Ha ha! Do you hate me yet? I know that I am taking a while for this one to come to life but I assure you, that you will love it. Please enjoy.

Melovepotion: Thanks hon! You rock!

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha but I do have my words! Muhahahaha!


Back at the village, the guests started helping the soldiers clean up the buildings and the dishes after the carriage was out of sight. It was late in the evening when things were starting to settle down after all of the excitement. Sesshomaru was making sure those things were put away and that things were done right as they were finishing up on the clean up. He was helping on moving some tables back into houses that he borrowed when he noticed one certain woman out of the crowd. She was laughing softly as she was helping Kanna and Kohaku with some of the vases of flowers from the tables. He had never noticed her before nor has he ever seen her around before. She was turning to grab another vase off a table before it was taken away and she caught him looking at her. She lowered her head and blushed as she took the vase and quickly walked away.

She caught up with Kanna and they started speaking.

"Kanna, who is that handsome looking man over there?" Tahki asked.

Kanna turned around and saw that Sesshomaru was watching them. She waved and he waved back and then turned around to help a soldier.

"Oh, that is just Sesshomaru. Why?"

"He was staring at me."

"Oh really. Hmmm. That is interesting."

"Why?"

"The woman who got married today was his first love."

"Oh."

"Yeah, he has been helping so much with the wedding and stuff. But it is not surprising that you caught his eye. You are beautiful Tahki."

Tahki blushed again and Kanna laughed. "Tahki, there is nothing to fear from him. He has changed a lot since the war."

"The war?"

"Yeah, see me and Kagura used to fight with Sango, Kagome, InuYasha and Miroku way back when we were first born from another demon named Naraku. Kohaku was an associate that Naraku kept alive to use against Sango. Sango is Kohaku's older sister."

"Oh, I am so sorry."

"It is ok. It turned out better in the end as you can see." Kanna said smiling.

"Yes I can see that things are peaceful and quiet around here."

"Tahki, may I ask about you more?"

"Well, as you can see I am a dog demon. I come from the main lands of America. I was hiding there in my animal form when my family that was taking care of me tried to kill me. I ended up killing them and fled here to Japan to seek shelter and peace. But I was soon attacked many times by demons here and was on the brink of death. A wonderful demon and his wife found me and brought me to their home and nursed me back to health. And then he requested that I come here to help out with the festivities."

"I am so sorry that things worked out that way but you know what. I am happy that you are here to help though."

"Thank you Kanna. You and Kohaku have been so kind to me while I have been here."

"Tahki, one thing that I have found out since my release from Naraku is that I have more feelings now than ever! I have found that helping others who need it give me happiness and peace within my heart. I would have helped you no matter what."

Tahki stopped and put her vase down and embraced the little demon in front of her. Tears started rolling down her alabaster face. Kanna smiled and held her close, "Tahki there is no need for tears. I am here to help you when you need it. All you need to do is ask."

"I know but I cannot help it Kanna. Your kindness and your generosity are so amazing."

Sesshomaru watched from a distance, smelling the demon's tears that she shed. I wonder who she is? I have not seen her before around here. It seems that she is close to Kanna and yet, I have not seen her before with her. I wonder if I should go and ask about her? No. The timing is not right and my heart still aches at the thought that right now, Kouga is probably marking Sango. The one thing that I could not do out of respect for her. I am ever going to be able to get her out of my mind? I am sure that I will be able to in time; I mean look at how Sango had moved on after what Miroku did to her.

But this woman, I am having issues getting my eyes away from her. She is rather a striking demon with such grace in the way that she walks. When my eyes met hers, they were so beautiful. Almost the color of mother's eyes when she would look at me. The softest shade of violet that I have ever seen in a woman yet alone a demon. The softness of her light blue stripes on her cheeks that were so slimly shaped to her oval face. I think that she even blushed when she saw me looking at her, which made them look even more enticing to touch. And the slimness of her lips, the way that they were slightly parted as if she wanted to say something but her breath would not allow her to. Her soft and free flowing violet hair, but it was not violet in that sense. Her hair is silver like mine but hers has a touch of violet color in it as the light from the candles touched it. Wait, what am I doing? I am thinking of someone that I have never met yet; I can remember such things about her.

Sesshomaru looked around and saw that things were finished around him and he went into Sango's garden and sat down at the bench where he kissed her that fateful morning.

But I seem to have noticed more of this new woman than I thought I guess. I noticed as she was talking to Kanna, of the roundness of her shoulders and the delicacy of her arms and hands as she moved them around the vase of flowers. The roundness of her breasts as they lay under her hiatori of Sango's family colors. The slimness of her hips and the way that her tail wrapped around that slim waist like a belt and I am sure that her legs underneath were as creamy white as the rest of her face and hands that I saw. What the fuck am I talking about! I don't even know who this woman is! Yet she is entrancing me with just a look of her! I really need to get a life or something. Maybe Sango is right, with me seeking another to court, maybe I can get on with my life. That is the one thing that Sango wanted me to do and with me kissing her goodbye this morning and giving Kouga my consent I guess that I should honor her wish like I told her that I would.

Sesshomaru sighed deeply as he looked out at the full moon that was shining brightly in the dark sky above him. The fragrance of the flowers in the garden enveloping around him like a blanket of love and sweet memories; he looked around and remembered the times that he spent in this garden with his one true love. Smiling as he remembered that she was happy with Kouga and that they are going to make a good life for each other and that Kouga was going to make her happy; Sesshomaru was going to make sure of that. After some time, he got up and walked into the house and went into his room for the night. He stopped on the way to pet Kirara as she slept in the living room with Ares. He thought that since he was going to help Kohaku and Kanna with the construction of the house, that he better get some rest before starting things in the morning. He stopped at Sango's bedchambers door and breathed her scent in deeply into his brain, remembering the way that the roses smelled whenever she was around. He stopped himself before opening the door; it was not his place to go into a woman's bedchambers anymore now that she was married. Besides, this was not to be her bedchambers anymore, it was to be Kanna and Kohaku's and he must respect their privacy. But he noticed as he breathed in Sango's scent, he could not smell Kanna or Kohaku in there. But he did notice that there was a slight lavender scent coming from the room that was not there before. He shook his head thinking that he must be more tired than he thought and went to his room and slept.

Tahki froze as she noticed that someone was at the door of the room that she was using while she was here helping Kanna and Kohaku. She did not want anyone to know that she was here except for them yet there was a sandalwood scent coming from there and she did not know who it was. Nor did she want to find out at this time of night. She started to calm down as she heard the footsteps start to go away from the door and down the hall to the little girls room that she saw.

That person must be sleeping in there next to the little girl. I wonder if it is that Sesshomaru person that Kanna was telling me about. I think that Kohaku told me that he was staying here for a while longer because of the construction. Hmmm. He is a rather striking and beautiful creature. Ahhh, maybe I am just hoping for something that is never going to come to me. Love has never been my strong point in life but I am just happy that I have never mated or been marked by another. At least I have my pride in that.

