A/N: Hello, friends! It has been quite some time since I've posted anything. I have been incredibly busy. I had a baby in December of 2017, and life has been full of chaos since. I've also been working very hard on my own novels, which are now being reviewed by a literary agent for publication. Fingers crossed that they love it and offer to represent my work!

Anywho, I adore Sesshomaru and Kagome. Canonically speaking, I know they would not work. I get that. But I love them anyway. This story was inspired by the song My Understandings by Of Mice and Men. Don't ask how, it just popped into my head while listening :) It's only 12 chapters, completed. I will edit and try to post a few chapters a week. Usually I set myself to a strict schedule with posting, but my life is too crazy. Just know that I WILL 100% post a few a week.

Enjoy this story, friends! Leave a review and let me know what you think! Also, and this is very important - constructive criticism is completely welcome. Hate is not. Please know that while I am pursuing a professional writing career, this is only fanfiction, and it was written mostly when I was running on 2 hours of sleep and a ton of coffee. There will be errors. But I did my best :)

God bless!

Kagome had always loved watching the sunrise.

There was something so magical about watching the stars fade one by one, seeing the sky change from black to pink and yellow, then finally to blue. There was a special kind of beauty in the clouds that morphed with the dawn, in watching the sun peek over the horizon and burst into the sky, bathing the whole earth in warm radiance.

The sunrise had been her comfort on days when her anxiety peaked, particularly after she'd begun her journey with Inuyasha. Insomnia had never been an issue when she was younger, but searching for jewel shards and being hunted down by a murderous, psycho hanyou had left her with a bit of anxiety that typically reared its head at night when she was vulnerable. During those times on their travels, when she would lie awake and stare at the stars, counting each one until the sun came out, she would get up before everyone else and just watch the sunrise.

Inuyasha had never questioned her—sometimes he'd joined her.

Sunrises were always beautiful, both in her time and Inuyasha's. No matter where she was, she felt at home as long as she could see the sunrise. When she was in her own time and missing her friends of the past, she could watch the sunrise and feel that they were with her. It had gotten her through those three years after the well had sealed. And when she was in the feudal era, she always felt as if her mom was right there, watching the dawn come to life.

This morning's sunrise was just as magnificent. It was a tranquil morning. Kagome woke up to brilliant sunshine, and after grabbing her basket, she met up with Sango to do the laundry. Kagome had spent the night before helping Inuyasha secure the perimeter of Edo, so she was a little tired, but she couldn't complain. Not with a morning like this one.

Since Naraku's defeat, Japan had become peaceful. For the most part, that is. Youkai were still ever present, and they were learning to coexist with the humans peacefully, but it was a slow process. There were a lot of youkai that still held their prejudices against humans, some still seeing humans as a snack rather than a neighbor.

Kagome had made the decision to stay in feudal Japan once the well reopened after those three years. Those few years had given her plenty of time to think about what she wanted to do with her life, and that was to help people. Once the well had reopened, she'd known her calling was to help Inuyasha. She'd gone through the well fully understanding that she would never return to her own time. But it was worth it. Now at twenty-three, she had yet to regret her choice. She loved helping Inuyasha, and she couldn't imagine a world without him in it.

He was her soul mate. Sango and Miroku, Shippo and Kirara—they were all her family. How could she have left them all behind?

Inuyasha wouldn't know what to do without her, anyway, and Kagome had to agree that she would be lost without him, too. There was a time when a romance had blossomed between them. But they were too close. They would always love each other, always hold the other close, but romance was just out of their reach.

But that was okay.

Kagome had been told, repeatedly, that being the Shikon Miko gave her plenty of prospects. And there were more than enough men interested. She would find someone. And Inuyasha had taken interest in someone, anyway. A woman named Akane. She was a Neko, of all things—the irony had made Miroku laugh endlessly. But she was a good match for Inuyasha, and Kagome was pleased for him.

