Author's Note: Ok, this has got to be my favorite chapter, so far! XD Since I've started back to college, I won't be able to release daily, but I will aim for at least 2 to 3 times a week with mirrored and hopefully once a week with WYLTBM (this title is seriously too long!) Nothing else to report, so enjoy chapter 21 (^v^ I made it!) and please review!

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

Foxy Flirt

"KAGOME!" Sesshomaru's roar cut through the mountain like thunder as Kitsune scrambled to intercept the group closing in on their home. "Move!" he commanded as his feet shot forward, ready to slash anyone who got in his way.

A lone Kitsune stepped forward, and Sesshomaru instantly recognized his smell. With a vicious snarl, the hanyou lunged towards Shippo, claws extended to deliver a deadly slice. The boy smirked and launched a large fireball straight towards Sesshomaru, barely missing his ear by only a few inches as he dodged. Sesshomaru stopped and leveled a glare at the chuckling Kitsune.

"Seems your bark is worse than your bite, mutt." Shippo crossed his arms and studied the hanyou, keenly.

"You haven't seen my bite yet foolish fox." Sesshomaru flexed his claws for effect.

"Haha, relax would ya? Your women are fine…for now; if you cooperate that is."

"Get to the point."

"Geez, what a kill-joy. Our leader wishes to speak to you privately, so follow me. Oh, and try not to attack anybody on the way. The old hag wants negotiations to go smoothly, and I don't want any more work than I've got, ok?"

Sesshomaru stayed silent, then turned to find his companions slowly making their way up to the top of the slope.

Miroku bend over panting, then glanced up at Sesshomaru and shouted, "D-don't…ha…ha…worry a-about…ha…ha…us! We'll be…ha…ha… r-right…ha…ha…behind you!"

Sesshomaru nodded then turned back to the Kitsune, who was scratching his ear in boredom. "Proceed."

The Kitsune led him to the large cave that held the leader's mansion, but Sesshomaru was too busy sniffing for Kagome to admire the magnificent structure. He pushed past the Kitsune and headed in the direction of Kagome's scent.

"Hey!" Shippo shouted as he was left behind. "Damn dog," he muttered to himself and followed after Sesshomaru, praying there wouldn't be a commotion in the near future.

Sesshomaru didn't stop until he was in front of Kagome, and she was safely secure in his arms.

xxx

"Sesshomaru!" Kagome squeaked when she realized she was pressed against his chest. She could feel his heart beating rapidly, and his muscles tensed as though he was ready to spring from the room any moment. She started rubbing slow, comforting circles into his arm until she could feel him relax against her. She beamed a reassuring smile, then patted his arm softly. Sesshomaru reluctantly let her go, but kept a hand pressed lightly on the small of her back.

Meanwhile, Ukitake was watching the scene with keen amusement, until she cleared her throat to gain their attention.

"Oh! I'm sorry, this is Sesshomaru! He's my…umm…guardian!"

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her, but stayed silent. Instead, he stepped in front of her and bowed to the lady.

"Hmm, it seems this dog does have some manners, unlike that father of his." She bent her head in acknowledgement, then reseated herself. "Shippo, bring us some tea," she told the boy just as he was walking in the door.

"Wha—why do I have too—"

"Do I hear complaints?" Her eyes narrowed dangerously as the boy scrambled to do her bidding.

"That will not be necessary. We will be leaving shortly," Sesshomaru declared in a solemn tone.

"Oh? But you haven't even heard my request."

"Your troubles do not concern us. I will not endanger my companions needlessly."

"Ah, but it does concern you. I'm sure you know what this is." Ukitake held up a shard of the Shikon no Tama. Sesshomaru showed no emotion, but a slight twitch of his eyebrow gave away his turmoil. Kagome gently grabbed his arm and nodded up at him. "It's alright, Kikyou and I can handle this!"

Kikyou, who was still sitting on the floor, nodded her agreement and spoke seriously, "Her request is not unreasonable. We may even benefit from this alliance."

Somehow, either Kagome's pleading or Kikyou's logic changed his mind. He motioned for Kagome to sit, then gracefully folded himself into position beside her. He crossed his arms, but he made sure their knees were slightly touching.

Kikyou rose slowly, then turned to Ukitake with a bow. "If you don't mind, I'll excuse myself to find our companions. I'm sure they would like to know what is going on."

"Certainly! You may ask any of the guards outside to accompany you." Kikyou exchanged a look with Sesshomaru before heading out the door to track down their friends.

"Well then, let's get down to business! These sweet young girls have agreed to help us find our enemy's jewel shards during our next battle. In exchange for their services, I will allow you to keep whatever shards they have in their possession. I ask for nothing more than that. It is your decision whether to join us in battle, but we will not ask for your aid." Ukitake held up her head in a show of pride and waited for the hanyou's reply.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes and pondered the proposal. It definitely had its benefits, but Sesshomaru was not willing ready to trust the tribe at present. "Will you allow us some time to consider your proposal?"

