AN: Hey Friends! Thanks for all the support of this story! I'm glad people are liking it. I have three stories going right now, and they ALL have a different tone to them, but this one is meant to be sweet :) Not sure yet how it will all play out, but there likely wont be any misadventures or angst (or very little anyway).

Thank you all for your continued support! I love you! Seriously, you have my heart!


A Mating Alliance

Walking through his private garden, the moonlight an unnecessary guide, he took in the beauty of his surroundings. Everywhere Sesshomaru looked, he could picture Kagome; sitting on the bench he walked past; sitting together at the end of the dock, sharing a peach, feet dangling over the warm lake water. He could picture them resting against the sakura tree, watching as the buds bloomed.

The image he enjoyed most, though, was of the pair cozied up together on the porch beyond his room, in the middle of winter and wrapped in his pelt, a cup of tea in hand.

"Hn."

Kagome had done well with the dignitaries that night. Sesshomaru was certain she would make an excellent Lady to his household. The staff all knew her; cared for her. She knew all of their names, it seemed, which had stupefied Sesshomaru. It had taken some time, but he realized how wrongly he had judged her. And all because of her human heritage.

She was educated and intelligent. Strong and brave. She did not need to use her reiki much for defense, but she was a formidable opponent when deeming it necessary to be. She was powerful. Stubborn, but she was always fair. Perhaps she wore her emotions a little too closely to the surface at times, yet it could be argued that she excelled at hiding them, as well. She was temperamental and she was beautiful.

Sesshomaru did not realize at what point he had started to care so deeply for Kagome. He was so unfamiliar with feelings like these, so used to keeping everything locked away, he hadn't even noticed when she had become such a vital part of his life.

Walking across a small wooden bridge, he stopped midway and looked down into the koi pond below. Jovial, the fish swam, uncaring of the world in which they lived. Sesshomaru watched, caught in his thoughts of the mysterious miko from the future.

How inconceivable it was that Sesshomaru found himself desiring her the way he did. He wanted her as more than a lover. He ached to keep her; he just wasn't sure how he could. As the lord of one of the four directional kingdoms, he had certain responsibilities, and he held no delusions as to the trouble that mating a human could bring.

Although, that was before.

Before Kagome had made the effort to ensure peace between youkai and humans. Before all of the lords answered her call to sign a treaty offering peace and prosperity.

A thought struck him.

Perhaps, come tomorrow when the lords sat around a table with the lady who started it all, making demands and compromises…perhaps, he could make a demand of his own. He could demand the right to mate whomever he should choose, human or otherwise, without repercussion.

Lifting his eyes, he caught movement at the gate that opened up to another garden – this one open to guests, but only if given explicit permission by the lord of the house. He released his breath on a sigh and swallowed hard.

Kagome, long hair mussed from sleep, lips pouty and eyes heavy-lidded, stepped through the gate. She had changed into a simple sleeping yukata, light purple in color. The silk flowed down her figure, and Sesshomaru stood there silently, appreciating her.

She had yet to realize that he was there, shrouded in darkness as he was.

"Sesshomaru," came her low voice from the entryway, calling out to him.

He could keep her, forever.

Would she stay with him if he asked her to? What if she had the chance to return home, to her own time where she belonged?

But did she truly belong there anymore? She had spent a great deal of time here already; carved a name for herself – The Shikon Miko, Emissary of Peace to the Four Kingdoms. Sesshomaru would affix Lady of the Western Lands to that title if it were up to him.

No. He was certain she belonged here now.

With him.

Reaching a conclusion, he resolved to make one single, selfish demand during negotiations.

"Sesshomaru, are you out here? I can't sleep."

He watched her, her eyes wide trying to see in the dark. He would keep her, he would make her his mate, and she would be with him for all time.

"Kagome," he called in a gentle voice, "Stay there. I will come to you."

She looked in the direction of his voice, a smile gracing her lovely face.

"I thought I might find you here," she said, finally catching sight of him.

Her cheeks colored rose as she met his eyes.

"I couldn't sleep," she repeated, "I knocked on your door, but you didn't answer. What are you doing out here?"

"Thinking," he admitted, leading her to the porch.

"What about," she wondered, sitting beside him on the porch.

"Hn," he evaded, not sure it was the right time for a revelation of that magnitude, "You are unable to sleep. Tell me what troubles you."

