Chapter Seven:

Sesshomaru made sure they were downwind from his brother's camp. He wanted to make sure Inuyasha didn't smell them coming just in case Kagome changed her mind. Looking at her though, she looked determined to hurry up and get this over with. He knew she loved his idiot half brother and only God knew why. He had witnessed his treatment of her over the years and let's just say it wasn't always pleasant. He understood his brothers sense of honor. Being an inu, even only by half, he knew Inuyasha would have inherited this from their father. Although, he thought his brother foolish as well. No matter the situation, Kagome was his intended mate, no one came before your mate. Even though they have not yet joined, once a demon chose his mate they rarely changed their minds.

He had witnessed his brother leave his intended unprotected multiple times to run after his dead ex-lover. Sesshomaru himself had been there to rescue her on one such occasion from one of the band of seven. In his mind, there was nothing more dishonorable than that. Your mate is always top priority.

As a full demon, he really did not understand the human concept of love. He believed when one chose a mate, you chose your equal. Someone who was as strong as you and would bare strong pups. He looked over at the Miko walking besides him, 'She is very powerful, and even if our pups would be half-human, they would still be unmatched in power.' He knew he had affection for the woman, she had come to soften his heart, just like his Rin. He would do anything for her, she was pack. If his brother hurt her again he would take her away and shield her from any more pain. Maybe he could just kill the dead one. If she is what stood between his brother and Kagome he would just get rid of her. But, he knew Kagome was soft-hearted, she would not be pleased if he killed the other, and he did not feel like being purified today.

He could hear his brothers pack as they came closer to the camp. The slayer and the monk did not seem happy about something. Probably something his idiot brother had done. He felt Kagome falter and knew she could hear them as well. They came to a stop as the dead priestess spoke in a strong voice.

"Inuyasha, I feel multiple jewel shards. They are very close." They heard Kikyo announce.

Kagome looked down at the jar around her neck. She grasped them lightly and continued walking towards the camp. Sesshomaru followed a few steps behind.

All was silent as Kagome stepped out of the trees. There were her friends staring at her with open mouths and wide eyes. She almost broke her mask from the look on their faces. She had missed them so much, it seemed like forever since she last seen them. She turned her head slightly and faltered for just a second. For there was Inuyasha, his face matching Sango and Miroku's. His eyes wide and mouth gaping like a fish, but what really caught her attention was the priestess he held in his lap. There was no doubt in her mind of his choice now. This was not a friendly position, they looked like two lovers settling down for bed. It broke her to see them in that position, but she would not let it show. She needed to see this. She needed to sever her obsession with the man she had been in love with for years. Now maybe she could finally move on.

She was startled to hear a growl coming from Inuyasha, as she looked back at his face he was shooting death glares behind her. She turned and watched Sesshomaru come stand by her side. If possible her friend's eyes widened even more. She mentally thanked him for being there to support her. He must have known what she was thinking for he turned and nodded at her. She was beginning to feel really awkward now. The only sound made was Inuyasha's increasing growls.

Thankfully, the spell was broken by her kits squeals as he ran into the camp. Shippo jumped over to Sango and Miroku jumping up and down asking if they missed him. Kirara was rubbing against the kit clearly excited to see he was ok. That seemed to snap everyone out of their stupor. Sango hugged the kit and Miroku patted his back. They were so relieved to see he was unharmed. When they looked back at Kagome, they were about to go hug her and ask what was going on, when they were stopped by Inuyasha's mouth.

"WHERE THE FUCK HAVE YOU BEEN RUNT!" Kikyo had gotten out of his lap and was standing there looking annoyed. "We have been looking all over for you! Why the fuck didn't you at least tell the baba you were taking off HUH?!" So caught up in Shippos reappearance he momentarily forgot about Kagome standing there with his brother.

"WHY DO YOU CARE! YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT ME! YOU WERE PROBABLY JUST MAD IT TOOK TIME AWAY FROM BEING WITH HER!" Shippo pointed accusingly over at Kikyo who just gave a blank stare. "You don't care about anyone but yourself! I told you Kagome wouldn't leave me! And look she came back for me BAKA!"

All eyes turned to stare at the Miko from the future. She stood there head lifted and face stern. She looked just like Sesshomaru who mirrored her stance next to her.

Sango was the first one to react. Tears quickly filled her eyes as she passed Shippo off to Miroku and ran over to her friend. Kagome's face softened as she opened her arms and returned the embrace. Miroku and Kirara quickly joined the hug and started asking a million questions.

"How are you here!"

"When did you get back!"

"We missed you so much!"

