Her Heart's Winter Thaw

By Dragonessclaw

Disclaimer: Nope, still down own the characters. Though sometimes I like to daydream that I am Ms. Takahashi. (sighs loudly)

Chapter 7 A Strange Reunion

Sesshomaru sniffed lightly and could not stop the small smile that momentarily broke through his emotionless mask. She was near and coming this way. He had to see her, feel her. He knew he shouldn't but he felt the need to be close to her when she would actually know of his presence and interact with him. Sesshomaru wanted to touch her skin and see if it is as soft as it was before or if years of hard work under the sun had hardened her skin slightly. If he had to do it in the pretense of pinning her to the ground for her own good then Sesshomaru would do it since as far as he was concerned it wouldn't necessarily be untruthful.

He had long ago come to terms with what he felt for his brother's miko. Maybe at one time it was inappropriate but not now. He had never done anything to disrespect or usurp their mating even when at times it almost drove him mad. He put distance between himself and them and even after his brother passed he continued to keep that distance. He always made sure to check on her but stayed far enough to be out of her range of senses unless she was in great distress.

All Sesshomaru could deduce was that since she was familiar with his aura and not threatened by it she took no notice of him when she was distressed, as she has been lately. Not that Sesshomaru was complaining, he had been pushing his luck quite a bit of late and had no desire to explain his actions. For anyone else he wouldn't but if she asked Sesshomaru would tell her while leaving only the parts he felt she might not be willing to deal with. It would be for her health of course.

Before, much to his approval, Sesshomaru had to start staying farther and farther away to escape Kagome's detection. She was getting stronger and making her place in this world but then she had just stopped and become stagnant. He needed to get her back to the way she was and to help rekindle that fire that seemed almost completely snuffed out. Kagome's constant state of unrest was making his beast more of a problem than usual as it struggled to get to the miko and comfort her.

