft sheets. He quickly dried off and pulled a pair of black boxer shorts out of his dresser and put those on before climbing into the bed after her.

All night long, he held her and listened to her soft voice as she spoke in her sleep. He learned the secret of the bone-eater’s well, and learned that she had been going back and forth between eras through that damn well. He found out that she had made some very dear friends there.

Sango was a slayer who lost not only her father, but also her brother to a ruthless man by the name of Naraku. Miroku was a hentai monk who loved to fondle bottoms, but eventually became the perfect husband to the slayer once they were married. Shippo was a little kitsune who had endeared himself to Kagome so much that she looked at him as a son. Kirara was a fire neko who protected and defended her when the others could not. Then there was Kouga, the wolf prince who claimed that Kagome was his woman, but finally gave up on her and agreed to become her friend instead. There was Ayame, the female wolf who had won Kouga’s heart and who became like a sister to Kagome once she realized that Kagome did not desire Kouga. He heard of Sesshomaru, the cold lord who never showed emotion, but allowed his actions to speak for themselves. She spoke of Rin, the little girl who had thawed Sesshomaru’s heart, but did not live long enough to become a woman. There was Kohaku, the puppet Naraku used time and time again to attack Kagome’s small group, that in the end, turned on his master, and was struck down because of it. There was Kagura, the wind witch who had willingly defied her master and betrayed him one too many times. Kagura’s sister Kanna was a void who attempted to pull her creator’s soul into her mirror, but like Kagura, she too, fell at Naraku’s hands. Finally, there was Inu Yasha, the half-inu who had been her first love. The half man who had given her the first kiss that young girls dream of. The hanyou-turned-youkai who was the one who slaughtered Kagome’s friends when they were on the battlefield. Then he ruthlessly told Kagome that he had never wanted her, and that he was better off if she were dead. He took her precious jewel from her, and carried her to the well, saying that he didn’t want to dirty his claws on her human blood, but in the end, the last laugh was on him. Before he tossed her into the well, Kagome had managed to grab onto the jewel and yank it from his neck. His scream of rage had followed her into the abyss of the well, and stopped when she hit the bottom of the well back in her era.

At first, he thought that it was just an overactive imagination, but he recalled taking off a necklace that had a round jewel on it and he began to put two and two together. Now he could explain the reason for all of her absences from school. He could explain all of the broken dates. He could now say for a fact that he was right when he had suspected there was something more going on at the Higurashi Shrine than unexplainable illnesses.

There's so much tenderness in your loving

She finally started to heal from her ordeal, and each day she got stronger. She willingly moved in with him and began to care for his home as though it were her own, which it was. Whatever was his, was now hers, including his heart.

When he finally sat her down and began to talk about what she had said in her sleep that night he found her, she paled and started to shake.

“You must think that I am crazy.” She whispered, her eyes full of tears. She was amazed to see him shake his head.

“No, actually, I am glad that I know. For a while, I was beginning to think that you should have been placed into a hospital to see if there was a cure for all of the illnesses that you had. It must have been difficult for you, to do this all these years and have no one to confide in.” He said, his hand covering hers.

Nodding, Kagome sighed and began to tell him, in detail, about how she came to the feudal era. They stayed up late into the night talking and when the first rays of light appeared, he laughed and told her that it was time for her to go to bed, and time for him to get ready to go to work.

From that day on, they had no secrets between them. She knew about his job and it amazed her that he, Hojo, could have such a career. He had gone into law enforcement right after school and enjoyed the work. But, he hated some of the things that he had to do, but like he told her, he had to take the salt with the sugar.

Each night, he would come home to a clean house and a cooked dinner. He looked forward to looking across the table at Kagome and hearing about how her day was, and that she was enjoying going to school. When she expressed to him her desire to return, he could not deny her and had found a school that would allow Kagome to attend classes so that she could graduate with a high school diploma. As she chattered away, his mind would go to that damn hanyou and he could not help thinking that he had to have been the most selfish creature that he had ever heard of.