"Did your boobs get bigger?" Miroku said staring at her chest. Before Sango could slap him for asking such a question, Kagome starting laughing as she hugged them all tighter.

"OH GODS Miroku how I've missed you!" Kagome laughed, which caused them to laugh as well.

"Lady Kagome, if I might ask, how exactly did you come to be with Lord Sesshomaru?" Miroku said quietly looking over at the demon whose eyes have not left Inuyasha's.

"That's exactly what the fuck I wanna know!" It got quiet again as Inuyasha stared down his brother.

"What business is it of yours little brother? From the looks of it, you have clearly replaced her already. Why does it concern you who she travels with now?" Sesshomaru stated with a slight smirk. He knew it would piss his brother off and he was not disappointed.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!? SHES MY BITCH, OF COURSE, IT CONCERNS ME WHAT SHE DOES!" Inuyasha was seething. How dare this asshole accuse him of replacing her. She was his mate dammit! No one could take her place. SHE WAS HIS!.

"Really, and what of the woman who was just in your lap little brother? If Kagome was 'your bitch' as you claim, why is it that you hold another? Hn." Sesshomaru looked over at Kikyo with a raised eyebrow. She seemed bored with this whole predicament. Interesting.

"That's none of your business fucker!" Inuyasha yelled as he unsheathed the tessaiga. "You better tell me what the FUCK is going on right now! If you don't you'll be walking around with two missing arms instead of one!"

As Sesshomaru went to pull his own sword, he was stopped by a small hand on his elbow. Kagome gave him a pleading look that had him replacing his sword and taking a step back. This was her fight, he would allow her to speak for herself. But, he would keep an eye on the situation.

"Inuyasha." Inuyasha's face whipped around to Kagome. She stood there looking strong and unimpressed. "Who I decide to travel with is none of your concern. I am not now nor will I ever be your 'bitch' as you say. You have given up your right to have a say in what I do with my life. Just because you have thrown me out of the group, does not mean I have to sit at home and do nothing." She ignored the questioning looks from Sango and the shocked look on Inuyasha's face. "We have only come here seeking information on Naraku. I sensed the jewel shard and since it seems you have already retrieved it, we were just interested in any news about his whereabouts."

Inuyasha just stared at her pissed the fuck off. What did she mean it was none of his concern. Of course it was, she was his bitch! What the fuck was going on! She's supposed to be at home waiting for him! "Answer my question Kagome...why the hell are you with him!" He pointed over to his brother.

"Like I said that is none of your concern. Now do you have any information or not?" Kagome would not back down

Seeing his friend starting to lose his temper Miroku decided to step in. He was surprised to hear a growl coming from the daiyouki when he reached for Kagome's hand. What the hell was going on?

"Lady Kagome. We do know a little bit about Naraku's plans. But, it is late now, I think it would be best if we all got some rest and sat down in the morning and talked. We have missed you very much and would like to spend some time with you before we talk about more serious issues." Miroku hoped she would agree. He really did miss her and hoped she would explain how this all came to be.

"I agree with the monk for once. I've missed you and would really like to spend some time with you if that's ok?" Sango still had tears slowly streaming down her face. She did not want a fight to break out causing her 'sister' to leave her again.

Kagome looked in the faces of her friends and then looked over at Sesshomaru. Ignoring the hanyous growls as she asked him what she should do without even opening her mouth.

Sesshomaru spoke for her. "The children could use some food and rest. We have not stopped in a while so it is acceptable to make camp." He knew she wanted to catch up with her friends but was torn on being around Inuasyha and Kikyo. But, he knew she couldn't avoid this even if she tried.

Kagome looked at him and smiled slightly. There were a few gasps as he smiled in return. Rin bounced into camp excited to have dinner. "There is a cave right over there we can use to set up camp. I can set up a fire to cook the food we brought with us. I think we passed a hot spring as well and would very much like to bathe." She said lightly. Kagome did not want to share the same camp. Being not far away she could still catch up with her friends and not be around certain people.

"We have a fire already Kagome. If you just want to set up camp we can feed the children now and then I can join you in your bath if that's ok." Sango asked.

With a nod from Sesshomaru, she agreed and quickly started to make dinner. Inuyasha was still staring down his brother and it seemed Kikyo had walked off for a while. The group talked a little about the clothes she was wearing. Sango told her that the 'jeenz' flattered her. Miroku mentioned how the tank top showed her new figure. Instead of getting hit, Sango actually agreed and asked her if she had been training. Kagome just nodded not really wanting to get into it right now with Inuyasha standing right there.

