Title: Love Is A Funny Thing

By: Youkai No Rin

Rin: Wow! I am so happy from all the reviews I receive from this story. I'm at the halfway mark. Which means that in another nine chapters there will be a new one! Aren't you excited? I plan to have this story completely reposted by Christmas. But we shall see how it goes. In the mean time keep sending reviews!

Yasha: Yes, that's good news everybody!

I have found one of the best paths in life is your heart-Anonymous

Chapter 10: Follow Your Heart

Morning rose on the Western Lands palace a dreary place on this sunrise. No birds chirped in their trees and clouds were already forming in the eastern skies. Thunder rumbled in the distance threatening to bring rain in a few hours. But as silent as it was on this gloomy morning a loud crash came from a clearing in front of the palace. Two figures jumped at each other again and again in an attempt to do the other extreme physical damage.

"I will defeat you Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha heatedly shouted to his full demon brother. He made a swipe with Tetsusaiga but Sesshomaru easily dodged the blast and gracefully landed on the ground. Emotion was absent from the young Lords face as he looked at his brother.

Inuyasha was breathing hard, cuts spread across his chest he leaned on his sword for support while Sesshomaru stood still a few cuts on his arms and legs and a crack decorating his armor. They had been fighting for a few good hours now, and still Sesshomaru was unfazed. All Inuyasha spoke were nonsense words and barely made any good attacks. Where as Sesshomaru stayed focused in the task at hand, he needed to make his brother leave so that he could go to Kagome and explain what he hadn't been able to last night.

He had been angry when the servant returned tell him of Kagomes words. He almost killed the servant but quickly regained his control. Kagome had every right to be mad at him right then. He had turned his back on her when she had questioned him last night on his feelings. Of course he felt for Kagome, he felt for her in a way he never knew existed, but something held him back from telling her. He had though come to her room in an attempt to patch things up between them but she had been asleep and he did not want to wake her.

It was only a few hours later when Inuyasha arrived demanding things like always. He wished to see Kagome and Sesshomaru had told him that if he got past then Inuyasha had every right to go see Kagome. But the problem was if Inuyasha could get past Sesshomaru, and this Sesshomaru highly doubted that ever happening.

"You will give her back Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha flamed sending another angry swipe at his brother.

" Now why would I do something like that Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru asked pretending to not know, as he easily dodged his brother's attack, once again.

"Because she's mine!" Inuyasha shouted gripping his sword tightly and charging towards Sesshomaru with pure anger.

Sesshomaru quickly moved to the side but not quick enough. The blast scrapped Sesshomarus side, causing a minor wound to appear. What remained of Sesshomarus armor had been destroyed with the hit. Cursing Sesshomaru was at his brother's throat in an instant. With in seconds they were both on the ground, Inuyasha pinned with Sesshomaru on top his hand clasped tightly around Inuyashas neck.

"If she's yours Inuyasha why didn't you come for her sooner?"

Inuyasha glared up at Sesshomaru his air supply quickly being cut off. His eyes challenged his brothers never wavering. But as Sesshomaru stared down at Inuyasha he saw something different in his brother. He seemed hurt like he had finally come to senses with what he had done. "I don't know why…"

Sesshomaru didn't know what came over him but it felt like he wanted so badly to protect Kagome. Applying pressure to Inuyashas neck he growled, "That's not good enough!"

Inuyashas eyes narrowed as he his lungs started to burn from the lack of oxygen he was receiving. What was Sesshomarus sudden interest in why Inuyasha was late? Had he done something to Kagome? Was she injured inside his palace? Where was Kagome anyway?

"Sesshomaru stop it!"

Kagome wandered the halls of the palace. The morning sun shined into the hallways through the tall windows framing the halls. She was looking for Sesshomaru but he was nowhere to be found; he wasn't in his study, or the dining room. Thinking of where he could be Kagome looked up to see a servant walking down the hall; he had yet to notice Kagome. But as soon as he did he quickly turned and hastily walked away.

"Hey wait!" Kagome shouted running to catch up with him. Grabbing his shoulder to stop him Kagome forced him to turn around to face her.

"Excuse me but have you seen Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked a little out of breath.

The servant struggled in Kagomes grasp but she did not let go her hold on him. Hoping that if he ignored Kagome she would go away he looked away and down at the floor.

"Please tell me I need to talk to him!" Kagome pleaded.

