Delicate hands slowly slid the sliding door shut as the rays from the warm departing sun beamed upon the paper; illuminating a orange glow to flow into the little room before the standing girl.

With a heavy sigh she slid her feet out of her overly worn sandles, leaving them by the entrance to her home.

Tired feet dragged themselves across the wooden planks, desperately pulling the exhausted girl to the mat that laid next to a hearth of charcoaled firewood.

When finally arriving to her desired destination she fell upon her knees then to the floor with a loud thump. Her sore muscles screamed with protest at the sudden collapse of her fragile body along with a loud groan that escaped her lips.

The feeling of her nose being squished up against the mat was becoming uncomfortable, so grudgingly she turned her head to the side, only to get a face full of her own dark tresses.

With a annoyed huff the girl grudgingly pulled her hand up, brushing away the thick strands of hair from her face.

Now uncovered, her hazel eyes stared off into the distance, slightly glancing up at the opened window from across the room. She forgot to slide the window shut this morning, her mind was in such a state of frantic earlier due to being late to her training with Kaede that it simply slipped her mind.

Now the chilly autumn breeze blew in threw opened window, gliding across the orange lit room. Its light playful whisps danced acrossed her face and through her hair.

She breathed in deeply taking in the crisp smell of dried leaves and burning wood as well as welcoming its nippy advances upon her skin.

The coolness of the air felt pleasing against her worn out sweaty body. Her miko robes clung to her aching limbs and her hair stuck to the back of neck uncomfortably.

Kaedes training was excruciating today... she thought.

It was even worse than her usual priestess training.. Hell, it was worse than Sangos demon slayer training.

A frown formed on Kagomes lips as she thought of the events that took place earlier today.

"Left."

Jingle.

"Right."

Jingle.

"Left."

Jingle.

A sudden slap of a paper fan smacking into a wrinkly palm slashed through the sound of a odaiko being beated upon.

"Kagome, ye have to raise ye hand higher." A old voice called out, causing the young priestess to turn her head to face her teacher. Hazel eyes scanned over the old woman dressed in miko robes. Her heavy lidded brown eye stared intently back at Kagome while she grasped the paper fan within her aged hand.

The bells from the kagura suzu jingled as Kagome brought down her arm, turning to now fully face the old miko before her. She bent over slightly, ink black hair cascading over shoulders while droplets of sweat ran down her forehead dispite the chilly weather.

"Please, allow me to try again, Kaede." She pleaded.

Kagome grasped the kagura suzu within her hand tightly as she stared down at the ground.

Her brows furrowed as her teeth chewed upon her bottom lip with obvious frustration.

What is going on?

I've been at this since early morning... And I'm still messing up the steps...

She had been able to perform the kagura dance with ease in the past. But now for some reason, she was having such difficulty remembering the delicate steps.

She knew she lacked the grace and poise when she danced during her practice along with the constant forgetfulness of the steps to the traditional kagura dance; it was as if her body didn't want to move the way she wanted it to and her mind clouded over the routine she once knew so well.

Was it simply because the newly built temple within her growing village would bring people from all over to view and pay their respects? There would be dozens of new faces within the crowd intently watching her dance this year... could she just be nervous?

Or was it because she was hoping a special someone would come to watch her elegant dance... maybe that was causing her to panic and forget the steps.

"We will continue tomorrow."

Kagome snapped her head up, her eyes widening as she watched the old miko slowly make her way towards her. "But, Kaede, I really need to-"

Tap.

The old woman lightly tapped the tip of her fan on top of Kagomes stunned head.

"Ye are tired, child." She said sternly. "Ye just returned from your long journey not to long ago with Sango. Ye must rest."

"But Kaede..."

A gentle hand grasped the top of her shoulder from behind, "Lady Kaede is right, Kagome. You need rest."

Hazel eyes glanced back at her close friend, Miroku. A warm smile spreading across his handsome face while his indigo eyes sparkled down at her, "And don't worry, we still have plenty of time to practice before the day of the festival. We will just continue bright and early tomorrow morning, okay?"

Along with Kaedes strict practice, Miroku was also kind enough to help her with her lessons. He gladly played the instruments used for the dance; so it'll make it easier for her to remember the steps.

Kagome shoulders slumped slightly under his warm hand. Her lips pouted defiantly as eyes glanced down at the gold kagura suzu still held within her small hand. "Okay..." she softly said.

The memory soon faded from the priestesses thoughts.

She nibbled upon her bottom lip as her eyes stared off with a burst of sudden determination.

I will do better tomorrow.

I have to do better tomorrow.

So many people where depending on her, and she didn't want to let any of them down, so she had to do her her upmost best.

And.

She wanted to impress him.

She wanted him to look upon her and think she was absolute perfection.

A light blush crept across her face as she thought of that special someone; the wolf king.

Koga...

He still hasn't come to visit...

She felt her heart tighten a little within her breasts while a sad frown tugged at her lips.

Is he angry with me?

Maybe he's just busy with tribe duties...

She sighed heavily, as her mind once again raced with thoughts concerning the wolf king.

