Disclaimer: The title is the one from Roxette's song! Awww...

Chie: Yes. The baby's gone. I did what I felt I had to. At least it made our ice-prince to finally stop beating around the bush, ne?

I want to thank all who understand why this was done. And I want to thank all who don't hate me now. –bows-

Chapter twenty two – Listen to your heart

The news always travel fast. This time, it all began when Kayade called to Kagome, wondering why her friend didn't show up at work. The fact that Sesshoumaru answered Kagome's phone made her suspicious and she didn't let him go until he had told her everything. Once she found out the sad news she immediately called her mother. Then she informed Shaere-san why Kagome wouldn't be coming to work. Shaere again called to her sister and told the whole thing.

That was why now, after Kagome had been home for only little over half an hour, people started to swarm in. They came in little groups. Sesshoumaru had placed her on her living room sofa and was at that time in the kitchen preparing a cup of tea for her. Kagome was lying on the sofa, wrapped up in a blanket and pondering over Sesshoumaru. The demon's behaviour surprised her. He had been exceptionally considerate and gentle. Kagome thought it was very sweet of him, although she only thought it was because he found himself guilty of the situation. Then her thoughts flew back to the little baby born too early. He had been so helpless. So small. So vulnerable... And lifeless.

However, before she had more time to think about her lost child, the door opened. Kagome raised her head.

The dark haired woman had tears in her eyes as she approached the sofa. She sat down on the edge of the sofa.

"I'm so, so sorry, sweetheart."

Kagome swallowed. She looked at her mother, who was crying. She had cried all her tears already. Eyes full of sorrow she hugged her mother.

Sesshoumaru stepped in then, carrying two teacups. He saw the two women hugging each other. He felt another presence in the room and his gaze flew quickly to the doorway. About 16 years old young man was still lingering there, leaning against the doorframe. He looked at the demon lord rather curiously. Then his eyes moved to look at his mother hugging his sister, crying. Then he glanced at the unfamiliar person again.

Sesshoumaru couldn't help smirking as he saw the boy roll his eyes at the scene. He might learn to like this kid.

"Mom," the boy called out, "give her some air, will you?"

Kagome freed herself from her mother's embrace.

"Souta?"

"Yeah, 'tis me. Long time no see, sis."

So the miko had a little bother.

Kagome spotted Sesshoumaru, standing with the teacups.

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru," she said, smiling. It pained him to see the smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

Wordlessly he gave the teacups to the two women, inclining his head to acknowledge the presence of Kagome's mother.

"Oh Kagome!"

All head turned to look at the doorway – Souta had forgotten to close the door.

Rin walked in, followed by her husband.

"I'll go and make more tea," Sesshoumaru decided calmly and turned around disappearing into the kitchen again.

"Huh? Why is Sesshoumaru-sama here?" Hitachi wondered out loud.

"I don't know," Kagome admitted. "But he's been a huge help. Without him..."

Rin pulled a chair next to Kagome's sofa and sat down. Kagome started to tell her mother and friend the whole story again.

After that it soon became crowded. Yuka, Eri and Ayumi were next to arrive. They didn't stay for so long though. Souta left too, mumbling something about a football practise.

Little after Souta and the three girls had left Kayade came in; followed by someone Kagome hadn't expected to see.

"Ayame-chan! What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you of course," she replied smiling. Her smile faded as her face grew more serious. "How are you doing?"

"Better now. It's very sweet of everyone to come to see me."

"You'd do the same thing," Kayade said smiling.

"But how did you know," Kagome frowned.

"Kayade told me."

"You know Kayade?"

The red-headed wolf glanced at her daughter. They both smirked.

"I suppose it hasn't ever really come up, has it?"

"Nope," the blond girl answered.

"Kagome-chan, meet my eldest, Shirakawa Kayade."

Kagome's jaw dropped as she looked from one woman to another. They could have been mistaken for sisters!

"But.. But.."

"But what?" Ayame asked.

"Kayade's about my age, isn't she?"

"Uh... about..."
"How old are you then, Ayame-chan?"

Ayame flashed a sheepish grin.

"Mom, I suppose we could tell her."

The Lady of the Northern lands nodded.

