Just to let you guys know, this was a very hard chapter for me to write. For I love Sesshomaru so much and feel that this chapter make me cry. That is the reason for the long wait on the update. I do hope that you can understand.

And I do have one review on this one! Yay!

Sabryn:I know that this is an odd pairing. I thought so too when I first started it 3 years ago. But, I still like it!

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha characters. But I do have the words!

Lord Sesshomaru sat on behind his large desk. Missives strung all over the place. The only neat pile were the ones that needed to be delivered. He had been wondering what had gone wrong between him and Sango. Wondering if there was something that he could have done differently to make her stay. But there was nothing that he could do. He knew that the Lords of the other lands would not have accepted her as his mate and it was not until the day after she left, did he not care about them anymore. It was not until after she had left him that he did not care about all of the rumors, the opinions, and the faces that did not adore her as he did. He knew that Rin had adored having her here with them with Shippo always at her feet. Lord Sesshomaru knew that Shippo could not be ignored for long because he always made sure that he made his presence known when he was not with her.

He remembers the first time that he saw here. With InuYasha and his wench and he could remember a monk of some sorts also with them. She was beautiful just standing there with her large bone boomerang clutched in her hand behind her back. She had just slapped the monk because he groped her bottom yet again. From the looks of it, it looked like he did that rather often to her. Lord Sesshomaru was amazed that she took it that well. He would have killed him on the spot without thinking about it. But it looked like she did have some feelings for him though. Sesshomaru did not understand it at all.

And then there was this wolf demon of the Northern Lands. Kouga the prince of the Northern wolf tribe. Now that was a rather arrogant and the most unruly demon that he had ever met. The wolf had no manners when it came to anyone. Especially always getting into fights with InuYasha and it was over that human girl. Sesshomaru had to admit that Kagome was inciting but she was not for him. She did not posses the power that he thought that Sango held within her. True she was a miko and her power was great but Sesshomaru wanted inner strength like his. He felt that Sango was more of a woman that could hold herself well in any situation and could bear the pain of life. And he was right, especially after he found out what she did to InuYasha after Naraku destroyed her village. But that is all over now. Naraku has been destroyed and all is well now. Now was the time that Sesshomaru was to make his move on the taijya. His taijya. But he did not have to make much of a move actually, she came to him. He just followed her scent and found her crying by a hot spring. He brought her back to his palace after calming her down. She cried for the longest time in his arms.

On the way to his palace he held her close to him. Taking in her scent in his nose when he nuzzled his chin on her head, trying to reassure her. He did not know the reason for wanting to reassure her and comfort her. He did not know her well and did not want her to get to close to him just yet. He needed to gain her trust first before doing anything. Little did he know, that just doing that one action, gained trust in her for him. To have him hold her during the whole time of traveling to his palace.

He remembered that she held on so tight while crying. When he dropped down in the small porch area off of his bedchambers, he tried to get her to let go so she could walk in on her own and she would not let go. So, he wrapped his tail around her legs and back to support her while he walked into his bedchambers.

"Sango, we are at my palace now. If you would let go, you can rest in the bed while I go and get you some food and wine."

Sango looked up and smiled. She let go and sat down on the bed. She watched as Sesshomaru left to go and get her provisions. She looked around the room and was amazed at how big the room was.

Where am I? Am I in Sesshomaru's bedchamber? I wonder why he took me here? Maybe he thought that this was the best place for me right now. I really am not in the right state of mind, thanks to Miroku. I can't believe that he did this to me. I thought that he loved me and only me. I mean we spent so many years together and I did not mind his lecherous ways because they were towards me! How am I ever going to trust another man after this? How?

Just then Sesshomaru walked in with a tray of food and wine. He set it on the small table that was just by his desk. He gently grabbed Sango's arm and led her to the table.

"Sango you need to eat. I will leave you to do this. And then I will return soon. I need to make sure that things are prepared here for your stay."

Sesshomaru then started to head for the door.

"Sesshomaru wait."

