Kagome's first apology was issued to her grandmother after she knocked over a vase in the sitting room. She didn't remember the incident or when she had said sorry. It happened before her brother was born. Papa and Grams had still been alive.

The first apology she gave— and remembered — was to Souta. She had shoved him because he called Sailor Moon stupid. It wasn't until it was on the floor crying that Kagome realized what she had done. At the time, she had been so mad that the consequences hadn't registered. She just reacted. The instant she saw Souta's tears, her anger disappeared and she felt guilt fill that space. Given Mama and Gramps' disappointment, apologizing had been awkward, but it had also been genuine.

With that in mind, Kagome asked Inuyasha to leave. She suspected whatever Sesshomaru planned to say was not something he wanted his brother to hear. And if the smug grin on Inuyasha's face was any indication, he was waiting to see Sesshomaru stumble through this.

"Thanks for earlier. It meant a lot to me." She told him, faking a yawn. "I'm getting tired. I'm sure you are too, Inuyasha. You can go. Sesshomaru and I are fine. We'll see you tomorrow before we leave for the tour."

His ears twitched. "Huh? But I thought—."

"Which is only a few hours away," Kagome added, hoping he'd get the hint.

Sesshomaru was less subtle. "Get out."

"Fine," he grumbled.

As he marched out of the room, Kagome realized why in her hazy state she'd assumed he was Souta. Despite their age difference, both behaved like petulant children when they were reprimanded. Thinking of her younger brother brought a smile to her face. It was weird to miss his attitude. She wondered if it was because she'd been gone for so long. Or if it was simply because that was part of who Souta was.

A squawk startled her from her reverie. Inuyasha snapped at someone in the corridor. Kagome moved to see who it was. Sesshomaru got there first.

"Jaken?"

"My lord! Your most humble servant has come to ensure you have everything you need for a productive evening."

"Liar! You were eavesdropping," Inuyasha protested.

The imp glared at him. "You impertinent half-breed! I do not eavesdrop!"

"No?" Inuyasha cocked his head. "Then how do you explain the fact that I found you out here with your head smashed up against the door?"

Jaken's attention shifted from him to Sesshomaru and back again. "I…I…was checking to see if Lord Sesshomaru was resting."

Inuyasha scoffed. "Yeah, right. You and I both know that bastard rarely sleeps."

The imp began to protest and was cut off.

"I will not repeat myself a third time. Leave. Now." Sesshomaru's tone left no room for misunderstanding or a rebuttal.

With a roll of his eyes, Inuyasha stormed off. Jaken lingered for a second before bowing his head and scurrying away. Kagome peered around Sesshomaru, watching them disappear down the corridor. He stood in the doorway for a few minutes. She guessed he didn't trust either of them to honor his request.

"Pathetic," Sesshomaru muttered when he closed their chamber door.

Kagome frowned. "Do you think he's done that before?"

"Inuyasha makes a habit of inserting himself where he does not belong. He believes he has earned the right to partake in our discussion."

"I was talking about Jaken," Kagome said. "If he's been listening in on our conversations— ."

"He has not. I sent him away. He returned to the palace this evening. However, if you are worried, I will have him silenced. Permanently."

She didn't have to question the meaning of his offer. Her hands waved back and forth in front of her. "No, that's not necessary."

"Very well then." Sesshomaru sat at the table in the center of the room. "Shall I request tea?"

Kagome shook her head, settling down across from him. "No, don't bother the attendants. It's late. I'm sure they're all asleep by now."

"Does your compassion for others have no end?"

"I don't know. Does your crankiness have an end?" she countered.

"Hn."

Their conversation stalled.

Kagome studied the grain on the table between them. The organic shapes resembled ripples on a pond. They curved outward and around each other, looping and swirling to create a texture that could be imitated but not replicated. It was singular and unique, like a snowflake. Kagome wondered if she would still be in the Sengoku Era when the first snow fell.

