small author note. first i want to thank everyone who has enjoyed this story and commented. you guys make me smile and i send good wishes to all. next, I do apologize for my spelling errors. I have NEVER been good at it, and I do try, but mistakes are made and I'm sorry. last, this story has been "completed" and will be updated as soon as I can edit all chapters (alot is written on my phone or tablet) and take care of it. sometimes life gets in the way but there IS and ending and I am NOT leaving it hanging. promise. ok, thats all. enjoy!
An uneventful two days passed as they made their way to the jewel, Sesshomaru less than pleased to see he was correct.
It was the hidden demon village.
Resolving himself to simply deal with it and get this over with, he pulled the group to the side.
"The entrance to the village is in the cliff face ahead. I want to make clear before we enter: none of the demons there will start anything while you are accompanying me. They may stare and whisper; ignore them. Say nothing. We are here for the jewel."
Sango and Miroku nodded easily but Kagome gripped Rin's hand, whom she'd been holding, tighter.
Inuyasha kept quiet. He hadn't spoken much to Kagome in the past two days, just enough to let her know he was getting over it.
"Shippo, stay by Kagome and Rin." He nodded to the kit.
"Inuyasha, you stay with Miroku and Sango."
Deciding they were as ready as they were going to be, Sesshomaru led them to the cliff, pressing his palm to a non-descript looking rock, the stone glowing for a moment before the rock face began to shimmer.
The cliff faded to reveal a large village, busy with demons going about their business.
"Stay close. Kagome, tell me where to go." Sesshomaru repeated softly, leading them into the hidden demon village.
Shippo took his spot on Kagome's good shoulder and all humans let out a short breath when they got in. No one was actually sure how this would go, but so far, so good.
"That way." Kagome said pointing in the direction of the jewel.
The demon lord nodded silently, leading them in accordance with her directions.
He was very aware of the whispers and looks they were getting. But none dared approach the Lord of the West or question the humans in his company.
"It's in there" Kagome said as they neared a large building.
"You have got to be kidding" Inuyasha said, very aware of what the building was from the scent and how all the woman around avoided it.
"Kagome are you sure?" Sango asked.
"Of course it is." Sesshomaru scowled. "I will get the jewel. The rest of you wait here."
Miroku cleared his throat. "I think Inuyasha and I should come along-"
"I think we should wait very far away" Sango said grabbing the monks arm. "We will take the kids and wait over in the grassy area."
"Good choice, Sango." Sesshomaru shook his head. "I will be back shortly." He assured Kagome, starting away from the group.
"Wait, what if it's hidden? You'll need me to see it" Kagome said, not sure why everyone wanted to avoid such a nice house.
"Kagome you really don't want to go in" Inuyasha said, hand on her shoulder to stop her.
"I will be fine." He doubted it would be hidden. "Stay with the others."
"Inuyasha what is so wrong?" Kagome frowned at him.
He hesitated but sided "it's a pleasure house you idiot."
Kagome's eyes widened and she turned to look back at the building as a older woman stepped out.
"Lord Sesshomaru" she smiled. "Welcome back"
"Fuck..." Sesshomaru cursed. Great. No hiding it now. "Hello, madame Bordeaux." Sesshomaru bowed to her.
"You look as lovely as ever." He gave her a charming smile.
"Flattery does not get discounts. Ah, and is this the young master Inuyasha?" She asked seeing him there. "I was wondering when your grace our home."
"That is Inuyasha, yes." The older demon nodded, looking to his brother, who awkwardly nodded at the woman as well. "What's more I would never dream of asking for a discount. I know you only provide the best, worth the cost." He assured the woman. "Shall we head inside? My companions and I have some business to discuss with you. Personal, not professional." He added. He needed to get this over with, and if they could at least sit in Bordeaux's office, then Kagome wouldn't be around to see the various courtesan's amid the house.
The older woman eyed him suspiciously. "The humans will wait out here with the children. You know my rule. children are not welcome." She said before turning and heading inside.
"Come on" Inuyasha said leading Kagome to the stairs. "We need her to see the jewel" he growled when Sesshomaru reached out to stop Kagome.
Sesshomaru scowled at his brother, but followed the madame into the house. "May we have a word with you in private? Your office, perhaps?"
"I suppose" she said leading them to the back office and offering them seats. With only two chairs she looked at both Inuyasha and Kagome.
