In the last chapter it was revealed that Kagome is getting three days off

In the last chapter it was revealed that Kagome is getting three days off. What will happen? Read to find out!

Disclaimer: I do not own any Inuyasha characters, story lines, etc. The whole thing belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and co.

Ch. 9

"Morning mom!" Kagome yelled, her feet hitting the bottom of the stairs with a loud 'thump'.

"Good morning Kagome, dear. How are you? Did training go well last night?" Mom asked.

Kagome plopped down in her seat at the kitchen table with an excited smile. "I'm great Mom. Training is just like it has been; tough and rewarding. But guess what! Nyata is letting me go to the Feudal Era for three days! I'm so excited, I can barely stand it. I'm leaving as soon as breakfast is done!"

Kasha put on a motherly concerned face, "Are you sure, Kagome, that it's alright for you to go?"

"Absolutely mom. Nyata wants to give me a chance to practice my new skills outside the training grounds. And since she gave me my new sword last night, I'll be fine. You know I will be mom. My senses are already greater than that of a demon's and as of last night, I'm almost done with perfecting my weaponry use. I mastered the sword last night so you have nothing to worry about, alright?"

"I suppose your right Kagome," Kasha agreed, "You aren't that sweet fifteen year old girl you used to be. Just…be careful alright. You might be stronger now, but you haven't finished your training yet. You could still get hurt."

"I know mom. Don't worry. I have this all under control," I reassured. Hopefully, she would stop the overprotective mom act now. I inhaled deeply, detecting the scent of sweet pancakes and strawberries. Mmmm…my favorite thing for breakfast.

Thankfully, Kasha dropped the subject of Kagome returning to the Feudal Era and continued to fix breakfast. About fifteen minutes later, Sota came waltzing in rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Morning mom. Sis."

"Oh good morning Sota. Did you sleep well?" Mom smiled.

"Yeah," he answered with a yawn.

"Hey squirt," Kagome teased, roughing up his bed-head.

"Hey, hey, hey don't DO that! And I'm not a squirt!" he protested.

"Whatever you say," Kagome giggled, "…Squirt."

"Mom, Kagome's picking on me!"

"Kagome stop picking on your brother," Kasha said half-heartedly from the stove.

Kagome busted out laughing at the normality of her family. Not one single thing had changed since her adventures in the Feudal Era had begun. She still got scolded by her parentals (aka: mom and grandpa), teased her little brother, and still loved them all dearly. Kagome continued to giggle at Sota's frustrated face. She reached over with her two index fingers and forcefully tried to get him to smile. Sota tried to keep an angry face, but it failed when Kagome began to laugh at the look on his face and he couldn't help but joining in the laughter.

"You should… (giggle)…have seen… (gasp)…your face….hahaha! Priceless!" Kagome howled.

"Alright you two, that's enough. Now eat your breakfasts so you can get going Kagome," Kasha interrupted.

Sota looked up from his pancakes, "You're leaving Kagome?"

"Yeah. I'll only be gone for three days though."

"Well have fun, I guess."

"Thanks Squirt," Kagome said before rinsing my now empty plate in the sink. Kagome glanced back at him, winked, and dashed up the stairs to get changed. She could hear him shout from downstairs:

"I am not a SQUIRT!!"

Kagome snicker at her brother's outburst. It was true that he wasn't the little boy who used to cling to her and wish her luck on her adventures. Don't get the wrong idea, he still wished her luck every time she left, but now it was in a deeper, more mature tone of voice. His voice had begun to crack about a year ago. The poor boy didn't know what to do at first. It was a very peculiar sight. He wasn't the same little seven year old anymore. Now he was a growing, soon-to-be-thirteen year old that was entering his puberty years.

Kagome walked over to her study-marked desk to pick up the box that held her new outfit in it. She quickly changed out of her PJ's and into the outfit. Once it was comfortably fastened to her body, Kagome entered her bathroom to do a bit of freshening up. She applied a bit of make-up but not much and packed her bag for her trip. Having done this task many times before, it took her about ten minutes to have everything packed and ready to go. With a happy yip, Kagome rushed out the door and down the stairs. "Alrighty mom, I'm going!"

"Wait Kagome!"

She skidded to a stop right at the door, "Yeah mom?"

"Be careful please, and you forgot this," Kasha said, holding out the first aid kit.

