Kagome woke, groggy from sleep. Looking out the window, she noticed that the sky was black. As she went to wipe the sleep from her eyes, she noticed a weight pinning her to the bed. Glancing at her chest, a sight she hadn't expected hit her like a Mac truck.

There, laying on her exposed chest, was Sesshomaru. His hair in a sloppy half pony tail, cheek to her skin. Kagome had the urge to touch those tresses, and as she reached to his silver mane, he stirred, making her halt.

One arm came up to move under his chin, his other pulling her closer to him. His full profile delighted her senses. His normally delicate magenta stripes were somewhat jagged, and he looked absolutely peaceful. She finally ran a hand through his hair, still unsure as to why he was there in the first place. Sesshomaru practically purred as he pushed his head into her hand, causing her to accidentally pull of a knot she hadn't forseen. His nose scrunched up and he slowly opened his eyes.

The absence of gold shocked her, as she stared into teal irises and bloody whites. Much to her horror, a toothy grin etched it's way on to his normally stoic face. He drew figures on the exposed skin of her torso with a claw as he looked up at her.

"So, shall we continue our interrupted activities from last night?"

She shivered at his voice, lower than his usual cold baritone. Utterly confused, her eyebrow shot up, no recollection of any doings from earlier coming to mind.

He grinned wider, and put a hand to an odd mark on the side of his neck. She jumped as she felt the phantom of a hand touch her neck too, and she threw her own hand up to her neck, feeling the usually smooth skin to be a bit marred. She gasped as Sesshomaru shot up and pinned both arms under his legs, practically sitting on her belly now. She was still a bit confused, but everything came tumbling back to her when his molten voice let the words premeate the air.

"My little mate."

Instantly, Kagome flushed crimson, arms unable to cover her face. She remembered almost everything, including how she molested the great Lord Sesshomaru mercilessly. She had even marred his ivory flesh. Her skin went cold, and her blush receided as she went pale. He would have her head for that. But why wasn't he making an example of her to his guards? Why wasn't she dead at his feet? Why was she in his bed, of all places? And he called her his mate? The Lord of the West, known human and hanyou hater, was... On top of her?

He chuckled above her, obviously aware of her ever questioning mind.

"Through our mark, I can basically feel everything you're thinking. And when we are officially mated, we can connect to telepathicly communicate. Feelings, thoughts, ideas.."

His eyebrow shot up, and she blushed again. So he wasn't after her life? Kagome was still slightly afraid, but no longer of her death. Now she was simply scared of her growing lust for the inuyokai atop her.

This whole time she had been in a trance from his eyes. She hadn't taken a moment to eye the true beauty of his very naked form on top of her. She stared at his sharp jawline, down to his broad shoulders and thick arms. His strong chest was something she never thought she would see again in her lifetime, but she took it all in greedily. The deep lines, magenta stripes, and strong muscles we're everywhere, and her eyes finally traveled down to his waist, and what was sitting on her chest, centimeters from her face-

Holy shit what are you suppose to do with that?! Her eyes got a little bigger, and her fear intensified. Above her, Sesshomaru actually laughed. Not a chuckle, but a full laugh. He looked down to her, a grin still on his face.

"Do you wish to know what you can do with that?" He inched his face closer to hers, sending another wave of shivers down her spine. His hand cupped her cheek, claws playfully brushing her chin, placing a thumb on her bottom lip. In her stuper, Kagome got brave and took his thumb into her mouth, sucking intently.

Shock hit Sesshomaru's face, and he smiled again.

"I was sure you weren't ready for.. this.." he motioned downward, her eyes following. "But as you marked me too, I cannot do what you don't already want. If you so desire, I can comply." He sat up, keeping his thumb in Kagome's mouth, all the while letting his member rest against her cheek. She eyed it while turning a whole new shade of red.

She knew what he was implying. She had seen porn before, and though she had zero experience, something told her any attention at all to him would not go unappreciated. And he was right. She was going to believe that he couldn't do anything she didn't actually want. So she complied, turning her head and putting her mouth on the side of his erection, running her tongue over it curiosly.

