Kagomes of age. This takes place after the Final Act which I realized I left out small details like Santos kids etc, I simply forgot until I already wrote too far in. Though reminder it's rated M for a reason and eventually there will be sexual scenes. but! I haven't written in a while ik I'm sorry. A chapter with a lovely ending for everyone that's been waiting!

Chapter 24

He sat there stunned by her sudden outburst. She was alive and well it seemed, as he remained taking in what just occurred. The servants peeking in once more to get a glimpse of their Lord and the girl. To their surprise he appeared unaffected by the rude words and the raise of her voice. She may survive their Lord just yet.

Kagome's could still sense everyone's presence, having been listening and hearing no movement in an effort to leave. She took a small look out from the covers to see him still sitting there unmoving, lost in a trance. Her face grew even more hot at the anger and embarrassment, tucking in the blanket under her arms and quickly grabbing the pillow out from under her.

"I said get out!," She screamed, launching it straight at his face.

It hit him with a hard smack right in the face, taking Sesshomaru immediately out from his dazed state as it fell into his lap. At this point the servants felt as though this was certainly the end for the young human. Who dared show such atrocious disrespect.

The Lord had to take an immediate pause. Refraining from committing any assaults or speaking harshly. Reminding himself that she had Died just a moment ago and how devastated he was by it. Though he always did have a short temper.

He scowled in anger at her transgressions, his expression matching hers. They stared down at each other for a moment before he swiftly stood, storming out of the room.

"Get her clothes and draw a bath.," He snapped walking off.

They nodded and bowed immediately. Feeling the negativity radiating off of him. Causing them to shudder.

A servant took one last look inside at the young girl in the room before shutting the doors, hurrying off to fetch clothes.

Kagome laid still for a second to listen to the footsteps fading off. Ensuring that she was alone. She sighed.

Lifting the blanket off of her, she began to look around once more.

"Just where am I?..," She asked herself.

Letting the blanket fall, she stood taking a few steps forward. Examining herself in the mirror that stretched completely across the wall, she took in the sight of her tattered seeming body. The large scar atop her right breast. The filthy, greasy hair.

She went to bring an arm up to touch her hair but winced at the pain suddenly surging from her back.

"Ah! What the-," She said aloud.

Turning slightly, she looked across her back. The skin leaving torn scars scaling across, with the other half of the front one. She paled at the sight of just how badly damaged her body was. That, and now knowing that she had been impaled by something.

Ignoring the pain, she brushed her hand over the closed hole while the other rubbed her temples. Straining to try and remember anything for answers.

Thinking back, Kagome remembered being kidnapped. Being thrown in a cell. Being struck. The feeling of fear. Though anything else seemed fuzzy.

Her head began to hurt unable to recall much further than that, and decided to stop trying for now. She was already frustrated as is and her body felt horribly weak. Knees buckled under her as she dropped to the floor. Though her eyes never left her reflection.

Focusing on her other features, she noticed the corner of her lip. The bruised spot remaining but the split gone. And in a flash she recalled the old man striking her across the face. How badly it hurt, followed by an image of his purple eyes.

"Mm.. It'll come back to me eventually…"

ooooo

Sesshomaru stroded down the halls in aggravation at the scene Kagome caused a second ago. She hadn't even given him time to explain. Nor did he enjoy the thought of leaving her side so soon, wanting to make certain she was okay. The fool. Surely she had no clue how worried the Lord was.

The negative thoughts dissipated quickly, as he recalled the scowling face she gave him. It was a much better display compared to the cold, lifeless eyes he had seen twice now. That much he appreciated.

He walked passed the servants who moved room to room quickly to prepare all of which their Lord asked. Only giving them a glance before continuing.

Reaching an outward balcony, he walked over to peer out into the valley of the forest below them. The castle still moving rather slowly in an unknown direction.

