Sesshomaru was fixated on Kagome. The tiniest details were magnified from the way the steam clung to her face— making her skin dewy —to the highlights in her cerulean eyes. His ears were ringing. The only noise Sesshomaru heard was her confession as it echoed in his mind.

I love you.

She was the first person within memory to have ever uttered those three words to him. For centuries, Sesshomaru had sought validation from his father, understanding from his mother, and acceptance from the court. He had obtained none of those things, so he forged his own path. Sesshomaru had forsaken the path set before him. He had known it would never make him happy. In his aimless search for satisfaction, his existence had become one lonely adventure after another.

But not anymore.

He no longer required validation, understanding, or acceptance from those who were unwilling to provide it. Kagome gave him all those things freely. She had not abandoned him when their relationship became complicated nor did she expect him to bend to her will. Kagome had chosen him— loved him. Her sentiment, once so foreign and unobtainable, felt as fresh and rejuvenating as the bath they had shared.

Warmth filled his chest. Pride and pleasure entwined within. Sesshomaru had decided and, now, Kagome had as well.

He surged forward, cradling her head with his hand before pressing his lips to hers.

Kagome leaned into him, bringing her hands to his shoulders just as she had done during their first kiss. Sesshomaru felt the fabric of her robe against his torso and smirked. Unlike that time, there were scant layers separating them. Water seeped from his chest into the silk, darkening the garment where they were pressed together. If it bothered Kagome, she did not say so.

Her fingers were curled around his shoulder blades, nails digging into the pale flesh as she drew closer.

His hand dropped to the ties of her robe.

"Ena's outside," Kagome whispered.

"She will be discreet," Sesshomaru assured her.

"Shippo and Rin—."

"—are safe with her and A-Un," he reminded her, before nipping at the underside of her jaw.

When she spoke his name, it came out in barely audible broken syllables. He felt the heat rising off her skin, smelled the change in her floral scent, and heard the pace of her heartbeat hastening. Sesshomaru stared into her eyes, silently asking permission before proceeding with undoing the ties.

This time, Kagome did not stop him.

In the glow of the bathhouse lamps, her skin appeared golden. His eyes followed the smooth, supple lines of her body, tracing her outline from head to toe before returning to meet her gaze.

Ours, ours, ours, his inner beast chanted possessively.

Sesshomaru felt the stirrings of change in his core. His blood was calling for him to claim her. It would be so easy to pick Kagome up, strip her out of the silken robe, and take her. No one could refute his decision to have her as his mate— not his mother, not the courts, no one. The deed would be done. It would be permanent, sealing their life forces together forever.

Kagome's fingers brushed across his cheek markings and he blinked. The heady haze overpowering him abated.

He did no care for the opinions of others, especially those who would oppose him, but Sesshomaru would not dishonor Kagome. This was as much her choice as it was his. Mating was the union of two. He did not recognize any instances of binding where one had not given their consent. Sesshomaru would not be ruled by his urges— no matter how insistent they were.

"I want you to stay," he told her, dragging the tip of his nose along the length of her neck. He pressed a kiss at the juncture of her collarbone. "Your friends respect you. The palace attendants value you. Our pups adore you. You have a place in this world. And I am selfish enough to admit that I wish to keep you. I desire to take you as my mate."

Kagome shifted back. She searched his face, eyes wide and lips parted. "Sesshomaru, that's— you can't undo something like that. Ever."

"I am aware."

"And you're sure?" she asked.

"I am."

He was not offended by her surprise. His confession had startled her. She still did not understand her worth— an error he would take great pleasure in remedying. Once she accepted, Sesshomaru vowed to show her every day. He would cherish her for the remainder of his life.

"I...I don't know what to say."

"Yes," Sesshomaru prompted.

Her gaze turned watery. "I can't."

The oppressive heat that had cocooned them was not strong enough to protect him from the chill of her response.

"Why?"

"Naraku is still out there and—."

"We will deal with him," Sesshomaru promised.

"—and Kikyo," Kagome persisted with a knowing look.