After dinner, she would do the dishes while he would take a shower, and then they would either watch television together, which usually ended up with her falling asleep beside him, or they would just talk. Now he knew what his partner had meant when he said that everyone had a soul mate, and when they appeared, life seemed to be more complete.

Tomorrow I must leave, the dawn knows no reprieve

He had come home, his face ashen and drawn. He had known that one-day, he would have to go back to his old ways, but it was too damn soon. But, he was leaving in the morning and she had to know how he felt.

She had seen his face and rushed over to him, concern evident within her eyes. She waited patiently for him to speak, so when he led her to the couch, their dinner forgotten, she didn’t fight him.

“Kagome, there is something about me that I have not told you. I was not completely honest when I said that I have only worked in law enforcement. I used to work for the government and did a lot of undercover work. I thought that my time was up, but something came up and they need me to come and do another job.” He said, his tone gentle.

Kagome’s eyes were troubled. “Where are you going?” She asked. Her chin began to tremble as he shook his head. “I’m sorry, baby. I can’t tell you. It is for your own good as well as mine.” He said, his hand coming up to stroke her dark hair.

Kagome bit her lip, as he led her down the hallway to his bedroom. He had given up his bedroom so that she could have the privacy of her own bathroom and he had taken one of the other rooms. He motioned for her to sit on the bed and he walked over to the closet and pulled out a suitcase. She was quiet while he opened the case and began to place his clothing into it.

A small noise drew his attention and he found Kagome standing beside the bed, her arms filled with his boxers, undershirts, and socks. Without saying a word, she began to fold them and place them into the case. Oh, how he loved that woman.

God give me strength when I am leaving...

He had finally finished packing and turned towards Kagome. She was still biting her lip, and he could not resist reaching out and smoothing his finger over the abused flesh.

“Kagome, please don’t cry. I will make sure that all of the bills are taken care of and you have access to my account so that you can get money for groceries and anything else you need. What I need from you is a promise that you will take care of yourself until I get back.” He said, his eyes soft and concerned.

Kagome did not answer him. Instead, she tipped her face up to his and brought her lips underneath his. In all of his wildest dreams, he had never imagined that she would allow him to kiss her.

Kagome held her breath as her lips gently caressed his. At first, he seemed stunned and she feared, a bit disgusted. As she began to draw away, his arms wrapped around her and held her tight against his body. He began kissing her back and for the first time, she felt wanted. His hard body pressed up against hers made thinking hard, but when he pulled back, she gave him a shaky smile and whispered, “I promise.”

Nodding, Hojo reluctantly released her and watched as she slipped from the room. His heart ached, but he would not pressure her into anything that she was not ready for. He wanted to be her hero, and he would wait for her forever.

So raise your hands to heaven and pray

That night, in his bed, he began to think of all of the other missions that he had done and each time, he had been lucky. But, what if this time, his luck ran out? Could he honestly bear heaven without Kagome? She was what made his life livable. She gave him hope that even though he had done all sorts of nasty things to people, no matter how much they deserved them, he could find salvation in her eyes.

He sighed and turned his head to the window and closed his eyes. If there really was a god, he hoped that the almighty would see him through this assignment and bring him home safely. If he came home, he would gladly retire and go to his father and accept his role in the family business. He would never again place his life with Kagome in jeopardy.

That we'll be back together someday

Each time he returned home from a mission, he would walk into his home and have to face the loneliness. Sure, there had been a few women in his life, but none of them had ever taken his heart the way Kagome had. Now that he knew the truth about her, he knew that this was his chance to show her that she was worth of someone’s love, and that she was worthy of a lifetime of happiness. He hoped that her friends were watching and knew how much she was loved. Hopefully, they would find peace knowing that the heart of their group was being taken care of and no longer needed their protection. He would be her protector and one day, hopefully, her husband.

He refused to think in the negative. He would not allow himself to jinx his luck. He would return and he would show Kagome that he would always be by her side, no matter what.

Tonight, I need your sweet caress

He wanted nothing more than to go into her room and slip between the sheets with her. That night he brought her home, he had held her nude body close to his and he felt more complete then than any other time in his life.