She peeked up at him, able to see him now that he was nearer to her and beneath the oil lamp lighting the porch. She knew he was changing the subject and allowed him his secrecy. Looking up at the new moon, she decided to be honest.

"I'm afraid."

Sesshomaru looked at her sharply, brows drawn, "What of?"

His hand went to his hip before realizing that his swords – as well as his armor – were left behind in his room. He looked in their direction briefly before refocusing on the miko's face – she was laughing at him.

"There's no danger," she told him, hiding a laugh behind her hand. She sobered quickly, looking at him. Taking a deep breath, she tried to explain her worries.

"I'm afraid of what happens next."

"Hn." Sesshomaru could sense her worries and paid close attention to what she said. He would alleviate her worries if he could.

"When everything is done, when all of the lords sign the treaty and they all go back home…" she paused, eyes fixed on the moon hanging low on the horizon – the sun would be up soon, "It will no longer be necessary for me to stay here…or to visit as often," she whispered, willing herself not to be upset about it.

It might be better for her heart to put some distance between them. Although…when she thought about what happened earlier, she had to ask herself if he didn't want her, too. Clearly, he wanted her – her body – but did he want her, did he want more than just a sexual relationship? Was something like that even a possibility for them?

"I'm afraid that you'll forget about me," she said in a light, almost teasing voice, turning to smile at him. In the end, she was unable to say what she really meant and had reduced her feelings to a joke. She should be ashamed of herself, but really, she had to protect her heart somehow. "Silly, right? How could you forget about someone as amazing as me?"

Her face became suddenly serious and she looked deeply into his eyes.

"The truth is, Sesshomaru, I'd miss this place. A lot. Would it be okay if…if I still came to visit?"

Her confession pleased Sesshomaru in a most profound way. Is this what had kept her from getting the rest she needed? She worried that she would no longer be able to come here, to see him, and to parade about his home as if she owned the place, making sure everything was in order and winning the hearts of all those in his charge.

"Miko, is this what has you so restless?"

"Is it stupid?" She asked, abashed.

"Nonsense," he told her quickly, and angled his body more towards her. Reaching for her hand, he secured it within his – large and warm – and told her gently, "This is your home, Kagome, whenever it pleases you. You are always welcome here."

Kagome felt emotion clogging her throat and struggled to breathe. He was always so considerate of her. It had to be more than random kindness. Did he feel something for her? She desperately wished to know but couldn't seem to summon the courage to simply ask him. Looking up at him in profile, moisture pooled in her eyes and she blinked it away.

"Thank you, Sesshomaru," she whispered, unsure of the stability of her voice, "I'll do just that."

Kagome could hardly believe the turn of events; how their circumstances had changed. She had gone from being utterly terrified of this man…to loving him wholeheartedly. It would break her heart, she knew, to leave him now.

Stupid, Kagome. You're so stupid.

She shook her head, sighing up at the dark moon. Light had begun to trickle over the horizon – the rising sun. Kagome knew she should really get back to her room before the fortress came to life. She knew, yet…she had no desire to leave his side just yet. So, content to sit there a while longer, she watched the moon fall with Sesshomaru, the sky cast into the darkness before the dawn.

Sesshomaru felt a weight on his shoulder and looked down. Kagome, exhausted, had finally found sleep, her head rested against him. He stayed that way until there was color in the sky before scooping her up and walking into his room. Gently laying her in his bed, he covered her and watched her for a moment – black hair fanned out around her and she looked peaceful. Her lips were parted slightly, and he couldn't resist placing a light, chaste kiss on them.

Standing, he turned and left the room, heading for the futon in his study. He should attempt to get some rest as well or he may very well end up with a headache by days end. Laying down, he pulled his hair to the side and stared up at the ceiling. Seeing her in his bed had stirred something within him. She seemed to be responsible for developing his emotions more than anyone else ever had. He wondered if he would be able to smell her on his sheets.

His eyes grew heavy and slid shut, his last thoughts of his miko before sleep finally claimed him.


Kagome woke with a start, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Looking around she was startled when she realized where she was. Quickly glancing beside her, she found the other side of the bed empty. She had only ever seen glimpses inside Sesshomaru's bedroom – when she would come around and knock on his door for some reason or another, or when she was with him in his garden and his door was left wide open.

