A/N: For our next track docsgirl has chosen the smooth jazz of Eric Benet with his song, 'Harriet Jones'.

We're going to kick it back to the first track of the playlist and pick up on what Sesshomaru and Kagome have been up to following Rins passing.

Enjoy!


Sesshomaru rarely felt guilty for when he made mistakes. He could count on one hand the instances that he had erred that had resulted in irreparable damage.

Now seemed like one of those times.

After Rins demise he had assisted Kagome in finding Inuyasha and her other friends deciding to accept their offer to travel with them.

Mostly for strength in numbers to protect Kohaku from Naraku as he had severe doubts in his abilities since losing his little human companion.

Surprisingly it was easy for himself and Jaken to assimilate with their group and he found himself grateful that he didn't have to be alone in his time of mourning.

Inuyasha provided to be a great distraction at the best of times and the two developed somewhat of a camaraderie as time went on. His younger brother was eager to learn from him in the art of swordsmanship and strategy while he was more than open to teaching him.

Kagome offered him a different type of distraction with her mothering being that she was a natural protector. He didn't mind and looked forward to the calm of the evenings when they could sit together quietly with her close by him.

He read her texts and found them fascinating, in awe of the knowledge she possessed of a time so much further away than any land he could travel to.

"I'm so tired." Kagome yawned out closing her book. "I gotta get some sleep."

"Then sleep." Sesshomaru said.

"I can't. I have to go back home soon to take an exam, it's a big part of my grade.." Letting out a small sigh she rubbed at her eyes. "This is hard. Do you mind if I just lean against you and rest my eyes?"

"No, I don't mind Kagome." Glancing at her as she cuddled against the moko-moko he stilled his breath. He had missed having another person close to him in such a way.

It had been some months since they had buried Rin and he remembered Kagomes gentleness with the girl as they had laid her to rest. It had made him yearn for a time that would never come now, where they could care for Rin together.

Resting his hand against her soft locks of onyx he allowed himself a few moments of pity.

As the weeks went on he and Kagome spent more time together finding they got along well and enjoyed the others company. Kagome he had come to find out was everything he found desirable in a potential mate except for the fact that she was a human.

Sesshomaru felt himself at odds in a way he had never experienced before. Given what he had just experienced with Rin would he be willing to take on Kagome as his mate knowing her life was fragile and fleeting?

As he was processing this information he caught a scent on the wind, there was a demoness nearby whom was attempting to attract his attention.

Never had he engaged one in such a way at the females insistence however he reasoned it could provide for another distraction and possibly clear his mind to think.

Making his way to her he found the demon female sitting beside a small pond atop a rock.

"Lucky me to have attracted the attention of a powerful demon such as you, Lord Sesshomaru." She said in a sultry tone.

"Let me be clear; I am not here to engage in breeding if that is what you desire. I merely need a momentary distraction to clear my mind." He said bluntly.

"Again, how fortunate I am. All I want is to have a little fun tonight."

"Very well." Advancing towards her she bared her throat to him. Dragging his claw up he drew a small scratch that bled lightly. Lapping at the coppery liquid he growled low in his throat.

Breathing in her scent he caught another. Snapping his attention to his right he saw Kagome attempting to hide herself behind a rock.

Straightening himself out he dismissed the other female walking to where Kagome sat with her knees drawn to her chest.

"Kagome." He called softly to her. Looking up at him he saw betrayal and hurt in her eyes. Standing quickly she ran off in the direction they had made camp.

Going after her he intercepted her nearly causing her to fall over.

"You've got some nerve you know!" She shouted. "Going off with another woman. You're just the same as your brother, both of you are two timing mongrels."

"It was never my intention to hurt you Kagome. I have a lot on my mind and made an error in seeking that female out." He attempted to appease.

"That's no excuse. We all have a lot on our minds Sesshomaru, we're all stressed out and tired…just forget it." She exhaled exasperated. "I think it would be best if you didn't travel with us anymore."

"If that is what you wish." Sesshomaru said feeling deflated.

"No, it is not what I wish but you've made me care about you only to have you run off with some other woman. I can't trust you."

Staring at her he didn't know what to say or do to fix the pain he had caused her. "Look, just…give me a few days to cool off then we can talk."

"Alright." Sesshomaru said walking away from her.

Now as he stood alone catching her scent on the wind he hoped he had not ruined what had barely begun.