Author's Note: Chapter 9 is here! I'm having such a blast writing this. I'm trying to stay as much in character as possible, but Kagome has a way about her, able to melt hearts and gain trust in the blink of an eye...though it will take longer for Sesshomaru to succumb to it. And just a warning, this chapter is pretty much just all ooey-gooey lovey-goodness. Anyways, as always, review!


The next few days are absolutely treacherous, Miroku and Sango needing to ride atop Kirara's back. Kagome finds herself being offered Sesshomaru's back. A pang of hurt resonates in her chest, remembering the many times she clambered up Inuyasha's back to travel. Swallowing back her pain, she mounts the demon Lord's back awkwardly, trying to not dirty his clothing and avoiding his spiked armor.

"What ails you?" He whispers into the wind to Kagome.

"Nothing. I'm fine." She says through clattering teeth, tightening her grip on him.

Sesshomaru sighs inwardly, tasting the pain in her aura as if it were his own. He will have to explain to her how marking her greatly changes things between them. He knows she is unaware of demon courting, along with the rituals that accompany it, and decides to have a one on one conversation with her about this when they take a break. He knows this will have to be soon, mentally noting how white her skin is, the end of her nose bright red, and her lips an unhealthy shade, turning slightly blue.

They travel until nightfall in the direction of the jewel. Once closer, the demons in the group are able to pick up a small hint of Naraku's aura before it disappears again. Thankfully, Kagome's inner jewel compass is still strong, so she keeps tabs on where he is at all times. Sesshomaru tightens his grip on her thighs as he leaps over a part of the mountain where the rock had crumbled away. Kagome gulps a little, feeling heat rise into her face. Sesshomaru chuckles lightly.

Well, that is one way to keep the Miko warm.


The groups find a large cave tucked away from the worst of the wind and decide to hunker down for some rest. They have been traveling for 3 days straight, and the humans are worse for wear. Kagome lights a fire, successfully blowing out the small fire she had started. She curses to herself, searching for her matches. She tries to strike one but her hands tremble too hard, making the small task impossible.

"Allow me."

Kagome looks up into Sesshomaru's face and smiles softly. Her trembling fingers hand over the matches and watch as he strikes the match with ease, starting the small amount of leaves they have on fire, then blowing gently on them to spread the fire. Kagome scoots closer to the small fire, as do Sango and Miroku.

"I-I'm s-sorry g-guys, t-t-this was the m-most dry s-stuff I could f-f-find." Kagome says through clenched, chattering teeth.

"No worries, K-Kagome." Miroku says, bowing his head jerkily toward her, his arm around Sango.

"T-This wi-will work j-just f-f-fine." Sango says, nodding quickly.

Sesshomaru watches the small group of humans, clicking his tongue in disappointment. Not that he is disgusted by how frail or delicate they are. But for the fact that they had not said something sooner. They are all three trying to keep up with full-blooded demons, which is impossible. And he can not have his intended falling ill. He will not allow it.


Kagome looks around the cave, he small fire barely warming her extremities and notices Sesshomaru is gone. She twists fully around, squinting, looking for her...boyfriend? Kagome's cheeks flush instantly. She can't really call him her boyfriend...it's more as if he is her...fiance? Oh Gods, her mother would be hysterical if she knew. Plus, it's not as if she's in love with him yet. She hasn't really even had the chance to fall that hard yet.

She hadn't seen her family in months. There hadn't been time. With all the changes in the group, and being constantly on the edges of finally finding Naraku, she hadn't found the time to get back home. She knows her family must be worried sick, especially her mother, and wishes she could somehow reach them to tell them she's okay.

Kagome zips her jacket up tighter, leaning against the cold rock wall. She looks at Sango and Miroku, who have fallen asleep intertwined. She grins as she remembers that dirty comment Miroku made while getting into position, and the resounding, half-hearted slap thereafter. Though they are married, Sango is still quite shy and modest. And besides, Miroku is still a pervert.

She feels exhausted. Every ounce of energy she had reserved is gone. And Sesshomaru is till no where to be found. She wishes he was here, surprised by how the lack of his presence literally pains her. She feels like a string tying them together is taut, strained due to his distance.

Somehow, she dozes off, but stirs awake when she feels a blast of heat on her face. Her eyes snap open, thinking she caught on fire, and chokes on a breath when she see's Sesshomaru laying dry twigs and cut up branches on their small fire, which is now more of a bonfire. She pushes herself away from the wall and stares at him, that feeling of missing and distance finally gone.

"Sesshomaru." She says, getting his attention.

He turns his head slightly from where he is crouching by the fire to look at her. The reflection of the fire catches his eyes. They're smoldering, boring into her eyes, with some inexplicable emotion flickering and disappearing. He cocks an eyebrow, staring at her, and she remembers she had said his name.

"Erm...thank you." She mumbles out, shivers still raking throughout her body.

"You are still cold."

"Y-Yeah I just can't seem to m-maintain-" Kagome begins, but is cut off by a loud sneeze.

"You are sick." He says, almost frowning.

"N-No, I'm f-fine really." She says, gritting her teeth.

Sesshomaru stands, mentally berating himself for allowing his intended to fall ill. He walks over to wear she sit, knees hugged to her chest. Picking her up with his one arm, he pulls her to him, adjusting his internal temperature to better fit her needs.

Kagome's joints lock up out of surprise. Once nestled in his embrace, she sits, eyes wide, not knowing what to do with herself. She knows she should be getting some rest, but her heart is hammering in her ears and all she can think about is Sesshomaru's arm around her waist.

"You must calm yourself, Miko-" He whispers, pausing to sniff the air, then continuing, "And you most definitely have fallen ill."

"What? H-How do you know that?"

"Not only is your skin hot to the touch, but we are intertwined now. I feel what you feel. And I can feel your illness." He says, his voice full of distaste.

"Oh...I'm sorry." She says, attempting to pull away.

"I did not mean it in that way, Miko. I am simply concerned for your well-being and it angers me that I did not sense your illness sooner." He says, finality in his voice.

Kagome simply nods once, knowing the conversation is over. She feels the weakness spreading throughout her bones, even Sesshomaru's soft breath on her cheek raising goosebumps. Not that it wouldn't if she weren't ill. She leans back against the demon Lord, surprised at how comfortable it is. She can feel a low rumble reverberating in his chest and it begins to lull her to sleep. Sesshomaru glances down at the almost asleep Miko and feels a glow spread inside of him.

"Sesshomaru..." She mumbles, half-asleep.

"Hn?"

"You're the best." She says, sighing and succumbing to sleep.

Sesshomaru lets his stoic mask crack for a moment, absolutely surprised. She had just given him such praise as if it were nothing, as if it were the easiest thing in the world to say. Like she simply was talking about the weather.

The best.

Being the best is what has driven him his whole life. The best Lord, the best fighter, the best demon. And here this tiny woman- this amazing, beautiful, intellectual, caring woman...whose opinion now matters the most...she believes he is the best. Sesshomaru is surprised at how this makes him feel. He feels...honored.