A/N: This chapter is dedicated to llebreknit for her unintentional inspiration. Thanks hope you enjoy this chapter. Oh and now that I'm started I just thought I'd let everyone know that I'm writing this story for a dear friend of mine. This story is dedicated to her. I LOVE YOU BRITTANY!!! She also has a story but I'll warn you it is clearly a comedy and is based off of real personalities of me and her mixed in with the Inuyasha characters. You can check it out if you want. It's good for a couple laughs, it cheers my day up all the time. Her penname is THEcrazyCATlover and the story is called: What the Heck!! With that said we now continue onto…

" "...Talking

' '...Thoughts

Flashback

Sesshomaru's Beast

Chapter 9

Do I Really Gotta Gooooo?

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"How do I get myself into these situations?" she mumbled to herself.

Kagome had been trying for about ten minutes to extract herself from the icy demon lord of the west.

'I guess I he can't be all icy and cold if he's cuddling me like a toddler who had misplaced his teddy bear and had finally been reunited with it after searching hi and low.'

Usually Kagome would have flipped out if found in this compromising position, or at least let the man…youkai…male…whoever... know in no uncertain terms that it was not acceptable. Of course in a volume so loud the dead would have cringed. But she wasn't dealing with a half-breed that could be manipulated with the threat of a three letter word, or some young wolf that was dense but nothing a few blows to the head wouldn't fix. No she was dealing with a dangerous, intimidating and not to mention scary, demon lord. She knew he wouldn't kill her if he was awake and realized it was her. But she was at a disadvantage. He was asleep, and didn't look like he was going to rejoin the living anytime soon. He could be a morning person and would wave it off as any other trivial thing in his life. But if he was grouchy when woken up… She shivered, which earned her another growl and even tighter hold around her waist.

She knew how she was when, unwilling brought back to the conscious world and it wasn't a pretty sight. Imagine what he would be like. She shuddered. His grip tightened to a painful extent.

'He now needs to wake up cuz I no longer have circulation in the lower part of my body.' Apparently Sesshomaru was a very deep sleeper.

She was wrong though Sesshomaru rarely slept past the sun and would wake at the slightest movement or noise. But he was feeling really peaceful and wasn't about to give that up. Everytime he would start to wake up he would coax his body back to sleep.

'The miko isn't making it any easier though.' Was his first conscious thought.

Kagome had two choices. She would either take the risk of having her head taken clean off or wait patiently until he wakes up and hope that she would ever be able to walk again. Kagome was never patient so she decided to go the drastic route.

She turned as much as she could to his ear, opened her mouth wide, prepared to let him have it when,

"Whatever you are thinking about doing, this Sesshomaru thinks it would be wise if you didn't." She just stared at him.

He had known she was about to do something that would probably cause him to sustain some type of damage when her scent had went from nervous and uncertain to courageous and determined. He had smoothly intercepted it. He opened his eyes.

"You were awake this whole time?" She asked curious. She thought as soon as he had realized their current predicament he would drop her on the bed and stalk off to…wherever…he usually stalks off to. Which sounded like a pretty good idea because she couldn't feel her legs up to her calves anymore.

"You know what never mind, I don't wanna know. But do you think you could let me go any time soon, I can't feel my legs…"She started to struggle but was stilled when a deep growl was heard. He was a male and her body rubbing against certain …areas… was making him most uncomfortable. After a considerable amount of willpower he restrained his urges and let the miko go. He pointed toward the door.

"Go and get ready for breakfast we are already late." She glared but did as she was told but not before,

"It was all your fault, you're the one who wouldn't let go like I was some kind of chew toy." She grumbled to herself on the way out. That would not go unpunished.

She got half way to the inside hot spring when she felt the burning feeling at her neck.

'He wouldn't…' He did it wasn't enough to seriously hurt but walking down a hallway with your whole body feeling like it was going to self-combust is not the most comfortable feeling. She cursed him all the way there, through her bath, and all the way to the dining room. When she reached the doors the pain lessened to almost nothing, so she stepped through the doors with her head held high, looking like she was queen of the world.

"I trust you slept well." Said Lord Kisho.

"Just peachy." She said through her teeth all the while giving Sesshomaru a dirty look. She sat down in the same spot as yesterday.

