AN: Awww..I only got 7 reviews for my last chapter how sad. Anyways I do have some loyal fans so this chapter is for them.

CH: 5 Leaving

"Inu Yasha, how much further? I wanna see Kagome." Shippou whined for what seemed like the twentieth time in the past hour.

"We should camp here. We'll leave in the morning so you weak humans had better be ready by then. We should get there by noon tomorrow." 'I hope nothing has happened to her.' Inu Yasha had been more silent then usual and the others had noticed. He hadn't even been beating up on Shippou.

The group had been traveling for about two days since they had ran into Jaken and still none of them knew what would happen once they reached their destination. Everyone wondered if Inu Yasha would give up his sword, even Inu Yasha.

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Kagome sighed. It had been almost four days since she had seen her friends. 'I hope they're okay. I wonder what my family will think of me being gone so long. I don't want them to worry.' Kagome looked at the night sky. She was sitting in the garden just thinking. She had already tucked in Rin and had not seen Sesshoumaru since dinner.

Sesshoumaru had been occupying her thoughts a lot lately. She didn't know what to think about the demon lord. 'I can't forget about all the times he's tried to kill me can I? He's been so nice lately, even gone out of his way to make me happy at times.' Kagome smiled at a particular memory from yesterday.

*flashback*

It was almost sunset, Sesshoumaru had been in his study doing whatever paperwork was required of a demon lord when Kagome came in. She sighed and sat on one of the chairs. Sesshoumaru put down his papers and looked at the girl. "Man, I'm bored. I think I was actually able to tire Rin out. I tucked her in for the night already. Whatcha doing?"

"Nothing important. Come with me." Sesshoumaru led Kagome outside and took her into his arms. Kagome stiffened at first but realized he was doing it so that he could fly while holding her. He took her to a cliff the overlooked the sea. After he let her go, Kagome looked out at the water and was amazed. She watched as the clouds took on an orange and pink hue as the sun set on the horizon. She sat at the edge of the cliff in awe. Sesshoumaru stood back and watched her reaction before taking a seat next to her.

"I've never seen a sunset like this before." Kagome turned and smiled at Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru's breath caught as he saw the pure smile that was directed at him. "I...I was hoping you'd like it. I used to come here when I was a kid to get away from the pressures of life."

Kagome had been shocked that he had shared something personal, but ecstatic that he had shared it with her. She leaned on his shoulder and stared out as stars began to take the place of the sunlight. "I used to wish I was a star. They seem so beautiful and everyone loves them. I wanted to be that beautiful and be loved." She shivered as the night air cooled.

Sesshoumaru put his arm around Kagome and gave her some of his body warmth. With how close she was to him, he was feeling very warm. "You are that beautiful," he whispered. 'And that loved.' Soon Kagome had fallen asleep. She had awoken the next morning in what had become her bed over the last couple of days. Kagome had found out from an unhappy Jaken that some very important papers that were due that morning had not been finished.

*end flashback*

'He can be really sweet. I hope the way he's acting isn't just an act.' Kagome stared up at the stars some more. She didn't even notice as a silent figure came up behind her.

"Are you still being envious of the stars?" Kagome jumped a bit.

"You should not be sneaking up on people." Kagome looked back at the demon lord. She was slightly shocked by his sight. 'I never noticed how beautiful he is at night.' Sesshoumaru silver hair and white clothing made him seem to glow and almost made him out to be an angel. His golden eyes were even more bright and intense in the dark.

"This is my castle and I should do as I wish." Sesshoumaru gave Kagome a small smile that made her know that he was joking.

'I also never knew that he had a sense of humor.'

"You should not be out this late. It's cold and dangerous."

"Do you worry for my safety Sesshoumaru-sama?" Kagome stood and walked over to the demon lord.

"Yes," he stated plainly. He was trying to get himself under control as she approached him. Lately, he found it very difficult to keep from touching her. He wanted to know what it would feel like to run his fingers through her raven hair and taste her cherry lips. 'I don't think I shall be able to let this girl go.'

As Kagome got close to him she wondered at her actions. 'I should just walk past him and go to bed.' Instead her feet took her right in front of Sesshoumaru. She looked into his eyes and got lost in his gaze. Sesshoumaru's hand came up to her cheek and brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Kagome turned into his touch, but then realized what she was doing. 'I can't deal with another heartache. Not now.' Kagome regained her posture and mumbled a good night and walked to her room. 'Too close, much too close.' She couldn't help but feel as if she had just passed up something worth wild.

