Substitute Groom

by Raven-Pen

What will Kagome do when her groom's mysterious brother shows up and tells her that he isn't coming? Well he comes with a strange offer, and in the heat of the moment she takes it, agreeing to marry him instead. A story about how they learn to love...

11. Chapter 11: Selflessness

Chapter 11: Selflessness

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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters…

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Sesshomaru found that as he sat at his desk, his eyes continued wandering upwards out of his control. It was all his wife's doing of course. First off she had frequently insisted on coming into the room while he worked, causing him to simply leave the door open now to ease his abused ears that twitched each time it squeaked. This was outside of his norm in itself, for he ALWAYS closed his office door.

And now she was distracting him once more. Each time she walked past the door he glanced up, having already sensed her presence coming in his direction and finding himself wondering if she was at some point coming to his domain.

But she didn't.

Each time she passed she continued on in the other direction.

While this should please him as her entering his office would be a sure distraction, this was almost worse because he now found himself wondering what it was that she was doing.

And a curious Inu was a damned Inu. Even if in his case it was only in regards to work.

The past few times that she'd passed she was carrying a basket of laundry and it wasn't until she walked by again to head to the bedrooms at the end that he realized it was his sheets that she was now carrying.

The fact that his wife was doing the laundry should have irked him as well.

Should have.

She was gone for a time, no doubt replacing the deep maroon sheets, and then when she did not reappear he found himself wondering.

Pulsing his aura lightly, searching, he found that she was still in his rooms, immobile. Deciding that she must simply be taking her time, he ignored it and continued to work. But every few minutes or so he would look at the clock and then check her aura again.

After forty minutes he decided that he must see what she was up to. Despite being married they did not venture into each other's rooms for any length of time, allowing one another the privacy asked in their arrangement.

It wasn't that he did not trust her, he knew that she would not pry into his things, but he was unsure as to what could possibly be keeping her there.

Surely she could not have harmed herself, right?

Mind flitting over all of her clumsy history he paled slightly and his steps quickened.

He opened his door rather quickly, eyes darting about, but relaxed as soon as he saw where she was.

Well, almost relaxed.

For Kagome had found his Moko-Moko.

He left the thing on his bed, knowing it was safe there, and he should have thought on it when he realized that Kagome was washing his sheets.

Because now she was laying on his bed, asleep on the still warm fabric, thoroughly ensconced in the plush fur of his Moko-Moko.

Her face was practically angelic in her slumber and he noted quickly the way that she was subconsciously rubbing her cheek into the fur as she mewled once, lightly, in her sleep.

A tingle ran down his spine at her actions and he found that he could not scold her no matter how very much he may have wished to remove her from it upon first glance.

Sighing lightly he went to his bed and sat on the edge nearest her, a hand reaching out to ease the small hand that was holding a handful of his fur in a death grip.

She let go with a slightly furrowed brow and then relaxed her hand and expression as she burrowed herself even further into it.

A small smirk pulled at his lips and his hand drifted to her hair.

Running his claws through her soft tresses gently, he moved it away from her face.

He almost wished to leave her there and continue with his work, but he knew from her earlier visits that she had a deadline from her editor today, and so he reluctantly resolved to wake the female.

His hand drifted to her shoulder and he shook her lightly, rumbling her name lowly. When she did nothing more than burrow herself further into what he knew to be warm fur he nearly chuckled aloud.

"Kagome," he called again, this time a little louder and a little closer.

When she began to stir awake he leaned back, allowing her space as her eyes slipped open.

She yawned widely and her back arched into a stretch, hands clenching into fists above her head.

"Sesshomaru," she mumbled between yawns, having only just now noticed him.

"Do not forget your deadline today, Kagome." He left off the honorific, seeing as how she did the same recently.

He knew that they could not remain formal for long given the circumstances and he was accepting of it.

Her eyes widened a little at the reminder and she sat up slowly.

"Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that," she admitted with a light laugh.

Her hands were still resting on Moko-Moko and only when he pointedly looked down to them did she seem to remember its presence at all.

"Oh hey!" He met her suddenly earnest eyes with a raised brow. "What is this thing and where can I get one? It's ridiculously comfy!" Her wide smile was exuberant.

He almost felt bad about telling her the truth.

"This is Moko-Moko and it is…an extension of myself," he murmured, unsure of how to explain it to a human. Her eyes widened comically then and he fought the urge to chuckle aloud once again.

Hands lifting from the fur, they hovered above it and she stared down at the thing in her lap as if it were a wild animal. She looked back up at him and then back down and he could have sworn that he saw her fingers twitch.

"Seriously?! This is…" she struggled with her words. "This is a part of you?"

"Hn."

"Which part?" Her voice was almost panicky and he almost allowed her to think the worst for a moment just for the comic relief.

"It is merely an extension of my pelt. In olden times it was quite useful in battle," he explained at her odd looks. "I have little use for it at this moment, so it remains here."

"At this moment? What else would it be used for?"

He averted his gaze, knowing the subject would no doubt make her uncomfortable.

"You have found one of its uses. It is meant for comfort of one's close pack."

"Pack?"

"Hn." He watched her closely at his next words, curious as to her reaction. "One's mate and pups."

"Oh," she breathed, her eyes wide but appearing blank as she stared into her lap, her mind lost in her thoughts.

Then, reverently, she removed the fur from her person and placed it at the head of his bed where she'd found it. He stood from the bed when she did, saying nothing when she swallowed tightly and left his room with a murmured apology for interrupting his work.

Brows furrowing, he wondered at her thoughts. He did not expect quite so somber a reaction; perhaps a light blush and stammering, but not this seemingly depressed atmosphere.

Deciding to dwell on it later, he returned to his work.

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What Sesshomaru found later displeased him greatly and he quickly regretted not addressing the issue sooner.

For Kagome, his wife, was packing her things.

Brows drawing together in anger, he sauntered forward, aura flashing out.

She gasped and turned towards him, shaking hands faltering.

His anger abated at her tortured expression and he found himself calming.

"Kagome, what are you doing?" His voice was tired then, for he had an inkling as to what his self-less wife was thinking.

"I-I have to leave. I have to, I should never have agreed to this in the first place," her words rushed out as she fumbled with her things once more.

There were tears in her eyes, and the redness of her cheeks and the puffiness of said eyes told him more than he needed to know.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, hoping that she would come out with it so that he could fix it. She did not disappoint.

"I want a divorce," she broke out. "I-we need to divorce."

"And why is that?" mindful of his claws he reached forward and halted her shaking hands with his own steady ones.

"Because," she began, but her words choked in her throat. He waited patiently for her to collect herself once more. "Because if you stay with me you'll never find your mate."

He sighed, having already guessed her train of thought. The woman was entirely too selfless.

He told her as much and she blinked up at him warily, her wrists still ensconced in his own hands.

He was silent for a moment, contemplating his words carefully.

"You need not worry of that," he assured softly, gaze focused inward.

"Why not?" she mumbled miserably.

"Because I have had centuries to find such a mate and I have not done so. It was never my priority and it still is not."

"But what it she just pops up one day! Just because you're not expecting it doesn't mean it won't happen!" Her words were panic laced and he quickly smoothed her 'ruffled feathers'.

"It will not. I assure you I am not impulsive in such ways." He hoped that she did not think on the impulsiveness of their own wedding.

"But-"

"Do you question my honor? My loyalty?" It was a low blow and he knew it, but what else could he ask? She faltered then, and he could practically see the guilt flooding her features.

To question such would be comparing him to Inuyasha, something that she was incredibly careful to avoid in any way, even in the simplest ways of features. He knew this and he knew how it would effect her.

Her shoulders sagged and her head dropped.

"No, I'm sorry," she murmured quietly. "You've only ever been good to me, and I feel like I'm taking advantage of your good will."

"Kagome," he began but stopped, unused to dealing with such situations. Emotional outpouring was decidedly not his thing. "I assure you that I am content in our arrangement. I do not require anything more."

Her shoulders sagged even more and when she began to sniffle he wondered if he said the wrong thing.

"Are you sure?" Her hesitant words drifted quietly up to his ears.

"I am."

He was glad that the subject of pups was not brought up, as he was completely unsure of how to respond to that one. He would not lie, no doubt they would be expected of her at some point as his wife and he was unsure of how to even broach that subject with her. Even in marriages of convenience they were expected. Not necessarily by him, but by others. Family members and friends.

He prayed that she did not think of it anytime soon.

She sniffled some more and nodded her head glumly, her midnight tresses bouncing lightly with the movement. Her aura permeated her distress still.

Seeing the stiffness of her shoulders, the rigidity of her spine, he frowned.

Her melancholy mood would not due at all, he decided. His life would no doubt become infinitely worse if she remained in such a state.

Deciding that a bit of comforting was necessary for the good of all he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his chest, rumbling deeply.

He'd observed that this seemed to work with females.

She responded surprisingly well, pressing her cheek to his chest and heaving a trembling sigh as she finally relaxed.

His inner Inu practically thrummed in contentment as he held her petite form to his and the male could not help but notice. It was decidedly better than a few moments ago. When she'd mentioned divorce his Inner self had bristled rather sharply and he'd barely suppressed the displeased rumbles that had threatened to spill forth.

But now that her small body was wrapped in his own his eyes slid closed and he took in her rapidly calming scent.

Much better.

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A/N: Oh look! It's a new chappie for S.G! Isn't it shocking?! Lol…well hope you all enjoyed it…

Chapter 12:

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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters…

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There was laughter and giggling echoing throughout his large home and Sesshomaru knew exactly what was going on.

It was happening more and more frequently as of late.

Sighing lightly, he ran a hand through his hair.

He would be leaving on yet another business trip for a week, and he would have been worried for his wife being left alone if not for the one who distracted her now.

Forgoing his work he stood from his chair with a light aura, feeling strangely content in the knowledge of what he would find.

He wandered the hall to his wife's room, and seeing the door open he peeked inside and leaned against the doorframe.

Kagome and Rin were inside playing dress-up. Rin wore one of Kagome's larger, peach, flouncy shirts as a dress and it was strangely perfect in length for the small child. A pretty ribbon cinched it at the waist cutely and Kagome was currently behind the girl pulling her hair up into a messy bun. Both girls were giggling merrily as they looked into the floor-length mirror before them obliviously, looking for all the world like a mother and her daughter.