Tahki smiled as she nuzzled lower into the bed, the smell of roses all around her as she slept peacefully and deeply for the first time in ages; she was happy that she might have found a place where she can call home.

In the morning she woke up to a bunch of pounding and sawing and grunting of voices a little ways away. By the time that she sat up in bed, the wall came crashing down that was connected to the bedchambers. She quickly brought the covers to her chest as the first person noticed that there was someone in there. It was Sesshomaru.

"Who are you?" He demanded.

"What is going on?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Who are you?"

"I suggest that you leave before you get hurt."

"I suggest that you and your men leave so I can!" She spat back at him. Rather angry that she was awoken in this manner.

Sesshomaru just stood there and raised an eyebrow at her.

"What in the hell are you looking at? Leave!" She demanded.

Sesshomaru looked at her, no emotions on his beautiful face. He turned around and snapped his fingers and the men followed him.

"Bout time!" She yelled.

He stopped and turned around. He moved so quickly that she did not realize it until he was right there in her face.

"If you are a guest here, I highly suggest that you curb your tongue." He said, his face very close to hers. She could feel his breathe on her face as he said this.

She did not want to show fear to him and did not want to back down either. This man had no right in saying what he did to her since she did not know him. She backed away from his face and gracefully got out of bed. He noticed how her nightgown clung to her body as she did this. He backed away slightly to give her room but not backing down to a female that he did not know. She tried to move behind him but he was blocking her way. He did not know what she was trying to do but he did not trust it. She looked at him rather impatiently.

"Can you let me get my robe or are you going to make me walk around like this?" She asked with her hands on her hips.

He looked at her and moved slightly. She went for her robe and he stopped her hand. She looked at her hand that was being held by this man, and then she glanced up at him.

"Is there a problem?" She asked raising an eyebrow at him.

"You never answered my questions. Who are you?"

She tried jerking her hand free but he held it tightly but not too tight. She straightened up and just looked at him.

"If we are going to hold hands I suggest first that you ask me politely to court."

He removed his hand quickly and she grabbed her robe and put it on.

"You are going to answer me woman." He demanded to her as she went to the small vanity and picked up her brush and started brushing her hair. Her moves graceful and smooth as she brought the brush up to her hair and applied pressure as it made its way down her slightly violet tresses. He had the sudden urge to help her but suppressed that urge quickly.

"My name is Tahki. As you can see, I am the same race as you are Sesshomaru. Or should I address you as Lord Sesshomaru?" She asked, slightly mocking him.

"How do you know my name?"

"I am well known to Kanna and Kohaku since I have been helping them since I got her two weeks ago."

"If you have been here this long, how come this is the first time that we have met?"

"I could not answer that Lord Sesshomaru."

"You can just call me Sesshomaru. I have taken a liking to be called just that instead of all of the formalities."

"Very well Sesshomaru."

"Where did you come from Tahki?"

Tahki looked around and saw that his men were awaiting his orders and she kind of blushed. He noticed this and turned around and saw his men giggling slightly and then quickly stopping as they were noticed of their actions.

"If you will please follow me Tahki to the gardens and we could finish this discussion there." He said and then he turned to his men. "Continue to break this wall down as well and place the building here. I will need at least 4 bedchambers made in that building and this one expanded."

He turned around and found her gone. He went through the door, following her scent and noticed that she was heading for the bathroom. He went into the kitchen and got some coffee and he poured her a cup as well and waited for her. She came into the kitchen a little while later. He handed her the cup that he poured for her and they went out into the gardens. They sat down on the bench and they continued their conversation.

"Now, as I was saying earlier."

"Sesshomaru, really you do not need to know my past. And just to let you know, I said that I was sorry to your men about my behavior before coming here. I would like to apologize to you as well for my actions. It was rather rude of me."

"You went and apologized to my soldiers?"

"Yes, it was rude of me for acting that way. I should have known better since Kanna warned me last night before retiring."

"I accept your apology. As I hope that you accept mine."

"I do. I know that it was quite a shocker seeing me in there. I know that you and Sango were close."

At the mention of her name, Sesshomaru flinched inside. I wonder what she is doing now? Is she thinking of me?

Tahki realized that it was wrong to mention her name and she put her hand on his arm and looked into his golden eyes. "I am sorry Sesshomaru. I should not have said her name or mentioned her."

He looked at her hand that rested on his arm. Waves of emotions ran through him that he had never felt before. Waves of warmth, caring, sorrow and love. He looked up at her violet eyes; he could see that there was a little more moisture in them than there should be. Could she be feeling sorry for me?

She looked at him; she could feel tears starting to form in her eyes and tried to push them back. But when she touched his arm, she felt things that she never thought existed within her. She wanted him to feel her emotions that she was feeling, sorrow, warmth, caring and love. She knew that she did not love this man but she did feel sorry for him and wanted him to feel better. For some reason, she was compelled to make him feel better.

A single tear started to run down her pale face, gracefully running down past her light blue stripe on her cheek. She turned away from him, ashamed that it fell after she tried her hardest to stop it from happening in the first place. She felt a hand on her face and turned to look at him, his hand was brushing the tear away. She searched in his eyes for any emotions but could not find any. He must have been through much more than I have expected to hide his emotions like he does. But knowing that he just lost his one love, his first love, he is going to protect himself. Yet, why is he brushing the tear away from my face? And this feeling I get when he touches me. What does this mean?

She got up quickly and moved to the other side of the garden. She could not face him and his actions that he was doing. She did not know what was happening to her but she wanted nothing but to be in his arms, to feel them wrapped around her, holding her tightly. He watched her search his eyes for emotions but he could not let them out to someone that he did not know. Even though his actions were unbeknownst to him, as he wiped the tear away from her cheek, he did not want to move it away at the same time. When she moved away from him to the other side of the gardens he sat there. Did he do something wrong? Maybe I should have not done that if I had known that I was doing that. I really have to watch what I am doing!

Sesshomaru got up and walked over to her. "I am sorry if I have offended you in some way Tahki. I did not mean to."

"It is ok, you did not offend me Sesshomaru."

"I sometimes now, do not realize what I am doing at the time. Being with Sango for as long as I was, she taught me to feel things that I never did before. To show emotions that were there but never seen to the outside world."

She turned to him and smiled, "Sesshomaru, you do not need to explain yourself to me. You are a great lord and you had to do what you had to do in time of battle and war. I know how that is like and now both of us are past that."

He was about to say something when both children came screaming into the gardens. Rin stopped quickly and Shippo ran into her, knocking her to the ground. Kirara and Ares just stood there and looked at the two demons wondering what was going on.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin said excitedly. Then she saw the female with him and stared at her. "Who are you pretty lady?"

Tahki smiled and bent down to her. "Hello there cutie. My name is Tahki. What is your name?"