"Well now that everyone is here, I thought I'd let everyone know that the annual ball is tomorrow night and attendance is required." Lord Kisho said loudly. Almost like he was excited, no one else seemed to be though.

The Southern Family looked as if someone had just killed their family dog, while Tatsu and Ozeki where grumbling under their breaths too softly for her to pick up but she did here Sesshomaru's almost inaudible sigh.

'So there are some things that make the almighty Sesshomaru suffer. I think I might actually enjoy this ball.' She thought smugly.

Breakfast was silent after that declaration, with everyone wallowing in self-pity except Lord Kisho. The rest of the day went well with no complications. The other lords and ladies had disappeared into Lord Kisho's study conversing about important matters or whatever. Kagome had gone to the dojo to show what the warriors what they did wrong and what they could have improved on. At first they were reluctant but eventually gave in. The second day went much like the first.

"I can't believe I really have to go to this ball. It is pointless." Sesshomaru said while looking at himself in the mirror. Kagome was seated on the bed. Both were dressed and ready, waiting for the signal to show up. They had chosen not to get all dressed up like the others and settled for their normal attire. Sesshomaru declined because he said something about not wanting to draw more attention to himself and Kagome said no because she felt helpless in a kimono. She couldn't move as well and felt very restricted.

"Is the great Lord Sesshomaru, whining and complaining like a whittle baby." Cooed Kagome.

"Don't push me woman." He all but snarled back.

"You have no idea what goes on at these balls. They are more like a disguised way for the other lords to marry off their offspring to the most eligible bachelor." He looked extremely annoyed. She couldn't figure out why…It clicked.

Sesshomaru could easily be considered the most eligible bachelor with his outstanding power, and most prosperous lands.

'All of the women probably harass him and try to get his attention while he trys to avoid them all. We all know Sesshomaru hates female company. I can't blame him though, the women of this era aren't very smart and care only for material items.' She just couldn't resist though the bait was too good.

"Awwww, Sesshomaru's afraid of the big bad court women are gonna come and eat him." She giggled. She could imagine all of the girls pushing and shoving their way to Sesshomaru with the hopes that they would become his mate.

Sesshomaru never got the chance to retaliate because there was a knock on the door.

"They are expecting your arrival Lord Sesshomaru and Miko-sama."

Sesshomaru squared his shoulders and said, "Let's get this over with."

Kagome hid her smile behind her hand, while she walked with her hand resting on Sesshomaru's elbow linked with her own as was custom when appearing at a gathering with a lady at your side.

They got to the reception hall and the doors slid open.

"Now presenting Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Miko." Someone announced from the back.

"Kagome." She mumbled. She had told everyone she had ever met to use her name and yet everyone seemed to be going out of their way to avoid using it.

When he finished every female in the hall looked toward Sesshomaru with stars in their eyes.

'This is worse than I thought. I thought he had a fan group or something but this…" She almost pitied him. Almost.

(I should stop here but there's absolutely nothing to do, so I'll keep going…Lucky you….)

Sesshomaru wasn't the only one getting attention though, most of the male demons had noticed her too.

'Finally, someone notices me without me threatening them.'

Just then a zoo of women from the court came up and literally dragged Sesshomaru away almost taking her arm off in the process. Well more like the brave one came up and grabbed his hand leading him away.

'Can't kill them, can't kill them, can't kill them.' He repeated in his mind like a mantra. If he killed one of the lords daughters he would most likely start a war. He wouldn't lose but it would disrupt the delicate peace that months of patrolling had accomplished.

"Release my hand or you will be incapable of ever moving it again." He threatened the most coldest tone in his arsenal. It made the blood in rocks stop cold. The demoness immediately let his hand go ans snatched her hand to her chest as if she'd been burned.

"Oh Sesshy-kun don't be like that, come dance with me." He couldn't refuse or else he would end up looking dishonorable. She was a noble of higher status directly related to the Northern Lord. He gave a defeated sigh and let himself be led onto the dance floor.

'It just has to be a slow song, doesn't it.' He thought depressed.

With Kagome

She wasn't fairing much better. Apparently someone had blew her cover and every demon in Japan knew that she was the most powerful miko alive and had even defeated Sesshomaru once.