"One will have to stand out here I'm afraid."
"I will" Inuyasha grumbled. Better to have Kagome in there then out where some scumbag could see her.
Sesshomaru took a seat, his last sight of Inuyasha being the younger man shifting awkwardly as one of the women approached him.
"I need to speak with you about something we believe to be in your possession: a shared of the Shikon jewel."
"It's not in my possession" she said simply.
"But it is here" Kagome said.
Then one of the girls must have it... Sesshomaru thought. "We need the shard."
"It was used as payment for a night with Tama." She said. "It seemed fitting to let her keep it. Popularity has gone up now that my "jewel" of the house has a part of the jewel of four souls."
Of course it was Tama, Sesshomaru thought sourly. "Surely such a jewel as Tama does not require a tawdry trinket. Such things are beneath her."
She laughed "surly the Lord of the West isn't this foolish to think he can use a silver tongue to get it." She stood and opened the door, reviling Inuyasha surrounded by five or six women. "Someone get Tama. Now" she snapped before closing the door.
"He does not look happy" Kagome whispered, though she was glad the woman were at least all dressed.
"He will be fine." He assured her, able to hear the women cooing over how cute his ears were. "But I would never be that foolish, dear madame. I would be happy to compensate both yourself and Tama for the jewel shard."
Kagome frowned. They'd never had to buy a jewel before. They didn't have that kind of money.
"You intend on trading the virgin for it?" She asked brow raised before looking at Kagome. "How old are you?"
"That is not the offer I am making." Sesshomaru said sharply. "Kagome is mine." Clearing his throat and calming himself, he continued, "I am courting Kagome, not bartering her. No, I am offering coin. 70,000 silver, perhaps? Or a gem from my personal vault for Toma?"
The madam seemed more surprised at the courting then the offer. "The mortal? As your mate?"
"Yes. She has proven herself time and again, as a woman I would be proud to call my mate."
"Oh." She nodded "how like your father. Well, let's hope this turns out better. Tama!" She called "stop fawning over the boy" seconds later a young woman in pink...clothes stepped in, and Kagome's hackles rose when she looked at Sesshomaru.
"Hello, Tama." Sesshomaru bowed his head to the woman.
"Your back sooner than expected" she smiled. "Couldn't stay away?"
Kagome almost growled. She was sitting RIGHT HERE!
"No, Tama, this is not that kind if visit. I would like to introduce Kagome, whom I am courting." He explained, clearing his throat.
She looked to Kagome, and visibly did not seem impressed. "Are you hiring me to train her?" She asked tilting her head.
"Excuse me?" Kagome asked clearly offended. Ok sure she had zero practice with anything but that was just rude!
"I am doing no such thing." Sesshomaru said quickly, placing a hand on Kagome's knee reassuringly. "We are here for the jewel shard, Tama. I want to buy it from you."
"It's not for sale" she said.
Kagome didn't miss the silent "I am though" from the woman. The tail from her made Kagome think she was some kind of cat, but she didn't know what kind. Was that why he'd thought her favorite animal was a cat? Did he like is woman because she was a cat?
And she didn't know why that bothered her so much!
"Perhaps you would be willing to barter, then?" Sesshomaru suggesting. "I could furnish you with the finest of the jewels in my personal vault as compensation. I have also offered to pay madame Bordeaux as well."
"I don't think I've ever heard of any jewel in the western home that compares to the Shikon" she said looking at the older woman.
"Perhaps a lovely sapphire to compliment your beautiful eyes?" He suggested, standing and moving next to her, to look between the two women. "Or a ruby, a sharp contrast to your fair skin, leading eyes to your luscious figure?" He suggested in a charming purr.
"I think even a small stone like this can draw the eye to My...figure" she purred.
"Then what do you want for it?" Kagome asked trying not to snap. Was this how Inuyasha felt when he wanted to fight?
Great, now Kagome was beginning to lose her temper.
"What Kagome means to ask, is what do you think would be an adequate trade for this jewel? I must also warn you, wearing the jewel shard, while it may lead the gaze to your body," the demon lord paused, lightly lifted her chin and claw grazing her collarbone as he exposed her throat and the jewel before cutting his gaze to Bordeaux, "it will also lead those of less peaceful intent here as well."