Slowly the servant looked to Kagome, "I-I promised my Lord t-that I would not tell you…"

"I don't care what he told you, just answer me! Where is he?" Kagome demanded, getting angry with the incompetent servant.

Finally the servant turned back to Kagome, his eyes downcast, "Lord Sesshomaru is currently outside fighting his younger brother."

Kagome froze and slowly let go of her grip on the servant. She was barely aware of him scamper away from her, or how her feet began moving on their own bringing Kagome to the front doors of the palace. But as her ears caught the sound of metal against metal and occasional shouts from beyond the large door, Kagome regained control of her body and mind. Quickly pushing open the doors Kagome blinked in the bright morning sun, as she found the cause of her urgency.

There was Inuyasha and Sesshomaru almost identical in their looks facing each other swords drawn and ready. Inuyasha, from where Kagome was standing, was breathing hard and already blood was soaking his clothes. Where as Sesshomaru was coolly standing on the ground looking up at Inuyasha, his armor was falling off his lean body but his face remained strong.

Suddenly Inuyasha yelled words deaf to Kagomes ears and he flew at Sesshomaru sword blazing with power. It all happened in a blur to Kagome. Sesshomaru just barely dodged Inuyashas attack and in the process the rest of his armor was destroyed as the attack made contact with Sesshomarus side. A hand flung to Kagomes mouth at what Inuyasha had done but she had to step in. Running as fast as she could Kagome reached the gates just as Sesshomaru had Inuyasha down on the ground his hand cutting off all air to Inuyasha. They seemed to be arguing and Inuyasha whispered something that made Sesshomaru grip his throat even tighter.

Fear gripped Kagome as she watched Inuyashas air supply beginning cut off. "Sesshomaru, stop it!"

Two sets of golden eyes locked upon Kagomes form, both unreadable.

"Kagome…." Inuyasha managed to whisper.

"Sesshomaru, please…" Kagome quietly pleaded.

Slowly Sesshomaru loosened his hold on Inuyashas neck, and backed away. Kagome breathed a sigh of relief as Inuyasha started to rub his bruised neck. "Kagome…" He whispered taking a small step towards her, but Kagome took a step back for every one that he took. "Kagome what's wrong? Why are you so scared?"

Inuyasha stretched a hand out to Kagome but she shook her head fiercely and shut her eyes tight. "No…please… don't come closer… I can't…."

Inuyasha blinked, "What-why cant you Kagome? Don't you want to come home?"

Burning tears formed in Kagomes eyes again, forcing their way out and onto her cheeks, as the face of Inuyasha formed in her mind; over and over again she heard his voice calling her.

Home…home…home…

The tears flowed freely now, and Kagome couldn't stop them anymore. Sinking to the ground her chest tightened making it hard to breathe. Her hair cascaded around her face covering it as she weep helplessly on the ground.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha voice rang in her ears.

He moved to try and go to her but suddenly something blocked his way, something white and large. "Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru gazed down at Kagome that blank mask of his baring into her petite form. Dropping to one knee he whispered, "I told you not to come."

Kagome's already aching heart dropped even more at his words. The sound of his voice shot daggers into what remained of her being.

"I-."

"Get away from her, you bastard!" Inuyasha shouted from behind Sesshomaru. He raised Tetsusaiga and sent another powerful blast at Sesshomaru only what he forgot was that Kagome was there too.

"Kagome! No!" He screamed but it was to late.

Sesshomaru sensed the blast coming and he pulled Kagome towards him, cradling her into his protective chest. Turning so that his back faced Inuyasha blast he held onto Kagome as if she was a precious porcelain doll. The blast hit Sesshomaru square on the back sending him blazing hot white pains to shot through out his entire body. Faintly Sesshomaru heard Kagome scream and prayed that it was out of fear and not pain.

When the dust cleared Kagome slowly opened her eyes to find golden ones staring down at her, pain already clouding the once intense glare. Something warm trickled down Kagomes hand, looking briefly down she saw that his white cloth was quickly turning red from blood.

"Sesshomaru…" Kagome whispered softly.

She freed one of her hands that was not covered in blood, from underneath Sesshomaru and reached out to gently touch his paling face. "Why?"

He winced in pain as another wave of agony sweep over his body. Kagome could tell that he was trying to not show his pain but she knew him better and how much it hurt. "Go, Kagome…return with…Inuyasha…go home…"

Kagome shook her head tears still staining her cheeks, "No, I'm not leaving Sesshomaru."