When she was finished with Rin's hair the elder female wrapped her arms about the girl's shoulders and leaned down to rest her chin on Rin's shoulder as they both peered at their reflections.

"Now don't you look lovely?" she crooned.

Sesshomaru felt a warmth suffuse him at the sight they made. The two sweetest females he knew and he was gifted with their presences regularly. And while he would more than likely never admit it aloud, he enjoyed watching them. Even if they did not notice his presence, he was content to observe their enjoyment of life.

Smiling widely, Kagome stood straight and twirled the child by the hand and they both laughed as her make-shift skirt danced in the air. Only then did Rin spot him by the door as she was turned in his direction.

As if being caught doing something naughty, the little girl gasped and stood straight.

"Sesshomaru-sama!"

When his eyes merely warmed in greeting she broke into a smile, knowing his 'tells' better than almost any other. Her posture relaxed and she skipped to him happily.

"Kagome-sama and I were dressing up! Don't we look pretty?"

He smiled a little then and placed a hand atop her head, mindful of her hair.

"You are."

His eyes looked to his wife then and he decided that Rin must have chosen her clothing and hairstyle for her. Despite none of the clothing matching, it was still adorable on her and when he saw the lopsided ponytail atop her head he smirked.

She gave him a rueful smile in return, sticking her tongue out at him playfully.

"Isn't Rin a wonderful designer?"

"Hn. Perhaps she should construct your entire wardrobe."

"Really, Sesshomaru-sama?" cried Rin happily, unaware of the jesting tones they'd been using to tease one another.

His eyes turned to her with true consideration.

"Of course. We shall discuss this more at length and apprise you of our decision. Is this acceptable?"

"Yes!" she bounded then over to the low coffee table and snatched up a small tea cake, taking a hearty bite as she became absorbed in her own sweet world.

Kagome sauntered closer to the Inu, her bright blue swishing skirt clashing horribly with her green and orange paisley shirt. But for her own amusement she swayed just so to show off her wardrobe.

"Do you really think I look cute?"

"Rin's choice in clothing is most appropriate."

"So you like it?"

"Hn."

"Really?"

"Decidedly."

"Fantastic!" she beamed up at him. "Because we were discussing your own wardrobe earlier and Rin thinks that there is room for improvement. More color, you see. Oranges and greens and perhaps some purples…?"

He stared her down stoically and she bore it wonderfully, a full fledged smile brightening her sincere features.

She broke it first, a sharp but light laugh spilling from her lips that drew a small chuckle from him in return.

"Kagome-sama! Come have tea with me!"

His wife's attentions were once more on the child and she joined her at the table with an elegant 'plop', her skirts poofing comically about her.

"Of course! For we must have tea, mustn't we, my queen?" She took on an imperious tone as she poured some tea into Rin's little tea cup.

"Indeed!" chirped the little girl.

Sesshomaru's smile widened as he watched them for a few moments more before turning from the room and returning to his work.

Indeed, his wife would be fine with such a friend to distract her. There was nothing to worry about.

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Kagome sighed for perhaps the twentieth time that day as she made some lunch for she and Rin. The girl was sitting at the high counter coloring in her book while she waited for her grilled-cheese sandwich, and Kagome herself felt somewhat forlorn.

She sighed again, her gaze distant and a spatula held lazily in her hand.

Rin looked up when the elder female expelled the distressed sound once more.

"Kagome-sama, are you alright?"

"Oh I'm fine, Rin," she murmured airily. "I'm fine."

Rin frowned deeply, eyes intent in her observations of her.

"I think you should tell me what's wrong, Kagome-sama. You would feel better."

Kagome chewed on her lip as she flipped the sandwiches in the pan.

"It really isn't anything important," she hedged.

After a few moments of careful consideration, Rin leaned back in her seat with a confidant grin.

"You must miss Sesshomaru-sama!"

Kagome's eyes widened comically and she fiddled with the spatula still in her hand.

"No, no it's nothing at all. Really, Rin."

Rin giggled behind her hands, eyes filled with the knowledge that she was correct.

"It is perfectly alright to miss someone, Kagome-sama! Especially when you are married to them! I know I miss Sesshomaru-sama," she supplied, hoping to gain the admission she wanted to hear.

After all, Kagome had already admitted before that she missed him when he was gone even if it was quite a while ago. Surely there couldn't be any difference. In fact, it was only natural to miss him even more after being with him longer, right?

"I'm just used to him being around, is all," Kagome mumbled. Her cheeks were tinting a light pink color and Rin noticed immediately. Being the silly and intelligent child that she was, she decided to tease the older girl a little bit.

"Well don't worry, Kagome-sama! Once you have babies you will have them to keep you company when he's gone!" Her smile was wide and it only served to make Kagome's eyes larger and her blush darker.

Rin felt triumphant.

Kagome was gaping like a fish and all of her thought process seemed gone.

"They will be very cute babies though, Kagome-sama! I know they will! I wonder who they would take after though…" she mused, her eyes turning up in thought. "Hmm maybe they'll have your hair, but his eyes…?"

Struck silent by the child's musings, Kagome's own thoughts began to wander down similar roads. She wasn't a fool after all, she knew that children would be expected of her eventually but she'd never really thought about it. Not in detail anyways. Now that Rin had mentioned it she could not help but imagine what their child would look like.

The image of a little girl with midnight, wavy hair and eyes bright like the sun flashed before her eyes and stole her attention.

So cute! she couldn't help but smile warmly.

It was certainly a consolation to know that their children would without a doubt be adorable, should they ever have any. It was pretty much a guarantee having the handsome Inu for a father.

Thinking about it almost, almost made her feel eager. She'd always loved children, after all, and admittedly wanted at least three of them.

She'd always been wonderfully maternal in nature.

She sighed again, but this time for another reason.

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That night Kagome lay in her futon wide awake, unable to sleep even a wink in the large empty house. It was exactly like the last time and she hated it. She hated how utterly alone she felt.

Feeling strangely bold, she left her own futon and her rooms entirely and headed straight for her husband's. She knew she shouldn't but nothing would change her mind. He wasn't home so he would never know, right? Right!

His amazing sense of smell didn't even occur to her.

She opened the door quietly and shut it behind her just as quiet, though why she bothered she didn't know.

Eyes turning to the maroon sheets before her, she went to the bed slowly and breathing deeply. His room smelled like him. Masculine and comforting.

Almost stiffly, she sat on the edge of his bed before steeling her resolve and pulling back the soft sheets and blanket to tuck her feet under them. She wrapped the blankets around herself, eyes closing when her head sank into a downy pillow and body relaxing as she took a deep breath and released it in a sigh.

"Much better," she murmured.

His scent enveloped her and she found herself relaxing exponentially. Her fingers found his Moko-Moko above the pillows and she petted it gently and lazily as she drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep.

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Each night that he was away became the same routine for Kagome. She would shower and change into her pajamas before slipping into his room and curling beneath his blankets. And each night she became more and more comfortable with his Moko-Moko until she was curling up with it much as she had the first night that she'd discovered it. It was easily justifiable for her.

After all, he was the one who had said that that was its use! Comforting pack! And surely she was at least considered pack! Right? Right!

On the last night that she was alone she curled into Moko-Moko with a warm smile, arms and legs wrapping around the furry boa much like a child with a body pillow. She was not thinking about it very clearly, for if she had been she would have perhaps not put herself in such a position with the thing. But she was not thinking at all about her husband's sensitive nose, only of her own comfort.

And so she spent the entire night wrapped around it, reveling in its warmth.

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Sesshomaru sighed in relief when he was home once more, reminded thoroughly of the reason why he preferred to work from there rather than one of his branches.

When he entered the house he was greeted warmly by Rin and Kaede as they went about their work, and scenting his wife in his office he went straight there.

As he opened the door he found her sitting in the chair she'd taken to occupying and using the other side of his desk as her own. This he was accustomed to, as she'd begun doing so weeks ago, preferring to work in his company.

He smirked internally to know that she still preferred his office even when he was away. His silly wife.

"Kagome," he greeted as he entered.

She peeked up at him from her laptop, blinking herself back into reality from whatever world she was creating.

"Oh! You're back!" She broke into a wide smile. "Welcome home!"

Something in him warmed at the phrase. Home.

He nodded his head in thanks.

Walking forward, he placed his briefcase on his desk and sat in his chair, leaning back in relaxation and hearing the familiar creak of the leather.

She watched him for a moment before turning once more to her work, typing away with fervor.

His eyes closed for a few moments as he listened to the clacking of the keys as she worked. It was strangely lulling, and he found that he'd missed it.

After several minutes of relaxing he decided that he deserved a small nap before dinner time and stood from his chair, murmuring his thoughts to his wife.

She hummed in acknowledgement as he left the room and he nearly smiled at how quickly she'd been pulled back into her story. Once she started something she became completely absorbed in it and sometimes even forgot to eat. He had to instruct Rin and Kaede to remind her on occasion that she required sustenance to which the woman merely blinked owlishly. It was incredibly endearing.

Pulling his tie loose and un-tucking his shirt from his pants, he opened the door to his room and closed it behind himself.

And immediately stilled his movements.

Kagome had been in his room. Her scent was rather strong and the intensity of it was nearly that of her own rooms.

Eyes wide, he took a deep whiff of it, shoulders relaxing despite how his mind was now spinning in circles.

What had she been doing in there?

Eyes darting about, he knew that nothing had been disturbed but it left him feeling strangely befuddled. Until he saw his bedding. While the bed was made, it wasn't as neat as he'd left it. He was meticulous in everything that he did, and that even spread to how he made his bed.

Brow furrowing lightly, his nose twitched as he neared it. He sat on the edge of it and when her scent seemed to waft up to him with the movement he knew that she'd been sleeping in his bed again.

This didn't upset him but it left him wondering why. What possible reason could she have had?

The thought that she was perhaps lonely when he was away floated into his mind but it didn't seem likely. With Rin and Kaede about she was not want for company…

Taking another deep breath of her scent, he sank into his bedding and breathed out a deep sigh.

He'd missed her scent. It calmed him, relaxed him.

Deciding that he'd think on the matter another time, he dismissed the thoughts flitting about, choosing instead to merely relax and breath deeply.

