Kouga was uncharacteristically quiet while she inspected his legs. The wolf demon avoided eye contact with her. Each time Kagome started to speak, he seemed to shift away from her. He didn't move all that far but the intent was there.
It wasn't until she glanced over her shoulder and spotted Sesshomaru that Kagome understood.
Her mate stood by the castle entrance, his metallic gold eyes narrowed in distrust.
"You shouldn't have attacked him," Kagome scolded Kouga as she ran her hands over his shins.
The jewel shards glowed in response to her reiki. The closer her hands hovered over their location, the easier it was for her to feel the pulse of their energy.
"He ain't exactly friendly, Kagome," Kouga grumbled.
She rolled her eyes. "What would you do if he came into your den and started making demands?"
"I didn't steal his woman," Kouga argued.
"I'm not his woman. I'm his mate," Kagome retorted.
He turned away and muttered, "Yeah, I know."
Instantly, Kagome felt guilty. She knew that Kouga had had a crush on her. Even though she had never returned his feelings, there was no need to be mean. He was her friend. She wanted him to be happy, just like she hoped that one day he'd be happy for her
"You don't have to worry. Sesshomaru treats me well," Kagome told him.
"Better than Mutt-face?"
She laughed but couldn't stop herself from answering, "Yeah."
He pursed his lips. There was a pause before he sighed. "I'm glad."
"Really?" Kagome asked hopefully.
"Of course. I never liked how that dumb dog acted toward you but if you say his brother is different then I believe you."
"He is," she confirmed. "He makes me happy."
Kouga gave her a sad smile. "Then I have no more stake in this fight," he decided.
"Huh?"
"I know when I've been beaten," he said, scratching the back of his neck. "The guys will probably be disappointed but they'll get over it. You're still their sister, after all. I can't make any promises that we won't be by to check in on you from time to time."
"I'd like that," Kagome replied.
He leaned back on his forearms, tilted his face up, and shook his ponytail back. "If you ever get tired of this place, you know where you can find us. You'll always have a home in the mountains with my tribe." Kouga reminded her. "It may not be as big as this place but it doesn't reek of dog breath either."
Kagome stifled a giggle. She knew he wouldn't let up so easily. Kouga had always been rather dramatic. Still, it was kind of endearing to see him behave this way. His stony silence earlier had bothered her. Watching him return to his usual antics made her feel less guilty.
"So, are you gonna tear those shards out or what?" he asked.
"Already done," she beamed.
He lurched forward, grabbing his legs. "What? When?"
"Just now, while we were talking," she revealed. Kagome held out her hand, showing him the pair of jewel shards she had removed. His gaze flickered from his limbs to her and back again.
"I figured it would hurt less if you were distracted," she explained.
Kouga chuckled. "I'm not a pup like Mutt-face. I can take a little pain."
"Shall we test that theory?"
Kagome looked up to find Sesshomaru standing over them.
"Calm down," Kouga snapped, waving him off. "I'm not sniffing after your mate."
"No?" Sesshomaru appeared unconvinced. He helped Kagome to her feet, his attention never leaving the wolf demon.
"Kagome made her choice."
"Indeed." Sesshomaru agreed. "Which is why I must now ask you to leave."
"Fine, fine," Kouga muttered.
He straightened up, wincing slightly. Kagome figured there would be some residual pain as he got used to running without the power of the Shikon Jewel. She'd been able to spare him the agony of the removal but the long-term effects were out of her control.
Kouga took a step toward her.
Sesshomaru immediately placed his arm around her shoulders, guiding Kagome backward. She could feel his youkai flaring around him.
The wolf prince sighed. "Well, I guess this is it then. Bye, Kagome."
"Thanks for everything, Kouga."
"And you," he said, pointing a finger at Sesshomaru, "you better take care of her. If I hear you pulled any shit like your old man, I'll—."
"Kouga!"
"I am not my father," Sesshomaru growled. "You'd do well to remember that."
"Whatever," he mumbled. "See ya around, Kagome."
With a wave, Kouga headed across the courtyard to where Hachi was waiting.
Kagome leaned against Sesshomaru as they watched the pair rise over the palace walls and disappear into the horizon.
"Better?" she asked Sesshomaru once her friend was gone.
"There are still too many males here," he grumbled.