During his past interludes, he had often imagined that it was Kagome who was with him in his bed and not another woman. In his mind, he was making love to Kagome, but when he would call her name out as he climaxed, the woman’s face would replace Kagome’s and he would be left with a screaming banshee and one hell of a headache. It had gotten to the point that each time he touched another woman, he felt as though he was committing adultery and so, he stopped all contact with other women, and oddly enough, it had not affected him in a negative way.

Hold me in the darkness

He was leaving at dawn and all he wanted was to be in Kagome’s arms. He wanted her to reassure him that she would be there when he returned and that she would still be with him, in his home, and in his life.

Glory, it was near suicide to love someone this much. But, he could not help it. She was the only woman he had ever wanted and the only person he needed in his life. Everything else didn’t matter, just as long as Kagome stayed by his side.

Tonight, you calm my restlessness

It was her voice that soothed his frayed nerves and the fact that she didn’t burst into tears and beg him not to go made things a bit easier on him. He didn’t want to leave her, but she, on some level, knew that it would only be harder on him if she made any kind of protest and so, instead of sobbing, she helped him pack.

He allowed a large sigh to escape from his lips and he finally opened his eyes. He was startled to see Kagome standing at the foot of his bed, watching him with her dark eyes.


You relieve my sadness

I couldn’t sleep. Can I lay with you?” She whispered, her hands playing nervously with the belt of her robe.

He nodded and said, “Let me get a pair of shorts.” He moved to get up, but Kagome reached out and gently pushed him to his back.

“It’s alright. Please, I just want to feel you.” She said, her eyes soft. When he held up his hand to her, she untied the belt to her robe and then slipped the silky material off of her shoulders. She was nude and the look of her in the soft moonlight took his breath away.

She stepped forward and took his hand, allowing him to pull her down to the bed and underneath the covers with him. She was watching his face and seemed to be searching for something within his eyes, and he hoped that she found what she was wanting to see.

For him, this moment would live in his memory for the rest of his days. To be with her like this shook him to the very core of his soul. For this moment, she was his and he would greedily take it and treasure every single minute.

As we move to embrace, tears run down your face

As his hands moved slowly over her naked back, she watched him with a curiosity that she had never felt before. His touch sent little electric currents up and down her spine and made her stomach feel funny. She allowed her hands to come up and rest in the soft hair that lay on his chest. She found that his chest was well muscled and she did not resist when he gently pulled her head down to the area where his heart beat.

She could feel her tears streaming down her face as she listened to his heart pound in his chest. How could she have been so foolish? So many damn years wasted on a man, no, creature that had never loved her, but only used her to gain what he wanted. In the end, he had been no better than Naraku, perhaps ever worse than Naraku. At least Naraku was honest enough in his treachery, but Inu Yasha had kept his treachery well hidden, even from Kikyo.

I whisper words of love, so softly

As she lay on his chest, she could hear him whisper how much he loved her and that he didn’t want to be without her. That she was his life and no matter where she went, he would follow. He spoke about wanting babies with her, and could imagine coming home to find her swollen with their next child while their first-born ran to greet him at the door.

It was funny, and perhaps a bit sad, that she could not have noticed this wonderful man who had waited patiently for her and now, here he was and she felt safer now than she had ever felt before. Yes, she loved him. Not because he had rescued her that night, but because he had never given up on her, nor had he ever failed to take care of her. The countless gifts to help her ‘medical problems’, the kind words of encouragement, and the fact that he had helped her family out when there had been some trouble were all a testament of his devotion for her. This was a man who cherished her and now, she was finally seeing him clearly, and without any restrictions. Yes, she, Kagome Higurashi, loved Hojo and wanted nothing more than to be with him.

I can't believe this pain, it's driving me insane

His body was in agony as she began to lay soft kissed upon his chest. He closed his eyes and silently cursed at what he was about to do. He was not going to let her give herself in a moment of mindless grief. He wanted to make love to her, but only if she really wanted to, and not because of some misplaced belief that she owed him something.

With a sigh, he gently grasped her shoulders and pushed her back so that he could look at her face.

“Kagome, you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to give yourself to me like this. It is enough to just be allowed to hold you.” Hojo said, his tone soft.