Falling back against the pillow, she allowed herself a moment to freak out. She was in Sesshomaru's bed. Turning her head, she took a huge, unladly-like whiff of the place he rested his head at night. She nearly groaned – how did he always smell so divine? Curling up in the sheets and blankets, she released a contented sigh that came straight from her soul.

This was the life. She smiled wide.

A knock came at the door and she froze. What would people think if they found her in here? She remained quiet for a moment before she realized that it was entirely probable that anyone in this household – save another human – would already know who was behind the closed door.

Demons and their superior senses.

"Kagome," she heard from the other side of the door before it slid open, "Are you decent?"

She jumped so hard, she fell out of the bed, taking most of the bedding with her as she rolled onto the floor. Mortified, she laid there for a moment trying to decide how to face Sesshomaru. Hearing footsteps, she quickly hid most of her face before he came into view – an amused look in his eyes.

He lifted a brow and allowed a slow smile to spread over his lips.

"What are you doing?"

"Oh, you know, just inspecting the floors for cleanliness," she lied, rubbing a hand across the wood and holding it in front of her face, "Yep, looks great."

He chuckled and shook his head, offering her his hand.

"How long have I been asleep," she asked, accepting his hand, "What time is it?"

She looked outside trying to gauge the time by the sun's placement, relieved when she saw it hadn't yet made it to its halfway point.

"It is nearly midday," he told her, admiring her tousled appearance, "We meet with the dignitaries after lunch and while I do not mind you staying just as you are, I imagine the other lords would be scandalized."

She looked down at herself, eyes widening in horror. Her robe had nearly come entirely loose either while she slept or when she fell onto the floor. It was parted nearly to her naval and her skin showed right down the middle. It was a wonder her breasts were still covered at all. A sound escaped her throat and she quickly fixed her clothing.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled, cheeks flaming.

He nearly stopped her, wishing for her to remove instead of redress.

"Miko, have you already forgotten about last night? Your modesty was lacking then as well."

"I'm sorry," she said again, too embarrassed to look at him, "I'm so sorry."

He drew closer and lifted her chin, forcing her eyes to land firmly on him, "Never be sorry for telling me how you feel," he tipped his head, lifting a brow, "Unless, of course, your words were mere falsities brought on by the sake."

"N-no! I meant everything I said!"

She may not always be forthcoming with her feelings for him, but she refused to let him believe that what she did tell him was a lie.

He smirked. He knew, of course. He could tell her words were sincere when she said them the night before. But he enjoyed teasing her. And being able to tease her in his bedroom with her in a state of dishevel, the blush on her face, her widened eyes – well, it all worked to make his heart beat a little bit faster.

The smirk faded from his lips and, acting on impulse, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into him. He embraced her, both arms holding her firmly to his broad chest, and rested his chin on top of her head. He sighed when he felt her arms close around his midsection, holding tightly.

"How did you sleep?"

"Like the dead," she laughed, "Sorry for commandeering your bed. You weren't here when I woke up. Did you sleep somewhere else?"

He laughed through his nose and it tickled her head, "I slept in my study. I always forget how surprisingly comfortable that futon is," he lied. He loathed that futon. He made a mental note to have it replaced.

"I hope it wasn't too inconvenient, being kicked out of your own bed."

"Think nothing of it, miko."

"As much as I'm enjoying this moment, you're right, I should go clean up."

He reluctantly released her, watching as she picked up the bedding from the floor and hastily re-made the bed.

"Miko, that is unnecessary."

She waved him away and finished up with the bed before heading towards the door. With her hand on the handle, she looked back at him.

"Thank you for keeping me company last night," she told him, "and thank you for listening to my worries."

"It is nothing I would not do again."

She smiled at him and left him alone in his bedroom. The room felt much less warm without her in it.


"Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru," Lord Ichirou addressed them as they walked into the cozy room Kagome had deemed the perfect place for their meeting, "You were not present at breakfast; are you ill?"

Kagome laughed and shook her head, "I'm fine. I may have had a little more sake last night than I had any business drinking is all. How did you sleep? Were you comfortable? Is there anything else you need? Any of you?"

She addressed the room, looking around at all the men gathered there. Sesshomaru regarded her for a moment, full of pride. So fluidly does she assume the role of lady of the house that it is as if she were born for the title. Moving along, he took his spot at the head of the room, sitting on the cushion gracefully.

"I am pleased to say, Lady Kagome, that no detail seems to have been overlooked. All was well for me," Lord Ichirou told her, and the other lords offered similar sentiments.