His hands went up above his head as he stretched out his form, fingers brushing along his Moko-Moko out of habit. Curious to see if she'd cuddled with it once more, he pulled it close and nuzzled his cheek into the warm furs only to halt all movement.

Oh Kami! he nearly groaned at the scents coming from the furs. What had she been doing with his Moko-Moko? The scent he'd found wasn't particularly strong, but it was there all the same and it could have only come from one place.

Heat flooded his cheeks and then drifted lower before he could stop the thoughts that flittered about in his mind.

What had she done? Wrapped herself around it?! It was the only possible explanation, because he could not envision her using it for any wanton purposes. Why would she, after all? Impossible!

He made to pull away from the fur, to distract from the thoughts it brought, only to subconsciously pull it close again moments later. The changes to her scent were subtle but the headiness pulled him closer out of instinct.

Shaking his head, he sat up altogether and decided a nap would no longer be possible. Not with the scents barely lingering there.

No, that was dangerous territory.

For what good would it do to tease himself? None. Nothing would come of it.

Standing, he decided a shower was now in order. A cold shower.

The last thing that he needed was his wife -in name only- seeing the effects her scent had on his person.

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Kagome stood from her chair as she stretched her arms high, a deep yawn pulling from her. It was dinner time, if she'd heard Kaede's call correctly.

Deciding that she would wake Sesshomaru from his nap, since he had to be hungry, she left the office.

She subconsciously fussed with her hair as she went, yawning again and trying to stifle it with a hand.

She knocked lightly and when she heard no reply she opened the door softly.

"Sesshomaru? It's dinner time," she murmured, peeking her head in.

Eyes going right to the bed, they widened when they found it empty and barely looking rumpled.

"Sesshomaru?" She entered the room fully then, looking about the spacious but darker tinted room. "Sesshomaru?" she called again, a little louder when there was no response.

Hearing sounds coming from his bathroom, and seeing the door closed, she sighed in understanding and sat on his bed to wait. She'd tell him when he came out.

Seeing Moko-Moko nearby she pulled it close, piling it in her lap and wrapping her arms around it like it was a great, furry pillow. Her eyes closed as she waited, rubbing her cheek against the fur, and she hummed a little tune.

She heard the door click before opening and she glanced up expectantly, opening her mouth to speak. Only to stop, eyes widening impossibly.

The Inu sauntered out in nothing but a towel, another about his shoulders as he dried his hair with it. He didn't notice her at first, because her scent was already surrounding him, but the quickening of her heartbeat and her light gasp caught his attention quickly.

Golden eyes darted up to azure ones and both stilled all movements.

Swallowing thickly, Kagome could no longer keep her eyes from drifting down his chiseled torso. It was the first time she'd ever really, truly seen his figure up close. And she couldn't deny, he was the epitome of elegant masculinity.

Her mouth was dry as her eyes flickered back up to his.

"I-I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean-"

He moved to step forward, a hand raised towards her in what he meant as a placating gesture, but she darted up from his bedding and hedged around him towards the door.

"I really am truly, truly sorry!" Her cheeks were blazing as she tried valiantly and failed to not eye him like candy.

She bolted out the door but then opened it again a second later, peeking her head in.

"Kaede said dinner's ready! That's all!"

And then she was gone.

Stunned into silence, Sesshomaru couldn't decided whether to grimace, or laugh.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

His wife was doing her level best to avoid looking at him at all costs now, even avoiding his presence entirely if possible. He'd settled on amused at her embarrassed and shy attitude and was even making it a game. Whenever she was particularly determined to avoid him he made it a point to make his presence known. This was one such moment.

She'd been working on her laptop in the kitchen.

As soon as she heard him coming down the stairs to enter said kitchen, she quickly grabbed her computer and went into the living room. No doubt she was hoping he'd simply grab some tea and go back upstairs.

But he didn't.

When he headed to the living room he could feel her tense. Her discomfort was palpable but he merely internally grinned as he grabbed a floor cushion and sat across from her at the kotatsu, sliding his folded legs beneath the blanket and enjoying the warmth that infused him.

It was quickly getting colder out, the fall turning chilly, and it had made a kotatsu table a necessity for Kagome's comfort.

When he'd suggested getting one a week before he left for his business trip he could tell that she was excited, and no doubt wanted one badly. But she hadn't said a thing, merely left it for him to decide. He of course purchased one the next day, insisting on bringing her along to help choose the design and the patterning for the quilt.

As they meandered through the store she mentioned that growing up she'd always wanted one but her family could never afford it on a shrine's salary.

Hearing her tell of her family and growing up was bittersweet. He warmed at the sweet smile she presented as he listened, but at the same time he felt a twinge of jealousy. A bitterness. While he had grown up with every convenience, he'd grown up in a split family; a mother that was almost possessive and sporadic in her affections and a father always away on business. He had had no family to speak of. The servants who worked in the manor had been his only companions, which was perhaps why he preferred having Kaede around rather than actual guests in his home.

Seeing how well his wife treated the old maid endeared him to her a little more. Kagome was respectful and caring, helping the woman as much as possible.

And now, seeing her blushing shy face as she blankly stared at her laptop, he was endeared just a little more.

He knew that she wanted to desperately leave the room, but she knew that she couldn't politely do so now that he was there.

Keeping his expression carefully neutral, he continued to watch her.

Eventually, she peeked up at him over the edge of her computer screen, eyes determined.

"It was an accident."

"I am aware."

"I didn't mean to look…"

Not bothering to mention the fact that he HAD had a towel on and nothing of importance had been seen, he nodded seriously.

"Think nothing of it."

"I was just going to tell you that dinner was ready…"

"As Kaede instructed."

"Yes."

"No harm has come of this, do not let it bother you Kagome."

"I know, it's just-" she stopped mid-sentence, mind whirling as she struggled to keep her train of thought. The image flashed before her eyes once more and she faltered.

"Kagome."

She looked up, blinking.

"Will it perhaps make you feel better if I were to see you in a towel?" He was teasing, and it was obvious, but she still sputtered over her words of denial.

He smirked then, shaking his silvery head.

"I jest, do not worry. I would never do such a thing deliberately."

She frowned then, and for some strange reason she seemed suddenly upset as the wheels in her head spun.

Adding to his confusion, she herself seemed befuddled by her own upset.

Promptly nodding, she stood from her seat, gathered her laptop, and left the room.

His own mind whirling in confusion, he leaned back on his hands and watched her ascend the stairs.

What had just happened…?

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

Sniffling a little, she went into HER study, sat at HER desk, and pouted.

Poor Kagome just could not figure out WHY in the world it bothered her so much. She should be happy that her false "husband" had no desire to come upon her after bathing, shouldn't she? It would be embarrassing, she'd be mortified, and obviously they were not in that way. So why did it hurt a little to think that he had no desire, in the slightest, to witness it? Wasn't she desirable? Was she not pretty?

A twinge ran through her.

It wasn't that she wanted to incite such reactions; she didn't want some grand love affair or to suddenly turn into a wanton. But, didn't every woman want to feel beautiful? Wanted? Sought after, by at least one man in their life?

She certainly did.

But she was now a married woman and the chances of that ever happening to her were practically non-existent. For she was loyal to a fault and would never, ever betray her husband.

She supposed that because she knew her husband to be an honorable and trustworthy person, he was her only chance at ever having anything remotely close to love. And while she felt guilty for feeling such things, since it was obviously not in the arrangement, she couldn't help it. She was a loving creature by nature, and she knew that she was fond of him.

The way that she missed him, horribly, made it evident that she at least enjoyed his silent company.

He was strong and quiet and intelligent.

He surprised her on a daily basis with his swift remarks and flashing grins.

Her husband was so very quick and witty.

Sighing deeply, she sank into her plush office chair and ran a hand through her onyx locks.

What was a girl to do…?

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

As soon as Sesshomaru had left the house the next day Kagome called Sango, her voice a tad urgent even though she had no idea of what to say. They both were silent on the phone.

Poor Sango was just as lost as Kagome, as she couldn't help her obviously upset friend without knowing what was upsetting her to begin with.

Finally, she couldn't handle the tension.

"Kagome, spit it out! What's wrong? Is everything okay? Is Sesshomaru okay?"

As soon as his name left her mouth she knew that it had to do with him. The tension was stifling now with unsaid words.

"Sango, I-" her words caught in her throat. "I- I think I-"

Sango frowned.

"Did he do something to you, because if he did so help me-" "NO! No, Sango! It's nothing like that…"

Sango sighed.

"Kagome, I can't help if you won't tell me."

"I know…"

Silence.

"…I think I'm falling for him, Sango."

Eyes widening, the woman finally understood.

"Well…that's good, isn't it?" She spoke slowly, as if to a child.

"What?! How could that be good, Sango?!" Kagome was indignant that the conversation was beginning to sound like her own internal struggles.

"Well, what could be wrong with falling in love with your husband?"

Silence, once more.

"Kagome?"

"…but what if he never loves me back?" Her words were so small, so hurt at the thoughts running through her head.

Rubbing her forehead roughly, Sango sighed.

"Kags, isn't it better to try and find out rather than suffer alone and never know?"

Kagome began to sniffle.

"I guess, but-" "But nothing, Kagome. You only have the two options, and even you're not masochistic enough to go with the last one. I love you, but that's all that I have to say on the matter."

"But Sango, I don't even have any idea of how to go about it!"

Sango smiled to herself.

"Oh I don't know, maybe try flirting a little? Wear tighter clothes?" She laughed, knowing how her best friend was blushing.

"Just go with whatever feels natural, Kagome!"

"Natural…right…"

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

A/N: Hahahaha! Finally, another update! It's been so long, I know, but this chappie's longer than the last, so don't hurt me too bad, ne?

Chapter 13:

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

When Sesshomaru arrived home that evening he stood outside the door for a moment, one hand in his jacket pocket, fingering the small box inside.

He knew that something he'd said the day before had upset her, and while he couldn't for the life of him understand just what it was, he was determined to clear the air somehow.

Nodding to himself in determination, he entered and shut the door behind him.

After replacing his shoes with slippers in the 'genkan' of the garage entrance to the house he sent out a faint pulse of his youki to find his wife. Sensing her in the kitchen, he slowly and calmly went to her.

He found her just as she was finishing dinner, placing a second plate of food in his place.

She looked up with a small, timid smile.

"Welcome home," she murmured, voice so small.

He nodded in greeting, taking in her appearance.

