A/N: Chapter 3 has been edited to include a lime. I suggest re-reading it, as it will be referenced a couple times in the future.

Chapters 2 and 4 have also been lightly edited to include a sentence or two. So if you get the time, you might want to check them out too. The changes shouldn't affect your enjoyment of this chapter, however.

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Sesshoumaru was lucky that Kagome had decided to pack an extra-large hooded sweatshirt in her bag, though he certainly didn't feel it. Her attire was doing its job in keeping her plenty warm, but the hoodie was and afterthought in case of an emergency. And this situation absolutely qualified.

Sesshoumaru, being the obstinate ex-dog demon that he was, took some convincing to actually don it. But she insisted that her pained efforts to see him warmed would not go to waste. The previous night seemed to deplete a good deal of the fight in him for the time being, so he finally relented and accepted. If nothing else, to just get this show on the road.

The skies were now clear, so it was finally time to make their move. A few more granola bars each would serve as their breakfast, before packing up their little camp and hopping on their trusty stead.

The ride seemed to take longer than the night before. Kagome attributed that to the dragon's sluggishness this morning. She could understand. With Sesshoumaru's life on the line, Ah-Un was properly motivated to get them to the cave quickly. Not to mention, they had spent most of the night hunting down wood to keep their master alive. She hoped he appreciated what they had done for him. Jaken too.

She spared the imp a glance from her spot on their transportation. Though they were high and travelling very fast, none of the passengers were touching. She hoped Ah-Un took it as a show of confidence in keeping them safely on board as they flew; but it likely had more to do with the human couple's need for space. After what they had been through, both were very thankful for some independence from one another. The two had probably had enough contact to get them through this lifetime. She was relieved when the clearing by the bone eater's well finally came into view.

Watching Inuyasha's emotions run the gamut was interesting to say the least.

Upon seeing the dragon coming his way, he was defensive.

When he noticed Kagome up there, he became fearful.

But upon finally recognizing his brother in his new human state, a confounded puzzlement washed over his countenance. Briefly.

But it was quick to give way to delighted mockery and taunting, once he was briefed of the situation. Kagome chose to omit her part in the transformation. Instead, lumping herself in with the others that had no idea what happened to him.

Really, Inuyasha looked like he had never had a better time in his life, as when he found himself in a position to ridicule his haughty older brother. For his part, Sesshoumaru remained silent. He had expected no less, and refused to let the half-demon affect his still stoic façade. Instead, he allowed Kagome to act as his representation. This was all her idea, after all.

And once those plans were voiced to Inuyasha, he finally was able to settle on rage. And stayed there.

"No fucking way!"

"Inuyasha-"

"No. I don't care what happened to him. After all he's done, he don't just get to come in here and ask us for help."

The rest of her group had been there for her arrival. And completely taken aback by the confusing situation they found themselves in, chose to remain quiet and let their acting leaders hash this out.

Kagome had expected this reaction from him. But by now, she was well versed in talking some sense into her excitable companion. She knew it wouldn't be an easy sell, but she met his defiance with her patented calm reasoning.

"He didn't ask. I offered."

"And why the hell'd you do that?"

Tetsusaiga resting over his shoulder, Inuyasha kept stealing glances at his brother. It couldn't be helped. He really did make a sight. Particularly with the abuse he appeared to have endured. He was dying to find out what had happened to him. If for no other reason, then to track down the assailants and shake their hands.

Sesshoumaru in his current form was no longer a threat. But his wariness around his brother was a hard habit to break.

"Can I talk to you? In private?" Kagome was polite in issuing her command in the form of a question.

The rest of Sesshoumaru's crew stayed silent as well. Taking their cues from their lord, they were uncertain how to behave in the situation they found themselves in. If Sesshoumaru were being perfectly honest, he was not so sure himself.

After another long look at the offending group who had delivered his miko, Inuyasha finally turned his attention back on her.

"Keh."

They walked several paces off in the field. Still very much in view of the others, though out of earshot of the humans.

Facing each other fully, he refused to let her start.

"Ain't no way I'm gonna let that bastard travel with us. I should kill him right now. Matter of fact, give me one good reason why I shouldn't."

She was too tired for squabbling. Sesshoumaru had tested the last of her patience this morning, and she had no interest in going around the block with his brother. She fixed him with a determined glare and dove right in.

"Because you aren't a coward. And if you killed him now, while he isn't himself, that would be cowardly."

They really were so alike. Easily goaded. Obnoxiously stubborn. And proud to a fault. Neither could admit to being wrong, but a challenge to their ego would always be met. It was the most effective way to get them to do something they found distasteful.

But first, they would have to chip away at the goodness of the other.

"It's what he would do."

"You don't believe that."

He looked at her as if she'd sprouted another head. How could she defend that prick? And why would she?

"Why not?"

"Because, he has honor."

He turned from her dismissively.

"Feh-"

But she was going on the offensive, and stayed within his line of sight.

"There were plenty of times he could have killed you. When you were in your demon form, he had the chance. And he walked away, because you weren't yourself. Because he is honorable. And so are you."

