Author's Note: Okay, here's the chapter that Sesshy's been waiting for! I was originally planning to start on the "Where the hell is Shippo?!" chapter today, but as usual, Sessh grabbed the reins and took over the story. He told me there was something he had to do before we started the next arc, so please be patient with me! As always, thanks for all your reviews, and enjoy chapter 17! WARNING: LOTS OF SUGAR!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to or affiliated with Inuyasha, however this particular story is M-I-N-E! :)

Love's Sweet Sorrow

(Back in the Mirrored World!)

"Do you have to leave? You can travel with us! We really don't mind, Ban!" Sango pleaded desperately.

"I'm sorry sister, but I need to become stronger if I am to defeat Naraku! I will go train with Totosai-san in the mountains. If anyone can sharpen my skills, it is him."

"But you don't know if he will train you or not! What if—"

Bankotsu held up a hand, but his eyes softened. "I will return, Sango. I promise you that," he said gently, wrapping his arms around her in a bear hug.

That is the sweetest thing! Bankotsu makes such a great big brother! I hope nothing happens to him like Kohaku.

The group had returned to Sota's village and were now saying a bittersweet farewell to Sango's brother. The ordeal with Naraku had exhausted the party, and after Bankotsu's mind control incident, Sango was on edge to leave her brother alone. Kagome couldn't blame her though. If it had been Sota, she would have acted the same, too.

Sango sighed, then nodded. She knew all too well the desire to become stronger, and Bankotsu needed the training of the old demon that was once closely connected to Midoriko.

"Sesshomaru," Bankotsu called, catching the silent hanyou's attention.

"Take care of my sister while I'm gone. The next time we meet, it will be on the battlefield to face Naraku!"

The hanyou nodded in acknowledgement before trudging back to Sota's hut.

"Don't worry Bankotsu! We all have Sango's back!" Kagome clenched her fist, earning a smile from the big man.

"Thank you. I will be on my way. Farewell, sister," he said giving Sango one last hug. Bankotsu then headed down the dirt path, not once looking back. Sango watched him until he was out of sight, before heading towards the woods.

"I believe I will go comfort her. Being alone will only make her feel worse," Miroku declared solemnly. In times like this, the man showed his true caring nature, and Kagome felt another pang of homesickness.

"Well, if anyone can comfort Sango, it's Miroku," Kikyou said quietly, as the taijya disappeared in the trees.

"Yeah, I think so too."

Kikyou glanced at her with a strange light in her eyes. "I think Koga and I will take a bath!" she declared picking up the pup.

"What?! I don't need a—"

"Oh yes you do! Let's go Koga-kun!" She walked off in the direction of the nearest spring, sending a quick wink to Kagome. Realization suddenly dawned on her, and her cheeks started to redden.

"How did that girl get to be so sly?!" Kagome huffed, glaring in the direction the girl went.

"You are alone?" Sesshomaru's sudden presence startled her, and she whipped around coming face to face with the hanyou, causing her heart rate to dramatically increase.

"Uh, yeah. Everyone kinda went off to do their own thing," she said nervously.

Sesshomaru nodded, taking a quick look around before asking, "Walk with me?"

Kagome's heart skipped a beat and she silently nodded, knowing she would probably stutter stupidly if she opened her mouth.

Sesshomaru kept a slow pace, and the two walked on in silence before arriving at Goshinboku. Sesshomaru gestured for her to sit on the roots before silently kneeling in front of her.

"Um…what are you doing?" she asked nervously.

"I am thoroughly checking to make sure you are unharmed," he said sniffing her.

"I'm fine! I'm fine! Seriously, I'm okay!" Kagome waved her hands in front of him frantically.

Sesshomaru was silent for a moment before meeting her eyes and declaring, "He touched you."

Kagome quietly gasped. Sesshomaru's expression was a mixture of anger and hurt, and his golden eyes glowed with warmth and concern. Kagome had never seen him make a face like that, and she suddenly yearned to see more of his hidden expressions.

His hand slowly came up and cupped her cheek softly, as he continued to gaze into her eyes. Kagome's breathe caught in her throat, and she suddenly forgot how to breathe. She was falling in love with this man, and no matter how hard Kagome tried, she couldn't stop herself from wanting his love, too.

Before she knew it, she was whispering to herself, "You and Inuyasha are so much alike."

His eyes suddenly hardened, and his expression became cold again as her replied, "I am not my brother."

Stupid! Stupid! Why the hell did you say that!

"I didn't mean—"

Sesshomaru's lips firmly came down and claimed hers in a quick gentle kiss, before he pulled away and gazed into her eyes. "I will not be mistaken for someone I am not."

Kagome gasped. She had accidentally done the same thing Inuyasha had done to her for the past two years.

"I'm sorry," she whispered quietly. "You're not Inuyasha…and I'm not Kikyou."

Sesshomaru cocked his head in confusion. "Why would you mention Kikyou?"

Kagome gave a bitter laugh, before replying, "Because Inuyasha has seen me as Kikyou for the past two years. Everyone says I'm her reincarnation, but I don't believe it. I'm me, and nobody else!" she gritted her teeth as tears from all the hurt of the past came rushing back. She slowly met his eyes and asked, "Do you see me as your Kagome?"

Sesshomaru's eyes widened. "You may not have her memories, but you are still Kagome," he said solemnly.

"So you see me as her?!" she shouted, the tears falling faster.

Sesshomaru shook his head silently. "I never said that," he said softly. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered, "Remember when I told you that I believe love is rare, and that receiving it twice is an even greater gift?"

Kagome silently nodded and starred at him in wonder.

"I would be honored if you would receive my love. I want to be a man worthy of your affections."

Kagome was dumbfounded. Sure she had been asked out a couple of times, and Koga had the habit of telling her she was his woman, but those weren't declarations of love and affection. Sesshomaru's eyes held absolute sincerity, and Kagome's heart was on overdrive from how shocked she was.

Sesshomaru gave her a small smile, then said, "You don't have to give me an answer now. Take your time and think about it." He gracefully stood up and offered her his hand. She blushed, then took his hand, while finding the ground fascinating.

"Come," he said softly, as the warm expression was slowly replaced by the cold mask he always wore.

Kagome followed behind him, intently staring at his back. She wanted to engrave his features into her mind. This beautiful man loved her, and she knew that any girl would be lucky to be loved by him. The problem was, could she truly forget about Inuyasha? And what about her world? Would she have to choose between this world and her own in the end? If she couldn't go home, would she be happy here? Could she really love Sesshomaru?

Other Author's Note: Well, at least I didn't give you a cliffy this time, just a bunch of nerve-wracking questions! Oops. Anyway, episode three for Mirrored is out on youtube, and as promised, I have finished my amv/trailer thing for Mirrored! That thing took me FOREVER, so please go watch it! You can find it under Mirrored (SessKag fanfic) or go to the link on my profile!