Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

Ok, so the chapter size doubled this go round but don't get too used to it kiddies. I'm too fickle a gal to maintain a steady chapter length.

The Beginning And The End

Chapter 2

The first thing Kagome became aware of when she regained consciousness was the sound of a young girl's laughter. As she slowly blinked her eyes open, she saw a fire. She didn't see anybody and didn't know where she was, so she didn't want to alert anybody that she was awake yet. She lowered her lids so she would hopefully appear to be sleeping, but could still see what was going on. She listened to the girl's laughter and tried to understand what she was saying.

"Ha! My Lord did you see? I got him!" The girl's sweet laughter continued for awhile and then Kagome heard her squeal in surprise. "Jakan! No fair you cheated!" Jakan! Kagome opened her eyes wide and sat up quickly, but the sudden movement caused her some dizziness and she held her head in her hands. "My Lord! Miss Kagome is awake."

Kagome heard the deep velvety voice behind her, "Thank you Rin. Would you go and fetch some fresh water please?" She heard the enthusiastic girl run off with the unhappy Jakan in tow. "How are you feeling Kagome?"

She slowly lifted her head and saw Sessho-maru standing over her. "My head hurts. I remember falling as I was running away from some bandits. What happened?"

Sessho-maru kneeled down next to her and brushed some hair away from her forehead, checking the wound under the bandage, "I found you before they could do anything else to you. They won't be bothering anyone again." He turned his cold golden eyes on Kagome and she got the message immediately. She couldn't say she disapproved. She didn't even want to think about what they would have done to her if he hadn't shown up.

"Th-thank you Sessho-maru." She was unable to turn her eyes away from his, those golden eyes seeing right into her. Sessho-maru broke the gaze when Rin and Jakan returned with the water. He moved away to sit down on the other side of the fire, silently observing everything.

"Here's some fresh water Miss. Kagome. How are you feeling?" Kagome smiled at the perky young girl and accepted the water gratefully.

"Thank you Rin. I'm a little dizzy, but I'll be fine." Kagome started drinking and as soon as she tasted the cool, sweet water, she realized how thirsty she was. How long had she been asleep?

"I took care of you when Lord Sessho-maru brought you back. I'm really good at healing. Lord Sessho-maru says I have a gift."

"You took care of me?" She felt the bandage on her forehead, "You did a very good job for a girl your age. Where did you learn such skills?"

A shadow passed over Rin's face but it vanished quickly enough. "I was orphaned at a very young age and had to learn to take care of myself. That's how I met Lord Sessho-maru. I found--"

"That's enough Rin. Why don't you start dinner? There are two rabbits over by that rock." Sessho-maru's voice wasn't harsh and Rin gladly did as he asked. Kagome looked over at the self-possessed demon, a smile on her face. "Rin is also a very good cook."

"Hmph!"

Kagome looked over at the noise and saw an indignant Jakan sulking against a tree.

"And as you can hear Jakan is jealous."

Kagome turned her attention back to Sessho-maru. "How did you find me?"

"I was out hunting and heard a commotion. I wouldn't have bothered except I picked up your scent and didn't sense any of your comrades nearby." He studied her awhile before continuing, "What were you doing out there all alone Kagome?"

"I was heading for Musashi." Kagome's head hurt too much and she leaned back against the soft fluffy wrap she recognized as Sessho-maru's.

"That still doesn't explain why my brother or anyone else wasn't accompanying you."

Kagome felt her anger rising again and she closed her eyes to maintain her composure, however her voice hid none of her hostility, "Despite what you and that hanyou you call a brother may think, I am capable of doing things on my own."

Sessho-maru raised an eyebrow at Kagome's words. He knew that she and Inu-yasha had a tumultuous relationship, but he'd never known her to use a derogatory word like hanyou.

"I have never doubted your ability Kagome. I've watched you become quite powerful through the years. But you must admit that it is unusual for any of you to travel alone. And for good reason. Look what happened tonight."

Kagome's face flushed and she was glad she couldn't see Sessho-maru's eyes on her. He was always so in control and very purposeful. Even in anger he had the same cold countenance. How could someone remain so controlled all the time? And why didn't any of that rub off onto Inu-yasha? And how did he tolerate someone like Rin? She was the antithesis of Sessho-maru. First of all, she was human, and Sessho-maru did not like humans. Secondly, she was fun loving and outgoing and probably couldn't keep a straight face even if her Lord Sessho-maru ordered it. But Kagome could tell the girl worshiped her guardian and it seemed to be a good relationship for all involved. All except Jakan, that is. Kagome lifted her head again to look over at the reptilian demon and felt another wave of dizziness hit her. She laid her head back down and took another sip of water.

"Are you alright?"

Kagome didn't look over at Sessho-maru, "Just a bit dizzy." She closed her eyes and waited for dinner in a half-sleep, half-waking state. She heard Rin's voice in her haze and slowly opened her eyes, "Rin? Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you." Kagome slowly sat up and accepted the steaming plat of food. She took a bite and savored the delicious meat and vegetables. "This is wonderful Rin. What did you do?"