"She cannot live if you are to survive the battle," he informed her. "It is doubtful that she could remain among the living once we mate. Such bonding requires all of both parties. Either she willingly gives up the part of your soul she took or it will be ripped from her."

"I can't do that to Inuyasha," Kagome protested.

"My brother will manage. No matter how much he wishes otherwise, Inuyasha is aware of the truth. He knows what will come to pass," Sesshomaru assured her.

"But how can I ask that of him? I can't tell him to give up the person he loves so I can be with mine."

"The woman he loves left this world fifty years ago. What exists now is merely a shell of the person he cared for. She is not the real priestess, only a silhouette. Once she passes on, both that woman—," Sesshomaru could not bring himself to call her by name, "—and Inuyasha will be free to grieve. My brother needs to accept that though their ending was cruel, it is in the past. He cannot continue to linger there. He needs to move forward. It is the natural cycle of things," Sesshomaru explained.

"Do you think he will?" Kagome questioned.

"I think he has learned that he is capable of more. Your friendship has granted him opportunities he would not have otherwise. With time, I believe he will be able to embrace that," Sesshomaru shared.

Her lips quirked. "You care about him."

"He is my brother."

"Half brother," she reminded him, smirking.

He narrowed his eyes. "I would appreciate talking about my brother another time— one when we are not bare to each other."

"I'm glad you let go of your grudge," Kagome told him, wrapping her arms around him. She pulled Sesshomaru close, tucking her head under his chin.

"My hunt for Tetsusaiga was misguided," he admitted, looping his arm around her waist. "Loyalty is an uncommon trait. I could no sooner turn that blade against Inuyasha than my mother could turn you against me. It is a fruitless endeavor."

Kagome hummed, nuzzling against him. "I don't want to go back to being enemies. I like this side of you."

"You were never my enemy."

She laughed. "You tried to kill me."

"You shot a purified arrow at me," he retorted.

"Touché."

"Would you feel more at ease if we waited until Naraku has been eliminated?" Sesshomaru inquired.

Kagome straightened up, meeting his eyes. "Yes."

He sighed.

"It's not because I think I'll change my mind or anything like that," she said quickly. "I want to do this the right way,— if there even is such a thing, —and I can't give you all my attention when I have a power-hungry half-demon after me and my friends. I want to be with you. I want to have a life with you and Rin and Shippo."

Sesshomaru kissed her forehead. "Then I will wait."

"Really?"

He nodded. "I desire to spend my days with you as well. If you require time to get your affairs in order so that we may be together, I will respect your decision."

Kagome framed his face between her palms. "Did I mention that I love you?"

"Perhaps once or twice."

"I love you," she repeated before sealing her lips over his.

When they finally managed to untangle themselves from each other, Kagome had to have Sesshomaru help her out of the bathhouse. Her legs were shaky after her confession and his proposal. She still couldn't believe he had asked her to stay.

"You guys were in there a while," Shippo remarked. "What took you so long?"

"I was washing my hair," Kagome lied. Wanting to get the kitsune's attention away from their absence, she turned to Ena. "Any problems?"

"No, she slept the entire time," the lizard demoness revealed, handing Rin over.

"Thank you, Ena," Sesshomaru said.

"Of course, my lord. They were both very well behaved," she added, smiling at Shippo.

"I hope so," Kagome commented, eyeing Shippo skeptically. She loved the little fox but he tended to toe the line between mischievous fun and pure trouble.

"I was good, Kagome. Honest," Shippo promised, crossing his heart.

"He was," Ena confirmed.

"Thanks," Kagome replied. "And thank you too, A-Un."

The dragon lowered both of its heads to rub against Kagome's arms. His docile nature reminded her a bit of Buyo. Her cat also enjoyed leaning into her. It was his favorite way to seek attention.

"It is late. We should return to our chambers," Sesshomaru suggested.

"Okay." Kagome adjusted Rin in her hold and began walking towards the palace doors.

She didn't see the look Ena shot at Sesshomaru or see him unsuccessfully try to hide his grin from the demoness.

Shippo strolled along beside Kagome, telling her about how he practiced his transformations for Ena. First, he took on Kagome's appearance, then he shifted between each of their former traveling companions until he started working through all of the residents of the Western Palace.