Again, he was shocked, and she took advantage of his momentary lapse in thought to free her arms. She grabbed one of his thighs and took his shaft in hand, putting it in her mouth,and before he could comprehend her antics, a low moan escaped his lips.

Kagome would have smiled if she could, but to be honest, she literally couldn't with the mouthful she had. In fact, she couldn't even get more than a quarter in her mouth, but it seemed to be working, because he was starting to rock in and out of her mouth. He opted to grab a fistful of Kagome's hair, bringing himself in and out of her mouth almost violently. She gagged a bit, but before she could actually complain, he stopped and pulled out, clearly fighting himself.

As he looked down at her, she kissed the tip of his member, and he lost it. He layed on top of her, ravashing her neck as she reached down and continued some kind of stroking on him. He too, decided to begin rubbing on her, and she wasn't ready for it. She bucked under him, slamming her hips to his accidentally. That caused him to rub harder, and to her surprise, he bit on to her neck again, in the same place. Pleasure hit her tenfold, and she came in his hand and he did on to her stomach.

Still leaning over her, teeth in skin, he let go and began kissing her neck gently, licking to close the wound. He put his weight on her, and turned his mouth to her ear, whispering, and noticing the color fade from her hair.

"You're mine, Kagome." He actually fell asleep, as did she, just as the sun started to rise in the sky.

The next morning, Kagome awoke to Kaede rummaging around the hut, looking for odds and ends. She jolted upright as the events from the night before hit her memory, and she wrapped her arms around herself, only to find that she was wearing.. silk? She looked down to see Sesshomaru's hankimono on her, wrapped and fastened as if she had put it on correctly herself. Looking around, she saw no sign of him, only his tail, once again acting as her pillow. She stroked it and it seemed to lean into her touch again, willingly this time.

Kaede glanced her over, probably just as confused as she.

"Lord Sesshomaru went to check on Rin, then back to his palace. He said he had urgent matters to attend to. But I came in here to look you over. It seems that our Lord was worried about your well-being from your run in with Inuyasha." Kaede looked her up and down once, grinning.

"It seems you're fine, but we shall find you knew clothes. Im sure Sesshomaru would like his back." She chuckled, and kagome blushed again.

"N-no! I mean,it's alright, I've got some in my bag, I'll change later. I just want to wear these for a while.." Kagome looked down, clearly embarrassed. Kaede smirked again.

"It's fine child, do what you will. I'm sure he would like to see you in them anyways."

Before Kagome could protest, the old woman left the hut, chuckling to herself, leaving her alone again.

She stood, and as she did so, Sesshomaru's tail wrapped itself around her foot. Not knowing what to do, she picked it up, and it slinked it's way on to her shoulder, much like it did with Sesshomaru. Shrugging, she exited the hut.

Outside, Sango turned to see her, momentarily shocked. She looked tired and distraught. She raced over and took Kagome's face in her hands, turning it this way and that.

"Kagome, I'm sorry, but you look awful, come eat. Kaede made some stew, and I know you've been avoiding coming out of that hut. Have you even eaten? What about water? You're an idiot!" Sango reprimanded, but Kagome just giggled. She had missed her best friend. She followed her to a campfire with a table nearby, opting to sit between the monk, focusing on his meal, and the Slayer who sat down next to her.

Miroku looked up to greet her, only to be shocked at her appearance as well. They hadnt been aloud in the hut while she was unconscious, so the duo had chose to work for Kaede, tending to people and collecting herbs. Anything to pass the time, really. But now that Kagome was out and in the sunlight, he wasn't really sure he had ever seen a creature as stunning as her.

Her silver curls bounced as she laughed with Sango, moving her hands to brush a strand behind her ear, as it fell forward once again, no ear to tuck it behind. His eyes rose to her crown, where two oversized ears donned the top of her head. They twitched to every sound, probably without kagome knowing. Once in a while, one would flop a bit, reminding him of a wolf pup he'd once saved. Other than the hair, ears, and silver eyes she had gained, nothing else seemed different. Slight claws on her fingers, maybe little fangs? He couldn't tell quite yet. But he did notice the magenta lines coloring her cheeks. One on each side. Though very faint, they were obviously new. He brushed the thought away as she smiled to him, indeed showing off little fangs.

