K, quick note. This was supposed to be short. Then I had this fabulous vision on how to get our favorite wolf youkai in on the story a little. I never intended him to come into it but it just happened. PLEASE don't hate me for it. I think you will like the end result. -J

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or his friends.

Changing Winds

Chapter7: Changing

The doors of the dojo were flung open to the morning chill, letting in the fog of pre winter roll through. In the middle of the expansive room stood a tall, strong, and meditative youkai. His eyes were closed, his hands were loose at his sides. The soft wind making only his hair and clothes move slightly.

Sesshoumaru relished in the feeling of air passing across his hot skin. He could sense her everywhere. In his clothes her scent lingered, on his skin her touch lingered, on his lips her scorching kisses left a mark on his soul, even his aura seemed to have absorbed her energy. Sesshoumaru was floating with everything she meant to him. On the inside.

To the outside world they never held a flame, never touched, and they never had any feeling for each other. That was why he stood in the cold, trying to cool more than just his overly heated body.

He wasn't sure how she made him so hot with just the thought of her. He would have to learn better control if he was to stay close to her for 500 years. Then, without a prior thought, Miore's words came to his mind. 'It's time for your destiny to start.'

'Could she have known? Impossible.' He shook his head ever so slightly to rid himself of the thought. No one would determine his destiny but himself. "No one." He said aloud as if to set it in stone.

"No one?"

Sesshoumaru turned his head to look directly at Kagome. She wore a simple cotton outfit much in the same fashion as her miko garb. It was his mothers favorite one to train in, black with blue accents and trim. Kagome wore it with far more grace than his mother.

"No one what, Sesshoumaru?"

"No one could wear her clothes with more grace than you."

Kagome managed to control a blush. "You don't need to flatter me."

"I do not do such things without reason. My mother wore all of her kimonos with more of a sense of power than grace. That is why they look far more stunning on you."

"Thank you Sesshoumaru, and I am very grateful to wear them."

A small silence ensued between the two before Sesshoumaru, cocking his head, reached to Kagome and pulled out the necklace he had given her from underneath her robes. He gave a smirk of a smile just for her before setting it in its rightful place. Satisfied that she would not forget what the future would hold for her, he stepped back and set his face in stone.

"Are you ready for blocking?"

Seeing that his usual tone was in place along with the face that he showed to the world Kagome answered. "Yes." 'This is it. Last night only happened in my dreams. Until I reach my time that is. I can handle being friends with a beautiful bond. Me and Inuyasha did it after all.'

Around noon they stopped, just as the first snowflakes began to fall on the ground. Both were sweating even despite the cold rolling around the dojo. As they emerged Kagome laughed at the children trying to catch snowflakes with their tongues.

"Rin! Shippo! Are you catching many?"

"Not really momma. But it's still fun to try!"

"Come on Lady Kagome, join us!"

"I am not dressed properly to be running around in this cold. And besides, I really need a bath and a change of clothes before lunch."

"Ok Lady Kagome, maybe another day.", Rin chirped with her usual easy enthusiasm.

"Rin", Sesshoumaru directed, "Please be sure to wash up before you sit at the table for the noon meal."

Both Rin and Shippo answered in unison, "Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru!" They continued their snowflake catching all the way towards the kitchen.

Sesshoumaru and Kagome made their way to their rooms to change. "What will you do Sesshoumaru when Rin starts courting with young males?"

'What a random thought.' "I do not wish to think on such things as of yet."

"She will be at that age in only a matter of a few years, surely you have put some thought into it?"

"I try not to dwell on the subject."

"Why?"

"Well, isn't that why you are here? To teach her all that she needs to know as a woman of my clan?"

"I didn't know that entitled keeping her away from horny young men, and youkai."

"Youkai?"

"Well, certainly you have noticed Shippo's close proximity to her? He is after all getting ready for the demons version of puberty." And it was something no one in the house was looking forward to. Demon puberty was, difficult, for everyone.

"I had assumed it was of an innocent friendship between children."

"As a human trust me when I say, not at Rin's age."

"Perhaps I now am troubled." He quirked an eyebrow as they reached her door, which was merely down the hall from his.

"I will see to her safety and well-being Sesshoumaru rest assured. She is like a daughter to me."

Sesshoumaru merely nodded his approval before heading to his own chambers. Kagome watched him for a single moment before slipping into her rooms and heading straight for the bath.

