Chapter 10 – It Finally Clicks

The next day Kagome stayed in bed. Sesshomaru stayed in his study. There was no training that day. Both of them thought about the other the entire day, but never once laid eyes on the other.

Kagura watched them with pity. Perhaps, if she had known the depth of their affection she would have found another way. She knew there was no other way. You simply could not rely on the self control of men or young human females. It was the world they would risk with their hormones.

She watched as Kagome collected herbs. The girl blindly plucked them allowing the grace of her hands to do all the work. Her eyes focused on nothing in particular. She looked up to find the monk and the slayer giving her dangerous looks. She had heard of the commotion the slayer made when she learned of Kagura's presence in Sesshomaru's home. She had tried to put distance between them, but these moments were unavoidable.

Kagome noticed Sango's anger and Miroku's sudden tension. She looked around and found the reason.

"What do you want Kagura?" She sounded almost defeated.

"To apologize," she said calmly.

Sango swore and Miroku practically dragged her away. Shippo remained close to Kagome and growled at the wind witch. Kagome sat up straight and looked at her skeptically.

"For?"

"Interfering. I see that you've both made the right choice. I didn't need to implement such manipulations on two reasonable people," she explained.

Kagome sighed trying to dispel her frustration.

"Fine. Please, go away," she said tiredly.

Kagura turned to leave, but hesitated.

"Why can you not be friends?" Her voice was slow and unsure.

Kagome looked up at her in surprise.

"What?"

"Why can you not be his friend? Is that not what you did with his brother?"

Kagome was too tired to get mad. She understood Kagura's curiosity although she was surprised by it.

"This is different," she sighed.

"Clearly. You could still try," she shrugged.

Kagome looked at her for a moment trying to figure her out. She couldn't imagine she was trying to manipulate her, but she couldn't figure out what she WAS doing. Kagome sat in silence thinking about what she said. Was it possible? To be his friend?

Eventually, Kagura walked away wondering why she had said anything at all. She should've let things as they were. She couldn't escape the feeling that she had undone her work by saying what she did.

...

Finally, after one more day of silence Sesshomaru came to her room and knocked.

"Let's go," he called and walked away.

She met him in the open field and looked him up and down. If he was losing sleep he didn't show it. She was sure she did.

"You need to get more sleep," he pointed out.

She frowned at the conformation of her own thoughts.

"We can't all be immortal," she snapped.

"I'm not immortal. I'm simply superior," he shrugged.

She rolled her eyes and continued looking at him. He softened under her gaze.

"We could be friends," she said softly and nervously.

"Is that not what we are?"

For some reason his response brought tears to her eyes. He already considered her a friend. She was the one who wrote him off as lover or nothing. She was the one who reduced him to nothing more than an ally. She was relieved and a little ashamed of herself.

She smiled, "We could act like it?"

"I am. I'm helping you better yourself."

"Could you eat with me?"

He gave her a calculating look. Could he eat with her and not want to reach out to touch her hand or stroke her cheek? These desires were so new to him. He wasn't sure what to do with them before, but now he was utterly lost.

"I suppose I could try," he didn't sound certain.

She laughed, "It's worth a try."

Her laughter comforted him. He felt as if she only laughed for her friends.

"Very well."

"Alright," she chimed.

"Now, let's get to the task at hand."

"Oh yeah, getting my ass kicked."

He didn't respond, but he couldn't help grinning.

They sparred for hours. They were both covered in sweat and she was covered in bruises and small cuts. He had some small burns on him. Their audience grew larger with each passing hour. They seemed to fight with a new found energy. However, Kagome couldn't land a real hit.

"Damn!" She yelled at some point when he swept her legs from under her.

"Pay attention," he snapped.

Eventually, Kagome couldn't get back up. She laid there utterly spent and defeated.

"I can't," she cried out weakly.

He sighed and stood above her looking down at her. She was sprawled out and filthy. He had rarely seen any woman exert herself so fully. He couldn't deny that she was breath taking this way. He held a hand out to her.

"Let that be it for today."

She looked up at him with relief. She reached up weakly and let her hand rest in his. She let him do all the work as he pulled her to her feet. He steadied her and released her.

