Thank you guest for your comment. I can assure you that I am not a Kikyo lover lol. And about Bakusaiga… I forgot Sesshomaru didn't have his other arm then, so it will get attached one way or another soon… Can't just throw it in now, can i? lol. And by the way, this story is just something that pops into my head daily and I make up as I go. I do not have a plot outline, but if you guys like it, then I'm doing something right.

Also I realized that I needed to spread this story out, so I took the liberty to update this chapter with something simple... it says " several days later" lol. Please keep in mind I am simply writing what pops in my head and making it attempt to flow together. But I still try to incorporate the feedback :)

Previously….

Miroku and Sango experienced their first intimate moment, not counting all of Miroku's previous gropes. Inuyasha mourned Kikyo's soul which seemed to be at peace now.

Now with Sesshomaru….

Several days later...

Kagome began to stir. Sesshomaru could hear her heart beat quickening here and there, which alerted him to her movements. Though subtle, her fingers twitched and her eyes appeared to dart left to right behind her eyelids. Slowly, her eyes opened and she lay there a few more moments, looking at the hint of blues and purples upon the ceiling from the crystal formations around the cave. It was a very pretty sight, honestly, like her own purple fireworks show.

Kagome sat up and noticed the spring to her right. It took a few more moments for her to register that she had no idea where she was. Slight panic sat in and she abruptly stood, checking her surroundings. She stood up too fast, as blood began rushing to her head making her dizzy, causing her to stumble backwards where she would have fallen and collapsed, if not for smooth silky hands capturing her around the waste to prevent the fall. Panting slightly at the feeling of the blood rush, she looked up to find none other than a pair of honey golden eyes staring down at her. Her blue eyes stared longingly into those golden ones as if she was losing herself, before he called her name.

"Miko."

OOOO that voice was so erotic! It wasn't even the correct name, but Kagome could not look away. All she could do was stare more with furrowed eyebrows and wonder what it is she was feeling. Sesshomaru noticed she was still staring and wondered if perhaps, something was on his face. With his impeccable senses, he knew that wasn't the case because he would smell it or feel it. So why was she staring? Speaking of smell, a small hint of strawberry mixed with citrus grazed his nostrils and he understood immediately. A small smirk graced his lips as he thought 'she is thinking of this one.' Kagome did not fail to notice the smile and was in awe of how beautiful he was when he wasn't being a voracious, notorious killing machine…

Before she could stop herself, she reached up for his face, and landed her hand on his cheek as if it was the most natural thing to do. To her surprise, he let her and laid his hand upon hers and pressed his cheek further into her hands. Still too absorbed in the moment to look away, Kagome stood up on her own finally, to bring her other hand to his face, but Sesshomaru still had his one arm wrapped around her waist. He looked at her with the most piercing stare you've ever seen. It's similar to that same stare a parent would give you when you've done something wrong and they know it, but they are just waiting for you to admit that you are guilty…. At least, that's what it felt like.

Sesshomaru, not being one to back down, was surprised by how comfortable she appeared to be with his person. Not once had he directly given her permission to touch him, nor any indication that she could. But here she was, being fearless yet again, and not backing away. The citrusy scent seemed to shift a bit, perhaps more toward curiosity now.

When Kagome realized what she was finally doing, she halted all movements. Nervousness set in as she was now wide awake, aware of her surroundings, and very aware of her hands on Sesshomaru. She didn't know what to do or what not to do at this point. Would he hurt her? Sure he had helped the group kill Naraku and they couldn't have done it without him. And sure, it's been a long time since he really tried to kill Inuyasha. And sure, he keeps Rin with him, so he can't possibly still hate all humans, right? And most certainly, her hands would've already been removed from her person if he completely hated it. Yes. This is a definite, yes. Then, perhaps, she should simply and cautiously withdraw. The seal on her powers has been released so she can erect a barrier if necessary without harming him thanks to Midoriko's training in that alternate dimension….