When the food was done, Sango joined Kagome to set up their camp before they headed to the hot spring. Shippo and Rin were a little upset that they couldn't go too. But, Kagome said they needed to have adult time, after handing them both a sucker they finally relented and let her go. Sesshomaru stayed behind with the children ignoring his brother's questions about what was going on. It was not his place so he just looked away.

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"I really needed this. We haven't stopped by a hot spring in a while." Sango said as she slid in the water.

"I know the feeling. Sesshomaru doesn't like to stop much. I can normally convince him to rest for the kids, but most of the time he just tells me I stink anyway so a bath won't do much." Kagome said with laughter in her voice.

"I know you don't really want to talk about it Kagome, but what's going on? I knew you would probably be upset about being left behind, but I'm surprised to see you with him. Is this about us leaving you behind? Inuyasha said that you understood." Sango tried to avoid the topic but her curiosity got the better of her. "I mean, last I knew he hated humans, except for the little girl. It's really strange to see you with him of all people."

Kagome stiffened as she mentioned Inuyasha. Did Sango agree with him that she was just a burden? She was too scared of her answer so just avoided it for now. She tried to act unaffected but knew she was failing. "I know he always came off as a heartless demon, but behind all his seriousness, Sesshomaru is actually really nice." She ignored Sango's raised eyebrow. "He is! Believe it or not he's actually pretty funny. Just yesterday, he let me and Rin put flowers in his hair. When I teased him about being pretty, he looked at me and told me I was just jealous he was prettier than me." Sango looked shocked as Kagome laughed. "He is good with the children and he always listens to my problems with no complaint. He's pack."

Sango knew the significance of those words. Being part of a pack was like being a family. She looked over at Kagome and wondered just how much about inu customs she actually knew. "Kagome...the way you talk about him...it sounds like you love him." She was taken back by Kagome's soft smile. Did she?

"Of course I do. He's one of my best friends. Even though he would never admit it, he loves me too." When Sango started choking, Kagome laughed as she shook her head. "Not like THAT Sango! I love him like I do Miroku. Not quite like a brother, but as a friend and Alpha." When Sango looked at her questionable again she continued. "Sesshomaru has been training me. Part of my training was also knowledge. I learned about pack laws and how the Alpha is the leader and has the final say in all decisions. Then there is the beta and pack members who were pretty much in the middle, and omegas who most of the time were the children of the pack or the weakest members. I asked him what position I held and he told me I was an annoying bitch!" Kagome doubled over laughing at Sango's wide eyes. "He was just joking Sango...well...kind of." They both laughed at that.

"But, enough about me! I missed you what's going on with you and Miroku!" Kagome wanted to get off the subject of her.

"Not much to tell. When we left without you, everyone was pretty much depressed. He barely even groped me at all! We've just been hunting down the demon Kage hoping to kill him so you could come back." Sango said sadly.

"Kage? Who's Kage?" Kagome looked confused.

"The demon who has been looking for you. The one Inuyasha told you about."

"Sango, I have no idea what you're talking about. Inuyasha never told me about a demon." Kagome stated slowly.

Sango looked at her funny. "What do you mean? Inuyasha said he told you the reason you were staying home was because of this demon. He said you agreed to it?"

Kagome was about to question her when the sound of screaming got both their attention. Hurrying up and getting dressed they rushed back to camp.

Inuyasha had been sulking in the corner. No matter how many times he tried to get his ass brother to answer his questions he was ignored. He was going to follow the girls, but he knew with all these people he wouldn't get away with it. He would try to be patient. He was still in shock at seeing Kagome. His heart stopped when he saw her step out of the trees and into the light. She looked stunning. She had always been a gorgeous girl, but he could see the difference in her body. She looked leaner and more toned. Her face looked stern and the firelight made her eyes look like burning cobalt. He wanted to run to her until he noticed the bastard behind her.

After the girls left he wanted answers. He deserved to know! Sesshomaru knew that Kagome was his intended, so why wouldn't he tell him anything. When he finally gave up he sat in a tree and sulked. After a while, he went to inhale to let out a big huff. What he smelled almost made him choke. He smelled Kagomes sweet lavender/vanilla smell, but it was different. He could smell his brother's scent mixed with it. Not just on her from being near each other, but a mixture. The only way for two people scents to mix like that was...

"What the fuck did you do," Inuyasha growled out low to his brother.

"What do you mean Inuyasha?" Miroku looked at him wondering what had set him off this time.

"You scent marked her. Why...Is it a mark of protection, or do you intend to mate her?" Inuyasha raised his sword with a look of hatred. "Choose your words wisely."

