A/N: Hello dear readers. This story is doing fairly well for itself I must say. I am also posting it on AO3 and all across the board it's being enjoyed. I'm glad I posted it.

Thank you to my friend docsgirl4 and sammyjams for reviewing as well as the guest who left a review a few chapters back. It means a lot to hear feedback so keep it coming.

Enjoy!

Sesshomaru hadn't wanted to let Kagome go. It had been so long since he had felt a compassionate touch let alone an embrace that he had to force his arms to loosen and fall back to his sides. Besides, Rin needed him.

"We need to leave before Sango comes down here." Kagome said her eyes not breaking contact with his. Nodding he saw the bruises beginning to form on her neck where he had lashed out.

"I hurt you." He replied cursing himself inwardly.

"Not on purpose. A simple case of mistaken identity." Kagome assured. "Sesshomaru, I know you would never hurt me. This," Placing her hand to her throat, "Will heal and until it does I can cover it."

"Did anyone see you enter here?"

"I don't really care if they did. I am Kagome Higurashi after all, that gives me free roam of all of the household."

"But to be down here with me…"

"I'll think of something if asked."

"I can't help but wonder what tales you weave." Receiving a small smile and a shrug he could lose himself in her. "I will escort you back to the garden."

"Why thank you." Kagome accepted. "I have been meaning to ask you, you said your father was ruler of the west. That makes you a lord, doesn't it?"

"No. I never became one. All of that is gone." Assisting her to ascend the stairs she saw how he slumped as he spoke.

"Oh, sorry. I don't always think before I speak."

"Don't be." He said simply as they reached the top. Cracking open the wooden door he peered out to make sure they were clear to exit. "Come along my lady."

Walking through the main compound together Kagome looked up at the mansion she lived in. Sighing she turned her gaze back to Sesshomaru.

"Please let me know how Rin is doing. I feel so guilty for all of this." Putting her hand to her head she felt awful for what had happened to the little neko. "Let her know how sorry I am."

"Lady Kagome; you are the first human this Sesshomaru has ever met that has any common sense or compassion. We do not blame you. The one to blame is the one who whipped her, mercilessly." Sesshomaru said.

Watching the tears fall from her pretty blue eyes made them appear a greener color reminding him of the ocean. Not thinking he swiped his thumbs across her cheeks catching them as they fell.

Closing her lids she swallowed hard. Taking her hands she placed them over his. She parted her lips as she panted slightly. Her stomach fluttered as her heart beat quickened again.

"Sesshomaru…" Squeezing his hands with hers she entwined her fingers with his. "Just call me Kagome." Opening her eyes to meet his intense stare she saw his own golden orbs shimmering as he too seemed to be short of breath.

"Alright…Kagome…" He leaned down while she stood on her tip toes as their lips brushed hesitantly before making full contact.

Taking a deep breath she felt her lids flutter close again as Sesshomaru pressed his mouth to hers more firmly.

Just as his touch had been when he first grasped her wrist now his kiss was electric. Behind her closed lids she saw bursts of color and light as she breathed in his scent; musky and masculine with the smell of the metals he worked with.

Removing her hands she gripped his kimono wanting more. Feeling her fingertips become warm as she brushed them against his jaw Sesshomaru felt what he knew to be spiritual energy.

Breaking their kiss abruptly he came out of his trance. Taking her hands before she could do any damage to him he saw her eyes open quickly.

"I must go." Kissing her hands as her energy dissipated she smiled at him humming at the contact.

"Of course. I will see you tomorrow then."

"Yes. I will apprise you of Rins condition."

"Thank you. Will you send back Shippo to me?"

"Absolutely." Still the two remained until Sesshomaru finally was able to tear himself away from her. Thrilling Kagome ran into the garden and placed her hand to her lips.

Giggling and spinning in a circle she felt her heart burst at the seams. She was in love.

Sesshomaru kept his eyes trained ahead of him making sure his mind stayed on one track of getting home to Rin despite what had just happened.

They had been shielded from any prying eyes thankfully by the corner of the garden wall and gate but still…one momentary lapse and he could have gotten them both killed.

Licking his lips he still tasted her on him. Approaching the slaves quarters he stopped to gather himself. What was he doing? Shaking his head he breathed heavily, it had to stop.

He had let this go to far and he had no business in meeting with the young lady Higurashi, it would only spell trouble for her if she were caught fraternizing with him.

Deciding that he would inform Shippo to let Kagome know he would not be able to see her without Rin he felt his heart twist painfully. Closing his eyes he walked briskly to his own hut.

8

As it got dark Shippo returned climbing up the side of the mansion to Kagomes window and rapped on it with his small claws.

"Shippo, I was getting worried. Is everything alright with Rin?" Kagome scooped him up into her arms where he settled before looking up at her with his pretty teal eyes.

"Rin is fine Kagome. Sesshomaru wanted me to tell you that without Rins presence he doesn't think it would be smart to meet with you right now." He replied.

"Oh," Feeling her mood slide she gave a nod, "Yes, he is not wrong."

Hearing the loud knock on her door before the doors were flung open she jumped and Shippo cowered against her.

"Lady Kagome, your father requests your presence in the main room." The guard said.

"Did he say why?"

"No my lady."

"Alright. Shippo, stay here. I will be back."

"Okay Kagome." Hugging her he jumped onto the bed and watched as she left worried.

Kneeling respectfully in front of her father and mother she bowed as they sat at their raised platform side by side.

The family crest of the tree of ages sat behind them serving also as their family tree with members of the family stitched onto the boughs and branches with each new generation.

"Several of the guards as well as Lady Sango have reported that you went into the main compound today." Her mother began. "Care to explain why."

"I heard a commotion so I followed it. Sango was whipping the little cat demon that cares for my garden. I stopped her." Having a bag tossed at her she saw it was the one she had given Rin.

"Kagome, I did not think you would have to be told but apparently we have been soft on you. Under no circumstances are you to feed the demons. They have plenty of what they need…" Her father said.

"No they don't." She countered. "They do everything for us and live in squalor. Starving and dirty…"

"Silence." Lord Higurashi boomed forcing her mouth to shut with an audible plop. "You do not know what you speak of. Given the chance any one of those demons would have our heads and you fed them, defended them, and then followed them."

Kagome clenched her fists tightly feeling her anger rise. "Bring the kit."

"Shippo!" Kagome made to stand as Shippo was brought into the room only to have heavy hands force her back down. "What are you doing?! Father!"

"As I said, we have been soft on you but you are not a child anymore Kagome. This is for your own good."

"Kagome!" Shippo yelled as he was grabbed by her father.

"Shippo! Don't hurt him!"

"Fox fire!" Shippo shouted singing Lord Higurashis hand with a blue flame. Dropping him the little kit ran.

"Run Shippo! Run!" Kagome cried out tears steaming down her face.

"Catch that beast and lock her in her room!" He ordered roaring with anger. "Wife, see to your daughter."

"Yes my lord." Her mother said hurriedly. Standing she assisted Kagome to stand as she sobbed but still resisted being dragged to her chamber.