"Kagome, you know about Sesshoumaru being a demon, don't you?"

"Yes..."

"Well, it's not like he's the only demon around," Kayade said.

"You mean..."

Both women nodded. Then they dropped their sealing spells.

Immediately their nails grew to claws, their ears became pointed ones and two white tails appeared.

Mrs. Higurashi nearly fell off from her chair. What peculiar friends her daughter had!

Kagome caught a sight of Rin's face also. The small secretary was smiling.

"You knew," slipped out of Kagome's mouth as she realised that Rin didn't look surprised at all.

Rin flashed an apologetic smile.

"Okay... Anyone else in here who hasn't confessed about being a demon!" Kagome felt a bit hurt. She could understand though why her friends had not told... But still.

Her words broke the conversation that had been going on between the males. Kouga and Hitachi lifted up their heads.

"I confess," Hitachi smiled, dropping his sealing spell.

"Guilty as charged." Kouga dropped his sealing spell as well.

Kagome sighed and buried her head into her hands.

"Why me," came her muffled voice.

Rin chuckled and patted the miko's shoulder.

"It doesn't matter whether we are humans or demons, does it?"

"Of course it does not matter," Kagome answered, lifting up her head. "I just wish you had told me."

"But we just told you now." Ayame hugged her friend tightly.

It was already late when Kagome was again alone. She yawned and closed her eyes.

"Do you want to go to sleep?"

She nearly shrieked.

"Sesshoumaru! Sheesh, don't do that again."

The demon raised his eyebrow.

"I thought you had gone like the others."

"And leave you here alone?"

Kagome blushed.

"Now, do you want to go to sleep?"

"Yes."

Not warning in advance the demon lord scooped her into his arms and started to carry her towards her bedroom.

She was about to open her mouth to question why he was doing this but then she decided that it was best to keep quiet. She sighed happily, snuggling closer to him. In his arms she felt safe. She did not need to know why he was acting like this. It was enough for her that he was.

He set her on the bed.

"Anything you need?"

"Uhm.. no."

"Good," Sesshoumaru brushed some stray locks from his face and took off his shirt.

"Uhm.. Sesshoumaru?"

"Yes?"

"What are you doing?"

"Getting ready for bed, obviously."

"You're going to stay over?"

"I thought I already told you that I'm not leaving you alone."

Kagome blushed.

"Or would you want me to rather sleep on the sofa?"

"No. I.. I mean.. I feel... safer if you're here with me."

"As you wish."

Sesshoumaru pulled the blanket over her form.

"Sleep," he commanded quietly.

A moment later Kagome felt his weight settle on her left side in the bed. She forgot her sorrow. Knowing that he was near made her feel comfortable and happy...

It didn't take long until she was fast asleep.

Sesshoumaru watched her sleeping form. How vulnerable she looked in her sleep... Humans. But nothing was going to hurt her. He would protect her. No matter what. He heard the soft, content purr from his inner demon. His thoughts flew to the conversation from before.

"I bet you're happy now, Sesshoumaru," Kouga spat out, not bothering to hide his accusing tone. "The stain in your perfect reputation is gone. You won't father a half-breed."

What surprised the wolf demon was Sesshoumaru's reaction.

"Don't call my son a half-breed," he growled, a hint of crimson in his eyes.

Kouga stole a side glance to Hitachi.

"Let me take care of this," the neko said calmly. "You have a good heart, Kouga, but you're too rash."

The wolf inclined his head in recognition.

"Tell me what happened, Sesshoumaru. All we heard was that the pup was lost."

"Doctor Usugi thinks it's the stress she's been in that activated her miko blood."

"I thought that her powers were sealed as well as her memories," Kouga frowned.

"The seal already has a few cracks. It's nothing big but enough to let some of her powers through."

"Let us not dwell in the matter of the seal," Hitachi softly reminded. "What about the pup?"

"Usugi says that the miko blood might have thought that the cause of Kagome's stress was the demon pup. And to relieve Kagome from that stress and to protect her..."

Hitachi set his hand on Sesshoumaru's shoulder.

"I'm sorry."

"I wish that that had been the worst part," Sesshoumaru said quietly, watching off to a distance.

"Is there still more?", Kouga asked.