Sango fluffed a blanket out, the cloth making a loud snap in the air that scared Kagome from her thoughts. "You okay, Kagome?" Sango asked. "You've been staring at that tree for five minutes now."

The miko blinked, then laughed. "Sorry! I'm just a little tired after last night. We were out pretty late."

Smiling, Sango fluffed another blanket. "I heard. Miroku went out with Inuyasha this morning, so I got the full story from him. Sounds like it was a busy night."

Birds chirped happily nearby, and Kagome sighed contentedly and sprawled out across the ground. Summer mornings like these were spectacular. The breeze was warm, but not too warm. Just comfortable.

"I know we defeated Naraku years ago, but I still have moments where this peace just seems so surreal." She grinned when Sango sat down beside her. Sitting up suddenly, Kagome began braiding her long, raven hair. "It's just so incredible here. I feel like any moment now, Naraku is going to pop up out of nowhere and destroy this beautiful morning with miasma."

At that, Sango laughed. "I understand the feeling." She pulled Kagome's hair over her shoulder, finishing the braid for her. "I feel like that sometimes. It's even worse now that we have children. I just want them to be safe."

"I know."

The slayer was quiet, and Kagome gave her a look. Sango was her best friend—she might as well be her own sister. Kagome knew her like the back of her hand, and she could tell something was on her mind. But she didn't have to push for information, as Sango took in a breath and secured Kagome's braid with a small ribbon. "Have you thought about a family?" she asked hesitantly. "You know, you could settle down with anyone you wanted."

"Sango—"

"I know, I know," she said, hands upraised defensively. "But I just want you to be happy."

Kagome gave her a soft smile. "I am. I promise."

A crack filled the air, bringing their attention to the tree line south of the clearing. The trees shook, the branches cracking and splintering as something approached. Something massive.

Sango hissed, running for her weapon, which was leaning against a nearby tree. Kagome reached behind her for her bow, then gasped. She'd left it at Kaede's house this morning. Of all mornings…

Kagome lunged out of the way when a large demon broke through the tree line. It was one of the biggest demons she'd ever seen, with olive green skin and horns—everywhere. It turned its beady eyes to Sango, then Kagome.

And then it started running, knocking Kagome out of the way as it barreled after Sango. "Hiraikotsu!" she screamed, throwing her weapon hard at the demon's face. It landed with a crack before spiraling back to the slayer, the impact slamming the creature to the ground with earth-shaking force.

Kagome grinned. "Nice!"

At this point, the demon sat up. And it was then that Kagome noticed three important details: the first being that the demon was able to get back up very quickly. The second was that it was very, very mad. And the third, and perhaps most crucial thing she noticed, was that her foot was stuck in a hole.

And not just stuck, like "oh no, let me just pull my shoe off and problem solved." No—it was seriously stuck. A tree root underground had her foot jammed in place, and no matter how she moved, she couldn't get away.

How she'd gotten herself in this position, she would never know.

She looked up at the demon, swallowing her fear. A blur of red streaked past, and Kagome nearly fainted with relief as Inuyasha flew by. "Watch out!" he shouted, brandishing his Tetsuaiga.

"Inuyasha—"

"Kagome, run!" Sango screamed. She was at the edge of the clearing, Miroku pulling her to safety.

Kagome winced, yanking at her foot. "I can't—"

"Wind scar!" A blur of wind sliced through the demon's arm, effectively making it ten times angrier. Inuyasha looked over his shoulder, eyes widening at Kagome. "Move your ass, wench!"

No amount of bite could disguise the fear in his voice.

"I'm stuck!"

He swiveled, then cursed as he ran toward her. But the demon had been watching. And planning. And even with his speed and powerful strides, Inuyasha could not reach her in time.

The demon opened its mouth, clear liquid spraying from his maw and hitting Kagome right in the eyes. Her blood-curdling scream pierced the air, and Inuyasha couldn't breathe past the dismay crushing his lungs.

"Kagome!" Sango sobbed, barely held back by Miroku. "Kagome!"