"What does it matter to you little brother. You cast her aside for a walking corpse. You should be glad it is I who found her. Another demon would have wasted no time in mating her, willing or not. With my scent, she is protected no matter what the intention behind it" Sesshomaru stated unaffected.

Inuyasha stepped closer, his eyes rimmed red. "You knew she carried my mark. You know she is my intended mate. It goes against youki law to scent mark a female who already carries a mark."

"Yes, well the mark of a half-breed really doesn't count now does it," Sesshomaru smirked.

Miroku grabbed the children and backed away, He knew this was about to get ugly real quick.

"What the fuck did you just say. I'LL KILL YOU YOU BASTARD!" With that Inuyasha attacked.

Quicker than Miroku could see, Sesshomaru blocked the attack with his tokijin. "What's the matter brother? Do you not like to see the one you love with another?" Sesshomaru pushed him away. "Hmmm. I wonder if that is how the Miko felt seeing you with your dead lover?"

Inuyasha's eyes bleed redder. He started to attack again. "You know NOTHING!" He knew what his brother said was true and he felt like the dog he was. But, he loved Kagome and would not give her up without a fight.

"SIT BOY!"

Inuyasha slammed into the earth cursing a storm.

"WHAT THE FUCK BITCH! Why are you protecting him!" Inuyasha was livid! Why would she protect someone who had tried to kill her and himself!

"He doesn't need protection Inuyasha. You were transforming and I won't risk anyone if you do." Kagome had run into the camp when she saw his eyes red and the kids looking nervous she didn't think twice to sit him.

"There is no reason to fight. We will answer your questions tomorrow. Tonite lets just try to relax and get some sleep." Kagome started to walk over to the kids with Sesshomaru following her.

"Kagome, wait!" Inuyasha called out to her. "Can I talked to you for a minute in private?"

He was pissed to see her look to Sesshomaru for permission but was glad to see that he nodded. "Alright, just for a minute. It's late and I'm exhausted.

"Keh!" Inuyasha was happy he could have a minute alone with her but his mind was racing on what he would actually say! 'I'm sorry I'm an asshole? It wasn't my idea?' He shook his head. No, he was to blame, he just had to try to make her understand.

Once they got out of hearing range Inuyasha stopped and looked at her. She had her arms crossed facing away with a blank expression. He called her name hoping she would look at his but she just tensed. "Kagome...please, just look at me. Please." Her eyes tightened but she turned her head and looked him in the eye. He just stared for a minute taking her in. Gods, how he missed her. He still couldn't believe she was standing right in front of him. He just wanted one more minute to look at the woman he loved with all his heart.

"If all your going to do is stare at me in going to bed." Kagome started to turn around but was stopped by a clawed hand grabbing her wrist.

"Kagome, wait. I...I know that you're mad, but, please I just want to explain." When she didn't pull away he continued. "That day, when you came back. Kikyo told me about Naraku creating a demon specifically to destroy you." She turned and looked at him. "She said that Naraku was afraid of you so he wanted to kill you at all cost. I told her that you were stong" Kagome huffed. "and that we would protect you, but this demon apparently is immune to purification. After thinking about it for a while, we figured it was safer to send you home until we killed this guy."

"So...let me get this straight. KIKYO, was worried about me? HA! Ok ok, that's believable. So instead of, I don't know TALKING to me, you BOTH decided on what's best for me. I mean, sure it's none of my business right? I don't have a right to question the great Inuyasha and Kikyo. I mean this supposed demon is only trying to kill ME right? So I don't have a right to know anything." Kagome was shaking her head with a dark chuckle.

"NO! Kagome, I wanted to tell you I swear!" Kagome laughed again. "I just knew how stubborn you can be ok! If I told you the truth you would want to fight! I couldn't risk it! I couldn't risk you!"

"Yeah right, and Kikyo joining you was hard on you too right? Come on Inuyasha, we both know that this was your opportunity to finally get rid of me and be with her." She ignored his protest. "Also, you're saying this demon is immune to purification? How? That seems very far fetched. If Naraku had the power to create a demon like that, wouldn't he give it to all his creations? There are way to many holes in this story." Kagome looked at him like he was an idiot.

"Ok, yes that makes sense, recently I've been thinking the same thing. But, at the time I was just worried about you! I couldn't think of anything else!"