"…Of course, take all the time you require." Ukitake rose just as Shippo was returning with tea. "You're late you useless boy!"

Shippo grumbled, but thought better of snapping at the old fox. Kagome felt a bit sorry for him and gave him a sweet smile. "Thank you for bringing us tea Shippo!"

The Kitsune met her eyes, then instantly averted them, blushing mightily. "H-here," he mumbled handing her a cup. Sesshomaru sent him a warning glare, but took the tea that was offered.

He even drinks tea gracefully! I was a bit worried about how Sesshomaru would act toward Ukitake-sama, but I'm glad things turned out so well. As far as I know, no one's gotten hurt yet! He's so different from how Inuyasha acted when dealing with others. Someone always ended up bleeding…

"Thanks again, Shippo!" She smiled cheerfully as she handed the cup back to him. Their hands briefly touched, and Kagome could have sworn she heard a low growl.

Sesshomaru was on his feet in an instant. "We're leaving," he declared holding out a hand for her, but his eyes were focused on the defiant look in the Kitsune's eyes.

"Already? Well, it would be too troublesome to have you go back down the mountain, so stay the night in one of our guest residences. We have many caves set up for that purpose. Your friends should be settled in one by now." Ukitake motioned for Shippo to lead the way, watching him closely as he brushed past Kagome with a far-off look in his eyes.

"We will accept your hospitality, however we need no escort." Sesshomaru grabbed Kagome's hand, then pushed past Shippo, giving the boy another fierce glare before heading out the door. Shippo flexed his claws but a warning growl from Ukitake halted the boy.

"Sesshomaru, you're walking too fast!" Kagome tugged her arm, but Sesshomaru kept his pace, not once glancing back.

He's in a bad mood; a really bad mood! But why?! Did I say something wrong? Is he mad that I agreed to Ukitake's request without his consent? I don't want him to be mad at me! And I'm not sure how I'm supposed to act in front of him after that confession! Ugh! Why are guys so complicated?!

Sesshomaru pulled her along until they came to a small cave on the outskirts of the mountain. For the moment the two of them were alone in the dark, and suddenly, Kagome was pressed against the back wall of the cave as Sesshomaru loomed over her. His arms were one either side of her and his breathe was hot and rough against her neck.

"S-Sesshomaru? What are you—"

Kagome felt a sharp prick on her neck, and she gasped in shock. "Ouch! Did you just bite me?!"

"Quiet…" His tongue softly licked the small wound and the contact sent a jolt throughout Kagome's body. "S-Sesshomaru…" she panted softly, her legs turning to jelly. "W-What did I…?"

"…The fox was too bold in his advances, and you were quick to show him favor."

"W-wait! You mean Shippo?! But I didn't—"

Another prick and Kagome clenched her fists in Sesshomaru's haori. "Ouch! Stop that!"

He licked the wound again, causing Kagome to tremble slightly. "You will not speak to the Kitsune again, understood?"

"You can't—"

"Understood?" Sesshomaru raised his head and gazed at Kagome with a strange look in his eyes.

Wait…Could Sesshomaru actually be…jealous?! But should I be happy or upset about this?! I mean, it's really nice to have a guy be protective of me, but I don't want another Inuyasha/Koga incident! And Shippo is my…well, I'm not sure. I guess "friend" would be the right word, but somehow, I still see him more as my "little Shippo" than anything. And Sesshomaru needs to learn that things can't always go his way! I'll go along with it for now, since he's this worked up, though.

Kagome sighed. "Alright."

Sesshomaru nodded his approval, then sat against the wall and placed Kagome in his lap.

"Wait a minute! Now what—"

"Sleep." Sesshomaru closed his eyes and pushed Kagome's head against his chest.

"I can't sleep in this position!"

He cracked open an eye and replied. "You can, and you will."

"Well, what about the others?! We have to go find them!"

"Their scent is nearby. Now rest."

"B-but!"

"Kagome…" He gazed into her eyes softly with a look that said he would not be swayed.

"Fine, have it your way…" she mumbled and lay her head against his chest, too conscious of him to sleep. After a while, he tenderly ran his fingers through her hair in a soothing motion that somehow put Kagome at ease. She closed her eyes and decided to enjoy this moment of being treasured by someone that had unexpectedly become precious to her. Kagome felt a low growl in his chest, but it wasn't threatening. He was trying to comfort her with these gentle gestures, and it was working. She breathed in his scent deeply just as the last traces of her consciousness slipped away.

Other Author's Note: My friend as currently posted five episodes for mirrored, so please go watch them if you're interested, and if you do watch them, thanks for the support!