He was not certain where they were going or how far away they were from the village at hand. It was another troublesome worry that he'd have to ponder soon enough now that Kagome was better. His mind began to drift off to his ward, wondering how she had been in this time they were apart. If she was alright. He knew the village and Jaken would care for her regardless of his presence, though her state of mind was another concern. He promised her a nice outing, and returned the favor in dread. With the rise of a new enemy, now was not the time to stay away.

"Daoro of the Illusions. How bothersome. I shall kill you myself.," He muttered.

Inukimi crept up from behind, observing her son. His long hair swaying with the gentle breeze from the sky air, his tense shoulders. A gaze held so strong he hadn't even noticed her presence.

"I figured you would not have left her side so eagerly soon.," She mocked. Sesshomaru hadn't even given her a glance.

"Might I guess my wishes are true my son? You care not for her? Oh how joyful that makes me.," She continued.

Still, he paid her no mind. Inukimi huffed approaching him. Now at his side, peering up at his serious expression.

"The poor rat must be utterly exhausted by now. It will be nothing to dispatch her as soon as your fun is ov-," She was cut off. Sesshomaru grabbed her throat so hard in his hand that it cut her air completely, pressing his thumb into the base. Her eyes widened in fear at his actions. Grabbing his wrist in her hands to pry him off, but he overpowered her.

Sesshomaru wore a bored expression watching his mother writhe in his grasp. This woman did not learn. And chose to put herself in these situations he figured. Knowing he'd be the only person ever to put her in her place.

"Do you enjoy my anger Mother? For I enjoy seeing your fearful state.," He spat.

Raising his arm slightly, she dangled off of the ground. Sesshomaru held her in place as she thrashed her legs. Struggling to break free. A servant demoness had wandered in in search of her Lord. To witness the scene ahead.

"M-My Lord! I b-beg of you to r-release M'Lady!," She screamed, crouching all the way to the ground to beg.

He looked his mother over one last time before dropping her to the ground. She landing with a hard thud as he stroded over to tower over the servant. Awaiting to hear what she wanted.

Inukimi held her throat as she gasped for air. Staring daggers at her sons back while adjusting her disheveled clothing, staggering to stand.

Sesshomaru has grown rather violent since their arrival. I know that girl is behind it.

"Are you mute? Speak.," He demanded.

The servant gulped. Hesitate to speak. "The lady's bath and c-clothes are ready My Lord.," She whispered, unmoving as she stared at the floor.

"Tend to her then," He said coldly before walking out of the room.

The servant immediately rose after he left, running over to Inukimi. Combing her hair and helping address her clothing properly. Looking over the mother she could see anger mixed with sadness in her golden eyes. Still fixated on the empty doorframe.

ooooooo

Kagome jumped at the whispering voice outside the sliding doors.

"M'Lady?," A small voice asked.

"One sec!," She hollered back, running over to the futon and hopping in. Covering her naked body with the blanket again.

"Alright come in!," She yelled.

The doors slide open, revealing two small demons bowing to her on their knees. In their arms held clothing materials and a jar of colorful liquid that Kagome assumed to be soap.

"We have prepared a bath and clothes for you at the request of our Lord m'lady.," They said never rising from their position. Awaiting an answer to the statement.

Kagome blinked. Watching their formal behavior and word usage. It only made her more uncomfortable, knowing how simple she was. And how their Lord never had an issue letting her know just how 'rude' she was. She certainly didn't want to make him look bad.

As she said nothing, they rose to their feet. Making her tuck the blanket underneath her arms further. One servant shuffled over to her while the other shut the doors.

Her eyes widened as they tried to pry her off of the ground to her feet. She struggled a little but complied, unsure of their intentions. Holding the blanket for dear life.

But that thought vanished immediately as one of them yanked the blanket off of her with ease, tossing it to the side. Kagome yelped, trying to cover her frame with her hands.

"What the heck are you doing!," She snapped trying to move away from them.

"We are assisting you in a robe so that you may be dressed in escorting you to the bath.," They simply answered.

They reached out for her but she jolted away, trying to run over to the blanket. But one stopped her, pulling her back to them.

The loud commotion was heard throughout the hallways. Thumping and crashing, followed by Kagome's quite loud protest.