Kagome stepped out of the bath and almost out of her skin. Furoku was waiting for her with a large robe to wrap her in. She had come in so silently that Kagome hadn't noticed her presence. Kagome hadn't even noticed her aura. She frowned.

Furoku noticed the frown and explained herself, knowing what the young lady was thinking. "The Lady of the House insisted that I be able to move about the grounds completely undetected. She taught me how to mask my aura and scent, something only high youkai do. Please do not take offense."

"Oh, I do not take offense Furoku, I simply thought I had lost some of my powers or something when I couldn't sense you. I can see your aura now that I concentrate however, not even a full youkai could see what I see. You are a very talented youkai."

"Thank you my Lady."

After Kagome put on the robe and turned around Furoku's face stopped dead on the necklace, her face a mask of shock and familiarity. "Are you alright?" Kagome was beginning to worry.

"Did Lord Sesshoumaru give you that?"

"Yes, is there something wrong Furoku?"

"No, I am just surprised that he has not also claimed you."

"Really?" 'This damn thing is a symbol of something more than he is letting on.' "Why is that?"

"Lord Sesshoumaru has never in all his life given something of his to anyone, let alone a woman. I figured such a gesture would suggest his intentions to mate." 'That was close, I almost lost my tongue there.'

Somehow Kagome had a sneaky little suspicion that there was more to Furoku's surprise than just that. She let the feeling go and answered her question instead. "We have come to a mutual understanding that our paths may cross closer to each other in the future. For now we are close friends, and he is my battle instructor."

Furoku nodded as she set about getting Kagome clothes. "That, my Lady, is a very large statement for a demon to make. You are lucky to have caught the eye of our Lord."

Kagome blushed, "Thank you Furoku. Please don't tell anyone else in the castle, I don't want some rumor to start."

"Of course my Lady. You can always count on my discretion I take great pride in my ability to keep others secrets."

"You are truly one of a kind. Thank you for helping me, and would you please lay out some clothes for me to wear to bed tonight? I can dress myself in the evenings if its all the same to you."

"Of course my Lady. Enjoy your lunch."

Kagome smiled as she went out the door. Her conversation with Furoku left her feeling far too many emotions. Happiness, suspicion, and acceptance. The token of his affection had some hidden meaning, but the fact that it had a higher meaning showed his love for her. And the youkai of the house were not bothered by their association.

She cleared her thoughts at the sight of the lunch table. Sesshoumaru had seated Shippo across from Rin and had fixed a firm eye on him. 'Oh brother, this is going to be a long winter!'

OOO&OOO

Pitch black darkness surrounded Kagome. Only the stars lit the night. She stood as she had every night since coming to the castle, in the moonlight garden, alone. He watched her stare at the stars in her own silent vigil and wondered what she meditated upon.

The snow was now a firm blanket on the ground. Now matter the cold, Kagome was in the garden every night. It was her refuge. Her refuge from the hard training, the teaching, and her emotions. She felt wrapped in the heavens among the shaped hedges covered in snow.

She would return to her rooms and smile at Sesshoumaru watching her from his balcony. She knew he was concerned for her wellbeing, but he still managed to let her have the distance she required. Three weeks had passed since her first night at the House. Kagome had found a very good confidant in Furoku, and the servants were glad she was around to reign in Shippo's increasing hormones. Jaken had become a permanent fixture in the library during studies. His vast knowledge of everything demonic gave Kagome the right tools she needed to teach. She had begun to think of him as the 'search engine' of youkai.

Kagome entered her room expecting it to be empty. What she found was an overly animated Rin bouncing on her bed. "What are you doing up so late Rin?"

"Our first guests will arrive tomorrow!"

"Our what?"

"Guests!"

"For what Rin? I wasn't aware Sesshoumaru was throwing a party."

"The Winter Solstice Kagome! Every year a Lord gets a turn throwing the party. This year it's our turn, and the first of our guests sent a messenger saying he would arrive tomorrow!"

"Oh, but that still doesn't explain why you are up so late."

"It is my job to prepare the rooms for our guests to their liking. I am very good at remembering what pleases people. Lord Sesshoumaru set me to the task four winters ago. I was on my way to look at last minute preparations when I realized that no one would have told you about the Solstice."

"You are very right Rin, I had no idea. So who will be showing up?"