"We are aware. The man who used it warned us." Bordeaux said sounding bored. "Unless something is offered enough for either Tama or myself I'm afraid our business is done"
"I see." So much for simply purchasing the jewel. "Then perhaps you would be interested in the endorsement and support of the standing lord of the west? As well as all of the protections that comes with?" He asked, clasping his hands behind his back.
That peaked the older woman's interest. "In what context?"
"Should there be any concern of safety, my men will address them, ensuring the girls' safety. Any transgressions will likewise be handled by my men." He elaborated. "Is there something specific you would like added?"
The madame smiled and nodded before she held out her hand to Tama "give it" the girl scowled and removed the jewel.
Kagome was not exactly happy at how attractive the woman looked angry. And that Sesshomaru was still standing in front of her.
"Do we have a deal, then?" Sesshomaru asked, moving away from Toma to stand next to Kagome.
"Deal" she said handing him the jewel.
Kagome took the chain but felt the need to ask, "Who gave this to you?"
"A customer" Tama said still pouting. "Don't recall the name. Most don't give them"
"Do you remember what they looked like?" Sesshomaru asked, assuming Kagome must have had a reason to ask.
"Average." She smirked at Sesshomaru "not nearly as fun as you."
"Time to go" Kagome said standing.
Dammit all... "Thank you for your time, ladies. Send a petition to the western home, I will see to it our arrangement is honored and a small group of men is dispatched to show this house is under my protection."
"Good" she nodded
"Ladies." He bowed his head to the women, guiding Kagome to the door with a hand on the small of her back. "Inuyasha, we are leaving." The demon lord said, noting the look of relief on his brothers face as the younger man slipped away from the women, some of whom were in somewhat more... revealing outfits by this point.
"Thank god" he said placing a hand on Kagome's back to urge her out quickly.
Once outside, Sesshomaru led them to a small patch of grass where the others were seated. "We have the jewel."
"Good" Sango smiled then frowned at Kagome "are you alright?"
"I'm fine" she said too quickly.
"Once we get to the inn we can all settle in and relax." The demon lord assured the group.
"We already got a room" Miroku said standing.
"All the better." He nodded. "To the inn." He needed to speak with Kagome as soon as possible.
"I'd like to go for a walk" Kagome said, not wanting to go there yet.
"I'll go with ya" Inuyasha offered.
"Keep her safe." Sesshomaru said after a moment. This might give him some time to think of a way to calm Kagome down and reassure her.
Kagome gave both kids a smile before leading Inuyasha down a street with various venders
"Wanna talk about it?" Inuyasha asked after a few minutes of walking.
"Are you going to call me stupid for getting upset?"
"Nope." He said simply. "Gonna ask what you plan on doing about it."
"Nothing..." she said. "Nothing to do about it."
"So you're just going to be mad and jealous?"
"I don't have a right to be jealous"
"But you are. Arent you?" He asked.
"...maybe..." she frowned. "It shouldn't matter" she said.
"Why not? We both know you like him. I still think hes an asshole, but I cant argue that he hasn't been going to some lengths to be... less of an asshole."
"...it doesn't matter because this is still not happening" she said shrugging. "he just keeps reminding me I'm worthy…"
"True. Then I guess we can just be miserable together, then."
"You don't have to be miserable you know. You have a few years yeah, but in ten years, you can be mates with Rin. At least you have a mate…" did she want a mate?
"How do you know you arent with him?"
"He's explained about mates. And according to what he said, he's not having any of the "symptoms" so we are not actually mates...he just thinks I'm good enough and proved myself to be on his level."
"Because he's smart enough to know the difference, right?" The half-demon pointed out. "You could always see where it goes, just to see.."
"I'd rather not get invested and hurt." She muttered. She kinda already was.
"Couldn't that happen with anyone?" Inuyasha asked. "Even with a human?"
"At least with a human I'm not going in already hearing how he doesn't believe in love and how he's only courting me because I've proved I'm good enough..."
"People change." Inuyasha shrugged again. "look at us? We used to hate eachothr. Now…well…"
"now I love you like your like the big brother I never had." She pointed out.
"yeah. Not gonna force you, though. You do what you want. Just wanted to make sure you were ok."
She sighed. She couldn't even lie and say she was...
"Might be a good idea to at least talk to him. Let him know you dont like how things went at the pleasure house. Or how Tama spoke to you."