Kagome shook her head. It amazed her at how unselfish he could be when it came to her and her needs.

“I’m doing this because I want to, and because I need to.” She replied, her eyes locked on his.

“No, sweetheart. You don’t need…” He started, but was interrupted when she placed her fingers upon his lips.

“You don’t understand. Yes, I need to, because if something should happen to you, I want to be able to say that my first and last time with a man, was with the one person who loved me more than anything in this world, and who I loved in return. I want you to make love to me and take my innocence so that, should something happen, I won’t live with that one regret.” She said as her tears made their way slowly down her cheeks.

Hojo stared at her for a moment before lifting his hand to her cheek to brush away the wetness. She said that she loved him. That she would regret it, if she did not give him her innocence. He brushed back her hair and pulled her down to him, his lips covering hers tenderly as his hands ran up and down her back. If he came back, he would marry her. He would carry her kicking and screaming to the alter if he had to, handcuff her if he had to, but he would make her his wife.

Without your touch, life will be lonely

As they kissed, he turned them so that she were upon her back with him hovering over her. He moved from her lips down to her neck and onto her chest. As his mouth moved to one pert nipple, his hand came up to her neglected breast and began to caress it, tease it. He smiled when he heard her sharp intake of air and he allowed his eyes to lift and take in her beautiful face.

Her eyes were closed and her nails were now buried in his thick, sand-colored hair. With each suck, her nail dug into his scalp and she arched her back, an offering that no man could refuse. As he focused his attentions on her breasts, his unoccupied hand smoothed down her taunt belly and made its way down even further, between her legs.

At first, she stiffened, and he allowed her to get used to his touch by lifting his mouth up from her breast and to her ear, whispering how much he loved her and how proud he was that it was he who was going to make love to her. With each soothing word and gentle caress of his hand, her legs slowly parted, allowing him to reach the mound of soft curls.

He began to nip at her lower lip and then molded his lips against hers. As he continued to kiss her, his fingers slid teasingly against her lower lips, and then he allowed his finger to slide between the two plump pieces of flesh.

Kagome tore her mouth away from his and moaned. His finger was now sliding over her aroused clit and she clenched his shoulders.

“Do you like that, sweetheart?” He murmured, his eyes taking in her passion-filled face.

Kagome could not answer him, and when his finger slid from her clit to her opening, she arched her back and allowed her legs to spread even further.

He felt as though he were having an out of body experience. This could not be happening to him. He was in bed, with Kagome, and was making love to her. Real love, and this time, it was not happening in his mind. This was real.

Kagome allowed her hands to run down Hojo’s chest and gasped when she felt his abs. The man was solid. She could feel his hardened cock upon her thigh, and wondered what he would do if she were to touch him, just as he was touching her.

Hojo groaned when he felt her soft hand circle his cock. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth as her hand began to slowly pump him. He could feel his body beginning to tighten, getting ready to release his passion, but he did not want to explode in her hand. If he was going to come, he wanted it to be inside of the woman he loved and with any luck, by the time he returned home, she would be pregnant with his child.

He released her breast and placed his hand upon hers. He had removed his other hand from her body and was thrilled to see the evidence of her excitement on his fingers. He placed two of his fingers in his mouth and closed his eyes, savoring the taste of his Kagome.

Kagome watched him with curious eyes as he tasted her desire and when he brought his lips down to hers, she eagerly lapped at his lips and was shocked to find that her essence was sweet. She looked up at him when she felt him move between her legs and gasped when she felt the velvety head of his penis begin to probe at her entrance.

So raise your hands to heaven and pray

Catching both of her hands within his, Hojo brought them over her head and held them in a firm grip, but not so firm that she would be harmed. He began to push in and nearly went wild when he felt the mushroom head pop into her cavern. He could hear her breathing become harder and he looked down into eyes that were filled with both fear and excitement.

Bending his head, his kissed her as he continued to push for dominance within her body. With each little inch her sheath gave, he took without mercy. He felt her arch up into him and he used his upper body to push her back down. The first time was going to hurt her and he did not want to cause any more pain than necessary.