Sesshomaru leaned against the wall outside the bedroom listening in. He was amused by her embarrassment as his servants were very well told by him that she would be difficult. But to not allow her to do it herself thus she hurt herself further. Though it sounded as if they were only doing more damage. That, and this was payback for her angering him earlier.

The struggling finally quited down slightly as he heard her snap.

"I can at least walk myself!"

Sesshomaru walked away again further into the castle as they prepared to leave his room to head towards the bath.

The doors flew open and she emerged first, storming out of the room flustered and annoyed. The two servants hastily made their way out and around her in order to guide Kagome in the right direction. Though she tried her best to ignore them. Along with the stares coming from the demons in each room they passed. She could feel their eyes on her body from all angles as she tried her best to keep her composer. Just where was Sesshomaru anyways? This was his home, well maybe, that much she kinda knew. He truly was a terrible host.

The servants stopped her as they finally arrived at the doors to the bathhouse that was prepared just for her. She stood their patiently as they knelt down yet again and slide the doors open for her. As Kagome stepped in, she turned slightly to look as them.

"Now I'm gonna bathe myself! And I mean it, I DO NOT need help!," She snapped.

They nodded nervously at her command. Placing the outfit and soap inside as her feet, then sliding the doors closed. Kagome didn't hear any footsteps to indicate they left, but simple shuffling around for a second. She sighed. Knowing they moved around the sides of the doorframe, waiting in case she needed anything.

Looking around she marveled at the beautiful stone edged tub into the flooring. The steam slowly rising off of the water. Her body ached for its touch.

She let her clothes slide off onto the floor, grabbed the soap and made her way over to the water. Slowly stepping in. The water immediately felt amazing as it enveloped her worn body.

She grinned to herself, dipping under the water for a second before rising. Wetting her hair and face. Flicking her hair back, she began to lather it up. Feeling just how knotted it had become.

Kagome couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed at her state, wondering what everyone must've thought about a dirty human girl like her. Her face grew red as she pictured Sesshomaru seeing her in such a state. Though focusing further on the thought, she began to imagine his stunned face as she had first awoken. His odd behavior.

I wonder why he was being weird like that.

She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "Probably because he was being a pervert like most men," She said aloud.

The silence in the room was deafening. Along with the outside. She couldn't help but feel a tad lonely suddenly as she rested her chin on the side of the tub, folding her arms under her face.

Still… I can't help but feel a little bad for how I spoke to him..

Thinking back, they had been through quite a lot together in these past recent weeks. It had been the most she had spent with Sesshomaru since, well ever really. Something that she would not have expected to happen after leaving Inuyasha's side.

She traced the scar on her upper arm from when he had dug his claws into her flesh.

"Well I guess these new scars will just add onto the ugly one I already have."

Her expression grew a little sad.

"Inuyasha.. Did you end up getting what you wanted with Kikiyo?.. It's been a while..,"she whispered.

Images of their travels together played throughout her mind. The days and nights they had spent defeating demons and searching for the jewel shards. In the way they met, it all seemed like it was meant to be. That he would be her happily ever after. Though oddly enough, his brother had caught her complete attention recently. Kagome couldn't help but feel a little ashamed of that, knowing their hateful relationship against one another. Yet at the same time, who was she to care? Inuyasha made his choice. And in the end, she couldn't help but feel rather grateful to Sesshomaru for offering a distraction from the pain brewing in her heart.

She was brought out of her depressing thoughts by the door being slide open slightly. The little servant poking their head in to check.

"Is everything alright M'Lady? Our Lord should be expecting you to eat soon."

Kagome sighed, pausing to give a small smile. "Yeah. I'm almost finished, thanks."

The servant nodded, surprised by her sudden mood change. And glad it was a more positive one, sliding the doors closed.

Kagome sat back in the water before dunking herself completely underneath its surface. Quickly running her fingers throughout her hair to get the soap out.

oooooo

Sesshomaru wandered into the dining chamber to check and see if the servants had done well in preparing Kagome anything to eat. He had well let them know that being human, she would not partake in nearly anything of their kind. And that with luck she would dine on fish. An easy choice to prepare.