"My name is Rin and this is Shippo." Rin said pointing at Shippo. He blushed when she said his name.

"Hello Rin and Shippo. Now what was the reason for you guys tearing into this beautiful garden this morning?"

"I wanted to see Lord Sesshomaru and see if he would play with us."

"Oh!" Tahki turned her head and looked at Sesshomaru.

He looked down at her, "Rin is my pup."

Tahki looked at Rin and smiled, "Rin, where is your mother?"

"I don't have one. It is now just me and Lord Sesshomaru."

"And my mother is on her honeymoon with my new daddy." Shippo said sadly.

Tahki put her lips together and then smiled at the two. "I would gladly play with you if you would give me time to get dressed for the day. I have nothing to do today since they are working on the house."

Rin and Shippo both hooted for joy and shook their heads. "We will be at InuYasha's house! Come and get us there!" Shippo said excitedly and then they all ran off.

Tahki got up and stretched. "Well, I guess that I better go and get ready. I am sure that they are not going to wait long for me to get there."

"Thank you Tahki."

"For what Sesshomaru?"

"For playing with them. Shippo is sad that they left him here and Rin is all he has right now."

"Well, it seems to me that they are both inseparable at this time and probably will be later on. Besides, I like kids, I don't mind at all having some fun while I am here for now."

"For now?"

"Yeah, I really do not have a home right now. Kanna and Kohaku were nice to hold me here while they need my help but I don't know what I am going to do after that."

"You are not from around here then?"

"No, I came from America. I came here to find peace and be happy." Tahki said smiling.

"Oh."

"Well, I am off. Maybe we can have a nicer conversation like this at a later time. Thank you for talking with me though Sesshomaru."

"It was nice to meet you Tahki."

Tahki turned around and headed for the house. She looked at him after she closed the door and he turned to the sun and closed his eyes. I wonder what he is thinking about? She turned and went to where her clothes were and got ready for the day.

Sesshomaru watched her leave and then turned to the sun and closed his eyes. The sun is warm today. I think that the construction should be done in two days time. I wonder if InuYasha would mind me taking Shippo with Rin and I to the palace? I will have to remember to ask him that later on. Tahki…. A very interesting woman. From America to find peace and to be happy here in Japan. I wonder what happened to her to where she would want to leave? And now she is going to be spending the day with Rin and Shippo playing. Is this a woman that I can grow to love? Sesshomaru opened his eyes and started heading back to the other side of the house where the construction was going on. He stayed there helping and overseeing everything for the rest of the day.

At times during the day he could hear the two pups yelling and screaming of joy. Tahki came and delivered the lunch for him and the men later on with them and then he did not see her for the rest of the day.

By the time that Tahki reached InuYasha's house, the pups were in an uproar about the new lady in the village. InuYasha was apprehensive at first letting Rin and Shippo play with her but Kagome told him not to worry. Tahki bowed to them gracefully and InuYasha's face was of amazement. He admitted loudly that she was very beautiful and Kagome hit him in the ribs.

"You will have to excuse my husband. I guess that subtlety does not run in that family."

"And what family is that you are speaking of Lady Kagome?"

"Oh, you couldn't tell! InuYasha and Sesshomaru are brothers. Well, InuYasha is only half demon, not full demon like Sesshomaru."

From under a pile of cats and children InuYasha screamed out, "Thanks for reminding me of that once again Kagome!"

"Oh shut up! I really am sorry for his behavior this morning."

"It is ok Lady Kagome. I had a rather bad morning anyways, bantering seems to be attracted to me today for some reason."

"What do you mean by that Tahki? And please, call me Kagome."

"Well, I woke up this morning to the wall being taken down in the bedchambers that I was in and Sesshomaru and his men were staring at me."

Kagome laughed and InuYasha just stared and then started laughing. Tahki blushed, "I kind of yelled at him and then he yelled back and we started to banter at each other."

Kagome looked at her and then InuYasha. InuYasha nodded his head and he took the kids and the cats to the backyard to play. Kagome brought Tahki into the kitchen and she gave her some more coffee while they talked.

"Tahki, tell me something. You are full dog demon correct?"

"Yes, I am. My family is originally from here but left because of all the bad stuff happening with a demon called Naraku. We fled to America to live as domestic dogs there with a family. But soon things got bad there too. My parents were killed, my siblings killed and I barely made it here alive."

"Tahki, I am going to tell you a story that is going to blow your mind. Because truthfully, I think that we have seen you before when you were younger before you left."

"Oh really?"

Kagome nodded and then told about how she first met InuYasha and what all happened up until now. Tahki just sat there and listened. Just amazed at what this woman before her had gone through. What Sango went through with Miroku and Kagura. What Sango had endured through the time that Kohaku and Kanna were under Naraku's control and hatefulness. She cried through some parts and was shocked during others. Kagome stopped while she handed the lunch to Tahki to bring to Sesshomaru and his men since Kanna and Kohaku were in another village for a few days. When Tahki left, she brought Rin with her to help since there were so many bowls. When they got back, InuYasha and Shippo were sleeping on the pillows in the living room and Rin happily went over there to join them. Shockingly, she gave Tahki a hug before lying down. Tahki smiled and her and Kagome went into her gardens to finish talking.

"Kagome, so it was you that I saw at the castle that Naraku was holding us in. I wish that I knew you back then so you could have saved us."

"I do as well Tahki, but it seems like you have faired well since. But I am sorry for you losing you family in America. I know that is a hardship that you have to carry around with you for the rest of your life."

"Yes but I feel that it has made me a better person in the end."

"Tahki, tell me something."

"Yes Kagome?"

"Why have you not mated and settled down?"

"I did not have time and strength to do that when I arrive back in Japan. But now that things are starting to go well for me again, I have been thinking of it. Why?"

"I was just wondering. You are a very mystical creature with your looks and your ways. I do feel that it would not take you long to find a mate."

"Kagome, may I ask you something as well?"

"Sure."

"Who is Sesshomaru and what is he like?"

"OH! I see that you have your eye on him."

"I felt so comfortable with him when he was around this morning, talking to me." Tahki said blushing at her openness.

"I want to be blunt with you and if I offend you I am sorry. But the Tashido family is very wealthy and very deadly. I have been part of this family for a long time now and just recently made it legal with my marriage with InuYasha. Although I have been with him for many years before destroying Naraku as you very well know. I have grown close with both InuYasha and Sesshomaru. But lately, Sesshomaru has taken a liking to Sango after many things have happened. Sango was rejected by one of our close companions Miroku. Sesshomaru helped her get into good spirits once again and he changed. He changed a lot. Before he was a cold killing machine, not once thinking of another's life; especially one of a humans. She grew on him and he changed into a more kinder and nicer demon then. He even learned to love another because of their close relationship of him helping her; she was helping him become this way. Kouga during that time was trying his hardest to capture her love since I turned him away and went to InuYasha. I had always loved InuYasha and Kouga never realized that until I turned him down for marriage. He turned to Sango for comfort and she turned to Sesshomaru. Then after some time she did turn to Kouga and they married yesterday. Now Sesshomaru is alone now but he has not changed back to that cold demon he once was. His change was one of a miracle of sorts. He is almost loving now and very nice to be around. His daughter Rin is one that is very happy now that he will outwardly show her affection. I think that he is happy with his life but one thing that Sango requested him to do was to find love with another that can return his feelings. Sango always thought of others like I always did but this time, she wanted this for him."

