Kagome's mind had gone blank. One minute they were discussing different cultures and the next—
—they weren't.
Instantly, the nervous butterflies that had plagued her throughout the day disappeared. She finally understood why people called it the heat of the moment. All she could feel was the burning in her core that extended outward through her body until her skin flushed.
Sesshomaru's lips were soft. After feeling his pronounced muscles and taking a hit from him during their sparring session, Kagome was surprised by the contrast. It made her eager to explore him further, find out everything and anything about the brooding demon lord who, up until very recently, had seemed like an enigma. Kagome was beginning to suspect that part of his persona was merely a mask— one she would enjoy removing, layer by layer.
As they parted, he scanned her face, trying to discern her reaction. Kagome responded with pure instinct. The fact that she had just had her first kiss barely registered. She didn't feel a need to go rushing home and tell Ayumi, Eri, and Yuka. She didn't think about how ironic it was that she was more attracted to a demon lord from the Feudal Era than anyone in her time. Kagome didn't consider any of these things. She threaded her hands in his Sesshomaru's hair and kissed him back.
He snaked his arm around her waist and abruptly dragged Kagome toward him. She gasped, pitching forward. Sesshomaru smiled against her lips before kissing her again.
All thoughts of his intimidating mother, being separated from her friends, and the mountain of homework she had to do faded away. The only things that Kagome was aware of were Sesshomaru's solid chest, the fine strands of his hair, and the overwhelming burst of heat that was threatening to overtake her.
Briefly, she wondered if she was feverish. Had her damp hair given her a cold?
Sesshomaru's mouth descended upon the column of her throat, erasing the question from Kagome's mind. The heat she felt had nothing to do with being sick. The sensation was caused by something far more permanent, something without a remedy.
The realization startled her and Kagome froze.
Immediately, Sesshomaru drew back. "What is it?"
She knew her cheeks were red but, for the first time, it didn't bother her. "You kissed me."
Wow, way to be obvious, girl!
"You kissed me too," he countered.
"I did. I think I wanted to for a while now," Kagome admitted.
"As have I," Sesshomaru returned.
His confession caused a resurgence of butterflies. Kagome wasn't sure what to say. She hadn't expected him to reciprocate her feelings. She'd spent the entire day battling her growing attraction to him. Finding out that he felt the same made her giddy. Kagome couldn't stop smiling.
"So...what now?" she asked.
Sesshomaru brushed her hair out of her face, studying her silently. "Now, you work on your studies and I will attend to court matters. Then, once you are tired, you prepare for bed and rest."
"What about you? What are you going to do?"
"What do you want me to do?"
Kagome bit her lip. "Would you stay with me until I fall asleep?"
"Of course," Sesshomaru agreed.
She smiled. "I guess your mom was right, huh?"
His eyes darkened. "How so?"
"She thinks I like you, though she's probably worried that I'm a gold-digger or something."
Sesshomaru stared at her.
Kagome swallowed nervously, berating herself for rambling. Modern colloquialism was lost on the demon lord. She did not want to have to explain what a gold-digger was. It would invite too many questions and Kagome would much rather spend the night exploring this new stage of their relationship.
"Never mind," she said quickly, waving it off. "The point is that she's correct. I do— like you, I mean. A lot."
"I am quite fond of you as well."
His response had Kagome grinning so wide that her cheeks ached.
"We will speak more in the morning," Sesshomaru decided, placing one last kiss on her forehead. "You need to take care of your studies."
Warmth filled her chest. It wasn't the boiling heat Kagome had experienced from the feel of his lips. The sensation was tender. The feeling lingered, keeping her content when he left her to gather her textbooks and begin her homework. It was wholly unlike the rage she normally experienced. Inuyasha never liked it when she tried to work on her studies. He always yelled, blaming Kagome for the group's slow progress.
Sesshomaru encouraged her. He kept to his word and sat at his desk, pouring over scrolls by candlelight. His diligence was impressive. Kagome had seen his determination in a fight but to see him reading was an entirely different experience. Though Sesshomaru remained meticulous about details, he was calmer when reviewing the scrolls. There was no tension in his form. She had a sudden vision of him wearing glasses and grading papers. Had Sesshomaru been born in the modern era, he would have been the subject of many schoolgirls' fantasies.
The thought of him being pursued by others caused a pang to erupt in her chest. It was an ugly feeling, like the struggle of a monster clawing to be set free. A green monster, Kagome mused as she pulled out her notebook.
She had a suspicion of what the stirrings in her heart were the start of. The practical part of her brain warned her that it was too soon but the other part cheered. If there was one thing time travel had taught Kagome, it was that some things never changed. Each century had war, famine, and unjust systems, but they also had revolutions, scientific discoveries, and hope.