"I don't care how she spoke to me" she said crossing her arms. Or trying to. Her sling made it more comical than she'd meant.
"Liar." He rolled his eyes. "Pretty sure the 'training' comment was the high point."
"Well excuse me for not sleeping around" she muttered.
"There's nothing wrong with being inexperienced. Who cares? But it still upset you. Maybe telling him that will make you fell better."
"I doubt it..." she said.
"Couldn't hurt to try." He said simply. "There was a reason you kissed him, right?"
Kagome flinched at that. She shouldn't be surprised he know...but she hadn't wanted him to. It was a public thing...and they hadn't done it sense.
"I'm not judging." He assured her. "Just assumed you saw something in him that you thought worth pursuing."
"...I thought there was..." she wasn't really sure. Maybe spending so much time with the Sesshomaru from her time was clouding her mind...
"Maybe there is."
She shook her head. She wasn't sure anymore. And she'd already screwed up with it anyways.
"Ready to head back? Or do you want to walk some more?"
"Walk...I'm not ready to go back."
"Ok." Inuyasha fell silent as they simply walked around the various stalls and vendors.
Kagome barely spoke when she returned from her walk with Inuyasha, only saying enough to ask Sesshomaru if they could pass on the talk for that night. Though it was a concern how much skipping their alone time bothered him, he agreed and let her retire for the night, having already put the mokomoko in her room.
While she retired, Sesshomaru made his way down to the inn entrance, intent on finding a suitable gift for Kagome.
"How come Kagome's upset?" Shippo asked. Both children had tagged along, finding it boring just relax like the adults.
"I am not sure." Sesshomaru said honestly. "I am hoping to get a chance to speak with her about this tomorrow. Perhaps a gift will help."
"I don't know if giving her something to stop her being mad is going to work" Rin said.
"I do not know that it will either. I am hoping talking to her with help, the gift will simply be a kind gesture." He explained, looking through the various stalls as they walked.
"It'll have to be. Kagome doesn't just like things" Shippo said. "But...we also don't get to buy things either" he shrugged "so maybe she'll like it"
"Perhaps. Though I am counting on you both to help me pick something she would enjoy. I think something... less showy than I would normally pick."
"Kagome's not flashy" Shippo said.
That much Sesshomaru knew. But that was about all. He paused at a stand, looking over a few simple pieces of jewelry.
"What do you think of these?"
Both children looked at the jewelry.
"It's kinda big" Rin said. Most of them were very simple, but the stones were more on the large side.
The demon lord nodded his understanding, moving through more stalls, looking over the proffered goods and soliciting the children's input on any jewelry he thought might suit Kagome.
"How about that one?" Rin said as they were looking at the last stand. The jewelry was all very small and delicate looking, but the material seemed sturdy
"Do you think she would like it?" Sesshomaru asked, picking up the small necklace.
She nodded. "It's small and pretty, and has a moon on it."
"What do you think, Shippo?" He asked, giving the kit a better look.
"I think she'd like it. But the chain is too short. She'd like longer. Like she wears the jewel shards."
Sesshomaru nodded, looking to the vendor. "I would like a longer chain with this piece."
"Of course" the old man nodded fixing the charm to a longer chain.
"Thank you." After paying the man, Sesshomaru stepped away from the stalls. "Is there anything else you think she may like?"
Both kids looked at each other unsure.
"Should I leave it at the necklace for now?"
"Yeah. Cuz getting too much is as bad as Inuyasha not apologizing." Shippo said.
That much Sesshomaru could understand. "Very well. Thank you both for your help. I appreciate it."
"Are...are you and Kagome going to leave the group if she picks you?" Shippo asked as they walked back towards the inn.
"What do you mean?" The dog demon looked down to the kit in question.
"Like, if tomorrow she decides she picks you...are you just going to leave?"
"Oh, of course not." He shook his head. While Sesshomaru wouldn't have minded that, he knew Kagome would never do such a thing. "Kagome will not be leaving the group until she has dealt with Naraku. This I am sure of."
"What about after?"
"Most likely we will return to my home, though visiting the village will be a regular occurrence, I have no doubt."
"Oh...ok..."
"Do not worry, we will see the others often." Sesshomaru assured the boy, picking the kit up and placing him on his shoulder.
Shippo blinked "huh?"