She remembered the occasion clearly. The fear she felt when Sesshoumaru subdued his fully demonic brother was more crippling than it had ever been. She was certain he would take the opportunity to finally kill him in that moment. She was well aware that he had been equipped to do so.

But when he stayed his hand, and walked away from that battle, that was the day she had begun seeing Sesshoumaru in a completely different light.

He had said he didn't want to kill him when he wasn't himself. But she could recall instances before that when he had refused to land the killing blow. And she took notice after that day of how the fights between them would always end.

Oh, there would be pain. But the goal seemed to be to inflict the most damage without taking the other out of the game entirely. Cruel mockery was just another form that the non-fatal attacks would assume.

But Sesshoumaru had even gone as far as to inform her how to bring him back from the brink. And the relief and gratitude she felt towards the older inu had been monumental.

She noticed too, that after that day, Sesshoumaru had stopped trying to relieve Inuyasha of his birthright.

There were days when he would appear to be making a play for it. But she had come to realize that each of those encounters had ended with Inuyasha unlocking some mystery of his sword. He always came out stronger for their little tiffs. She wondered if that had been the demon lord's intention all along.

Maybe he was trying to help. Maybe he really did care. He just had a dreadful way of going about it.

"And now, we are going to grant him the same curtesy."

It was a demand. One he met with a defiant glare as he plead his case.

"He would never help us like this."

He was probably right. Even if Sesshoumaru had aided Inuyasha in discovering his strengths, it was obvious that the two did not get along. And if it was she who was kidnapped by tiger demons, say, on the night of the new moon, she very much doubted Sesshoumaru would help his brother get her back. But Inuyasha had something his brother did not. Compassion.

"Maybe not. But you are better than him, and this is your chance to prove it."

Attacking the other's superiority was always a successful route to go down. So was the chance for one-upsmanship.

It looked like she was starting to get through, so she tried to appeal to his good side. And his ego.

"Sure, you could probably kill him right now. I figure a lot of demons could. And that's exactly why we need to help him."

But he remained unswayed. His face adopted a grave scowl that caught her off guard.

"You don't own him nothing, Kagome." He eyed her suspiciously. "Or do you?"

She was openly confused. She couldn't tell where he was going with this.

"What do you mean?"

He paused a moment, and then finally asked the question that had been fighting to stay buried in his throat.

"You fuck him?"

"Inuyasha!"

He knew he was risking being sat. But he couldn't hold back. He gestured to the backpack she had left with their friends in the grass; and the bag that was strapped to it.

"His nose might be broken, but mine is sharp as ever. What'd you guys do in that sleeping bag of yours?"

She tried not to sputter as she attempted to form a response. She was somewhere between furious at his audacity, and mortified at his accuracy.

"I don't-"

"You were both naked. You were both aroused. I can smell his... I can smell him. If you didn't fuck him, you wanna tell me exactly what happened?"

He could scent that? She knew his nose was good, but...

It was actually kind of impressive. And terribly annoying.

It really wasn't any of his business. Not that there was much business to speak of. But she wouldn't have him thinking she had done something like that.

"It's not what you think. He was nearly frozen. I had to get him warm."

He fixed her with a pointed, condescending glare.

"And the best way to do that was to sleep with him?"

"Sit."

The others looked their way as he face-planted into the earth. And she couldn't tell from her distance, but she thought she saw Sesshoumaru smirk.

"Nothing happened. He was cold. I warmed him up. He probably had a wet dream," she offered off handedly. No need to go into the details. "But I assure you, it had nothing to do with me. He hates me. He made that perfectly clear."

He pulled himself out of his hole, dusting off dirt as he rose. He reigned in his accusations, but still eyed her with suspicion.

"Then how come you wanna help him so bad?"

She approached him again as he stood, helping him is brush dirt from his clothes.

Once clean, she grabbed his arm, demanding his full attention; and consideration.

"Rin is out there somewhere," she reminded him somberly. "Enduring god knows what, with god knows who. We are the only ones who can help her."

The kid wasn't his responsibility. It wasn't his fault if his brother let her get kidnapped. But he did feel bad for her. And he knew Kagome wouldn't let him disregard her.

He supposed he could help find Rin. But letting Sesshoumaru tag along was way out of the question.

"Well, we don't need him for that. I'll find the kid, but the bastard's on his own. He'd only slow us down anyway."

It was probably true. Sesshoumaru was little help to them in his current state. Matter of fact, it was more likely that he could actually do a lot to hinder their progress.

"Maybe you're right," she conceded.

"I am."

But casting him aside was not a palatable option.

She could see where Inuyasha was coming from. Truth be told, she really wasn't looking forward to enduring the snobby lord for any longer than she already had.

But she had to keep reminding herself that this was all her fault. If she hadn't made that wish, they wouldn't be in this mess. Even if it was an accident, this was going to have to be her penance.

She didn't know if there was anything she could do to fix what had happened. But she had already decided; they had to find Rin. That was the first thing. But she also vowed to herself that she would do everything she could to return him to his former self. Until then, they were all going to have to learn to get along. Somehow.

