Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

The Beginning And The End

Chapter 12

"Are you sure you can handle this?"

Kagome sighed and snuggled into Sessho-maru a little further. They were sitting outside enjoying the privacy of the dark evening. The inu youkai sat cross-legged, back against a large tree, with Kagome nestled in his lap. Most of their group was already asleep and Kagome had sensed Sessho-maru's uneasiness so she asked to take a walk. After awhile they settled at the base of this tree and sat in silence. But finally Sessho-maru voiced his concern.

"I'll be fine. Miroku will be there performing the ceremony as well so it won't be entirely on me."

Sessho-maru was not convinced this was such a good idea. Kagome's mental state had been stable enough since coming back to Musashi village, but he wasn't confident that she could handle presiding over Inu-yasha's funeral. And there was still the matter of the kitsune. The youngster of the group had been avoiding them since they arrived, showing up only for dinner and even then, not saying a word.

From what Kagome had told him of her friends' exploits, she was a guardian of sorts for the young kitsune and often protected him against Inu-yasha's wrath. So why, when Kagome needs him most, does he deny her his support? Suddenly Sessho-maru's nose caught the barest flicker of a scent and his eyes narrowed into the darkness, pinpointing the intruder with a glare.

"We're being spied upon."

Kagome found herself deposited on the ground as Sessho-maru leapt forward and disappeared into the bushes. She heard a very familiar scream and rushed after her mate. As she made her way through the bushes, careful not to make her presence known in case there was real danger, she came upon a sight that warmed her heart.

"Put me down, you overgrown dog! I have a right to be here same as you!"

Sessho-maru's face remained impassive as he regarded the apoplectic kitsune within his grasp. "Why were you spying on us?"

"I wasn't spying! I was…..I was just taking a walk!"

Sessho-maru was holding Shippo by the collar and he gave the kitsune a little shake before bringing him up so they were eye level.

"Why are you avoiding Kagome?"

The little kitsune just glared at Sessho-maru and the inu youkai couldn't help but be impressed. He could kill the whelp with such ease it was criminal, but still Shippo stared defiantly.

"Your stubbornness and glare would have done Inu-yasha proud."

Shippo's eyes went wide in shock at the simple statement, and then his anger grew even stronger.

"What would you know about Inu-yasha! You hated him! You wanted him dead! I bet you tricked Kagome into….into…k-killing him! This is all your fault! You took Kagome away and now Inu-yasha! I'm going to kill you!"

Sessho-maru's gaze remained unfazed by the young kitsune's outburst, but Kagome did not. She crashed through the bushes, running for Shippo and grabbing him from Sessho-maru, hugging him tightly.

"Shippo! Stop! You don't know what you're saying!"

Shippo didn't fight the familiar warm arms around him, instead he let go of all the frustration and sadness he'd been carrying inside. Kagome held the crying kitsune, her own tears falling into his chestnut hair.

"Shippo….You need to know everything that happened." Kagome noticed Sessho-maru backing off, giving them their privacy, but no doubt staying close to protect them. "When Inu-yasha told Miroku that he killed me…..he was telling the truth." She felt Shppo's body stiffen, but still he did not fight her off. "Sessho-maru saved me. With Tensaiga."

Shippo looked up at Kagome, his eyes watery and unbelieving. "He….saved you?" Kagome nodded and brushed back some errant hair from his forehead. "A-and Inu-yasha……he….?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

Kagome sighed and hugged Shippo to her once again. "It's complicated, Shippo. But what ultimately happened is Inu-yasha found out that Sessho-maru and I were mates and he….he was hurt and….he didn't mean it, I'm sure…..he….didn't…"

Shippo was having trouble breathing Kagome was squeezing him so tightly. He heard and felt her strangled sobs as her body shook.

"Kagome? Please don't cry. I'm sorry I said all those mean things to Sessho-maru. I didn't know…….I-I'll apologize, ok? Just….please don't cry."

Kagome pulled back and looked down at the young kitsune who looked so guilty. She smiled and kissed the top of his head. "Thank you, Shippo, that's very sweet, but I'm sure he knows you didn't mean it. We're all upset about Inu-yasha."

"Is he? Really?"

"Well….to be honest? No. They never really got along to begin with and once Inu-yasha…."

"I understand." Shippo shifted uncomfortably and fidgeted as he spoke. "Um, Kagome? I was wondering…."

"Yes, Shippo?"

