Her Heart's 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 38 I Know a Secret

One more day to go. Shesshomaru would finally be coming home. So as not to turn into an alcoholic during his absence Kagome had the healers brew her up a sleeping draught so she could get some rest.

She was anxious, sure he hadn't been gone that long but it had been long enough for Kagome. Kagome still hadn't figured out what was going on with her lately. She had been getting lost in thoughts more and more often, anxious and a little paranoid. Finally, she decided that she needed to get back on track and one of the things that she had not been doing lately were her meditations and training.

The previous day she had called on Hiroku to resume her training. It had been so long with everything else going on that Kagome couldn't remember the last time they had sparred.

She put on a simple gi and headed to the sparring grounds. Hiroku was there waiting and smiled when he saw her. His mahogany hair was pulled back and platted. "It has been far too long Kagome-sama" he said as he bowed.

"Kagome please, at least when no one is around," Kagome begged.

"Only when no one is around," he agreed.

Kagome started to warm up doing her katas, when she was done she nodded that she was ready to begin. "I hope you don't think I will go easy on you because you have not been practicing." Hiroku said.

"I would expect nothing but your best," Kagome replied.

Today he choose long staffs for them to work with. They were similar to Miroku's without the holy signs and the bells. Kagome put everything else out of her mind and concentrated. She used her reiki to add speed to her feet and heighten her senses. Hiroku had not been joking when he said he would give her no slack. They circled each other constantly striking blow after blow but neither could get the upper hand. That was when Hiroku started to goad her. He did this sometimes trying to make her lose focus or strike out of anger leaving her wide open to attacks.

"I thought nigens were better than this. A few missed sessions and you a battling like a pup," he said tauntingly.

Unfortunately Kagome took the bait and was rewarded with a shot to her side that almost brought tears to her eyes. Concentrate Kagome she thought. Don't let him get the better of you. Think there must be something you can do to get him.

Kagome took a deep breath and focused and that's when she noticed something. Taking an even deeper breath her eyes lit up. Gotcha she thought.

She stayed on the defense trading blow for blow letting Hiroku think he was wearing her down. Then just when he went in for a finishing move and swung at her in an overhead blow that would have knocked her out Kagome said in a very nonchalant voice.

"So, how long have you and Leila been together?"

Hiroku only hesitated a moment but that was all Kagome needed to drop down and sweep his leg from under him. She then pointed one end of the staff at his throat until he yielded. Kagome held out her hand but the demon just shook his head and stood on his own. "How long have you known about us."

"I just figured it out now," Kagome confessed. "It was your scent. I always smelled Leila around you but I figured it was me I smelled. She cleans my clothes, helps me bathe and dress. Of course I would smell a hint of her on myself. Today though when I used my reiki to heighten my senses I realized the smell was not coming from me but from you and being that strong you two would have to be pretty close."

Hiroku just considered Kagome a few minutes before answering his eyes narrowed. "Kagome-sama," but at the look on her face he rephrase it, "Kagome, have you been working on your spiritual powers?" he asked.

"No why," she asked curiously.

"I had masked my scent you should not have been able to pick that up. Interesting." He said and let the subject drop. He looked as though he thought that something was going on. Kagome couldn't figure out what big deal it would be if she was getting stronger. That was a good thing.

Looking slightly distracted Hiroku stated, "Kagome if you don't mind can we continue this tomorrow?"

"Of course," Kagome said but when he turned to leave she stopped him.

Before he could open his mouth to speak Kagome asked, "What are your intentions?"

Again Hiroku looked at Kagome for a minute before he spoke. It was as though he was trying to make sure he said the right words.

"Please understand that I say this most respectfully," he began, "Kagome you are my Lord's mate and Lady of the West. If you order me to I will tell you but I do not see how my intentions are any of your concern." Hiroku winced as he said the last part as though he expected her to purify him at any moment. What he didn't expect was that not only was she not mad but smiled brilliantly up at him.

"Yes I am now Lady of the West but I am still me. Kagome. I am not going to turn into the queen of hearts and say "Off with his head."

At his puzzled look she just shook her head. "Just some book I read before. Anyway as I was about to say I am not asking as Sesshomaru's mate nor Lady of the West. I ask as Leila's friend only. I would not see her hurt."

This seemed to be what he was looking for and he nodded, "No need to worry about that my lady. I love her more than words can say and I intend for her to be my mate before the next full moon." he responded honestly.

"Good," Kagome replied, "Leila was one of my first friends when I started to come here again. I don't know how I would have made it without her. She deserves happiness." That said Kagome walked away but then stopped again.

"Hiroku," she said over her shoulder, "please don't tell Leila I know. I would like to be the one to tell her and don't worry I won't say anything of your plans."

She continued to walk away not waiting for Hiroku to acknowledge her request. She had to get back, freshen up and change. Since they stopped a bit early she had time for a nice long bath before she started to deal with the other duties her title had given her.

That night a few high pitched yells were heard followed shortly by peals of laughter and lots of giggling.

Later on Hiroku opened his door and started laughing. Leila was there, hair standing on end like she had been struck by lightning and smelling suspiciously of holy powers. "I take it Kagome caught up with you," he said smiling.

"You could have warned me you know," she replied pouting as she stepped in.

All right guys hope you liked it. Let me know what you think.