Title: Love is a Funny Thing

By: Youkai Rin

Disclaimer: Nope so stop asking!

Rin:I'm getting there!

Yasha: A few more chapters!

Chapter 7: Fighting With Inner Self

The warmth of the castle was calming to Kagomes cold skin as she walked through the double doors. Rin ran past Kagome excited and squealing in delight. She ran in front of Kagome and smiled her large toothy smile.

"That was fun Kagome-chan! Please can we do it again tomorrow?" She asked eager.

Kagome leaned down and ruffled the young girls hair, "We'll see Rin."

Rin nodded satisfied and then once again ran off. Kagome watched the bouncy brunette disappear around the corner and then come back again to yell at Kagome to catch up. Smiling softly a soft hand reached up to her neck and gingerly touched the light bruise that Sesshomaru left when he had grabbed her neck. Her happiness died a little as thoughts consumed her once again.

Why is he being so distant? He was never like this before when I talked about my home. Maybe he's just in a bad mood today. Kagome thought to herself as she followed the energetic Rin. Yes that must be it. He's just in a grumpy mood today.

Rin finally stopped in front of a large door. On either side of the door were windows, soft white snow falling gently towards the ground. Rin waited, bouncing on the balls of her feet as Kagome finally walked up to the door. Turning she pushed open the door and held it open for Kagome.

Unconsciously, Kagome found herself taking steps toward the balcony. Amazingly snow did not fall on her kimono. Looking quickly up, Kagome gasped. The balcony was covered in some sort of shield. Kagome could still see straight up towards the sky, and the small snowflakes fell softly on the barrier and melted. He's created a sort of see through roof. Amazing!

Rin ran out onto the balcony towards a large table. Kagome looked up and her sapphire eyes locked with the Demon Lords golden ones. Quickly Kagome adverted her eyes as she took her seat next to Rin at the table. Rin didn't seem too interested in her meal though, because she was staring up at the shield that prevented her from catching the falling snowflakes.

"Sesshomaru-sama, that's no fair! Rin can't go catch the snowflakes!" Rin pouted as she looked to her guardian.

"I placed a shield around us Rin so we can eat in peace without snowflakes falling on us and we can still watch the garden. Understand?" Sesshomaru said coolly.

Rin seemed happy with his answer and turned her attention to her dinner. Kagome glanced up hoping to catch a look at Sesshomaru, to see his expression. Golden eyes seemed to bare into her soul. Looking back down Kagome tried to become invisible. She didn't want to look into Sesshomaru's eyes; they were so strong and yet so cold. They hypnotized her mind and tried to pull her into a void of darkness.

Dinner seemed to pass in silence, as Kagome remained glued to her food. Rin tried many times to start a conversation but it came to no use; Sesshomaru and Kagome only replied with one-word answers.

"Is Kagome-chan mad at Sesshomaru-sama?" Rin asked her innocence showing itself.

Kagome finally looked up, but dared not look at Sesshomaru. The Demon Lord watched as Kagome gently laid down her chopsticks and spoke to Rin. Her eyes held confusion, surprise and something else it looked to be compassion.

"No Rin, I am not mad at Sesshomaru-sama. You have no reason to worry." Kagome smiled a fake smile that only Sesshomaru could see. She reached out and ruffled Rin's all ready messy hair. Rin gazed up at Kagome and smiled.

"Hai! Rin was just worried." Rin said giving both Kagome and Sesshomaru her famous smile, and then returning to her food.

Once again sapphire eyes met golden ones. This time Kagome held the golden ones as her own narrowed. Her message was quite clear, she was mad at him.

The moon hung high in the sky as Sesshomaru sat by his desk, his gaze occupied with looking at the continuing falling snow. Alone Sesshomaru could allow his emotions to appear, and now his always-cold eyes held a look of pain and puzzlement. Thoughts of the day ran through his head like lightning. How could the day have gone so wrong? Why had he lost his temper so easily? Kagome had only been speaking the truth at the spring. He had the power to keep her here so why had he felt so nervous and powerless earlier at the hot springs? Was he honestly worried about losing Kagome to his brother?