Kagome looked at him for a moment. "Let me tell you what I think Inuyasha." He nervously nodded his head. " I believe you when you say there is a demon out there hunting me. That makes sense, but I also believe that you took this situation and used it in your favor. I mean, wow, here is this demon out to get me, so what a perfect opportunity to get rid of me. With me gone you could finally be with the one you want." She ignored his cursing."I just don't understand why you felt the need to lie to me, well not really lie, but keep this from me. If you told me you wanted to be with Kikyo and I was standing in your way I would have left. I told you before I would stay with you for as long as you wanted me, all you had to do was tell me you didn't want me anymore." She looked away at his shocked face. "But, I guess I should be thanking you. I have gotten stronger in the last six months and I feel better knowing that I wasn't putting my friends in danger."

"Kagome no! I was lying before. You are not a burden! You are what keeps us all together. When you were gone...it was like we were just going through the motions. Everyone was miserable! I...I actually decided yesterday that enough was enough, we were heading out in the morning to come get you!"

"Why? What's the point of coming to get me." He titled his head."You have Kikyo." She started to pull her arm free.

"NO! it's NOT LIKE THAT! Kikyo was just here as fill in until we defeated this guy! We needed help finding the shards." As she still tried to pull away he decided he had enough."I LOVE YOU, NOT HER!" Kagome froze and stopped fighting.

He thought maybe he got through to her but then she started laughing. "Really! That is not what it looked like when I walked into your camp. I don't know what kind of bullshit you're trying to pull, but I'm done. You can't keep doing this to me Inuyasha, for YEARS you have belittled me and compared me to her! Is that love? Is love running away to another woman any chance you got? Is love holding another woman while you sleep? No, it's not. You have proven to me time and time again that you love her. I accepted it because I loved you enough to let you be happy. Being around you was enough for me! THAT is love Inuyasha. Putting someone's needs and wants above your own. When have you EVER done that for me? Never. You have done it plenty of times for her so what does that say? You, love her not me. Please, do us all a favor and go back to her. I am a strong woman Inuyasha, but even strong woman can break." With that, she shook her hand free and headed back to the others.

Inuyasha let her go. He didn't know what to say! Everything she said was true. He had done all she accused him of. But, she just didn't know why! He pushed her away to protect her! He only went to Kikyo because he was honor-bound! HE DIDN'T LOVE HER! He loved the smart funny sexy woman from the future. He knew he fucked up bad! How was he gonna fix this? Should he even try? She said she loved him enough to let him go. Was he supposed to do the same thing? Should he force her to stay with him even after all the shit he put her through? He knew he shouldn't, but they loved each other! She was his mate! He would die without her. He would have to think about this. Maybe, maybe Sesshomaru would be better for her. He shook his head not wanting to think about that. He would just need to try to talk to her again. Maybe tomorrow he could take her back to her time and get her alone. He would let her calm down tonite.

He made his way back to the camp and lept in the trees. He ignored the questioning looks from his friends and the sad look of his ex-love. He didn't care if she was upset. Tonite, she could sulk, he was not leaving this tree.

Not far away, they could hear the kids laughing as Kagome got them ready for bed. Sesshomaru could see how depressed she was. She came back fighting tears and he knew when she was alone she would let them fall. He would take her on a walk like they have done many times before and let her break down. He would not push her to tell him what happened, he already had a good idea.

Sango and Miroku curled up together on Kirara's side. They could hear Kagome telling the kids a bedtime story that they have heard her tell Shippo many times. It was comforting just knowing she was nearby. They smiled at each other hopeful that tomorrow they could spend some time with her and figure out what was going on.

Inuyasha also listened intently to Kagome's story. Her voice soothed him and at the same time broke him. She was so close and so far at the same time. He knew he needed to get her back. She would forgive him...right?

They all listened as Kagome started to sing. Her voice low and beautiful. It was soothing and Sango even had tears in her eyes. But they were shocked when they heard a males voice start to sing with her.

Kagome rubbed Shippo's head as she started to sing. She loved this song. It used to remind her of her and Inuyasha. He was definitely a beast, and they definitely did not start off as friends. As she looked over at Sesshomaru she smiled thinking that it fit them too. When it got to the chorus she was startled when Sesshomaru started to quietly sing with her. She was even more amazed at his voice! Her smile grew so big her face hurt. She knew he only did it to cheer her up, and she almost cried at how sweet he could be. Of course, she would tease the hell out of him later, but right now, she smiled at him and let him see the appreciation in her eyes.

Later she would mourn the loss of her love. Right now she was so happy and she wouldn't let thoughts of Inuyasha ruin it for her. The kids giggled as the song was over and Kagome giggle with them. She kissed their heads as they fell asleep and held her hand out for Sesshomaru as she went to take her walk.

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I KNOW I KNOW. very ooc, but I couldn't help it! it's my story i do what i want lol.

Also, in case you haven't figured it out, she was singing the song beauty and the beast