"Well, all the great Lords will come as we near the festival. Some will stay for the better part of the winter. We never imposed on our hosts and left after the festival was over. Anyway, all of the leader youkai under Lord Sesshoumaru's rule will also come. Many of them will show up before the snow gets too thick and stay until right before the first snow melt. Like Kouga, of the wolf tribe."

"Kouga will be here?"

"Yes, he is arriving tomorrow. This festival is a time for the host Lord to show his gratitude to all those leaders who follow his rule. Those that are not in favor are not invited. It is a very political time. But there is fun! Dancing, games, fireworks, food, and all sorts of good company, mostly."

Kagome looked at Rin again, she had sounded so much older than she looked. Kagome smiled at her 'daughter' and wondered when Rin had turned into a beautiful, intelligent young lady. "Rin, will you let me know when Kouga arrives?"

"Of course, Lady Kagome.", she smiled and hopped off the bed, "Good night momma Kagome!" And out the door she went.

Kagome sighed, she would see Kouga. She had missed him dearly since they parted and would be glad to have so much time with him this winter. Another friend would be great! Right!? Even if said friend would like nothing better than to get you alone in your room. 'sighI really need to get myself a short term boyfriend. Working close to Sesshoumaru all day just makes me a hot, overly excited woman!'

Kagome decided that she needed to meditate more, as she slipped into bed. Tomorrow would turn out to be a very interesting day.

OOO&OOO

Shippo found that Rin looked different to him today. Her hair had been done up, and she wore a silk kimono instead of her cotton one. He noticed how she bustled around telling the servants to go here and put that there. Shippo thought she looked like the princess of the castle. She had caught him staring at her again. 'If I was Inuyasha, and she was Kagome, I would be 'sat' right now.'

"If you're going to gawk at least do something!", she yelled as she threw him the outside chores list.

"Do I really have to sweep the entire terrace?"

"Yes, and PLEASE don't let me down Shippo, this is very important to me."

How could he ever let a friend down? "I will do better than my best!"

Rin tried not to smile, but it slipped out anyway. She had seen the demonic change before, and knew that keeping said demon busy was the best thing for everyone.

"Oh, Furoku! Could you please tell Lady Kagome that the sentries have seen Kouga coming?"

"Of course young Lady Rin."

Furoku found Kagome in the dojo with Sesshoumaru and waited patiently to be noticed. Kagome sensed her first and signaled a break from their combat training. "Yes Furoku, is there something wrong?"

"No my Lady. The sentries have spotted Kouga."

"Oh! Thank you very much! After he is settled please send him this way."

"As you wish my Lady." She gave a small bow and left.

"You wanted to see Kouga.", Sesshoumaru said as he moved into his first position.

"Yes, I haven't seen him since we defeated Naraku. If it will interrupt our lessons I will talk to him later."

"He is an ally. I as well would have stopped to greet him, this is my House."

Kagome rolled her eyes, "oh, of course."

"I do not lie."

"I didn't say you did."

"You implied lack of faith in my reason."

"I only think that part of your reason is true. Besides it is only my opinion."

"Your opinion has weight here Kagome."

"Youkai!(she huffed)Are always far more jealous than they let on."

"I am not jealous. I simply do not think that Kouga has truly finished his demonic change."

Kagome burst out laughing at this remark and the tension between them eased. 'Perhaps I am looking for something that just isn't there.'

A few moments later Kouga walked into the dojo. "Yo Kagome! WELLLLL! LOOK at YOU!"

"I look the same Kouga." She playfully huffed while bringing her hands to her hips.

"Like hell! You look..well...hotter than usual. Sesshoumaru's battle workout program has really brought out your athletic side." Kouga's eyes practically sparkled as he neared Kagome.

"You know flattery will get you no where in the dojo.", she said as she gave Kouga a huge hug.

"OH man! And you feel even better!"

"KOUGA!"

"I'm sorry Kagome, you know I can't help myself. Lord Sesshoumaru.", he bowed. "I am honored to be your guest and ally during this Winter Solstice."

"I am honored as well for your allegiance and loyalty to the Western Lands."

They finished their bows and shared smirks. Kagome stood with the most peculiar look on her face. Why in the world were they sharing such formality she wondered. The two recognized her expression and they answered her confused look before she could even ask.

"It is great tradition Kagome." Sesshoumaru stated.

"For such words to be said between us in the protection of the Lords' house.", Kouga finished. "We really are friends, but it is safer never to let anyone know just how good of friends we are outside the castle."