"Miroku, Sango, I missed you guys. It feels like yesterday, but to be honest, I've been avoiding everyone for months. I'm sorry for that." She quieted at the last part of her statement, and they both frowned.

"Kagome, don't apologize. We couldn't possibly know what you went through, but we're your friends no matter what. We always will be." Sango said, putting an arm around her shoulders. Kagome smiled up at her, feeling a little bit better.

They finished their meals and headed back to Sango's hut, ditching Miroku for some needed "girl time." And the door screen fell behind them, Sango smirked at the younger girl, taking in her clothes once again.

"So, do you like Sesshomaru? Or are you just borrowing every article of his clothing, including this-" she poked at his tail, and it wrapped itself more tightly around Kagome, slightly uncomfortable. Kagome giggled and blushed. She didn't want to keep Sango out of the loop, but she also had no clue what she had found in Sesshomaru, so she told her of what had happened to Inuyasha, and left out the other parts of their night.

Sesshomaru strode through the Halls of the Western Palace, adimit on finding his father. Every female in the building seemed to be eyeing him like fresh meat, which wouldn't be so unusual, if he had known why they were. There was no reason. He wasn't fresh from a training session, he was fully clothed, and he was certainly not giving any of them the attention they were asking for. In fact, he was wearing a very modest black kimono, having put his traditional one on Kagome before he left. Why had he done that? Either way, be didn't look special today, so he paid them no mind. Finally coming across his father's office, he knocked twice and entered without pause.

The current king of the West was sitting at his desk, looking over paperwork of some kind. He dismissed his servant when he heard his son come in. Taisho looked up, a huge smile gracing his face.

"Well, long time no see, what's it been, 10 years? I've missed you son!" Sesshomaru shook his head.

"Father, I was here two weeks ago. And where are they?" He glanced around, looking for his two mothers. He needed all three of them for this, he wasn't sure which one would have the answer he was looking for. His father smirked again, but something caught his eye. His smile drooped a little, and he turned to a door and yelled for his girls.

"Kimi! Izayoi! You're gonna want to see this!" A door opened to his right, and laughter eminated from it. The girls came in, eyes immediately catching Sesshomaru, and they both ran up to him.

"Son! Ive missed you! Inukimi declared as she wrapped her arms around him. Izayoi backed off to give them space, opting to stand with Taisho. She seemed to catch on to what he was seeing fast, and waited for Kimi to finish her doating. She soon backed off to stand by his side too.

"I've come for your advice, and maybe something else too." He started, and was cut off but his father.

"We see that. You've a wedding in less than 3 months, and you've mated a woman? Please son, tell me this woman is you're betrothed."

Sesshomaru glared.

"I've no betrothed. And Ive told you, I am the prince. I will choose my own mate. I don't need your help."

Inukimi gasped, and Taisho snarled.

"You're marriage is to stabilize the peace between the Western and Northern kingdoms. You will wed and mate Kagura. Take this harlet as a mistress-" before the two got into an all out brawl, Izayoi cut in.

"Sesh, what's she like?" The innocent, quiet question silenced them all. He looked at her, thoughtful.

"She's, cheerful. Happy. Dare I say she's optimistic. Lately, she's been depressed, but even then, she's still somehow not gloomy. She's got these eyes, they're like molten silver. They weren't always like that though. I did that to her." He turned to his family. "her hair is silky and curly, and her ears are far too big for her head. And her powers are actually lethal.Get Too close, and you'll be purified.." he trailed off, looking somewhat soft. Izayoi smiled, but Taisho's jaw dropped.

"I'm not one to judge here, but you mated a Miko? A human Miko? You?" Sesshomaru shook his head.

"Kind of. She's no longer a human. I saved her life, and she changed before my eyes. Half Inu, half Miko. I'm not sure of the extent of her powers yet."

