Timmain wondered if the night before had all been a dream when she woke up alone the next morning. Everything was a blur when she tried to remember that night but the way Sesshomaru had made her feel was still vivid in her mind. All the men she had ever taken to her bed had never made her feel so alive and exhilarated. They had only been able to satisfy a carnal need or for minor amusement as she accepted them as part of her reward for ridding a village of a demon. She remembered the men being all too willing and some had even made proclamations of their love to her. But she cared for none of them. With Sesshomaru it had felt like they were the only two beings in existence and there was no such thing as a demon or a human demon slayer.

Getting up Timmain reached for her recently scrubbed clothes and dressed. Breakfast was provided for her and as well as the rest of her provisions she would need for her journey. When everything was together Timmain looked around the room to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. The whole time she had been getting things ready she had forced herself not to think about Sesshomaru. But now as she looked around the quiet room she wondered where he was and if she'd be able to see him one last time. Sighing she picked up her pack and left.

Rin after saying her good-byes pointedTimmain in the direction where Inuyasha and his companions were. So after one last look for a sign of Sesshomaru, Timmain went to return the Shikon jewel shard.

She hadn't traveled far before she ran into Inuyasha. He was standing in the middle of the path she had been walking down with his arms crossed and tapping his foot.

"Sesshomaru said you had something for me," he said impatiently.

"I do," Timmain said a little surprised that Sesshomaru had gone to get Inuyasha. She pulled out the Shikon jewel shard she had retrieved from Gulden's neck. Reaching out to hand it to Inuyasha she pulled it back quickly out of his grasp when he went to reach for it.

"I never did thank you for helping me," Timmain said smiling. "It was very kind of you to help a damsel in distress."

"Yeah, whatever," Inuyasha sniffed. "Just give me the damn shard."

Timmain handed it back without pulling it away again.

"Inuyasha, do me a favor," Timmain asked. "Keep an eye on Sesshomaru for me. Make sure he stays out of trouble."

"Why would I want to do that?" Inuyasha cried.

"Nobody needs to keep an eye on me," Sesshomaru said as he appeared behind Timmain.

"I knew you were around somewhere," Timmain said not turning around to look back at Sesshomaru.

"Hey, how come you could sense him and I couldn't?" Inuyasha asked a little indignant by that fact.

"Mind your own business Inuyasha," Sesshomaru commanded. "And shouldn't you be on your way," he said directing his last comment toward Timmain.

"So eager to get rid of me?" Timmain asked, lifting an eyebrow as she looked back at Sesshomaru. She kept her eyes on him as he walked up beside her.

"I don't need a demon slayer wandering around getting in my way," he said not looking at her as he continued walking past her.

"Looks like I have an escort," Timmain said quietly to Inuyasha as she followed Sesshomaru. "Good-bye Inuyasha. This is a beautiful country. Protect it well."

Inuyasha watched as Timmain and Sesshomaru disappeared over a hill trying to understand what their recent exchange was all about. Sesshomaru did seem eager to get rid of Timmain yet it didn't affect her at all. Tired of trying to figure it out Inuyasha left muttering to himself to catch up with Kagome and the others.

As Timmain followed Sesshomaru in silence she watched him glad for this last opportunity to see him. It gave her a chance to take in every detail of Sesshomaru to remember. Finally, when she felt they were far enough away from Inuyasha, Timmain broke the silence.

"So, Sesshomaru. Was it my imagination or did I detect a little jealousy from you back there? You didn't seem too pleased with me talking to Inuyasha for so long," Timmain said smirking knowing for sure she'd get some kind of reaction from him.

She was right. Sesshomaru, moving too fast for Timmain to react though, grabbed her by the arm and gently pushed her against a tree.

"You talk to much," Sesshomaru said his eyes narrowed as he leaned in close, his forehead almost touching Timmain's.

"I know," Timmain said enjoying the closeness as he pinned her to the tree with his body. "What do you plan on doing about it?" She teased slipping her hand behind his head.

"I plan on silencing you," he answered as he bent down to kiss her.

That exhilarated feeling swept through Timmain as she held Sesshomaru close. She didn't want to let go but she knew she would have to and an overwhelming sadness began to take hold of her heart. They slowly separated and Timmain rested her head on Sesshomaru's chest listening to his heartbeat. Closing her eyes she tried to keep in the tears that threatened to spill.

"Are you trying to tempt me from leaving?" She asked looking up at him.

"Maybe," Sesshomaru said as he kissed her again passionately one last time.

"It almost worked," Timmain said sadly, breaking away from him as she looked longingly into his eyes. Slipping away from him she started to leave.

"Timmain," Sesshomaru called out after she had walked a few feet.

Timmain turned around and found herself faced with the point of Sesshomaru's sword.

"Watch your back," he instructed. "Naraku knows about us. We could be used against each other. Remember that. Don't fall for anymore tricks that would end up luring you back here."

Timmain understanding his meaning nodded. "I understand," she said at last. "Farewell." Turning back around Timmain started walking away. Without looking back she continued on her journey home as two tears dropped from the corner of her eye.

Sesshomaru watched as Timmain's retreating figure grew smaller. Returning the sword to the sheath he turned around and walked away in the opposite direction.

The End

That's it! It's done!I want to thank all my readers and reviewers. It's good to see that people enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. I might write a sequel bringing Timmain back. I have a couple of ideas but they need some pondering. Not quite sure if it'll work at this moment. But we'll see! You never know when inspiration will hit!