Thank you guys for the reviews! I'm so glad to be back. Sorry I missed my deadline. Work killed me and then I got sick. Then more shit happened, and more shit happened. I swear my life has been cursed. Anyways, I will say last chapter was probably my favorite :) Now then, let's continue with more of the story.

Chapter 47: Learning and Understanding Part 3

"I should warn you," Hayate stopped for a moment and addressed the hanyou next to him. "Unlike the others, the east wing soldiers are more... vocal in their dislike of humans and halflings. I hope you don't mind, I plan on using this to my advantage."

Inuyasha thought about it before answering. "So I'm bait."

"Essentially."

"Can I egg them on?" The hanyou asked with a sly smirk.

The tori warrior laughed. "You are a little shit you know that? Hmm. It's such a bad idea but why the hell not. It'll make things easier for me. If they attack you in front of me I shall intervene."

"Nah, don't bother." Inuyasha replied still smiling. "I want to deal with them myself. I'm tired of others disrespecting me for what I am."

"Well, then. If you're sure I won't stop you." Hayate continued walking to their destination. Once the two entered the eastern side, there were already glares and harsh whispers among the other youkai. Hayate ignored them and continued on to the eastern gate where the soldiers were preparing to go about their morning duties. Walking towards the group with the inu in tow all conversation stopped and turned to them.
"Thank you for your undivided attention. I have instructions to give you all."

Inuyasha watched as Hayate gave the same orders to the guards about their patrol duties, he kept his head held high and stared down any who dared glare at his direction. One youkai in particular was practically growling at him - to which he gave an none to polite hand gesture.

The youkai in question, a badger from the smell of him, stepped forward and interrupted Hayate. "Maybe Lord Sesshomaru wouldn't have so many problems if he didn't let such filthy creatures within his walls."

"I would blame it more on the shit he keeps as guards of his lands." Inuyasha snarled back. "For all we know someone from these walls could have leaked his absence to that asshole dragon."

"You watch your mouth half-breed! No one dears to betray the Western Lands."

"Notice how you say 'Western Lands' and not Lord Sesshomaru. But please, remind me again which three demons tried to betray my brother by allying with some old hag they left hidden under you noses?" The hanyou stepped forward until he stood directly in front of the other youkai. "Funny how they smell exactly like you lot."

A growl was heard behind him before another youkai charged at him, only to be stopped by a quick punch to the face. Hayate stood between the fallen guard and Inuyasha. "Sorry. I know you wanted to deal with any worthless scum that came at you but I won't stand for a blind blitz attack." The tori looked over his shoulder to the young inu. "After all, in the end it is my duty to protect the entire house of the moon."

Inuyasha gave a genuine smile to the youkai soldier. "Well, I can't argue against that." He turned back to the several east guards around them. "Feh. If any of you lot have a problem with me being here, then come on. I will gladly put you in your place."

The badger in front of him was the first to charge, before a few more joined into the fray. Hayate and Inuyasha stayed in close proximity to each other as they knocked their assailants around one by one. The tori only had one thought in mind... Sesshomaru was definitely gonna kill them when he finds out.

Sesshomaru woke up to the soft glow of the morning light. He was momentarily confused as he had no recollection of falling asleep the night prior. The sent of jasmine and the soft warm weight on his chest brought his attention to the young miko sleeping on him.

Ah, he remembered now. Their late night talk... his request for her to remain with him... her gentle touches. It all came back to him filling him with a pleasing comfort.
He was vaguely aware that he kept a firm hold on her, his hand slightly grasping the back of her kimono. Their position was causing that same kimono to slip off her shoulders, just barely revealing the scar on her right shoulder. A permanent reminder of her duel with Isamu.

