Notes: Technically this makes two chapters this month, yay! Plus this is a longer chapter, so I hope you enjoy it! Please leave a comment if you do! A HUGE thanks to BETA readers Ember Reverie, ruddcatha, and KarinaInuPhantom!

...

Chapter 10:
(Vitamin String Quartet – Say Something)

Golden eyes frantically regarded the red fabric hastily blossoming into a deep burgundy. The door to his chambers slammed open under the weight of his foot. Forcing his hands to tenderly cradle her limp body, Inuyasha fought the desire to clutch her tight against him.

Come on, Kagome. Open your eyes, dammit.

It was no use. Her head leaned back at an unnatural angle; her lithe arms swaying at his sides. "What's wrong with her? Why won't she wake up?"

Because she is too weak.

"The poison in her wounds," Kaede braced herself against the wall, her breath labored from racing after Inuyasha, who had scaled the stairs with a supernatural pace. "It's causing the infection to fester."

Gently, he set her on the bed, his eyes never leaving her ashen face.

I'm such a damned idiot.

Of course their last conversation had been an argument. Ruining everything was his expertise.

Kaede had instructed the servants to fetch her water, clean cloth, and a nightgown on the way to the chambers. She snatched two sheets from the nearby armoire, hastily tossing one to her nephew, who shredded it with his claws. The other Kaede draped over Kagome's body.

She planted her palms under Kagome's back and Inuyasha did the same, lifting her to lean against his shoulder as Kaede undid her garments. The sheet covered Kagome's body as they laid her back; Kaede working her sleeves down her arms as Inuyasha turned away. The servants were quick, hastily bringing in Kaede's supplies.

This is for the best. You would have ultimately lost her.

The coppery smell of blood filled the room as Kaede cleaned Kagome's wounds.

She's stronger than you think.

Humanity often sees the best in others, even if it must be contrived. She's going to die. If not now, then later. Just like your -

Inuyasha slammed his fist into the bedside table, leaving a dent as the wood splintered. "Piss off."

Old eyes full of pity surveyed his red irises, knowing he was struggling again with his demon. But this was neither the time nor place. "I'll need to wrap her wounds. Ye should leave and compose yerself. I'll call a servant for help."

With a thud he sank into the mattress beside Kagome, his growl rumbling the bed. "I'll do no such thing. No one else will touch her."

This is your fault. Naraku is a devious snake. Why did you leave her side?

Immediately, he regretted sitting and surged up, manically pacing the room. "Just do whatever it takes to save her. Tell me what you need me to do."

"Hold her up so I can wrap her."

Inuyasha complied, ensuring the sheet stayed tight under her arms, protecting her modesty. The young miko leaning against him looked frailer than before, as if any moment she would fade from the room like a ghost.

Wrinkled hands began to bind her wounds, the first two layers tinging red with blood. After tucking the strips in, Kaede nodded to Inuyasha to lay her down once more. Staring at the wall, he waited for Kaede to dress her.

"What now?"

Kaede slipped the soft dress over Kagome's head. "I will try to heal her with my powers." She guided the young miko's arms into the sleeves, "but these wounds are unlike anything I've seen."

The older miko's hands procured a modest ball of white energy. In her heyday, Kaede had been a force to be reckoned with, but now – even such a small orb caused her body to tremble. Her palm hovered over Kagome's chest as she gradually lowered her hand, willing the healing energy into her body.

The orb pulsated, then absorbed itself back into Kaede.

"It's no use, Inuyasha." She shook her head, tenderly covering Kagome's body with the sheet. "The poison – it can only be healed from the inside. It's Kagome herself that is fueling the demonic aura, all her negative energies are feeding it. I'm afraid there is nothing more we can do for her tonight."

"You can rest. I'm not leaving her."'

Kaede placed a reassuring hand on her nephew's shoulder. "Very well. If she wakes, do your best not to rile her. More than anything, she needs to find peace. If not, the poison will consume her." She spared him one last look before she took her leave, silently praying to whatever Gods would listen for the young miko to somehow survive the night.

Why? Inuyasha pondered. Why do I feel such a need to protect her?

Because you were unable to spare her from this and you easily could have. Stop suppressing me. Naraku would be lying six feet under with his wife had your humanity not interferred.

You'll hurt her like everything else you touch. I don't need you.

The demon growled in his head, his next thought sounding feral and canine.

If you ever truly need me, I won't give you a choice.

The abrupt silence in his head unsettled him as a loud moan resonated, drawing his attention back to Kagome, who tossed and turned.

Kaede was wrong. He had subdued her fear once before last night at the inn. If he could reattempt it now, he could help fight her internal demons. Once again, their auras could overcome the demonic force.