He stopped and turned around to face her.

"Thank you Sesshomaru for all of this." Sango said trying to give a confident smile.

Sesshomaru walked up to her and cupped her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into the hand. "You do not need to thank me for this. I just thought that it would help."

He then started to leave again. Sango felt relieved. She did not know that the strong and cold Taiyoukai of the Western Lands could be such a wonderful person, but she did not care at this time. He was taking good care of her and that is what mattered right now. She knew that she needed to get her bearings straight before doing anything else. She ate her food and drank the wine that was given to her.

How could Miroku do this to me? What did I do wrong with our relationship? Did I slap him too many times for his lecherous ways? Did I not show him enough affection?

Sango shook her head. She knew that she did not do anything wrong. She knew that Miroku just was not interested in her anymore. She started to cry again. She sat on the bed and pulled her knees up to her chin and rested her forehead on them. She hugged her knees closer to her to try to feel better. She sat there alone for a bit but jerked her head up when she felt someone near her. Sesshomaru was sitting on the edge of the bed. He had his hand in midair when she saw him. What is he doing? Is he actually trying to comfort me?

"Sesshomaru, what are you doing?"

Sesshomaru put his hand down. "I was going to give you a hug to make you feel better. I know what happened. Between you and Miroku. I am sorry to hear about how he told you and how you feel right now."

Sango just looked at him amazed that he is trying to show emotions to her. That he knows let alone trying to make her feel better.

"How did you find out what happened between us?"

"InuYasha told me."

"When did you see him?"

"I just did. He followed your scent here with me. He was rather upset that I took you but he was happy again when he found out that you were ok."

"You lied to InuYasha?"

"I did not lie to him. I just did not tell him the whole truth that is."

"Oh. That is good. I do not need anyone else to see how weak I am." Sango said looking down at her knees again. The tears starting again in her beautiful brown eyes.

Sesshomaru looked at her with sadness in his eyes. He touched her tears with one nail. He watched it go down his finger into his palm. He came to her because he could smell the salty tears start again. He tried taking all the other tears that were running down her smooth cheeks. She looked at him and tried to smile. Her smile was cut short when Sesshomaru with quick speed too her into his arms. She looked up at him and he nuzzled her cheek.

"Sesshomaru was are you doing?"

"I am comforting you. I know that you don't want to be near a guy right now but, I have to admit that I like you."

"Why did you not say anything before? All those times that we encountered each other?"

"Because it was not the right time. You were helping search for jewel shards. And now that is done now since Naraku is purified and Muso is with Kikyou. So, I thought that tonight was time to tell you. I have seen you battle and take all that crap from Miroku with his hand and thought that you were the strong woman for me. I would not have thought that a human could be so strong but, you are." Sesshomaru said cupping her cheek in his hand. He nuzzled her again with his nose.

Sango just sat there. She could not believe that this great Lord of the Western Lands was expressing feelings for a human let alone her. But the affection that he was giving her was making her feel better though. She did have to admit that.

"I have brought you one of my large shirts to sleep in tonight. I can bring you back to your village later to get some clothes and Shippo if you want to spend some time alone from there?"

"Yes, we will do that tomorrow." Sango yawned real big. "I think that it is time to sleep. I am tired now."

Sango got up and grabbed the shirt and started for the door to the bathroom. When she came out Sesshomaru was on the bed with silk pants on and no shirt. He looked beautiful there. Now with both arms since Kagome came to him and revived the missing one for him. He was sitting up in bed. She could feel the redness coming to her cheeks. She went to the bed and sat down on the other side and lay down. Sesshomaru moved the covers over her and spooned up to her. Wrapping his arm around her and placing the other one under her head.

"Good night Sango."

"Good night Sesshomaru."

They both feel asleep that night in each other's arms. She felt comfort and security in his actions and she could feel herself relax.