Just thinking of that day was enough to refuel the absolute desire to go decapitate the bastard. He took a deep breath and brought his head down to inhale the miko's scent. He immediately relaxed before immediately tensing again. Was he so injured he had become delirious enough to find such comfort with the human on top of him? No. He knew what the cause was. It truly seemed he was no different from his father. His father had become curious and fascinated with a human woman. Over time, that fascination turned into him caring for her. And of course it only led to him falling in love. Their love caused his father to leave everything behind for her. Inu no Taisho left even his oldest for that love.

Sesshomaru brought his hand over the scarred shoulder and rubbed it in small circles. This was different from whatever obsession his father had with Izayoi. Kagome was different. His miko would stay by his side. Together they wouldn't abandon the children they already had in their care. The miko brought danger, that much was a given. But she also brought something to make the inu-youkai feel so at peace with the knowledge that she would remain with him. It was something warm that felt right. But was he feeling love? And how exactly would he know if he was in love? Again, it's truly an emotion he's never felt.

The young miko sighed gently against him as he continued brushing his hand along her shoulder. "Sesshomaru-" was the small whisper that came from her. He paused and slowly watched as she frowned slightly. She made a small noise of protest and shifted her position, this time slinging her right leg over him. He stared at the slender limb and dragged his gaze over the rest of her, contemplating his next actions. Not the first time he thought of the little miko's beauty as attractive, but now as she was sprawled on top of him- he found her incredibly hypnotizing. More soft sounds of protest reach his ears before the woman on him began to stir awake.

Kagome felt the gentle warmth on her shoulder disappear and she chased that comfort to the waking world. Blinking slowly, she felt the slow rise and fall of the chest that lay under her. Her brain took a short while to remember who was under her. Shifting a bit, she tilted her head and found herself staring into the warm gold eyes of her companion. "Sesshomaru" she greeted the inu with a soft smile. "Morning."

"Did I wake you," was the quiet greeting back.

"No," she replied. "But whatever you were doing felt very pleasant. Why did you stop?"

"Hmm." He brought his hand back to her shoulder and continued his gentle caress. "I was thinking."

The young miko rested her head back over his chest and sighed. "What were you thinking about?"

"My father. And his actions"

"Will you tell me what happened?" Kagome looked up at him. "I mean I know some of the story - that he fell in love and died protecting her and Inuyasha. But I don't know everything."

Sesshomaru said nothing at first, just continued rubbing the miko's arm. "I am beginning to understand how father fell in love. But I still hate him. I hate him for the secrets he kept from me, and for leaving. I never accepted his union with Izayoi and I hated that because of her, he lost his life." The inu was surprised how easy it was for admitting it out loud. "He hid the fact that we had a sub-clan of inu hidden away. The same clan Mizuki is from. I learned that fact from Isamu." The inu almost growled saying his name. "And yet... even though I hate him- I can understand why he did it."

"Do you miss him?"

"In a way. I never had the time to completely mourned my father when he died. I was still angry at him. Then, I had to take up the mantle and became the new Lord. And he left behind a sword for which I had no use for, at the time at least."

"Can I give you my opinion?" Kagome asked quietly. She waited for his nod of approval before beginning. "Inuyasha is a half-demon. His life would always be difficult and he will face hardships from both youkai and human alike. Tetsusaiga is a sword of strength and protection, and it helped keep the demon part of him at bay. It truly is for his protection and to protect the people he cares for."

She shifted and steadied herself above him, bring both hands up to cup his face. "You are a full demon. At the time how many people would you say you cared for? And I mean those you don't see as just subjects- I'm guessing Tsume and Hayate? Your father gave you a sword so the ones you cared for can never be taken from you unexpectedly. It is a gift of life and second chances. You already have the strength to protect everyone around you. And if you can't, it brings them back to you." She brushed her thumbs across his markings and stared into his eyes. "Tensaiga is a beautiful sword and a gift of life and it protects it's wielder. Your father may have left but I think he still loved you. Why give you such an important sword if he didn't?"

Sesshomaru brought his hand up to her left shoulder rubbing at the mark of the crescent moon. "And what about this? Why hide this?"

"Well, that's just something we will have to figure out together."