Entering the room, he noticed that they managed to gather several fish for her. Preparing a meal on small plates that was set out along the table. They stopped what they were doing and bowed to him, waiting for any comment. Sesshomaru walked around them to eye each dish. Finding them all agreeable. Kagome was not a picky eater anyways.

"I am going to check on my guest in a moment. Be ready to bring any meal choice you have prepared," He said to them before finally leaving.

"Yes sir" He heard them answer.

The bathing area was not far off from the dining chamber, along the lines of being able to smell Kagome from where he was. Small servants moved out of his way to bow as their Lord passed them. Not bothering to share a glance. He was pleased that at least he may be able to get a little bit of peace from his mother after his recent assault. Maybe she'd take the hint. And hopefully Kagome mood was better than before.

Arriving at the scene, he watched as the two servants sitting outside of the doorway bowed to him.

"Is she finished?," He asked.

"She said she was almost done My Lord. I believe she is getting dressed.," They answered.

Without another word, Sesshomaru moved passed them and harshly slide the doors open. Kagome jumped, staring wide eyed at the man who dared enter without permission.

"Don't you know what privacy is!?," She snapped.

"Not in my domain," He simply said walking over to her.

He noticed that clearly she was having a hard time putting on the clothes he had made for her, it being half done and wrinkled up all over. But she wouldn't dare go through another ordeal with the servants again.

Kagome moved back, covering her body with her arms. "I-I'm not done!," She stampered.

"Because you cannot do it yourself," He said now standing in front of her.

Kagome looked up at him mouth agape before he grabbed one of her shoulders and roughly turned her around. Pressing her back flush against him.

She blushed as he began to unwrap part of the clothing she adorned to help place it in the right areas, while lightly covering her front with her arms. She watched he and herself in the mirror on the other side of the wall. Just how much bigger he was than her. This strong and chiseled demon helping her with something so measly was almost humorous.

Sesshomaru on the other hand gently tugged her hair up and out of his way, exposing her back. It made him stop and pause for a second. Noticing the ugly scars ripped across her skin. He was spaced out for a second, recalling the glass shattering shriek she had let out from the pain, all of which had made him be able to rescue her. His fingertip slowly beginning to trace it from her shoulder blade down to her side and all the while his gut turned from the shame of not preventing it.

When he got lower, he felt her shiver under his touch. Attention immediately brought back to reality and his eyes snapped up, meeting hers in the mirror. Her large brown eyes were a tad watery as her face was flushed. Nervously nibbling on her bottom lip.

Is she afraid of me?

Kagome felt the tip of his nails gently scrape against the back of her neck as he pulled her hair out, letting it fall. He moved back as she still remained with her back to him, she let out a heavy sigh at the loss of intimacy, yet relief. Admiring them both now as she took in the sight of the knee length kimono she now wore. It's plain white coloring holding the same scheme and patterns as his. They matched.

"I had it made especially for you.," He said breaking the silence.

"But why? I mean it's.. Beautiful," She asked.

He paused for a moment unsure how to answer.

"You needed new clothes," He said, walking over to exit the room.

Kagome was still standing their, feeling the silky material with her fingers. Looking at each outline and how the outfit held her figure perfectly. Unknowing Sesshomaru waited for her in the doorway. His eyes followed the kimono as well. Feeling prideful that she held his pattern.

"Come. It is time for you to have a proper meal," He said.

She swiftly turned to him, the mention of food making her stomach ache. Kagome nodded, jogging over and out of the room. Following right behind.

ooooooo

As they walked he found it hard to be around her for some reason. A mental argument brewing inside his emotions. Such a topic the Lord never really addressed, not even with himself. But without needing to understand anything further, he knew it was guilt. Guilt fighting pride within.