"Were they full-body transformations?" Sesshomaru inquired.

"Yep," Shippo replied.

"Any tail?" Kagome asked.

"Just the one time," the kitsune admitted.

Ena laughed. "He was trying to be you in demon form," she told Sesshomaru.

"Then a tail is acceptable," he told Shippo.

"In that case, all of my illusions were perfect."

"Way to go, Shippo!" Kagome cheered.

"You've made vast improvements, kit. You should be proud," Sesshomaru acknowledged.

The kitsune turned to look up at the demon lord. "Are you?"

Sesshomaru nodded. "I am."

Shippo beamed.

Warmth flooded through Kagome and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Sesshomaru had no idea how much it meant to her that he was supportive of Shippo.

After the kitsune had lost the last of his family, Kagome had tried to provide a stable setting for him, but she knew living here was better than hunting jewel shards. Shippo needed to be nurtured and advised. Having a strong male role model to look up to was certainly making a big impact on him. Shippo had already achieved far more in the West than he had with Inuyasha.

Probably because Sesshomaru doesn't yell at him all the time, Kagome thought.

Mama and Gramps had always been kind to her when she struggled with school. They never raised their voice or resorted to punishments.

Gramps was convinced that her path was to maintain the shrine. He didn't view her schooling as critical as most families. Mama believed Kagome's academics were important but she didn't condone rigorous study schedules or giving up time with friends and families to achieve top-tier grades. Kagome was grateful her family was so understanding. If they had been more like Eri's family, her travels across the well never would have continued.

Their acceptance allowed her to come and go as she pleased. She wanted the same for Shippo and Rin. They deserved to grow up in an environment that fostered their individuality while still providing them an education. Sesshomaru could give them that.

Kagome smiled over Shippo's head at the demon lord. He was already staring at her.

She waited for her cheeks to heat but the color didn't rise. Probably because of their rendezvous in the bathhouse. Or maybe she was finally getting used to his attention.

Then Sesshomaru grinned and Kagome felt her entire face go red.

So much for getting used to it.

On the rare occasion that Sesshomaru did smile, Kagome found the sight startling. She definitely never expected to be the reason why. Of course, she'd be lying if the sight hadn't given her a boost of confidence. There was something so uplifting and reassuring about seeing him happy.

The sullen loner she had labeled him as was not accurate at all. Sesshomaru was just selective about who he allowed into his life— and for good reason. If Touga's abandonment hadn't been enough, Arisu's attitude would have made up for it.

She was glad Sesshomaru had given her a chance to get to know him. The part of himself he kept closed off from the rest of the world was the best piece. His mother thought his compassion made him weak but Kagome believed it made him stronger. His capacity to love Rin, train Shippo, and care for her showed that he was able to give of himself the way a true leader did. Had Touga been alive, Kagome was sure Sesshomaru's father would have been proud.

"Do you have more homework, Kagome?" Shippo asked as they entered the chamber.

"Yeah, I still have some calculations I need to finish," she answered.

"Can I color?"

"Of course!"

"I'm going to make Ena a drawing to say thank you," he decided.

"That's nice of you. I'm sure she'll appreciate that," Kagome said encouragingly.

Rin shifted in her arms. She blinked a few times before her wide brown eyes opened.

"Hey, little girl." Kagome rubbed her nose against Rin's. "Did you have a nice nap?"

The infant wiggled from side to side, attempting to break out of her swaddle. Kagome brought her over to the bed and carefully untucked Rin from her blanket.

"There you go. Better?" Kagome asked.

Rin's answer was to throw her hands up in the air, reaching past Kagome.

"Oh, I see how it is."

Sesshomaru bent down to collect his ward. "She knows who cares for her the most," he taunted.

Kagome stuck out her tongue.

"Careful," he warned with heat in his gaze. "Some gestures have different meanings for humans and demons."

Her cheeks burned.

"And," he added, lowering his voice, "I doubt we have time for another conversation in the bath."

Kagome turned away, quickly grabbing her pajamas as she rushed over to the changing screen.