She had become accustomed to him always visiting her; always seeking her out. And when he finally found her, his breathtaking eyes would light up with such warmth causing her heart to skip a beat.

And now that he hasn't come to visit since she finally returned home, she felt some what heartbroken due to his lack of presence.

She would admit, that the thought of visiting him at his mountain had crossed her mind countless times since her return.

But, there was always those looming negative thoughts in the back of her head that held her back from doing so.

Maybe... he doesn't wish to see me anymore?

A loud groan escaped her lips as she turned head to face the mat once again. Her nose scrunched up against the surface as puffs of warm breathe left her parted lips, slightly heating up her face.

I pray that is not the case...

I just miss him so much...

What am I going to do...

Suddenly, a all to knowing shock ran up her spine as a dusting of goosebumps casted over her pale creamy skin in urgent warning.

A demon?!

Her head shot up with worry as hurried hands scurried to lift her upper body up from the floor.

Now in a kneeling position, she placed her hands upon her thighs as she closed her eyes in deep concentration; desperately searching for the demons aura.

Where are you...

Her eyes snapped open in shock as she swiftly turned her body to face the entrance of her home.

It's outside... my home?

Her eyes widened as her heartbeat sped up within her breasts.

Could it be... Koga?

Hurriedly she rose to her feet, ignoring her muscles painful cries from her sudden hasty movements.

She sped off to the sliding door, hands lightly touching the wood as she took deep nervous breaths.

Finger tips grasped the wood, slowly sliding it to the side, the cool breeze from outside forcibly blew past her into her home.

Hazel eyes widened with surprise as they took in the tall form before her.

"L-l-lord Sesshomaru?" She stuttered his name.

She watched as the wind blew his long silver hair around, bangs dancing wildly revealing the purple crescent moon upon his forehead with two molten gold eyes set underneath it.

His eyes, such a mesmerizing color that held black slits within then stared down intently at her.

"Why are you here?" She asked softly.

He quirked a thin eyebrow, his head slightly raising as he gazed down upon her. "Do I need a reason?"

Her eyebrows raised as a blush quickly flushed upon her cheeks. She hastily bowed forward, her hair falling around her as she frantically looked down at the ground. "No! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that!" She suddenly straighten herself upwards, hazel eyes peering up into his golden pools, "I'm just surprised that's all. I wasn't expecting you... would you like to come inside?" She asked nervously.

She watched as he quirked his head to the side at her invitation, "I would like that."

His eyes followed her as she slid the door completely open with tensed hands. She quickly backed away from the entrance, leaving just a sliver of her appearance behind the door, as she held up a welcoming hand, "Please come inside, Lord Sesshomaru."

He walked past the priestess, his footsteps gracefully gliding across the wooden floor to the center of the room.

She slowly slid the door closed behind her as she watched his curious eyes scan every crevice of her little home.

This is the first time... he has ever been inside my home...

"I'm sorry for the way it looks..." she said as continued to watch him walk elegantly around the room now, his attention now focused on the the dried herbs that hung from the beam of her ceiling.

"I like it." He said, "it's simple, clean and rather...calming."

"Thank you."

He turned back to face her, his eyes scanning over her appearance causing a light blush to erupt over her face. "W-would you like some tea?" She asked.

"Yes." He simply said, taking a seat upon the mat that she once laid face down upon before his unexpected arrival. He sat crosslegged, long silver hair gathering around his sitting form along with his massive white tail.

Her eyebrows furrowed as he placed a black box that was wrapped with a simple gold ribbon next to him.

His emotionless face turned to her with a thin eyebrow arching upward, obviously silently questioning her lack of movements.

With squiek of surprise, she hurriedly ran around the room, throwing wood into the hearth that was located in the center of the room. Experienced hands lit the fire with ease as the smell of burning wood soon drifted throughout the small room along with the feeling of warmth from the growing flames.

Sesshomarus eyes followed her as she continued to prepare the tea, becoming somewhat relaxed by her soft humming as she worked diligently.

"This is the home my brother built for you?" He asked, breaking the sound of her soothing hum.

She paused for a moment, her hand floating above a ceramic cup that she was about to pick up. With a soft smile she said, "Yes, it is. Miroku helped, along with some of the village men." She glanced up at the Lord, hazel eyes sparkling warmly, "I told Inuyasha that I refused to live in the forest." She giggled softly as memories flooded through her mind of her ex-fiance. "So he built this little home for me along with the help of others."

"I see."

"He never really stayed here though. He preferred being outside." She said, as her eyes watched the steam come off the warming water within the ceramic teapot that hung off a chain from the ceiling beam. The tea leaves swam around within the pot as the flames danced around it with embers sparking in the air.

"I'm surprised you had chosen to remain here after what had happened."

Shifting her gaze from the warming water to the Lord, she asked, "What do you mean?"

"The memories that linger within this home could make a person... sad."

"Hmm I guess so." She said as she carefully lifted the pot from the flames with a thick fabric to protect her skin, carefully she poured the hot liquid into two cups. "But, I also have so many wonderful memories that took place in here. Memories that I would never want to forget."