When he felt the thin membrane that proved that she was coming to him pure, he winced and closed his eyes for a brief moment. When he opened them, he saw that she had tears in her eyes and was looking to him for reassurance.

“I love you, Kagome. I always have, and I always will. You are all that I have ever needed and that will never change.” He whispered, his heart in his eyes.

Kagome allowed her legs to curl around his and murmured, “I love you, too. Please, please make love to me.”

With a tender smile, Hojo pulled back a bit and then had a stroke of inspiration. He leaned down and placed his lips to the skin of her neck. He pulled some of her flesh in between his teeth and when he bit down, he pushed forward until he had reached the hilt.

Kagome hissed in pain and cried out. When he released her neck, he smiled down at her and watched as she looked down in complete surprise. While he had been biting her neck, he had taken her innocence and she had not even noticed.

Pulling back a bit, he began a series of short thrusts. Thrusts that were designed to bring her back into the mood and soon, she was allowing her hips to meet his thrusts. He groaned as her inner muscles began to clench around him, but he kept going. His own climax was coming swiftly, but he was not about to go off until Kagome had gained her release.

Her body was beginning to pulse. She glanced up and then felt a flood of emotions that caused her to sob out loud. Her nails bit into his hands as she climaxed, and through her tears, she could see that he, too, had met his end.

Hojo groaned out loud feeling his seed rushing forth. He struggled not to collapse on top of her and when he had finally finished, he managed to roll onto his back and bring her close to him, holding her against his damp chest.

That we'll be back together someday

He bent his head and kissed the top of her head, silently thanking whichever god was watching for giving her to him. He heard her sigh and glanced down to see her sleepy eyes watching him.

“When are you leaving?” She whispered, her beautiful features shadowed by her sadness.

“Early. You won’t be awake when I leave. Just remember what I told you, ok?” He asked.

When she nodded, he chuckled and kissed her forehead. “That’s my girl.” He murmured as he made her lay her head down on his chest.

He stroked the silky skin on her back and closed his eyes. He knew that she was still awake and he smiled. She was obviously intent on spending every single minute she could with him and it warmed his heart to know that she loved him enough to forgo her sleep to be with him.

He would return, no matter what, and they would begin their life together. They would have their happily ever after, and he would make sure that she would never want for anything.

Tonight, I need your sweet caress

This night had been magical for him, but like every other good thing, it would have to come to an end. However, he did not have to get up for another hour and he enjoyed having her in his arms, and having her body next to his. It was more that he could have ever hoped for and he would have something to keep him warm on those nights that he was away from her. She had given him the most precious thing in the world and he knew that his life had changed. For the better.

Hold me in the darkness

Eventually, her breathing evened out, and he smiled. He was going to be dog-tired, but it was well worth it. He watched her sleep and was pleased to see a soft smile adorning her lips. He had put that there, and at least he was leaving her with a smile instead of tears.

He moved around slightly and felt her arms contract around him. He shook his head and then glanced at the clock, the smile fading from his lips. It was nearly time to go.

Tonight, you calm my restlessness

He felt better now than he had with past missions and he was ready to get it over with. He eased out of her arms and then climbed out of bed. He turned and covered her with the sheet and blanket before turning and pulling on a pair of boxer shorts.

He quickly dressed and then strapped on his gun holster. When he was ready, he walked to the bed and kissed her forehead and told her that he loved her and would miss her. Then, he picked up his suitcase and walked out of the room as quickly as he could, before he broke down and rejoined her.

For the first time, he felt peace. When he had left the apartment, he had left behind his checkbook, a couple of credit cards, and his ATM card and PIN for her. He knew that she would be well taken care of by his neighbors since they were buddies from the station. But, he would rather it be him that took care of her.

When he joined his partner, he could tell that the older man was just as eager to get this over with as he was. Soon, they were at the airport and on a plane. Their commander was in front of them and said, “We finally have a picture of the bastard that you men are to take down. He is a dangerous, little shit and he is cocky. Don’t let him upset you. He takes great pride in irritating others.”