The next morning they traveled to her village. She stopped by InuYasha and Kagome's home to tell them that she is going to stay with Lord Sesshomaru for a while to get her bearings and to try to get over this whole thing with Miroku. Shippo was so happy to see his mother again. He did not let go of her from the moment that they came to the door. Kagome understood what she was going through and was happy that she is going to take the time and rest. InuYasha of course went off the wall.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU ARE GOING TO STAY WITH THAT BASTARD!"

"InuYasha, please understand that she is going to be in my protection and that I will take care of her."

"AND WHY DOES SHE SMELL LIKE YOU? DID YOU FORCE HER INTO YOUR BED ALREADY?"

"InuYasha, I did have her in my bed. I did not have time to get a room ready for her since you visited me last night to yell at me. I am going to protect her and I tell you this now. If Miroku decides to stop by and say hi, I will tear him apart without a second thought."

"…………"

Lord Sesshomaru turned to Sango. "Are you ready?"

"Almost Sesshomaru. I just want to talk to Kaede real quick."

"Alright let's go. Kagome, InuYasha it was a pleasure." Sesshomaru said.

And with that they left and went to Kaede's house. They stayed for just a minute or two. When they were just about to leave Miroku saw Sango get ready to leave with Sesshomaru.

"SANGO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH HIM?" Miroku yelled as he ran to her.

Both Sango and Sesshomaru turned towards the voice that was shouting to them. Sango got closer to Sesshomaru; she was not ready to face him yet.

Sesshomaru held out one hand that was clearly full of poison towards Miroku.

"I suggest that you leave the premises. She does not want to talk to you right now. I am going to take care of her for a while and suggest that you do not travel to my lands or my palace until I see fit. If you do, I will kill you on sight myself." Sesshomaru said with ice in his words.

Miroku just stood where he stopped. Without his wind tunnel he was helpless in helping her. He did have feelings for her but they were not as strong as the ones that he had for Kagura. "Sango is this true?" Clearly there was worry in his voice.

"Yes Miroku it is true. I will not be returning for some time. Goodbye." Sango said with red eyes. She had started crying again.

Sesshomaru took her into his arms and held her close. He shot another warning at Miroku, baring his fangs and letting his usual golden eyes go red. Miroku too a few steps back and watched them leave.

After that encounter with Miroku, Sesshomaru made sure that he was not to visit his taijya. Sango and him also started getting into a pattern at the palace also of their daily activities. They would dine with Rin and Shippo at breakfast and dinner. They would spend lunch alone together. She never got her own room either; she stayed in Sesshomaru's bedchambers with him. Shippo started to like what was going on at Sesshomaru's palace. He liked having lessons with Rin and playing with her. And it was tons of fun to beat on Jaken any time that he wanted to. Sango was so happy that Shippo made the transition well and they were all getting closer the longer that they stayed. Everything was going well with them until Kouga found out that she was there. She had been there for about 2 months when he arrived and started making trouble.

Kouga came barreling into his study baring his fangs at Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru just looked at him wondering what was going on.

"Lord Kouga, what can I do for you? I am in no need of giving you protection am I?"

"Cut the shit Sesshomaru. Where is Sango? I heard from the mutt that she was here. I heard what happened with Miroku and I am wondering how she is."

"Lord Kouga, in my presence you will speak to me with respect and that of my brother. Also, Sango is here biding her time with her pup. She is under my protection so you know that she is fine. Besides, I thought that you loved the miko that is my brother's mate. When is it your business to worry about Sango?"

Kouga sat down on the pillow in front of Sesshomaru's desk. "I have always had feelings for Sango. I just did not think that they were that strong. I always thought that Kagome was the woman for me but she is not. I have gotten over her since your brother took her for a mate. And I have decided to take Sango for my mate. Now I would like to speak with her, where is she?"

Sesshomaru sat and listened to what he was saying. He tried his hardest to keep himself under control. His demon side has already claimed Sango to be his mate but he did not want the wolf prince to know this.

'Sango is in the gardens with Rin, Shippo, and Jaken. You are not to bother them."