Taisho's jaw hit the floor, and Inukimis as well. Izayoi just laughed.

"You seem pretty smitten with this girl. How long have you been mated? I would like to meet her." With that, Sesshomaru looked to her, confused.

"We are not mated. I simply marked her last night. But I've been watching her for months. For some reason, she's had my attentions, even when she was a human." The parents all looked confused, when Kimi pointed to her collar.

"Son, you might want to look into a mirror, I suppose you havent noticed yet." Taisho righted himself, and izayoi giggled again.

Walking to the huge mirror in the corner of the office, he gazed at his figure. He had forgotten to take his hair out of the half pony tail, and gasped. Where his hair would normally of covered his shoulders, there was a pale pink mark, that had contrasted his skin. It almost glowed when he reached up and touched it. To his suprise, he felt a phantom touch back,and he removed his hand quickly. Sesshomaru leaned into the mirror more, trying to figure out what the mark was, but the constant swirling and pulsing if pink and white made it impossible to decifer anything yet, almost like the mark itself was indecisive. He heard Izayoi speak up behind him, grabbing his shoulders and stepping on her tip toes to look at him in the mirror.

"Silly demon, that mark won't materialize until you two are sure about the mating. That's why all those demonesses where trying to catch your attention. If you aren't happy or sure of your mating, you can be..persuaded." Venom was in her voice when she looked back at Taisho.

"That was once! Everything's fine! See!" He pulled both sleaves up, exposing both wrists. Two separate marks, one red, in the shape of a heart, the other blue, also a heart,shone bright on each wrist. The red mark twisted into a middle finger, and he frowned down, looking back up to Izayoi with a scowl. She giggled and it shifted back to a heart, matching the other.

Sesshomaru touched the mark again, still looking at his parents. He wasn't planning on getting married to Kagura, but if he had to, he didn't see why he couldn't be like his father. He refused to take a full demon mate and overlook Kagome, just for the people on his council, and other Lords. Taisho fixed his clothing and turned back to Sesshomaru, serious once again.

"Listen son. It sounds like you really do like this girl. But you can't wed a hanyou. Not in this time. It's too controversial right now. We fought tooth and nail to keep Inyuasha alive, and it nearly cost us our lives, our home. I can't promise you sanctuary if you publicly take her as your own. Imruling against it." Sesshomaru glared at his father, clearly not liking his words.

"I am here for your advice, not to be ordered around. I am easily the strongest demon in the west, if not in all the kingdoms. If I choose to mate a hanyou, who would stop me? Will you go agianst me, father? Would you try to cut down your son, because he would mate the same species you fought so hard to save? I will personally destroy any challengers. I am not afraid of the battles I will have to fight." He looked from Kimi to Izayoi, finally back to Taisho.

"And, if, in the end, we still need this peace wedding, I will consider it as well. But we all know, only Kings can take more than one mate. I will have to dethrone you for it, andImaybe ready to take over the entire kingdom, but that does not mean I want to yet. And if Kagome does not approve, I will refuse Kagura without a second thought." Before Taisho could interject, Sesshomaru turned and headed for the door.

"I have chosen a mate. This will not change. And as for the challengers for my hand.." he looked his father in the eyes one last time. "I assure you, she's stronger than any demoness dumb enough to try anything. I do not worry about her losing to them. I will bring her hear In two weeks time." With that, he strode out of the office, fully aware of the smirk he wore, and not once did he give any other demon a second glance.

Sesshomaru enter the large village next to his palace, that also served as a port. Walking through the bustling town, he came across the shop he wanted. The well known arachne demon who resided in this town was currently sewing some of her special fabric into some beautifully hand crafted armor from Totosai, who had a temporary stall not to far down the narrow path. She looked up and immediately stopped what she was doing to bow low.

"It is a pleasure to serve you, my Lord. Shall I craft another one of your signature outfits?" She looked down, not meeting his gaze. He chuckled, suprising her with his openess.