Instinctively, Inuyasha closed his eyes, sliding his hand across the comforter, halting mere centimeters before it reached hers.

Come back, please. I can't lose you. I can't lose you too.

Despite so little distance between them, her aura forced his away – utterly rejecting it.

Clawed hands clutched the thick quilted fabric until it ripped beneath his fingertips.

Stay with me, Kagome.

...

"Hide in the closet until I return for you."

Wide brown eyes stared up, wondering why her mama had awoken her to play hide and seek. It was the middle of the night. Of course her mama would find her; she had told her where to hide.

Kagome yawned and stretched, beaming up at Lady Higurashi. "Anything you say, mama."

The woman beamed back, handing her a miniature stuffed doll. "It may take me some time to find you, sunshine. If you fall back asleep here, I will wake you when I return."

She leaned back as her mama slightly shut the door, leaving a crack so the light from the fire could infiltrate the closet. The gowns hung behind her enveloped her in shadowed hues of purple and blue as she glanced down at her doll. It was odd to be asked to hide in her own closet, but her mama never guided her astray.

It wasn't the first time her mama had asked her to play games at night, but she still found her requests peculiar. Stay hidden. Stay silent. Don't come out until I return - and only if I return alone.

Small hands smoothed the doll's hair as her eyelids grew heavy.

"I'll ask you one more time, where is she?"

The slurred words sounded as if her father were speaking underwater. She had no idea her father was here. The game was never fun when he played.

"I do not know." There wasn't a doubt in her mind; her husband had no idea of the time. He often sat in his chambers drinking with the curtains drawn. For all he knew, it was noon. "You know how Kagome loves to explore."

Kagome hugged the small doll to her tightly. Never come out when mama isn't alone.

A sharp slap reverberated throughout the room. "Don't be impudent. I know you hide her from me. She didn't do her chores this morning. She needs to be punished."

Lady Higurashi refused to rub her inflamed cheek. "Kagome is a child. And I will continue to hide her from you until you realize that, no matter how long it takes. No matter how you strike me – as long as it spares her. She is sweet and kind and I will not allow you to destroy her."

Her mama stomped past him down the hall, deliberately enough that he could stumble to chase her.

She didn't return until two hours later, the yellow bruising beneath her eye promising an impending black eye.

"I'm here, sunshine. Wake up."

Tender hands shook her shoulders.

"Wake up, Kagome."

...

Kagome fluttered her eyes wide to a velvet canopy, the embroidered seal of Tessaiga flickering in her vision.

What happened?

Instinctively, her hands clutched her chest and shoulder, bound with strips of cloth beneath a white nightdress. Kagome sat up and frantically looked around the room as the memories slowly filtered back into her brain.

She had passed out.

Where am I?

One thing was certain, this was no spare room. Flames flickered in the well-tended fireplace, bathing the immense bedchamber in a warm glow. Red damask wallpaper lined the walls atop pristine white wainscoting. Embellished marble stretched from the floor to the high ceiling, framing the fireplace. A magnificent family portrait sat centered on the marble, one which she would have studied had she not been in a haze.

Where is Shippo?

The wooden planks let out a groan as her feet shakily stood on the floor, her hands supporting the weight of her body on the bedpost. Shippo was her responsibility, and she needed to find him.

If these were the duke's chambers, then the nursery should be down the hall.

But then where is Inuyasha?

Placing one foot firmly before the other, Kagome took unsteady steps into the hall, her feet slowly working as her mind intended. Bracing her hands on the wall, she continued towards the dull light overflowing from a doorway.

Kagome sagged against the frame, panting as the wet nurse glanced up from the fox kit at her breast. "How - how is he?"

"I can't say for certain, your grace." The young woman brushed her short brunette hair away from her eyes to study Shippo more closely. "He is not through the worst yet, but the babe is doing much better. His latch needs a little work; 'tis not an issue beyond my skill set."

Despite the pain from her wounds, the news made Kagome smile. Her heart swelled upon seeing the kit. She could never properly repay the young woman for reviving him. "Thank you, Tomoyo. For looking after him. Really, I can't thank you enough."

"'Tis my pleasure. Forgive me for being so bold, your grace, but you shouldn't be out of bed. Can I assist you back to your chambers?"

She's right, you can barely walk.

"That's unnecessary, thank you. I just had to be sure he was alright."

"There's no need, your grace." Tomoyo stroked her fingers through Shippo's hair. "His grace has visited at least half a dozen times."

Inuyasha was here?