Hojo and his partner nodded and waited while the plane began to make its descent. As they waited, he gave a thought to Kagome and wondered if she had awoken yet. Probably not. They had stayed awake most of the night and he knew that she was pretty worn out. Hell, he could use a nap as well. But, there was not any time and he needed to get ready.

The next few weeks had been hectic. He barely had time to do anything except his job. He had easily infiltrated his target’s group and had endeared himself to several of the higher-ranking members.

Finally, after being undercover for nearly two months, he was able to meet the target. The man reeked of arrogance and money. He had long silvery hair that hung down his back and he had the most unusual eye color. Hojo could feel his breath catch in his throat as Hiroki, the target’s personal bodyguard introduced them.

“Murimoto Sakuri, may I introduce Taisho Inu Yasha. Boss, this is Sakuri.” Hiroki said, his hand clapping Hojo on his back.

Inu Yasha uncrossed his legs and stood up. He glanced over at Hiroki and said, “Get out of here. I won’t be needing you.”

Hiroki nodded and ran for the door. No one crossed the boss and lived to tell about it.

Inu Yasha began to walk towards Hojo and stopped directly in front of him. He studied the young man and then smirked.

“You know, you certainly have changed since you were a teenager, Hojo. In fact, I do believe that you have gotten taller.” He sneered.

Hojo felt his body tense. He narrowed his eyes and said, “Perhaps, but you are still a murdering bastard.”

Inu Yasha’s eyes grew wide and he was about to speak, but Hojo interrupted him. “Yes, I know about what you done to your friends and your own brother. I know about your treatment of Kagome and how you used her for your own personal gain. It won’t ever happen again.” He said.

Inu Yasha smirked. “So what? So I murdered my own brother. Big deal. He had no problems in trying to kill me. And as for Kagome, she loved me. She wanted me. I am the one who can claim her very first kiss. What can you claim, human?” He growled.

“I can claim her heart. I can also claim her innocence. She no longer loves you and has moved on to bigger and much better things. So, in the end, the better man has won.” Hojo taunted.

Inu Yasha allowed his mind to absorb the young man’s words. The bastard had fucked his Kagome, and now, she was no longer pure. He allowed his true features to come out and he heard Hojo laugh.

“Just as I thought. You are still that pathetic and dirty hanyou that I have heard about. You know, I expected something grander, but you, my friend, are a big disappointment.” He laughed.

Inu Yasha could feel his body becoming enraged and heard his youkai snarl. “I knew that I should have killed the bitch when I had the chance. She and that damn kitsune escaped me, somehow. I know that she fell down the well, but Shippo managed to hide from me. At least I can correct one mistake. Once I kill you, I am going to go and find Kagome. I am going to bring her here and I am going to take what belongs to me. Then, I am going to behead the bitch and shit down her neck.” He snapped.

Hojo shrugged. “Yep, you are nothing compared to your brother, nor are you close to being in the same league as that wolf, Kouga. Both of them, real youkai, would have done something else, something much more sophisticated. But, then again, you are hanyou.” He sighed, his attention on his nails.

Inu Yasha could barely contain his fury. The rational side of him told him that Hojo was simply trying to make him lose control, but the youkai side of his simply wanted to rip Hojo’s head off. The youkai won.

Screaming, Inu Yasha began to run towards Hojo, his claws out. Hojo, being a bit quicker, grabbed his gun out of its holster and quickly aimed the gun and fired. When the smoke cleared, Hojo looked down and grinned. He had gotten the bastard right between the eyes. Kagome’s nightmare was now over, and her friends had been avenged.

He called for backup and told his commander that the target was no more. The commander then laughed and said that the man who had commissioned him would want to meet him.

Once Hojo had been taken back to the hotel and had showered, he heard a knock at his door and opened it to find a young man standing on the outside. He smiled and introduced himself.

Hojo grinned and let the man in. So, this was the mysterious employer who had commissioned for Inu Yasha’s death. He looked the man up and down and then asked, “So, are you a hanyou as well, or are you a full blooded youkai?”

The young man studied Hojo for a minute and then allowed his eyes to stray to a picture that sat beside the bed. His eyes widened and without a word, he strolled over and picked the picture up.

“Mama.” He whispered, his fingers touching the picture of Kagome as though it were a fine piece of china.