"Thank you," she sighed.

"Hn."

They did not touch again as they made their way inside. He left her to her daily routine and went his own way. They were friends at least. Friends were allowed to touch weren't they?

...

At dinner, Kagome poured tea for everyone at the table. Her friends were there and a few of the maids that had taken to her. Sesshomaru walked in just as she was serving his tea. She had set a place for him.

"Hi," she chimed.

Sango and Miroku nodded their greetings. Then, they looked at Kagome and noticed the marked difference in her that Sesshomaru's presence caused. She seemed lighter and less tense.

Sesshomaru nodded to the room and sat himself at the table. Those at the table who worked for him became very and quiet. He almost sighed.

"As you were," he waved them off.

They looked at him nervously for a few seconds before they picked heir conversations up. Kagome watched happily as everyone fell back their natural states. Sesshomaru had a way of shifting the atmosphere, but he allowed them to be themselves.

He felt her smiling at him, but decided to sip his tea. She would look away if he gave her his attention. He enjoyed having her eyes on him.

"My lady, I've noticed you are getting better everyday with sparring," the son of one of his kitchen staff squeaked.

Kagome laughed charmingly and waved her hands at him.

"Oh, no! I'm not! I can assure you the beatings I take are just as before. I just take them better," she laughed.

A few other laughed with her, but Sango's face grew hard as her eyes fell to Sesshomaru.

"There are other ways to nurture your ability," Sango argued.

Kagome smiled at her friend gently. This was not a new conversation.

"I feel this is the most effective way considering our time crunch," she shrugged.

Sesshomaru looked between the women. He was curious to know what he had missed between them. However, even without knowing he felt the need to defend Kagome.

"It is harsh, but it will accomplish her goals much faster," he sounded almost bored.

Sango's eyes narrowed.

"In the meantime, she will sustain how many injuries? Eventually, it may be an injury that will hinder her progress," her frustration was rising.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes back at her, "I would never allow myself to exert enough force to truly injure her."

Miroku placed a calming hand on the back of Sango's neck. Sesshomaru's eye flickered from their contact to Kagome's face. He saw the moment she saw it and the moment she looked away shyly. Their contact embarrassed her.

"We understand the need, Lord Sesshomaru, but perhaps you could be a little more mindful of her humanity," Miroku spoke with the grace of a politician.

Kagome huffed, "Enough. I don't want to discuss this. It's my body and I know what I can handle. A few bruises won't kill me."

Sango opened her mouth to argue, but Shippo spoke up first.

"Inuyasha did way worse to her and she was fine. She is strong," he argued.

Everyone at the table sucked in a collective breath. Inuyasha had bruised her ribs, fractured a bone, and spilled her blood. Some of the injuries were unintentional and others were intentionally done when he wasn't in his right mind.

Sesshomaru looked at Shippo with a hard face. He was aware of his brother's mistreatment. However, it bothered him to be only a few pegs above him.

Kagome laughed nervously, "Who would like desert?"

Before anyone could answer she was up and out of the room.

Shippo looked surprised, "Was it something I said?" He asked guiltily.

Sango sighed and Miroku smiled, but Sesshomaru spoke.

"Do what you can to not mention that fool," his tone was stern, but not unkind.

Shipped blushed and tucked his chin to his chest as Sesshomaru left the room to see to Kagome. He found her gathering things on a small tray. He stood at the threshold of the kitchen watching her. He could see the exact moment she became aware of him.

"It really isn't that bad. They just aren't used to me being so physical," she sighed.

"Hn," was all he said.

He wanted to inspect her body. The slayer bathed with her so she saw everything. He had noticed bruises on her arms and once on her face. He had hated himself for each mark. Was it worse than what he could see?

She sighed and turned to him. She waited for him to focus on her face. His roaming eyes made her edgy.

"Please, don't make this a big deal. I need the training and I'm really not being damaged by it," she urged.

"You may define damaged differently than I," he argued.

She rolled her eyes, "Bruises fade. We have both done worse to each other."

His jaw tensed at her words and at the memories they brought to his mind.

"We will continue your training," he said flatly.