"I'm so glad," Kagome said, smiling, "If any of you realize later that you need something, please don't hesitate to let me know."

She walked over to the large shoji doors and pulled them both open, revealing a most astonishing backdrop.

"I chose this room for the amazing view," she said softly, gazing out at the garden.

Past the porch, an arched wooden bridge, suspended above a large pond, drew the eye to the center of the garden. Surrounding the pond were trees in the most glorious shades of red, orange and vibrant greens. A willow tree bent lazily over the pond, some of its willows drifting along in the water. Green bushes in all shapes and sizes were well manicured and grew in various locations.

The colors alone were beautiful. A nice breeze blew into the room, bringing with it the pleasant smell of living nature. Kagome inhaled deeply, smiling to herself before turning around.

"Does anybody mind keeping the doors open," she asked the room, looking around.

"On the contrary," Lord Ieyasu stated, "Much like yourself, it is quite lovely."

Kagome blushed and smiled at him. "Don't tease me, Lord Ieyasu," she said, moving to take her place beside Sesshomaru.

"Lady Kagome," Lord Kazumo intoned from across the table, "May I inquire as to your current mating prospects? Or, I suppose, as is the case for humans, it would be marriage prospects."

Sesshomaru perked up slightly at that. How had he never thought to ask her if she had any suitors inquiring about a courtship? He adjusted in his seat to watch her, highly interested in what she would say. Sesshomaru was suddenly experiencing an emotion he had not experienced since he was a child.

He was nervous. It made him feel simultaneously alive and immensely frustrated.

"Of course! Actually, it's kind of embarrassing," she said, glancing down, her smile nearing a grimace, "I've gotten many actually."

Sesshomaru's brows pulled together minutely.

"I get at least three every year, more if I'm traveling a lot."

His narrowed his eyes, just so.

"How is it, then, that you have yet to take a mate?" The Eastern lord inquired.

She shrugged, "I turned them all down."

"With so many prospects, surely you would find someone suitable?"

"I'm sure many of them were suitable men, but most of them I barely knew," she explained, "While I'm traveling, if I come across a village in need of a miko, I stop to help. The village-men are always either grateful or starstruck and one of them ends up asking me to marry them. My answer can only be no, of course. Maybe those don't count," she said smiling.

"Ah, I see," the lord continued, "Is this something you are in the habit of doing; helping random villages?"

"I guess you could say it's a habit. I'm not the type of person who can just walk past someone when they need help," she shrugged.

Lord Kazumo tilted his head, suddenly regarding her curiously. Sesshomaru caught the look and eyed the other lord with all the subtlety of a spy. He wasn't sure he cared for the way Lord Kazumo was looking at Kagome.

"You are an interesting woman, Lady Kagome," Lord Kazumo stated, "Of course, this is not the first time I have had such a thought."

"I hear that a lot," she laughed, "although I'm not sure why. I don't think I'm that interesting."

"You humble yourself," he drawled, "Allow me to give you an example. Earlier you said 'starstruck'. I must admit, I do not know this word. You also have this perfectly odd little way of forcing two separate words together to make a shorter word. 'It's', 'I'm', 'don't'. Thus far, I have been able to decipher your strange words based on the rest of the words in the statement. However, 'starstruck' is not one I can decipher confidently. These few things alone make you interesting, as I am sure everyone here would agree. So, tell me, Lady Kagome, what does it mean?"

"Oh, well its sort of like…being really impressed with someone famous – usually simply because they are famous. I'd bet that if they didn't know I was the Shikon Miko, they wouldn't have been quite so impressed. I've learned not to tell people if I can help it, but shh," she put a finger to her lips, "let's keep that in this room. It's not the friendliest thing to do, lying to them."

"Where exactly do you hail from," Lord Kazumo went on.

"Ah, far from here, I'm afraid."

"Across the ocean, then?"

"Very far, yes."

"I wonder if it is a place I have heard of?"

"Doubtful. It was a very small place."

"I see."

"Shall we begin," Lord Ichirou asked.

Kagome sighed inwardly, thinking that she could kiss Lord Ichirou's feet at that moment. She wondered what the third degree was about and eyed Lord Kazumo curiously before looking away.

"Absolutely, let's begin," Kagome agreed, "Shall we start with the North and work to the right?"