Kouga got up and put his hands on Sesshomaru's desk. "You are not telling me what to do. I am going to see her and talk to her myself." Kouga's beautiful blue eyes started to go green. He was starting to find it very hard to control his demon side right now. He wanted his mate and he wanted her now. He decided that he was going to challenge Sesshomaru for her now. He raised his jaki to match Sesshomaru's.

Sesshomaru started to get rather impatient with the wolf and started to raise his jaki. His golden eyes starting to get red. "You are to do no such thing. She does not need you when she has me."

"Sesshomaru you have no marked her for yourself and you are not going to! She is my woman and she is going to stay that way for a long time. I am going to take her away and I do not need your permission."

Sesshomaru could feel the jaki rise in the wolf prince and he was getting rather upset. But, he did not look away from the challenge that Kouga was presenting him. "I would like to see you try Lord Kouga."

Sango was in the hall walking to Sesshomaru's study with tea for lunch since the kids had to get back to their studies. She walked in and saw the two staring each other down. No! She thought. This cannot be happening, not now. Sesshomaru is going to kill him! She walked into the room and put the tea on a table and walked towards them slowly. She could feel both of the demon's jaki since it was so thick in the room. She glanced at Kouga and saw that his once beautiful blue eyes were now green. She walked in between them. His eyes were red, the marks on his cheeks more purple than ever, and his skin more white than normal. He remembered her placing her hand on his face, stroking his cheek with her thumb. Making him look at her this time, "Sesshomaru, I am here now. Please calm down." She pleaded with him. Never stopping her thumbs movement. He pulled her towards him to sit on his lap and caress her face with his hand. He wanted her close to him quickly. He remembered Kouga's face. The green eyes staring at her with disbelief that she had chosen the mutt's older brother over him. "Kouga, please go to your quarters and we will talk later on the matter. But, for now leave and calm down." Sango said in a whisper. She had her head now on Sesshomaru's collarbone and her arms wrapped around him, her hand still caressing his cheek. Kouga stormed out of the room slamming the door shut. Sesshomaru could hear his footsteps to his quarters and slamming that door shut too. She then moved in his lap to face him once again, placing a kiss on his lips. When she did that, he calmed down and lowered his jaki to normal. She knew him so well now since they have been spending everyday and every night together. She told him that she wanted to explain things with Kouga and that she will meet Sesshomaru later. He did not want her to go. He wanted her to stay with him at this time since he still felt that she was going to leave him. But she was so nice and her touches were so soft and caring on his skin. He finally let go of her and she walked off to Kouga's quarters that were made up for him.

Sesshomaru knew that Sango was going to stay with him for a little while longer. He has had some pressure from the Elders of the Counsel about Sango. They wanted to make sure that Sesshomaru was not going to make her his mate. They said that the full blood line must go on. Sesshomaru said many times that Rin was his heir and they would have to take orders from her if she was to survive that long. Just thinking about that made him sorrowful. He loved Rin with all his heart, even though sometimes he does not show his full feelings for her. Sango too, would not last that long unless he mixed blood with her. Then she would be a hanyou and he did not think that he could do that to her. And what if they had a pup? Would that mean that Rin would be pushed back to the second place? He did not know if he could do that to her. He knew that he had to think about this more carefully than he thought.

Sango came back into his bedchambers later that evening. She was clearly distressed. He had heard that Kouga left some time ago, so he figured that he would give Sango her time alone to think things through. She saw him on the bed sitting there with his back to the headboard. She ran to him and embraced him and started to cry. He wrapped his arms around her and cuddled her. He hated it when she cried. It has been sometime since the last time that she cried in his arms. He kissed her forehead and she looked up at him. Her tears staining her flawless cheeks and he wiped them away.

"Thank you Sesshomaru for understanding that I needed my time. I do not want this to happen again. I have been thinking about Kouga and his feelings for me."

"And what is the conclusion that you have come to?"

"I think that I need more time here with you. I need to work something out again."

"Is there anything that I can do to help you?"

"No, just you being here for me is all I need right now." Sango smiled and leaned her head against his chest. Her breathing slowed down.