Tahki just sat there and listened as Kagome told her all of this. She was amazed at the change that she was told about. He did not seem like he could be that way back then. But then again, she did not know him then and was happy that she did not.

"I think that he is a rather nice man from our conversation this morning. And yes, I could see the coldness of him when he first discovered me. Although I have to admit that I was not the nicest person as well."

Kagome laughed and thought about it for a little bit.

"Tahki, with Kohaku and Kanna gone for a bit, with all the construction; I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with us this evening. I would be honored if your would."

"I will accept Lady Kagome."

"Oh for kami's sake, just call me Kagome!"

Tahki laughed and then reported that she needed to go and clean the parts of the house that were not destroyed and that she would return for dinner that evening. Kagome agreed and Tahki took Rin to help her with the duties that needed to be done. Shippo was a little disappointed until Tahki said that he could come as well if it was ok with InuYasha. Who humbly agreed by the look on his face when she asked. They walked to Sango's old home and there was much improvement already. They had the building that they used as the dance hall for the wedding there, and it was exposed on one side. You could see in there and see that they were forming walls to divide all of the rooms for the upcoming children and for the craft room that Kanna requested. Rin was excited and rather disappointed that a room for her and Shippo was not made. Thaki had to remind Rin that she is getting older and that she is going to want her privacy soon from Shippo no matter how their relationship is like. Rin said that she understood since she was having her period right now and things were getting rather hairy when it came to her emotions and moods.

All three of them went inside and they went to work on cleaning the bedrooms that are at this time being left untouched with the construction. Shippo was dusting, Rin was sweeping and Tahki was just straightening things up. They were able to get done with two rooms and they were on their way to the third one. Tahki went to the door and knocked to see if anyone was in there. She could not remember if it was a bathroom for guests or another bedroom, but when she did not hear anyone she opened the door. She was surprised as she saw Sesshomaru lying on the bed and he appeared to be sleeping. He was holding a dried and flattened flower in his hands. Tahki closed the door quickly and said that there was someone in there and that they should go to the next room. Rin said that it was her room that was next and they went inside and cleaned. Tahki was amazed to see him sleeping in there. The construction was still going on and she thought that he would have been out there helping. And he was holding that flower in his hands. She had never seen that shade of Sakura flower before and it was purely beautiful.

He looked so peaceful and beautiful lying there in that bed. His hair draped over the edge of the bed as well as his tail. The sun was shining and reflecting silver color from his hair. I thought that it was white but I guess that he has silver highlights. The red stripes on his cheeks were faded a little; they were not as bright red as they were this morning when we were talking. I bet his father was a looker as well because Sesshomaru is a very good looking man. The perfection of his skin, his scent of sweet sandalwood, the fragility of his hands yet at the same time they look very strong and powerful. I wonder how those hands would feel on me? OH! What in the hell am I talking about?

Tahki waved her hands in front of her face as that last thought ran through her mind. She was blushing at that thought and Rin understood what was going on. She understood that Tahki was interested and attracted to Sesshomaru and she had to admit that she was a little jealous and a little mad. Because it has not been that long since Sango left him, well it has been almost a year but still.

Tahki looked at Rin, "Are you ok?"

"Yes, I just was thinking of something. But we will talk later ok?" Rin said with a smile.

"Alright."

There was a knock at the door and Tahki went and opened it. Sesshomaru was looking right at her and grabbed her arm. He dragged her into the hallway and closed the door. Rin knew the reason for him doing this and she continued to clean her room with Shippo.

"What is the meaning of this?" Tahki demanded.

Sesshomaru continued to bring her down the hallway, he did not answer her and she started to resist his movements. He just pulled her away, making her come with him. She noticed that they were going into the gardens again. It was starting to get dark and she wanted to get ready for dinner at Kagome's. She did not want to be late considering that she was asked to go. When they got there he let go of her and sat down on the bench again. She stood there and looked at him. He looks like he is stressed or something.

"Are you ok Lord Sesshomaru?" Tahki asked as she extended a hand to his shoulder.

"I am fine."

"Then why did you bring me out here?"

"Why were you in my room earlier?"

Tahki's hand stopped and she brought it to her chest. "I am sorry Lord Sesshomaru. I was cleaning around the house and that room was the next one. I am sorry if I disturbed you."

"Tahki, I had requested before that you just call me Sesshomaru. I am no longer requesting formality with you."

Tahki looked down at the ground. "I know but I just cannot help it. I do not know you well to not call you Lord when I know that you request that I do not."

"I know that you do not know me well, but I am understanding that you are learning of my past from everyone. Especially Kagome."

"How did you know that I was there?"

"Her scent is a unique one as you can tell. She hugged you and her scent stayed behind. When you came to my room to clean it, I smelled it. But I could smell yours too and I knew that it was you."

"Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Yes Tahki."

"I was wondering if you could tell me of the flower that you were holding. I have never seen a sakura flower that shade before."

"You knew that it was a sakura flower?"

"Yes, you could tell from the roundness of the petals."

Sesshomaru looked at the escaping sun. His eyes seemed to gloss over while he looked back at the memories. "My mother planted a sakura tree the day after she gave birth to me. It was to commemorate the day that I was born. Every season in the spring and the fall, the tree would blossom and the flowers would bloom. The day that she died the tree stopped blooming the flowers. When I brought Sango to my home for healing, the tree started to bloom its flowers again. There was one in the group that was a dark violet color. I gave it to Sango the day that I confessed my love to her. On the day that she left me to come here to her home here, she gave me the flower back. It was pressed in a book that she was reading and she gave it to me to remember the times that we had together."

Tahki sat down on the ground hard. She did not think that was going to be the answer that she was going to get. But he told her his feelings on the flower and how it came to be in his possession. She felt so bad about asking him that question.

"You have nothing to be sorry for Tahki. I told you that information on my own. Please do not feel sorry for me or bad because you asked a question." Sesshomaru said to her.

Tahki looked up into his eyes that were looking down at her. "How did you know?"

"You are dog demon. For some reason, I can feel your emotions and I can hear some of your thoughts."

"So you know some of my thoughts?"

"Yes and you should be able to hear some of mine. My mother and father were linked like that. It was not long after they mated that they were able to speak telepathically."

"I think that my parents were the same way. I think that is how they preferred to talk to each other that way."

Can you hear me now Lord Sesshomaru? Yes I can. Can you hear me as well?

