Hell Knows No Bounds

A.N.: Aloha, people! I hope the evening (it's only 11:30 at night for me anyway) finds you well. Couldn't focus on homework so here I am. I'll see if we can make this chapter go a little further. Reviews! Yes! Reviews are a GOOD thing! I wanna hear what you have to say"¦ (Be gentle"¦I'm naturally hostile"¦*innocent smile*) Thanks again to those who have reviewed!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha"¦there"¦I said it"¦

**Last Chapter**

Ms. Higurashi's eyes widened to the size of grapefruits and her complexion paled to match her son's as her gaze traveled over Kagome's form. "Oh my God, Kagome! When did this happen?" The girl lowered the kimono sleeve and sent a piercing gaze through the woman. Taka, thankfully, had enough grace to look ashamed. "I know"¦" Her voice wavered slightly. "We need to talk." Turning sharply, she gestured for them to follow her into the house.

"You're damn right we need to"¦" Kagome bit out as she entered the house, Sesshomaru following closely behind.

**On with the story**

Chapter 8
Tying Up Loose Ends

Souta and Kagome's grandfather returned their attention to their food as Taka, Kagome, and Sesshomaru walked into the kitchen. They had obviously been listening in to what had happened outside. Inuyasha snorted into his food as they approached the table.

"One minute you guys are fighting worse than me and that wench ever has; the next you're clawing at each other's clothes. Interesting courtship so far, Ice Prince." Inuyasha chuckled evilly as Souta, Taka, and grandfather stared, open-mouthed, at the demons.

Kagome shuffled from foot to foot, more interested in the floor pattern than the gawkings she was receiving. Sesshomaru openly growled his annoyance at the half-demon, an eyebrow twitching in anxiety. The growl died as Kagome shyly slipped a hand in his, raising her eyes to Taka, the sadness for the years of separation to come still tugging at her heart. The Taiyoukai gripped the hand firmly, his gaze still on a grinning Inuyasha.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Kagome's voice was quiet, almost hurt. A soft, tired sigh slipped through the woman's lips as she took a seat at the table. The room seemed to pulse with its own life.

"I didn't know at first what you were, to be honest. It was just assumed that you were an orphan, so I took you in." Taka's eyebrows came together in a small frown. Months later I began to feel that there was something different about you, but you could have been another miko like myself. Your father never noticed and loved you like his own until the day he died. But the explanation never really sat with your grandfather." She tipped her head in the old man's direction. "He knew there was something special about you. Not dangerous, just special in a way we couldn't explain." Take poured a cup of tea and slowly brought it to her lips, the frown began to lighten. "As the years passed, the strange aura you carried began to fade. Granted you still carried a strong miko aura, but that may have been caused by being raised on such powerful grounds. The aura's bled into one another and changed." She smiled slowly, sipping the tea carefully.

"So you just figured that whatever that was so different about had just disappeared?" Kagome scoffed; an incredulous look on her face. Taka simply shrugged her shoulders.

"That's what we hoped. That hope began to fade when the well took you, but I thought it best to wait to tell you." Taka lowered the cup, tears rimming her eyes. "I wasn't ready to admit that you weren't mine. And every time I had finally resolved to tell you, Inuyasha would come to collect you or something would happen and you'd be gone." Taka her tear-stained face to meet her daughter's shocked gaze. "I'm so sorry, Kagome. I know it was wrong and selfish, but I love you so much." Kagome released Sesshomaru's hand and ran into the woman's arms, sobbing for the both of them. Taka clutched at the girl as if the world depended on the strength of their embrace.

"I'm sorry too"¦" The tears fell freely, her claws lightly scratching Taka's cotton sweater. "Mama"¦" Her mother smoothed her hair down, trying to calm her daughter and her own breaking heart. They remained in the embrace for what seemed like an eternity. The rest of the inhabitants of the house watched on in awe. Souta's own understanding of the situation beginning to take a toll on him, he quietly got up from his seat and lightly wrapped his arms around the both of them.

"I don't care"¦" The words came so softly from his parched lips, as if it were a song carried in by the wind. "I don't care what you are, Kagome." The demoness looked up at her little brother, the tears beginning to dry. "You'll always be my sister no matter what." Souta's eyes teared but he refused to let them fall, especially considering the company they were in. He would never cry in front of Inuyasha, his idol, let alone his older brother!

"Thank you, little brother." Kagome brought Souta into a hug all their own, smiling brightly at his words. The boy tolerated the show of emotion for a few seconds before breaking away. He flashed his sister a smile and returned to his seat. Kagome stood and smoothed out her kimono, then returned to Sesshomaru's side. Taka noticed the motion and the protective gaze the demon held over her daughter. Kagome's mother quickly stood and walked to face the Inuyoukai, a determined look froze on her features.