And love.
Her chest warmed. Smiling, she turned to the appropriate page of her textbook.
If she snuck a peek or two at Sesshomaru during her studies, Kagome told herself it was an incentive to complete her work quicker.
Poke.
"Hn."
Poke. Poke. Poke.
One lazy golden eye opened, then the other.
"Sesshomaru?"
"Kit."
"Can I join the dog pile?"
His brow furrowed. "What?"
"With you and Kagome," Shippo clarified. "Can I join your dog pile?"
He was uncertain what a dog pile was but based on context, Sesshomaru assumed the fox wanted to come onto the bed. He gave the kit a nod.
Shippo crawled up and curled into a ball on one of the large pillows by his shoulder.
Sesshomaru blinked, his vision clearing as he looked around. His chambers were quiet except for the steady breathing of those within. Rin was in her cradle and Kagome was tucked under his arm. He grinned when he saw how she was nestled against him. Her breathing was slow and rhythmic. She was not yet awake.
Sesshomaru did not recall falling asleep with her but he was pleased to find she had not moved in the night. She remained facing him with her forehead resting on his chest.
Their current situation was preferable to the one-eyed miko's hut or resting outside against a tree. While he found the wilderness stimulating, Sesshomaru understood the risks of sleeping in the open. He was capable of handling anyone foolish enough to try harming him but he would never put Kagome or the pups in danger.
"Do all packs sleep in huddles?" Shippo asked, his words broken up by a wide yawn.
"Some," Sesshomaru replied.
He knew the wolf tribes did and he had heard tales of the panther clans doing the same. In his experience, sharing a bed was not a common practice for daiyokai families. Those who frequented court followed different standards. It was what Arisu referred to as etiquette. His mother had never permitted him in her bed chambers but Sesshomaru found he did not mind sharing the space.
At least for now.
If and when, she agreed to be his mate, he suspected Kagome would value privacy. On that day, Sesshomaru would need to set boundaries with his staff and the kit. In terms of the latter, it was not a conversation he was eager to have.
Matings were deeply intimate affairs that tended to go on for days. Members of the court typically sought out secluded destinations to ensure no interruptions. Sesshomaru was not prepared to leave the Western Palace or the pups— not with Naraku still alive. For him, there was no safer stronghold than this fortress. He was convinced Kagome would prefer to remain here as well. After all, she had referred to it as home.
The only issue with staying would be separating themselves from everyone else. His attendants would understand. They had been raised in the same culture as Sesshomaru. However, the kit presented a problem.
Explaining mating activities to a child his age did not seem appropriate. Sesshomaru was uncertain how he would communicate their need for privacy. Perhaps it would be best to leave such talks to Kagome. She navigated awkward social situations with more tact than he did.
"My Mama and Papa used to let me sleep with them," Shippo said.
"They cared for you a great deal," Sesshomaru told the kit.
He was quiet for a moment. His tiny paws twitched as he contemplated Sesshomaru's response. "I think they would have liked you," Shippo eventually said.
"I am confident I would have liked them. They raised a gifted son," he replied.
The kit grinned. "They would have liked Kagome too. Everyone likes Kagome."
"Not everyone," Sesshomaru muttered darkly, remembering the cold eyes of Inuyasha's lover.
He had not forgotten about the abomination or his vow to protect Kagome. Dealing with the woman known as Kikyo would require him to leave the palace. Sesshomaru would not risk Kagome for one danger over another. She and the pups were safest here. Once the situation with his mother was resolved, he would return his attention to the matter of the Inuyasha's soul-stealing witch.
"Hey, Sesshomaru? What do you think will happen to Kagome after the Shikon Jewel is restored?" the kit inquired.
"What do you mean?"
"Will she go home to her own time or will she stay here with us? We're her pack, after all."
"That is her decision," Sesshomaru answered
The uncertainty of the situation made him uneasy. Though they had spoken of their agreement for Rin, Sesshomaru and Kagome had never spoken of the future beyond Naraku and the jewel. He knew she had family on the other side of the well. Did she plan to rejoin them once she completed her quest?
"I bet she'll stay here," Shippo mused optimistically. "She likes us, too, right?"
"Of course she does."
"Then that means she'll stay," he said.
As if wanting to join in their conversation, Rin began to fuss.
Sesshomaru slipped out of bed to address his ward. When he leaned over her crib, she gave him a toothless grin and began babbling happily.