This is weird. We are having a normal conversation and we have not mated or courted or anything.

I know. I do not understand it.

My mother once told me that once I find the one destined for me that Aphrodite picked me for, I would be able to talk with him and feel things for him before even meeting him.

That is an interesting concept. Although I know that you are unable to feel my feelings though.

Actually I could. On the day of the wedding you were so sad. I could feel your pain and your sorrow but I did not know whom it was from and now I understand that it was you who was emitting those feelings.

Tahki, do you think that Aphrodite chose us to be together?

I don't know.

Tahki looked at the sun and realized that it was late and she needed to get ready.

"I am sorry but I have to go and get ready for dinner. I am to be at Kagome's soon."

Tahki left without hearing anything from Sesshomaru. He just looked at the sun going down, it was starting to disappear from behind the trees.

Tahki got ready in the house and was wondering the whole reasoning behind him taking her into the gardens. It did not make sense but she understood that in a way it did since she did go into his room while he was sleeping. Even though she did not know that he was even in there. But she thought about it some more and figured that she should have since the room permeated of his scent. She changed into her red kimono and then went into the other room to get Shippo. He was sleeping on the bed and she sat down next to him. She touched his shoulder and his eyes fluttered open.

"It is time to go back to Kagome's little one." She said.

"Ok. Let me just wash my face and we will go." Shippo said getting up and going into the bathroom.

Tahki watched him leave and then straightened up the room a bit before going to the door to wait for him. As he came out, she took his hand and they headed down to Kagome and InuYasha's house.

"I miss Sango and Kouga." He finally said, breaking the silence between the two of them.

"I know you do. I am sorry that you have to be separated from them right now."

"I know but I think that they really needed the time away from everyone."

"Yes, sometimes that is needed when a couple goes through such stress of a wedding."

"I am sure. But I was wondering something Tahki."

"Yes?"

"Are you coming to live at our home or are you going to stay here and live with Kanna and Kohaku?"

"I do not know as of yet. I would have to wait and see if they would want me to stay when they come back from visiting his father's gravesite."

"I really would like it if you would. I like you. You are a very nice person and very upbeat to be around."

"Thank you Shippo. That is very kind of you to say that."

"That and I think that Lord Sesshomaru likes you."

"Oh you think so huh?"

"Yeah, he used to act that way with Sango but for some reason, it is more intense with you."

"Shippo with you being so young, I am rather amazed that you understand such things."

"Well, with traveling with Kagome and InuYasha all those years and dealing with all of their spats and love quarrels, I understand."

"You traveled with them as well? Through all of that danger?"

"Yeah. I am amazed that InuYasha didn't kill me some of those times. I always took Kagome's side and Sango's side when there was a spat or if he was being stupid."

"That must have been tough for you."

"It was ok. They always protected me from him."

They reached the house and knocked on the door. Rin came and opened the door and greeted them.

"What are you doing here Rin?" Shippo asked.

"I was invited for dinner with Sesshomaru-sama."

"Yay! Now we can play after dinner." Shippo said excitedly.

"Yup. Come on you are late."

They went inside and everyone was in the living room talking. They fell silent as Tahki and Shippo came in. InuYasha looked at Sesshomaru to see his reaction to seeing Tahki there. They did not tell him that they were coming and he wanted to see his reaction. Unfortunately, his face was once again emotionless. InuYasha was disappointed. He knew that Tahki and him would make a great couple since she is the same race as they were and that she is rather striking to look at.

You look beautiful tonight Tahki.

Thank you Sesshomaru. You look rather handsome tonight as well.

Thank you. I do hope that you don't mind that we are here eating dinner with you and my brother?

No, Kagome asked me this afternoon when I was here and I accepted then. I did not know that you were going to be here though.

I did not either until she asked me after you left the garden.

I have the feeling that she is trying to hook us up Sesshomaru.

That is the first time that you called me that.

Oh, I guess that it is. Ha ha.

I suppose that we should say real words now since they are just staring at us.

I think so.

Tahki was sitting down by now as she was having her small mind conversation with Sesshomaru. Shippo was now on her lap and Rin was on Sesshomaru's. They were picking on each other while sitting there and Tahki started laughing.

"Hello Lord Sesshomaru. I hope that your evening has been going well?" Tahki said.

"Yes Tahki, it is going just fine."

"Now what the fuck is going on here you guys?" InuYasha blurted out.

Tahki shot him a slightly angry look and he backed down a little. "Please refrain from using such language in front of them Lord InuYasha. I would hate for them to grow up talking like that."

InuYasha just stared at her and Kagome started laughing hysterically.

Kagome got up and held out a hand to Tahki, "Can you please help me gather things into the dining room Tahki?"

Tahki took her hand and smiled. "No problem Lady Kagome."

"Are you coming Rin?" Kagome asked.

"No, I want to stay here with Sesshomaru-sama."

"Ok. Let me know if you need anything."

"I will."

Kagome and Tahki went out into the kitchen and that was when the boys started talking. Rin was listening rather intently while playing with Shippo.

"You were having a conversation with her telepathically weren't you Sesshomaru?" InuYasha asked.

"Yes I was. I found out that she has the ability."

"You know that father and your mother was like that after they mated. Did you mate with her?"

"No."

"Then how come you are able to talk to her?"

"I don't know. I have the feeling it is because we are both full blood demons."

"Are you going to court her?"

"InuYasha! Sango has just left yesterday and now you are asking if I am going to court another?"

"I know, I am sorry but you have to admit, she is rather striking."

"Yeah I know."

"Are you going to at least think about it?"

"I don't know. Maybe I will just be friends with her."

"Well that is rather boring Sesshomaru. I know that Sango would want you to date."

"I know."

"Well I think that he needs more time!" Rin shouted.

Kagome and Tahki came out to see why she shouted and saw that she was red faced and rather upset. Kagome went up to her and picked her up.

"What in the hell did you guys do to her?" Kagome demanded.

"Nothing I swear!" InuYasha said. He did not understand the reason why she all of a sudden yelled at him. Kagome looked at Sesshomaru and then she understood. They must have been talking about Tahki and Sesshomaru getting together. It must have upset her.

"I am sorry that I yelled in your house Kagome-sama." Rin said softly.

"It is ok honey. Why don't you come to the kitchen with me."

"Alright."

Kagome left with Rin in her hands; Tahki just stood there in the doorway of the living room. She knew what they were talking about and felt bad for Rin. She was intruding into a space that she was not prepared to experience again. Sesshomaru noticed that she was there and Tahki turned and went into the kitchen.

"I think that it is best for now for me to be friends with her. Rin is still raw at what happened with Sango as I am as well." Sesshomaru said to InuYasha.

"Keh. I can't believe that she shouted like that."

"She has been hurt badly. She is still rather depressed that Kouga took Sango away. I am sure that she will be fine soon." Shippo said.