That was another thing that showed how different the miko was compared to most humans. She didn't have the drive to gain more power in order to take over and dominate those weaker, but in order to learn to better protect what she saw as hers. Her selflessness never failed to astound Sesshomaru. In time she had become a born leader. Kagome was no longer compulsive and compassionate but deadly to those that would be a threat. More and more Kagome showed how fit she would be as Lady of the West, the only problem was getting her to see that as well.

~~~~~~~~~~IN ANTOHER PART OF THE FOREST~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kagome walked slowly and without real purpose. This was the fortieth anniversary of Inuyasha's passing and thoughts of him had been bombarding her since right after dawn. Finally fed up with laying there Kagome left her hut started walking. A walk always helped to clear her head and she was hoping this time would be no different.

Kagome was about to take another step when she suddenly went rigid and somersaulted to her right. She turned just in time to block a poison whip attack with her spiritual energy. Pushing forward as she disintegrated the poison whip Kagome unsheathed the katana at her side and went on the offensive.

Smirking Sesshomaru used his demon speed to jump back but then lost sight of the miko. Moving slightly to the left Sesshomaru dodged the attack on his person from behind. Moving even faster as the rush of the chase hit him Sesshomaru then appeared behind Kagome grabbing her by the neck and then slamming her into the nearest tree.

As Kagome struggled to get loose she started turn pink all over as her spiritual energy responded to such strong youkai energy. Realizing she was about to use her powers against him Sesshomaru moved forward to close the distance between them. Fitting his body to hers he used his left hand to expose the side of her neck where Kagome's mating mark used to be and pinching the skin between his fangs he growled loudly.

Knowing she had lost this fight Kagome relaxed her stance and bared her neck even more whimpering her submission.

Sesshomaru meanwhile was fighting to keep the red out of his eyes. He hadn't expected her to submit so soon and part of him was disappointed. Thoughts of him straddling her while she bucked under him kept flashing in his mind. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. Being in such close quarters with her and feeling the way her body molded to his had whipped Sesshomaru's beast into a frenzy. Resisting the urge to growl at the feelings he was experiencing Sesshomaru quickly jumped back from Kagome, a look of sheer boredom plastered on his face for good measure.

"Good job miko. I had thought you too distracted to properly take notice of your surroundings. I also see you have learned to use you miko powers to enhance you strength and speed."

Nodding Kagome re-sheathed her Katana. Stepping forward as she dusted herself off Kagome inquired, "So that is why you have come. Is it time for me to be tested and show what I have learned since last we met?"

Shaking his head in the negative Sesshomaru answered, "I merely picked up your scent and thought to see how you were. We are pack after all. I must admit I am pleased to see you still know your inu manners."

"Some things we never forget Sesshomaru-sama," Kagome replied respectfully.

"Hn. Miko, walk with me?" Sesshomaru more asked than demanded momentarily stunning Kagome.

The two walked in silence for the first mile. As they walked Kagome was just content to have company since she was not really expecting Sesshomaru to say anything. Sesshomaru, however, wanted to talk but was still trying to figure out how to start.

"How have you fared since we last spoke," Sesshomaru inquired.

"I am fine Sesshomaru-sama thank you for your concern but it is not necessary."

Continuing Sesshomaru asked, "Is there anything you require?"

"No I have all that I need. I must say that I do appreciate you sending your men to repair my roof. I had just come back from bartering for some of the necessary supplies when I noticed it had been done. I also must thank you for the furs that were left for me."

Smiling Kagome then added, "You really didn't need to send your soldiers at all much less that many. The towns I passed were all abuzz with the news of the soldiers marching through. Everyone was wondering where the trouble was."

"Hn, I shall keep that in mind for the future," Sesshomaru finished.

Knowing that was about as good as it would get Kagome let the matter drop. No matter how many times she reiterated that she didn't need help Sesshomaru was determined to look after her. As maddening as it was Kagome was also touched by the Taiyoukai's strong sense of pack.

As she continued to walk Kagome realized that there was something she did need. Not having prepared for such a request with a token offering Kagome she wasn't sure she should ask. Not only was he really into formalities but Sesshomaru had seemed to go to great lengths not to interact with her in person. Of course, Kagome was probably being paranoid. Sesshomaru was the ruler of the Western Lands, and as such was very busy.

Kagome really couldn't expect him to personally come to see to her. After all she was just his late brother's wife. Inuyasha wasn't even what one would call a close brother, now that she thought of it Sesshomaru had stopped coming around years before Inuyasha even passed. If he didn't come when his brother was alive, what could Kagome really expect of him now? Still it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Kagome had planned to start off small but here was the opportunity she had been looking for. If she was really going to start to change things this would be a good start. All he could say was no. Kagome was pretty sure he wouldn't behead her since he saw her as pack. Kagome ignored the voice in her head saying that being beheaded might not be a bad thing after all and took a deep breath.

"Ahem," Kagome started as she cleared her throat.

At the spike of nervousness in her aura Sesshomaru stopped and turned to Kagome. Clearly this was something important to her and as such he would give her his undivided attention. That and it would give him a chance to stare at her as he'd longed to do without being conspicuous.

"Sesshomaru-sama, there is one thing I would like if it is possible," Kagome said hesitantly.

Sesshomaru did not speak but nodded for Kagome to continue.

"Do you think you could..well… maybe come by and visit me sometimes?"

Sesshomaru could not stop the surprise from showing on his face. She wanted to be in his company. A small bit of hope started to bloom at hearing the request.

At the look on Sesshomaru's face Kagome tried to quickly explain hoping she hadn't bothered him with her request.

"It's just that I have people I know but all my friends are long gone. With my lifespan so much longer than a nigen's I don't want to start any new friendships. It's too hard. And, you are all I have left of my original pack. All I have left of him." The last sentence was uttered so low that the Taiyoukai almost didn't catch it.

His face resuming its mask Sesshomaru ignored the small twinge he displeasure he felt. So that was it. Because Sesshomaru favored Inuyasha she would want to be in his company.

"Being around me will NOT make you miss him any less," Sesshomaru bit out a little harsher than he meant.

"What?" Kagome asked completely puzzled. She couldn't figure out what one thing had to do with the other. When she finally realized what he was saying Kagome shook her head emphatically.

"No you misunderstand Sesshomaru-sama. I merely meant that you know me. Who I was, who I am and you knew and in your own way loved him as well. There is no one living right now besides you who could understand me and how I feel. If I were to say I remember when Sango flew on Kirara even if you didn't have anything to add or respond with it would be something you could appreciate. Most nigen now do not even believe in your kind. Even my title as a miko is no more than just a title to some. It would be nice to talk with you and share memories or even hear about stories about you two when you were younger."

At the incredulous look on his face Kagome added with a wink, "Well they can't all be that bad."

Nodding, Sesshomaru felt his displeasure lessen considerably. He still wasn't sure if this was a good idea but a part of him had been looking for an opening and it seemed this was it. Maybe it was just selfishness on his part.

Making up his mind Sesshomaru answered, "Very well miko. I am quite busy but will make an effort to come by and speak with you. Perhaps you would like to join me at the castle as well, if as you say you need to be around others with a similar life span."

Kagome could have cried. She had never expected him to say yes, much less allow her into the castle. That was something that had not occurred to Kagome. At the castle she would have a chance to meet with many Youkai and it would easier to a point since they would know that by being a guest of Sesshomaru's she would not wish them harm. As everything sunk in Kagome really smiled for the first time in so long. Without thinking she jumped on Sesshomaru hugging him for all he was worth.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she said still caught up in her high.

At the sudden intrusion Sesshomaru automatically grabbed Kagome, his hands sliding around her waist. Between how Kagome felt and her smell the Taiyoukai let out a growl of want before he could get control of his self.

Misunderstanding his growl Kagome quickly untangled herself from Sesshomaru.

"I am sorry," she stated guiltily, "I was so happy I wasn't thinking. I did not mean to intrude upon your space."

Standing a little straighter Sesshomaru replied, "It is of no consequence. It was just unexpected. I did not mean to growl."

At that Sesshomaru turned and they continued their walk. There was no way he was going to tell her why he actually growled. As they continued walking Sesshomaru wondered if he did indeed have enough self control to honor her request.

/

O.k. guys Sesshomaru is in the building. I hope you guys enjoyed. Until next time. And as always feedback welcom.^_^