Sesshomaru watched as she scooted over to where he sat, a wooden tray with two cups placed upon it was held in her small hands.

She placed the tray down next to her and lifted one of the cups towards him, steam from the liquid swirled in the air as the smell of bittersweet tea wafted around the room. "Like right now, I have the happy memory of you within my home." She said with a warm smile.

The Lords golden eyes slightly widened from her unexpected words.

Slowly he reached up to take the cup from her small hands, clawed fingers lightly brushing against her soft skin. His hand lingered upon hers for a moment, "My brother really is such a fool." He said.

She raised her eyebrows questionably at his remark, as he gracefully took the warm cup from her hands.

That's the second time he said that...

But, before she could ask what he meant by his words, he placed the steaming cup upon the floor and reached for the black box that he placed next to him earlier. He handed the box to her, his eyes locking onto her bewildered ones.

Her eyes scanned over the box that was decorated with a simple gold ribbon, "Is this for Rin?" She asked.

The demon Lord always brought the teenaged girl countless gifts while she stayed at the human village. Always making sure she was well taken care of and her needs were met.

Maybe he couldn't find her within the village? She didn't know where the girl ventured off to since she had been practicing her dance with Kaede and Miroku all day on the temple grounds.

But, Lord Sesshomaru should have been able to pick up her scent...

"It's a gift, for you."

Hazel eyes snapped up at the handsome lord in utter surprise. "F-f-for me?" She asked in disbelief.

His angelic features remained emotionless before her as golden pools continued to stare at her intently, "Yes."

She didn't know what to do.

She didn't know what to say.

She has never.

Never.

Recieved a gift from the demon Lord.

Her eyes continued to glance between the demon and the box she held within her hands.

Anxious fingers slid over the ribbon, languidly pulling the end of the ribbon till it came undone. The ribbon fell to the floor forgotten as she lifted the lid of the box to reveal it's contents.

She gasped in marvel.

Within the large box was the most beautiful kimono she had ever laid eyes upon.

It was a white cream color that faded into a brilliant shade of red at the bottom of the kimono and the sleeves. Chrysanthemums decorated the kimono in the colors of pinks, reds and yellows along with splashes of greens and golds for the leaves of the flower. The obi was of red, silver and golds with intricate circle patterns. The box even contained extravagant sandles for the outfit along with expensive hair pins and combs.

Her fingertips delicately touched the silken fabric as her eyes widened even more by its beauty.

Such a outfit was worn by nobility.

"Lord Sesshomaru... I..."

"You have specks of the color of pale green within your warm light brown eyes."

Kagome broke away from the breathtaking kimono to look up at the Lord.

"When choosing a kimono for you, I was searching for that shade of color, the shade of peridots. Until my eyes landed upon this. White, the color of purity and truth and the color of red which represents strength and passion. When combined they symbolize happiness and joy. I felt that these colors suited you best."

Kagome remained still under his strong gaze, while a light crimson hue began to develop upon her creamy flesh by his sweet words. "Lord Sesshomaru... I am undeserving of such a beautiful gift."

"Do not say such words." He said sternly, "You are well deserving of such, and much more."

She remained silent, the heat upon her cheeks becoming even more warmer as her heart skipped a few beats.

"This kimono is a gift to you for you to wear after your kagura dance."

"You remembered?" She asked with surprise.

"Of course. I choose to remember things that I find important."

Kagome suddenly broke away from Sesshomarus gaze to the large chest that was placed agaisnt the wall inside the room. Within that chest held many kimonos and countless gifts that was gifted to her over the years from men who attempted to court her, and failed. Along with the gifts that Koga had recently bestowed upon her over the last few months.

One gift in particular, a cerulean blue kimono, the magnificent shade of the color of his eyes that she loved so much; was decorated with shimmering sakura flowers in the colors of white and silver.

She'd chosen that kimono weeks ago to wear to the autumn festival, in hopes that he'd be happy that she worn one of his many gifts.

She wanted to look perfect that night, for him.

Her thoughts of the wolf demon shattered when she felt gentle fingertips brush along the skin of cheek.

She held her breathe as the Lord leaned closer to her, golden eyes scanning over her face intently. "You are warm, Kagome."

She gulped nervously, but it didn't pull away from his lingering touch. Through dry lips she lied and said, "It's from the warmth of the fire that's causing me to become hot..."

"Hn." He hummed, still not pulling away from the miko before him. Instead the tips of fingers continued to ever so lightly glide across the softness of her skin, "Are you not happy with your gift?" He asked softly.

Her eyes widened at the sound of concern that was etched in his voice.

He's worried that I might not like the gift that he has given me? ... But why?

She continued to stare into golden pools while his angelic features still remained emotionless as ever.

The light caresses of his finger tips somewhat calmed her, giving her a little courage.

Slightly her head leaned into his soft touch, causing his eyes to widen with surprise.

She smiled warmly up at him, hazel eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Of course I am happy for the beautiful gift, Lord Sesshomaru. I can't wait to wear it on the night of the festival."

And to her shocking surprise, she watched as his perfect lips turned up into a small smile softening his usual cold features.

"I'm glad, Kagome."