He knew that she was not telling the full truth but he would give her the time that she needs to get over this. He too had something to ponder as she did. She got up some time later and got ready for bed. He snuggled up to her as he had every night since he brought her here. But, this time, he kissed her cheek before falling asleep. Could he bear to let her go?

Days and weeks went by without things changing between the two. They still spent their days together as before. Sesshomaru was getting more and more feelings for the taijya and he did not know what he was going to do. Then one day he felt her scent change and it worried him. They were lying in bed talking about nothing in particular.

Sango turned to him to face him squarely.

"Sesshomaru, there is something that I need to tell you."

Raising an eyebrow at her, "What is it Sango?"

"Sesshomaru, I have been here for some time and I think that I am ready to face the world again. I know that this news is not the greatest and I am sorry if I am building the ice around your heart again, but I have been thinking. About us I mean. I know that the Elders do not like me being here and with Rin as the heir of your palace and lands and such, there is no real reason for me being here." She grabbed his hands as she continued. "We have gotten rather close during these months and I feel that I know you better and that you are a very passionate man. But, really, the only way that I can be happy with you is if you make me a hanyou. And I do not think that you can bear me as one. I would still be part human, and my life span would be extended a far amount of years, but not like yours. I would not want to see pain in your eyes when I did finally pass on. I am going to leave after breakfast in the morning with Shippo. I am going back to my home in Kaede's village and start out fresh. I would like to see you still and see Rin. She is like my own pup in a way. And I do not want her to grow up without any human woman around in case she has questions. Do you understand Sesshomaru?" She was searching for feeling in his face, but he masked himself after her first sentence. She was feeling rather sad and defeated again.

It took him a while to understand what she was saying and how to react. He did not want to show her that he was so sad to hear her words that were coming out of her sweet lips.

Sesshomaru looked at her. He did understand and knew that it was for the best that he did not take her for a mate, no matter how much he wanted to; he knew that he could not. He did not think that he could bear the pain of losing her to death; he remembered what had happened to his father when both mothers that Sesshomaru knew passed on. And how it affected his father. How heartbroken he was. Sesshomaru knew that he could not bear that pain and live through it gracefully. He cupped her cheek and she closed her eyes leaning into his hand.

"Sango, I do understand. I do not want you to stay here with me if you feel that you are only going to be causing me pain. I love you and I always will have you in my heart. My heart has been thawed with you here and it will never be encased in ice again. I will always be here for you and Rin will always visit you for whenever you want. I owe you the world because you are the one who taught me to love another and to show my feelings and not be ashamed of them. You know that I would never keep her from you just because of your decision to leave. I want nothing but for you to be happy."

"Yes, I know and I am glad that you understand. I do not owe you anything Sesshomaru; you were there when I needed you the most with Miroku and again with Kouga. I should be the one who owes you but I think that we will always be close Sesshomaru, because you are always going to be in my heart as well." She smiled and embraced him, squeezing as hard as she can. She was so happy that he was there for her and wished that he would for all time whenever she needed it. They went asleep for the night but Sesshomaru laid awake most of the night. He hugged her the whole night not letting her go. He was going to miss her so much but he would visit her as often as she let him.

In the morning she did just as she said she was going to do. Rin cried so hard, she did not want her to leave but when Sango said that she could visit as often as she wanted she smiled. The small child hugged her so hard and she didn't want to let go but she did. Sesshomaru brought her back to her home in the village. Sango gave him another hug that he would remember for the rest of his life. He remembered that she kissed him and he will always remember her taste and her scent. She grabbed his heart that day.

He often wondered after that day and months later if he could ever love another. Even after he started visiting her as often as Rin requested. He cherished those visits with her. They would stay in her bedchambers and talk about what has been going on since the last visit. He knew also that Kouga was visiting her now. His scent was in the living room and the kitchen at times. Sesshomaru did have a twang of jealousy but knew that he needed to let Sango live her life. Even if it was with Kouga.