"You mean Inuyasha and Miroku?"
"Hn."
She laughed. "I didn't expect you to be the jealous type."
"I do not intend to share you."
Kagome grabbed onto his sleeve and rose to her tiptoes. She kissed him right between the pair of magenta marks adorning his cheek. "My friends are important to me but you will always come first," she told him.
"Will you tell him that?" Sesshomaru inquired.
"Who?"
He took a step back, revealing Inuyasha who was entering the courtyard. Kagome had grown used to seeing that defiant expression on his face. It was common whenever they ran into Sesshomaru. She didn't think that would change any time soon.
"I want to talk to Kagome" he requested. "Alone."
Sesshomaru stiffened.
"Why don't you go and check on your mom?" she suggested, squeezing his hand. "I think Shippo might be wearing her out."
He didn't budge.
"Sesshomaru," Kagome spoke his name quietly. "It's okay. I'm just going to talk with him."
"It is not your actions that I'm concerned about. It's his."
"Inuyasha won't hurt me," she said.
The brothers glared at each other. Kagome held her breath, waiting to see who would make the first move. Neither drew a weapon but she could feel the tension growing.
When she blinked, Kagome could see their energy swarming around them. Sesshomaru's youki crackled angrily against Inuyasha's. Though the two were locked in silent confrontation, Kagome couldn't sense any evil in their intent.
"Okay, you two, that's enough," she declared.
They ignored her.
So that's how it's going to be huh? she thought, placing her hands on her hips. I really didn't want to do this...
"Sit!"
Inuyasha's eyes widened right before he landed face-first in the dirt. Sesshomaru looked to Kagome. When he saw her face, his reaction mirrors his brother's.
"Mate—."
"Don't you 'Mate,' me!" Kagome snapped. "Go inside. I've got this."
There was a flicker of irritation in his gold eyes. She expected him to refuse the same way he had earlier but then he began to head toward the castle.
At the entrance, Sesshomaru paused to catch her eye. Kagome held his gaze.
She had to remind herself to be firm. While Kagome understood Sesshomaru's biological instincts, she didn't want him using it as an excuse. If they were going to band together in the fight against Naraku, he couldn't continue with this kind of behavior
Kagome watched as he eventually relented and went inside. His face hadn't given anything away. He'd reverted to his impassive mask. She'd noticed that this was how he dealt with his emotions. Whenever he was unsure how to act, he schooled his features.
It was a habit from the countless battles he had fought in. Sesshomaru thought it made him stronger— and maybe on the battlefield it did, —but Kagome hated it. She wanted him to be open with her. He had supported her through various stages of emotional turmoil. Couldn't he trust her to do the same for him?
"Kagome?"
Her attention snapped back to Inuyasha. "What's up?" she asked.
Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder, making sure his brother was out of earshot. Considering Sesshomaru was a full-blooded demon, finding privacy within the palace grounds would be difficult.
Which was why her friend suggested they go for a walk.
Kagome followed him toward the stables, resisting the urge to look back. They strolled in silence. Inuyasha appeared conflicted. She could sense anger, sadness, and a hint of envy lurking beneath his hardened features.
He went several paces past the stables before stopping to sit on the ground. Kagome knelt beside him.
"Kikyo didn't want me to come. She said you don't belong here," Inuyasha told her.
Kagome stared at the grass, unsure how to respond. She had never understood their relationship. It wasn't that Kagome blamed Kikyo,— she knew the priestess was not the woman she'd once been —but it was difficult to be supportive when she saw how much Inuyasha was hurting.
"She has a plan to kill Naraku," he revealed.
"By purifying the jewel while it's in his possession," Kagome said.
His eyes widened. "How'd you know that?"
"I figured it out while we were across the well," she answered.
Inuyasha made a huffing sound, turning his gaze to the grass. He absently plucked a few blades as he said, "I can't believe he met your family."
"Mama likes him a lot. Souta does too," Kagome replied.
"I guess that means your brother's got a new favorite hero," he commented, tossing the grass aside.
Kagome put her hand on his arm. "Inuyasha, Souta loves you. You saved his life. In his eyes, you'll always be his hero."
"Really?"
"Of course," she assured him.
He pursed his lips. "You smell like him, you know."
"Who? Souta?"
