Her Hearts Winter Thaw

By Dragonessclaw

Disclaimer: I make no money off of this story. The characters are the work of the wonderful Rumiko Takahashi, only the story is mine.

Chapter 25 New Beginnings

The first thing Kagome noticed upon waking was the strong fresh scent of earth. Using her reiki Kagome extended her aura searching her surroundings to insure she was safe before she showed any movement. That way in case she was in fact being stalked it might give her the element of surprise if her attackers assumed she was still asleep. It was only once she deemed it safe that Kagome then opened her eyes, only to quickly shut them again in an effort to block out the blinding light of day.

Not that it was overly sunny, the day was kind of overcast with the sun hiding out behind the clouds, but it was still too bright as far as Kagome was concerned.

It was only after her second attempt to open her eyes that Kagome noticed she was face down in the dirt and so, lacking the energy to get up she rolled over on her back, wincing slightly at the protest of her stiff muscles. After a few moments the previous night's events finally caught up with her sluggish brain and Kagome silently took inventory, feeling for anything mentally or physically that could be off.

Lying there trying to access how she felt Kagome didn't really feel any difference other than one main thing. How had she not noticed it right away? In utter shock and relief her hand flew up to massage that one spot above her breast. The pain in her chest, the pressure that was always there; just heavier or lighter at certain times was completely gone.

Unconsciously her other hand started to caress the ground beside her as she thought of Inuyasha. A small smile graced her lips when Kagome realized there was also no burning or stinging in her eyes. She did miss him but that deep desolate despair that had been her constant companion for so long was nowhere to be found. Was this it? Was it really over? It was almost unreal to her, the thought of no more heavy burdens weighting on her heart. No debilitating sadness. Kagome then sat up as she started to try to get herself together. She brushed off the front of her kimono and then made a poor attempt at the back, at least what she could reach of it anyway. Then, she ran her fingers through her hair to get out the worst of the tangles before looking down at the grave that held her beloved.

There were so many things Kagome felt she still needed to say that she didn't know where to start. As she groped for the right words it suddenly occurred to her that there was really only one thing left for her to say. Standing up Kagome continued to look down at the grave smiling and then moving to the headstone she said the two words she had needed to say for so long. Kagome lifted the fingers of her right hand to her lips placing a gentle kiss on them and then placed those fingers on the headstone.

"Goodbye, Inuyasha."

As she got ready to turn around to leave the cloud cover broke and for an instant Kagome was surrounded in the suns warm blinding light. It illuminated her whole body giving Kagome an other worldly look for a moment. Closing her eyes at the sudden brightness, Kagome then felt a warm breeze caress her as if an invisible hand had stroked her cheek. It was then that Kagome did shed a tear. Not the bucketfuls she had been shedding up until this point but one single tear. The difference in this one from all the others being that this was one of acceptance, of resolution, and above all else happiness. Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it was over and the sun was once again hidden behind the clouds. After a quick glance at the heavens Kagome turned on her heal and started to walk away without the slightest urge of looking back.

oOo With Sesshomaru oOo

Black leather boots continued to traipse along the now well worn strip of grass. The owner of said boots only stopping every hour or so to look east in the direction a certain miko had disappeared in two days ago. He had trained, hunted, meditated and then trained, hunted, and meditated some more. The waiting was really starting to get to him. Sesshomaru knew Kagome was more than capable of taking care of herself and he had himself checked several times to make sure there were no threats in the area but it did little to ease his mind. He needed Kagome here, in front of him. Until her could look at her himself and see she was unharmed he would not be content.

As he continued to pace the usually patient Taiyoukai marveled again at the fact that Kagome could always push his patience almost to its breaking point. Just what was taking her so long? Yes, he understood that it would take time but not this much. If it were not for the personal nature of her departure or the fact that he knew she needed space Sesshomaru would have retrieved her long ago, her wishes be damned.

So relieved was Sesshomaru when he felt the spike of Kagome's reiki that without thinking he sped off to meet her. It was only mere seconds before reaching her that he made himself slow down, trying quite unsuccessfully to calm himself and school his features so as not to give away his anxiousness.

As he landed before the miko Sesshomaru stilled his tongue. Instead of going to her right away he took a few moments to take in Kagome's scent and appearance only moving forward when he was satisfied she was in fact unharmed and well. The words "What took you so long?' and 'Why are you covered in dirt?' teetered on the tip of his tongue. It was such a struggle to control at this time that Sesshomaru felt he should pat himself on the back when a totally different question passed his lips.

"Are you ready to go, Kagome?"

At her smile and nod Sesshomaru extended his hands towards her but much to Kagome's surprise it went past her own to the back of her neck. Before Kagome could ask what he was doing Sesshomaru brought his hand back to where Kagome could see the few pieces of grass she must have missed. Kagome looked down at her feet refusing to meet Sesshomaru's questioning gaze. She really did not want to explain why she was so dirty. If ever his remarks about the hygiene of humans he used to make were true, looking as she did now Kagome would be its poster girl.

"I guess the first thing I should do is take a bath when I get back, huh?" Kagome stated her voice laced with embarrassment. She was just waiting for him to say something smart but was pleasantly surprised when he simply agreed and let the topic go.

"Indeed," Sesshomaru countered earning him playful smack on his arm.