She looked nice, almost as if she'd dressed up for dinner. She was wearing a dark pencil skirt and a tucked in red blouse.

He chose not to linger on her appearance though, for his own sanity. Thinking on his attraction towards her would only serve to complicate things. And complicated was not something that would help the situation at all.

She waited for a moment, as if waiting for him to speak, but she seemingly gave up and turned to get glasses and wine, talking as she went.

"You should get cleaned up before dinner, ne?"

Brow furrowing, he stepped forward.

"I shall, but first I have something for you."

Her posture perked a little and she turned to him with wide eyes.

"What?"

He didn't reply, merely removed the box from his pocket and presented it to her.

She stepped forward curiously, eyeing what seemed to be a ring box.

Her confused blue eyes glanced up to his gold ones for a moment before gently taking the box from his large palm.

Slowly, she opened it as if afraid of what she'd find. What she did find, however, was something that made her eyes widen even further.

He for his part actually felt nervous presenting her with a gift. It was the first he'd given her -personally- and he was strangely anxious as to how she would accept it.

Her brows furrowed a little and she looked for a moment like she'd cry as she stared at the box. She took out the item almost reverently though and he knew then that she appreciated it.

"My shell from the lake…?"

"Hn. I had it attached to a key loop so that you might get some use from it."

She smiled up at him, her blue eyes glinting with unshed tears.

"I can't believe you had this all this time!"

He said nothing to this, unwilling to admit to the obvious or explain his actions.

She held it in her hand carefully, her thumb rubbing at the pearlescent sheen of the shell. She could see the indent from where she'd tried to carve a hole in it, so she knew for certain that is was indeed her shell.

After a moment of smiling warmly to herself, she looked up and graced him with a smile full of such warmth that he felt as if he was standing in the sun. Her aura itself was actually spreading over him like a warm blanket and he felt certain that she didn't even realize it.

"Thank you," she murmured. Without another word she stepped closer and into him, her arms wrapping about his waist as her cheek rested against his chest. "I love it."

Stunned, he merely stood there for a moment until she pulled away again and turned him in place to gently push him towards the doorway.

"Now go get ready for dinner," she said, voice obviously pleased.

O.o.O.o.O

Kagome was so surprised and delighted by his gift that she held onto it all through dinner, almost sad to part with it and attach it to her keys. So she held it and continued to subconsciously rub it with her thumb.

As they sat across from each other eating dinner she grew nervous again though, thinking on Sango's words earlier that day.

She was supposed to flirt with him? How?

She peeked up at him from behind her wine glass as she took a sip.

He was looking down at his plate, his mind elsewhere as he ate slowly.

Unsure of where to begin, she cleared her throat.

When he looked up, blinking placidly, she thought quickly.

"How do you like dinner? I tried something different today…"

He looked down to the food for a moment before looking to her once more.

"Hn. It is quite good."

She nodded and smiled hesitantly.

"Oh good…" Brows furrowing, she glanced down at the shell in her hand.

Obviously he had to have some sort of feelings towards her, even if just friendly, if his gift was anything to go by. It was a personal and thoughtful gift, something someone didn't do unless they at the very least appreciated someone. So…would he be somewhat accepting of her attempts to get closer to him?

Rubbing the shell again, she internally nodded.

Sango was right, she could at least try…or try to try…

She looked up again to see that he was once more lost in thought.

"Where do you usually eat lunch?" she asked, curious about his work day.

"I did not eat lunch."

"Oh…why?"

He blinked at her for a moment as if clearing his mind.

"You may have forgotten," he began gently. "I am youkai, and as such I do not need nourishment so often."

She blushed at her own forgetfulness.

"Oh, I'd forgotten completely. It's just…you always eat when I ask you to."

"Hn." He left the end open, for her to decipher.

She wasn't quite sure what to think of it, honestly.

"I suppose a strong and powerful youkai such as yourself doesn't need sustenance to remain powerful, hm?"

She'd spoken slowly, peering at him from beneath her lashes, praying that her intent wasn't too obvious.

He quirked a brow at her semi-subtle compliment, wondering now at where his wife's mind was drifting to.

Surely she was not being deliberate?

"This is true," he murmured lowly, "Though I do enjoy eating often times. It is not a necessity but rather a…predilection."

Eyes narrowing, he eyed her pinking cheeks.

"How much wine have you had, Kagome?" He hadn't noticed as he'd been rather pre-occupied with his thoughts. Mostly centering around her, ironically enough.

She sputtered softly at his words, obviously embarrassed but unable to admit as much.

"Only the one glass."

"Hn. Perhaps that should suffice."

She frowned cutely, glancing down to her half-empty glass and then back up at him.

"I'm not drunk, Sesshomaru."

He nodded patiently, seeing how much redder her cheeks had gotten in her embarrassment.

"All the same. Perhaps you should retire for the night?"

She frowned and stood from her chair.

"Fine."

Scowling, she grabbed her empty plate and went to the sink, putting it in with a clanking of dishes and silverware and dumped the wine in as well before setting the glass on the counter.

She came and took his dishes as well though he wasn't entirely finished and repeated the gesture, her aura snapping about her somewhat angrily.

Eyes wide, he watched her and stared, not knowing what in the world he could have possibly said to earn her ire this time.

His wife then left the room and he could hear her trudging up the stairs, her slippers making funny 'thwacking' noises on the steps.

When she came back down he got up and went to meet her, to ask what was wrong, but she sidestepped him and went into the den.

Gaze narrowing, he took in her change of clothing. Pajama shorts and a tank top…He had to force his eyes upwards, to not linger on her legs…

Frowning now, he followed her and when she sat on the couch and turned on the T.V. he followed suit, sitting beside her.

She glanced in his direction from the corner of her eye but she refused to meet his gaze.

"I'm not drunk," she reiterated quietly.

Her angry frown turned into an almost sad frown.

"I'm sorry if I offended you," he murmured, afraid of upsetting her further.

Her frown deepened but she finally peeked at him.

"I was just trying to…I just-" she stopped, her lips pressing firmly together as she though of what she was trying to say.

"It is not important. Do not think on any of it."

Unable to comment on that, she stayed silent, turning to watch the movie that she'd flipped to. Because even though it WAS important to her, she couldn't explain that without explaining what she was trying to do and why. So she stayed quiet for now, her delicate feelings too tender to risk them being hurt already. Perhaps when she'd had more time to think about it all; solidify her feelings into some semblance of order…

So they both silently watched the movie, their thoughts on the other.

Eventually though, Kagome did get rather sleepy and in her subconscious state, the one where she and him just were, she relaxed.

Eventually, her head tipped to the side and landed on his shoulder, her whole body following suit until she was leaning against him, her arms weaving around his one. He didn't protest, secretly wanting to wrap her in his arms, so he enjoyed the comfortable moment.

Soon though she began to droop even more, so he lifted his arm from her grasp and wrapped it around her shoulders despite her initial protest. She quieted quickly, wrapping her arms about his waist instead as she rested her cheek against his pectoral.

A warmth tingled in his chest and he swallowed thickly, his inner self delighted by the close contact that he'd been deprived of for so long. In truth he loved to cuddle, but had yet to have anyone to share it with. All others he had to remain distant from. But she…she was his wife and as such he could freely be affectionate with her if he so chose. And from her own actions he began to wonder if she wished it as well. She initiated the contact, not he.

He'd noticed that she'd been more receiving of his affections as of late, and his mind began to wonder at why that was. Did she hold some form of affection for him? He could only hope.

She sighed deeply then, contentedly, her eyes closed in blissful sleep.

A smile spread his lips, warmth radiating from him.

He had been right when he'd first married her: She was something else.

His other hand came up to brush her bangs from her eyes, careful of his claws, and run down her rosy cheek gently.

Slowly, so as not to wake her, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her brow.

A new determination filled him. She was his wife in name only, yes, but he would do his best to make this a true marriage. She only hoped that she could come to love what he was.

Leaning his head back, he turned off the T.V. and closed his eyes.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

When Kagome awoke a few hours later, feeling warm and contented, she moved to stretch and found that she couldn't.

Eyes widening as she woke completely, she peered up at the face so near her own.

He was sleeping!

Smiling softly, she memorized his features, eyes running along his stripes and down his strong but elegant jaw line. Her fingers twitched to run along those stripes but she held them back as she continued to watch him.

He's so beautiful…she mused. More than I could ever hope to be…

He hummed in his sleep, lowering his head to nuzzle into her hair, and she nearly gasped aloud at his actions. Her own head tilted to the side with his movements and he soon pressed his face into the crook of her neck. Sighing deeply, he sank even further with sleep.

She was frozen, stiff, eyes wide as she tried so very hard not to move in case he woke.

His body was getting heavy though as he leaned on her…

Trying to see his face while pressed to her shoulder, she attempted to maneuver them to lay down on the couch so they could at least both be comfortable. She wasn't about to pull away from him, after all, since she secretly craved this attention.

It was surprisingly easy enough to pull them both down onto the couch as he seemed to follow the action in his sleep, his feet wrapping around hers and lifting them onto the cushions in his sleep.

She stilled once more, waiting until he sighed deeply and sleepily again before she herself relaxed.

Feeling his arms around her she relaxed into his warmth, her own arms tucked between them, her palms resting on his chest.

This was something that she could get used to, even if it was all just subconscious actions that he more than likely would avoid in the morning. She knew that it more than likely would never happen again, either, so she was determined to enjoy every moment of it.

Soon enough though she was drifting off to sleep again, a small smile on her face.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

The next morning when she woke she expected to still be on the couch with her husband, but as she opened her eyes and freely moved about, she found herself in her bed, wrapped in her blankets.

Brows furrowing, she sighed.

He no doubt woke to see her wrapped about his person and quickly rectified the mistake.

Glumly, she sat up. Resolved to make the most of it, she got up out of bed and went to go take a shower.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

Now, the poor male in question was just as confused and anxious, having woken with them both laying on the couch -much closer than when he'd originally fallen asleep. He knew that it must have been his doing, wrapping himself around her in his sleep as he so longed to do each night and he was unsure of how she would react should she wake. So he did the noble thing and brought her to her own bed, wrapping her up in her blankets to keep her warm.

She'd frowned cutely in her sleep, one hand gripping his shirt like a vice. But he'd removed it gently, frowning himself.