Shippo began to suckle loudly. There was nothing Kagome could do to help right now. "I'll – I'll give you some privacy. Please let me know if you need anything. Anything at all."

Still smiling, Kagome took her leave.

Shippo is nursing! He might be okay. He might make it. He could -

Her thoughts trailed off abruptly as a fuzzy being nearly toppled her. A white cat with brown and black spots rubbed affectionately against her leg, oblivious to her unsteady feet.

"Stop that!" Kagome commanded in a hushed tone, catching herself on the wall. "You're going to make me fall!"

The creature only cared for itself, arching its butt and battering against her once more. With a sigh, she picked the chubby creature up, needing both hands. The devious feline purred.

"What are you doing here anyway?" If Inuyasha found the cat, he would surely harm it. "Don't you know cats and dogs hate each other?"

"Meow."

Big innocent eyes begged for help.

"Ugh, how do you suppose we get out of this situation you've put us in?" Kagome looked down the hall, seeking an exterior door to release the cat. Tomoyo was right; she needed more rest. But she couldn't sleep while something needed her help. Besides, she might find her bedroom in the process.

She proceeded down the corridor silently, searching, until she spotted more light invading the dim hallway.

Who else could be up at such a late hour?

As she grew closer, she could see towering rows of books lining the walls. Inuyasha sat at a desk in the back of the room near the fireplace, papers strewn before him.

He wore only dark breeches and the same white dress shirt he had worn at dinner, which was still unbuttoned on the cuffs and rolled up his forearms. The shimmering light from the flames danced over the muscles in his arms as he wrote.

Kagome quickly shifted to hide the cat, her limbs regaining strength.

But he smelled her before he spotted her.

"You need more rest," he declared without even sparing her a glance. He clicked open his father's antique gold pocket watch. It was two in the morning; she had hardly been sleeping for five hours. "Naraku poisoned you with his claws. It will take time to heal."

Having no choice to hide, she fully entered the library. Kagome drew her hand tentatively across the bandage exposed by her nightdress, careful not to drop the fat ball of fluff. "Did you-"

"I did not," Inuyasha cut her off, realizing where this conversation was going, "Lady Kaede dressed and bandaged you. I only assisted upon her request. As I recall, I made you a promise, and I assure you I keep them, but I could not let you hit the floor."

He caught me, but he can't even look at me?

If conceivable, he looked even more drained than he had in the dining room. If anyone needed respite, it was Inuyasha, not her.

"I couldn't sleep," she admitted, her bare feet slowly padding across the tiled floor. She yearned for company - the Higurashi house had its awful sounds, but it had likewise been full of noise, even on occasion joyful noises like her brother's laughter.

Inuyasha couldn't sleep either, even after his exhausting day. He would never admit to anyone that he feared falling asleep if she took a turn for the worst. That when he was not near her, he felt – lacking – as if he would never find peace. Watching over her for hours, he left only to go check on Shippo. He returned to work only when her fever broke and his aunt returned to inform him she was no longer in peril.

"I see you've met Buyo. He catches the mice here, or at least he was supposed to. Seems he prefers lying around and getting plump."

Oh! Brown eyes narrowed at the conniving cat. Thank goodness I hadn't shown him outside. You didn't need saving after all, little rascal.

Kagome looked between Inuyasha and the cat, rubbing Buyo behind his ears. The duke still hadn't glanced up.

"I found him in the hallway, or rather we found each other." She peeked over his desk at the abundance of records and land plots before him. "What are you working on?"

"Concerns from the farmers that have arisen during my absence." Truth be told, all the ledgers and maps were jumbling together. He certainly hadn't accomplished much. Even with distance, his thoughts returned to her. Thank goodness she was alright. "The production rate is declining each year and they are struggling more and more to provide what we need."

Kagome's eyes lit up like a child being shown a new toy, "May I help?"

Inuyasha stopped scribbling and looked her up and down. Swiftly, she acknowledged how his eyes narrowed in contempt.

So, he doesn't think a woman can know anything about a dukedom. Typical.

He turned back to the massive stacks of papers so he wouldn't have to face the bandages that covered her wounds. No matter what it took, it wouldn't happen again. He would protect her.

Might as well let her look at it. Not like the situation could get worse.

Inuyasha considered questioning his demon on the change of heart, "I know you won't take no for an answer. Be my guest."

Kagome set the feline on the desk and grabbed the ledgers, studying them for a moment. "Only wheat and barley, your grace? Have you not considered rotating the crops with turnips and clover?" She peered up at the duke, who had taken the cat and was playing with him on his lap. "The production is decreasing every year because nothing is being planted to restore the depleted nutrients in the soil. It will continue to decline until this issue is remedied."