"How do you know this Shippo?" Sesshomaru asked.

"We talk about a lot of things and that just happens to be one of them. I just hope that she is able to get over it soon. I really do not like to see her this way sometimes."

"Shippo, are you starting to have feelings for Rin?" InuYasha asked.

Shippo's face blushed and he started to fidget. "No. We are good friends and we just talk a lot about different things."

"I think that you like her more than a friend!" InuYasha teased.

Shippo got rather angry and his tail stood out on end and fluffed out. Which made InuYasha laugh hysterically and Sesshomaru raise an eyebrow.

"FOX FIRE!" Shippo yelled and a flash of blue fire shot out of his hand and shot out at InuYasha. InuYasha's face got excited for a second and then he got up.

"What in the hell do you think that you are doing? You should not be doing that in my house you little irritating shit!" InuYasha spat at him.

Tahki and Kagome came out to see what was happening now. Shippo's face was stained with tears and he was still rather upset.

"InuYasha, you are the irritating little shit!" Shippo yelled back at him.

InuYasha got up and started heading for the kitsune when Tahki was there right in front of him. Her eyes glared blood red and she was growling deep.

"Calm down." She demanded.

Shippo stopped crying and just looked at her. He could feel her jaki and it was very high. Much higher than InuYasha's ever could be. Sesshomaru looked on to see what was going to happen, he noticed that Kagome was coming towards them and he waved a hand to go away and wait. Which she did.

"Get the fuck out of my way Tahki, you are a guest in this house and don't you forget that!" InuYasha glared.

"I understand that but you are going after someone that is a relative of the people who I am caring for and don't you forget that either InuYasha." She said, emphasizing on his name.

He growled and challenged her and she stood up and looked at him. She was not happy and she was going to protect the kitsune no matter what. She was not going to let another baby die while she is there.

"Do you challenge me or are you going to behave like a real lord in your own home?" She drawled at him.

InuYasha turned around and stomped his way outside and started shouting things that should definitely not be heard by children. Tahki turned and picked up Shippo, comforting him and trying to get him to calm down.

"I am sorry Shippo. I heard what happened and how he was teasing you and I am sorry." Tahki said in a calm voice. Her eyes are now back to violet as she looked at Shippo. He hugged her and she went to Kagome, "I think that I will just take Shippo back to Sango's home and eat over there. I have disgraced my presence here and I do not wish for Shippo to be near InuYasha right now. I have the feeling that another mishap might happen if we stay."

"That is fine Tahki, I think that is a good idea. But here, take some food for you and Shippo to eat over there." Kagome said going into the kitchen.

Very impressive Tahki, thank you for the entertainment.

I would have thought that you would have helped him Lord Sesshomaru.

I wanted to see if he could handle himself. You do not want to baby him forever? He will not grow up to be strong and independent.

Yeah well you still have to remember Lord Sesshomaru that he is still a kit and InuYasha is somewhat in size an adult compared to him.

I do apologize but you think that you still should leave?

Yes, I do not wish to be here in his presence any longer. You have a good evening Lord Sesshomaru.

Kagome brought her some food and Tahki bowed to them with Shippo in her arms. She left and walked to Sango's home where her and Shippo ate dinner in peace and quiet. She had him take a bath to relax and then she gave him some herbs for his mood to rub on his forehead. It was getting late in the evening and she laid him down in his bed in his room. She was not going to let him go back and stay there that night. They needed time to relax and calm down. One night should do it for the both of them.

After laying him down, she went and sprawled out on the pillows in the living room. She was disturbed some time in the night when someone came and picked her up and carried her to a bed. She knew that she was dreaming because no one was home yet she could smell the sweet scent of sandalwood.

"Sesshomaru." She said quietly.

"It is ok Tahki. You are in your bed now."

She shot up and bumped her head on something. Stars showed in front of her eyes.

"Ow!" She said rubbing her forehead.

She opened her eyes and there was Sesshomaru doing the same thing to his head. She started laughing.

"What the heck are you doing here?" She asked. And then she looked around. "Where in the hell am I?"

Sesshomaru laughed, "First are you ok?"

"Yeah I am."

"You are going to be staying in my room for tonight. The other bedroom is not done yet. I will go back into the living room and sleep there."

"Well that was dumb! I was just there. I could have stayed there, I am just a guest here and you are a lord!" Tahki explained.

"It is ok. Just stay here for the rest of the night."

"Sesshomaru, why did you move me?"

"Because no lady should sleep on the floor."

"I was not on the floor! I was on pillows."

"On the floor."

"Sesshomaru, when did you and Rin come back?"

"About 2 hours ago."

"2 hours ago? Why did you not wake me?"

"Because you looked comfortable."

"Then why did you move me?"

"Because you shouldn't have been sleeping there in the first place."

"Argh!"

"Kagome says that she is sorry for InuYasha's behavior."

Tahki looked at him, the moonlight that was coming out of the window was shining on him. She could only see half of his face but what she saw she was starting to like.

"I am sorry for my behavior. I should not have acted that way at all."

"You seemed rather over protective. Is there something in your past that has to do with kits or pups?"

Tahki looked out the window, the moon was being covered slightly be a few little clouds that were passing by. Sesshomaru could smell salt and he knew that he had touched a nerve. He felt a little bad but he was wondering and curiosity was killing him.

"Tahki I am sorry if I have upset you in any way." He said softly.

She looked at him; tears were on the verge of falling down her white cheeks. She lowered her head and felt them fall into her lap.

"I was taken advantage of earlier in my years. I had a pup but I was told that I could not keep it. It was taken away from me right after and I tried my hardest to get to her but she was taken into the woods. I later found her in the bushes; the blood from her birth was drying on her little body. She had her throat cut, her blood was everywhere and she could not heal herself yet. She was dead when I found her."

Sesshomaru sat there as she wept silently for the remembrance of her pup that was taken from her. He got up and went to her. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close to him as he could feel her resist at first and then let it all go. He brought her into his lap more and he rocked her and brushed her hair away from her face.

"I am very sorry for your loss Tahki. No one should have to experience the death of their own pup."

"I am so sorry. I should not be here." Tahki said quickly as she got up and left the room. She ran from the house, she had to get away from the memories any way that she could. She transformed into her demon form so she could run away quicker. She needed some time to herself before returning to the house.

Sesshomaru watched her leave; he knew that she was going to run. He wondered if he should go after her and bring her back here but decided not to. He made a very painful memory come back to her and she needed time alone.

He brought his hands to his face and inhaled her scent that was left on his hands.

Why did I do that? I should have known that the memory might hurt her and that she might run away. I should not have done that.

Sesshomaru, you have done nothing wrong. I just need time alone. Please understand that.

Please come back soon. I know that Shippo might be looking for you when he wakes up.