Each movement she made. Every look. The sound of her voice. It all reminded him of their recent ventures into violence and how she suffered due to his negligence. How she was a mere mortal and a fragile creature in need of his protection. Just what had transpired without his presence within the underground compound? What else had these people done to her that he had no knowledge of? Did she remember?, for she had not bothered to ask any questions yet. It was eating away at him inside. But for now if anything was for certain, he needed to leave her soon to be alone just for a little while. He did not enjoy feeling sick emotions and being around her would stir them up further. Just a bit of time apart would rest his mind enough.

As they reached his room, he stopped outside the bedroom and motioned for her to go in. She stood there blank for a second.

"But I thought you wanted me to eat something?," She asked.

"It is inside. You are still in need of rest as well. I shall return shortly," He said. And without another word Sesshomaru turned his back to her and began to walk off.

Before he could take another step, she stopped him. Grabbing the end of his sleeve with one of her hands. He stopped, looking over at her. Seeing her other hand balled up into a tiny fist, her face downcast. Trembling a little.

"I… I just wanted to say that, I'm really sorry. About how stupid I acted earlier… if you're mad at me I get it.," She said sheepishly.

His eyebrow quirked up at her words. He was accustomed to her brash nature by now, this slightly taking him by surprise.

"Do not kid yourself. It was simply another one of your tantrums. Now, I must go. Wait for me within this room. I shall return.," He said. Gently tugging his sleeve out from her grasp and stepping off. Leaving her standing there alone.

Kagome watched as he disappeared into the darkness of the hallway. She never could read him very well. Being a man of few words and an equal hot head as to herself. Though she could sense something was off. At least he said he'd return. And she'd gladly wait.

But first, with her stomach letting out howls to the castle, she needed to tend to herself first.

She stepped into the bedroom and shut the doors behind her. Noticing a small serving tray filled with freshly cooked… fish? She could barely even tell, seeing as it wasn't done very well. But she didn't expect them to be chiefs around here anyways, this being food for humans. She'd have to settle.

Kagome walked over to it and plopped down. Taking a tiny bite of the meal. It was difficult not to eat fast being so hungry. She saw just how skinny she had gotten so quickly and it was a little concerning.

It had only taken a few small bites before she felt completely full.

"Ugh. I can't even finish one fish!," She chirped to herself.

Throwing herself back onto Sesshomaru's futon, her eyes wandered at the outlines of his room. The beautiful wood panel used all around with small engravings of what appeared to be dog demons in each. She felt small in such a luxurious palace.

And he's never even here to admire it. Traveling and whatnot. But I guess this is normal stuff for a Lord.

Looking around further she eyed his small desk at the very corner of the room. His low dresser off next to it. The room was very bland and seemingly unused for the most part. That much she figured.

Kagome rolled over feeling nosey. Crawling over to his small dresser. She opened the only drawer to it, rummaging around in his things. He only held further tops the same as the one he always wore.

"Geez does he ever change up?," She whispered aloud.

Suddenly she heard a thump inside from shifting the clothes. Her heart stopped.

What the heck did I do?

Lifting it all out of the way, she felt around for the source of the sound. Feeling a hard lump. She tugged on it. Pulling out something a little heavy.

Her face lit up at the sight of a beautifully golden crafted dog demon statue. It was about the size of her hand with small trimmings of purple around the facial structure. His mouth opened and fangs barred fiercely, as if to battle an opponent.

She brushed her thumb over it. Admiring just how small and sculpted it was.

"How pretty. I wonder who it is?," She asked herself aloud.

She stood, still staring at the little figure as she walked back over to the futon. Making her way under the covers with it as she lay on the floor, clutching it within her hand. It was the most mesmerizing thing she had ever seen and simply wanted to have a few more moments with it before Sesshomaru knew.

But her mind quickly began to betray her, feeling rather lazy. Eyes growing heavy under lids as her vision blurred. Kagome yawned, eyes focused on the golden statue before rather quickly drifting off to sleep. Her aching body demanding it so suddenly. She'd take a quick nap, and awaken to replace it before he'd even notice.

oooooooo

Nighttime had settled before she knew it. Inukimi had stayed hidden for the remainder of the day, not wanting to anger her son further. He would not listen to reason and was an utter beast in the way he was acting. She'd have to part of it. The disrespectful brat would learn the hard way and in time would come crawling back to her like a pup.