"Agreed," Sesshomaru nodded to the scribe sitting in one corner of the room, tasked to write down every word said there that day.

"Agreed," everyone said, a random mass of quiet noise all at once.

"Okay," she started, "Lord Katsuo, you are the youkai Lord of the North. Tell me, what are your stipulations?"

"No stipulations, whatsoever," Lord Katsuo stated, "I agree with this union wholeheartedly and willingly support it. In fact, instead of taking, I offer something."

"You're talking about giving up some of the north to appoint a human lord, right? Because the north is the only one of the four kingdoms that doesn't have a human lord."

"Correct."

"Okay, we will come back around and discuss how you want to go about appointing a human lord. For now, let's move on. Sound good?"

"Agreed," Lord Katsuo said.

Kagome turned to Lord Ieyasu.

"Lord Ieyasu, you are the human Lord of the East. Do you have stipulations?"

"Oh," he said, setting his tea cup gently onto the table, "Plenty."

He smiled at her, waiting for a reaction.

"Okay," she smiled, "Tell me."

He was mildly impressed with her eagerness; though he knew that would likely change when he pulled out his long list of demands. Unrolling a scroll, he saw Kagome's eyes widen when she caught sight of it. Laughing outright, Kagome gestured for him to pass her the parchment and she quickly skimmed it.

Her head popped up and she looked at the eastern lord. "You have a food shortage?"

"Unfortunately we had a particularly bad storm and it decimated a good amount of our regions crops," the lord admitted, "The rice fields remain mostly unaffected; however, many other crops failed, and thus villages, have suffered the losses. I have been using my own stores as supplement, but it will soon be depleted."

"Okay," Kagome said, a calculating look in her eye as she glanced around the room, "Is anyone else having a food shortage?"

Most of the occupants in the room shook their heads, which pleased Kagome. She looked at Lord Ieyasu.

"How much of your supply was lost," she asked him.

"Approximately a quarter of the entire supply," he calculated.

Nodding, she looked around at the men once more.

"How would everyone feel about donating a small portion – let's say a sixteenth – of their lands crops to Lord Ieyasu," she addressed the room, "It would be the first gesture of good will going forward with this peace treaty."

"The west will supply the east with a sixteenth," Sesshomaru said, being the first to agree.

Everyone else followed easily, all agreeing to donate food rations to the eastern lord. Kagome was thrilled and the brilliant smile on her face denoted as much.

"Lord Ieyasu," Kagome turned to him, smile still in place, "Will that suffice?"

"Yes, Lady Kagome. And thank you all for your generosity. My people will be pleased to hear of this. When can we expect the supply?"

They discussed the details further, deciding on a date and what types of food would be supplied to the eastern lord's territories. An hour passed and they had finally finished with Lord Ieyasu's demands.

Kagome looked at Lord Kazumo, next.

"Lord Kazumo, being the youkai Lord of the East, we'll talk about your stipulations next. However, would anyone like to take a break first?"

Kagome was surprised when no one even so much as had to use the bathroom.

"No one?" She asked, shaking her head, "Okay. Well, excuse me for a moment and I will call for more tea. Would anyone like a snack?"

"Snack, my lady?" Lord Kazumo asked, once again confused by her word.

"Ah, um, something light to eat, meant to sort of hold you over until the next meal."

"I would absolutely love one of your snacks, Lady Kagome," Lord Katsuo said, sounding delighted.

He was a larger man, heavy set – which surprised Kagome, considering his youkai heritage – and he was likely used to rich meals. Actually, a round belly in this era was seen as a sign of wealth, and Kagome was again surprised that Lord Katsuo was the only one sitting around her now that exhibited that sign. All of the other men present were on the thin or muscular side.

"Of course, Lord Katuso," Kagome nodded, smiling pleasantly, "I'll have someone bring something."

Kagome stood and slid the door open, but she didn't have to go any further. There was a servant standing beside the door, awaiting orders. Kagome was startled by his presence and jumped slightly. Her laughter filled the hallway and she placed a hand to her chest, willing her heart to calm.

"Saito, you startled me," she giggled, "I didn't realize you were there. How are you today?"

"I am well, my lady. Thank you for asking," he responded, bowing.

"How is little Tori?"

"My daughter is well. She often asks when she will get to play with you again."

"Tell her I'll stop by soon," she told him with a smile.