Tahki ran to the west and kept running. Tears were running down her snout and around her face as she ran. She did not know how far or how long she was going to run for but she needed time. She did not want to leave Shippo alone but knew that Sesshomaru would take care of him for her. She needed to forget again, to take the pain away and the only way that she could do something like that was to kill something really large. And heading to the west she will find a large demon to kill and eat.

Sesshomaru walked out into the gardens and waited for her to return. He sat down on the bench and waited. He must have fallen asleep because it was Rin that woke him up later on. The sun was shinning on him and he had to rub his eyes to even look at her.

"Yes Rin, what can I help you with?"

"What are you doing out here?"

"I was waiting for Tahki to return. She ran last night after our talk and she has not been back yet."

"Oh. What did you talk about that made her run away?"

"It was a painful memory of her own pup being taken away from her and killed right after birth."

"Oh my! How could someone do that?"

"I don't know. I tried to comfort her but she ran off and told me that she needed some time alone."

"You tried to comfort her?"

"Yes, I tried. It was a sad memory and I felt sorry for her."

"Sesshomaru, can we talk."

"Sure Rin."

"Do you like her?"

"Yes I do, she is a nice person and she is rather compassionate."

Rin sat there for a second and then shrugged her shoulders.

"Rin, what is wrong? What is with all of the questioning?"

"I just feel that it is rather early for you to be thinking of courting another. I mean who knows if she is actually going to stick around. Look what just happened."

"Rin, I reminded her of her loved one that she lost."

"I know. I just don't want to see you get hurt again Sesshomaru." Rin said as she gave him a huge hug. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her and put her on his lap.

"Rin, I don't know what I would do without you."

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Rin and Sesshomaru got up and went to the wailing that they heard. It was Shippo in his room, he was crying and they did not know the reason why. Sesshomaru went to the bed and sat down. Just then Tahki came through the door, part of her kimono was covered in blood and she disrobed it immediately before approaching the bed. Moving Sesshomaru over, she grabbed Shippo into her arms and shushed him. He calmed down as he realized who it was who had him.

"Are you ok Shippo?" Tahki asked in a quiet whisper.

"I am better now. Thank you."

"Tahki can we talk?" Sesshomaru asked.

She looked at him and glared. "Not now. I am going to get him ready for the day and then I have to bathe."

Sesshomaru looked at her; her hair was trampled in some spots, there were cuts healing on her arms, she had a small gash on her neck that did not look like it was healing fast; and the cuts on her legs were still bleeding.

"I think that you better come with me now. Rin can assist him fine." Sesshomaru demanded.

She looked at him, "Do not presume that I am your servant Sesshomaru. I am here to take care of the family that lives here. And that includes Shippo."

"Well, you will be no good to him if you die."

Shippo looked up at her, "Tahki, you are bleeding! Please go with him and get healed! I can get ready myself."

"Are you sure honey?"

"Yes, you are bleeding and you do need a bath!"

"Alright." She turned her head to Sesshomaru; "I will talk to you later."

She let Shippo down, got up and grabbed her clothes and left the room. Closing the door behind her before Sesshomaru could follow, but alas, such things never worked with him. It only made him angrier towards her.

"Do not shut the door on me again Tahki!" He said coldly as he grabbed her arm and whipped her around to face him.

"I will do what I please." She said, making her eyes go into slits.

"I am a lord and you are going to treat me as one!"

"Fine! But you will NOT treat me like YOUR servant! BECAUSE I AM NOT!" She screamed at him, ripping her arm out of his grasp, cutting herself on his nails. "DAMMIT! NOW LOOK WHAT YOU DID!"

She turned around and went to her room that was hers for now. She slammed the door once again on his face. He stopped at the door, calmed himself and then walked right in.

"Fucking get out!" She screamed as she turned around and threw her hiatori at him. He was stunned at first because the top half of her was exposed to him. She whipped around quickly so her hair covered her breasts but it still did not work, he had already seen them.

"I will not get out."

"Why the hell not? This is not your room!"

"Because some of my poison was distributed to your arm when you ripped it out of my grasp."

"So what! I can take care of it."

"Just let me look at it woman!"

She went up to him and slapped his face. He stood there stunned because she had slapped him hard. When he did not move out of the room, she raised her hand again to slap him and he grabbed her arm again.

"I suggest that you do not do that again Tahki." Sesshomaru warned.

She crinkled her nose at him and looked away. "Can I at least get something on?"

"I will leave you in a minute, then you can do whatever you want."

He looked at her arm, and the skin was red. Her new wound that was accidentally inflicted on her was not healing at all. He brought her arm up to his nose and he sniffed it and then started licking the wound. The moment that his tongue hit her skin, the wound started to close. When she felt him do this, she looked at him. Her eyes softened as he actually was healing her wound. Her body started to react to his administrations on her arm, her body started to get warm and she could see his aura. It was a lovely blue coloring with some red and green shooting through it. So you are reacting as well? Hmm. Interesting. She thought.

She brought her hand up under his chin and lifted his face from her arm. His eyes were blood red as his face was lifted to hers, and she transformed to her demon side. He bent down to her face and sniffed around it, she closed her eyes and growled at him. He growled back and she wrapped her tail around him and brought him closer to her. He sniffed around her lips and licked them. His tail was around her waist and the tip was massaging one of her nipples. She could feel herself start to lose control and she shook her head and tried to pull away but he would not let her.

"Sesshomaru!" She said, putting her hands on his hard, muscular chest.

"Yes?" He said, the words just falling out of his mouth as he brought his face closer to hers again.

She could smell the sweetness of his sandalwood scent, as it was thick with lust. She couldn't stop herself any longer. Her eyes got blood red and she growled as she took his head and brought his lips onto hers. He stiffened at first and then relaxed as he took her into his arms and held her tightly as she moved her tongue over his lips. Wanting him to let her in to taste him for the first time. He could feel her body against his; her nipples were hard as they were pressed against his chest. His hands started to explore her body more, first with her back, feeling the muscles underneath the skin as she moved. Tahki's feelings and sensations were going wild. She could feel the old heatness rising up in her from deep down in her stomach, she wanted to transform so badly and mate with him that she could not almost stand it.

Sesshomaru could feel the sensations that she was experiencing, and he could hear in her mind that she wanted to transform and mate with him. His demon side wanted to take her but he did not. They were not courting! They were arguing over her wound. Her wound was the only reason why we were arguing. The wound, the wound.

Sesshomaru pulled himself away from her. She fell to the floor, her head to her chest; she was trying to catch her breath as she calmed herself down. He noticed that she had started crying again. He went to her and hugged her.

Tahki, do not cry.

I am so sorry that I made you do this. I am sorry that I snapped at you. I am sorry for coming here. I should never have come home.

Thaki, I am happy that you are here. I am not alone anymore.

She looked up at him; his golden eyes were open like windows. The light was gleaming off of them and they looked like the sun early in the morning.

"I will leave you to bathe." Sesshomaru said getting up and heading for the door.