"Good morning, little one,"
Carefully, he lifted her into the crook of his arm and carried her over to join the rest of their pack. Kagome's blue eyes opened. He settled down next to her, arranging Rin between them so the infant could not roll away.
"Hi."
"Hello," he returned.
"Sorry that she woke you," the miko apologized.
"There is no need to be sorry. She is ours to care for," Sesshomaru said.
"Ours," Kagome echoed with a smile. Her gaze shifted from his face to where Rin was lying between them. "Good morning, my sweet girl." Then, tilting her head back, she greeted the kit. "Hey, Shippo."
"Morning, Kagome."
"So," she drawled, turning her attention to Sesshomaru, "what is on the docket for today? Do you think it's safe enough for us to leave this room?"
"While you have breakfast, I will speak with the attendants. If my mother is still here, we will need to take precautions."
"Do you think your mom will hurt us?" Shippo asked.
"I believe she will meddle," Sesshomaru replied, "but no harm will come to you while you are under my charge. You have my word," he assured the kit.
Shippo wrapped himself around Sesshomaru's neck. He glanced at Kagome and found her beaming at him approvingly.
Affectionate touches would take him time to adjust to. Sesshomaru had rarely been embraced by his mother and Touga had been too busy to lavish his son with devotion. In the absence of contact, Sesshomaru had deemed the displays unnecessary. After all, his parents were well-respected, powerful members of demon society. If they could function without it, he could too.
Only the reality was that they could not function without adoration, at least not Touga. The Great Dog General had craved affection. Though he never spoke of it, Touga had sought acceptance and recognition from those around him, including his mate and son. It was not until after his death that Sesshomaru had been made aware of his father's desire. The truth made him see Izayoi in a new light.
Perhaps Arisu was correct in her observation. Maybe Sesshomaru was like his father. He enjoyed the kit's embrace. It made him feel needed, appreciated... loved.
"I can't wait for breakfast. I hope there's porridge," the kit exclaimed, throwing himself into Kagome with the same fervor he had when hugging Sesshomaru.
She patted the kitsune on the back, effortlessly returning his embrace.
Sesshomaru admired Kagome's ability to demonstrate compassion with those around her. Her empathy allowed her to connect to others. It solidified her place in their lives— a place built upon a foundation of trust— and she possessed the integrity to remain there.
Not for the first time, Sesshomaru thought about how foolish his half-brother was. Inuyasha had never understood what a rare treasure the miko was. He took Kagome for granted.
Sesshomaru would not.
"I will go to the kitchens to procure us sustenance," he told them, rising from the bed.
Shippo cheered.
"Are we going to be able to train today?" Kagome asked.
"I will ensure we are," Sesshomaru said.
"Good. I was looking forward to it," she responded.
Kagome got to her feet, scooped Rin up, and propped the baby on her hip so she could leave one hand free for the kit.
"Come on, Shippo. If Sesshomaru is bringing us breakfast, we need to wash up."'
The Lord of the West watched them arrange themselves around his washbasin. He never anticipated sharing his personal quarters with one human, let alone two and an orphaned kitsune. Yet, he was not displeased. Having them in his chambers was comforting. Their presence made the dimly-lit room feel less like a cage.
For the first time in centuries, there was laughter in the palace— laughter and love.
Sesshomaru exited into the corridor, the hint of a smile on his serene face. He did not believe anything could affect his positive disposition.
That was until he saw Jaken.
"Lord Sesshomaru," the imp squeaked.
"Jaken," he said tersely. "Would you care to explain the circumstances that brought my mother here?"
His vassal quivered. "It was in your best interest, my lord."
"My best interest or yours?" Sesshomaru countered, his eyes narrowing. "You have disobeyed me for the last time, Jaken. You will leave the Western Lands at once. If I receive word of you returning, I will end your life. Am I clear?"
The imp did not protest. He scurried away, his webbed feet smacking against the flooring as he ran.
Sesshomaru sighed. He still had to deal with the larger issue of his mother. Arisu was undoubtedly in the guest wing. The only question was— how long did she plan on staying?
He descended from the sixth floor down to the visitor's quarters. Arisu was seated in front of a vanity. When his mother saw him in the mirror's reflection, she smiled.
Sesshomaru was unsurprised to find both Ena and Chizu in the room. His mother had grown up with a large staff of attendants. She relied on them more than anyone else.
"Good morning, darling," Arisu purred.
"Mother."
"You haven't redecorated," she remarked. "I would have thought you'd like to update to a style more fitting your own tastes."
"The chamber's appearance is the least of my concerns," he retorted.
"Straight to business then?" his mother prompted.
"I would prefer that you return to your castle in the sky," Sesshomaru answered.