"He.. My son... He was a full youkai."

"No way." Kouga gasped. "How?"

"There's only one option I can come up with; Shikon no Tama."

"What are your plans as for now," Hitachi inquired, looking closely at the elder demon.

Sesshoumaru's gaze wandered to rest on the miko who was surrounded by three of her friends and her mother.

"I'm going to take care of her and watch that she doesn't fall into ruin. I'll help her through her sorrow."

"And then what? Will you leave her side?"

"No. I'll stand by her side 'til the end."

Kouga's jaw dropped at that point.

"And what about Shizuki," Hitachi pressed.

"I don't love her," Sesshoumaru replied coldly.

"Then there is someone whom you do love?"

Sesshoumaru sighed. The neko wouldn't leave him alone until he had confessed.

"Yes."

"And that person is...?" Hitachi knew damn well who that person was. But he also knew that he had to make the dog demon to admit it out loud.

"Kagome. I love Kagome."

Then the dog demon turned to look at Kouga.

"And you, wolf, shut your mouth. You look even more like an idiot than usual."

Hitachi just smiled.

"It's good to hear that you finally can admit your feelings to yourself."

Sesshoumaru looked at the Southern Lord sharply. By his comment it seemed that he had already known.. But how? Was I that obvious?

"I'm glad that you were able to find your heart." Hitachi bowed his head in respect.

"Honey, we're leaving!" Rin's voice called.

"In a minute," Hitachi replied. He turned to speak to the inu youkai for the last time.

"And you better tell that to her too." With one last smile he was gone. Kouga soon walked away too, after inclining his head in respect.

While Hitachi was in the car, driving home, he spoke to his mate.

"We might as well start to prepare for the mating ceremony soon."

"Oh don't remind me of that Shizuki... I'm sure that she's nice and all, but.."

Hitachi chuckled.

"Sweetheart, I ain't talking about Shizuki. I'm talking 'bout Sesshoumaru's and Kagome's mating ceremony."

Damn that clever neko. Had he seen through him for the whole time? Sesshoumaru sighed and stared intently at the woman lying next to him. He brushed a few stray locks of raven hair from her face. Maybe he should sleep too.

With that thought he closed his eyes, allowing the sleep to claim him.

Kagome woke up to the sounds of someone rummaging through her kitchen. She yawned and stretched and got up. In her pyjamas she walked out of her bedroom and stopped in the kitchen doorway.

The red-haired woman probably knew she was there, considering the fact she had learned to know from yesterday. She saw her white tail swishing back and forth impatiently.

"Ayame-chan? What are you doing here?"

"Making breakfast for us," the wolf replied cheerily. "Now where do you keep your plates?"

Mutely Kagome pointed at the right cupboard.

"Why are you here?"

"I was asked to, honey. Now just go and sit down. You'll get to fill your tummy soon enough." With a smile showing off her canine fangs she turned back to work on the breakfast.

Feeling very much confused Kagome walked over to her dinner table and sat down. It was then when she spotted the note that was lying on the table.

"Kagome, I'm sorry but there is some important business I need to attend to. I'm sorry for leaving you so early. I told Ayame to come over so you need not to be alone.

I promise to return as soon as I just can.

Sesshoumaru"

Kagome just gawked at the message for awhile. She read it several times through just to confirm that she had got it all right. First of all, he was apologising his absence? Second, he had taken care of that she didn't have to be alone? And third, he promised to return.

Woah, is the hell freezing over or what, Kagome mused over to herself. It certainly didn't sound of the usual behaviour of the icy inutaiyoukai.

"Sesshoumaru!" Her pale yellow eyes widened.

"Let me in, we need to talk."

In a loss of words she complied, letting him step over the threshold, into her room.

"Have you considered my offer?" She tilted her head to the side, platinum blond hair cascading gracefully over her shoulder.

"Not so much. A lot happened since we saw each other last time."
"Like what?" she had her eyebrow raised.

"Like the fact that I was blessed with an heir on the same night I last walked out of this building", he breathed heavily out.

Her mouth hung open. Had she missed something?

"An.. An heir!"
"You wouldn't know, would you?" his pinned the female with his golden glare.