Kagome was thinking a mile a minute. She didn't know if she should move, but her hands on his skin felt so good and her emotions were conflicting. One feeling wanted to continue to touch him, his hair, and dare she think it, his lips. The other feeling was screaming at her "what the hell do you think you're doing? Do you have a death wish?" But with her new found power, Kagome wanted to be daring, but she was still far too innocent for her to initiate option 3, so she kept her feelings in check with a simple touch and rub to his shoulders and neck area next.

Without Sesshomaru's consent, a low growl escaped from his lips, which caused Kagome to look up into his eyes again and slowly pull away. 'I just had to ruin it,' Kagome thought. Unbeknownst to her, it was actually more like a purr than a growl. Sesshomaru actually enjoyed it and hated that she stopped. As far as he knew, he wanted to explore his feelings for the Miko, and if she wanted to touch him already, then this would speed up the process. But now was not the time to dwell on that feeling too long, since nothing could be done about it in this place with the fox kit not far away, so he would push it to the back of his mind.

"Miko, how do you feel?" Sesshomaru asked.

Kagome stepped backwards another step and looked herself over. Aside from fatigue and some exhaustion, she was doing rather well. Her power was brimming beneath her skin, waiting for her to call upon it.

"Surprisingly, I am fine. Just a little bit exhausted, but nothing serious."

"Hn. You have been asleep for several moons. Prepare to leave shortly. I must retrieve Rin." Sesshomaru stated.

"Several days?!" Kagome was surprised. She definitely recall Midoriko saying not much time had passed in the outside world. Maybe she had it backwards? Maybe Midoriko had it backwards? Well, I can't change it now. "Sesshomaru, If you don't mind, where is everyone else, and why am I with you?" Kagome pondered with a face of confusion.

"After the death of Naraku, the half-breed was busy mourning the dead one….. Who is dead again by my hands (he mentioned with a sinister smile admiring his kill)… He mentioned making a wish on the jewel, and I have no need of another Naraku."

"Oh. So he stayed beside Kikyo again…" she said with no emotion on her face. She was beyond over it and was no longer bothered by it. Her only concern before now was worrying about Kikyo trying to steal her soul and how she would have to explain killing her to Inuyasha….. but, that's been taken care of now.

"Why are you so loyal to someone who will not return the loyalty?" Sesshomaru asked curiously.

"Because he is my friend. I would not have survived these lands without him. Don't get me wrong, I don't think of him in any type of romantic way whatsoever anymore. We are simply friends. I decided a year or so ago that I would start living for me only and do the things that I want and love who I want from here on out." Sesshomaru saw the sparkle of determination and courage in her eyes and felt a tingle in the pit of his stomach. He wasn't sure what it was, but it was not unpleasant. But then, his eyes narrowed at the thought of her loving whoever she wanted. Who did she want to love? How could he ask this without sounding obvious or desperate? Who cares! He was Sesshomaru, Lord of the West. He would slaughter any who thought themselves a rival. With his decision made, he thought of how to ask the priestess.

"Miko, is there someone you love?" Sesshomaru asked straightforwardly.

"L- (Cough) Love?! You are certainly talking more than normal Sesshomaru." Kagome stared at him curiously, wondering what prompted this question. Nonetheless she would answer him.

"My name is Kagome, not Miko, and I would appreciate it if you called me by that instead. To answer your question, There is no one that I love per say. However, there is someone I am interested in, but I don't think he would ever give me the time of day," Kagome said with a hint of sadness.

"Whatever fool can not see your worth does not deserve you."

"That may be true, but I wouldn't call him a fool. He is really amazing. He is very handsome, sincere, and genuine. He doesn't talk unnecessarily, but when he does, it's worth listening to. He is very intelligent and probably the strongest demon alive. A lot of humans and demons think he is cold and emotionless, but I can tell what's on the inside. He is stoic, regal. He walks with swagger that would rival models of my time. Even the air that surrounds him gets a power boost from touching his skin, in my opinion. He just hates all humans…"

"Yet, you are not in love with him. If he is everything you say, that sounds like a love confession, as you humans call it, is it not? And what is 'swagger'?"