But all Inuyasha could see was Kagome falling to the ground, covering her eyes. And the scent hit him too late, the burning foulness of it turning his stomach.

Acid. The demon had sprayed her with acid.

"Miroku!" Inuyasha barked. "Get her to Kaede!"

The monk nodded. "Right." He and Sango swept in as quickly as possible, grabbing Kagome and quickly dislodging her foot before heading back to the village.

The next thing Inuyasha saw was red. Red from his own fury, seeping into his eyes and distorting his senses. Red from the demon's neck, where Inuyasha ripped clean through its olive flesh with his claws.

A kill had never before been so satisfying.

The world went silent, the only sound over the ringing in Inuyasha's ears was the rapid beating of his own heart. What would he find when he reached Kaede? Would she be able to heal Kagome? She was a miko healer, but that didn't mean she could heal an injury like this one.

When he reached Kaede's house, Miroku was there to greet him at the door. Inuyasha's blood ran cold when Sango's soft crying hit his ears. Golden eyes widened, his ears flattening as he looked to the monk. "Is she okay?" he rasped.

Miroku shifted on his feet. "Listen, Inuyasha." Another fidget, a deep swallow to rid the lump in his throat. "Kaede can't heal her."

And just like that, Inuyasha's world fell apart.

He'd failed her. He had been too slow, and he'd failed her.

Numbly, the hanyou pulled back the curtain and stepped inside. Kaede gave him a forlorn look. "There is not much I can do, child."

"There has to be something."

"Not I, child. I cannot give her the treatment she needs," she said gravely. Sango whimpered beside her, running her fingers soothingly through Kagome's hair when she stirred. "This goes beyond my expertise."

Inuyasha removed his suikan and draped it over Kagome, giving her shivering body extra warmth. It was the very least that he could do. "There's gotta be someone that can help."

The elderly woman nodded, and hope burst within Inuyasha's heart. "Aye, but it will be hard to find someone willing," she said. "The girl needs a youkai healer."

Hope, fragile and hesitant, flared in his chest so strongly that it stole his breath.

Kaede may have thought that was a hard thing to come by, but Inuyasha knew otherwise. His brother's palace was home to the best youkai healers in all of Japan. Inuyasha would have to swallow every ounce of pride, every ounce of dignity, and bring Kagome to him. He would beg on his knees if he had to.

If it meant saving Kagome, he would shred his pride in an instant.

Inuyasha wasted no time in picking her up, ignoring the others' protests. "Sesshomaru has healers," he said with a grunt. Kagome whimpered at the movement, and he gently settled her in his arms. "He can help."

Sango grabbed his arm. "Are you sure? Do we need to go with you?"

"You'll only slow me down." He softened the blow by adding, "No offense. He can help."

He walked out of the room, Kagome in his arms.

"Inuyasha!"

He stopped, looking over his shoulder at Miroku.

"Be careful," the monk said. "We'll be here."

Giving a firm nod, Inuyasha jumped into the trees, launching from treetop to treetop in the direction of Sesshomaru's palace.

The sunrise was dull.

Sesshomaru had never cared for watching the sunrise. When you saw as many sunrises as he had in his lifetime, the view became unimpressive. Each day brought the same dawn, whether it be clouded and dim or sunny and bright—they were all just the same. Just as uneventful.

His morning began early, like always. He made it a habit to start each day by securing the perimeter of his palace. Walking—ensuring that what was his remained his—had always been one of his habits, but now that he had Rin to take care of, he took extra precautions for her safety.

Nothing out of the ordinary came to his attention. The only scents he found as he walked the perimeter were that of the servants and the guard, Rin, and the nature surrounding. Farther away, within his borders but not near the palace, Kouga's wolf pack was passing through. They bore him no harm, so Sesshomaru felt no need in pursuing them. A few random youkai were within the area, and then humans in the nearby village.

Same. Nothing new to report.