The inu pulled her down towards him gently until their foreheads touch. "Together." The quiet and firm way he said it felt like an unbreakable promise to Kagome and she couldn't help the blush forming along her cheeks.

Voices coming from outside the door and down the hall tore away the serene trance they were in and Kagome swore she heard a frustrated growl coming from the inu-lord.

"This had better be important," Sesshomaru sat up and gently moved Kagome to the side before getting up. The voices were getting louder before a knock was at the door. The inu went and opened it to see a fretting Tsume and terrified Jaken.

"Lord Sesshomaru pardon the interruption," the young demoness bowed her head.

"What is it?"

"It's Hayate and Inuyasha-"

"THEY'RE BRAWLING WITH THE GUARDS MI-LORD!" Jaken squawked over her.

"Jaken inside voice please!" Tsume yelled at the imp before responding back to Sesshomaru. "I got a report from a servant that said they were fighting by the east gate."

"They're what?!" Kagome ran to the door and faced Tsume completely missing the happy look of surprise on the youkai face.

"Fighting the guards at the east gate."

Sesshomaru growled under his breath. "I will deal with this. Kagome stay here, Tsume please tend to her. Jaken you will follow me." The daiyoukai gave the young miko one last look before heading down the hall. A simmer of anger in his steps got people out of his way fairly quickly.

Kagome watched him go with a sigh before Tsume cleared her throat and gaining her attention. "Yes?" The youkai was smirking at her. "What?"

"I truly am sorry for interrupting your moment together. Seems things have moved along faster than I imagined."

"What do you mean?"

Tsume simply pointed at her and gestured up and down. That's when Kagome finally took in her state of dress and turned absolutely red. She quickly fixed the kimono over her shoulders. "Oh my god! It's not what you think! We were sleeping together- but not that way! I mean yes, he held me but nothing happened I swear! Oh god this is so embarrassing. Stop laughing!"

The demoness had her fist to her mouth trying and failing to conceal her snorts and giggles. "Apologies my lady. haha. Let's get you ready for breakfast before Sesshomaru drags those two idiots back in." She smiled as she led the young woman back into the room.

Sesshomaru walked steadily to the east gate. He wasn't sure who he was gonna punish first, Hayate, Inuyasha or the guards. Maybe everyone. Yup, everyone will face his anger right now. He was in a good mood when he woke up with the miko. Now, that they ruined that, he was bitter. He kept his pace up and continued to scowl at everyone - very aware that Jaken had to run to keep up. As the sounds and smell of battle reached him, he let out a heavy wave of youki. The immediate silence that followed almost made him smirk. When he arrived at the gate and into the clearing everyone was facing his direction.

Hayate and Inuyasha was next to each other feigning innocence - he did note the lack of injuries on the pair. Several guards were picking themselves off the ground while some tried to hide whatever wound they sustained. Sesshomaru said nothing as he walked forward, just glared until he was in front of them. "I want an explanation."

"Don't be upset with Inuyasha, it was my fault" Hayate answered. "I wanted him to follow me on my duties and to observe the reactions of the guards. Things got out of hand."

"Oi, I don't need you to defend me." Inuyasha said to the tori, stepping forward and facing his brother - briefly looking at his bandaged chest with a look of concern. "If you want to blame me go ahead."

The inu-youkai simply stared into his brother's eyes and raised a brow. "I asked what happened. I have not blamed you for anything." Ignoring the hanyou's shocked face, Sesshomaru turned to Hayate and the surrounding youkai. "Do not make me ask again."

Hayate stepped forward before any one else could spit out a lie. He explained everything from that morning when he asked Inuyasha to join him in order to gauge his soldiers loyalty. "I knew bringing him here to the eastern wing would cause a bit of conflict, but I honestly did expect it to be like this."

"Lord Sesshomaru," the badger youkai spoke up. "Both Hayate and the half breed provoked the fight. They accused us of betraying you."