But isn't that you're reason for keeping her here, to make your brother trade the sword for her? That inner voice asked.

Sesshomaru growled lowly. He had no time to argue with that damn voice. But it spoke the truth. He had planned on keeping Kagome here at the castle until his half brother came and traded Tensuiga for her. So why was he having this feeling about her?

Every time her saw her walking down the halls hand in hand with Rin, a smile spread on her face; Sesshomaru could swear his heart skipped a beat, maybe two. His blood raced every time he caught himself thinking of her alone at night in bed. But yet when he had lost control and had grabbed her today at the spring he had cause her pain and he knew it. That's what had been causing all these emotions and thoughts to surface. After she had struggled and begged Sesshomaru felt a strong and painful tug at his heart. Quickly Sesshomaru left the springs to get away from there as soon as he could. The best he could do was inviting her to dinner, but even there she was distant. When Rin asked that innocent yet powerful question her answer brought strange warmth to his cold heart. But no her eyes told him different when he saw the message in them loud and clear. She did hate him no matter what she told Rin.

Sighing Sesshomaru aloud his head to fall into his palm. His head was beginning to throb with pain from all these thoughts. So many signs Kagome threw at him but none mattered that look she gave him told all. They were confusing the famous cold Lord. Sesshomaru was none for never letting anything get to him. No youkai female could melt his heart so what was it about this human that made it different?

Standing Sesshomaru vowed to find out why she made such an affect on him, and he wanted to know now. Turning from the window Sesshomaru quickly left his room, walked down the many halls, and finally stopped in front of Kagomes door. Taking a deep breath he caught her scent. Lilies and vanilla, a unique smell that Sesshomaru found himself thinking silently he could get use too.

Placing two hands upon the door he pushed it open and walked easily into the room. Suddenly he felt himself being thrown back by an invisible barrier. Cursing silently he quickly got back up and looked for what had stopped him. A pink glow surrounded Kagome and part of her bedroom. Her chest faintly glowed and Sesshomaru could guess that she was using the Shikon Jewel and her miko powers to create a shield.

A low growl forming in his chest rose steadily, "Miko end this shield now."

Kagome shook her head fiercely, her eyes were wide and her scent was covered in fear. "No, if I do you'll kill me."

Sesshomaru stood still, face showing nothing but his mind was racing. Did she honestly think he would kill her? He had only come here to ask a question. He slowly extended a hand to touch the barrier. It instantly shot his hand away, Sesshomaru knew right away that it would be difficult to break through this one; but he would do it.

Sesshomaru placed his hand back on the pink shield and started to push. Ignoring the pain that it caused him, Sesshomaru continued his pursuit. Slowly but surely the barrier was breaking around the poison he had released into it. Sizzling the barrier was continuing to break away even as Kagome yelled and shouted, forcing all her miko powers into the barrier.

Kagome watched frightened as Sesshomaru once again tried to break the barrier. A small smirk though formed on her lips as his hand was shot away again. But when he went for it again Kagome watched with curiosity and then horror as his hand slowly began to break the shield she had created. Immediately Kagome concentrated once again on the shield and forced her power into it, trying to stop Sesshomaru, but of course nothing would stop the demon Lord. He continued to break the barrier.

Feeling her energy slip slowly away Kagome shouted out in pain and collapsed onto the ground. The barrier shattered and disappeared as Kagome gave up. Sesshomaru lowered his hand and slowly stepped further into the room, making his way towards the fallen Miko. She placed her head in her hands, the act showing defeat. The smell of salt hit Sesshomaru like a wave of bricks.

Kagome cried and cried. She cried for her pain, her loss of feeling, her loss of love, and her loss of hope and dignity. She couldn't go on; she didn't want too not if it meant being here in this castle living with this beast. Tears slipped through her fingers and stained the floor. Her raven hair created a curtain around her face, hiding out the world she hated so much.

Sesshomaru stood before Kagome, his face showing nothing. Slowly he bent down onto one knee and placed a single finger beneath her chin. Lifting her crying face Sesshomaru spoke.

"Kagome why did you place a shield around yourself?"

