Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

Very short chapter. I apologize. Thanks to all who are enjoying the story, it makes me feel good to know that I'm not wasting my time. If just one person is enjoying my story, then I haven't wasted my time. Thanks again!

A/N: I read Ceres so I took the story of the fisherman and the angel from there. I was feeling lazy and didn't feel like making up my own story.

Red Kitsune Flames: Sessho-maru strikes me as the type who knows a lot more than he lets on. If he's supposed to be a ruler of any sort of territory, he should know what's going on around me, yes?

The Beginning And The End

Chapter 3

Sessho-maru watched from the window as the two females laughed and talked and tended the garden. They seemed to have become the best of friends in the past three days and it made him happy to see Rin so happy. Not that she was unhappy with him, but he couldn't offer her the same companionship as Kagome. Rin needed a positive female presence in her life and Kagome was an excellent choice. She was strong, determined, and smart and had gained enough life experience to guide Rin through whatever trials she may encounter as she becomes a young woman.

And Kagome seemed to benefit from Rin's companionship as well. She had mentioned a little brother she left behind in her own time, and it seemed that Rin was filling that hole in her heart. Sessho-maru studied the priestess as she showed the young girl how to properly plant some seeds. She seemed so happy and carefree. She was smiling and laughing and completely at ease. There was no tension from her current mission of collecting jewel shards and defeating Naraku. Was this what she was like at home? But when she talked of going home, she didn't seem overly excited about it. Maybe it was Rin's effect on her. Whatever it was, it suited her.

Kagome sat back and watched Rin do as she instructed. When she looked up into the sky, she caught sight of Sessho-maru standing in a window looking down at them. She smiled and waved at the demon, then went back to Rin. She hoped that her cheeks were red enough from working outside that her blushing didn't show. Every time in the past three days that she'd caught Sessho-maru watching them, she'd blushed. She couldn't help it. Those golden eyes just seemed to have an effect on her that she couldn't hide. But why? She hadn't been scared of him since their first meeting and they've encountered each other enough in the past couple years to actually develop a bit of a rapport. But suddenly, Sessho-maru made her blush.

She looked up again and he was gone. As her and Rin finished up their gardening, she thought about how happy she was here at Sessho-maru's fortress. She and Rin spent the days preparing meals, gardening, playing, or just exploring the surrounding area. She'd spent some time with Sessho-maru in the evenings, either talking or sitting in silence as they read. She hadn't known this kind of contentment since before coming to the feudal era.

Kagome and Rin gathered up their tools and headed inside, preparing to make dinner. Yes, this life makes me happy. She reached out and ran a reassuring hand through the young girl's hair before she bounded ahead of her and into the fortress. A small frown appeared as she thought about the immediate future, knowing her idyllic life would be coming to a screeching halt very soon. Oh well. Until then, I'm going to enjoy my newfound peace and happiness.

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Kagome wandered the large hallway, hoping she was heading in the right direction. She'd gotten lost twice in the past week and she really didn't think she could handle the embarrassment of a third time. As she rounded the corner, she sighed in relief. Those are definitely the doors to the library. Whew! Kagome opened the large wooden door and wasn't too surprised to find Sessho-maru sitting by the fireplace reading. She smiled at the demon lord dressed in simple pants and a tunic, hair tied back, reclined by the fire with a book. When he looked up at her, she marveled at his golden eyes glittering in the firelight.

"Good evening Kagome."

"Hello. I'm sorry I disturbed you. I can leave if---"

Sessho-maru gestured for her to sit next to him. "Not at all. Please, join me."

"Thank you." Kagome sat down and leaned over, looking down at the book in his hands. "What are you reading?"

"It's the telling of a local legend. It's the story of a fisherman who finds the raiment of an angel and uses it against her. He forces her to marry him and bear his children."

"That's horrible. Why did she stay with him? What was so special about the raiment?"

"Without her raiment, an angel may not reenter heaven." Sessho-maru saw the sad look in the priestess's eyes and he put the book aside. "Perhaps you would like to read something a little less horrible?"

"Oh! No, don't let me stop you from reading what you like. I can find something else." She got up and started to search through the many books along the wall. It didn't take her too long to find something and she returned to sit by the fireplace, several feet opposite Sessho-maru. She gave Sessho-maru a quick smile and turned her attention to the book.

Sessho-maru watched Kagome as she sat there reading, the firelight giving her a warm orange glow. Once again, for reasons unknown to him, he found himself wanting to be close to this priestess. But would she allow it? She seemed comfortable in his presence, but…..

"Do you mind if I read with you?"

Kagome looked up, confused. "I'm sorry?"

Sessho-maru crawled the five feet separating them and sat next to Kagome, their shoulders touching. "I would like to read this story with you. Is that ok?"

"Um…sure." Kagome tried to keep her blushing under control but she failed miserably. She turned her attention back to the book desperately trying to concentrate on the words and not the inu youkai next to her. He was so warm. Almost as warm as the fire. She felt a soft tickle as a few silvery strands brushed against her ear as Sessho-maru leaned in to read the book.

Sessho-maru could smell Kagome's nervousness. But there was something else there too. Could it be? He inhaled once more to confirm his suspicions, enjoying the smell of ringo blossoms mixing with her emotions.

The pair sat by the fire and read through three stories together, talking about the stories and whatever else came up during the conversations. Several hours had passed when Kagome yawned and stretched.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess it's getting kind of late. I better get to bed." She stood up and looked down at the demon. "Thank you for a lovely evening Sessho-maru. Goodnight."

"Kagome." Sessho-maru was by her side in a blink and Kagome gasped in surprise, the movement so quick she didn't even see him move. "I apologize for startling you. I wanted to offer to escort you back to your room. I wouldn't want you to get lost again."

Kagome could swear she saw Sessho-maru smirk at his comment, but it was gone as fast as it appeared. She chuckled as she shook her head. "I'm not going to live that down am I?" She slipped her arm within his and started dragging him to the door. "Alright, come on. I'm too tired to find my way back anyway."

Sessho-maru was surprised as the priestess took hold of him and began dragging him with her. As they walked down the hallway, finally side by side and at a normal pace, Sessho-maru realized he liked the feel of Kagome next to him. He liked spending time with her. But sooner or later she had to leave and return to Inu-yasha and her friends. Then what? He had a feeling that inviting Kagome to his fortress had repercussions he didn't plan for.

To be continued….