She smiled, "Thank you!"

They stood for a moment looking at each other. One was smiling and the other softly glaring.

"This is what friends do then?"

Her smiled faded into confusion, "What?"

"They beat each other to a pulp and then smile at each other?"

She giggled, "You hardly beat me to a pulp and you never smile. But, friends do compromise."

He sighed as he looked her up and down. What was she hiding beneath those clothes? Like he needed more reason to want to see her naked. The thought sped his breathing. He turned away from her and began walking away.

"Hurry up with desert," he called over his shoulder.

She stood a little speechless, but managed a small 'ok' in response to him. They way his eyes traveled up and down her body made her warm. His sudden exit made her dizzy. He was a difficult friend.

The rest of the night they talked and laughed at the dinner table. Sesshomaru added comments occasionally, but settled for observing Kagome in a moment that he was apart of. Sango ignored him mostly, but every now and then her eyes would land on him. She wondered if he could see the way he changed Kagome.

Did he know she glowed for him?

…

The next few days of training went well. Kagome was learning quickly and Sesshomaru was adjusting to their friendship. Kagome voiced her annoyance with him for going easier on her since their group dinner. He waved her off each time. She accepted the fact that he wouldn't let her have her way. She was silently thankful.

Sango and Miroku began watching them. They would shout advice or encouragement. Sango kept a tight grip on her temper.

Despite everyone's brightened moods, Sesshomaru felt like he was suffocating. Everyday, she smiled at him and sparred with him and ate with him. He was so close to her everyday and it wasn't enough. He was a selfish creature. He played it off. She needed to be trained and he couldn't deny her. Yet, it was a physical strain at times to not reach out and touch her. More often than not she would catch him staring at her. She would either blush and look away or become annoyed. One day during training she yelled at him for it.

"What is with that look!? I am doing my best over here and that's all I get from you!"

He waved her off each time. She thought it was a disapproving look and that was easier to sweep under the rug. Her frustration with him often brightened his mood. She would stomp her foot and throw her arms up. It was almost funny and very endearing.

However, the truth was she wasn't doing enough and they were running out of time. He had sent word to Ken weeks ago that they needed more time. He ordered him to stay at the village and build their forces there. Now, as he watched her walk toward him for another day of training he felt the rope shortening. Either he would snap, or Naraku, before this woman found herself.

Kagome walked up to him with a small smile. She could tell he was tense this morning. She could feel it too. She could feel something coming to an end. She wasn't entirely sure it was just Naraku she had to worry about anymore. An hour into their training she could tell Sesshomaru was in no fine humor. His hits were harder and his attacks and defenses faster. He wasn't giving her a chance! He could feel her temper rising and he pushed her harder. He needed to get it out of her at least once for her to see it was there. He pushed harder.

Kagome grunted and growled as she took a hit to the kidney. Her anger fueled her power and soon she felt no pain. She let her power fuel her body. She needed to hit him. She had to land at least one single blow!

He felt her coming at him faster and her power building to the surface. He pushed harder still knowing that she was close a breakthrough.

All she could think about was hitting him! She didn't want to hurt or burn him, only hit. Then, SHE HIT HIM! She asked and her power delivered.

Granted, it was a little messy, but she landed a hit! She watched with morbid fascination as her fist caught his jaw knocking his head to the side. He cocked his head further to the side and just looked at her. He had been so close to getting it out of her. Yet, she settled for the smallest possible victory. She believed that was all she could do! He didn't move. He didn't speak. Hell, he didn't even seem to be feeling anything. She hated him. She really REALLY hated him. He stood there in all his beauty looking at her like she was a spec of dust. She did her best! Why was that never enough?

"What!? Why do you look at me like that? I am doing my best," she shouted.

He didn't say a word. He just kept looking at her. He couldn't understand why she couldn't see it. She couldn't seem to see how she affected the world around her. Her power seemed so immense. Her scent constantly surrounded him. Her beauty caught him off guard. Her smile stopped something inside of him. Even now, she stood before him dripping with sweat, flushed face and her chest heaving with anger. Her power was pouring from every pore of her body.