"Oh, I see, deniability."

"Yes, exactly."

Kouga stayed to watch them practice and even got in on the lesson. Sesshoumaru was glad to have another fighter in the fray. It gave him the chance to show Kagome how to defend multiple attacks, and it allowed him to show off his training of Kagome to someone else. They finished at their usual time and proceeded to the house for lunch.

Rin met them half way with the announcement of more guests to soon arrive. The trio changed into slightly more formal attire to greet the soon arriving clan leaders. Three had shown up during dinner, and the last two came just in time for dessert.

Kagome found that she was for once grateful for Kouga's clingy behavior. He would whisper who was leader of who, and what scandalous thing they had done lately to almost get themselves kicked off the list. Shippo was about beside himself, Rin had dragged him over to every young demoness there to introduce him. He was feeling almost sick. His newly heightened senses made it hard for him to think straight among all of the perfumed woman. Rin at least had the sense to drag him upstairs before he passed out or his demon took over and went crazy.

Kagome was becoming worried for the boy. She only had a vague knowledge of the changes her 'little' boy was going through. And she was worried. Kouga merely patted her arm and told her not to worry. He said that Shippo seemed to be handling it better than he did.

Sesshoumaru sat next to Kagome once his Lordly duties were over and the grown group of youkai shared in talk well into the night. Many were very anxious to meet Kagome and learn more about the Priestess that was important enough to take residence in their Lords' house. None too few were also very upset that Kouga would not let any one else sit next to her but Lord Sesshoumaru. The evening came to a close with Sesshoumaru declaring that breakfast was only served right after daybreak.

Kagome managed to go to bed alone, though Kouga tried very hard to convince her otherwise. 'Maybe Sesshoumaru is right, perhaps Kouga hasn't finished his change yet. Horny youkai! I may have to erect a barrier to keep him out. Of course I would have to want to really keep him out.' Kagome vowed to ask Furoku what she should do about her overrunning physical needs in the morning.

OOO&OOO

Furoku pulled the heavy curtains away from the window to let the morning light fill the room. 'I can't believe she is still sleeping!' "Lady Kagome, Lady Kagome, breakfast is ready."

"Huh?"

"Breakfast is being served my lady, and the Lords will arrive this morning. Lord Sesshoumaru has canceled your practice for today because of the forthcoming formalities."

"Oh, thank you Furoku." She sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "What in the world should I wear? Technically if it's formal I should wear my miko robes."

"There is a very beautiful kimono in red and white, and no it does not look like Lord Sesshoumaru's."

Kagome smiled, "That sounds like a very good compromise." As she dressed Kagome remembered her question from the night before.

"Furoku..this is going to sound so weird...but.."

"You can tell me anything Lady Kagome."

Kagome sucked in her pride and forged on, "Being around Sesshoumaru would be wonderful if he didn't make all these physical needs rise in me. Now I'm wondering what to do with myself. Literally."

"Well, I suppose that is problem seeing as your age mate has mated, and you have outgrown his human ratio age."

"My what?"

Furoku stuttered on her answer a little, "Age mate."

Kagome gave her a confused sideways glance.

"A companion of similar age who is usually a lifelong friend and, well, a physical companion when they come of age. But age mates NEVER become true mates, they are merely friends for life."

"Oh." Kagome was shocked to have never heard of this before.

"Youkai in large packs, like Kouga, don't usually have age mates since they are surrounded by 'family'. Many of them don't ever feel any physical or emotional loneliness."

"Does Sesshoumaru have an age mate?"

"Yes. Though I think you should ask him directly about any questions you would have regarding his age mate."

"I don't know how he would react to me asking him about something he has never mentioned before. I was however beginning to wonder how he never seemed the need to ... ah ... relieve himself. Heavens knows if it hadn't been for Inuyasha when we were younger I might have just exploded!"

The two woman laughed till their sides hurt. Then a thought struck Furoku. "What about Kouga? He would be -technically speaking- your age mate."

"Except he wants it too much."

"Think about it my Lady, sometimes all someone needs is a warm body to lay next to."

Furoku walked out of the room leaving Kagome to dwell on the pros and cons of such a decision. Of course nothing can be done on an empty stomach, so she made her way to breakfast. Knowing she was probably the last one.