She stalked down the halls quickly, watching the moon full and bright illuminating the castle and the clouds flowing around it. It was a glorious night indeed for her to be cooped up like so. The servants had long gone to sleep in their chambers and surely she should be as well. Though the thought of Sesshomaru sharing a room with the human girl again was troubling her. And she had to just take a look. Especially their relationship now that the girl was conscious.

Reaching his room finally, she sniffed the air. Finding no trace of Sesshomaru's scent nearby. Only of the girls.

Opening his door gently, Inukimi peeked in. Taking note that the girl was sleeping rather soundly on her side. With something in her small hand.

Walking in, she slide the door back behind her. Not wanting any intrusion. This was the perfect opportunity to get rid of this pest, since her son would not listen.

Arriving up to Kagome, she bent down carefully to eye her further. Looking at what she had in her hands. She paused. Growing angrily immediately at the sight of the little statue. Roughly she snatched it out of Kagome's hand, sitting down hard next to her.

Kagome jolted awake, brain trying to focus on the situation so suddenly. Her vision trying to become clear, she rubbed her eyes at the blur of white right in front of her.

"Mmm Sesshomaru?.. I'm sorry I uh. Took it..," She groaned.

Inukimi laughed. "Shall I tell him for you dear?," She said smugly.

Kagome's eyes widened at the sound of an unfamiliar voice. Scooting back rather quickly, though groggy. Her eyes set on the intruder in front of her. This woman resembling Sesshomaru quite a lot, dressed in such fine clothing.

"W-Who are you?," She asked nervously.

Inukimi flipped the statue in her hand toying with it.

"Do you know who this is child?," She asked.

Kagome shaking her head slowly back and forth.

"This is Toga. My son's father. The once great dog demon. I had this made for Sesshomaru when he was still a child. Of course I don't expect a low life human such as yourself to understand the immense importance of the subject.," She said looking down at the statue.

Kagome could see a little sadness in the demons eyes as she spoke, ignoring how insulting she was acting. She felt a little scared for some reason and knew she couldn't defend herself.

"Inuyasha's father also," She whispered.

Inukimi looked her way smiling, though Kagome could see in her eyes how threatening she truly seemed to be. Had she said the wrong thing?

"What is your relationship to my son?," Inukimi asked.

"You're Sesshomaru's mother?"

Inukimi said nothing at such a ridiculous and obvious question. Patience growing thin at each passing second, taking in this disgusting humans scent. How Sesshomaru could bare it for even one night was beyond her.

"He's uh.. Caring. And has protected me. We've been traveling and all but well, that's like it so..," She said shyly.

"Good good. Nothing more I hope," Inukimi said.

She reached out and grabbed Kagome's chin strongly in her sharp nails. Tilting her face so that she was forced to look into her fierce golden eyes. Like a predator warning it's prey. She could see the fear plastered across this humans face at her aggression, the exact reaction she wanted.

"Because I must warn. If there ever was anything more, I'll kill you myself," She threatened.

Kagome trembled at her cold words and the painful way she was holding her face. Though she dared not move. Time seemed to pass forever in that moment. Yet as quick as she said those words, Kagome blinked. And in a flash the demoness was gone.

She gasped. Looking around the room frantically for any sign of the intruder but there was no one. She was alone. Her heart was pounding out of her chest as she took deep breaths.

Looking at the window, she could see it was night. Had she fallen asleep and slept so late? Did Sesshomaru come back like he said? All she knew was that she did not want to be alone further.

Kagome stood, dashing to the doors and sliding them open. Running down the hallway at the sight of the moonlight, and to which she could barely remember from earlier the outline of them.

At the scent of flowers she slowed down, wind chilling her slightly. She shuddered. Hugging herself and taking small steps further, she was met with an endless garden stretching far out into the clouds. As the full moon shone clear overhead. The clouds moved throughout the flowers indicating just how high they were in the sky. And in the midst of them stood Sesshomaru, staring up at it.