She narrowed her eyes as he took a step toward her. She held her ground refusing to flinch as he got closer.

"Your best," he sneered.

"Yes," she snapped.

"Hn."

He was so close that she was forced to lift her chin so she could maintain eye contact.

"You have no idea what your best is."

"Excuse me!?"

"Show me, Kagome, show me your best," his voice was unusually low and her name on his lips was...odd.

"I don't know what you want from me," her voice was dipped in frustration.

Somehow he managed to get closer to her. He leaned toward her. She could feel his hair brushing against her. His damn hair! She asked him to braid it back because it was just too distracting. She stood her ground still trying to ignore the sensation of him so near.

"Go on, show me," his husky voice rolled over her.

She stared up at him with wide eyes. What was he doing? Suddenly, she didn't care that they were training or that they were only friends. Her eyes left his and landed on his mouth. His lips seemed so smooth and beautiful. They seemed like something you weren't allowed to touch in a museum, but suddenly she understood what it was that drew those bad children to touching them anyway.

"I don't understand," she whispered.

"No, you do not. You do not understand your own power."

He was so close to her. She could feel his breath on her face and the heat rolling off his body. Her heart was beating out of her chest. She almost jumped out of her skin when she felt his hand on her. Her eyes fell further as his large, powerful hand landed on her chest just above her breasts. She could feel the tips of his fingers grazing the bottom of her throat while his thumb was almost reaching her shoulder.

He could feel her heart there. He could feel her power just under his hand. Her skin was soft and warm. Her breathing was becoming more erratic. He leaned into her, but she stood firm. She always somehow managed to stand her ground.

"There you are. Right there. Your power is not just a tool; it is a part of you. It flows in your blood and fills every inch of you."

"Sesshomaru," her voice was barely a whisper as it danced in his ears.

His name on her lips broke the moment. What was he doing? He removed his hand and took a step away from her. He noticed her stepping forward to catch herself. It did something for his pride to see her follow after him, even if it was unconsciously done. However, even he knew this was not the behavior of friends. He was starting to break.

"You are capable of so much more than what you put out. If you would simply believe for a second that you are powerful, then you could defeat most anyone."

She stared at him with wide eyes. He wasn't just complimenting her; he was challenging her! Was she really that powerful?

"Do better," his voice was once again hard.

Her mouth fell open as he walked away from her. She was drenched in sweat, she was tired and sore. Now, she was also frustrated and confused! He says those things and does...whatever the hell that was and now he is just walking away?

"HEY!"

He stopped at her voice. He really hadn't expected her to speak or even move. He waited for her to say more, but did not turn around.

"You can't do that! I don't even know what that was, but you can't just walk away after...THAT!"

He smirked, but quickly erased it as he turned to face her. Once his eyes landed on her he couldn't help, but wonder what got him to walk away in the first place. Her hair was a wild mess on top of her head with stray pieces springing up all over. Her beautiful face was alive with her red cheeks, her wide eyes and her angry lips. The clothing she wore clung to her sweating body. He moved toward her once more.

"You forget where you are. I can do whatever I please."

"Not with me you can't!"

Her power lashed out with her anger and frustration. He could feel her filling the atmosphere. She was like the air around him.

"Can't you feel that?"

She stuttered for a moment as her face scrunched in confusion. She didn't even know what to think anymore...he was out of his mind.

"Your power!" He boomed.

She took an involuntary step back as he took three large strides toward her. She almost didn't see him move. He seemed energized by something.

"Your power fills the atmosphere and you aren't even trying. THIS, Kagome, this is your potential."

"Stop it!" She screamed.

She couldn't handle it anymore! He wanted so much from her; they all did. They wanted more and more and more still. What if this was all she had? What if she didn't want to give anymore? What if she just wanted to be normal?

He lifted an eyebrow as she stomped her foot at him.

"Stop talking about power! First, I was a jewel detector and now I am a secret weapon. I am so sick of being a tool for people! You say that my power is a part of me and yet all you see is my power!"

He was taken aback by her words. The only reason he had her here was to utilize her power against Naraku. She knew that from the beginning. Yet, it bothered him that she would think that even now. She knew better. She knew how he struggled to stay away. He knew she felt what he had felt every time they touched.