When he returned to the palace, he ate breakfast with Rin. For having seen her only the night before, she had plenty of new things to brief him with. Unsurprising—Rin was an ever-flowing fountain of conversation. Sesshomaru entertained her, listing quietly to each new tidbit she found fascinating enough to tell him. Then he patted her on the head and left for his study.

His study was where he spent most of his time. It was a comfortable room, situated adjacent to his own room at the end of the hall in the pack wing. The screen doors were made of silk painted with ink murals of the surrounding landscape, and the room within was just as luxurious. The floors were polished wood, the low desk crafted of mahogany. Floor cushions were made in rich silks, and a fire burned comfortably in the pit. Two more screens on the opposite side of the room opened out to a small engawa that overlooked his private gardens. To the left, the lake was shining brilliantly below, visible beyond the garden perimeter.

Sesshomaru had never cared for material possessions. But finery came with the territory. After Naraku's defeat, he assumed his position as Western Lord, and with that title came responsibility. And luxury.

Sitting gracefully, Sesshomaru swept his hair over his shoulder and picked up one of the scrolls his attendant left for him to approve this morning. It was all the same. Requests from the southern region for healers and medicines, which he approved. Offers of marriage to the young Rin—those he disintegrated with his acid.

Just as the sunrise, his day was uneventful.

Or, it would have been.

"Sesshomaru-sama."

Sesshomaru looked up from the scroll he'd been reviewing, his attendant standing in the doorway. Tsubaki bowed, and Sesshomaru watched him cautiously. Tsubaki, being a water dragon, was unfailingly calm in nature. His cool disposition could almost rival that of Sesshomaru—almost. So when he entered the daiyoukai's personal study, his scent both nervous and urgent, Sesshomaru took notice.

"Inuyasha-sama has arrived," the dragon said, gray eyes shifting around the room. "He brings Higurashi Kagome, the miko."

The daiyoukai allowed himself a moment to consider the implications of this message. Tsubaki's scent implied urgency, but his body language remained calm. Sesshomaru looked back down to his scroll, dipping his brush in ink and holding back his sleeve as he moved the brush to the scroll. "Inuyasha is a welcomed guest of This Sesshomaru. The miko as well. See that their needs are met."

Their feud had ended when they joined together in the fight against Naraku. Sesshomaru bore no ill will toward his half-brother, despite having no communication with him. However, he'd taken him in as a member of his pack. He would not back away from the peace their alliance had given them.

"Ah, forgive me, Sesshomaru-sama." Tsubaki shifted, navy hair sliding over his shoulder. "Inuyasha-sama demands your presence. He says it is an emergency."

The lack of respect for Sesshomaru's title and power struck a nerve of frustration, but Sesshomaru pushed it aside. Inuyasha had never been known for his manners before. He most certainly would not start now.

With a sigh, Sesshomaru stood. More than likely, Inuyasha would waste his time, but Sesshomaru did not voice those suspicions out loud. He realized that assumption was wrong when he reached the hall that led to the main room. He could smell the wrongness in the air. Inuyasha's scent was clouded with anguish and fear, large amounts of guilt and aching sadness. Alarm bells chimed in Sesshomaru's head.

And then Kagome's scent hit his nose.

She was injured. She smelled exhausted and scared, her pain so thick it burned his nose.

Servants pulled the screens open at the end of the hall, and Sesshomaru was greeted by Inuyasha's whispered reassurances and gentle shushes—a stark contrast from the inuhanyou's normal gruffness. A hiss sliced through the air, and Sesshomaru's golden gaze landed on Inuyasha. The miko was cradled in his arms, a wet cloth pressed to her eyes.

Inuyasha's raspy voice cut through the quiet. "You got healers."

It wasn't a question so much as a statement. A demand spoken urgently.

Sesshomaru stepped closer, his youki pulsing and mingling with the miko's reiki. It recoiled like an injured animal when his youki got too close. He quirked a brow. "What has happened?"

