Sesshomaru had been running out of patience while he had stood behind the girl. Reminiscing had fed the anger in him and the girls babbling had grated on her nerves. The urge to reach out and grab her had almost taken him over before she turned to look up at him. His own reaction surprised him. The force of her nearly caused shock to break out over her face. It wasn't just that she was pretty, she was of course, she was beautiful, but her eyes were blazing with a righteous annoyance and dignity that made her...exquisite.

Her almond eyes lingered on his chest for a long while before they finally met his and he had wondered at the determination he'd seen there. His ingrained discipline helped him school the shock however until he could cope with the fact that he was a tad bit proud of her. Her fair looks would help ease the insult of the burden he was taking on in his desire for vengeance. As would the courage he noticed. It had, of course, taken bravery to stand before him and protest when she, no doubt, believed she might be killed. And brave humans were a rare thing, far and few apart.

The kiss he spared her was a simple thing, no more then symbolic but red suddenly brushed her cheeks and she went limp for a moment then stiffened. Sesshomaru removed his arm from her waist but only to take hold of her wrist again and looked over to where Rin and Jaken stood watching.

"Rin."

"Yes my lord!" The child sang and Sesshomaru looked down at her and resisted the usual smile that she threatened to invoke.

"Go and fetch the packs and bring them here."

She saluted obediently. "Yes my lord!" Then dashed of, scrambling over shrubbery.

Sesshomaru watched till she was out of sight before looking towards Jaken. "Are you prepared Jaken?"

Jaken nodded. "I am always at your disposal Lord Sesshomaru!" The short demon jumped worriedly. "Not that I wish to be disposed of my lord! That is to say! If it pleases you then-"

"Be quiet Jaken." He said with the faintest annoyance before looking down at the human girl who stood motionless beside him. "Come then."

The man was demented! Come? That was it? Did he really think she'd agree just like that? There was no way she was just going to jump and marry him. God knew she'd tried reasoning with him but he was obviously too thick to listen. However a part of her thrummed with pleasure at his determination. And a blush spread over her cheeks at that but still she glared firmly.

"No."

Sesshomaru gave her an incredulous look. "No?"

Kagome nodded. "Yes. No." Was he really that thick? Couldn't he comprehend that she didn't want to marry him? Why did he think she'd been speaking to the wind for the past half hour while he ignored her?

Sesshomaru studied her for a moment then nodded. "Very well." He released her and she stepped back in a blend of surprise and disappointment.

"You're letting me go?"

"I'm returning to the village. To kill them."

Kagome's eyes widened in shock. "Kill them! No! Why? You have Rin."

Sesshomaru looked back at her. "You would have them saved then priestess?" He questioned emotionlessly. Would she? Of course. But...Inuyasha was there. Sesshomaru spoke as if he had read her mind. "How many do you think will die before Inuyasha can engage me in a fight?"

Kagome shivered and wrapped her hands around her self. He was right. Sesshomaru could slaughter many before Inuyasha could stop him. And if Inuyasha were out searching for her already...he wouldn't even be near the village to protect them!

"What will it take?" Kagome asked. She knew the answer however.

"You will agree and accept this marriage."

"Are they two different things then? Agreeing and accepting?" Sesshomaru nodded and Kagome bit her lip then finally nodded. "Alright then."

Sesshomaru turned back to her then. "You have a kind heart." He said as he stepped up to stand next to her.

"Thank you."

He fixed her with a mildly interested look. "It was not a compliment. You will rid yourself of such weaknesses."

Kagome felt her mouth drop open. How was she supposed to argue with such arrogant commands? All she could do was stare mutely as he tugged her towards Jaken who had perched himself atop a rock importantly, his staff clutched in his hand.

"So you will not harm the village?"

"I said I would not if you keep you are obedient."

"Promise me you will not harm Sango, Shippou, or Miroku when they come for me either." Sesshomaru turned the full force of his golden eyes on her and Kagome fought back the urge to lean against him and back away at the same time. "Promise me."

He studied her for a moment more then nodded. "I promise."

Kagome let out a breath of relief. Perhaps he wouldn't be difficult after all. Perhaps there would be a way out of all of this if he could be understanding.

"Kagome."

She looked up at him. "Yes?"

"I will not always be this pleasant." She could tell he was serious but she still wanted to laugh until she cried. But she couldn't. She needed to stay clearheaded. Oh lord how had she gotten herself into this mess? What about her home? She gasped. Oh no her home!

"You must also promise to explain this to my mother!"

"Priestess." His tone was dangerous, warning. Kagome didn't back down.

"Promise me! Please! This will be the last I ask of you."

"I will never bend to you."

"Nor I to you!" She declared suddenly ferverently.

He ignored her boast and went on. "However since you are so afraid of me and fear for your family, if I see your mother I will explain. I doubt, however, that you will ever see your family again."

Kagome blinked and tears filled her eyes. "I will see them again!"

He ignored her as if her words didn't even merit a response and that fueled her anger but she said nothing. There was nothing she could say. He walked past her. "Let's proceed then."

Kagome's eyes widened. "Now!?" Her voice came out as no more then a high-pitched squeak. "But...I need...I need time."

"Time to what?"

Time to find a way out of this nightmare. "Time to prepare a proper wedding!"

"Then I saved you from the responsibility. You may thank me later."

Kagome choked back the words that threatened to erupt as he reached out and gripped her wrist to tug her up to stand beside him.