Hojo watched the young man and then put two-and-two together. “You must be Shippo.” He said.

“Shippo is not a name that has been used around me for five hundred years, but yes, I was once called Shippo. How did you find her?” Shippo asked, his green eyes wide with tears. Damn it, he had not cried since the day he had thought that Kagome had been killed with the others.

“I found her beside the well. She is alive and well taken care of. She thinks, though, that you are dead. Perhaps it is time for a little reunion, no?” Hojo asked.

You relieve my sadness

As he sat beside the illusion-covered kitsune, Hojo smiled and thought about how good it would be to sleep with his Kagome. He had even bought her a ring and could not wait to put it on her finger. She would be surprised to see him and would probably faint when he brought Shippo to stand before her.

He was happier than ever because he had told his bosses that he was no longer going to be a hired mercenary, and that he was also getting out of law enforcement. He had been living a double life for so long and it was time to retire. Besides, he wanted to spend a very long life with Kagome and the children that they would have and he simply would not have time to go running off on secret missions.

He was happy, and it showed. It was late when they got in, so Hojo and Shippo decided to let Kagome sleep and they fixed themselves something to eat. Then, they got comfortable on the couch and waited.

Morning has come, another day

Kagome opened her eyes and looked at the alarm clock. She sighed and slowly sat up, and rubbed her stomach. She climbed out of bed and was thankful that the usual wave of nausea did not hit her.

She put on her robe and walked out of the room that had been Hojo’s. She had not slept in the other room since the night before they made love. She even told her mother that she refused to wash Hojo’s pillowcase, because it still carried his scent on it. It was the only thing of him that she had right now that would comfort her since she was worried about him.

She walked down the hall and was about to go into the kitchen, but a movement on the couch stopped her. Her eyes widened when she saw Hojo and a young man grinning at her. She was about to speak, but before she could, the young man jumped up and rushed towards her and wrapped her up in a warm hug.

“They said that he killed you. He bragged to everyone that you had died by his hands. But, he lied. Thank god, he lied.” The young man wept.

Kagome froze. It couldn’t be. He was dead. Dead like Miroku, Sango, Kouga, Sesshomaru, Kohaku, Rin, Jaken, Kagura, and Kanna. Dead. Inu Yasha had told her that he had ripped her precious kitsune apart.

Pulling back, she studied his face and before her eyes, his illusion dropped. Before her was a very handsome kitsune male. With red hair, green eyes, and the sweetest smile that only a mother could appreciate.

“Shippo?” She asked, her hand coming up to his cheek, her hope once again flaring to life.

“Mama. You are safe. Hojo killed Inu Yasha for you.” Shippo said, his own claw stroking the soft skin of her cheek.

Kagome looked over at Hojo and felt her tears fall even harder. “Did you know who it was that you were going to go and meet?” She asked.

Hojo shook his head. “No. I wasn’t aware that it was Inu Yasha who was the target. But, he was and now he is dead. My bullet is in his brain, and Kagome, he will not be coming after you... or your son.” He replied softly.

Kagome burst into tears and had to be helped to the sofa by Shippo. She clung to Hojo once she was in his arms and wept for her other friends; her other family. Both males allowed the young woman to grieve for the loss of her past life, and celebrate in the joy of finding her son.

Hojo allowed his eyes to travel down to her belly. “Well, I guess that you are about to be a big brother.” He said, pride clear in his voice.

Kagome gasped and sat up. “By the way, I am pregnant.” She said, her expression dazed. She still could not believe all that was happening.

Hojo laughed and hugged her to him. “Yes. Very pregnant from the looks of things, and just so you know, I quit my jobs. There will be no more leaving you or our family. I have already spoken to my father and he is thrilled that I have finally come to my senses and am ready to join the family business. He also wants me to tell you that he is thrilled about my choice for a wife,” he said while his eyes held hers.

“Who in the hell did you marry?” She exploded, not getting his hidden meaning. She heard Shippo chuckle and glared angrily at him. She felt Hojo lift her left hand and then looked down to see him slip a ring onto her finger.