"Before you showed up here there was a woman I courted. A woman who was carrying my pup."

"I... I did not know.."

"That I am very well aware of," Sesshoumaru cut in coldly. "And two nights ago the pup was born, months too early and dead."

She could but gawk at him.

"As I realised how much that pained me I finally admitted myself something I had been putting off for far too long."

She waited in silence for him to continue.

"I don't love you," he barked out. "I never have. My affections lie elsewhere and that is why the deal is off. You will never become my mate, Shizuki."

Whatever reaction he had waited from the inu bitch, the dog demoness caught him completely off guard.

She started to cry. And as the large crystal tears rolled down her cheeks her lips lightened up in a smile...

Shizuki threw her hands around his neck, burying her head into his chest.

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru... Thank you so much."

She unlatched herself from him and just look at him, smiling.

Her tears were the tears of joy.

"Well this is not quite what I expected," Sesshoumaru said dryly, his left eyebrow raised.

Shizuki chuckled, wiping her tears away with her long clawed fingers.

"Sorry, Sesshou-kun, you never really were my type."

"Then why did you suddenly show up, trying your best to make me take you as my mate?"

She smiled sheepishly.

"I really messed up things, eh? I'm sorry..."

Sesshoumaru did not answer but waited for her to continue.

"I... I felt guilty. I felt like I had betrayed my father and I needed to make it up to him. I never wanted to disappoint him. Hell, I never planned any of it to happen..."

"Sometimes we can't choose on who our affections lie," Sesshoumaru said smoothly.

Shizuki smiled.

"We are the same, you and I."

"You should go back to him. And tell him how you feel."

"So should you go to her."

For a while they stared at each other. Then, they both bowed their heads in acknowledgement of each other at the same time.

When he stepped in he was immediately hit by wave of sorrow and the salty scent of tears.

Kagome was crying again. Ayame held her, trying in vain to calm her down.

Sesshoumaru closed the door quietly. He knew the Lady of the Northern lands knew he was in the room even though she didn't raise her head. The demon lord walked over to them and sat down on the sofa on the other side of Kagome. He set his hands on her shoulders and pulled the miko gently to his lap. As he held the crying woman against his chest he looked over to the wolf demoness. Their eyes locked, emerald with cold. He let out a quiet bark. Ayame nodded and rose, walking over to the kitchen.

When she came back with the cup of camomile tea, Kagome had already stopped crying and calmed down. She had her eyes closed as she rested her head on his shoulder, inhaling his scent. He ran his fingers through her hair.

Ayame stopped in the doorway, just looking at the pair. He had his eyes closed as well. Ayame smiled to herself. Amazing how Sesshoumaru had changed.

This is how it should be, Ayame thought to herself. She walked quietly over to them.

"Here Kagome," Ayame spoke out softly, offering the teacup.

"Thank you," Kagome replied hoarsely and sat up in Sesshoumaru's lap, taking the cup.

Ayame sat down on the armchair.

"So where did you go?" she inquired from Sesshoumaru.

"I went to see Shizuki."

Kagome stiffened in his lap and the red head wolf saw her knuckles turning white when her gip of the teacup tightened.

"I believe it was about time you two discuss things through," the wolf replied calmly.

Sesshoumaru nodded.

"Shizuki's leaving the town. She's returning to Kyoto."

Ayame smiled.

"That I'm glad to hear."

"I'm afraid that I'm not quite following," Kagome admitted rather stiffly. "Why aren't you running after her?" she shot the demon lord with a cold glare.

Sesshoumaru quirked his eyebrow.

"Obviously I'm staying here by your side. Therefore I don't have time to run after childish inu bitches. Not that I even wanted to do that."

"What does your fiancée think about you being here with me," she retorted, emphasizing the cruel word.

"And what about the will of your father?" Ayame asked softly.

"Actually Shizuki told me that I should come back to you. And my father would understand my decision if he would see this situation I'm in."

"So you're not.. like.. engaged anymore?"

"I think I'll leave now," Ayame said smoothly, getting up. She walked over to the door.

"Take care, Kagome. Bye." with that, she was gone.

Sesshoumaru turned his intense golden gaze into Kagome.

"No, we are not engaged. It would have been a poor match."