"Sesshomaru."
The way Inuyasha said his brother's name had about as much enthusiasm as Kagome felt toward her rapidly approaching exams. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for a lecture.
It never came.
Instead, Inuyasha sighed and folded his hands in the sleeves of his Fire-rat robe. "He's good for you."
Kagome stared at her friend. "W-what?"
"Sesshomaru, he's…good for you," Inuyasha repeated. "He's still an arrogant bastard but I've seen the way he looks at you and the way you look at him. You've never looked at me that way."
"I love him."
"I know," Inuyasha muttered with a frown.
"That doesn't change things between us. You'll always be my best friend," Kagome promised.
"Yeah, but it's probably better if I keep my distance for a while. That new sword he's got could do a lot of damage."
Kagome grinned. "Like taking your arm off."
Inuyasha snorted. "He probably would try something like that to call us even."
"Maybe but, just so you know, Sesshomaru really cares about you. He may act angry or indifferent at times but he's not those things at all. After what happened with your dad, I think he was afraid to let anyone in," she explained.
"Good thing you came along. You're probably the only one that can get that stubborn moron to listen to reason," Inuyasha scoffed.
"He's helped me too." Kagome went on to share with her friend about their sparring sessions and how supportive Sesshomaru was of her studies.
Inuyasha smirked. "What'd he think of your home?"
"You mean Tokyo?"
He nodded.
"Well, he didn't like the noise or the smell of the crowds or—."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Inuyasha cut her off with a wave of his hand. At first, she thought he was mad. Then she saw him smirking. "Guess the fact that he's a full-blooded demon finally caught up to him."
Kagome swatted her friend. "Hey!"
"What was that for?" he cried.
"Don't be rude! He dealt with a lot so I could visit with my family."
"Did you make him wear a stupid hat too?" Inuyasha questioned.
"No, he doesn't have dog ears," Kagome returned.
"What about those ridiculous clothes of his?"
Kagome glared at him. "What's wrong with his outfit? I think it makes him look dignified."
"Whatever," Inuyasha said, rolling his eyes. "You have to say that now because he's your mate."
"You're just jealous," Kagome realized.
"J-jealous? O-of that bastard? No way" Inuyasha sputtered, angrily.
"Yes, you are!" she cried with a giggle. "Oh my gosh, wait 'til I tell him
Kagome sprung to her feet and headed toward the palace.
"Don't you dare!" he shouted, chasing after her.
She had barely made it to the stables when Inuyasha grabbed her by the arm. Kagome screamed— partially out of surprise but mostly out of frustration.
A second later, Sesshomaru appeared, wearing a murderous gaze. "Let go."
Instantly, Inuyasha released her.
Sesshomaru advanced on his brother. "Hey." Kagome inserted herself between them, placing both her hands against his chest. "I'm fine. We were only joking around. It wasn't anything serious."
He didn't tear his crimson eyes away from his brother as he spoke to her. "You cried out."
"I was annoyed. Sorry, I shouldn't have done that," she apologized.
"You're here by my goodwill. If I catch you with your hands on my mate again, I will show no mercy," Sesshomaru vowed. "Is that understood?"
"Got it," Inuyasha snapped.
"Sesshomaru, did you visit your mother?" Kagome asked, realizing how quickly he had arrived.
"No."
Inuyasha snorted. "Figures."
Kagome glared at him.
"As I said, I uncomfortable with you being alone with anyone," Sesshomaru reminded her.
"You mean me," Inuyasha guessed.
"I would not allow the monk anywhere near Kagome unaccompanied either."
"Now who's jealous?" Inuyasha quipped.
Kagome sighed, dropping her forehead against Sesshomaru's chest. Was it too much to ask for them to get along? She knew it wasn't easy for either of them to let go of the past. They were both stubborn and prone to hold grudges. Still, Kagome hoped they'd eventually reach a point where they could be amicable to each other.
Sesshomaru seemed to sense her uneasy. She felt him shift as he glanced down at her. "Akio is preparing a feast for your friends while the others prepare their rooms."
She brightened at his words. "Rooms? They're staying?"
"So it would seem," he responded, eyeing Inuyasha warily.
Kagome threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. She pressed her face into the crook of his neck. One hand smoothed her hair down while the other came to rest on her hip.