Sesshoumaru stood in the garden for a bit longer and turned his gaze up to the stars. 'Perhaps the stars do have it better, they don't have to deal with such feelings of uncertainty.' He could not blame Kagome for her walking away. He had seen how she seemed to enjoy his touch, but her eyes seemed filled with confusion as if a battle were going on inside her. He could understand that for he had gone through the same thing. However, his battle was already over and the feeling he had for the girl had won out. She was now more important than anything, his kingdom the Testusaiga were all worthless compared to her. 'Perhaps in a few more days her battle will end as well.' Sesshoumaru turned and went to his room to dream of a girl that had melted the ice around his heart.

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Naraku had been watching the couple at almost every chance he got. 'They're getting close. I can't have her fall for him, she's supposed to be mine. The hanyou is approaching as well. I could get my revenge as well as the girl at once, but that would take planning. Soon the only two with the shards shall be their ragtag group and I. Then I will go to them.' Naraku made up his plan of how he would destroy those who held affections for what were his and then would claim the girl as his own. He was not one to be denied. Little did he know that others were making plans as well.

Kagura stood outside of Naraku's room. She knew she had to get away for a bit in order to speak to Inu Yasha and get him to get her freedom. She already knew of his long kept secret of when his demon blood abandoned him, she could use that knowledge as a bargaining chip. 'He has to be strong enough to defeat Naraku. If not then I'm doomed to the life of servitude.' Kagura walked down the hall and exited the castle. 'How I wish to be free of this place. I would go where the wind took me and allow my heart to guide me once my heart is in my own grasp and not Naraku's.' Kagura drew her feather and went in search of the hanyou. Hopefully, Naraku would be too busy watching Kagome to notice her leave.

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Sesshoumaru awoke from one of the most wonderful dreams he could ever remember having. He smiled slightly as he remembered it. 'It's all because of that girl.' Sesshoumaru got out of bed and went through his morning ritual of bathing and getting dressed. He then went in search of Kagome and found her in the garden with Rin and surprisingly enough Jaken. Rin had seemed to have decorated both Jaken and Kagome in flowers. Kagome had flowers weaved in her hair and look breathtaking. Jaken he though looked like a bush.

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" The little girl ran up to her loved father figure and wrapped her arms around his leg. Sesshoumaru patted the girls head, but then caught the whiff of an unwanted scent. "Inu Yasha." Sesshoumaru growled.

Kagome turned and was a bit shocked. She had lost the hope she once held that Inu Yasha would come and rescue her. Now she was not sure if she wished to leave. "Kagome take Rin inside and stay with her." "Please." He added at seeing that she was about to protest.

"Come on Rin let's go inside okay. We can play indoors for now." Rin grabbed Kagome's hand as she was led inside. 'I hope neither of them gets hurt.'

Sesshoumaru stood and waited for his brother inevitable arrival.

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They were close. Inu Yasha could already see the castle ahead. A few more minutes and he recognized a lone figure in the garden staring in his direction. "Sesshoumaru! Where's Kagome?! You better give her back you bastard."

"Such language brother." Inu Yasha pulled out the Tetsusaiga and attacked. Sesshoumaru easily dodged, but Inu Yasha wouldn't give up. Sesshoumaru used his superior speed to dodge every attack Inu Yasha could attempt. He decided not to attack due to the fact that he knew Kagome would be angry.

Sango and Miroku had run up to watch the fight. They had left Kirara guarding Shippou. They then noticed another figure standing by the door. "Kagome!" Sango yelled and ran to her best friend. Kagome turned and embraced Sango. At hearing Sango's yell both Sesshoumaru and Inu Yasha turned to see Kagome and Sango hugging. "We missed you."

"I missed you guys too."

Inu Yasha ran up to Kagome and hugged her. Everyone heard a growl come from Sesshoumaru's direction. Inu Yasha pulled back slightly blushing, but got control over himself. "Come on wench we have shards to find unless you want to waste our time by getting kidnapped again." At hearing this Sesshoumaru grabbed Inu Yasha by the neck and slammed him against the wall cracking it at the same time.