A low growl reached Kagome's ears, "I order you…. to….g-."

Sesshomarus golden eyes rolled into the back of his head and his head fell to land on Kagomes chest.

"Sesshomaru?" Kagome whispered moving to check his pulse, relieved to find a steady heartbeat she breathed, "Come on Sesshomaru hold on."

Trying with all her might Kagome managed to move Sesshomaru off her chest. A loud shriek made Kagome turn around. There was Sango and Miroku running down the courtyard to her, both of their faces etched with terror and worry.

"Kagome! Are you okay?" Sango asked coming to stop near her friend. Her eyes traveled to the fallen demon lord then to Inuyasha who was standing stock-still, not saying or doing anything.

"Sango, Miroku help me please." Kagome begged barely holding Sesshomaru up. Sango rushed to Kagomes side and tugged at Sesshomaru free arm, wrapping it around her shoulder she pushed him up so that he hung lifelessly between her and Kagome. Miroku looked at Inuyasha, piecing two and two together.

"Miroku!" Sango shouted bringing the monk to look to the two helpless girls and Sesshomaru. Rushing over he helped pick the bloody Sesshomaru up and together they made it to the castle without many problems. As they walked away from the battlefield they left Inuyasha standing there, alone.

What have I done?

Kagome shouted orders to the many servants as they scurried by bringing her whatever she demanded. She knew that they too wished not for their Lord to die. But finally after many hours Kagome could at last sit down and rest her tired body. Sesshomaru lay in front of her, his whole upper body covered in white bandages. Kagome had been able to stop the bleeding with a clogging herb but now it was all about waiting to see how fast his demon blood would heal him.

"Lady Kagome?" A servant asked coming up to her side.

"Yes?" Kagome replied sighing.

"Your guests call for you." She said.

Kagomes smile faded; she knew that this would come no matter how much she put it off. But she had hoped for Sesshomaru to be there with her when she talked to them, because she would break down and cry. Shaking her head at the servant Kagome made up her mind, "Tell them that if they truly wish to speak with me then they can come in here, because I will not leave his side."

The servant nodded before turning and leaving the room. Hearing the door close behind the servant Kagome reached out with her hand to touch Sesshomarus cold one. It was a bit warmer then an hour ago. Taking that as a good sign she leaned forward to lean against his futon.

"You know Sesshomaru; you have nerve." Kagome whispered, running her thumb gently over his soft hand. "Better yet why are you so stupid? You didn't have to protect me, and you definitely didn't have to fight Inuyasha. No you should never have fought Inuyasha."

Kagome watched Sesshomarus stone face, hoping for any reaction to her words, not seeing any she continued, "But I thank you Sesshomaru. Everything you've done has made me realize that you truly are a softy at heart. I don't know why you pretend Sesshomaru, but I don't want you too anymore. I know how you feel about me, and I want you to tell me. Not in signs or gifts, but in words. I want to know how you feel for me truly and deeply. Please don't hide your feelings anymore."

Kagome sighed and shook her head, realizing that he couldn't hear her. How stupid, but then I guess it is true that you can talk to someone better when they sleep. Kagome thought amused a little.

"I believe it is you who has nerve…." A low voice whispered. Kagome spun her head around to look at Sesshomaru. His eyes were open and looking straight into hers.

"Sesshomaru?" Kagome hesitated.

"I told you to leave Kagome. I was ready to accept my fate on the battlefield." Sesshomaru's golden stare was so powerful Kagome couldn't tear her compassionate sapphire ones from his. "Why did you save? You could have left me there to die and returned home."

Sesshomaru watched the many emotions pass over her face, a sad smile appeared on her lips as her eyes blinked back unshed tears. "Because I couldn't leave you. No matter what you do to scare me away or say to make me fell like I'm worthless I have come to care for you in a way that I can't leave."

Sesshomaru looked away wishing not to see the truth in her eyes, "I am not worthy of your love."

Kagome stared in disbelief at his words. "You must be kidding, Sesshomaru."

Silence…

Rolling her eyes Kagome stood from her seat and slowly sat down on his futon only a bare inch from his body. "Sesshomaru you know how I feel for you, now please tell me how you feel for me. I don't care if you think you're unworthy, or even if you think I am repulsive to your own sight. Whatever the reason why you do not tell me I wish to know. All I am asking Sesshomaru is that you speak your mind, so I can get this burden off my chest, and move on whether it be good or bad."