To Kagome's embarrassment not only was she the last person down stairs, she had also missed the arrival of the three great Lords. She found all of them on the terrace watching Shippo run sprints from one side to the other. Sesshoumaru's poison whip driving him along at a very fast past. And an upset Rin being comforted by Kouga. Kagome's features went to an instant frown as she made her way to where Sesshoumaru and Kouga were seated.

Sesshoumaru was flung gracefully on a chaise lounge, his hand moving effortlessly back and forth as he snapped his whip at Shippo's heels. Next to his left was a small couch, Rin seated closest to him followed by Kouga. To either side of them sat the Lord of the North, and the Lord of the East in large cushioned chairs. The southern Lord was in discussion with a few pack leaders behind them. The rest of the leaders were seated on several large cushions about the back terrace.

Upon Kagome's arrival everyone went silent. All of course, but Rin. "OHHHHH, MOMMA!" Rin sobbed as they threw herself at Kagome, tears running down her cheeks.

"Rin, what in the world is wrong with you? Oh please stop crying, I can't help you when I can't understand you my little flower."

"It's Shippo.", Rin sighed, her shoulder heaved at the words. "He grew another head taller in two days and now the stupid oggoling and drooling over woman. But that isn't even the worst of it."

"Then what is that has you so upset?"

Rin hesitated a little as Kagome sat herself next to Kouga, Rin in her lap. Kouga took mercy on the poor young girl and answered for her. "Apparently Shippo has eyes only for Rin." Sesshoumaru's eyes visibly narrowed at the comment. Kouga soldered on, "And tried to..well...kiss her, and such. But don't worry Kagome, Rin is a very tough young lady and kneed him good before knocking him senseless. Now Sesshoumaru is bestowing on the young man what all our fathers did for us."

"Which is what?!"

Sesshoumaru answered, "Forced focus and discipline."

"It looks like you are trying to tire him out."

"That's the idea momma.", Rin sighed, "When the southern Lords' son went through this last year they had him carry a demoness in the lords throne up and down the castle stairs. It was about 20 hours before he finally collapsed. Of course he was done with the change by then."

"It will take that long?"

"If he's lucky." Kouga said, "It took me almost 24 hours! But then again my father had a sick sense of humor."

"Ah, yes. The gold Kimono.", Sesshoumaru supplied, an evil glimmer in his eye.

"Yeah! I guess it was gold."

Kagome was confused as the other youkai started laughing at the mention of a gold kimono. "I don't get it."

The Eastern Lord spoke, "His father thought it would be funny to watch the women chase after his boy for once. I do believe they even had makeup in hand." He laughed hardily with the others.

Kagome was beaming, "Makeup?"

"Yeah, I had a rotation of no less than 10 demonesses chasing me around this very castle with makeup, hair pins, sandals, and the gold kimono that Lord Sesshoumaru's mother supplied. In the end when I finally woke up the next day I was wearing the kimono, accessories and all! They even put up my hair and did full makeup. I was exhausted!"

"I do believe you made a very fetching demoness.", Sesshoumaru said wryly.

The Northern Lords daughter chimed in, "You fit into that kimono so perfectly back then, we all wondered if we should have sewed you into it. Just so you could always feel pretty!"

Kouga blushed, but laughed with them. Somehow Kagome couldn't see Sesshoumaru doing the same thing. "What about you Sesshoumaru? Did your father chase you with a poison whip?"

The Eastern Lord supplied the answer. "Well my Lady, no one really knows. You see his father showed up for the festival at my castle that year, but his mate and son did not. Apparently young Sesshoumaru here was far more than anyone could handle. The Western Lady saw to him, and I am here to tell you that was one female I would never cross in any millennia."

Nods of agreement were seen about the terrace as Sesshoumaru send a cracking whip closer to Shippo's feet. Kagome was not afraid to tread where others did not and forged ahead. "So what did your mother do Sesshoumaru?"

The terrace was silent, only his whip could be heard. Everyone was waiting for the answer. "I do believe my mother had a strange view of humor. Like Kouga I had not singled out a female. She figured I might as well be useful, and made me quarry the rock that was used in the outer fortress walls. Then, since I complained, I had to built it. It took two days for my change to complete."

The lords were all talking at once, "You had to build it?!" "HAHAAHAA, I wondered when your father had found the time to have it erected!" "Is that why you never say anything anymore?!" "That thing is 7 yards high!"