Kagome blushed as she realized the reality of her words. She already loved him. And yes, that essentially was a confession. Sometimes, Sesshomaru was too smart for his own good. Keeping him in the dark may be difficult. But why even go through the pain of it all not knowing, when she could just ask. Be courageous and ask. She was a changed woman, right? She was going to live for herself, right? Then maybe she should start now. Maybe…

"Swagger is probably best described as the aura around someone and the appeal and vibes the person gives you. Aside from that, you think I should tell him I am interested in a romantic way?"

Sesshomaru pondered her question for a moment. Of course, he was not one to give love advice. He didn't really know what it was himself. He turned around briefly to flex his claws, imagining ripping through the demons neck who dared to think himself a rival for Kagome's affection. He wouldn't stand for it. But, if she traveled with him, he could uncover who it was and slit his throat fair and square. A sinister smirk graced his lips at the thought of it all.

"If you feel that strongly, then yes." Sesshomaru stated. His mouth turned sour at the thought of her confessing to another. His beast raged within himself yelling "kill; kill. She is mine. Our mate!" Sesshomaru reassured the beast that when he discovered who it was, he would slaughter the demon and eat its heart. What better way to savor a satisfying kill than to devour the very thing keeping it alive?

"Then, Sesshomaru?!" Kagome called out hoping he would turn around and give her his attention. He did as he looked into her blue eyes, curiosity etched onto his face. Her hands were slightly fidgety against her clothes, and she distracted herself by softly nibbling on her bottom lip. He looked upon her, which was the only acknowledgment that he was paying attention.

"Sesshomaru, If you would consider it… I am" – "Kagome, your awake! I was so worried!" Shippo interrupted as he whimpered softly and stretched his little arms as much as he could to hold on to Kagome.

"Shippo, I'm so glad to see that you're safe. How are you? Are you hurt anywhere?" Kagome asked, frantically looking him over everywhere.

"No, I'm fine. You kept me safe in the barrier. I came with Sesshomaru since he left with you and I didn't want to be around Inuyasha."

Sesshomaru watched the scene unfold. "She will be a good mother. Look how she cares for the pup." He agreed with the beast's logic. Her loyalty was undying. Before now, Sesshomaru had not realized how much he wanted it for himself, and he would do anything to get it. 'What was she going to ask me...? If I would consider it?' Sesshomaru pondered. He would wrack his brain trying to figure out the question she would ask him. As he began to think, what demon could possibly be stronger than he? 'None' in his eyes. Perhaps she had come across another cardinal Lord? If so, Inuyasha may have already died with his lack of tact and manners. Yes, he thought she could have described him, but he would not be so conceited. Because if she wasn't speaking of him, the blow to his pride would be severe and even he might have to kill everything to relieve himself of the humiliation. He continued to look at the Miko expectantly, and once she noticed, she blushed since she could not ask in front of Shippo.

"In regards to what I was going to ask you, I will ask at another time if that's ok."

Of course it wasn't ok! With everything that was mentioned, his curiosity spiked and he was desperate to know the question now, though his facial features would never show his desperation.

"Hn," Was his typical response to her statement. "This belongs to you." He gave her the completed Shikon jewel and she stared at the pink marble with relief, knowing the battle with Naraku was finally over. Her stomach growled, and brought her attention from the jewel and up to Sesshomaru's face, who pointed to another side of the cave where he stored food for her and the kit to eat. A bright smile lit up Kagome's face as she began to eat away at the berries and dried meats, and turned to thank Sesshomaru for his consideration. He nodded in reply.

"When you have finished, we will take what remains, and depart for Rin."

"Thank you again, Sesshomaru."