He went down to prepare some breakfast, knowing that she would likely wake soon. She wasn't particularly a morning person, but he knew that she did wake early even if she didn't like it. She was just a bit…crabby in the morning.

So he started on some coffee and some French toast as he knew she loved them. He himself would not eat, but would be kind enough to make something for her.

When he heard the shower running upstairs he knew he'd been right.

And sure enough, soon she was coming down the stairs with a sleepy smile and wet hair, which surprised him. Normally she was frowning for at least an hour.

"Good morning," he murmured, brows raised.

"Morning," she mumbled, rubbing an eye with the palm of her hand.

She went to get herself some coffee, humming happily when she took a sip.

"I trust you slept well?" He just had to ask. Some part of him was determined to know.

"Mmm," she hummed again, "Best sleep I've had in ages." She slowly went to one of the stools on the other side of the counter, hefting herself up onto one in a way that reminded him of a kid. He smiled to himself as he turned her French toast on the skillet.

Neither of them spoke of falling asleep on the couch, neither of them wanting to have it be brushed off as unimportant as they both held onto it like a stepping stone. Of course they did not know of each other's thoughts and had no way of knowing that they were on exactly the same page.

When Sesshomaru placed the plate on the counter before her, complete with butter and syrup, she smiled sweetly.

"You pay attention!" she crooned, picking up her fork. "Thank you!"

"Hn." He watched her enjoy her breakfast for a moment, actually feeling like a real couple. But then reality kicked in and he knew he had to get ready for work.

"Enjoy your breakfast," he murmured as he went to leave the room.

"Oh I am!" she called happily.

He went to shower reluctantly, not wishing to wash her scent from his person, but he knew that it had to be done. He couldn't allow himself to live in filth just to retain it.

And so he showered and got ready for work, leaving with a nod to his wife and a 'See you later'.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

As Kagome was attempting to work on her actual work that day, she couldn't get her mind off of the Inu she was married to. She wanted to show him that she cared, in some way or another, but she couldn't think of how for the life of her.

Sango had said to flirt, but she wasn't very good at discreetly flirting. The previous night proved that and she blushed in embarrassment. She'd tried to compliment him and his powerful nature and he'd thought she'd been drunk. So that was out of the question.

She thought long and hard most of the morning, coming up with nothing, but then her stomach growled and she had an idea.

Lunch!

She could bring him lunch!

It was something little that she could do to show him she cared.

Even if he didn't normally eat lunch, he did say that he still enjoyed eating even if he didn't have the time…Well he'd have to make time! Because she was bringing him lunch!

Smiling wide, she saved her work and closed her laptop, placing it on their desk before going down into the kitchen.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

As Sesshomaru sat at his desk he sighed, running a hand through his silver hair.

It was going to be a long and tiring day, of that he was sure. Things always seemed to fall apart if he wasn't there…He honestly didn't know how a day could start out so wonderful only to turn into this.

Glancing at the clock, he knew he'd most likely have to skip lunch once more.

He got up and stepped out of his office to relay the information to not be disturbed to his secretary, but stopped mid sentence when he felt a familiar presence coming his way.

Glancing to the elevator down the aisle, he stared almost incredulously when the doors opened.

Sure enough Kagome was there, wearing an adorable little red skirt and another tucked in blouse -white this time- her feet clad in small heels.

Blinking in astonishment, he stood stock still as she peered about and then locked gazes with him. With a smile she headed down the aisle of cubicles, completely unaware of the stares and murmurs at her presence.

He though could hear everything that they were saying and he forced himself not to growl in irritation.

"Is that…Sesshomaru-sama's wife?!"

"Lucky dog…"

"Who knew he could catch such a tender looking thing? I didn't think he had it in him."

"Look at that smile in her face! I'd happily take such a sweet ningen-"

He did send out a small pulse of his aura to silence them, pleased when they all returned to their work.

When Kagome stopped before him she smiled up at him sweetly and only then did he notice what she carried.

A bento…?

"Do you have any time for lunch?" At her own words her stomach growled and she blushed at the sound. Some snickers went up around them and he did growl at them then, lightly. Nobody would make fun of his wife if he could help it.

"Of course he does," his secretary smiled, leaning over the desk, "You go right on in."

Kagome smiled at the female kitsune before turning to him expectantly.

Nodding, he turned and held the door open for her.

"I figured you probably wouldn't eat lunch again and even though I know you don't really need to eat I still think it's a good idea, to keep up your strength, you know-" she continued to ramble on in her nervousness and he smiled to himself as he went to his desk and sat, motioning for her to sit as well across from him.

But she placed the bento before him first, separating the three tiers and explaining what was in each. Some he'd had and other's he'd never tried before. He would, of course, try it all. Nodding to her in thanks, he took his chopsticks as she sat and took a bite.

"Is it good?" she asked, timorously.

He hummed, before motioning to her own chopsticks.

"It is, but you must eat as well. I suspect you need it more than I," he teased, hearing her stomach rumble once more.

She laughed lightly, cheeks still a rosy hue, but she obediently ate. And when he insisted that she finish the last of the soba she complied.

They sat in slightly awkward but companionable silence and when it was time for her to leave he walked her to her car, silencing the stares and murmurs with a look.

Once she was gone and he was back in his office, he felt much better about the day.

And his workers had a bit more insight to the enigma that was him. For if he had such a sweet, doting wife, he couldn't be all that bad, could he?

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

A/N: Lol well there's another chapter for you all! I hope you like it! ^_^ I'm already working on the next, so it shouldn't be too long a wait! R & R as always!

Chapter 14:

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

The next few weeks went by the same way, Kagome bringing him lunch every other day since he insisted that every day was unnecessary. He'd had a small table with two chairs put in his office entirely for this purpose and she'd smiled when she saw the addition. At least she knew that he enjoyed their lunches.

And it was a kind of running guessing game for his workers to see what she was wearing each time, all unbeknownst to poor little oblivious Kagome. She seemed to have blinders on when she entered his floor, eyes only on his door.

Her single-minded determinedness was endearing her to all on the floor. It was rather obvious to them that she doted on the Inu, obviously loved him dearly, and the only one who didn't see it was the Inu himself. Not that they knew that. For all they knew, they were a happily married couple. Only his secretary seemed to know any of the details on their relationship and she kept her lips sealed, their little dances around each other her sole entertainment in the workplace.

Being a kitsune she could feel the way their auras slipped out to each other without their own realization and it made her smile when they shared their own little smiles of greeting. It was just so damn cute! And so surprising!

She honestly had never seen this side of her boss before, and while he did return to his commanding and unyielding ways as soon as she was gone, he was like a little puppy when she was around. His gaze always followed her, his person silently following shortly after. The male was completely whipped, and she knew it.

Oh, such a great secret!

For her part, she couldn't wait to see it all progress.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

As Kagome stood looking through recipes on her laptop, leaning on the marble counters, she took a sip of tea and tried to determine what kind of mood her husband might be in.

"Hmmm…sweet and spicy? Or savory…"

She was surprised though, and a little shocked, when she felt a pulse of his aura from the genkan.

Standing straight, she went through to the entryway with wide eyes.

Sure enough there he was, long coat on to ward off the chilling air despite his imperviousness to weather.

"You're home early," she murmured, hand still gripping her tea mug.

"Hn." He looked about him for a moment in thought before looking to her once more, his golden eyes quickly traveling along her person before resting on her face.

"I had thought perhaps that today we might go out for lunch," he murmured lowly. Seeing her surprised expression, he spoke again. "Unless, of course, you have already started lunch…"

"No! No, that would be fine! Let me just go change quick!"

He nodded, taking her tea mug when she handed it to him and watching as she ran up the stairs, skipping steps.

Smirking, he took a drink of the tea and went into the kitchen to leave the mug in the sink.

Within minutes she was bounding back down the stairs, careful to not slip on the marble landing, and shrugging into her coat with his help.

He wrapped a scarf about her neck, explaining that it was becoming chill out now when she raised her brows at him.

Fall was coming now in full swing, her favorite season, and his thoughtfulness made her smile warmly.

"Thank you."

"Hn. Let us go."

They got into his still warm car and he drove them into the edge of the city, stopping at a small French café that made her smile widen.

"It's so cute!" she cooed, taking in the rustic decorations with delighted, blue eyes.

"I had thought you would like it. The food is acceptable as well."

She laughed a little then.

"Acceptable? You would use that as a defining word," she teased. "You're such an old man." She giggled lightly.

He smirked as well, his gilded eyes narrowing in mischief.

"Indeed. But remember, with age comes experience…"

Surprised at the slight innuendo, she looked to him, still smiling. She said nothing at first, and then, "We shall see about that."

When he chuckled and held the door open for her, she practically glowed with happiness.

They flirted! Sango would be proud of her.

They chatted lightly as they ate, him telling her of work and she telling him her plans for her latest book. She'd been thinking a lot about Rin and Shippo while she wrote her more recent books and was incorporating their characters into them in consequence.

He agreed that this was a good idea, knowing that they would both be pleased. He agreed to read through her rough-draft when he got home from work that evening.

They were so ensconced in their little lunch date that they didn't notice when a familiar person entered the café with another woman until he was literally walking past them to sit at another table.

His all-too-familiar voice drew Kagome's attention with a sharp gasp and her head whipped up so fast that the Inu worried for her.

"Kagome…?" he murmured, turning to look where her eyes were planted.

"Inuyasha?" Her voice was so quiet, so faint, that he turned to her once more only to find she was gone.

With a startled jerk, he stood and left a few bills for a tip -having already paid the bill- and went out the door in a flash.

"Kagome?" he called.

He turned this way and that, beginning to feel the beginnings of panic before he settled enough to think and spread his aura out to search for hers.

There!

He took off at a run, intent on finding his upset wife.

Within seconds he was beside her, his clawed hands gently holding her shoulders as she attempted to get away from him, tears running down her face as she rambled.

"I should have known- how did I not notice?! Of course it would be her-"

He cut her off, one hand coming up to cup her cheek as he pulled them out of the busy sidewalk and under the eaves of a coffee shop.

"Kagome, calm yourself," he murmured, using his thumb to catch the angry tears that fell.

She took a few deep breaths, closing her eyes and causing more tears to fall.

"Now, tell me what is wrong."

Obviously, she had been upset at seeing Inuyasha, he knew it was inevitable, but there was something else that she was going on about…

"He was with Kikyo," she began slowly.