"Thanks mom," Kagome smiled, taking the little off white box. She wouldn't need it with her knew healing abilities, but you never know what could happen out there. Kagome turned to leave again but was, once again, stopped.

"What are you wearing Kagome?" her mom called.

"It's just something I got from a store yesterday. It's easier to fight in than that ridiculous uniform and it's really flexible. I'm having ten more made that will be ready by the end of the month. I know it's a bit revealing, but what's wrong with showing a bit of skin every now and then. Plus…it's cute."

Kasha sighed, but held a small, amused smile on her face, "Whatever you think works best Kagome. Now you had better go."

"Right. Bye mom. I love you!"

"Love you too Kagome!"

"Bye sis!"

"Goodbye Kagome! Bring me back an artifact if you can!"

"Sure thing Grandpa. Later!"

Kagome drove the well door open with ease, and leapt into the ancient Bone Eaters Well, completely unaware of a certain…demon awaiting her vary arrival.

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/Switch/

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Lord Sesshomaru, after attaching his armor in all the right places, saddled up Ah-Un and took to the skies. He would need Ah-Un if his plan was to work. Ah-Un was like his secret weapon for the thing he had planned. If he could convince the miko to come with him, then Ah-Un would serve as their transportation. The dragon was a loyal creature to Lord Sesshomaru and always did as it was told. Sesshomaru had saved the dragon from a definite death from some irate humans.

Now Lord Sesshomaru rode atop the steed as he made his was towards the Bone Eaters Well. If the Gods were on his side today, then he would arrive in precisely thirty minutes at the most. With a small flick of the reins, Sesshomaru willed Ah-Un to go faster. The two-headed creature gave a loud grunt and picked up the pace.

He was curious as to why exactly the miko had been gone for so long. If things took a turn for the worse, he could always get the information out of the little kit that was always with the miko. Although, he highly doubted she would appreciate him scaring the kit for information. He couldn't describe the itching irritation that kept growing the longer she was apart from him. He wanted, no…needed to get the woman's attention some how. Only problem was he didn't know how. She wasn't like the demonesses who through themselves at his feet. He knew he would have to be patient with the miko. Sesshomaru knew of her will to speak her mind; one of the highly attractive qualities he found in her.

The scent of the village reached his sensitive nose, and he could detect the scent of his brother's companions, but no trace of the actual half-breed. This was good. It meant no confrontations needed to be made. His attempts on the Tetsusaiga had long since vanished. Now he only wished to teach the whelp a few things about wielding such a formidable weapon. With his newly acquired Meido Zangetsuha, he didn't need the powers of the Tetsusaiga any longer. His soul purpose now revolved around winning over Kagome.

Haha you actually said her name that time, his beast interrupted.

So what of it?

That means you respect her! Duh!

I suppose I respect her more so than any other human I've ever encountered.

Oh now he decides to agree with what I have to say! The beast rolled its eyes.

That's quite enough! Silence! Sesshomaru growled in frustration at his demon's cockiness. Sadly, his demon was right…again. He hated the fact that he was so taken my a human. His reputation was down the tubes because of this, but for some reason, he didn't really care. The thing that shocked him most, though, was that he didn't even know her. She probably wouldn't want anything to do with him because of his passed attempts to kill her. This thought made his demon whine pathetically. He wasn't able to say anything, however, because the well had just come into view.

Sesshomaru took Ah-Un's reins and directed him a ways away so that no one could detect him. With his profound grace, Lord Sesshomaru dismounted the dragon and sniffed the area for any sign of his brother or Kagome. He detected nothing. To be on the safe side, though, he skillfully hid his scent and demonic aura and began a silent trek to the well that lay only a field away. When it came into view, Sesshomaru flashed quickly up into a tree that would allow him full view of the well and its inside.

For a long time Sesshomaru waited and waited and waited. His happy expectance was beginning to fade. His hopes began to diminish. His beast started whining and whimpering at the thought of the miko not being here. Sesshomaru finally just sighed and stood up from his perch.

She is obviously not here

But she has to be! Just a bit longer please! We can't leave now!

Sesshomaru growled, Fine, but only a little while longer.

His beast flashed him a happy grin and directed his attention back to the well. Sesshomaru did the same. Again, he waited and once again, his beast began to whine when she didn't show up. They had been waiting near three hours now for the miko to show up. It was almost midday, and the demons of this forest would be out looking for lunch. Sesshomaru did not fancy having to slaughter something at the moment.