"I'm sure you would. Unfortunately, I won't be leaving until I am certain you have come to your senses."
"I am more than capable of making my own decisions. Your opinion has no bearing on them," he returned.
"Ena, Chizu, please leave us," his mother ordered.
The servants glanced at him. Sesshomaru nodded, dismissing them from the chamber. Ena made sure to shut the doors. He had little confidence that the doors would prevent the palace from hearing their argument.
"Sesshomaru, taking a human as your mate is a waste," Arisu insisted. "Your life will be shortened. The longevity of your blood can only take you so far. If you choose to align yourself with her, your years will shorten."
"I have accepted that."
"Have you?" she questioned. "The bonding part of mating can be painful. When life forces merge, they are intricately woven together. Such a bond cannot be undone. It is forever."
"I am aware of the details. You provided me with the best tutors," Sesshomaru reminded her.
"And you would be happy with having your life cut short for—," she waved her hand in the air, "—that human."
"Can you honestly tell me that you are content living as you are, mother?" he challenged.
"I am comfortable."
"You are bored, lonely, without purpose," Sesshomaru observed. "Otherwise, you would not be here."
She rose from her seat, anger marring her features. "I am here because you are committing the same mistake your father did. He gave up everything for that woman. And for what? So she could get him killed?"
"Izayoi was not responsible for his death. That blame lies with another," Sesshomaru stated.
"If it wasn't for her, Touga would have never been killed. His life force was weakened by her," snarled Arisu.
Sesshomaru had rarely seen his mother lose her composure. Even after his father spoke of his infidelity, Arisu had remained calm. Throughout the process of leaving the palace and raising their son, she never once raised her voice. He had always assumed it was because she did not care.
"You envied her," Sesshomaru surmised.
"I loathed her."
"Because she obtained the one thing you could not: the heart of your mate," he said.
His mother blinked. Sesshomaru felt a shift in the air. Her aura darkened and her scent changed with the effect of her emotions.
"When I met Touga, it was inconsequential. We handled our courting period like an assignment. The process had an objective and an outcome— both of which we fulfilled," Arisu told him.
"When did things change?"
"Right before you were born," she admitted. "There was an attack on the palace. One of your father's adversaries broke in, looking for a way to hurt him. He found me."
Sesshomaru scowled. Regardless of how Arisu had acted, she was still his mother. He did not wish any harm to come to her.
"Did he hurt you?" Sesshomaru inquired.
She shook her head. "He never got the chance. Your father appeared and dealt with him. Before that day, I had never seen Touga fight. The way he defended me against the attack— the way he protected you, his pup —caused my inner beast to purr in satisfaction. That's when I knew I loved him."
"Did you ever tell him of your feelings?"
"No," Arisu responded. "I understood that he did not feel the same. Mates can sense these things."
Sesshomaru frowned.
"Darling," his mother said, taking his hand. "He may not have loved me but he adored you. You were his most guarded possession."
"Until he abandoned me," Sesshomaru growled.
"I agree that, later in life, his choices were questionable but he did care for you— deeply. That's why you need to find Tetsusaiga and—."
"Mother," he said warningly.
She feigned innocence. "What?"
"Do not use sentiment to push your agenda upon me," Sesshomaru said.
"I am only saying that it is your birthright and that half-breed welp—."
"— is my brother," he finished for her. "Tenseiga was left to me. Tetsusaiga belongs to Inuyasha."
"Darling, that girl has convinced you that you don't need the sword."
"I do not."
"No, but it is still yours to inherit. You are Touga's true heir. His blade should be wielded by you," Arisu insisted.
"I already wield his blade," Sesshomaru replied, placing his hand on the hilt of Tenseiga. "Kagome has shown me that the blade is not as useless as I once assumed. It's power saved my life. It is loyal to me. If Tetsusaiga is the same, no amount of effort will make it serve me as it does Inuyasha. This was my father's will. I will not attempt to change it."
"Sesshomaru—."
"You may leave. I have no intention of changing my mind about the blade or the miko," he informed her.
His mother glared at him. "You're making a mistake."
"I disagree. You chose to bury your feelings. In the end, all it did was cause you pain. I will not do the same. I have chosen a different path. You can make peace with my decision or you can continue to wallow in self-pity and loathing. I leave you to determine your own course but know that if you decide to move against me, I will take the necessary action to protect what is mine."
Sesshomaru swept out of the room, leaving his mother to ruminate on his words.
A/N: The response to the last chapter was amazing. Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. I'm starting to feel better. I got full mobility back in my arm, no concussion, and all my preliminary tests came back normal, so that's good news. Thank you to my beta, Lunar_Demise