He nodded.

"Who is this Kikyo?"

She glared up at him then, not angry with him but with the situation.

"My cousin. I had wondered why she never replied to the wedding invite. Now I know why."

"Ahhh…." Understanding fully now, he tucked her into his side and turned them back the way they came, heading for their car. She said nothing, instead wrapping her arms around his waist for comfort as they walked.

When they passed the café again she looked ahead quite pointedly. But Sesshomaru, he looked into the window and glared most heartily at his half-brother. By chance, Inuyasha happened to look up then, perhaps feeling the ill-intent and he gaped at what he saw. A murderous Sesshomaru holding his Kagome quite close.

He didn't have a chance for another thought as they were gone within seconds, but he was left staring blankly.

O.o.O

When they got into the car Kagome began to speak again, her arms wrapping about herself.

"I should have known, really…Kikyo's always been better than me, in every way. She was better at school, better at sports…better at being a miko. Obviously, she was always prettier than me. She beat me at everything. And now she's beaten me in regards to men."

Frowning darkly at her words he quickly pulled over lest he hurt them both and turned to her once they were parked. She'd squeaked in surprise with his actions, eyes widening exponentially when he leaned across his seat towards her.

He was so close!

"You regret not marrying the hanyou bastard?"

"N-no," she whispered.

"Yet you claim that she has beaten you in regards to males. This would not be so if you did not still care for the whelp." His eyes flashed for a moment and for once she was a little frightened of him. His aura was stifling in the small vehicle and she leaned back against the window.

"Th-that's not what I meant," she began quickly, "I just meant that she could get any guy she wanted…" she looked down into her lap, at her clenching hands. "She could probably even get you if she wanted to…" her words were so quiet, so small, that he calmed with realization but was still angry with her words.

Did she truly not understand him at all?

He asked her as much and her eyes darted up to his.

He was calmer now, shaking his head slowly.

"I could never be interested in such a creature."

At her doubtful look, he snorted softly.

"She reeked of other men, dressed like a harlot, and what's more -she is obviously without honor or loyalty. Two things that I prize above all. You, on the other hand, are honorable and loyal to a fault." His words had turned soft, his eyes warming.

"Inuyasha is a fool."

Her breath caught in her throat at his words, her heart thumping erratically as she gazed at him.

He really is beautiful…inside and out.

Swallowing, she smiled hesitantly and relaxed when he backed up and leaned back in his own seat again.

"I'm sorry if I upset you…" she murmured, still quite shocked at his reaction.

Never had someone defended her so adamantly before.

"Think nothing of it. You were upset in your own right, it is only natural to say such things when confronted with such…harsh cruelties."

She didn't reply, but her gaze never left him as he drove her home.

She had a new-found adoration for the man, her loyalty to him magnifying ten-fold.

How had she been lucky enough to end up with him?

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

Embarrassed now by his quite vocal explanation of his thoughts, he stayed silent till they reached home, opening her door for her as was customary for him and helping her with her coat once inside. She was silent as well, but he knew the wheels in her head were spinning now and he prayed that he had not revealed himself too clearly. For surely she'd shy away from him if she knew the depths of his feelings for her.

It was obvious that she was not entirely over his damned half-brother and he hated the whelp for it. But he had known it would take time for her to heal from his betrayal and he was willing to wait for her. For however long it took.

What he didn't know was that her thoughts barely touched on Inuyasha. She was so absorbed in his reactions to her words that when it was time for him to leave again she adjusted his tie for him without a thought, having noticed it was askew. She fiddled with the lapels of his jacket too, straightening them before standing on tip-toe to kiss his cheek.

"Have a good day at work," she murmured before turning to go upstairs, her thoughts elsewhere.

The poor Inu stood stock still, heart skipping a beat as he watched her ascend the stairs.

Had she really…?

He knew exactly when she realized what she did because a loud, embarrassed squeak erupted from her room and he broke into a grin.

Perhaps he would not have to wait as long as he thought?

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

Chapter 15:

Kagome hummed happily as she went through the local grocery store, looking for ingredients for dinner and tomorrow's lunch with her husband. She was planning a traditional karaage bento for tomorrow, with tamagoyaki and onigiri and the like, but she still wasn't sure what she was making for dinner, so she was browsing.

"Maybe I should try making something a bit rarer for Sesshomaru tonight," she mused to herself. "He is an Inu after all…"

She hadn't asked him about his preferences in how much he actually liked his meat cooked, so perhaps she would take this chance to experiment? His aversion to stating as much may have been his way of being delicate of her human sensibilities, but she wasn't a typical human.

It didn't bother her if he liked his meat rare. Heck, he could eat it raw and she wouldn't really care, as long as it was how he liked it and it wouldn't harm him.

Nodding, she placed a nice thick steak in her basket and went to the produce section to find some good veggies and perhaps fruit for dessert.

She was just picking through the persimmons when the absolute last person she ever wanted to see entered the store. She didn't see him, but she could feel his aura this time and it triggered her fight or flee instincts; in this case, to flee.

She took the persimmon in her hand and tracked back into the store to go around the aisles, intent on missing him completely. There was no way in hell she was going to deal with him today!

She entered the 10 items or less line and glanced about hurriedly while she waited for the person in front of her to check out.

It was just her luck that he seemed to realize she was there as well. She could feel him tracking her scent around the store and she almost began to panic. Luckily, she had very few items and she managed to check out and get her stuff in a bag before he managed to catch up to her. She thanked the kami that it was a large enough store.

She was out the door within moments and was quickly heading to her car, her heartbeat racing at the thought of a confrontation with him then and there. When she got in her car she could see him come out of the building, his nose lifted as his eyes darted about. She ducked behind her steering wheel and swore she would thank Sesshomaru for insisting she take one of his cars. Obviously Inuyasha wouldn't think to look for her in a sleek black Audi…

When he seemed to curse and go back into the building she slowly pulled out of her spot and left, perhaps going a tad over the speed limit in her anxiousness to get away…

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

When Sesshomaru returned that evening he took in a deep breath, instantly relaxing at the scents permeating his home. It smelt of his scent as well as that of Kagome's and it soothed him tremendously after a long day of work.

The scents of food wafting from the kitchen also met his nose and it made his mouth water.

He quickly removed his coat and shoes, slipping on a pair of slippers before heading to his room to change into 'home' appropriate clothing. In this instance, a midnight blue button up and black slacks.

He knew that Kagome liked that particular shirt on him; he'd caught her staring more than once when he wore it and it made him preen internally.

When he entered the kitchen he smiled to himself, seeing how absorbed she was in finishing off the last touches to dinner.

Her mesmerizing blue eyes were deep in concentration as she situated the food on the plates, her bottom lip held between her teeth, her hair slipping from the loose braid she had tied it in.

In such moments he found her inexplicably lovely.

It made him want to wrap her in his arms and shower her with warm kisses; to show her even half of the love that she gave to others.

He continued to watch her from the doorway, leaning on the frame as his eyes took in every minute detail; her delicate hands, the bow of her lips as she smiled to herself, the silky lock of hair pushed behind her ear that threatened to slip free.

He was content to watch her, a warmth suffusing him at the sight she made, but it didn't seem fair to her to do so. To catch her so unawares.

He stepped into the room, shuffling his feet a little as he went, to draw her attention.

She glanced up as he knew that she would, somewhat surprised, only to return to her work with a little 'hello' but at a quicker pace.

Soon they were bringing the plates to the dinner table, the Inu grabbing the wine and glasses as he went as well. They'd found a common liking for the drink, and as such had it with dinner on occasion. It was only ever the one glass, but they both enjoyed it none-the-less.

When he saw exactly what it was that she prepared he was a little stunned. She'd cooked him a rare steak before, but here was a thinly sliced, marinated, raw steak before him tossed with diced green onions.

Quirking a brow as he sat, he looked to her with a questioning gaze.

She smiled shyly as she took a bite of her rice.

"You never said what your preference was," she murmured, "but I know that though they hide it, most youkai do prefer meat raw."

Brows rising, he glanced down at the delectable smelling dish before looking to her once more- to his infinitely considerate wife.

Curious as to the flavors, he took a piece and placed it on his tongue, the flavors of the marinade along with the natural, raw flavors of the meat itself seeming to melt in his mouth. Humming in acceptance he ate another piece.

He glanced up from beneath his lashes to see her smiling to herself, obviously proud of herself.

It was cute, really.

"How was your day?" he asked, pleased enough to start a conversation though they generally required none.

She seemed to stiffen then, picking at her food like a pouting child as she thought.

"I saw him again today…," she began, but he knew of who she hinted at.

"Are you alright?" His golden eyes took in every bit of her expression and then finally her physical condition, wary that he might have hurt her.

She nodded though.

"I'm fine."

"Where did you see him?"

"At the supermarket. He didn't actually see me though. I think he felt my aura and then caught my scent." She took a bite of some gyoza. "I got out before he could find me."

He nodded, grateful for it.

Her voice turned so quiet then, and vulnerable. He didn't like it.

"It scares me... He seemed so determined to find me. He was practically running by the time he got out of the building…I just don't understand why he's so determined. He's the one that left me…"

Sesshomaru could feel a light growl working it's way up his throat, from deep in his chest, but he held it back.

"Do you think he would harm you?"

He honestly wanted to know if she could see it happening, if she feared it. He himself knew that the hanyou had a foul temper, but he did not know him enough to know if he would harm a female.

She shook her head.

"Not physically at least. But verbally and mentally, that's all that he seems to know how to do…"

She fiddled with her chopsticks for a moment before putting them down and taking a sip of her wine.

"I have to thank you, though."

Her voice was warmer again, stronger with her words.

He quirked a brow in question, waiting for her to elaborate. He didn't have to wait long.

"The only reason he didn't notice me was because I was driving your car."

She laughed then, lightly, eyes not as troubled as before.

"I am glad. You should drive it more often, it is safer than that thing you call a vehicle."

She laughed louder in defiance.

"Oh come on! My car is NOT that bad!"

He shook his head, looking down to his now busy utensils.

"I beg to differ. And I would prefer you not risk your life in such a hunk of metal."

"It was my first car…," she mumbled, pouting.

"I would prefer you not fight me in this instance."