"Sesshoumaru-sama?" Sesshoumaru turned to see Kagome looking at him, her eyes pleading with him not to hurt Inu Yasha. Kagome knew she didn't love Inu Yasha anymore, but he was still a friend. Sesshoumaru dropped Inu Yasha on the ground and then walked away.

Inu Yasha got up and again pulled out the Tetsusaiga while lunging at Sesshoumaru retreating form. "Osuwari!" Inu Yasha hit the ground about a foot behind Sesshoumaru.

"Stupid wench what was that for? If you don't remember the guy kidnapped you. He wanted to trade you for the Tetsusaiga." Sesshoumaru growled as he heard Inu Yasha insult Kagome, but then winced when he remembered what had indeed been his earlier plan.

"Even so, he still saved me from Naraku and he's been nothing but nice to me this entire time." The demon lord was taken aback by her words.

'She's not angry?'

"Whatever, come on wench. We still need to find shards."

"Yes, Kagome-sama we should be focusing on our task again." Miroku finally spoke up. He and Sango had been watching the scene before them and wondered what had happened while Kagome had been away. Inu Yasha grabbed Kagome's arm and began to drag her away.

"Wait Inu Yasha." Kagome pulled her arm away and ran over to Sesshoumaru. She faced him and looked up to see his usual stoic face, but she saw a hint of something in his eyes. "Arigatou, Sesshoumaru-sama, for saving me, giving me a place to stay, and for not killing Inu Yasha just now. I hope we cross paths again someday, but I have a duty to find the shards."

'She's only leaving because of the shards? Does she want to stay? Say something that'll make her return.' Sesshoumaru was nervous that if he didn't say anything now he would never be able to see her again and he would not lose her to the hanyou. "You...you can always return...if you wish. You'll always have a place here, Kagome." Sesshoumaru brushed her cheek and he had done so many times before.

'Did he stutter? Oh kami, I can't believe he just said that.' "Arigatou, Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagome leaned up and placed a small kiss on his cheek and then walked away. However, Rin chose this time to come back out and saw Kagome leaving with the rest of her friends.

"Kagome-neechan! Don't leave!" Rin attached herself to Kagome's leg, tears about to spill from her eyes. "You said you wouldn't leave."

Kagome knelt down to be eye level with the small child and embraced her. "Don't worry Rin. I have to go and take care of some responsibilities. Be a good girl for Sesshoumaru-sama." Rin looked up at her tears falling down her cheeks.

"But I don't want Kagome-neechan to leave."

"Gomen Rin, but I have to go."

"Will Kagome-neechan come back?" Rin wiped her eyes and looked hopefully at Kagome.

"Of course, Rin." Rin hugged her again and stood there as Kagome walked away. Sesshoumaru walked up behind the sad girl. She turned around and hugged his leg.

"Why did Kagome-neechan have to leave?" Sesshoumaru bent down and tried to comfort the girl. He had no clue what to do really but remembered what Kagome had done to comfort her once and tried to copy the actions.

"She has to go find the shards."

"When we she come back?"

"I don't know Rin." 'I hope she comes back soon.' Shesshoumaru took the girl into his arms and carried her back into the castle.

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Kagome looked back towards the west. She would definitely miss them. 'Maybe once my responsibilities are done...' She sighed and held Shippou tight in her arms. The little kitsune had tired himself out greeting Kagome. She smiled at the little one in her arms. "I wonder if he'd let me bring Shippou back with me."

"What'd you say?" Inu Yasha turned towards her.

"Nan demo nai." Kagome sighed again. 'Just a few more shards.' Kagome was trying to keep the thoughts of the inevitable meeting with Naraku to come.

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Okay I'll end there. Thanks to all those that have reviewed. I hope to get about 10 reviews this time. *crosses fingers* Tell me if you like the story, didn't like it, have a few suggestions

Review responses:

Kawaiikitsune: Thanks for the support

Ice Dagger: more fluff for you in this chapter and more to come in the future

CtR: now I can't get the thought of Sesshoumaru with flowers in his tail out of my head whenever I write a scene in the garden ^___^

Jammincat9: hope you liked the chapter

Mala: with loyal fans like you I'll be sure to continue

And thanks to the others that reviewed.

~*Shichan