'Who ever spread that rumor is going to be killed on spot, if he ever finds out.' So far almost every unmated demon had come up to her and asked her questions that she did not feel comfortable answering, like where was her home and had she ever slept with a man. But the most shocking one was the young beaver demon coming right out and saying "Will you become me mate?"

After she politely turned down their offers and stopped their interrogations she was conned into dancing with them. Song after song she danced.

'Will this ever end? How long do these things usually last, demons almost never sleep but me on the other hand I wanna collapse. I was supposed to go and pester Sesshomaru about his women problems but now I think I need some advice with my own issues, wait haven't I already danced with this demon….' She looked around the room to see if she could spot Sesshomaru. He was also dancing just a couple yards to the left. She had an idea.

Sesshomaru was watching his little miko dance with the other demons and felt a wave of jealously hit him, but he kept it under a tight leash. He saw the strange light enter her eyes and knew she was going to do something highly overdone to get herself out of the situation. Oh he was jealous but also glad that the miko now knew what he was going through. Whatever she was planning, he wanted in….

Kagome maneuvered her partner to Sesshomaru and his partner. She started to relay her plan to him. The demon Kagome was dancing with was too busy telling her of all his accomplishments and what he could give her should she choose him as her mate, and Sesshomaru's partner was staring at his face, like she wanted to imprint into her memory forever.

'Which is probably what she's doing.' Kagome was irritated. Every time she would pass by Sesshomaru she would tell her as much of the plan as she could in hushed tones before being pulled off again. No one needed to know their plan of escape. She might come back later to rescue Tatsu because he had saved her from the hordes of demons clamoring for her attention at least for a little while by saying he wanted a dance. It offered her a moment of peace, but right now it was every man for himself. If Sesshomaru didn't follow through with the plan she had Plan B but that sounded really drastic even to herself so she hoped Sesshomaru wouldn't mess this up. She finally got the whole messaged delivered and Sesshomaru nodded showing he understood.

After a couple more dances so as not to look suspicious Kagome gave the signal. Sesshomaru came up to her and said,

"How is it that you a pathetic human could attract so many demons to you. Especially one that looks like you. You must have bewitched them." She knew it was part of the plan but that particular insult hurt. Well one turn deserves another.

"Well Lord Sesshomaru, at least my personality is more charming than that of an icicle." She sneered. "Mr. I-Love-Anything-Social." She said sarcastically. Giving him a dirty look.

"You dare to insult this Sesshomaru." He snarled. That had stung a lot coming from her but he would dwell on it later. Right now he just wanted to escape.

"Only if that Sesshomaru had started a confrontation with me in the first place." Her aura flared. All of the surrounding demons took a couple steps back on instinct.

Sesshomaru's youki responded to the challenge. Kagome threw a punch at Sesshomaru charged with miko energy. It wouldn't even hurt a lesser demon though it was just for show. Sesshomaru caught it and threw her to the side. She landed on her feet and skidded a couple feet back. She just stood up and walked out of the hall in a huff, looking hurt and insulted. Sesshomaru stalked after her.

"Don't ever walk away from this Sesshomaru." After they had left the hall everyone stared after them for a while, but eventually went back to what they were doing before. No one wanted to see what would happen next it would be very ugly.

Once Sesshomaru was sure that they were a considerable distance away he scooped his miko up bridal style and dashed to the farthest end of the gardens to retreat for the rest of the night. It was beautiful outside, with the fireflies and a full moon out.

Sesshomaru would never admit to the petite girl but her plan was genius. The miko had given a display of her power to warn others but had not used it in an actual fight, so in turn he didn't have to physically hurt her. He was always known for being cruel so him starting the fight was nothing surprising to them. And they were able to walk out of the hall and have not one person follow them. None of them would want to see the escalating fight. Her plan was perfect. His miko could be very cunning when she wanted to. She could probably help think up battle strategies and negotiating tatics in the future...

Once he set her on the ground her legs gave out and she started laughing.