"Sesshomaru. Wait. Please." Tahki said

Sesshomaru stopped at the door. "Yes Tahki?"

"I am sorry for my actions."

"There is nothing to be sorry for. And nothing for you to be ashamed for either."

"Thank you Sesshomaru. You truly are a great Lord." Tahki said bowing to him.

He turned around and walked to her. He picked up her shirt and placed it over her and wrapped it gently around her shoulders.

"I will see you later. For now, take your bath and get some rest. I will keep Shippo and Rin occupied." He said.

Tahki looked at him; her face blushed slightly and then nodded her head with a small smile on her face. "I will."

He turned around once again and headed for the door. When he reached the door, he stopped and turned around. She was heading for the bathroom that was connected to the bedchambers. The shirt was once again on the floor where they were standing. As she disappeared, he went and picked up the shirt and noticed that it was damaged, he draped it over his arm and gave it to Sohari to get it fixed.

In the bathroom, she looked at her body; most of the cuts were already healing nicely. She took the buckets off of the fire for them to cool a little before dousing her body with the water. She took her comb and started to comb her hair, as she looked at herself in the small makeshift mirror that she bought in the village.

He kissed me. And I liked it. What in the hell am I doing? I wanted to mate with him! Ah, shit. What in the hell can I do now? Fuck up my life even worse than it already is? I have no home, no job, no nothing. Just me and the clothes on my back.

Tahki looked down at herself and then snickered to herself. Well, ok maybe not the clothes on my back anymore! But god, his hands were as gentle as soft silk on my body. It was like he knew exactly where his hands should go. Tahki closes her eyes. Is there anything that he cannot do? ARGH! I really need to quit doing this. Tahki moved to the bath and took off her pants and then sat down, grabbed the water ladle and poured the warm water over her hair. Ah now that also feels great. I should not have reacted that way when he tried to comfort me about my pup. Tahki grabs the soap and starts washing her body. I should have been more grown up about it. But when the pain came back, I guess that I could not help it. I will certainly handle it much better next time. His hands, those strong yet gentle hands. OH STOP! ARGH!

Tahki shook her head as she splashed water on it, rinsing all of the shampoo from it. She took the towel that was on the desk and started rubbing the remaining water off her body. She looked at the bottle of lotion that Kagome gave her and decided against it. She went into the bedchambers and got another kimono from the armoire. As she dressed she saw in the mirror that the cut on her neck was still bleeding. She put a bandage on it and tried to cover it well with the collar of the hiatori that she wore. She went into the bathroom once again and combed her hair and brushed her teeth with the brush that Kagome gave her. She took the bottle of lotion into her hands and opened it. The rush of lilac smell came out. She put a dot of it on her finger and rubbed it behind her ears. Just a touch of good smell around the wound would be good. Smiling as she went out of the room, she walked to the kitchen. She had not eaten or drank anything for some time and thought that it was time. AS she was walking, she started to feel rather lightheaded and she tried to grab the wall but did not make it. She fell to the floor with a crash.

When she came to, she was in the living room with a cold cloth on her forehead. Rin was looking down at her with a worried look on her face.

"Are you ok?" Rin asked. Concern was clearly in her voice.

"I think so. What happened?" Tahki asked weakly.

"You fainted. I do not think that you have eaten for some time."

"I haven't and I was heading for the kitchen to get something. Is Shippo ok?"

"I heard you fall and Shippo is ok. He was worried for a minute there and I had Sesshomaru-sama bring him outside while I waited for you to wake."

Tahki smiled. "Thank you Rin. Listen, I am sorry about Lord Sesshomaru."

"Tahki, I understand the reason for you leaving and I am sorry for my behavior."

"Rin you are just acting out of jealousy and I do not mind or blame you at all. You had been hurt when Sango left and went to Kouga's arms. You were hoping that she would stay and be your mother. I am sorry that the pain is never ending."

"How did you know?"

"A woman knows these things. Who told you anyways about my past?"

"Sesshomaru-sama told me this morning after I woke up."

"Oh." Tahki said turning her face away from Rin.

"Tahki, I am sorry that you lost your pup. I lost my parents when I was smaller. I was all alone before he came and saved me."

"Saved you?"

"I was dead when he found me. Kouga's wolves at the time fed on humans and he did not know any of us at the time. His wolves found me and killed me. Then Sesshomaru-sama found me and revived me with his sword and I have been with him ever since."

Tahki turned to face her again; tears were on the edges of her eyes. "Oh Rin, I am so sorry that you had to feel that pain."

"It is ok. He has cared for me ever since and I would give my life up again if I had to."

"I understand. Listen, Rin, I am not thinking of taking him away from you or anything like that. Truthfully, we are not courting nor has he asked me to. I have no home, no job and now no family. I cannot think of what I am going to do right now, but to just help out Sango's family. Which is what I am going to do. I do hope that we can put these feelings aside and be friends?"

Rin smiled as she took the washcloth off her head and placed it in the water dish next to her. As she grabbed the tray of food from lunch she told Tahki this.

"Tahki, it is time that I grow up. There are things that are happening in my life that is making me do so. I have no choice and I am sure that later on, I will know how you feel. I just do not want to see him hurt again and yes, we can be friends. I cannot imagine how I couldn't be. You are so nice and sweet to Shippo. And he is such a good friend of mine that I am very grateful that you are helping him occupy himself while Sango is gone."

Tahki got up and started eating. Her and Rin sat there in peace, while she ate and Rin drank some tea. When she was finished, she started to get up when she saw stars come into focus in her eyes. She swayed a little as she controlled herself. Rin tried to offer help and Tahki waved a hand at her. She finally stood up straight on her feet and then smiled at Rin.

"I just had a little issues getting up. No need to worry Rin." Tahki said smiling.

"Are you sure Tahki?"

Tahki turned towards the dining room doors and Sesshomaru was standing there with Shippo in his arms. She smiled and then grabbed the tray.

"Yes, I am fine." She started walking to the kitchen with the tray; she stopped by Sesshomaru and balanced the tray on her tail as she ruffled up Shippo's hair.

"I am sorry for worrying you Shippo. I guess that I did not eat early enough for my body." Tahki said with a smile.

"As long as you are ok Tahki." Shippo said, still his voice faltering.

Tahki smiled and moved into the kitchen. She got another glass of water and started to drink it. She put the empty glass on the side of the sink and she turned around stunned.

Sesshomaru walked up to her and embraced her. "Do not exert yourself like that again Tahki. Not while I am here."

Tahki stiffened at first once again and then relaxed and wrapped her arms around him.

"I will make sure that I do not Lord Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru pulled away a little and looked down at her violet eyes, "Please just Sesshomaru."

Tahki smiled, "I know, I just like doing that for reactions."

Sesshomaru bent down and kissed her insignia softly, it turned bright violet and then receded. She closed her eyes the moment that his lips touched her skin. She did not know why he did that to her but at that moment, she did not care.