Do you think she is going to show up now? He huffed at his beast.

I guess not. Well this was a total waste of time then. How could she not be here!? I want to see her dammit!

Calm yourself. Angering yourself will not bring her here. Perhaps we came too soon. We should probably journey back to the castle.

His beast snarled but nodded in agreement. There was no point in staying if she wasn't even going to be here. Sesshomaru leapt off his perch and started back for Ah-Un. He was only about half way back when a very familiar scent hit his nose; lavender and a fresh rain. She's here! Ha-ha. Yes, we can see her now! His beast was purring in excitement and barely remained chained its eagerness to see the miko again. Sesshomaru slowly turned back and stalked back to the clearing, his pristine white hair shining in the golden sunlight.

When he entered the clearing, his eyes nearly bulged right out of his skull. His beast howled with approval, but its need to protect her became even stronger. She was definitely not the same miko she was three months ago. And the clothing she was wearing...dear gods, it had his beast begging to ravish her where she stood; to make her ours forever. Her raven locks tinted blue in the sunlight, and her tanned skin flexed with the steps she took towards the ningen village.

What are you waiting for!? Stop her already!

Lord Sesshomaru let his scent drop and his aura flare out. Immediately, he noticed the girl stop and turn to stare directly where he was hiding.

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/Switch/

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With no amount of effort whatsoever, Kagome jumped up and over the lip of the well, much like she'd seen Inuyasha do several times over the years. It was easy for her now. Her body was toned and her legs had strength in them like an Australian Kangaroo in a boxing match. She lifted her now black bag instead of that disgusting yellow one up over her right shoulder with ease and began to make her way to the village.

Not a moment later did she feel the immensely powerful aura of a demon. A second later than that, and his scent filled her nose; Power and a typhoon mixed with the smell of a pine forest. It made her mouth water at how masculine it tasted. She knew it was definitely powerful and most definitely male. Women didn't have such kind of scents. Kagome turned her attention to where she smelt the delicious scent, and her eyes widened when she saw who it was watching her every move. So Nyata was right about him. He really is interested in me. Wow it's been so long since I've seen him. Since when has he been so…sexy and…fucking hot! Gods, he looks gorgeous under the sunlight like that. What!? NO! I am NOT thinking this! He has tried to KILL ME for goodness sake! Get it together girl. You don't have time to be fraternizing with the enemy anyway.

She was brought out of her thoughts by the demon lord speaking. "Where is it that you come from miko? I happened by and noticed you leaping from that well. Is this a trick to fool me?"

How dare he accuse me of such things! Like I'll tell him. "For your information Sesshomaru, that well leads to my home. That's all you need to know about it."

She definitely has guts. I like it. And just look at her ti…

Enough!

"You should learn your place miko," Sesshomaru growled.

Kagome snorted in return, "I know my place just well, and I right now, and it's with my friends not here with you. So if you'll excuse me, I'm done playing whatever game it is you're playing." Kagome turned and began to walk back to Kaede's village. Before she could take more than three steps, Sesshomaru had her pinned to a tree by her neck.

She looked up into swirling golden orbs. On the inside she gasped. My goodness. He isn't emotionless. His eyes tell everything. Oh and they're so…beautiful. Just like the rest of him. No, no, no! Ugh! Stop thinking that way!

Sesshomaru snarled at her in what would be distaste, "How dare you speak to me in such a tone? I should kill you where you stand!"

Deciding to test if what Nyata said was true, Kagome retorted, "Then do it! I dare you!"

Sesshomaru let a menacing snarl ripple from his throat before he squeezed a bit on her enclosed esophagus. His frustration grew when he saw the realization in her eyes. She was testing him! She knew he couldn't kill her. With another annoyed growl, he let her fall to the ground. Kagome looked up at him with wide, confused eyes. "Why didn't you kill me?"

Tell her now! If you don't tell her, then she will never know!

She has insulted this Sesshomaru! I will not have it!

But you knew she wasn't going to be easy. Just try and control your temper and just talk to her. She's fiery. You're going to have to earn her trust to earn her submission.

…I guess you have a point.

Damn right I do, the beast smirked.