She passed the papers back, allowing him to reexamine them. As the silence stretched on, she expected Inuyasha to laugh at her, or tell her to learn her place.

Inuyasha's eyes closed for a second too long as their scents intermingled. It made no sense; she was clearly not his mate. Nevertheless, he was too tired to do anything other than welcome the sense of peace that consumed him.

She's not your mate; you merely feel an obligation to protect her.

The silence ended as the pen met the paper again. "Your mind would have been wasted on Hojo."

Kagome winced. "Is that supposed to be a compliment, your grace?"

His nose scrunched at the smell of lemons.

Damn it all. Why do you have to be such an ass?

He presumed it was a compliment, and opened his mouth to tell her so, but words eluded him. Whether it was his human or his demon side that was resolved to push her away, only to want to pull her back, he didn't know. "Who taught you agriculture?"

"My mama wanted to be sure she prepared me to help Sota manage our estate if one day she could no longer do so. We had a few fields in the countryside that I loved to tend to when my father wasn't watching. My mama had to learn everything quickly since," Kagome struggled to compose herself, stroking Buyo's fur, "since he began to drink."

Inuyasha felt like he was doused in ice as their auras sharply severed.

The nightmare – no, the memory – returned to her. It was a time before papa had been in parliament. Why did I not remember before? How many times had mama protected me? What is she doing now? Is she safe? Will I ever see her again? Sota is too old now to play games at night. Who will protect him?

While she had given the nurse her privacy, doing nothing allowed her to fully grasp the situation, one which she would rather forget.

"If you'll excuse me, your grace, I need to go check on Shippo."

Don't let her leave. So what if she's not your mate? She's proven she cares for demons, for Shippo. She cares about your estate. She's fiery, passionate. Treat her like a friend. Start there.

His humanity was right. Only - he didn't know how.

Talk to her.

"Let the wet nurse care for him, Kagome. You need rest."

Kagome stared at him, her name without an honorific feeling more intimate than she cared to admit. Yes, she did need rest, but the moment she stopped focusing on the tasks at hand, she dissolved into fear, sadness, and worry. And her powers would return. Perhaps she needed the kit as much as he needed her.

Her naked feet fidgeted, pinching the end of the soft rug between her toes. Strangely, she felt no such fear in this moment, even though she was alone in a room with a demon – a demon who was to some degree her husband once she agreed to sign the papers.

She had hurt Inuyasha last night at the inn. Even now, the faint grayish mark was still on his skin. Her pride had not allowed her to mention it and he had yet to bring it up.

Yes, Kagome needed to keep her mind busy at all costs. "I will rest, after I check on the kit. Goodnight, your grace"

Don't let her leave. Kaede said we needed to help her. You know she's not her father. Stop hurting her. Don't talk at her. Talk to her. Connect. What about something she likes?

"I – I just remembered something." His mouth moved faster than his mind, and for a moment, he hesitated. "The estate has a former garden, near the west wing." Feet shuffled beneath the desk, "When you are recovered, you should tend it. If you'd like to, of course."

Kagome steepled her hands, pressing them to her lips. "Truly?" The scent of warmed vanilla surged around them like a tidal wave.

Inuyasha closed his eyes, basking in the essence. All he desired was to curl up next to her and fall into a content sleep, never opening his eyes until noon. Knowing she was waiting on him, he struggled with his heavy lids.

Friends. He reminded himself. We could just be friends.

"Truly." A brief nod accompanied the word, in case she could not hear him. She could have asked him for anything. He would have given her the estate in its entirety to maintain the look of pure joy on her face.

"I would love nothing more, thank you."

Kagome stopped in the doorway, giving him yet another dazzling smile. "Goodnight, your grace."

"Goodnight, Kagome."

His heart beat faster in his chest.

...

Notes: Random Note : I wanted to make it clear that this story will not include sexual abuse and it was not my intention for the flashback dream to imply that anyone in the Higurashi family was sexually abused. Lord Higurashi physically abuses them because he likes to feel strong and in control of situations.

Random Note #2: Isn't it just adorable that Inuyasha thinks he and Kagome can just be friends? Let's see how long that lasts...this story is rated MA/E for a reason after all...

Random Note #3: I have a confession. Usually when I read fanfiction stories, I read smut. I don't even care if it has a plot. (Bonus points if it does.) So why did I chose to write what is starting to feel like a slow burn romance? I have no idea and I apologize. Thanks for sticking with the story anyways. ❤️

The next scene is going to be the ball and it will be a long scene with a lot of familiar faces coming to Tessaiga. ? I hope Kagome can handle it.