"You are coming with us, of course. Do you think I would dare to part you from your mama?"
"Well...I mean...I didn't think you'd guys want me around...if you had kids..."
"That would not change anything. Kagome sees you as hers and I would never take that away from you both. Having other children will not change that. For either of you." The demon said firmly, looking to Rin as well.
Rin smiled. She'd been worried about that too, but had been silent, preferring to not worry about it till it actually happened.
"Both of you will remain with us. I will be relying on both of you to be a good older brother and sister to any children we may have."
Shippo nodded. He liked the idea of a little brother. "Ok"
"Good man." He nodded. "Do you both feel better about this now?"
Both children nodded in sync
"Good. Ready for something to eat?"
"Uh huh" Rin smiled.
Re-entering the inn, Sesshomaru led the children to a table for them to have some dinner before sending them to bed.
"How was your walk?" Sango asked when they arrived back to the rooms.
"It was... pleasant. And informative." Sesshomaru said simply, letting the children set to playing with the various books Kagome supplied them with. "How are the rooms?"
"Good" Sango said. "The boys get that one, and the kids can sleep in the other with Kagome and me."
"it seemed the best option" Miroku nodded.
"That will work, I think." The demon lord nodded. Though he wanted to be with Kagome, he forced himself to give her the space she seemed to need before talking to her.
"Inuyasha and we were discussing using the next village we stop at to possibly make a little supply money." Miroku said as Sesshomaru took a seat.
"And how do you propose that?" He asked.
"I'm sure the headman is currently be plagued by a evil spirit" Miroku said.
Sango rolled her eyes. "Miroku will claim to sense something evil and we'll "exercise" the demon and collect a small reward. And yes, it's as underhanded as it sounds."
"And this happens often?"
"Not really. Only when we are dramatically low on money and supplies" she said.
"I see..." it was becoming more and more apparent that money was in even shorter supply then he had thought. "Is there anything else to discuss?" Sesshomaru asked, ready to retire for the night if he couldn't speak with Kagome.
"I suppose no-"
"yeah there is" Inuyasha said, cutting him off. "Outside." If Kagome could stick her nose in his mate affairs so could he. At least his was planning on really helping now rather than down the line.
Sesshomaru arched a brow at his brother before following the younger man outside.
"There is something you wish to discuss?"
"There's a lot but I'm keeping it short and sweet. You fucked up."
"And how have I done that?" The demon scowled.
"She's proven herself?" He raised a brow.
"What? She has. She is a strong, caring woman who is more than capable of holding her own, even amongst full demons. I would say she has proven herself to be stronger than many full demons." It was one of the highest compliments he could have given!
"well its good she can "prover" herself to be :good enough" But then, she's not actually your mate" he said. "Because you don't have...what would she call them? Symptoms. You just decided she'd be good enough."
"What? We could easily be mates."
"Yeah no that's not how mates work. It's not a random one day you wake up and ok yeah your mates. You don't decide who your mate is. You just know. And if by now you don't just know, don't feel it, your wasting your time. Because there is a part you're intentionally ignoring."
"And what part would that be?"
"Mates actually love each other." He knew the asshole hadn't actually told Kagome that part. Probably made some bull shit about it. He may have only been a half demon but he'd known enough full demons to learn about mates.
Sesshomaru remained silent. He knew he cared for the miko, enough to be upset that they wouldn't be spending time together...
But love? Did he love her? Did she love him?
"I don't care either way how you feel, but your screwing with her. Kagome is the type of human who doesn't want to just be with someone because they "proved" they are at the same level. Lord knows her feelings have been screwed enough with" yeah, he'd fucked up too. And felt guilty for it. But that didn't mean Sesshomaru had any right to hurt her.
"I have absolutely no interview of toying with Kagome or her emotions." The demon said firmly.
"That's exactly what your doing if you don't love her" he pointed out. "It's not your fault...technically, that she's mad you went to a whore house. She's mad, mostly, because you're making this sound like business. How do you think Rin will feel when some guy asks if he can marry her because she's good enough?"
"You have made your point." Sesshomaru growled. "Leave Rin out of this."
"It's an example." He rolled your eyes. "Cant much see you caring about Sango and how Miroku would propose."
"Fine. You have made your point. Satisfied?"
"Nah. Your still here" he said shrugging before turning and making his way back to the inn.