"Of course, my lady. She will be pleased to hear that. May I assist you with anything?"

"Saito, could you get us some more tea and bring some snacks, please?"

"Right away, my lady," he said before bowing and heading towards the kitchen.

Given her time spent at the Western Fortress, most of the staff had since figured out what many of her strange words meant. Luckily, Saito was one of the ones who knew what snacks were, so she didn't have to explain it to him.

Stepping back into the room, she caught Sesshomaru's eye and smiled at him, a blush rising to her cheeks. The look he was giving her was sure to induce butterflies in her stomach and she wasn't surprised when it did a little flip.

She lowered her eyes and walked towards him, reclaiming her seat to his right. More than one lord in the room caught the look the two shared, but all refrained from bringing it up.

"Lord Kazumo," Kagome's eyes moved to him, "What are your conditions?"

The elegant looking youkai leveled his gaze on her, a slight tilt to his head.

"I require two things," he told her, holding up one clawed finger, "First, I ask that the western lord share his abundance of bamboo, and second," he extended another porcelain digit, "I propose a mating alliance."

Kagome's eyes widened, not expecting such a proposition.

"Okay, what did you have in mind?"

Beside her, Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, fixed on the eastern youkai. Keeping his youki reigned in, he worked to maintain a neutral aura – though he was beginning to deduce that this youkai required some threatening. Glancing at Kagome, he knew that he could never jeopardize all of her perseverance simply because he was jealous.

Hn.

Jealousy. Another foreign emotion for the daiyoukai. He did not care for it.

Taking a subtle breath, he allowed the miko's scent to rest on his taste buds, calming him.

"Well," Lord Kazumo drawled, "We are here to unite human and youkai, are we not? How fitting it would be to celebrate a true union between the two – a mating between youkai and human."

"I assume you have someone in mind?"

The youkai smirked, revealing his teeth. "You, Lady Kagome, as you yourself have stated that you have no current prospects. Since this peace treaty is of your own creation, it would be fitting that you should be the one to mate an available youkai lord. Do you not think so?"

"Ah, um, well," she stuttered before collecting herself, "Can I be honest with you, Lord Kazumo?"

"I would not have it any other way."

"To me, marriage is sacred," she told him, "It's something that requires love and respect. Trust. I want to marry someone that I can be truly happy with. Someone that I could stand beside as an equal and share burdens with. Someone that I could talk to about my worries," she laughed, "Someone forward thinking, because they'd have to put up with me, and I'm not easy to handle. I'm pretty stubborn. I know what I want and I'm willing to fight for it."

"That much is obvious, as we are all sitting in this room right now," Lord Ichirou said, a pleasant smile on his face.

"Do you deny my condition, Lady Kagome?" Lord Kazumo asked, face curious.

"Hm," she hummed, regarding the lord, "No, I won't deny it, but may I suggest a compromise?"

"I am listening."

"I get to choose."

"That is agreeable," he said, "And the bamboo?"

He adjusted his gaze to Sesshomaru who eyed him curiously.

"Hn," he nodded, "It will be cut down and transported to you by months end."

"Then we agree, and I am satisfied," he inclined his head to Kagome, "I thank you, Lady Kagome."

Kagome looked outside, trying to measure the time. The skies were dark, but not because it was late. Thick gray clouds hung heavily overhead, promising rain. She wondered where they had come from as it was so sunny earlier.

"Shall we discuss Lord Ichirou's conditions and pick up where we left off tomorrow?" She suggested.

Heads nodded and they moved on to the human Lord of the South.

"Lord Ichirou, what are your conditions?"

"I only have one, and it just so happens to be very similar to the last we heard; a marriage alliance."

"Okay," Kagome said, wary, "Who did you have in mind, Lord Ichirou?"

"My son and Lord Sesshomaru's adopted daughter; Daisuke and Lady Rin."

"Oh," Kagome's eyes widened; everyone was full of surprises today, "Lord Ichirou, I'm going to have to leave that one up to Lord Sesshomaru."

All eyes were suddenly on Sesshomaru, but he was used to it. Eyes often lingered on him. He had long since learned to ignore it.

His answer came swiftly and easily.

"That will ultimately be Rin's decision," Lord Sesshomaru offered, eyes on Lord Ichirou, "It will be discussed with her tonight. Is that agreeable?"