Sesshomaru lifted the delicate eyebrow once again in amusement at the human's attempt to seem fierce. "˜This is where she gets it from then"¦' The laughter threatened to surface again; with grim satisfaction he suppressed it.

"Now it's time to discuss what was going on in my backyard"¦" Her eyes narrowed considerably, scanning the man from head to toe. "First of all I would like to know who you are and then what your intentions are with my daughter." Sesshomaru restrained himself from rolling his eyes at the woman's arrogance. He would humor her for kagome's sake.

"I am Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands and Prince of the Inuyoukai." Sesshomaru growled lowly as he continued. "I am Inuyasha's half-brother." Taka's eyes widened at the last part. She had noticed a strong resemblance, but hadn't expected this! Her eyes fell on the fluffy pelt that flowed from his shoulder. Ignoring the sensible voice in her head, she reached out and brushed her fingertips against it; jumping back as it twitched at her touch. A rumbling sound from the demon in front of her was her reward. She took a step back as a safety precaution.

"Please refrain from touching my tail or any other part of my person you may find fascinating." The statement was rude by any other standard, but the grace in which he spoke swept away any argument that had sprung to mind. Her daughter could really pick "˜em!

"He's kind of touchy about his tail; just like Inuyasha with his ears." This was the best Kagome could come up with for now. Sesshomaru was already putting up with enough and she didn't wish to push such luck. Taka nodded in understanding and offered the Western Lord a warm smile.

"So what are your intentions with my daughter?" Her grey eyes still held a frosty edge, but the warm smile remained.

"I intend to take her as my mate. That is after I court her and she decides if she will have me." Sesshomaru checked himself from decking Inuyasha, who sat grinning from ear to ear. A large lump had lodged itself in his throat. "˜This is ridiculous! It's only her mother!' "But only with your blessing will I proceed." Sesshomaru bowed slightly, but returned to his full height within a breath. Taka was at a loss for words. Last time she had checked Kagome had been in love with Inuyasha, but judging by the limited warmth between the two and the position she had found her daughter and this man in, things had changed.

"I will stand by whatever decision my daughter makes. She's an adult now and knows how to take care of herself. I trust in her judgment." Taka smiled sweetly as she spoke the last part. All Kagome could do was smile back. The Taiyoukai bowed low this time, paying respect to Taka's words. Upon straightening himself, the doorbell rang.

The strange sound caused both Sesshomaru and Inuyasha to jump slightly. Inuyasha was still getting used to such devices in this time. Kagome patted Sesshomaru's arm affectionately before leading him and Inuyasha up into her room. The door had barely closed when the voices of Kagome's schoolmates and Hojo drifted to her ears.

"Oh no! Not now!" Kagome's hissed whisper earned an interested glance from Sesshomaru and a smirk from Inuyasha. Kagome smiled weakly at her mother's attempts to preoccupy them, obviously buying her daughter time to first disguise the strange men in her room and then work on her own appearance. Pinning Sesshomaru with a desperate gaze, she begged him for help. "Do you know any spells that might help us right now? You know, just to cover up our markings and such?" Her whispered words were met by a small smile. She gave a short jump for joy when he nodded shortly.

Sesshomaru whispered softly, as if singing to himself. His markings began to fade away, his ears held no point, and his tail finally vanished. Inuyasha's ears were gone and from what Kagome could tell her tail had disappeared as well. Checking her bedroom mirror, she frowned when she noticed that her eyes and hair had remained the same. "˜Maybe they won't notice.' It was a frail hope, but hope none the less. The three jumped as Taka entered the room, carrying clothes in her arms.

"Your friends are downstairs so it's a good thing you hide your true forms. Here are some clothes for you, gentlemen. I led them into the kitchen so if you two want to follow me I can show you somewhere to change." Sesshomaru glanced to Kagome before following her mother, Inuyasha exited quickly as well.

Kagome carefully undid her armor and untied the sash, taking care to fold and place everything so nothing would be ruined. Slipping out of the kimono, Kagome grabbed a black, mid-thigh, mesh skirt that ended in different lengths at each side, and a dark-red, baby doll, Cure t-shirt. She topped off the quick ensemble with a pair of spike-heeled, onyx sandals that tied around her ankles. Running a brush through her hair, she noticed that she no longer needed make-up. Sesshomaru had left enough of her true form that the eyeliner, as well as her "˜natural blush' and thicker, darker lashes, that cosmetics were pointless. She settled with a black, ribbon choker that held a ruby heart dangling at its center for a finishing touch.