A smiling Sesshomaru was one thing but a teasing Sesshomaru? Kagome didn't know if she could handle that.

She was still learning how to navigate their relationship. As if having to restore the sacred Shikon Jewel wasn't bad enough, she also had a rude, future mother-in-law to worry about and—

Oh my gosh! Mama!

Kagome had said yes to Sesshomaru. Though there had been no exchanging of rings or threads woven around their hands, she was fairly certain that they were— at least by demon standards —promised to each other. She needed to tell her family. They deserved to know that she had chosen a life with him.

Except, there was a problem.

They didn't even know Sesshomaru was.

She groaned, placing her head in her hands. How was she going to explain all of this to Mama? And Gramps! He was likely to seal the well up for good.

"Is there a problem?" Sesshomaru's voice called from the other side of the partition.

"Um, do you think your mom would be upset if I canceled our tea tomorrow?"

"Why?" he inquired.

"Well," she began hesitantly, "I've already met your family. Don't you think it's time you met mine? I mean, if we're going to be together, shouldn't you at least introduce yourself to them?"

"I would appreciate the opportunity to obtain your family's blessing," Sesshomaru responded.

Despite her anxiousness about the encounter, Kagome smiled. The fact that he cared enough to ask for their permission— permission from humans —confirmed she'd made the right choice.

"Can we leave in the morning?" she asked.

"If that is your wish," he returned.

"I should go downstairs to apologize to your mother for having to cancel," Kagome started, stepping out from behind the screen.

"Do not trouble yourself. You have your arithmetic exercises to complete. Ena can deliver the message," Sesshomaru assured her.

"Alright."

Kagome changed out of her kimono into her pajama set. They were a stark contrast to the hand-stitched garment she had worn all day. Kagome enjoyed both but she had to admit that pants were superior to skirts, especially long ones.

"What do you think so far, Kagome?" the kitsune asked, holding up his sketch of Ena with A-Un, Rin, and himself.

"It looks great, Shippo!"

He resumed his work on the drawing, leaving Kagome to join Sesshomaru at his desk. He had already laid out all of her school supplies and was waiting for her off to the side, with Rin tucked in the crook of his arm.

The little girl was tugging on a strand of his silver hair but he didn't seem to notice.

"You didn't have to give up your workspace," Kagome told him.

"You should not have to complete your work in bed. I am caught up on my duties. You are free to use this," he offered, gesturing to the empty chair.

"Thank you."

Kagome sat down and opened her textbook to where she had dog-eared the page. She giggled to herself, recognizing the irony of the term with the proximity of the demon lord who was watching her.

"Your studies," he said as he hovered behind her, "what is their purpose?"

"Where I'm from, your career path is determined by your grades. The better the school you attend, the better the education," Kagome explained. "I'm hoping to get decent marks so I can apply to high school."

"High school?"

She explained the tiers of the modern education system, highlighting how exams were the deciding factor when looking to advance.

"Are you interested in a career as a miko?"

"In my time, people don't really recognize priestesses as a vocation," she admitted. "My family maintains a shrine but it isn't a profitable business. We make enough to get by."

He frowned. "Your concerns about leaving them run deeper than simply saying goodbye."

"I never had my heart set on being a doctor or a journalist like Yuka. I didn't think much about the future. I thought I'd figure it out along the way. I just never thought the way would include falling five hundred years into the past," she said.

"I have a substantial amount of gold in the treasury. I can provide it as a dowry payment to your family to lessen their burden," Sesshomaru offered.

"Thank you, but they'd never accept," Kagome told him. "Well, Souta might but Mama wouldn't, and Gramps...let's just say he'll be your toughest critic."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.

"He doesn't like demons."

"My mother does not like humans. I believe they are evenly matched," Sesshomaru remarked.

"Good point. Still, I don't think your gold will help. My mom can't prove where she got it from. It's not as if she can say, oh, my demon son-in-law gifted it to me."

His golden eyes flashed. "Son-in-law?"

Kagome felt her skin heat once more. "Uh."

He smirked. "I will have to get you alone more often."

Nervously, she swallowed and waved him away under the guise of finishing her homework.