Even Kagome and Rin had a hard time keeping in their laughter, and Kouga was not even pretending to hold back tears of laughter. He just let it loose. Kagome looked at Rin's fading happy expression to realize that since Shippo had chosen her, Rin would have to stay in his sight to focus on his change. She had an evil little idea that would let Rin choose the fox demon's fate.

She whispered something to Rin. As Rin raced off to complete her task Kagome got a look from Sesshoumaru. "Don't worry, she will be right back."

Sesshoumaru kept an eye on Kagome's mischievous face as he continued Shippo's fast pace. About 5 minutes later Rin appeared back on the terrace with a small object in her hands. She gave it to Kagome and bent down to listen to her explicit instructions. Rin nodded in understanding and stood up straight, standing between Sesshoumaru and Kagome.

Kagome took the object in between her hands and closed her eyes saying an incantation. Shippo cocked his head at Kagome's strange behavior. Then without warning Kagome's eyes snapped open as the beaded necklace in her hand began to materialize around Shippo's neck. As soon as Shippo realized what was happening he yelped. "NO KAGOME!" And ran to put his hand over his momma's mouth.

Right before he reached Kagome she said, "Now."

"Fall." BAM!CRACK! Shippo went flying into the cold stone terrace. The Lords and pack leaders lost it. They were howling and laughing hysterically at the flattened out young fox demon. Even Sesshoumaru was grinning. 'clever little miko.'

Shippo looked up at Rin"How could you Rin? I thought you were my friend? It's even the necklace you made me."

"Lady Kagome thought that it would be more meaningful if I was the one with the word of power."

He got up and when he tried to make his way to Rin she calmly said, "Fall."

SMASH!CRACK! "Ohhhmmnn." Shippo turned his head from the broken stone to look at Rin. Her face was calm, frowning, and pained. She stood straight, her hands clasped in front of her. He thought she looked so serene and beautiful standing there in her winter finest, her hair done up, her eyes glued to his. As soon as Shippo's beast started to take over Sesshoumaru immediately continued his whipping, sending Shippo back on his course.

'No wonder Inuyasha was always grumpy, getting 'sat' hurts', Shippo thought, ' I am going to have to apologize to him.'

Once the Lords finally got control of their laughter the Southern Lord spoke first. "Is that the same spell that is upon Inuyasha?"

"Yes, though I have since dispelled his beads."

"I wish I had a set of those for my sons!"

"I will be more than happy to set you up when your other sons' change is upon them."

At this remark the two younger sons vowed to do everything in their power to be far more considerate during their change. They did not want the likes of a female like Rin, who is very headstrong, dictating their next move.

Lunch was served in the dining hall, with games and traditions following. That night was the Winter Solstice, and the celebration would last for four days. 'Ending on Christmas', Kagome thought with a smile. The whole time Shippo was running his laps, with a very sad Rin watching. The youkai all took turns finding a way to keep Shippo running at a good pace throughout the day.

Kouga challenged him to run as fast as he, bringing out Shippo's new found demon for the challenge. The leader of the badger clan made Shippo dodge his sword at one end and his son's at the other. All the lords and leaders proceeded to do their turn. This phenom only happened during Winter Solstice. Once when they are aged 2, and next when they are teens. It is part of the festivities to break in the demon of a young pup.

Thus the party was not hindered by Shippo's changing self. At dusk the fireworks started, everyone watching from the garden, the sound of Rin's 'fall' was the only other thing heard among the booming explosions. Soon everyone was off to bed, the most trusted guards were posted to keep Shippo going at his pace, and Rin walked up the stairs with Kouga. They settled themselves into Kagome's room, waiting for her to finish her meditation.

"Don't worry little one, he'll be done with this soon enough." Kouga sounded confident as he flopped down on Kagome's bed, putting his hands behind his head and stretching out.

Rin sat herself down on a small cushion at the window, "But he's still changed. I'm not his friend anymore."

"You're right." Rin's heart sank. "You're much more to him. He chose you after all as the object of his affection. The only female that makes his beast go wild. It could just be because you are so close. But secretly I think it's because he loves you."

Rin looked at the wolf youkai. So confident, so sure. She had seen his love for Kagome, and yet...she knew he honored her as a friend far too much to force anything on her. Rin hoped that Kouga was right, and Shippo was still her most dearest friend.

Kagome came into the room, sat on her bed next to Kouga and motioned Rin to come over. "All right my little blossom, why are you so quiet?"