"Well….it's just that…..I remember Sessho-maru mentioning Inu-yasha's being a half-breed as if it were a disease. And I've heard him say how much he hates humans. So…..why….I mean….how did you two….?"

Kagome chuckled and gave Shippo a quick hug.

"Sessho-maru has changed a lot. And Rin should get most of the credit. By taking care of her, he began to see that humans aren't beneath him. He has a whole other side to him that he keeps very well guarded, Shippo."

"So you got to see this other side and…..you fell in love with him?"

"Yes, something like that. It took awhile though."

"I still don't understand why he would take you as a mate, Kagome."

"What?"

"A mate is supposed to bear children and Sessho-maru hates half-breeds so why would he take you as a mate?"

Kagome could only stare, dumbfounded, silent, red-faced and suddenly very uncertain. Shippo is right. He may have changed his view on humans, but not on half-breeds. So why is he with me? Why did he choose me as a mate?

"Kagome?"

Kagome came out of her trance when Shippo began pulling at her clothes. She blinked a few times and offered a weak smile she didn't feel.

"I'm sorry, Shippo, I don't really know what happened. I think this day is finally catching up with me. Why don't we go back to Kaede's and we can talk some more later, ok?"

"What about Sessho-maru?"

"Oh, I'm sure he'll find us. C'mon."

Shippo was still worried about Kagome and it hadn't escaped his attention that she never answered his question, but he nodded his head in agreement and allowed her to lead him back to the house. He noticed she looked behind them once or twice, her brows furrowed, but she never stopped or said anything.

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Sessho-maru had remained hidden during Kagome's and Shippo's talk despite his growing need to interrupt the heart-to-heart. How dare he plant doubts in Kagome's heart about his intentions? He loved her and it was as simple as that. He didn't need or want an heir. He just wanted her. Like Kagome had said earlier, he and Rin and Kagome were a family. He didn't need any others in his life. She looked so upset. She didn't take that little kit seriously did she?

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Kagome lay in her bed alone, listening to the sounds of the night, waiting for Sessho-maru to return. It had been hours since she and Shippo had returned with no sign of him. She'd gone to bed but knew she would not be able to sleep until Sessho-maru was lying by her side.

"You're still awake?"

A silky voice and a slight breeze heralded the arrival of Sessho-maru. Kagome sat up and looked into the shadows, seeing the barest of outlines, but feeling her mate's strong presence wash over her. She smiled at the familiar and comforting feeling.

"I was waiting up for you."

The soft rustle of fabric and the muted sound of clothing hitting the floor were the only clues Kagome had of what was going on, before warm flesh met her own and she fond herself enfolded within the strong arms of her mate.

"Were you able to straighten things out with the kit?"

"I think so. I told him everything and even though he seemed to handle it pretty well, he still has a lot to work out."

"I'm glad you two spoke. I know it was upsetting you."

Sessho-maru nuzzled the nape of Kagome's neck as the kitsune's words echoed in his head.

"I still don't understand why he would take you as a mate, Kagome."

"…..Sessho-maru hates half-breeds…."

"……why would he take you as a mate?"

He growled and squeezed Kagome tighter, a need in him building to claim Kagome, right there, right now, to alleviate any doubts she might have and to get rid of this gnawing insecurity he was suddenly developing. He hadn't returned to Kagome right away because he didn't want to see those eyes that were normally filled with love for him, showing doubt and fear.

"I want you, Kagome."

Kagome gasped as Sessho-maru nipped at the base of her neck, and then rolled her over onto her back, kissing her deeply. His hands roamed over her body, slipping the simple nightshirt up over her hips.

"N-no….they might…..hear…."

"I don't care. We are mates."

"Sessho---"

Kagome's words were swallowed by Sessho-maru's mouth clamping over her own, his tongue invading her mouth and tasting every crevice. She didn't try to protest again, and afterwards, as they lay there together, satisfied, tired and welcoming sleep, she admitted that she really didn't want him to stop. She wanted to feel desired. She wanted reassurance that he truly loved her and wanted her as a mate.

As Sessho-maru started to lose his grip on consciousness, he wondered if Kagome would still be bothered by Shippo's words in the morning, or dismiss them as childish thinking. What would a child know of love? There are no rules when it comes to love, I've learned that, accepted it, and now I have Kagome. She's my life. Sessho-maru turned in a dreamy haze and kissed Kagome's head that rested on his chest.

"Never doubt me, nisou…..never…doubt….."

To be continued….