"You think that I see you as a tool?" He asked slowly.

"I know you do! That is why you push me away. As much as you want me you want my power more! If it weren't for my power we would be together," she was on the verge of tears.

"Fool," his tone wasn't angry, but almost seemed disappointed.

"Wha...What!?"

He stepped closer to her and took a deep breath. Her scent surrounded him.

"Have you never wanted something you couldn't possibly possess?"

She was caught off guard, but still managed a short harsh laugh.

"I'll take that as a yes. I see your power, but I cannot touch it. I cannot use it. However, it is not just your power I see and cannot touch," his voice was getting lower.

She stared up at him with wide confused eyes.

"Your laughs are not for me. Your smiles are not for me. Everything about you is the antithesis of what I am. The only thing you offer me that I can possibly touch without ruining is the ability to mold your power. I chose to mold it. I will do just that, but I will do so perfectly."

"All that I offer you, that you can't ruin?"

Her mind started clearing as she looked into his oddly open eyes. What was he saying? She had offered him more and he turned her away because he feared ruining her. Was he really that...honorable? Did he really want more and his fear kept him from taking it?

"What do you really want?" She asked softly.

He looked right at her, but didn't speak.

"What would you take if you weren't afraid of ruining me?"

He heard her whispered question. He was covered in centuries of blood and hate. She was everything he was not and he was everything that she was meant to destroy with her light. He knew she understood him. He could feel how much of him she saw. He simply stood there and waited for her to speak his mind.

"You just want me. My power is a consolation prize," her words were slow and sad.

Her power was in the way. He was too logical to pick love over the fate of the world.

"The fate of this world cannot be left to chance. I can only accept what you safely offer me. You asked me to train you." he tried to remain stoic.

She looked up at him with awe in her eyes. He wanted her! Not her power! HER! Without thinking she moved toward him. Her hands went to his face as she caressed him. She held him firmly between her hands.

"Idiot," she whispered.

Had he not been so lost in her touch he would have took an outraged step back. However, after so long away from her touch he almost closed his eyes and sighed.

"You are just like him. You go straight to worst case scenario. Why can't you have a little more faith in yourself?"

"What you ask is careless," he whispered.

"No, what I ask is real. It's risky and that's just life. You can't avoid life anymore."

He stiffened knowing she was referring to all that he lost. He didn't want to repeat that. He would never risk losing Kagome the way he lost everything else.

"You are a truly powerful man. Perhaps, you could act like it again," she spoke softly, but boldly.

He stood stone still as one of her hands slide from his face, over his jaw, and around his neck into his hair line. Her grip was surprisingly strong for one so small.

"Sometimes, a woman just needs a man to take what he wants," she whispered.

This was a dangerous game they were playing. Sesshomaru looked at her and was at a loss. He wanted so much from her, but thought he could only have a taste. He wanted her so badly it hurt.

She watched his expression and thought of all the times she saw Inuyasha stare at her in that way. Kagome, refused to run after another man. She thought she saw so much in Yasha, but every time she tried he would shut down or run the other way. Kagome refused to pursue Sesshomaru. She would relish in the opportunity to be pursued and the power it gave her. She had the power to accept or deny. However, first he had to offer something more even if it was dangerous. He had to be willing to take a chance.

He didn't think he could be more still. She stood there in front of him waiting on him. She was allowing him to lead, but also exerting her power over him. In the end, it was up to her. However, right now it was up to him. He looked into her sweet eyes and wondered when she had become so mature.

"Sesshomaru, what do YOU want from ME?"

He looked at her for a moment, then whispered, "Everything."

She felt herself melt toward him, but then he kept talking.

"But, more than anything I want you to land a real hit," he growled.

Her face fell as her hands slid away from his face. She felt like he slapped her in the face. This man was infuriating.

Suddenly, he knew what he had to do.

"So, do it, Kagome," he commanded.

She felt herself reacting to his taunt. Suddenly, she did want to hurt him. Maybe then he would shut up! They had just had such a raw moment and now he was right back to the start.

"Stop it," she spat.