For a moment, he was content to hold her close. The sound of Inuyasha clearing his throat, caused Kagome to lean back. She started to say 'Thank you,' but thinking better of it, decided to show him her appreciation instead.
With a kiss.
It could have been her imagination, but after that, he seemed less inclined to kill Inuyasha.
His attendants arranged for the feast in the banquet hall. Sesshomaru cannot recall the last time he visited the room. It was adorned with opulent decorations and expensive furnishings. This chamber was the largest in the palace. It was also the least frequented.
Kagome was unfazed by the extravagant atmosphere. Over the past several weeks, she had grown accustomed to the palace. Though she had never been in this room before, its grand decor did not surprise her.
Their guests were another matter entirely. Their eyes wandered the chamber, skirting from one lavish furnishing to the next. They could not contain their interest.
"Is that gold?" the monk asked, pointing to a statue depicting the first dog demon.
"It is," Sesshomaru confirmed.
The man's eyes gleamed. He started to shift toward the sculpture but a strike from the slayer stopped him. Her smack echoed throughout the room, causing everyone to focus on the pair.
"Greedy lecher" she muttered, sauntering past the monk. When the slayer reached Kagome's side, she added, "I don't think he'll ever change."
Sesshomaru watched his mate's gaze soften.
"He means well, Sango."
"I don't know, Kagome. What if he never gives up these foolish schemes? What kind of future is that?"
"Perhaps it would be best to discuss your concerns with him directly," Sesshomaru suggested.
His comment earned him a surprised look from both women. The slayer's expression turned dark but it was Kagome who spoke up first.
"He has a point. Miroku suffered the loss of his parents when he was young. Defeating Naraku to avenge his family line is his life's goal. I know he acts childish, but I think deep down he doesn't know any better. He's lived on his own for so long he probably hasn't even thought about the future."
The slayer glanced over her shoulder at where Inuyasha and the monk were huddled together, conversing in whispered tones.
Sesshomaru could hear them as clearly as if they were standing next to him. None of what they said was of consequence to him, though he suspected the slayer would be pleased to know the man deeply cared for her— even if he was incapable of showing it.
"When we met, I wrote him off as a lewd fiend but now…I don't know," the woman admitted.
Kagome placed her hand on the slayer's shoulder. "It's okay. You don't have to have all the answers. You can just enjoy your time with him and see where things go."
"But what about Kohaku?" Sango asked, gazing across the chamber to where her younger brother had taken a seat at the table. "I just got him back. How can I abandon him?"
"You're not. Having feelings for Miroku doesn't mean you love your brother any less. Your heart is big enough for them both," Kagome told her friend.
"I hope so," the slayer said quietly.
"You'll feel better after you eat," Kagome assured her.
She guided the woman over to the table. Sango settled in next to her brother, who barely acknowledged their presence.
Despite his mate's confidence in the boy, Sesshomaru remained wary. There was a weight to the boy's aura. It hung around him like a death shroud.
Sesshomaru wondered why the lingering dark energy didn't bother Kagome. He was certain she could sense it. What was unclear to him was her reasoning for permitting the boy into their home.
He intended to ask her once they were alone. For now, she was preoccupied with hosting duties.
Predictably, the monk sat on the slayer's opposite side. Inuyasha took the seat beside him while Sesshomaru positioned himself across from his brother.
As Kagome joined him, she asked, "Is your mother joining us? I bet Shippo can't wait to see everyone."
"She declined," Sesshomaru answered.
His mother may have accepted their mating but she refused to accept Izayoi's son. Inuyasha was a physical reminder of her mate's choice to love another. Sesshomaru knew that Arisu would never see Inuyasha as anything other than a nuisance.
Kagome frowned. "Maybe I should go upstairs and check on her."
"Let her be," Sesshomaru recommended. "My mother is not in the mood to entertain visitors."
"Well, she might not be but the kids don't have to suffer just because she's been stubborn," Kagome insisted.
Sesshomaru rose to follow her out of the chamber. Before he could, Inuyasha appeared to block his path.
"Move," Sesshomaru ordered.
His brother shook his head. "Take my advice. You're better off just saying 'yes' than picking a fight. Kagome always wins."
"That's true," the monk commented from his seat. He took a sip of tea and continued to stare at the golden statue.