“I want to marry you. Kagome, I would love nothing more than if you were my wife. Would you do me the honor of marrying me?” He asked, his fingers lingering on the ring.

Kagome stared at him and then looked to Shippo, who was watching with eager eyes. She glanced down at the ring and then back to Hojo.

“You know, I really should make you squirm for a while, but yes. I will marry you.” She said, her voice soft.

Grinning, Hojo stood up and gently brought Kagome up to him. He hugged her while Shippo congratulated them.

After spending most of the day with Hojo and Kagome, he stood up and sighed. “I had better get back home. My wife probably wants to introduce me to her rolling pin for not calling her, and the little ones are probably driving her up the wall. By the way, mom. You are a grandma.” He said, grinning.

Kagome paled and glanced over at Hojo, who looked smug. “I am going to be a father and a grandfather. How cool is that?” He asked to no one in particular.

Shippo snickered. “You won’t think so when we con you into babysitting. Kitsunes often have several kits. Right now, we are up to twenty, ranging from one hundred and fifty years old to a newborn.” He said, his arms crossing over his chest.

Hojo whistled and shook his head. He watched as Kagome led Shippo to the door and kissed his cheek. “Don’t be a stranger.” She said.

Shippo nodded and promised to be back soon, and with his mate and kits. When they were alone, Hojo locked the door and took her hand. “I think that perhaps we should start practicing for the honeymoon, don’t you?” He asked, a mischievous gleam in his eye.

Kagome giggled and followed him willingly. It was going to be another very long night.

I must pack my bags and say goodbye...

Their wedding was beautiful. Shippo and his family came and Kagome’s grandfather gave her away, though he kept whispering to her that as a miko, she should purify all of the youkai in the vicinity. She just smiled and led him down the isle while he continued to glare at the guests. Thankfully, they were all used to him by now.

As they passed by her mother, Kagome grinned down at her new son, who was the identical image of his father. They had decided to wait for a ceremony, and instead quietly married in front of a judge while she was still pregnant. Apparently, Hojo knew the judge and only aughed when the judge gave him a stern look before scolding him for corrupting such a nice young woman.

After they recited their vows in front of their friends, Hojo kissed his wife with just as much passion as he had during their first night of lovemaking. Then, he grasped her hand and led her down the isle, both laughing and dodging the birdseed that was being tossed at them.

At the reception, they dined at the elegant buffet that Shippo had arranged for them and then danced. When it came time to toss the garter, every single male lined up and whistled as Hojo pushed up his wife’s dress a bit to find the garter, before sliding it off of her leg. Once he had it in his hands, he guided Kagome off of the floor and whispered, “I have a feeling that it is about to get wild. Stand back.”

Once she was out of the way, Hojo turned around and then flung the baby blue and white garter over his shoulder. Then, he ran for cover. As he predicted, it got ugly, but it was Shippo’s seventy-five year old son who had managed to capture the sought-after prize, and he smugly twirled it around his finger. Until his mother came up behind him and grabbed it while telling him that he was still too young for such things.

It was then Kagome’s turn to toss her bouquet and she grinned at Ayumi, who was the last of her friends who was single. There were several other young women there, and they began to push at each other to get a better spot to catch the bouquet.

When she threw the bouquet over her shoulder, Kagome heard the screams and curses of the women as they dove for the prize. She was vaguely reminded of a bunch of American football players going after the ball, but in the end, it was Ayumi who had claimed the bouquet by tripping one woman and elbowing another. How strange to see Ayumi acting so tough. Perhaps being single was taking its toll.

After the reception, Kagome’s mother and brother took their son home and wished them well on their honeymoon. Hojo’s former commander paid for a luxury honeymoon for the newlyweds. He begged Hojo not to quit and said that if he would stay on, acting only as intelligence, then he would never have to go on another mission again. In the end, Hojo simply could not resist. The money was excellent and with Kagome wanting to open her own bookstore, he wanted to be sure that he could fund her project.

When they returned home, they found that their bags had already been packed and hurried to change clothes. It was time to get to the airport and start their long-awaited honeymoon.

As they closed the door behind them, there was only one thing left to say:

Goodbye...