"What do you mean? You're both strong, demons, emo – "

"We didn't love each other," Sesshoumaru cut in. "And with your mate you'll have an eternal bond. Did you think I would have wanted to make that kind of a bond with someone I feel nothing for? Besides, both of us had someone else who held our... affections."

"Oh so you are both two-timing idiots too? That's just sweet. You share the same hobby already!"

"Kagome..."

Her eyes flashed angrily and she opened her mouth to say probably something more sarcastic. What she was supposed to say then, he never found out. Not that he cared though.

Kagome's eyes widened as he pressed his lips on hers.

The kiss worked as he had hoped. When he pulled back she was staring at him still wide-eyed and mouth hanging slightly open. A ghost of a smile was on his lips as he tapped Kagome's nose with his long finger.

"My silly little Kagome," he breathed out.

She slowly blushed under his intense golden gaze. He chuckled and bent his head down to kiss her again.

"Souta? What are you doing here?"

"Babysitting you I suppose," the young man grunted and stepped in.

"Surely you didn't walk all the way here?"

"No, your boyfriend dropped me off."

"Sesshoumaru? But he left earlier saying he had some business to attend to and..."

".. And he appeared behind our door some time ago. Asked mom and Jii-san politely to come with him."

"What?"

"Yeah, you heard me. And then he told me to come over here. He said you shouldn't be left alone."

Kagome barely registered what Souta now said. Her mind was in a total confusion. What was going on? What was Sesshoumaru planning?

They stepped in and immediately stopped. The room was decorated so that it felt as if they had stepped hundreds of years back in time. There were people in the room, all dressed in silken kimonos. She could but stare. What was going on?

She turned to look at the silver haired demon standing behind her.

He nodded, gesturing them to step in.

She let her gaze travel. Most of these people she had met at Kagome's apartment the day before.

There was a group of three. Tall black-haired male, a red-haired female sitting elegantly on the floor on his right, and younger female with blond wavy hair sitting on his left side. Next there was a tall dignified-looking woman she did not know. She had long ebony hair and reddish brown eyes. There was a smirk playing on her ruby lips. The last ones were a small woman with midnight-black hair sitting next to a tall male who had long honey-blond hair.

The old man gasped.

"Demons!"

The tall black-haired woman sitting right before them, dressed in a rich emerald green kimono decorated with silver embroidery, laughed.

"That is correct," she said.

"Abi. So the word already reached you," Sesshoumaru said quirking his eyebrow. He was dressed in blue and white kimono, his old blue and yellow obi tying it.

"Yes... Miyame-san hinted that I should be getting here."

"I don't want to interrupt or anything," the black-haired wolf male, in red and white kimono, said, "but shouldn't we start with the ceremony? We can all catch up later, you know."

"Always so patient," Hitachi chuckled. He had on a kimono which colours were white and purple.

Abi cleared her throat.

"Very well, we shall begin." She turned her reddish gaze to the two humans standing before her.

"Are you the closest relatives to this one Higurashi Kagome?"

"Yes," they answered, not really knowing what was going on.

Everybody sensed their nervousness.

"Do not worrym" Hitachi said smiling reassuringly. "Kagome-san is all right. This is but a formality we have to go through as the demon lords of the Japan."

After hearing that, they relaxed a bit. As much as one can relax in a room full of demon lords and ladies.

"And you hold the power to hand this Higurashi Kagome over?"

"Yes."

"Y.. Yes.."

"Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western lands, step forward and voice your request."

Sesshoumaru took a few steps forward. He bowed his head to the wolves, to the bird and to the cat. Finally he bowed his head to the two humans.

"I, Sesshoumaru, Lord of the West hereby announce that I am willing to tie this eternal bond to this Higurashi Kagome and take her as my mate."

The humans now gawked at him, while the demons gazed at him steadily.

"And do you promise to treat her well?" the Lord of the Northern lands asked.

"I promise."

"Do you promise to let others know that she is your equal?" the Lady of the Eastern lands asked.

"I promise."

"Do you promise to let her know about you affections towards her?" the Lord of the Southern lands asked.

"I promise," Sesshoumaru answered.