"I know, I know, but where would the fun be in that? Who else will argue with you?" She sent him a wide grin then, and he could not deny it.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

The next day as Sesshomaru went back to work, Kagome having just left after lunch, he sighed in contentment. He'd never known the feeling so well, and despite how strange it was -how unnatural it may have felt to him at first- he wouldn't have it any other way.

He truly enjoyed her company, loved her personality despite her tendency to neglect herself in favor of others. That just meant that he would have to look after her, which was acceptable to him. It eased his bestial nature; his desire to care and provide for her.

He was just finally getting back into the swing of things with his paperwork when he heard his damnable half-brother shouting outside his office; there was no mistaking that irritating voice.

Growling deeply he glared at the door, and consequently at Inuyasha when he burst through them.

"-I don't give a damn if he's busy! He WILL see me!"

The hanyou burst through with an angry curse at his secretary, turning to the elder brother once he was in the room.

"Watch your filthy mouth, Inuyasha!" he rumbled.

"Oh shut the fuck up, Sesshomaru!" he snapped, coming closer. Sesshomaru stood from his chair, aura snapping out at the younger male.

"You will learn to treat me and mine with respect, hanyou," he warned, eyes flashing red for a moment. He was already quite angry with the boy for his connection to Kagome and his treatment of her. To have him come into his work and cause such a scene was treading the fine line.

"You just tell me what the hell you were you doing with my Kagome?!" Inuyasha demanded.

Eyes narrowing dangerously into slits, Sesshomaru's growl deepened, the harshness of his aura becoming quite deliberate as it swarmed at the younger half-inu.

"If I remember correctly, you deserted her," he grinned wickedly when Inuyasha flinched, "you left her alone at the altar- does this not mean that she is no longer yours?"

Inuyasha shook his head, and continued raging on.

"That doesn't matter! It doesn't mean I was done with her, I just wasn't ready to get married to her! What I want to know is why I saw you with her! And I can smell her here too! What the hell are you doing with her?! You'd better not be fucking her!"

Murderous now, eyes having bled red at his words, Sesshomaru dug his claws into his desk and snarled, trying so very hard not to leap over the wood and pummel the whelp into unconsciousness. Despite how foolish it may have been, his instinct was demanding that he show Inuyasha exactly who Kagome belonged to. Though internally he knew it would likely complicate matters for Kagome, he couldn't contain the words that slipped between his fangs next…

"What I do with my wife is none of your concern, whelp!" He thundered, the sounds reverberating through the floor and walls.

Inuyasha sputtered, eyes going wide. For once, he was speechless.

Sesshomaru's voice deepened with his Inu nature into a threatening rumble, frightening for those exposed to it.

"Leave! And I shall warn you once, and only once: if I see, smell or hear of you coming anywhere near what is mine I will hunt you down like the animal that you are!"

He was fighting off his transformation by a thread, knowing that he would be in more than a little trouble if he lost control as he so desired to do.

He did not want the authorities involved.

Glaring at him heartily, but surprisingly still silent, Inuyasha turned and thundered through the doors and to the elevator, aura lashing out at those around him. He knew that his argument wouldn't hold then, at that moment, but he'd figure out what the hell was going on and he'd fix it all. He just had to speak to his father…

Sesshomaru was thinking along the same lines, knowing that he would need to get his father involved to keep Inuyasha at bay, and it made him tense. While he was sure that his father would support he and Kagome, he had no way of knowing what exactly would happen then. How could they keep the hanyou away?

Only when he was sure that the whelp was out of the building and heading in the opposite direction of Kagome did he finally calm.

With a deep sigh, he released his desk and sank down into his chair.

After a moment of calming himself he stood from his seat, leaving his office to speak with his secretary.

"Replace my desk by tomorrow morning. I am leaving for the day."

Feeling the unnatural silence of the floor, he glanced up to see all of the workers standing in their cubicles, watching him with wide eyes.

He sent them all a hearty glare, satisfied when they quickly went back to work.

After such an encounter he had to make sure that Kagome got home safe, and see for himself that she was okay.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

Kagome was just sitting on the couch, having popped in a movie, when she heard the door open. Brows furrowing in surprised, she spread her aura out to check, and finding that it was Sesshomaru, she began to rise from her seat.

He came into the room then and she stopped where she was, one foot on the floor as she knelt on the couch, leaning on the back of it as she looked to him.

"You're home really early…"

His gilded eyes were wide as they took in her appearance, checking her from head to toe, and she wondered at what was going through his head. Seeming to find things as he wished to, he seemed to slouch then.

"Is everything alright?" she asked.

He nodded but he looked tired, in her eyes. His shoulders seemed just a tad sunken, his eyes taking in everything almost tiredly.

She sat down fully again when he rounded the couch, sinking down into the leather beside her with a deep sigh. He took a deep, weary breath as he leaned back, eyes closing.

She was truly worried then. He'd never really shown signs of fatigue before. He was youkai after all, they rarely tired.

"Sessh?"

She gasped when the Inu tilted towards her, sinking onto his side, his head landing on her thigh. One of his arms wrapped around her waist from behind.

Blushing deeply, she stared down at the male that was using her as a pillow.

She didn't mind, of course, but it was rather unusual for him.

"Are you sure you're alright?" she murmured, a hand coming up to brush through his bangs.

"Hn…," he rumbled quietly, eyes still closed.

Thinking that perhaps this was another one of those touchy Inu moments, she let it go. She knew that he had a stressful job and a lot rode on his shoulders, and it did worry her from time to time.

Even someone as old as he had to get weary from time to time, right?

So she sat there and brushed her fingers through his hair, allowing him the physical contact that he needed, while she watched her movie.

When it ended she turned off the T.V. and listened as it began to drizzle outside, the body heat from her Inu keeping her warm.

The evening had come and she couldn't reach any of the lights without disturbing him, so she simply left them off.

And so they sat in silence in the dark, he sleeping and she guarding, listening to the pitter-patter of rain.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

Sitting at his desk at home, Sesshomaru looked to his cell-phone, contemplating his next actions.

He knew that he had to speak with his father, knew that sooner would indeed be better than later, but he was irked that it had to come this far. He generally preferred to keep his business to himself, and left his father out of most of his going-ons. It wasn't anything personal really…actually that was exactly why. His business was personal and he didn't feel that he should be required to share it with someone as…excitable as his father.

Sighing, brow furrowing with his decision, he picked up the small bit of technology and dialed his father.

He almost hoped that he didn't answer…

"Sesshomaru, my boy!"

He rolled his eyes.

"Good afternoon father."

Kagome entered the study with her laptop, smiling at him as she situated herself in her customary chair. He nodded, one corner of his mouth twitching.

"It has been too long, what important business has you calling me today?" asked his father. There was mirth in his voice. Even his father knew that he did not call unless necessary.

Rubbing his forehead, he took a deep breath.

"There is much to tell, father. The primary reason for calling you is that Inuyasha is behaving rather burdensome and is making a nuisance of himself."

Kagome snorted rather loudly at that, chuckling to herself.

His father though, being Inu, of course heard her.

"I-is that…a woman, Sesshomaru?" He sounded absolutely delighted, and he began to talk a mile a minute.

Sesshomaru interrupted him though, trying very hard not to simply hang up.

"Father. Father! Calm yourself, please, and I shall explain."

The Inu on the other line was strangely silent then.

"The female that you heard was Kagome. She is my wife." He continued on before his father could start again. "But there are slight complications to our marriage. We originally wed due to Inuyasha's own inability to commit. Kagome was his fiancée. They were quite literally about to marry, minutes away from the altar when he abandoned her." He looked to his silent wife, taking in her expression. She was grim, but she did not look as if she would cry as he suspected. He should have known, of course, that she was beyond her tears now.

"I would not allow his dishonor to shame our pack, and upon seeing how…pleasing his intended was, I offered myself in the hanyou's stead. She accepted."

His father was whooping loudly in the background, his excitement rather obvious.

"So when do I get to meet my new daughter? Are you both free tonight? Shall we go to dinner?"

Sesshomaru interrupted again.

"Father. Please. This was not quite the reason for my calling."

"That may be, but allow me this happy moment," he crooned. "My eldest has finally married and I finally have a daughter!

"Yes, but you are choosing to ignore the important pieces of information. Your youngest son abandoned his fiancée without any forward thought or notice, and now he is quite intent that she is still his."

He met Kagome's gaze when she made a small surprised sound. He had not told her about his encounter with the hanyou. He nodded as he continued to speak through the phone.

"He came to my office yesterday demanding to know why he saw Kagome and I together. When I reminded him of his leaving her he became rather disgruntled; insisted that she was still his, despite it all. When I told him of our marriage it did not seem to effect him much beside angering him further. I know him enough to know that he will not leave this alone. You know best how to deal with him."

His father was silent for a time as he absorbed the information.

Finally, he spoke.

"I shall speak with the foolish boy. His claim was dissolved as soon as he willfully left her there alone."

"Hn."

"I still wish to meet my daughter-in-law, when it is convenient for you both." His voice was subdued due to the situation, and he hung up shortly after Sesshomaru rumbled an agreement.

After hanging up, Sesshomaru looked to his wife once more and was surprised to find her smiling.

"So you find me…pleasing?" She was teasing him, a somewhat self-satisfied smile adorning her lips.

He chuckled then, leaning back in his chair.

"I stated as much upon our first meeting. Are you fishing for compliments, wife?"

At the title she blushed, eyes lowering for a moment before she looked up at him through her lashes.

"Is that such a bad thing?"

He laughed lowly, golden eyes narrowing in mirth.

"I suppose not, since it is between you and I." He crossed his arms across his muscled chest, lifting his chin a little. "I still find you as appealing as I did all those months ago. More so, if truth be told."

At her raised brow, he elaborated.

"Any male youkai would find the scent of his wife combined with that of his own appealing, even if they are married in name only. Living in the same, close quarters does precisely that."

The red in her cheeks had deepened and he found it utterly charming.

"I hope that you do not find me…crude, for stating as much."

She shook her head, seemingly unable to meet his gaze then.

"It makes sense," she murmured lightly as she began typing away at her laptop.

She was trying to act like it didn't effect her, and he could tell.

It gave him hope.

If she truly wasn't interested in a real relationship with him she would have rebutted him from the start. She would not have made an attempt at discerning his opinion of her…

Now knowing of her potential interest he decided to drag out the chase a bit. She deserved a decent courting, after all.

