Jackie: Time for some build up chapters!

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Chapter 28;

Later that night the whole party sat around a fire. The Lord of the western lands sat propped against a tree, overlooking all the interactions without actually being a part of them. Miyoiki sat in front of him by the fire talking to their new allies. Occasionally she'd look back at her new husband. If his eyes weren't on her already, they'd find their way back to her, and for a moment her heart would stop. Though his face showed no expression, his eyes burned.

"Humph," Inuyasha grumped and sat away from the group on the opposite side of the fire from his older brother.

"What's wrong now?" Kagome sighed.

"Just look at him," Inuyasha growled, "Sitting there all high and mighty. Like it's killin' him to breathe the same air as us."

Inuyasha had only meant to say it to Kagome, but Sesshomaru's keen ears caught it anyway. His cold eyes could have iced the fire into complete submission as he stood and said, "Quite right, Inuyasha. I find the company… Stifling."

Without another word he turned and walked off into the woods. Miyoiki looked up from the fire with concern and sadness in her large blue eyes. She stood and hesitated. There was a fine line to be considered. Was this one of those times she should simply let him be alone?

"Go on," Kagome chimed.

"I think he wants you to anyway," Sango said as well.

Miyoiki looked back and smiled her "thank-you". All the men besides Rootousi looked completely confused.

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Sesshomaru stood on the edge of a clearing looking up into the night sky. He had never felt so conflicted in all his long life. Things were getting so complicated. He had fallen in love, adopted a human child, and claimed a mate. Worse, in spite of his little display, Sesshomaru was growing fond of the younger brother he never allowed himself to know. He remembered wanting a younger sibling when his mother was alive, but when a sibling came by way of his father's betrayal… I made a promise…

"Sesshomaru," Miyoiki's voice came in a soft whisper.

"Miyoiki," He had not intended her name to come out so tenderly, but it was habit now.

He spoke it like some people speak the words "I love you." He couldn't help it. When she was alone with him, he could not pretend. All of his ice walls melted instantly. He turned to her and smiled the smile that was just for her. She reached a hand up and touched his lips lightly. She closed the distance between them and kissed him like a whisper. A faint, tender caress of love, and he closed his arms around her.

"Are you alright?" She asked, "You've been acting strangely."

"I don't want that half-breed near us," Sesshomaru said coldly.

"It's more than that," Miyoiki said, "Isn't it?"

Sesshomaru closed his eyes and smiled ruefully. He would learn some day her marvelous trick of seeing through him. He answered honestly this time, "I am not ready to tell you."

"I understand," Miyoiki whispered and laid her head on his chest.

"We should find you new clothes," He sighed, "Something even grander than-"

"No," She said "I want them to be just like the ones you made for me. They were perfect."

He smiled… It's amazing how quickly smiling can become a habit. He stroked her hair and said, "As you wish, my lady."

"Do you think that," Miyoiki hesitated, "He will find another stone?"

"He is very resourceful," Sesshomaru answered.

Miyoiki's wings open and fluttered nervously. Sesshomaru looked down into her silver blue eyes. She whispered, "If he gains control of me again, I will end i-"

"He will not-"

"He has twice!"

"He won't again"

"Let's not kid ourselves," She said sternly, "This is it Sesshomaru. With our combined forces this battle with Naraku must be the last. If it comes down to it, I will be sure I take him with me this time."

"Take him with you?" Sesshomaru asked in his cold analytical voice, his inner self cried in agony at the very thought of it, "It will not come to that."

"Maybe not," Miyoiki said softly, "But if it does… Let's enjoy our remaining time together."

"Agreed," He said to silence her.

He didn't want to talk about that anymore. He could not. He would not loose her again. If it came to that he would be the one to lay down his life.

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Sango, Kagome, and Shippo settled into the water. Kagome leaned against a rock and sighed. Sango looked across the water at her and asked, "Something's bothering you, isn't it?"

"Yes and no," Kagome answered.

"Well, what's on your mind?" Sango asked.

"I'm happy for Miyoiki and Sesshomaru," Kagome started, "But…"

"It was so fast," Sango added, "It doesn't seem fair, does it?"

"If Miyoiki could get to the heart of cold, dark, Sesshomaru," Kagome started, "What's wrong with me? Why can't I reach Inuyasha?"

"It's more complicated than that and you know it," Sango chided, "What about-"

A rustle in the bushes stopped Sango cold. She hurled a rock into the bushes and a rabbit hopped away. She looked almost disappointed as she sunk slowly back into the water. She pushed her hair back so that the long tresses would conceal her scar.

"Yeah," Kagome said, "I see your point, but what's with you and Miroku?"

Kagome knew what Sango's little display was about. Kagome just wanted Sango to say it herself. Sango glared at Kagome and snipped, "That letch? You can't be serious."

"Oh come on, Sango," Kagome said, "It's not like he's nearby listening. You just proved that."

Kagome motion to the wrecked bush, split by the huge bolder that Sango hurled at the defenseless bunny. But Kagome could not have been more wrong. Miroku hid behind the tree to the left of the bush, trying not to move, trying not to even breathe. Miroku's heart was beating wildly in his chest. He would never admit it, but he meant the words he'd said that day.

"Your concern for me is worth more to me than any other woman."

Sango acted jealous enough to be in love with him, but it could actually be sincere disgust. He pledged on his every holy object he could think of that if Sango harbored true affections for him he would change his lecherous ways.

"I," Sango hesitated, "I guess you're right."

Sango sank down to her shoulders beneath the water. Her eyes looked away as she said, "I can't believe it myself. I always sort of pictured falling in love with a dashing lord, or handsome, hardworking man. Not a con artist who steals, and throws himself at every woman he sees."

"But you did," Kagome said softly, "Look, maybe all he needs is a little encouragement. Maybe, he's just waiting for the right woman and-"

"Wouldn't that be romantic," Sango said bitterly, "But I don't think so. The sad part of it is that I love him in spite of knowing that."

Miroku sucked in a ragged breath and crawled back to camp, praying that he would not be noticed as he escaped. When he returned he propped himself up against a tree, looked up into the heavens, and sighed.

"What's wrong with you?" Inuyasha grumped.

"She's beautiful," Miroku sighed, "Isn't she?"

"What are you talking about? And where is the fire wood you went to fetch?" Inuyasha glared at the monk, knowing full well what Miroku actually left to do.

Inuyasha was just surprised to see him come back in one piece. And what was with the dopey face? He was acting like a blushing bride. Miroku sighed longingly, and Inuyasha clobbered him.

"Knock it off would ya?" He growled, "What is WITH everyone tonight?"

Inuyasha stomped off into the forest as he mumbled, "I'm surrounded by crazy people!"

Jaken blinked at the clobbered monk and said, "Finally it's someone besides me."

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Jackie: Thanks for reviewing and for your concern. I hope the story continues to please you.