Silence…

Kagome sighed and looked away before raising herself from the futon. "I should have known you would never love a human like me, but answer me this Sesshomaru, why did you kiss me?"

Sesshomaru lay there in sea of emotions. Half of him pleaded to just watch her go, the other half taunted him into just grabbing her and holding her so close that he would never get enough of her. She loved him he knew it. It was amazing how a human could love a demon like him. He had tried so many things to push her away but yet he still found himself pulling her forward. Yesterday when she confided in him her fears of Inuyashas arrival he had comforted her, but yet when she confessed her heart to him wishing to know his own feelings he walked away. Why? Had he been so stupid and blind to not see the truth hidden there in her deep sapphire eyes? Or was he still the ice king he always had been not ready to face how he felt for a human. Yes a human, but a strange and different one at that. When he was around her she let out this warmth that reached into his cold heart warming it with her touch and sweet words.

For the first time in his life Sesshomaru felt fear. The fear of losing the one thing he had grown to love and feel affection for; the fear of giving her up so that she could live her own life; but yet it was the fear of him finding something he had thought gone for so many years hidden there in the heart of a human. He didn't want to lose her to Inuyasha; but he knew there was nothing he could say to stop her. No words or actions could change her set mind if so be the desire she has. But she didn't. Kagome had said it herself; she didn't and couldn't leave him.

Sesshomaru was afraid of Kagomes love, yes truly afraid of what he would receive. It had been so long since he had felt the warm touch of love, of affection. The feelings he had spent so many years locking away inside his ice heart were sprouting once again at the light and warmth that Kagome gave him. It still amazed him to no end how anybody could be so open and carefree; so loving and kind. That part of Sesshomaru that wanted him so badly to hold Kagome wished more of that feeling that she radiated.

Golden eyes snapped to attention at Kagomes movements, quickly he reached out and grabbed a hold of her slender wrist. She stopped and turned slowly to look at Sesshomaru with curious eyes.

"What are you doing to me Kagome?" He whispered, his feelings for her written in his eyes.

She smiled warmly at Sesshomaru, "I wish for you to know love Sesshomaru...my love."

"How could you love a demon like me?" Sesshomaru asked.

"How could you love a human?" Kagome questioned back. "Don't deny your feelings Sesshomaru, I beg of you not too."

When she got no answer, only a soft stare from him she continued, "One thing I've learned Sesshomaru, is this; follow your heart it's the right path."

Sesshomaru thought of this for a moment but when she tugged at her wrist still being gripped by his hand he locked his eyes with hers. There it was, longing and hope, exactly what he wished to see. Smirking which cause confusion to show in her eyes Sesshomaru sharply tugged at Kagomes wrist making her fall to the futon.

"Sesshomaru?" Kagome barely had time to say before forceful yet gentle lips of Sesshomaru cut off her words.

The taste he longed for was there again. That taste that was unique to her and only her still remained and Sesshomaru found himself wishing for more. Their kiss deepened as Sesshomaru reached around Kagome to wrap her small frame in his strong arms. Kagome moaned but yanked back when she heard him wince against her lips. Pulling away gasping for breath Kagome looked down at Sesshomaru, worry in her eyes.

"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"

"No Kagome, I am hurt on my back and as long as I apply little pressure there I am fine. Do not worry, I heal fast." Sesshomaru whispered hoarsely, bringing his lips to conquer hers again.

Kagome felt like she was flying in a beautiful dream; a dream she wished would never end. Being careful of his back she fought with him for dominance. But she lost, and giving up she pulled away from him.

"I am never going to let you go." Sesshomaru softly whispered leaning his forehead against hers.

Kagome smiled lightly, "And I you, please Sesshomaru make me feel like I've never felt before."

Sesshomaru smirked knowing full good and well what she meant, "Are you sure Kagome? I don't want to push you to far."

"I've never been more sure." Kagome replied bring her hand to caress his handsome face.

Sesshomaru nodded and once again captured her lips in his. He would make this something neither of them would ever forget.

TO BE CONTINUED!

Rin: The next chapter has a lemon. And that is the chapter where FANFICTION took it down. If you would like to read the chapter go to this URL. It is also posted on my profile, the link to my page on Single Spark. Please visit it. I will be posting the next chapter soon, but with no lemon. Gomen Nasai.

Yasha: Here it is!

Single Spark:

http//kagsess. eternal-adoration. net/fanficstories. php?aid775

REVIEW PLEASE!

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