"Dinner? Tonight?" he asked, a grin surfacing.

She looked up, azure eyes wide, her expression open.

"Here?"

"No, elsewhere. We'll go out."

She swallowed, mind absorbing his invitation. With a tilt of the head she gave a small smile.

"That would be nice." She turned to her work once more. "Didn't feel like cooking tonight anyways."

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

As soon as she realized that she didn't have anything to wear to dinner, Kagome called Sango out for a girl's day. After all, she couldn't go to dinner with her fancy husband without at least dressing to match.

They met at the mall, and after grabbing some drinks at the juice bar, went straight for the clothing stores.

Having been briefed on the situation, Sango knew exactly what they were looking for and she was determined to help her best friend make the best of her situation.

"We need something sexy…but subtly so. Something to draw him in and tease him…"

Kagome's heart pounded at the thought, her cheeks reddening for perhaps the millionth time that day.

"I don't want to tease him too much…and besides, how do I even know that he'd appreciate something like that? He might not even be interested in me that way…"

Sango sighed for what she felt was the millionth time that day.

"Kagome, we've been over this. It's better to try and find out than not know at all. And besides, even if he doesn't fall in love with you emotionally immediately, at least he could fall in love with you physically in the mean time, ne?"

Kagome scowled at her friend, but she didn't deny it.

She honestly wouldn't mind getting closer to her husband physically…but she knew that if she didn't have his heart as well it would be torture for her. To have one but not the other…

"Oh don't look like that. If he isn't already in love with you he won't last a year, I promise. You are utterly loveable," she cooed, wrapping her arm about her friend's shoulders.

Kagome smiled to herself, praying that it was true, for the sake of her poor abused heart.

O.o.O

Finally, after two hours of trying on dress after dress, they had the perfect thing! Kagome bought it instantly as well as a nice pair of heels to go with it.

She couldn't wait to see his face!

O.o.O

Sesshomaru paced for a few moments at the entry way, having already started the car to allow it to warm itself due to the colder weather, and waited for his wife to finish getting ready.

He'd told her to dress up, though not too fancy. A simple dress would do.

Knowing that she and her friend had been shopping specifically for the occasion, he wondered at what she would be wearing. Something sleek, he hoped.

Feeling her approach, he looked to the top of the stairs and found he'd gotten exactly what he'd hoped for. Her dress was definitely sleek, and formfitting, the fabric a midnight blue that brought out her eyes in a subtle way.

As she descended the stairs carefully in her sexy little heels, he admittedly ogled her. He couldn't help himself really. But he did find it strange that her dress was so modest. It had full-length sleeves, albeit snug ones, and the length was just past her knees. The front of the dress even completely covered her chest, the collar of it higher than her collar-bone. He had been hoping for at least a little cleavage…

He held his thoughts at bay, though, for she did indeed look stunning in anything that she wore.

"You look lovely," he complimented as she reached the bottom of the stairs. He took in her hair as well as she smiled at him in thanks.

"Thank you, you're quite handsome yourself, Mr. Taisho."

He grinned, loving hearing those words from her mouth, and admiring how her elegant up-do elongated her slender neck.

He held a hand out, gesturing to the door and allowing her to walk past him…and nearly swallowed his own tongue.

Backless…her dress was backless.

All the way from the nape of her neck, down to the fantastic dip of her lower back, it was completely bare.

Hands clenching at the sight, he took it in with hungry eyes. It was, perhaps, a good thing that her back was turned to him. No doubt his red-bleeding eyes would frighten her…

But then she peered at him from over her shoulder. And while she did gasp lightly she also smiled triumphantly, if he was any judge of expression.

"Coming?" she asked sweetly as she got into the rumbling car.

His own deep rumble echoed through the garage.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

The poor Inu was thoroughly tortured that night, having to walk behind his wife as courtesy dictated. If he walked beside her he would be tempted to put a hand on that sexy back of hers and he knew it would be tantamount to his undoing.

But still, his eyes followed her closely as they were escorted to their table.

He found there was even a subtle slit in the back of her skirt, allowing a peek at her lithe legs as she walked. He swallowed thickly, wondering how he'd survive the night.

When they reached said table he glanced up only to find the waiter gazing at him with pity, before turning to leave them alone.

Ever the gentleman, he pulled out her chair for her and pushed it in as she sat, his fingers brushing along the smooth flesh of her back as he did.

He bit back a groan, and he heard a small gasp escape her.

Utilizing his infamous control, he rounded the table to his own seat.

Placing his cloth napkin on his thigh, he lifted his golden gaze to Kagome.

"Shall we order a wine tonight?"

She nodded, her cheeks a lovely, dusky hue.

She seemed to be giving herself an internal pep-talk then and when she visibly sat straighter and her expression smoothed out, he wondered at what was going on in that lovely head of hers.

"I apologize for not telling you of my encounter with my half-brother," he began, unable to think of anything else to talk about.

She shook her head lightly.

"It doesn't really matter. I was surprised, but I'm done dealing with his idiocy."

At her quick statement, he rose a brow.

"Truly?"

"Mmm I'm over him. In all honesty I don't know how I fell for him in the first place. He's the opposite of what I always wanted in a partner."

At a tilt of his head, she elaborated.

"He's uncouth, abrasively loud-" she leaned a little closer over the table, "I can't stand loud people- and he's horribly unsanitary…" she laughed then. "I had to threaten him to get him to brush his teeth every once in a while."

Sesshomaru smirked.

"He was worse as a pup, I assure you."

"Oh Kami, I don't even want to know. But enough about him. How has work been?"

The Inu was glad that she turned the subject to him, even if he didn't really have anything to say on the subject.

"It is as it always is. We are a successful company that does incredibly well in today's markets. I do not foresee that changing in the future."

His wife smiled then.

"I suppose you've been around a long time. You know how the world changes…" There was admiration in her voice. "I myself have never really been all that good with business, I just don't seem to have a head for it." She smirked. "So I'll leave that all to you."

Her acknowledgement of his ability to care for her made his bestial nature preen with pride.

"Of course." He tilted his head in her direction, his bangs covering his eyes for a moment. When his gaze met hers from beneath the fringe of silver, her own eyes darted away, her aura spiking oddly.

She took a sip of water, collecting her thoughts, before turning back to him.

"So when do I get to meet my father-in-law? I've already met your mother, now I think I'm ready for your father." She smiled widely, seemingly eager to meet her new-ish family members.

He snorted lightly.

"I am sure he will manage to work his way into one of our free days. He is quite eager now that he knows of you."

Her smile warmed.

"I'm glad."

"I shall warn you in advance, he is even more eager than my mother for grand-pups and is decidedly less subtle about it."

She nearly choked on her water then, her eyes turning a tad cloudy as her thoughts whirled about. After a moment she giggled, and it baffled him.

"I guess I don't blame them, I mean really…you're how old now?" He smirked sardonically and she continued on with her own smirk. "If my children ever take that long to mate or marry I'll be just as bad, I'm sure." She laughed outright then. "I can't blame them at all, though I admittedly don't like others pushing their agendas onto me."

"Hn. I did not think you would."

She sighed and looked down into her lap, no doubt playing with her napkin.

"No, but I can't deny that I do want children someday."

His brows rose at her statement. He would never be the one to genuinely bring up the subject of pups, knowing how awkward it would be for her, but then here she was doing just that.

"Do you?" His voice sounded strange there, perhaps a little higher than normal. He cleared his throat. "I did not wish to make you uncomfortable by bringing up the subject…"

She smiled, a mad blush gracing her cheeks.

"Someday, but not yet…"

Neither would talk of the subject more.

No doubt it would be awkward, like arranging an unfeeling ceremony rather than the special event a wedding night should be. Not to mention that conceiving was not always immediate. It might take several tries before they were successful, and while he would enjoy it and try to make it as such for her, he did not want to do such a thing without her heart in it.

He was known for being unfeeling, yes, but he would not -could not- be that way with her. Everyone else be damned, but not her.

The wine arrived then, during their silence, and it was a nice reprieve.

"I'm glad we have the same taste in drinks," she smiled, eager to change the subject.

"Hn. It is indeed a pleasant similarity."

She nodded, looking over her menu.

"What about with food? What's your favorite?"

Glad that she was eager to learn about him, he answered truthfully.

"I have none. Though I do enjoy most of what I've eaten in places such as this, as well as what you have prepared for us."

She nodded again.

"And nothing too sweet. I see."

"And you?"

Seemingly surprised at his question, she sat back in her chair, jumping a little when her bare flesh made contact with the wrought iron back.

He chuckled lowly, somehow glad that at least he was not the only one to suffer for her clothing choices.

She brushed it off with a light pinking of her cheeks before answering him.

"I like a lot of food, I'll admit." She tapped a finger to her chin as she thought, eyes lifting to the ceiling. "Though I really love a good oden. My mama's is the best." She smiled at him with the admission.

"I can only imagine," he rumbled politely.

She gasped then.

"We should go visit my family!"

"If you wish to."

She nodded vigorously, her actions contrasting a little with her elegant appearance. It made him smile.

"I do not know how well they will take to me, though. It was…awkward at the wedding, to say the least."

She smiled sympathetically.

"Don't worry about that. It was strange and shocking for all of us. They'll love you once they get to know you," she reached out and placed her hand on his. "Trust me."

"Always."

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

The ride home was silent, but comfortably so, both quite happy with how it turned out.

They'd each learned about the other, more than they'd hoped to, and it seemed like a good omen for them…They were a good match, despite what it might seem like.

When they reached their home he held the car door open for her and escorted her to the door, her hand in the crook of his arm.

Once inside she turned to him, a warm smile lighting her features.

"I had a good time tonight," she murmured, "Thank you."

He hummed low in response, leaning forward and to the side. She stilled, unsure of his movements, but he pressed a chaste kiss to her temple as he wrapped an arm about her. Boldly, he placed his hand on her back as he did so, his warm palm sending shivers down her spine.

"Good night, Kagome," he rumbled before pulling away.

She blinked for a moment as her head caught up with the rest of her, and she quickly turned before going up the stairs and into her rooms.

Once inside she stumbled forward and leaned against the back of her couch, one hand drifting up to her shoulder in a half-hearted attempt to place her hand where he had. She couldn't reach, though, and it would bother her for the rest of the evening.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O