"Did…you see…their…faces!..PRICELESS!" She gasp out between laughs. Sesshomaru cracked a tiny smile. Their faces had been examples of pure shock and horror, even on most of the battle-hardened warrior nobles. It had been pretty amusing. Sesshomaru looked at his miko writhing on the ground in pure amusement and smiled a true smile. Kagome hadn't seen it though because of her current laughing problem and Sesshomaru was sure that no one else had seen it either. He would quickly silence them if they did.

His miko looked so beautiful. She was dressed in the clothing he had given her before which was still in top condition. 'I will have to praise the seamstress the next time I am in her area.' He noted. But with the light of the moon shining off her she looked like a goddess. Her hair looked even silkier and her skin looked so soft. When she finally got herself under control he stated,

"You know there will be punishment for that insult earlier."

"What?!" She gasped. He then stood up while slinging her over his shoulder.

"Put me down." She hissed. She wasn't stupid enough to yell and give away their current hiding spot.

"No." They had passed a koi pond on the way to the back and Sesshomaru knew the miko wouldn't appreciate becoming acquainted with the cold water any time soon…Prefect…

He stopped right at the water's edge.

"Apologize."

"No. You gave the first nasty insult so I only returned in kind."

"Suit yourself." He tossed her into the koi pond. She came up sputtering and spitting water out. Whatever she had been expecting it wasn't that! She would've preferred the chain to this. Now she was cold and wet and in her clothes, which were now wet. She hated when her clothes were wet, they clung to her like a second skin.

'He won't get away with that.' She had another idea but this time hid her eyes knowing if he had any clue what she was doing the plan would fail.

Sesshomaru looked smug but that look faded, when the miko started flailing and went underwater.

'Was the water a lot deeper than it looked.' He couldn't see the bottom because it was dark. In reality the miko could touch the bottom with her feet and had simply ducked her head under. She waited.

Sesshomaru kneeled down at the water's edge and peered over looking for some sign of her. Suddenly she came sprouting up, grabbed hold of his collar and pulled him in. He wasn't excepting such an underhanded trick from his miko, so in he went.

When he came up he had s scowl on his face but the light in his eyes gave him away. The miko saw this and made a mad dash for dry land but he was quicker than her and pulled her under again. She in return pulled him under, which he then retaliated by splashing her. Which of course she had to splash back. This continued for a little while before Kagome started shivering. Sesshomaru decided it was now time to get out. He dragged the little miko ashore.

'I never went back for Tatsu. Oh well too late now he can handle himself. I'm sure he'll forgive me...' She say goodbye to the waking world and greeted dreamland.

Sesshomaru had never had this much…fun….before. He admitted if only to himself that it was extremely entertaining to play in the water with his little spitfire. He had of course checked the area to make sure there were no prying eyes. He could never be caught doing such…unlordly...acts. But he would make quick work of anyone who happened to see them. No one had though. His life was always dull and boring, but this petite girl who was now sleeping on the grass had turned his life upside down. Easily destroying his well known and prefect, self-control with a simple comment and making him act like a toddler again. But the funny thing is he didn't mind it at all.

He picked up the miko who just mumbled something about 'missing chocolate' in her sleep 'whatever that is...' he thought, and laid her against his chest. He also laid on the grass to dry before returning inside. Their combined warmth and body heat seemed to speed up the drying process and they were relatively dry in about forty-five minutes. But Sesshomaru wasn't so rushed to give up his position. He was quite comfy and the miko didn't seem to be complaining either. She was latched onto his Momoko-sama with a death grip, sleeping on his chest. His eyes softened minutely when he looked down at her. He set his internal alarm clock to wake before the sun was up to move them to the room. He slowly started to drift off.

I like her. His beast rumbled. Content with everything for the time being.

'Hai. I do too.' He replied before he went to join the miko in dreamland…

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A/N: You guys better be happy that chapter was long for me and took me almost an hour to write. My hands have a cramp from typing. Well hope you enjoyed it. Remember tell me what you liked and didn't so I know what to fix and what to put more of. Also I'm not sure what I really want to happen right now I know how the story is going to end but I don't know how I'm gonna get there so if anyone has any suggestions about what should happen in future chapters feel free to let me know and you will be given credit just like I did for llebreknit. If I get none then you'll just have to bear with me and accept anything my crazy mind can come up with. Well, see you next time. Until then peace 1,

AristocraticAssassinLover