Sessho-maru observed Kagome and Rin together, chatting about the dinner. He had always been repulsed by humans until he met Rin. Now he grudgingly tolerated their presence with her help. She had shown him that not all humans were a waste. Indeed, Kagome was quite the opposite. She was smart, willful and seemed to prefer the company of demons. She had even stood up to him on a few occasions on behalf of herself and his brother. The fact that she was still alive after shooting him twice with her arrows was a testament to his appreciation of her. She was an extraordinary woman.

But he couldn't understand why his brother found it so difficult to get along with her. Although he had a theory that it had nothing to do with Kagome personally, but the fact that she reminded him so much of the love he lost so many years ago. He'd lost Kikyo only to have her reincarnation become his ally. But she didn't love him like Kikyo did and he couldn't figure out how to control his misplaced hostility. He imagined seeing the woman who reminded him so much of the woman he loved day in and day out drove Inu-yasha to such levels of insanity. Sessho-maru couldn't imagine acting so foolishly over anyone. He didn't feel the need to have someone to love or love him in return. When he felt the need for physical comfort, he had several options in the form of acquaintances that he had very convenient arrangements with. What more was there? Sessho-maru tuned back into the conversation going on in front of him.

"He was a wolf? Lord Sessho-maru turns into a giant demon dog when he reaches his truest demon form. It's quite beautiful and ferocious. Maybe he'll show you one day."

Kagome smiled at the admiration in Rin's voice, "Actually, I have seen his true demon form. I saw it the first time we met." She glanced over at Sessho-maru, whose eyes narrowed warning Kagome not to take things any further. Kagome just smiled at him, "And yes, he is very impressive."

Kagome returned her attention to the young girl, "Thank you again for dinner Rin. It was delicious. Lord Sessho-maru is lucky to have you." Kagome stroked her hair and the young girl beamed with joy.

"Thank you Miss. Kagome. I like you too."

"Rin, why don't you and Jakan collect the dinner plates and take them to the river to be washed."

Rin nodded at her guardian, "Of course my Lord." Rin jumped to her feet and collected all the plates, "C'mon Jakan! I'll race ya!"

Kagome laughed as Jakan scurried after the girl, cursing the whole way. When she looked over at Sessho-maru, he was studying her again. "What's on your mind Sessho-maru?"

"You." Kagome felt the heat rise to her cheeks. "You've changed a lot since we first met. But one thing that hasn't changed is your confidence and determination." Kagome turned from the golden eyes, not sure what to say. She'd stopped being scared of Sessho-maru years ago, but he still intimidated the hell out of her. And now he was throwing her a curveball by complimenting her. Was he just messing with her mind? "Kagome?"

She looked over at the demon, still unable to articulate anything more than a "Hm?"

"You still haven't told me what brought you to be in the woods alone this late at night."

"I had a disagreement with Inu-yasha."

"About what?"

Kagome's eyes narrowed and wished she could figure out what Sessho-maru was up to. Why was he being so nice to her? Saving her life was one thing. But caring for her and feeding her and complimenting her? There had to be a reason. "He's a bit disillusioned about what my role is within the group. So I cleared up the misunderstanding."

"How so?"

"I grazed his cheek with an arrow. If Miroku hadn't interfered, he'd probably be pinned to a tree again for another 50 years."

Sessho-maru sat back against the fallen tree trunk behind him, adopting a more relaxed position. "Well at least I rank enough in your mind for full body shots and not worthless warning shots."

Kagome just stared at the demon. His face was still the same calm façade as always, but….did he just make a joke? Kagome chuckled, "Does your face ever change?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Every time I see you, whether you're trying to deceive, kill, or you're just being….you, your face doesn't change. You just made a joke and yet….no smile, smirk or anything. Do you ever smile Sessho-maru? Do you ever frown or look surprised?" Kagome sat up more so she could better see the inu youkai across the fire.

"I wasn't joking. I'd be insulted by a warning shot. You either take the shot or you don't. You should never threaten something you're not willing to do."

Kagome smiled, "Like I said, if Miroku hadn't interfered…."

"Would you really have sealed Inu-yasha to the tree? What about collecting the jewel shards? Whether you want to admit it or not, you need Inu-yasha."

"I know. But I would have left him there for a few days of peace and quiet. Maybe then he wouldn't be so fast to take me for granted."

"Did you ever think that maybe he's so tough on you because you remind him so much of Kikyo and he doesn't know how to deal with it?"

"Yeah. We even talked about it once. It ended badly to put it mildly."

"I see."

"Why can't he be more like you? You never lose your temper; you're calm, collected and efficient."

"Don't forget ruthless."

"True. But then again, so is he. I've seen him enjoy the kill. Toying with demons, torturing them until he gets bored and finally kills them."

"I didn't know he had it in him. Although I don't condone playing with a lesser opponent. It lacks taste."

Kagome couldn't help but chuckle. This had to be one of the most bizarre conversations she'd had since coming through the well over three years ago. She put a hand to her head, a small, stabbing pain at her temple. She blinked the pain away and looked back up, but she appeared to be alone.

"Sessho-maru?"

"Behind you." She looked around and found him standing behind her. "Is your head still hurting you?"