Kagome waited impatiently for the demon lord to speak. When he didn't say anything, she stood, dusted herself off, and began to walk back to the village. "Wait," Sesshomaru called. Only this time, his voice was soft-warm. Kagome froze and with wide eyes, turned back to face him. For the first time in all the years Kagome had known him, she saw behind that mask of indifference. What she saw behind shocked her. In his eyes were a battle of emotions she never thought she'd see in him; worry, nervousness, confusion, frustration, and…hope?

Kagome took a few timid steps towards the dog demon and stopped. "What is it Sessh…Lord Sesshomaru?" She figured it would be best to call him by his title even though she knew now that he wouldn't kill her. Apparently, she was of some value to him.

Said demon lord was having an inner battle about how to get her to come with him. He didn't want to say something that might sound like an order, but then again he didn't want to sound like a total pup in front of her either. He had never felt so nervous in his entire life. And all for a mere woman, too. Kagome took another couple of steps to the lord. Now she was standing directly in front of him. "Lord Sesshomaru?" she asked.

Again, he didn't answer. "Hello? Lord Sesshomaru, you in there?" She waved a feminine hand in front of his face. With a few blinks, Sesshomaru came out of his thoughts.

"What are you doing miko?" he asked, referring to her waving hand.

"Well you kind of spaced out on me for a second there. Is everything alright? Did you need something?" Her eyes shone with true concern now. She just couldn't get over all the emotional turmoil that seemed to be swimming within the golden depths of his eyes.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes while taking a deep breath. When he exhaled, he opened his eyes and looked at her. "Hai miko. This Sesshomaru wishes to…show you something; if you would allow him to that is."

Kagome was stunned. Maybe Nyata was right after all. He seems to have an interest in me. "May I ask why?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, "If you do not wish to come just say so."

"No, no, no Lord Sesshomaru I didn't mean it that way. I just really wanted to see my friends after being gone for so long. If it's that important to you, I'll go. A few more minutes could hurt them."

To Kagome's shock, again, the demon lord let a small smirk grace his features. Kagome gave a heartfelt smile in return that literally took the lord's breath away. She was so mind blowingly beautiful. Lord Sesshomaru turned to walk into the forest. "Then come along miko."

She narrowed her eyes at the lack of the use of her name but dismissed it with the shake of her head. It's not like she expected much of the demon lord. He was the ice prince after all, or so his reputation told. Kagome followed curiously as he led her through the forest. Sesshomaru's beast, however, wouldn't shut up.

She agreed to come along! That means we did it! Can you believe how unbelievably gorgeous she is? I just want to throw her down on that forest floor and…

That is ENOUGH! She might have agreed to come with this Sesshomaru but that doesn't mean she is interested in any way.

Then you have to GET her interested. How hard can it be? Hell, if push comes to shove, ask her perverted friend of a monk for advice.

There is no way I'm asking that ningen for advice. He is beneath me.

That's another thing. You think Kagome is going to appreciate you undermining her friends like that? You need to lighten up. Seriously.

Alright if I let her know of my interest tonight will you shut up?

Yup. For now anyway…

And his beast did quiet for the time being. Sesshomaru entered the clearing first followed by Kagome shortly after. He turned to the miko and spoke, "We will need to fly on Ah-Un to get to where we are going."

Kagome nodded, "Alright."

Sesshomaru held out a clawed hand for her to take so that he could help her up onto the dragon. She hesitated at first. She knew she could get on easily, but thinking it would be rude to deny such a gentlemanly gesture, she took the hand without complaint. With a strong tug that Kagome wasn't expecting, Lord Sesshomaru pulled her to him and lifted them both up onto Ah-Un's saddle. "Ready miko?"

"Hai Lord Sesshomaru."

She sounded so calm that it made Sesshomaru more at ease with her. He didn't want her feeling threatened while in his presence. Kagome was situated in front of Sesshomaru and his legs were around them to keep them steady, and his hands had hold of the reins. With a snap, Ah-Un took to the skies and they were off. Once they were high in the air, Sesshomaru decided to make a bit of a conversation. "Where is it that you have been all this time miko?"

Kagome turned, signifying she'd heard his question. "If I answer, then will you please call me by my name?"

His beast snickered at her tone. It sounded sort of playful. Sesshomaru, being the over affection dog demon that he was, couldn't help but leaning down close to her ear and whispering, "Absolutely." He smirked when he felt her shudder involuntarily.