Lord Ichirou nodded, content with that answer. He had noticed the way the two had been behaving with one another. He had no doubt that Rin had taken to his son. And Daisuke had all but revealed to him his feelings for the girl. Lively and beautiful, he had said, a truly pure soul. It would be a good match, Lord Ichirou thought. Being tied to the Lord of the West surely came with many advantages and both of the young ones would be happy as well.

"Okay," Kagome said, standing, "Gentleman, thank you for being here," she glanced outside again, "It looks like it might storm. I suggest staying inside for now. If you'd like to take your dinner in your rooms, just let me know and I'll have someone bring it to you."

To her surprise, they all wanted to take their meal comfortably in their rooms. Promising to see them all at the same time tomorrow, they all departed and headed in separate directions – the only two remaining, Kagome and Sesshomaru.

She walked over to the doors and out onto the porch. Leaning on one of the posts, she gazed up at the sky. Thunder boomed loudly overhead, and Kagome felt it in her bones. Sensing Sesshomaru's presence beside her, she glanced over her shoulder at him.

"How do you think that went?" She asked, feeling the charge in the air around them.

"You did really well, Kagome," he told her, eyes on the darkening clouds, "I am impressed," he met her eyes, "And pleased to know that you are able to bear the weight of so much so easily."

Her face clearly told him that she was confused, so he elaborated.

"You were under a great deal of pressure today. Or at least, it would be natural to assume that today would have been stress inducing for anyone involved," he said, "However, you were very collected throughout. Even your aura remained calm for the most part.

"And there is the matter of you stepping into the role of the lady of my house," he drawled, observing her reaction carefully, "Which you also seem to execute flawlessly, might I add."

"I – I do?" She shook her head to clear it. "I mean, I didn't realize I was doing that. I'm sorry. I hope I'm not overstepping."

Sesshomaru was suddenly curious about something and he regarded her narrowly. She looked at him with wide eyes, hoping he wasn't upset with her.

"Miko, is this a habit of yours that followed you to every lord's home?"

He found he did not like the idea of that being a possibility.

"Not at all," she said, waving it away, "I guess I only do it here."

"You are that comfortable here that you could so easily issue orders to my staff?"

"Yes," she said without hesitation, smiling up at him, "I love it here," she admitted, "But I hope that I haven't crossed any lines while staying here. It sounds like I might have."

"Nonsense," he said, resuming his perusal of the sky, "I do not mind it in the slightest. Continue as you have been."

She watched him for a moment from the corner of her eye, before something he'd said caught her attention.

"You said my aura was calm for the most part," she said, "What do you mean by that?"

Lifting a brow her smirked down at her, finding an opportunity to tease her again.

"It would seem to me, miko, that you desire to be a spinster."

"Spinster? What? No way!"

She flailed her hands a bit, which amused him greatly, and thunder rolled across the sky.

"You have had many ask for your hand in marriage, yet you have refused them all," he pointed out, still teasing her, "And when it was suggested that you take a youkai lord as a mate, your aura told me very clearly that you were hesitant about the idea. It seems to me that you wish to be forever alone."

She suddenly became acutely aware of what he was saying and worried that he would misunderstand her hesitance to mean that she had no interest in marrying a youkai at all.

"No!" She shook her head adamantly, searching for the right words, "Please, don't misunderstand. I – I…I meant everything I said earlier. I don't want an arranged marriage, or mating. I want to be with someone that I love," she reached out and took his hand, eyes pleading with him to understand, "I don't want to be alone, but I also won't settle for anything less than I deserve. And I'm not hesitant to be with a youkai – race means little to me – but I demand mutual respect in a relationship, and trust, and equality," she looked down at the hand holding his, "and most importantly, love."

Not expecting such a fervent response from her, he was slightly surprised by the reaction he was met with. Usually she is easy to tease, reacting in silly ways, but something struck a nerve this time. For some reason, she did not want him to misconstrue her responses to Lord Kazumo.

"What will you do, then?"

She sighed, releasing his hand. Looking up at the sky, she saw a flash of lightning in the distance, followed closely by a clap of thunder. The storm was getting closer.

"It's going to be a bad one," she thought aloud, watching the fast-moving clouds drift across the darkening sky.

"Hn," he agreed, deciding not to interrogate her. She hadn't answered his question, which irritated him – he found he wished to know the answer to his inquiry.

He would wait for her to tell him.

Content, they stood beside each other, looking up at the incoming storm.