"Rin nestled in next to Kagome and buried her face in her chest. "Shippo is my best friend, my sibling, and...well...I ... thought he might be the closest thing to an age mate I would ever have. And now he's going to grow older than me, and forget all about me!"

' She has been around youkai for too long.' "Rin, he could never forget you. Besides, you will always have the word of power to remind him who's boss." Rin smiled and sighed as she took out Kagome's necklace from under her kimono and held it in her hand, as she laid her head on Kagome's shoulder and let herself fall asleep.

Once she was fast asleep Kagome laid her down on the bed and scooted herself over to give Rin some room. It put herself a little closer to the wolf demon than she would have liked. She turned and gave a sheepish smile to Kouga who returned it until he got a look at what hung about her neck. His face froze the same as Furoku's had.

"What is it Kouga?"

"Sesshoumaru gave you that necklace?"

"Yes, and why are you just as surprised as Furoku to see it?!"

"Because he always wore it. It was a gift from his mother, he wore that necklace for as long as I can remember. It was the most important thing to him. When she left, quite a bit before Inuyasha was born, he took it off."

"Oh, I didn't know."

"I guess that means I'm out of the running for your hand?"

"I didn't know you were in it." She smiled mockingly.

He reached up and handled the stone carefully, "I would never have won anyway. Sesshoumaru is the better choice."

"What makes you say that."

He grinned as he set it carefully back in place. "I guess because you are the closest thing to an age mate as I will ever have. I enjoy that special connection we have, and to be your mate would ruin that."

'Always so honest and open.' "I thought you were, human to demon wise, older than Inuyasha and I."

"Well, you have aged since we first met. And now that your immortal, we will always be at a closer age than you and Inuyasha are now. I guess you could say that I was born smack dab between the two dogs. Hell, Sesshoumaru got to see my change and I got to see Inuyasha's. It was the first and only time he was ever let into this castle if I recall."

"Well then, I am honored that you would consider me your age mate Kouga." She gave him her award winning smile as a thought struck her. "Who do I have to talk to that would have actually witness Sesshoumaru's change?"

"Furoku."

"Furoku? Oh, I guess she did serve the Lady of the House."

"That's because she Sesshoumaru's age mate."

"Really! Well that explains why she is surprised to see Sesshoumaru show such emotion towards me. She has known him all his life! He probably has never shown such affection by the way she acts."

"Your right. Since I know you I'm not so surprised that he acts that way. You have a charisma that would lead a man happily to his death."

She shoved him playfully, "Oh shut up Kouga." He took the chance to wrap an arm around her and pull her to rest her head on his chest.

"You gonna stay tonight?", Kagome queried.

"Yeah, if Shippo's beast breaks free it will take all you have just to protect Rin. You need to have another defense just to try and slow him down."

"You know Sesshoumaru might not like you snuggling his woman." Kagome said as she winked at him.

"I figured there was something between you two when I heard you were staying here so I asked him if I could stay in your room before dinner."

"Kouga, you have to be the most thoughtful male alive. You will make some female very happy one day."

"Thank you Kagome." With that he kissed her forehead and they fell asleep, one ear always trained for trouble.

OOO&OOO

It was still pitch black when Kagome felt his aura wash over her body. Half asleep she tensed, suddenly feeling guilty for letting the young wolf hold her like he was. But then she noticed his scent, it wasn't filled with anything but love, directed at her!

Kagome felt him run his hand gently over her cheek before softly shaking Kouga's shoulder. He woke and stretched carefully so as not to wake Kagome, even though she was already awake. Sesshoumaru spoke in a soft friendly even tone.

"It is time my 'brother'."

Ok, I hope you still don't want to kill me from diverting a little from my original plan. I just couldn't help it. I had this weird dream one night and then this idea was just running through my head! My little short chapter turned into this long thing that I had to split into two chapters. For those of you who are wondering we will be getting to Kagome's future time. And it will be fun! I was thinking hot clubs, sexy demons, and leather! Whatcha think? ;p He, He. Thanks to all who reviewed last time: kyo12591-thanks for all the reviews and favs. ; nhjade-1; aido; sassysango26; takeshi-ai; and husbandsangel. You guys all make my little writing world go 'round! If ya hadn't noticed I thought that I should raise the rating, I want to be compliant. If you think I didn't need to yet let me know. Many thanks and smiles to all -J