Kagome couldn't understand why he was doing what he was doing, but for some reason, she liked it. A lot. It was unexplainable how she could feel so comfortable in the demon lord's arms. She giggled softly at the breath he breathed on her ear, "Well then Lord Sesshomaru…"

"Sesshomaru."

"Excuse me?"

Sesshomaru breathed again on her ear, "Just Sesshomaru. You, of all people, are allowed to call me by my real name and my name only."

Kagome's voice turned confused, "Why is that Sesshomaru?"

He leaned back away from her, and Kagome, for a moment, wished he was back where he was, breathing on her ear until she caught herself and gave herself a mental scolding. "Hn. You have yet to answer my question Ka-go-me. You answer mine, and I'll answer yours."

"Very well then Sesshomaru. I have been at my home training. A few months ago, I was offered the chance to train under someone, and I took it. For the passed three months I have been training myself so that I am better fit to defend myself out here in the forests and such. Sadly, I only have three days before I must return to complete that training."

So I have only three days with her then.

We had better make the best of it.

Right.

"Now it's your turn Sesshomaru. Why is it that I, a simple human, get to address you without your rightful title?"

Sesshomaru snapped Ah-Un's reins and tightened his arms around Kagome slightly. "Because, Kagome, you have earned my respect. You are strong in mind and body. I have seen you get the better of some demons that would be considered truly formidable to a human such as yourself, yet you prove yourself a worthy opponent at the best of times. I've seen you find the strength to endure my brother's mistreatment upon you both physically and mentally. You are not like the other humans and demons I have met Kagome. You have the potential to be a great woman, human or not."

Kagome was touched by his words. She didn't know he thought of her that way. She had never heard such thoughtful words spoken about her before. Kagome could feel a blush creeping across her cheeks to ignite her face in a red flame of embarrassment. "Thank you, Sesshomaru."

"You are welcome Kagome. Now it's my turn again. What is it that you are wearing," his last sentence came out as a low, husky purr.

Kagome gasped as the purr reverberated and traveled through her body. It felt amazing, even through his armor. She couldn't believe the Great Lord Sesshomaru, Taiyoukai of the Western Lands, was flirting with her! She could feel her blush deepening. "Um…it's an outfit from my home. I know it's kind of revealing, but it's flexible and easy to fight in so I can't complain about it. Why do you ask?"

"Because even I cannot deny that you are a beauty to behold Kagome. You risk being attacked wearing such clothing."

Kagome, if possible, blushed even more. "You think I'm beautiful?" It came out as a whisper, but Sesshomaru heard it perfectly.

"Yes I do Kagome. Any male would be blind not to see it."

"I…well…thank you Sesshomaru I guess."

That's when she heard it. It was low rumbling and it was coming from behind her. Kagome couldn't figure out where it was coming from until she leant back into Sesshomaru a bit as Ah-Un swerved suddenly. Kagome gasped, "You're laughing?"

And he was. THE Lord Sesshomaru was laughing. Mr. Show-know-emotions was chuckling right in front of her. Well, behind her if things were technical. "Does that surprise you Kagome?" he questioned back.

"Well yes it does actually. I've never known you to be the type of man who expressed himself. Let alone around me of all people."

"There is a lot about this Sesshomaru that you do not know, but I shall fix that in time."

"What do you mean Sesshomaru?"

She didn't get her answer because just then Ah-Un landed and Sesshomaru quickly dropped down from the saddle. Kagome jumped down a couple of awkward seconds later. She was trying to figure out what he meant by that. "Kagome, we're here. I hope that you like this place."

She looked up and her eyes widened. Her breath hitched at the scene before. Kagome turned to Sesshomaru with a wide, joyful smile. "Oh thank you Sesshomaru. It's beautiful! How did you find this place?"

"I've known of it for quite some time now. I take it you like it?"

"I don't like it. I love it! It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen!"

Sesshomaru couldn't help but smile at his success, and it was then that he made one hundred percent decision that this woman would be his. He didn't care that she was human. He didn't care that she came from a place he didn't know of. Everything would be revealed eventually. Now, the only tough part was telling her of his intentions.

Whoop! Another chapter finished. A bit of romance in this chapter, I know. I also know that Sesshomaru wasn't a cold hearted demon in this chapter, but would you be if you were trying to woo a woman? I think not! Hope you enjoyed it. REVIEW PLEASE!!