Her eyes shut but tears still flowing down from them, she remained silent. Her cheeks were red and dirty with sweat. Her soft hair was now damp from her struggle with the shield. Sesshomaru realized that her energy was slipping she was tired from the spell she had done.

"Kagome answer me." His voice softer.

Sapphire eyes opened and meet intense gold ones. This time she held them not afraid. Kagomes eyes showed no fear only despair and ache. Sesshomaru could feel his mask slip but quickly pulled himself back together. No, he would not give up now, he would not show emotion, and so he would defiantly not let his mask slip.

"Tell me Kagome why you cause me so much pain?" Sesshomaru questioned, his golden eyes bearing into her very soul searching for an answer.

Tears flowed more from her eyes, at Sesshomaru's words. Why? How could she cause him pain? He was the all-famous cold Demon Lord. So how could such a lowly human cause him pain?

I cause him pain? How? Kagome thought feverishly. What's this feeling inside of me? Why do I feel so powerless when I'm around him? Why do I feel this warmth at the bottom of my heart? It's like what I feel around Inuyasha. No, not feel, felt I don't feel anything for Inuyasha anymore. No, yes I do, but wait why do I feel the same feeling for Sesshomaru? Why do I feel safe right now? But at the same time scared. Why am I confused about my feelings? I love Inuyasha, don't I?

Are you sure about that? That inner voice challenged. Are you sure you love Inuyasha?

Of course I do! He has always been the one to save me, help me, and he was my first friend here. I love him I know it.

But then what is love?

A feeling of safety, security, warmth, and family. That's what I feel for Inuyasha.

But hasn't he given his heart to someone else?

No, wait yes he has. No! Shut-up! He loves me and I love him! We told each other we did! It was a mistake he made! An honest mistake!

If it was a mistake why hasn't he come for you yet? Why hasn't he come to save his love?

I don't know. I just don't know! Please tell me what to do! I-I don't know whom I love... I feel so lost, hurt, used and rejected.

Kagome you are not lost, you are found. Look around you at where you are. Believe in yourself and move on. You are a miko destined to become great.

No! I don't want that! I want to come home! I want to see my family, tell them I'm okay, and let them know I'm safe.

Safe, exactly Kagome. You are safe here! What has anyone done here to harm you?

Sesshomaru he hurt me, he treats me like dirt! I am not dirt I am Kagome!

Yes, Kagome you are. And if you want him to know that tell him. Tell Sesshomaru your pain, your past, let him be your future.

No I don't want Sesshomaru in my future! I want to come home! Kagome argued.

What have you got left if you go home? What will wait for you? Inuyasha? No, he has cheated and left you Kagome to rot in your own despair and loneliness.

No! I WILL NOT BELIEIVE YOU! You lie!

Kagome how can I lie when I am you?

No, please someone tell me it's not true. Tell me that it's all a lie. Please...

Kagome you are in need of saving. Both you and Sesshomaru can find saving in each other.

No! I will not talk, look or even be near that demon! I hate him!

Now it is you who lies Kagome, you do not hate him. Because you are incapable of hate, never in your past both here and your home have you ever hated another being; both demon and human.

I can't, he hates me I can see it.

If he hates you so much then why is he concerned about you right now? Why does he treat you with kindness, never truly hurting you?

He has so hurt me! Mentally, physically and emotionally he has hurt me!

Does he? Do you really believe that?

Yes, I do...no wait I don't. No! I don't know! Why can't you see that I don't know! I'm confused, I just want to be comforted, held in someone's arms; I want to be told that everything will be okay!

You have already found that place Kagome, here. Can't you see Kagome? Sesshomaru needs you and you NEED him. Save him Kagome. He has been lost in his own world of hate and loneliness for years. I know you have the power to save him. And he in return will save you.

Why? Why are you doing this to me?

I do it to myself also Kagome.

What are you trying to prove to me?

I am trying to prove to you something that all of us are too blind to see or understand; Love.

Love? Kagome questioned

Yes, Love. It truly is a funny thing.

TO BE CONTINUED!

Rin:If anyone is confused about this inner voice I don't care! LOL review! Please!

Yasha: Love is a funny thing isn't it Rin?

Rin: Yes child it is.

Ja-ne!