"She was attacked by one of Naraku's demons. It came out of nowhere and sprayed acid venom in her eyes, and—" He was rambling. His heart was hammering in his chest. "Help her. If you got healers, help her. Please."

Sesshomaru felt the smallest inkling of worry, despite all the barriers he'd put around his emotions. He never allowed himself to feel deeper emotions. They were a nuisance, and entirely unnecessary. But something in Inuyasha's tone disturbed the careful balance in Sesshomaru's existence. His half-brother was begging. Literally begging for help.

"Tsubaki."

The dragon, who'd followed him from the study, stood at attention. "Yes, Sesshomaru-sama."

"This Sesshomaru will show them to their rooms. They will stay in the pack wing." Sesshomaru was mildly impressed that Inuyasha didn't argue, but his half-brother was too worried. Pain and fear twisted around his scent so tightly that Sesshomaru struggled to find anything else in his scent.

"Of course," Tsubaki said. "Will that be all?"

Sesshomaru stepped closer, letting his power glide along Kagome to assess her injuries. She'd fallen unconscious, which was probably to her benefit. The pain she was experiencing was no doubt intense, and being unconscious meant less pain. He felt her forehead, then lifted the cloth just enough to see her eyes. They were screwed shut, the surrounding skin inflamed and swollen.

"Have the healers prepare and send them to her room."

Tsubaki bowed and scurried off while Sesshomaru led Inuyasha through a series of large rooms and wide hallways until they reached the pack wing.

Sesshomaru had never known his half-brother to be subtle—in any comprehension of the word. Inuyasha was loud, boisterous, inappropriate. He had the temper of a viper and all the subtlety of an explosion. This quiet, shaking hanyou was a stark contrast. He followed Sesshomaru silently, holding Kagome tightly in his arms. Sesshomaru could hear his heartbeat, smell the misery wrapping around Inuyasha so tightly that his usual earthy scent was impossible to find. One glance proved what Sesshomaru already knew—Inuyasha's ears were slicked back, his golden eyes wide with dread.

"This is your room," Sesshomaru said. A servant pulled the screen open, revealing a spacious room with a large futon. It was elaborately furnished, too formal for Inuyasha's comfort. Sesshomaru led the way to an adjacent room in the hallway. "This is the miko's."

Numbly, the hanyou stepped inside and carefully laid Kagome on the soft futon.

The next hour was a blur to Inuyasha. He'd never relied on his brother for anything. Just the idea of needing the bastard left a bad taste in his mouth. But he would never forget all that Sesshomaru did for him that day. And he would never forget how much he depended on his silent reassurance.

Four youkai healers—two Inu, a Kitsune, and a Neko—arrived almost as soon as Kagome was settled on the futon. Sesshomaru remained present, and Inuyasha refused to leave the room, even when it was advised that he leave. He stayed by Kagome's side, holding her hand in his as if letting go meant losing her forever.

Sesshomaru remained because he could feel her aura, and somehow, for reasons unknown to him, his power reacted with hers. Inuyasha was only hanyou—he did not have the capability to feel another's aura. But Sesshomaru was a daiyoukai, and that blessed him with capabilities far beyond Inuyasha's comprehension. His youki reached out to Kagome, and her aura instinctively latched onto his own when the healers began their work.

Her aura reaching for his so desperately was a cry for help, a desperate plea. Sesshomaru was breathless at the hold she inadvertently had on him. Pushing out, he let his youki wash over the room, let his energy fill every inch of space, let it slide over her skin like a protective blanket.

Never before had the daiyoukai offered his youki for the comfort of another, Rin being the only exception. But this connection their auras had, the agony in the miko's scent, forced him to act.

He could not explain it.

He could not understand it.

But Sesshomaru stayed alongside Inuyasha as the healers began repairing the miko's injury. All the while, he wondered at the way her aura grasped at him like a desperate child, seeking and seeking and seeking.

And at the way his own aura grasped back.