"No, hit me. Hurt me. Do what you were always too weak to do with Inuyahsa. Demand I stop by stopping me," he growled at her.

She began breathing heavily as her eyes narrowed at him and her fists balled up.

"You don't know what you're talking about," she whispered dangerously.

"He treated you like dirt because you acted like it. You allowed him to walk all over you."

"Shut up!" She screamed.

She had never been so painfully mad at anyone before. She just wanted him to kiss her and hold her. Instead, he was beating her down with his words.

"Go on!" He roared.

She watched as he raised a hand toward her and something inside of her clicked. She threw her hands up and everything went white. She was blinded. Sesshomaru waited for the pain, but it never came. He was surrounded by the light and immobilized by it. Yet, it didn't hurt him. He was in awe of the force of it.

Then, a scream tore through the field and Kagome immediately fell to her knees taking most of the light with her. Sesshomaru stood there unable to move. Who had screamed? Was he dead?

Kagome couldn't get enough air to her lungs. Her entire body felt raw and exposed. Yet, she felt so alive. Then, she looked up and her mouth fell open. Sesshomaru and at least five other demons were wrapped in a bright light and completely frozen. Her mouth fell open when she realized it was her own power.

"Oh!" She exclaimed as she unclenched her fists and the light evaporated.

The scream came from a maid who was weeping over the unconscious body of one of Sesshomaru's soldiers. All the men either fainted or remained stunned after her power released them. Only one person dared to look her right in the eyes. She looked up in utterly confused amazement. He was looking directly at her with awe in his eyes.

"You hurt no one," he whispered.

She wasn't sure if it was a reassurance or an accusation. She only nodded dumbly.

"How?"

"I... I told you I couldn't hurt you," she reasoned more to herself.

He stepped closer to her still in awe of her. He had never heard of a Miko with the ability to distinguish friend from enemy especially where demons were concerned. Yet, she still exerted control over them. She immobilized every threat near her.

"Sesshomaru..." She sounded scared and lost.

Her own power terrified her.

Suddenly, he couldn't stay away from her. He closed he gap between them, wrapped his arms around her torso, and pulled her as close as he could. She cried out as he did, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face there. He felt her shaking and held her closer. He had said terrible things to her, but they both knew there was truth to his words. Yet, there was one truth that he couldn't bury no matter how many words he used to cover it up.

He needed her so desperately it hurt.

"I could've killed you," she cried.

"No, something tells me you couldn't kill me," he whispered.

He knew it was her love that saved him and everyone else. Her heart was in everything she did. She simply didn't have the heart to kill without reason or sense. Her power was much more intricate than he anticipated.

He reached down and swept her legs up and left the field. He walked through his home cradling his most precious gift. Everyone vanished from his path as he went. The slayer, monk and fox watched them with wide stunned eyes from a distance. He ignored them. He walked straight into her room and closed the door with his foot. Then, he just stood there holding her, feeling her and breathing her in. He took it all in.

She clung to him as the safety of his arms calmed her frazzled nerves. Was she really such a powerful...miko?

He moved toward her bed and kneeled at the end. He slowly leaned forward allowing her legs to rest on the bed. He had to tug on her arms twice before she released him. She looked up at him with vulnerable eyes as he gently held her wrists.

"Please, don't leave me," she pleaded.

Without hesitation he settled himself next to her. He fell onto his side and placed a protective arm across her stomach. She moved into him throwing an arm over his hips and pulling herself into his chest. He felt her palm rest on his chest and through it he could feel the tingle of her power. Something warm exploded in his chest and he knew this was right. He propped his head up with one hand as he watched her melt into him. She was it for him. She was worth the risk because he would never allow his more primal urges to put her world at risk.

She heaved a great sigh as her body completely relaxed. Then, she was asleep.

He laid for a few hours just watching her and listening to all of her sounds. Then, her scent calmed put him so sleep. He curled around her and gave in.

Author's Note:

OKAY! It is about to go down. This story is FINISHED! I am just proofing the last few chapters and putting some finishing touches on. I really really hope you guys enjoy what ive posted thus far and im excited to finished this story soon!

Thank you and love you!