"You know you don't have to agree so quickly," Kagome chastised as the two took off towards the cave.

Kagome took her time bathing and by the time she joined Sesshomaru by the fire he had what appeared to be a squirrel already roasted and on a plate for her. His own uncooked and neatly sliced, no doubt by those deadly claws, sitting beside him. Kagome smiled when she also noticed the berries and sweet grass that was added to only her plate. It was yet another reminder of how much Sesshomaru always considered her needs, even nutritionally since demons for the most part did not need fruits and veggies.

Their meal went nicely as they talked about little things, nothing serious. Kagome was actually very glad for this. It occurred to her while she bathed that Sesshomaru might want to discuss what happened while she was gone. Not only was Kagome unsure if she wanted to discuss the matter but she was also confused as to where to start as far as his earlier admission as well as her own thoughts on the matter.

After they both finished and the dishes had been cleaned and put away they decided to do some sparring. Kagome hadn't moved much for the last two days and really felt a good workout would be beneficial.

The sparring session was intense, though Sesshomaru seemed a little distracted much to Kagome's chagrin. However, considering everything that had happened in the last few days, Kagome felt that Sesshomaru would speak to her about what was on his mind when he was ready. Kagome then decided that she would hunt for dinner this time since only Sesshomaru had hunted for them since they had come on this little getaway. Sesshomaru agreed but refused to leave her alone. The younger Kagome would have fought such an action but she realized that she had been gone for long time and with him being an Inu Demon his instincts would not let him do any less. She was lucky he was letting her hunt at all. In light of that Kagome just agreed and made up her mind to make it as pleasant as an experience as possible.

It ended up being even better than Kagome ever thought it could be. Sesshomaru starting to tell more stories from his past, only silencing once any prey was near, and Kagome had to admit she was thoroughly enjoying herself.

oOo Later that Evening oOo

Kagome stretched a little as she rubbed her full belly. The pair of rabbits she had been chasing had gotten away from her but she was able to get a nice fat bird that had flown by. Dinner had been another wonderful experience and then the two played cards until it got late and Kagome could no longer stifle the yarns that just kept coming.

After a quick look at the Taiyoukai to gauge his mood Kagome then moved from her place in front of the fire and sat down beside him. Sesshomaru for his part stayed perfectly still, trying not to give his curiosity and nervousness away. For the hundredth time in just a few days he wanted to smack himself for acting like a pup, but of course he was above such things, so he mentally berated himself instead. Sesshomaru was only brought out of his musings by Kagome clearing her voice.

Shifting his attention to Kagome Sesshomaru gave a slight nod to let her know he was listening and waited for her to continue.

"Sesshomaru, exactly how much longer will we be staying here?" she asked.

"I had no specific time in mind Kagome. I cleared my schedule for a week since I was not sure how much time you would need, but if you are ready we will head out in the morning." Sesshomaru wasn't quite ready to go yet as he had hoped they could spend a few more days with it being just the two of them instead of the constant company of those in the castle. However, if she was ready then so be it.

"Not really. I was actually hoping we could stay for a few more days if that is alright with you," Kagome answered looking into the fire instead of directly at him. She knew what she wanted to say but Kagome had become so nervous she could hardly keep her voice from shaking.

"As I said I set aside a week so we can stay the remainder of the time as long as we head straight back once the week is over. I have some important guests that are to arrive in two weeks and everything must be readied for their arrival." Sesshomaru then waited to see if she had any further questions. He could sense the rise of her nervousness but could not pinpoint what the cause could be.

"Thank you," Kagome said in a low voice. "I would like that." Kagome was about to get up to get ready for bed when she stopped. Mentally kicking herself for being such a chicken Kagome then added, "Ano…. Sesshomaru, if you are still willing I would like to give us a try."

Sesshomaru, who had been looking forward at the time, whipped his head towards her so quickly it actually startled Kagome. One moment she was looking at his side profile and the next she was staring into curious golden eyes that held more than a little passion in them. The only evidence of him being caught off guard the slight widening of his eyes.

"I….uh… I don't mean like right away," Kagome corrected as she waved her hands in front of her body. "I just mean I would like to see where this will take us. As long as we move slowly, that is."

Sesshomaru was not sure of what exactly he should say that would not give away too much but that would let her know he was happy about her proposition. "Of course, I think that would be best." Sesshomaru merely said, his smooth strong voice belying his own nervousness.

Smiling her thanks, Kagome then leaned over a placed a chaste kiss on Sesshomaru's cheek. "Thank you for everything… especially your patience."

Kagome then quickly retreated to her sleeping mat throwing the covers over her head to hide her cherry red cheeks. Had she had the courage to look across the fire Kagome might not have been so embarrassed. Not with the comical expression Sesshomaru now wore. Long into the night Sesshomaru sat there slack jaw and eyes wide, with a half smile gracing his features. He knew he must resemble a grinning idiot but could not find it in him to care. Things were looking so much better than he had even dared to dream, especially after so long, that for the moment he would just bask in these feelings.

Hope you guys like it. Not that exciting I know but a necessary transition for them to get where I need them to be. I can't move but so fast because of how I set it up but I will definitely be moving things along faster than before. Next chapter Sess and Kags will be able to have a little fun in the sun. Half naked Sesshomaru. (^_^) Yeah!