"I would like to explain my actions. Explain, not excuse," Sesshomaru began. "I requested Hiten's assistance a fortnight ago. I considered it a step in preparedness. You are not a skilled liar, so I did not mention it before the ceremony. I believed the situation would solidify our match, especially if your reaction was genuine. I did not recognize how the ruse would appear to you."

"What about how it appears to others?" Kagome asked.

He scowled. "I cannot comprehend how the interaction could be perceived as anything other than a testament to our union."

She groaned. "Sesshomaru, your point of view isn't the only one that needs to be considered. Have you ever thought about how things look from a human's perspective? Or even a lesser yokai? Do you think about how they live their lives? How they feel?"

He stayed quiet.

"Okay," Kagome drawled, unsurprised, "let's start with someone close to you. Inuyasha. You just said he inserts himself into conversations that he shouldn't. Did you ever wonder why he feels the need to do that?"

"He is brazen and lacks discipline."

"Maybe or maybe it's because he feels left out. Inuyasha already has a hard enough time trying to fit in with the other yokai and humans. Didn't you hear the way Jaken spoke to him? It was rude! Inuyasha shouldn't feel out of place in his own home. He is half demon, half human but he's a full member of the Taisho clan. He's part of your family. He wants you to treat him that way," she insisted.

"I acknowledge him as my brother," Sesshomaru replied as if that was enough.

Kagome bit her lip to keep from releasing another groan. "I know how annoying a younger brother can be. I have one too. His name is Souta and he's always barging into my room uninvited."

"Then you understand my ire."

She smiled, despite herself. "Yes, but that's not the point. What I'm trying to say is that people don't always think or behave the way you would or the way you would expect them to. They are motivated by their experiences and driven by their personalities. Unless you understand that, you'll never be able to predict their actions."

"I familiarized myself with the history of all the guests we received today. They are motivated by greed and power. Their support for our marriage is primarily due to the trade expansion and how it will increase their wealth and influence within their designated territories."

Kagome crossed her arms over her chest. "Do you think they'll continue to support us after tonight?"

"I made it clear to Hiten that no harm was to come to you."

"That is not the problem, Sesshomaru! Staging a fight between a human and a yokai doesn't help us. You stepping in may seem heroic on the surface but the underlying problem is still there. Today was our wedding. It was supposed to be about unity. That altercation distracted everyone from that goal and highlighted our differences. You didn't showcase us; you divided our guests. Even if they are only supporting us for money, they might be second-guessing their choice based on what happened. Another war would mean issues with the trade route and a decrease in supplies when men are forced to go off to war."

Silence filled the chamber as he thought through her response. His lips pursed. His brow creased. Then, after what seemed like the longest minute of her life, he sighed. "I may have miscalculated."

"Yeah, a bit," Kagome agreed, arms falling to her sides.

"I apologize. It is as you claim. I failed to consider alternative perspectives. In my experience, success has largely been determined by my actions. On the battlefield, a timely executed plan is best. I seldom had the luxury of confining in another. I had to make a decision based on what I thought was best for my soldiers and my lands. I was responsible for them. Contrary to what others say, I do not relish spilling blood. I carry out my purpose for the safety of my kind."

"You protect them," she said.

"It is my duty as Lord of the Western Lands. If I am unable to defend those under my care then I am not worthy of succeeding my father."

"You want him to be proud of you," Kagome surmised.

He nodded. "I did not intend to keep my plan from you. I have never had a partner before. No one has ever possessed my level of intellect or interest in success. You possess both. I must learn to rely on you, as you have relied on me."

"Thank you. It means a lot to me that you understand."

"I will not overlook your needs again. Moving forward, we will discuss our approach as equals. This is not my plan. It is our plan, our world. If we wish to succeed, we need to do as you suggest and work together. I have advanced knowledge of battle strategies, though, I realize that these tactics may not serve our purpose."

Kagome reached across the table, curling her hand around his. "We aren't fighting against each other," she reminded him. "We are fighting against perception. It's a completely different kind of battlefield."

"Indeed."

"It's okay, Sesshomaru. What happened earlier isn't the end of the world."

"Not your world."