Sesshomaru carefully placed his ward in her cradle. Rin had grown sleepy after hours of pulling on his hair. While he paced the chamber, keeping her occupied and checking on the kit, Kagome sat at his desk. He heard her writing instrument on the paper, speedily scratching various characters upon the sheet which the young woman would then study and either keep or scrub off with the opposite end.

Her dedication to her studies was admirable, especially considering that none of her efforts would change her future with him. Sesshomaru did not care if Kagome completed her exams or failed to be accepted into a decent high school. He measured her worth through a more critical lens.

The care she gave to all things— and all people —was unparalleled. Had it not been for her resilience and stubborn attitude, their relationship would have never developed into the intimate connection they now shared.

"What do you think?" Shippo asked as Sesshomaru turned around.

The kit displayed a colorful illustration of his evening. Sesshomaru surveyed the depictions of his attendant, the two-headed dragon, and the pups. It was informal but well done.

"Very good," he praised Shippo.

"Do you think Ena will like it?"

"I believe she will put it up in her chambers so she can see it every day," Sesshomaru told the kit.

Shippo grinned. "Kagome! Look; it's finished!"

He raced over to the desk, waving the sheet about like a flag as he ran.

"Shhh, Shippo. Rin's asleep," Kagome cautioned gently. "Oh, it looks great! Way to go!"

"Thanks. Can I go give it to Ena?"

Kagome looked to Sesshomaru. "I don't want you wandering around by yourself."

"I will go with you," he informed the kit.

"And while we're down there, can we stop by the kitchens? I'm hungry."

Kagome smiled while Sesshomaru nodded.

"We will return shortly," he promised her, leaning down to brush a kiss across her forehead.

The servants' quarters were located on the ground floor along with the kitchen. When they hit the landing, they veered to the left and followed a narrow hallway that was lined with doors.

Sesshomaru waited in the corridor, off to the side to allow Shippo his space while delivering Ena's gift.

The kit was progressing well but he still needed to learn how to stand on his own. He was much too dependent on Kagome, a trait that Sesshomaru attributed to her caring nature. She catered to Shippo nearly as much as she did Rin, even though one was a maturing demon and one a helpless human infant.

The kitsune's development required self-efficiency. Only he could master his powers. Outside support would encourage him but it would not produce success. If Shippo wanted to succeed, he would have to achieve his ranks on his own merit.

Sesshomaru did not mean to cast him out. He merely wanted to give the kit opportunities to operate independently. It would build the confidence he needed to attain his own success.

"Hey, Ena! I made you this as a thank you for watching us today," Shippo told the lizard demoness.

She smiled at Sesshomaru over the kit's head.

"How thoughtful! Thank you, Shippo. It's beautiful."

Bashfully, the kitsune lowered his head and drug his pawed feet across the floor. "I'm glad you like it. Maybe you can hang it up somewhere?"

"I most certainly will," Ena agreed.

"Okay, then. See you tomorrow!"

"Have a good night," Ena returned.

"Why didn't you say anything, Sesshomaru?" Shippo asked as they made their way toward the kitchens.

"You did fine on your own," he remarked.

"Yeah, but didn't you want to say anything to Ena?"

"I already thanked her for her assistance," Sesshomaru explained. "Though I believe she values your gift more."

"What do you think's for dinner?" Shippo prompted.

"Whatever it is, I am certain Akio has prepared it well," he answered.

"Hey, Sesshomaru? Are you and Kagome together now?"

"Yes."

The kit's face fell. "Does that mean I have to go back to Inuyasha's group?"

"No. Why would you think that?"

"You and Kagome adopted Rin. I thought maybe you'd want me out of the pack since you three are a family," Shippo revealed.

"We have discussed this. A pack is not based on blood bonds or heirs. You are as much my responsibility as Rin is. Your life is here for as long as you wish it to be. If you leave one day to start your own pack, you will have my support. And if you choose to return, you and your pack will always be welcome here," Sesshomaru promised.

Shippo flung himself around his leg. "I'm glad Kagome picked you."

As he placed his hand reassuringly on the kit's back, Sesshomaru thought, As am I.