Sesshomaru merely glared after his brother, turning to look out at the village. He lost himself in thought, pondering mates and whether or not this courting was right anymore.
He certainly cared for Kagome, and he definitely wanted her sexually, but love...? He had always considered it to be an emotional crutch, but what if he was wrong?
Could he learn to love Kagome? Did he already and he was just so alien to the concept that he was ignorant of the fact?
What's more, did she love him? Could she? Or would his botching of this interaction be the end of any such bond?
Over the next few days as the group traveled further east towards the next jewel shard, the uncomfortable awkwardness grew.
Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha felt the wall between Sesshomaru and Kagome.
Each night she requested they skip their hour. And each night he agreed.
The three were almost ready to take bets on if Sesshomaru was going to snap or just leave. The fourth night dinner was made, eaten and they were resting before anyone spoke.
"Kagome, may we speak tonight?" Sesshomaru finally asked. The last four days were driving him mad! He hated this! He hated being so close to her and yet feeling as if there was an ocean between them! "Urgently, please?"
"...ok..." she nodded, after receiving encouraging looks from Miroku and Sango.
"After you." The demon lord gestured to the trees, following after her as they made their to a small clearing.
Kagome walked into the trees, stopping for him to find wherever he wanted to go to talk.
"This will do." He said after a few minutes walking. "Would you like to sit?"
"I'll stand." She said fidgeting with her sling. She didn't want to be hindered by sitting.
"As you wish." He nodded, hesitating a moment, unsure how to start. "I am sorry for what I said at the pleasure house." He finally settled with. "about you having proved your worth, as if that is what the courting is about."
"I really don't want to talk about that" she said still prickly about it.
"I am sorry that what I said hurt you. It was not my intention, I would never wish to cause you such hurt."
"You've said it plenty of times." She pointed out. "Just forget it."
"Easier said when you are still upset." He said softly. "I also want to say something I haven't yet. No matter what my original reasons were, my courting you is because I care for you."
She frowned. "What?"
"I care about you, Kagome." He said, taking a tentative step forward. "I cannot lie and say that it is love that I feel. I can say that I care about you, want to be close to you, keep you safe, make you happy."
"...you seemed to like Toma too..." she said remembering him flirting
"I visited her, yes. I did not care for her, however. My involvement with her was purely of a physical nature."
"...you were flirting with her..."
"I was only trying to convince them. I have no cause to flirt with her, nor do I have any desire." He assured her, taking another step closer.
"...didn't sound that way..."
"I give you my word, Kagome. I want none but you. Touching Toma, even to try and get the jewel, feels empty. Hollow." He said softly, reaching out and brushing his fingers over her cheek. "Unlike you."
She blushed slightly
"With you, nothing feels hollow. Everything is fresh, vibrant, warm." He trailed off, leaning closer as his thumb caressed her cheek.
"And everything tastes sweet." He whispered, leaning down to kiss her softly.
Kagome sighed kissing him back. She was still upset...but...this was helping...
The demon lord sighed into the kiss, arms slowly wrapping around Kagome's middle and holding her close. Kami, how he needed this.
When Sesshomaru pulled back Kagome bit her lip.
"I have missed that." He whispered softly, holding her close still.
"We only really kissed once before this..." she pointed out.
"And I found the experience quite addictive." He purred. "I do not know that I will ever get enough."
And...now he was starting to sound like his future self...which wasn't bad...really.
Leaning down, sesshomaru cradled her close, idly nuzzling her neck. He found the action soothing, relaxing.
Kagome closed her eyes and laid her head against him.
"I am sorry, Kagome." He whispered again. "I never should have put you through that."
"You...didn't plan on it..." he'd made attempts multiple times to keep her out...
"No, I did not. That does not excuse that I allowed it to happen, and by extension caused you upset."
She didn't argue, because she had gotten upset.
Carefully lifting her off of the ground, Sesshomaru took a seat, sitting her across his lap and cradling her close. He wasn't sure what else he could say or do to help reassure her or make her feel better.
Kagome just leaned against him as he sat on the fallen tree. This...somehow was helping. She didn't understand how, but it was.
"We can remain here as long as you need." The demon whispered, lightly running a hand up and down her back as he held her close.
"Ok" she nodded, not feeling up to leaving yet.
"My Kagome." He whispered, giving her a gentle squeeze and kissing the top of her head.