She winced. "Okay, bad choice of words. What I meant was, that we can fix this. The tour is the perfect way to show everyone how well yokai and humans can coexist."

Sesshomaru observed her quietly. Kagome had seen him look at her with aggravation, contempt, disinterest, and— on the rare occasion — fascination. The differences in each expression were barely distinguishable. If it hadn't been for their constant proximity over the last two weeks, Kagome was sure she'd never have noticed. This expression was one she hadn't seen before.

Regret.

"It would appear that I require training. Does your offer to improve how others perceive me still stand?"

Her mouth curved upward. "Yeah."

"Then I am in your care," Sesshomaru told her. "I will teach you to fight and you teach me how to become more compassionate."

"Does that mean you're going to try to smile? Smirks don't count!" Kagome teased.

"I will endeavor to do all that you ask of me."

Her heart did a funny dance in her chest. How did he take an apology and make it sound like a proposal?

Kagome shook her head, dropping his hand as she leaned away from the table. She was getting mixed up again. These feelings that kept cropping up were becoming harder and harder to deny. She had to remind herself that it was all for show. Just because Sesshomaru acknowledged her as a partner didn't make their romance real. Their arrangement was based on a mutual goal, not mutual attraction.

"It's getting late. I should try to get some sleep," she decided, straightening up.

"Of course." Sesshomaru bowed his head. "Thank you for allowing me to speak with you. I considered this conversation too pressing to wait for morning."

She glanced out at the courtyard. "I think it might almost be morning."

"I believe another apology is in order."

Kagome was stunned. She expected Sesshomaru to apologize for the mess with Hiten. She had not expected him to recall her outburst or for him to take it a step further by acknowledging that sleep was essential for her. The fluttering sensation started up again. Kagome quieted it by remembering Sesshomaru's response.

"You're not the only one who should be apologizing. I'm sorry too."

His eyebrows lifted ever so slightly.

She dropped her gaze to the floor. She didn't trust herself to look at him right now. "Where I'm from…my home…it's not easy to explain. The city is called Tokyo but it used to be—."

"Kagome."

She blinked, surprised to find him standing directly in front of her. When had he moved?

"Earlier today, you referred to me as your friend. You are the first ever to consider me one." He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "When you disclose the location of your home to me, I ask that you do so because you trust me. I do not deserve to know until I have earned back that which I lost."

"O-Okay," she stammered, sure he could hear her heart hammering away.

"Until then."

"Until then," she repeated. "Goodnight, Sesshomaru."

"Sleep well, Kagome."


Sesshomaru sat on the floor of his private chambers, studying the scrolls spread out before him. The answers he sought were not within these texts, yet he continued to scour them. His attempts were not fueled by curiosity but by confusion.

He had considered his interest in the miko to be born of intrigue and then— after discovering her knowledge of the future —necessity. Sesshomaru knew she was integral to preventing that future from coming to fruition. Training her served both of them. It was part of her terms and gave him a reason to remain close to her.

He had intended to ensure her compliance. If Sesshomaru knew her weakness, he could exploit it if— and when —the time came. He knew about her compassion for others. On more than one occasion, he had warned her about how the sentiment left her open to attack. She had not learned.

He had heard her cries, seen her tears, and felt her embrace. Nothing outside of the courtyard— outside of them —had mattered. In that moment, the only thing he was aware of was her. It was then that Sesshomaru recognized how long he had denied the miko's effect on him.

In Edo, he had not been able to kill her. When she humiliated him at the gate, he had not raised his weapon against her. He found himself at an impasse, unable to accept or deny her. Then she had shared her vision with him and Sesshomaru found himself further tangled in her web. He could not unravel himself. She had ensnared him. He realized the only one truly being denied was himself.

Sesshomaru exhaled, crumbling one of the scrolls in between his clawed fingers. He did not understand why the woman had such a hold on him. She was human, mortal, fragile, and yet…

…she was not. He could not claim she was fragile when she stood toe to toe against him and did not flinch. He could not label her as a mere human when he knew her worth as a powerful miko. The sole descriptor that remained relevant was the one that troubled him the most.