Stepping out of her room she glanced down the stairs to see if anyone was coming. Closing her eyes, her ears immediately zoomed in on the shuffling in the room across from her. Another quick look around, and she knocked on the door whispering her name. The door slowly opened and she entered. Kagome's mouth parted in a gasp as her eyes landed on an "urbanized" Sesshomaru who stood adjusting his clothes in a full-length mirror at the far wall of the spare bedroom.

The low-cut, wide leg jeans held a deep blue hue and fell low on his narrow hips, hugging at them comfortably. The red and white, baseball jersey shirt (a.n. You know"¦those shirts with ¾ sleeves. White shirt with red sleeves.) fit snuggly with his chiseled form, showing almost every curve of every muscle in his torso, back, and arms. He had managed to fit into a pair of white sneakers and now bent his foot back and forth, testing the feel of the material. Inuyasha had opened the door and now stood in her view.

His red, sleeveless hoodie fit him loosely and comfortably, and his black, carpenter jeans, held by a belt, left him with the room he was used to from his own clothes. He shuffled his feet in agitation from the black sneakers; he hated wearing shoes. Kagome giggled lightly at his growls of protest. Her eyes landed on Sesshomaru's once more and the laughter died on her lips.

His eyes held a new light as they caressed every curve of her body; drinking her image in with hungry intent. Kagome licked her lips, blushing slightly at the attention. Sesshomaru began to walk towards the door only to stop at her side and pull her to him, that oh-so-familiar arm around her waist. His head dipped to let the satin-like flesh of his lips trail along Kagome's neck and jaw, sending wave after wave of pleasure through her. Biting back a moan, Kagome gripped Sesshomaru's shirt as he placed a feather-light kiss on her earlobe.

"Oh for Christ's sake already!" Inuyasha barked as he walked out into the hallway. "Keep it in your pants, Ice Prince!" Sesshomaru growled as a blush a deeper shade than Rose formed on Kagome's fair cheeks.

"They're waiting for us." His voice rumbled with heat as he pulled away from her; removing his arm only to grab her hand in his. He had to get her out of this room before something happened; his cool grip on his raging need to simply have his way with her. Kagome merely nodded before letting herself be led out of the small bedroom; her own emotions fighting against one another. They both knew what they wanted, but this was hardly the place to capitalize on such needs.

The couple joined Inuyasha at the bottom of the stairs and made their way into the kitchen. The room quickly quieted upon their entrance, but that was soon shattered.

"Kagome!" Three guys shot up from the table and quickly made their way to the startled girl; their high-pitched squeal had hurt her ears, along with Sesshomaru's, and had knocked her off kilter momentarily. As they approached they took notice of the heavenly being at her side; their jaws dropping one by one. All at once the questions came flying.

"What happened to you?!"

"Why such a strange new look?!"

"Who is this, Kagome?!"

"Does he go to school here?!"

"Are you two together?"

"What about Hojo?!" Hojo "“ who had been questioning the situation himself, perked up at the last question. Kagome waved her arms in defense as she made introductions. The girls' eyes widening as Sesshomaru's gaze flickered to each of them temporarily. Hojo finally made his decision to approach Kagome, his eyes dancing across her features appreciatively.

Sesshomaru growled in his chest as the smell of the human boy's arousal hit his nostrils. His form noticeably tensed; the hairs on his neck freezing. Hojo jumped back in surprise, his eyes finally noticed Sesshomaru's and Kagome's clasped hands.

"Hello, Hojo. I think we should talk." Kagome released the Inuyoukai's hand and gestured for Hojo to follow her into the back yard. Sesshomaru let a warning growl slip as the boy stepped past him, his protective gaze on the demoness's exiting form. Kagome walked to the well shrine and sat on the steps outside its doors. Hojo remained standing, fearing the strange man still inside the house. "We should get something straight, Hojo. You're so very sweet, but I'm afraid that I've fallen for someone else. Please accept my apologies." Her voice was deep with sympathy. Kagome glanced up at Hojo's silent form.

"I guess I already knew all of this"¦" Hojo shuffled through his jumbled thoughts. "There was this part of me though that wanted to believe that you would feel the same way. Don't feel bad; this is just the way things are, I guess." Hojo shrugged his shoulders before turning to walk back to the house. "We should get back." Kagome grabbed his arm, catching him off guard.

"Are we still friends?" She smiled as he nodded.

Entering the house, Sesshomaru immediately appeared at her side, concern in his eyes. The girls commented on how they had to be going. Summer was in full swing which meant parties for the normal student. Hojo smiled and bowed politely to everyone before departing with the chatting young women. Kagome sighed in relief into Sesshomaru's shoulder; breathing in his scent and closing her eyes.

Now all there was to do was pack, say their goodbyes, and head back for a wedding.


TBC

Sorry folks but it's now 2:30 and I have class in 6 hours. I still have homework to do!!! *panic!!* Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Reviews are my friends!!! Cheers! "“ G.S.