The morning came too soon in Kagome's opinion, she had woken to an empty bed. A note lay folded on Sesshomaru's pillow. Flipping it open, she read the neatly written words telling her that her meal would be served in the den and he would meet her in his study at noon. Kagome smiled as she realized she could hear the children playing in the den. As carefully as she could, she slid out of the bed and dressed in a very simple kimono before exiting the room. Both children stop playing and looked at Kagome, happily Shippo jumped on her shoulder while Rin took hold of her uninjured hand.
"Lady Kagome, your breakfast is over here, Shippo and I have already eaten, so the rest is yours." Rin Chimed. Kagome thanked her then sat down to eat. Her mind still running through her conversation with the others last night.
Sesshomaru had woken early, he didn't wish for the Miko to know his intentions yet. Quietly he moved through his manor, towards the servants' quarters. When he arrived at Roan's door he rapped lightly, to awaken his servant. Roan groggily opened the door, before abruptly standing at attention upon realizing his lord was there.
"My Lord, may I ask what brings you to my quarters so early this morning?" Sesshomaru motioned for him to be at ease.
"Summon your daughter to my study, there is a matter that must be resolved. Inform her that failure to appear will lead to an immediate death sentence." Roan's eyes widened in shock,
"Yes My Lord, but if I may, what has brought on this matter?" Sesshomaru cut him a glare before responding.
"She has shamed herself in front of the Shikon Miko and dared to imply knowledge of This One's intentions towards the Miko. All of which led to the physical injury of the Miko." Roan's mouth dropped slightly, the look of horror on his face. He had only just heard the Lady Miko had been injured today, but to discover his child was the cause, he felt ashamed. Roan dropped to his knees and bowed his head 'til it rested on the floor.
"Forgive me My Lord, I obviously underestimated my abilities to raise my child as your loyal servant. Your summon will be brought to her attention straight away." With that Sesshomaru turned to walk away. The sun was finally beginning to rise as he made his way to the kitchen, he requested food sent to the family quarters, then made is way back to his room. Grabbing a piece of parchment, he quickly scrawled out a note for the Miko, before setting out a simple kimono. Afterwards he made his way to his study. As he came upon the door he saw the monk waiting for him, his face full of concern.
"Lord Sesshomaru, if I may, could you spare a moment of your time?" Sesshomaru moved to open the door motioning for the monk to enter. Sesshomaru took his place behind his desk as the monk sat down in the chair across from him.
"Lady Kagome said last night that you have made her part of your pack, from what Sango and I know, taking a female into your pack it is expected for her to become your mate or your 'companion', what we wish to know are your intentions for our friend. " Sesshomaru could tell the monk was genuinely concerned for the Miko's well being and felt that putting him at ease would make keeping her here much easier.
"The Miko has merely gained a status increase, where as she was before considered a lowly miko her status has been elevated to that of a hime. The roles she will take on will be similar to that of a mate's, such as attending formal events and caring for her child and This Sesshomaru's Rin. Whether she decides to bed with This One will be at her discretion." The monk looked thoughtfully at Sesshomaru before nodding his head and standing.
"Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru, my fears have been put to rest, I shall let you get back to what you were doing before." He bowed before exiting the room. Sesshomaru began working on his paperwork.
Kagome had finished her meal and was playing with the children when a soft knock sounded at the door, a maid she didn't recognize opened the door.
"Lady Miko, there is a guest claiming to be you sister asking for an audience?" Kagome smiled and told the servant to lead her to the room. A short while later another knock at the door and Sango entered. Kagome smiled as Shippo made a running leap into Sango's arms. Kagome stood from where she was seated and moved to hug Sango, this time making sure not to strain her stitches. Sango pulled back abruptly and put her hands on Kagome's shoulders.
"So, spill it, how does it happen that you are gone less than a week and then suddenly in Sesshomaru's pack? Kagome glanced pointedly at the children from the corner of her eye. Sango cleared her throat and turned to see Rin and Shippo staring at her.
"Um, could I have a moment with Kagome?" she asked. Rin took off towards her room with Shippo in tow. Sango turned as Kagome took hold of her hand and was dragging her towards her room. Kagome released Sango's hand and sat on the edge of her bed, she was sure Sesshomaru would be offended if she allowed Sango into his chambers. She patted the spot beside her. Without prompting Kagome answered her previous question.
"He asked. I agreed." She said simply. Sango looked at her as if she'd grown an extra head.
"So he just asked?" she asked doubtfully. Kagome nodded.
"We were just laying in bed, talking about speaking to you guys, and he asked." Sango's eyes grew wide.
"Wait, WHAT!? IN BED!? YOU MEAN TOGETHER!?" Kagome's face was bright red.
"WE WEREN'T DOING ANYTHING!" she yelled back, before muttering, "this time." and looking at the floor. The room was too
quiet, Kagome dared to look at her best friend, her eyes were wide and her mouth hung open, she stared in disbelief.
"You slept with him." she said as if she was still trying to process what she just heard, after a few seconds she snapped out of it, "It's only been a few days since you left. What were you thinking!?"she asked her voice filled with what sounded like worry and shock. Kagome sighed,
"To tell you the truth, I wasn't. It just happened. It wasn't out of love or force, it just happened. I was so depressed about InuYasha and my feelings were all mucked up. I just, I wanted someone who had no delusions of who I am, someone who saw me for who I am. I'm still not really sure how I feel, seeing InuYasha last night, it hurt, more then it ever hurt before. Because even though he came for me, I can't return with you, there's only disappointment and lies back in that village. I'll never be more than a replacement, a bad copy of the woman he really loved. I'm just a reminder to him of what he never had with Kikyo. Love between us will only ever be overshadowed by his feelings for her, I can't do that to him, to myself, my son, I can't love him knowing he'll NEVER love me the way he loved her." Tears were filling Kagome's eyes, this was the first time she'd spoken these thoughts, but as she said them she felt lighter, like the burden of what she was keeping to herself had been lifted. Sango pulled her into her arms and Kagome began to weep. Sango continued to hold her when she heard her friends voice in her ear.
"Ok. If what you need now is to stay here, stay. I will never force you to be somewhere that causes you pain, but remember, we live there too, and even though we're not related by blood, you are family. Should you need us we'll be here in heartbeat." Sango held her tighter.