Mortal.

Kagome's life expectancy was a fraction of his own. Sesshomaru may have been unprepared to confront his feelings for his bride but he could not ignore his fear of losing her. It had been growing daily. This evening's events had not only piqued his curiosity; they had increased his concern. Until Sesshomaru could determine the source of the miko's powers, he could not shield her from its impact.

He told himself he was protecting his ally. The miko was an investment in power, a weapon much like the sword she has destroyed. He told himself many lies to keep the truth at bay.

Perhaps he had known since the moment he saw her standing there, alone in the night. A small part of Sesshomaru must have recognized who she was— who she would become —to him. Yet, he could not utter the word. The four-letter term had almost slipped from his lips in the courtyard. Had it not been for his parents' arrival, Sesshomaru would have been swept up in the moment and branded a fool.

He could not lose his head over this woman. The longing would pass, as would his desire to stay near her. Sesshomaru would be patient. In time, his attraction would lessen until he did not search for the miko in every room. Eventually, he would stop following her scent and bending to her whims. He would return to the warrior he had always been— undeterred, steadfast…

…and alone.

Sesshomaru rose from his seat, crossed the room, and slid open his chamber door. The main room of their suite was dark. A few tendrils of moonlight painted lines across the floor. He passed over them. At the door to her chamber, he paused, his hand poised over the door before he pushed it to the side.

He was greeted by two pairs of glowing eyes. Sesshomaru stared at the dragon. A-Un regarded him silently for a moment. Hesitantly, the beast lowered his heads to the floor and resumed resting at the miko's bedside. Sesshomaru crept forward.

Kagome was curled up on her side. Strands of hair were cascading over her shoulder. Her chest rose and fell with each breath, which was slower and deeper in sleep. There was no crease on her brow. Her jaw was not clenched in an attempt to restrain herself.

Throughout the day, Sesshomaru had caught her holding back laughter and criticism. She cared far too much about preserving the good graces of others. Still, he could not find it in himself to fault her. Not a single guest spoke unkindly of her— with the exception of Hiten whose opinion was fabricated and Totosai who Sesshomaru disregarded. The senile sword smith had lost his credibility the day he had sided with Inuyasha.

The miko seemed quite fond of his younger brother, a fact that aggravated Sesshomaru to no end. If she had not asked Inuyasha to leave, Sesshomaru would have thrown him out. He could overlook Kagome being friendly with his brother. He would not accept anything beyond that. She was his ally, his partner, his wife. The latter gave him pause. It was not the four-letter word he had almost said, though it was close.

The word that he had meant to say after he woke up in the courtyard.

The word he had been considering since the day she had marked him.

With the back of his hand, he gently brushed the hair out of Kagome's face. She made a light humming sound, sighed, and rolled over. Hair spilled across her cheekbones. Sesshomaru frowned. He circled the bed. Kneeling on the other side, he combed the tendrils back so they fanned out along the pillow. Kagome did not stir.

A-Un watched him. Though the dragon would not interfere with Sesshomaru's visit, he observed his master closely. The creature was just as fond of Kagome as she was of him and twice as protective.

"You will be joining us on the tour," Sesshomaru decided.

The dragon eyed him from his spot next to the miko, then release a short snort. Sesshomaru took that to mean the beast agreed with his request.

His trust in Kujaku and Seiten was not in question. He knew the guards would keep watch over Kagome. He also knew that their loyalty was to the Taisho clan and, regardless of their personal feelings on the matter, he would be their first and foremost priority. If they were attacked outside the palace, Sesshomaru needed to ensure his bride's safety. The dragon was not tied to the Taisho clan or even him, despite their history. A-Un would remain by the Kagome's side. She had earned his fealty.

Sesshomaru glanced once more at the miko. He was once again struck by a strange sense of longing. The pull had grown stronger despite his attempts to the contrary. Sesshomaru did not know how much longer he could contain it.

Even more concerning was the fact that he did not wish to.