Disclaimer: I don't own the characters from Inuyasha's world and make no profit from this story. I've only done some twisting to feed my own plot bunny before it drives me nuts.
(Updates will be a bit sporadic until I have it complete, which shouldn't be too much longer.)
Kagome walked the path back to the village. She reflected on her life for the last 5 years. This wasn't what she dreamed of when the well reopened and let her come back to the past for the last time. She thought by now she would have at least one little puppy-eared tot running around. Instead she found herself widowed at the age of 24, and traveling the countryside again, avoiding crazed demons, human armies and bandits, healing and helping where she could. Thankfully, Shippo traveled with her, making those quiet moments feel not so lonely. She came up on the outskirts of the village, heading back to Sango and Miroku's hut. She had to giggle as she watched the twin girls try to 'slay' Shippo as their younger brother sat against the hut drawing on his parchment. They were as different as night and day and she loved them for it.
“Auntie Kagome!” One of the girls shouted as she was spotted. Kagome couldn't help the small smile that crossed her features. She hugged each one of the little ones and the ran off to find something else to get into, leaving Shippo and her some privacy.
“How was your visit?” he asked softly.
“Good.” She replied, while setting the bucket and washcloth on the ground next to the hut.
“Are you okay?” He looked at her, noticing the distant look in her eyes.
“I like my visits, if for nothing else, then to remember.” She replied with a sad smile.
She had just finished visiting Inuyasha's grave under the God tree. She cleaned it and left a bit of food, the whole time telling him how her year went and remembering their life together. She missed her husband terribly, and always would, but it was getting a bit better. She kept busy and pressed on in life, knowing he would want her to.
“Kagome, when will we be leaving?” Shippo asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.
“In the morning.” She answered, going inside to help a pregnant Sango with the days chores.
They had a fantastic dinner that night, thanks to Shippo's excellent hunting skills and were off with the first rays of the sun. Shippo couldn't help but laugh at his friend's quiet grumbling. “Morning comes entirely too early.... and quit giggling.” she huffed.
Shippo acted insulted. “Men do not giggle. I was laughing at you.” She shot him a dirty look. “Some things never change.” He said, laughing harder when she could think of nothing else to do but stick her tongue out at him.
(Gonna try to make this story as if the cannon continued. Please tell me what you think) :)