Abi nodded gravely and then turned to look at Mrs Higurashi and Kagome's grandfather.

"You have stated that you have the power to hand over this Higurashi Kagome. I now ask you: Are you willing to hand this Higurashi Kagome over to Sesshoumaru, the taiyoukai of West?"

Mrs Higurashi raised her head. She looked straight into Abi's eyes.

"I'm willing to hand her over to Sesshoumaru."

All gazes in the room now turned to study the old man.

He sighed. The idea of his precious granddaughter marrying a youkai was enough to make their ancestors roll over in their graves. Well, at least his dear grandchild got herself a taiyoukai.

"The decision is Kagome's," the old man spoke. "But if she accepts this taiyoukai of West, I'll gladly hand her over."

Abi nodded.

"And what does the Lord of the Northern lands say?"

"I, Lord Kouga of the North, speak also on behalf of my mate, Lady Ayame of the North, and of my daughter, Princess Kayade of the North, as I declare that Lord Sesshoumaru has my permission to take this Higurashi Kagome as his mate."

"And what does the Lord of the Southern lands say?"

"I, Lord Hitachi of the South, speak also on behalf of my mate, Lady Rin of the South, as I declare that Lord Sesshoumaru has my permission to take this Higurashi Kagome as his mate."

"And what does the Lady of the Eastern lands say?" Sesshoumaru asked, looking closely at Abi.

The taiyoukai of the East smirked.

"Do as you like, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru smirked back. He always did as he liked.

"Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western lands. You have heard our voices. You hereby have the permission to take this Higurashi Kagome as your mate. That is if – and only if – this Higurashi Kagome herself is willing to be your mate. The ceremony is over."

It was her first day in work since losing the baby... And it had been after a hell of a fight with Sesshoumaru. The stubborn demon lord had refused to let her go to work, saying she needed to rest. She wasn't sick. She didn't need to rest. Besides, lying on that sofa all day, having nothing else to do than think... Think about her lifeless little demon child.. It was unbearable. So, she had called to Doctor Usugi, who had admitted that allowing Kagome to go to work wasn't a bad idea. Having something to do would keep the deep depression away from her.

She was on her way to kitchen after taking an order from a customer. She was supposed to go and let Shaere-san know what the customer wanted. However, she never made it to the kitchen because on her way there she froze.

In the doorway was standing a guy she knew.

"Sesshoumaru?"

What was he doing here? If he was planning to drag her back home she'd so show him... Before she had a chance to speak up, he moved.

The demon lord walked over to her and for a moment stood before her, watching her intently. Then he changed his position. His large hand engulfed hers as he kneeled.

Kagome blinked several time until she finally realised what was going on. All action in the little restaurant had stopped. Dozen pairs of eyes were staring... Staring at them.

I must be dreaming, she thought. Dreaming about going to work again and Sesshoumaru walking in and.. and now he's kneeling before me... What a weird dream.

Sesshoumaru sighed silently and allowed his talon to sink into the soft skin in her paw.

"OUCH! You idiot, what was that for!"

"Just making it sure you know this is happening for real," he answered dryly.

She paled.

Kayade came from the kitchen and stopped abruptly, taking in the sight of Sesshoumaru kneeling in front of Kagome. The pair seemed to have forgotten all about the rest of the restaurant. It took all Kayade had not to squeal excitedly out loud and break the illusion.

There were very few moments when the Lord of the Western lands had been nervous, but his was one of them. He had never done this before and therefore he was not quite sure how to put it all out in right words.

He took a deep breath.

"Kagome.. I know I've been... " he paused, trying to find a right word.

"A total ass?" she filled in for him.

"Well you can also put it like that..." he grumbled. "In any case, not too long ago I was forced to see how ill and dishonourable my behaviour towards you has been. I beg for your forgiveness."

"Is that why you're on your knees?" she asked bluntly, a frown on her face.

"Not quite," he answered dryly.

"Then cut the crap, Sesshoumaru, it's not like you. Just get to the point. Besides, I'm kinda busy you know. I'm trying to work here."

"As you wish, milady, I'll go straight to the point."

She swallowed nervously at the expression in his eyes.

"Kagome," he started, locking her gaze with his, "Will you allow me to make you my mate?"