Sesshomarus consciousness came into jarring reality quickly. He felt his breath quicken as he filled his lungs to capacity before expelling it slowly, bracing himself against the pain he knew was soon to settle in.

"Lord Sesshomaru! Your awake mi'lord!" The voice grated more loudly than it was due to his sensitive hearing.

"Jaken." He commanded pushing himself to sit and fighting to open his eyes.

"Yes mi'lord?"

"Bring me the priestess and Rin."

"Aye mi'lord!" Jaken exhuberantly obeyed nearly tripping on his own feet to abide by Sesshomarus command. He brought his hands up to rub at his eyes willing them to open.

It was mostly dark in the hut but the small amount of light that did filter in assaulted his vision causing his head to throb and pound. He moved a hand down to his mouth feeling some marks remained but luckily he had slept through the worst of it.

"Sesshomaru!" Kagome exclaimed rushing to him and kneeling in front of him. She took his face in her hands and ran her thumbs across his cheeks. He grasped her hands with his own bringing them down and sighing. "What do you need?"

"Water." His voice sounded hoarse and nearly croaked from his throat upsetting him to no end. He felt weak and trembled visibly next to his potential mate.

"Lord Sesshomaru, here." He registered Rins voice as she approached. She held out her bamboo water canteen to him. He reached for it and effectively took it.

"You'd prefer not to empty its contents onto me?" He asked. Rin gave a small laugh and smiled.

"No my lord, not this time." Kagome sat and waited as he drank the water in long gulps until it was emptied. "I will fetch more."

The pair was silent for sometime holding onto one another. Sesshomaru shut his eyes and reopened them as if trying to clear his vision. Kagome felt terrible, was it because of her spiritual energy that he was having such a hard time recovering?

She opened her mouth to speak only to be cut off.

"Priestess! How dare you touch my lord in such a way!" Jaken shouted.

"Silence Jaken." Sesshomaru said loudly berating himself at how much strength he had lost and the effort it took just to raise his voice. "You will address this Sesshomarus chosen intended with respect."

"What!? B-b-but mi'lord, she is a human! Your brothers human!" Jaken sputtered.

"No, we broke up a long time ago now." Kagome said. "Actually Sesshomaru and I have been together for a couple of years."

"Learn your place Jaken. Show Lady Kagome the proper respect." Sesshomaru reiterated.

"Yes, yes of course. Lady Kagome, I meant no harm. Please forgive me, your lowly and humble servant."

"Yeah, sure. We're good." Kagome replied.

"Now Jaken, assist Rin."

"Yes mi'lord." Jaken acquiesced hurrying out of the hut.

"Did I just inherit Jaken by default?" Kagome asked after she was certain he was out of earshot.

"Yes."

"Grreeeaaat." Kagome said slowly sounding less than enthused.

"While Jaken may be a nuisance he has served this one well over the years." Sesshomaru explained. "As he will you, even if I have to beat it into him."

"No, really that's fine." Kagome felt her eyes go wide over how casually he stated that last part. "I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

Sesshomaru was finally able to open his eyes and smirked at her. He moved a hand up her arm, to her shoulder before gripping her chin between his two fingers.

He brought his thumb to her lips and parted them slightly. Kagome wanted to kiss him but the burns were still prevalent so instead she leaned forward rubbing her nose against his.

A low growl emanated from deep within his chest as his hand moved across her cheek and settled against her neck. Gently he pushed her even closer to him guiding her head to rest against his shoulder.

He buried his face in her hair allowing it to cover him as he breathed her scent in deeply. Kagome wrapped her arms around his shoulders situating herself in his lap. In turn he wound his arm around her waist.

She kissed at his neck and jaw causing that rumble to resound again. She felt her heart flutter and her stomach to drop at the noise. It was guttural and primal. It relayed to her more than any words ever could. He was satisfied with her, she made him happy, and he wanted her close to him.

Kagome swallowed hard as she tightened her arms around him as if he might disappear.

"I'm sorry." She whispered into his ear. "I'm sorry that I hurt you." Sesshomaru held her out from him momentarily taking in her appearance. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears changing them to a lighter brown. She bit at her lower lip as she was apt to do when upset or nervous.

"You could never hurt me, my dear one." He said sincerely. Kagome shook her head quickly a few times.

"My energy, I almost purified you!" She exclaimed frightfully.

"Never." He said more forcefully. "No matter how many of your sacred arrows you may hurl at me, I know that you do not mean to harm me."

"Oh well, that's...reassuring?" She cocked her brow at him as he smirked back.

"I do not mind being singed by you, burned even." Kagomes eyes widened at his words as she felt a furious blush burn across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose.

Instinctually she let out a giggle and glanced away unable to contain her emotions. Sesshomaru cupped her cheek bringing her gaze back to his. He brought her closer to him again nuzzling the other side of her face.

Kagome hummed and placed her hand flat against his closing her eyes and breathing in his scent.