"Sesshomaru," She whimpered, slowly making her way down the steps.

He turned at the sound of her voice. Wondering what she was doing out alone in the middle of the night.

"You are going to get sick out here foolish girl," He snapped.

Though she said nothing. Hugging herself tighter with small sniffles. Her hair flowing around her body.

Sesshomaru's eyes widened a little, watching her body language. Now being in view, he could see she was upset. Smelling the salty tears pricking the corner of her eyes.

Kagome's body was exhausted after being awoken so abruptly. She felt pathetic, and all she wanted to do was hide away forever. Her heart was pounding and she couldn't calm down. All she knew was that she desperately didn't wanna be alone, and was fighting back the urge not to hyperventilate.

"Kagome," He called out.

And as she got closer, he saw her knees buckle underneath. In an instant he was there, allowing himself to fall back slightly to catch her. The moko moko wrapping protectively around her frame.

At the warm contact with him, she buried her face into his chest. Letting her emotions get the better of her and began sobbing. Not wanting to make eye contact as she felt low enough.

Sesshomaru was taken back a bit by her behavior. She was crying into his chest and all he wanted to do was chastise her for such a sudden childish action when she should be asleep.

But quickly his sharp nose picked up the scent of his mother on her and knew then and there why she was upset. She was scared. And Sesshomaru knew his mother was the culprit.

Kagome felt his arms wrap around her shoulders and his legs tucked securely underneath her, followed by the mokomoko. He bent down slightly to rest his cheek on top her head, feeling her sobs lessen a little. He could feel her beginning to calm down at his touch.

His long white hair cascaded down, mixing with her black. She could feel loose strains tickling her face.

"I-I'm so s-sorry. I w-was scared and d-didnt wanna b-be alone.," She huffed out, trembling with every word.

The gentle breeze blew over them both as he could tell it was chilling her. He held her closer, trying to keep her warm less not to get sick. He had spent most of the day avoiding her and was glad to see she had fallen asleep earlier when he went to check on her. Less not to have to pay her any more attention. It's not that he didn't want to see her. More as though it pained him to. But in this moment, Sesshomaru followed what he now knew to be true. And that was seeing her like this hurt him even more.

"Do you know the one thing Inuyasha was superior at than I?," He asked.

She stilled. Not sure how to answer. Gripping his shirt tighter.

"It is protecting you.," He said softly.

Her eyes widened at his words and tone of voice. She was scared to look at him. Her heart throbbing in a different emotion now as her face heated up. Did he mean that? Was she.. Something worth protecting in his eyes? In a flash a memory sprang forth in her mind. It replayed as she saw he pinned to the grown. She cupping his face. Her lips an inch from his. She was going to kiss him. But failed.

Very slowly she pulled away from his chest. Tilting her head to look at him. Internally she gasped at the look in his eyes, they were so soft seeming from his usually cold demeanor. The way the moon shone brightly over his slick white hair, the tips touching her face. Every detail of this man made her cower in want and fear. She relished in the fact that they were so close and he did not pull away. Lastly Kagome was tired of being in denial. No one would scare her away from what she wanted anymore.

I… don't know what I'm doing. But.. I know that I truly want this.. It's something I've been fighting back for a while. I.. I don't want to anymore..

She grabbed the front of his shirt and tugged him down further to her. Sesshomaru froze at her sudden boldness, letting her do as she pleased.

There they were. Kagome pressed her lips to his, closing her eyes as the tears she had been holding back slipped down her cheeks. Sesshomaru's eyes widened at the contact. He sat here in the meadow, with a human woman in his arms, stealing a kiss from him. In any other realm this would not have happened. Though considering she had laid her life down for him, he would give her this. At least, just once.

Closing his eyes, he allowed her access. Kissing her back with the same intensity while bringing his hand up to cup her face. Wiping the small tear away. She gasped lightly under her breath as she felt him give in, his fangs pricking her lips.

ooooo