Rose had fallen asleep in Sesshoumaru's hold as he carried her back to the palace. Not only did she sleep through the rest of the night but the next day as well. When she did awake, she found herself in a familiar bed though it was not her own; it was too big to be hers. The room was dark for no candles were lit and clouds covered the night sky outside. Rose soon realized that her clothes were changed; she no longer wore her fur dress but a soft kimono, the color dark yet undetirminable without light.

Rose rolled over in the bed only to find someone asleep beside her. Surprised and scared, she scrambled away but stopped just short of the bed's edge. The clouds outside parted, and the moonlight shown in upon the sleeping Sesshoumaru. A look around the room told Rose that she was in his room. She gave a sigh and laid back down, facing Sesshoumaru and gazing upon him as he slept peacefully. He looked so wonderful with the pure moonlight causing his smooth skin to almost glow and his silvery-white hair to shine. A smile rested upon his silky lips. The soft, golden sheets of the bed did not cover him completely, leaving his tone abs, firm chest, and strong arms bare and in perfect view.

Rose couldn't handle it. She just had to touch him, see if this was reality or an illusion of her mind. Slowly she reached out to him, her fingers brushing his cheek lightly. She was startled when his hand came up and grabbed her wrist and his eyes opened. The instinctive anger in his eyes and tension in his body eased away upon seeing Rose; his body and grip relaxed as his eyes gained a new emotion that caused Rose to wonder. Was she really seeing affection in those depths?

Sesshoumaru sat up, still holding to her wrist. She followed his example and sat up too. A blush of embarassment had arisen to her cheeks. "You are awake," Sesshoumaru whispered. "They must have worn you out for you slept an entire day."

"I'm sorry, my lord," Rose replied. "I'll make up for it."

"No, it is all right, Rose." He released her hand and got out of bed. He moved to the door but stopped before opening it, turning back to her. "You've yet to eat. I'll have the servants fix something. Meet me in the dining room." He then left, closing the door behind him.

Rose watched him go then finally snapped out of her trance-like state. She climbed out of the bed and looked at her clothing in the moon's light. It was a royal blue kimono with violet spirals to decorate and a violet sash about her waist. She looked about the room and found Ibara leaning in a corner along with Tokijin and Tenseiga; but her fur dress was no where to be found. Rose figured it was being washed, so she decided to join Sesshoumaru.

Down the hall she walked with soft steps. She soon came upon an unfamiliar servant girl lighting the hall candles. As she turned and saw Rose, fear covered the girl's face. "Y...y...yuki!" the girl called, her body now trembling with fear.

The familar, dark-haired girl exited the kitchen to see what she'd been called for. "What is it now, Fea?" she asked. The girl, Fea, pointed, and Yuki turned to see Rose standing just down the hall, watching them. "Rose? Could it be? Is that really you?"

"Yes, it is I, Yuki." Rose soon found Yuki hugging her tightly.

Yuki pulled away abruptly and bowed her head in shame. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" asked Rose.

"I am acting out of status, mistress."

"How? You did it before. And why are you calling me mistress?"

"You are no longer the head servant of this castle, mistress. You are a guest to our lord."

Before Rose could question more, Sesshoumaru entered the hall and approached her. He looked as thought nothing had change; his eyes were cold again, and his face remained an emotionless mask. This made Rose wonder which was the true youkai: his kindness and caring shown not to long ago, or this coldness towards all.

Sesshoumaru glared at Yuki. "Back to work!" he growled.

"Yes, my lord." Yuki bowed then hurried back to Fea, leading her back into the kitchens.

Sesshoumaru turned and lead the way back to the dining room, Rose following obediently. A lovely dinner had been quickly made and served by the servants. Rose noticed a few new girls and missing old ones; even a couple of young boys had joined the ranks, having a certain appealing beauty to them. During dinner, Rose spoke of what all had happened in their time apart, leaving out any contact with Naraku. Sesshoumaru listened contently. Rose noticed that when a servant was in the room, he would be tense and guarded, but when alone with Rose, he would relax and even smile.

After dinner, the two retired to the sitting room, the only light being from the flames in the fire pit. Rose sat close to the flames, watching them dance. She was nervous and afraid, not knowing what Sesshoumaru planned to do. She could hear Sesshoumaru talking at the door; she could also hear Jaken's voice reply to him. Sesshoumaru put emphases in a few words thus making them clearly audible to Rose, the words being alone and absolutely no one. The sound of the door closing and soft footsteps told Rose that it was time.

"Rose, you seem so nervous. Relax; no harm will come to you," Sesshoumaru whispered in a kind tone as he approached her. He took a seat behind her and pulled her into his lap, his arm wrapped about her waist.

"Lord Sesshoumaru?" Rose questioned in surprise, unsure of what to think about this.

"Please, no formalities. Not anymore," he replied.

"Sesshoumaru?" she questioned again. "What are you--?"

"Shh," he said, cutting her off. "Don't worry."

Rose felt his arm withdraw only so his clawed hand could run gently through her thick, wavy hair. It was so relaxing that she couldn't help but lean back against his bare chest. He returned his arm to her waist and rested his chin atop her head. This just felt right to Rose; she began to wonder if she was dreaming again.

"Rose, what were you going to say last night?"

"It's not important."

"Oh, but it is. It could be the last bit of information I need for an important decision."

Rose sighed. "I doubt it, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumarue moved his head, leaning in close so his face was beside hers, his warm breath upon her neck. He whispered into her ear with a voice laced with hope. "Please...tell me..." He kissed her neck gently, sending pleasure through her vains.

Rose turned around in is lap, her legs on either side of his waist. She was surprised to find him smiling at her and it showed in her face. He gave a chuckle to her shock which only brought a blush to her cheeks as she bowed her head to hide it. When she spoke, her voice wasn't strong and commanding as it usually was but weak and shaky. "I was going to say that...that I...I love you."

Sesshoumaru cupped her cheek with his hand, causing her to look up into his eyes. He was still smiling, looking kind and gentle. "I love you too, my young ningen."

Rose's eyes widened in shock. He knew! He actually knew that she wasn't a demon and yet he still said those words to her! "How?" was all she could ask. But no reply came. Sesshoumaru pressed his lips to hers in a sweet and gentle kiss. When he pulled away, he whispered a single name to answer her question.

"Naraku." He then kissed her again, this time with more passion and wanting. Rose reacted by placing her hands on his bare chest and deepening the kiss. She felt his hand caress her body as it moved down to rest upon her hip.

It was Rose who broke the kiss. She gazed into his eyes, looking for any sign that this was a trick. Nothing more than sincerity, love, passion, and a hint of lust lay in those amber orbs. Rose had gotten so lost in his eyes, that she was startled when he spoke again even though it was only a whisper.

"Meet me in my chambers, in your human form. I want to see the real you." He then moved her off him and stood.

Rose sat there for a moment, watching the fire slowly die down to glowing embers. 'My mission is complete. Sesshoumaru knows love...for me, and I return that affection. He knows the truth of me, thanks to Naraku, and doesn't seem to be affected by it. What happens now? Do I just suddenly return to my time, or am I to stay here forever?'