"Seemstress, you can look at me, I've no guard or servants with me. Im actually looking for something else. I need a gift for a woman." With that, the arachne looked up at him, quizical. She smiled and looked around her shop, scavenging ideas.

"Well my Lord, I can surely help. Do you know her favorite color? Maybe a style or fabric?" She droned on, giving him many helpful ideas.

"I think her favorite color is lilac." He cut off the woman's speech, thinking harder.

"She seems to like silver as well. But I think she would look nice in just about anything." He touched his finger to his chin, still unsure.

"I've got it, my Lord. I propose we make an outfit much like yours, but with lilac instead of red?" He thought that the seemstress would know best, so he just agreed as she ran about, collecting material. She looked almost comical, with all her legs shooting around, grabbing this and that. She turned around, her glare almost scolding.

"It's rude to watch a lady work, it will be done in 2 days time. I'll make a few extra things that she may like as well. Do not fret, my Lord. Now shoo!" She waved him off with a random leg, going back to her business. He put his cold mask back on as he exited the shop. It was going to be a long two days to wait at the palace, and he had already had his full of everyone here.Onedaytoget here,Three days planning with thewar council, and talking with his father, now two more days didn't seem like much, but he wasn't excited. He decided that it was a good time to go to his estate here, and read all the letters and paperwork he was neglecting. Fixing the collar of this hankimono, so his mark was clearly visible, he strode off to his own mansion.

Kagome shuddered as her neck was caressed, and she stroked her own hand across her collarbone, only for the sensation so fade. She frowned and turned to look at her friends, who were all helping Kaede, save for herself. She was too deep in thought to actually be of any use.

Sure, she had liked Sesshomaru, but had she ever thought of dating him? Was what he did to her actually important to him too? Or was she just another girl he was trying to get under his belt? She decided that he would have to work a bit harder than that to win her over, if that's what he wanted. Kagome knew he only marked her to hide Inuyasha's, but she felt that he had meant something more. As she looked back, she realized he had marked her not once, but twice, infusing his yokai into the bite each time. She didnt know if that meant anything, but she felt like it counted for something. She would have to find out some more info on demon marks, though she didn't even know where to start for that. She came back from Kaede empty handed, and Sango really only knew of their weaknesses. Like, if the dominant Mate was to die, usually the other would go soon after, without fail. There had been very few cases of a demon living after it's dominate mate had died. But Sango proved to know nothing of the actual marks themselves.

It had been a week since Sesshomaru had left, and for some reason, Kagome was antsy. She would pace, watching the horizon towards the Western palace, hoping to see him. She wasn't sure why, but she found that when she touched her mark, often times she would get a touch or caress back. She could also feel his emotions through it, and right now he seemed proud of something. He had actually been feeling proud the entire time he was gone. She also felt excitement, that was growing stronger. She assumed that meant he was getting closer, and she turned back toward the west.

Sango came up to her, lookin a bit dejected. She looked at her best friend, a bit confused.

"Kagome, listen. Since Inuyasha, they've been killing or banishing half demons on sight. I know that we all want to have wishful thinking here, but we're going to have to cover up those ears, somehow.." she looked to be deep in thought. Kagome had forgotten about her ears, and reached up to touch them. Thinking about half updos, she smiled and explained a fairly simple, yet beautiful style.

Shortly after many failed ideas, Sango grabbed the obi that was holding Sesshomaru's hankimono to Kagome's body, and tied it around her ears gently. Looking in the small mirror, they both decided that this was the best option for now. Sango continued throwing some braids in her hair, and Rin soon joined, adding flowers here and there. She was called back by Kaede after a while, and the little girl went into they old woman's hut for supper.

Sango and Miroku both stiffened, feeling a very strong aura coming their way. They both relaxed when they realized it was Sesshomaru, and opted to going inside to give the two some privacy. Kagome watched as they left, and decided that she wouldn't be caught dead waiting for him out in the open, so she shot off to her hut to pretend that she wasn't even interested.

She laid on her bedroll, unsure of how to greet him. She wasn't sure what to say, do, or even how to act anymore. So she just pretended to sleep.