"Family is important to her. I'm sure she only wants to make sure your mother is alright," the slayer added.
Sesshomaru stared down the corridor, watching his mate disappear as she turned to head upstairs.
"This is your fault," he grumbled, glaring at Inuyasha.
"How is this my fault?" the hanyou snapped.
"Your presence has made my mother uncomfortable and as a result, Kagome now feels obligated to care for her," Sesshomaru stated evenly.
"Newsflash; Kagome cares about everyone. Though I still don't get why she wastes her time on you," he muttered with an irritated huff.
"Inuyasha!" the slayer and monk cried.
Sesshomaru did not match his brother's irate tone. Inuyasha's turbulent emotions prompted him to spit out those harsh words. It was similar to his fighting style— rash and unsteady. Such actions left nothing concealed.
"You're jealous," Sesshomaru surmised.
"Of a bastard like you? Not a chance!"
"You made your choice, Inuyasha, and Kagome made hers. You must respect her wishes. You owe her that much at least," he said.
His brother glowered at the floor, appearing like a petulant child who had been scolded. "She's my best friend," Inuyasha told him. "She believed in me when no one else did. She helped me learn that I didn't have to be alone but that doesn't mean I want to give her up."
"Kagome has a pure heart. What she may lack in experience, she makes up for with compassion. I doubt she will ever abandon you. That is not her way," Sesshomaru responded.
The monk stood, coming to stand between them. "Just because Kagome is Sesshomaru's mate doesn't mean she doesn't still care for you. There are different types of love. That doesn't change how genuine the feelings are and, if I know Kagome, the care she holds in her heart for both of you is never-ending."
"Miroku's right. Kagome is important to each of us and we are all important to her," the slayer agreed.
"She's a good person."
Sesshomaru glanced at the boy, who had remained silent since his arrival at the Western Palace.
Everyone seemed surprised to hear him speak, including his sister. She put her hand on his shoulder.
"Kohaku?"
"Kagome," he clarified. "I was scared, cold, alone— but she helped me. When I was with her, I felt at peace. There was no more pain, no more darkness. For the first time in months, I was able to feel warmth. She gave me hope. She's powerful."
Sesshomaru smelled the salt of the slayer's tears. Inuyasha was aware of the scent too. They both turned away, giving the woman time to compose herself.
The atmosphere inside the chamber turned somber. Not a single word had been uttered since the boy explained how Naraku had affected him. No one wanted to think about it— especially Sesshomaru. He would rather meet a swift end than endure the cold manipulation of the spider hanyou.
"Look who I found," Kagome announced as she returned.
"Inuyasha! Sango! Miroku!" Shippo cried, rushing around the room to greet each of his friends. He hopped from shoulder to shoulder, but when he arrived at the nekomata, he threw himself onto her.
The demon responded in kind, nuzzling the kitsune happily. Sesshomaru could sense the close bond the two shared. Whether it was because they were the only full-blooded demon in Inuyasha's traveling party or because they simply enjoyed each other's company, he could not tell. Perhaps, it was a combination of both.
A gurgling noise alerted him to Kagome's presence. He glanced over to find her struggling to maintain her hold of Rin, who was trying to clamber up the miko's shoulder to get to him.
"Come here, little one," he said, picking the infant up.
"She's gotten big," the slayer remarked.
"She sat up today," Kagome replied, proudly.
"Pfft, big deal," Inuyasha muttered.
"Actually, for a child her age, sitting up, unsupported is a milestone. Achievements such as that one are key to their development," the monk noted sagely. "It seems that Rin has adapted well to her life here in the West."
"She has," Kagome confirmed.
"She's not the only one," the slayer remarked.
Though her gaze was on the kit, Sesshomaru got the sense that she was referring to his mate. It seemed he had earned her friend's approval.
Author's Note: Today's my anniversary. To celebrate, we have a new chapter *AND* fanart by the amazingly talented imjaneees who created artwork for the bathhouse/mating scene. You can view it on my tumblr.
I've considered a couple of different story ideas for my next SessKag fic but I wanted to ask you, the readers, why you love *Lessons in Parenting* so much. Is it the characterization? Is it because it's canon-divergent? I'm curious. Leave me a note. I read them all!