Kagome turned back around, her back to him. It hurt too much to strain her neck around to look at him. "Yes. But I'm sure it'll be fine----" Kagome started as she felt Sessho-maru's hands on her temples.

"Just relax. This will make your head feel better." Kagome didn't pull away from him again, but he noticed she was anything but relaxed. He moved his fingertips in a circular motion, applying pressure to her temples and forehead, careful to avoid her wound. He let them work their way into her thick hair and over her scalp. He felt Kagome relax and lean back into him.

Kagome felt so relaxed. Her head no longer hurt and she was having trouble holding herself up. What was Sessho-maru doing to her? She tried to fight the effects of Sessho-maru's massage but she just wasn't strong enough. She leaned back into Sessho-maru and fell asleep.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Kagome woke up just before sunrise still nestled in Sessho-maru's fluffy wrap. She always woke up this time of day. It was so peaceful and she enjoyed the time alone. She sat up and was happy that her head no longer hurt and she wasn't feeling dizzy. She looked over and saw Rin and Jaken sleeping together, curled up under a blanket. But she didn't see Sessho-maru. Kagome stood up and looked around, but saw no indication of which way the demon may have wandered. She didn't want to leave without thanking him again so she wandered off to the side of the camp and began to stretch her limbs. She felt a bit stiff from lying still for so long. After stretching she wiped herself down with some water and a clean towel, and then put some fresh clothes on.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sessho-maru was almost back to the camp when he picked up Kagome's scent in the opposite direction. He found the priestess sitting on a blanket, half naked, washing herself. He concealed himself behind a tree and observed the priestess as she washed first her upper body, then lower body and finally she dressed herself in fresh clothes. He knew he shouldn't be watching her, and he'd never lowered himself to spying before. He'd been offered and seen enough naked females in his life and Kagome's was no more impressive than the others. So why can't I turn away?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

She felt much better when she returned to the smoldering fire and built it up again so she could begin to cook breakfast. Sessho-maru showed up a few moments later and sat in the same spot as last night, against the fallen tree trunk. Kagome smiled at the quiet demon, "Good morning. Did you even sleep last night?"

"I slept enough."

He let his eyes wander over Kagome as she turned back around and tended to the food she was preparing. He couldn't help but see those exposed limbs that he knew were under her miko clothes. Why had he bothered to stop and watch her? He admitted to being curious about the priestess. She was turning into a formidable presence and he made it his business to know as much as possible about such beings. But seeing her naked body, even for that brief time, left him with a strong urge to be near her and touch her.

"Will you be rejoining your comrades today? I could escort you if you like."

Kagome's eyes flashed at him despite the smile on her face, "That's very thoughtful of you, but I'm heading home through the well. I need some time away."

"You miss your family."

Kagome shrugged, her attention on the food, "I guess. I'm going more to get away from Inu-yasha than to see them."

"Don't you have someplace you can hide, here in this time? Some friends to visit?"

"I tried that once. But he found me with that stupid nose of his and we got into an even bigger fight. It's not worth the trouble. I'll just go home."

Sessho-maru continued to study the priestess until his attention was distracted by Rin. She was whimpering in her sleep. He moved over to her side and picked her up, cradling her in his arms. Kagome watched as he leaned down and whispered something in her ear and she slowly blinked her eyes open. "All better?" Rin nodded mutely and squirmed out of Sessho-maru's arms, heading over to sit next to Kagome.

"Good morning Miss. Kagome. What are you making? It smells yummy."

"I'm making an omelet with peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms."

"No meat?"

"Nope."

Rin leaned in and looked worried as she whispered to Kagome, "Lord Sessho-maru will not like it. He eats meat for every meal."

Kagome looked up at the demon lord over the young girl's head, "Oh really? Ok. Well, I'll make him a special omelet with the rabbit from last night. Do you think that will be ok?"

"Oh, that would be perfect!" Rin's countenance livened up at hearing her lord would have his meat.

Kagome and Rin sat next to the fire cooking and talking and Sessho-maru couldn't help but notice how much the young girl enjoyed having the priestess around. It would only make sense that she would enjoy having another female around. After breakfast, while Rin and Jaken were off cleaning the dishes in a nearby stream, Sessho-maru approached Kagome as she rummaged through her bag.

"If you truly do not wish to return home, I have another option for you."

Kagome looked up, startled at the deep voice. It had been so quiet, she thought Sessho-maru had left with the others. She turned around to see him standing a few feet behind her. "What? Another option?"

"Yes. We are heading back to my fortress in the western plains. You are welcome to join us and stay for a few days. I couldn't help but notice how much Rin enjoys your company. I know she misses having another female around."

Kagome stands up and stares at the demon in awe. She tilts her head and slowly smiles, "Are you serious? You're inviting me to stay in your home?"

"It's merely a beneficial arrangement for both of us. If you do not wish to---"

"No! I'd love to see your fortress. And I enjoy Rin's company as well. She reminds me of my little brother. Thank you Sessho-maru." Kagome turns back to her bag and begins shuffling through it again, not really looking for anything this time, just making it look good as she tries to contain her excitement at seeing Sessho-maru's fortress.

To be continued….