"We didn't provoke shit!" Inuyasha snarled. "You got offended that I was here and said the filth here is what caused Sesshomaru problems. When I replied it's the ones that betrayed him - who, again was apart of your group, you got violent. I didn't attack first."

"Oh, please. You were itching for a fight."

"You interrupted morning instruction just to start an argument!" Hayate stepped in.

"Enough," Sesshomaru icy tone stilled the lot. He kept his eyes closed briefly before opening them, the little red barely around the edge of his eyes. That was a clear warning that he was pissed. He looked around at the group. "I do not care for your opinion's," he knew what were said within his walls he was no fool. "But rest assured, Inuyasha is my brother, and you will show him some respect." He wanted nothing more than to go back to bed, back to the miko.
He turned to the badger and stepped forward. "If you have issue with the companions I keep, then by all means go ahead and challenge me." His let his voice take a hardened tone and his glared intensified. "And if the 'filth' you referred to is my ward and my miko, I will gladly remove your eyes so you can no longer see - your nose, so you can no longer smell - and finally your tongue, so you can no longer speak. And when you are a miserable pile below me, I shall leave you for the vultures."

He breathed deep to calm himself before speaking again. "You were all chosen to defend the Western Lands. When my father was alive, despite what happened, you stayed and continued to serve. If you have any lack of faith in my duties, or you no longer wish to remain, I will not stop you from leaving. I have no need for traitors and doubters. But if you are going to remain here, then you remain loyal to all residing in this house. Am I understood?"

The eastern guard paled before nodding. He bowed respectfully and muttered an apology. The others followed suit, just as terrified, and kept their eyes on the ground.

"Every one involved in this will have double duty and be restricted from border patrols for two moon cycles." Sesshomaru turned around and started to leave before glancing at Hayate and Inuyasha. "Let's go. I will have word with you two for this stunt." He resumed walking away, the two- along with a shocked Jaken- following quietly behind.

"He's pissed, we're dead." The tori mumbled to the hanyou. "I knew it would go bad."

"Then why the fuck did you talk me into it." Inuyasha replied keeping a watchful eye on the inu in front of them.

"Hey, I told you it would get ugly. You wanted to come."

"If you think he's angry I can imagine how Kagome will feel if she found out."

The inu in front of them stopped abruptly, causing the two to jolt to a stop as well. He turned slightly, and they could swear there was a trace of a smile on his face. "She knows Inuyasha. And I will enjoy the many sit commands."

"Wait what?" Inuyasha sputtered out. "How? Why? When?!"

Now the inu was definitely smirking. "When Tsume and Jaken interrupted our morning together. We had after all just awoken in bed. Now, come. I still intend on punishing you both."

Both men wore shocked expressions on their face as they continued out of the eastern wing. Inuyasha was stunned into silence as he tried to register exactly what was said, while Hayate seemed pleasantly surprised.

Jaken snorted next to them and whispered, actually whispered! "You did not notice mi-lord's state of undress?" the imp made a small motion to the youkai's obvious missing kimono shirt. "And although the miko was in quite a state I am afraid my master did not bed her." Jaken laughed, both and the horrified expression on the hanyou and because he may only slightly started to see the miko as a lady of the West. And she made Lord Sesshomaru happy. Happy Sesshomaru means happy and safe Jaken.

Sesshomaru cleared his throat bringing attention back to him. They were in front his study. "Jaken, go tend to the children at breakfast and inform the young miko that I will be there shortly."

"Of course mi-lord, right away." The imp dashed as fast as he could to the dinning hall.

"Now you two," the inu opened the door and stepped to the side. "Get inside. We have a lot to discuss don't we."

Whoo this took forever. Sorry again for the long break. I have officially schedule a once every two week upload. So look forward to the next chapter soon. And again, no that Sesshomaru is discovering more of his feelings his personality will change slightly when it comes to interacting with Kagome. Hope this wasn't too OOC for you guys. I'm trying :)