"You're right about him," she admitted. "He is a cruel, insufferable jerk, with few redeeming qualities."

Inuyasha seemed to be mollified by Kagome's assessment.

"But the one thing he's got going for him is that little girl. And if anything happens to him, she's going to be all alone. Again. We can't let that happen."

Her pleas were starting to get through, and she felt her mood lighten. She knew Inuyasha wouldn't let that little girl stay captured. He was too good for that.

She was proud of her hanyou in that moment. But she could tell he was still very wary. The safety of his pack was his top concern. Luckily, she'd taken care of that already.

"What if he changes back somehow? How do you know he won't attack us? For nothing else, then for being a witness to his 'weakness?'"

She smiled reassuringly.

"Because, he promised he wouldn't. I asked him not to kill us, and he gave me his word."

He raised an incredulous eyebrow.

"And you trust him?"

Yes," she nodded confidently.

"He may be a jackass, but his word is good."

And she meant it. For all his faults, she believed what he told her. The depth of her faith in Sesshoumaru wasn't clear to her until that moment.

Inuyasha sighed heavily, turning to regard the others; who all seemed to be content with ignoring each other.

"This is taking a big risk, Kagome. You willing to put us all in danger just to help that bastard?"

She shook her head this time.

"No, not for him. For Rin. We have to do this for her."

Placing her hand on his arm once more, she went for the close.

"Please?" Her blue eyes shone with eager desperation, and he knew he could not refuse her.

Despite everything, he tried not to sound too put out.

"Fine." She smiled big, and reveled in the relief she felt at his agreement.

He finally saw fit to sheath his sword.

"But I will be watching him. First sign of trouble from him, and he's out."

She raised onto tippy toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. His face tinted pink with a blush as he avoided her gaze.

"Thank you, Inuyasha."

They walked the distance back to the group. The others looked on nervously, while Sesshoumaru maintained his bored expression. None would be aware how desperate he really was. The fact he was there at all should have been a big clue.

"Alright, ningen," Inuyasha said with a smirk, enjoying every last bit shade he was able to throw. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

"Bring your crew in and get settled. Sango, you're gonna be bunking with Kagome for now. Sorry, Miroku. You're gonna have to room with the bastard."

The couple had been sharing a hut of their own, but everyone had noticed that there had been issues between the lovers lately. They both actually seemed slightly relieved at the chance for a break.

They all began to head back to their huts, but Inuyasha hung back for a word with his brother. He was very close, and spoke lowly.

"Let's get one thing straight. I'm alpha here. This is my pack. And if you wanna stay with us, you gotta do what I say. That gonna work for you?"

Sesshoumaru hid no disdain from his features. But he had already resigned himself to a measure of humiliation. If he had a better option, he would have taken it. But time was not on his side. He knew he would need to act quickly if he was going to find Rin alive.

Besides, he was already human. How much worse could it get?

His single nod was barely perceptible, but his brother caught it.

"Good."

Inuyasha took off after the others, intending that Sesshoumaru follow. He didn't stop his progression as he turned to look over his shoulder.

"And don't worry. We'll find her."

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It was probably a bad time for Kagome to return to the future. The dynamic of their group had just shifted in a major way, and there was no way to tell what would become of them it the first challenging moments.

But with the new additions to the pack, she was going to have to procure even more winter rations. She figured she better get the trip out of the way, as Sesshoumaru would likely want to begin the search for Rin as soon as possible.

"I better run back home real quick. We're going to need more supplies if Sesshoumaru is going to be staying with us. Are you guys going to be okay if I leave for a few hours?"

For once, the hanyou was surprisingly understanding. She considered that the brothers probably needed a moment to hash out the details of their new arrangement. She only hoped that they wouldn't kill each other in the process.

Inuyasha was helping Sango move her things into Kagome's hut, while Miroku was stuck with the task of making Sesshoumaru comfortable in his new dwelling.

"We'll be fine, Kagome. Just don't take too long. You want me to walk you?"

She finished unloading her bag from her most recent trip, and prepared for another. Her mother wouldn't be expecting her. She had only just left, after all.

"I'll be okay. You better stay with them. And please, try to be civil."

"I will if he will." She nodded in agreement, and began to depart.

"Oh, and Kagome?"

She halted in her tracks to turn back and listen.

"Yeah?"

Inuyasha made a face.

"Wash that sleeping bag. Twice."

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Miroku made himself scarce while Sesshoumaru inspected his new sleeping quarters.

A spare bedroll was laid out for him on the opposite side of the hut, but there was little else as far as amenities.

It didn't appear that he had much to his name. At least, nothing he deemed worthy of bringing. He likely had no idea what it was that a human could need on the daily. Rin at least seemed to manage fine with the bare minimum. But then again, he had been there to see to her safety.

Miroku had a feeling that Kagome would bring back anything that may be absolutely necessary. She had been kind enough to do so for the rest of them. And he was kind of her burden for now.

Inuyasha stood at the threshold, and took in the sight his brother made.

He seemed so lost. So out of place. He didn't even seem like he knew he was being watched. He likely didn't.

The half demon realized that he really probably could wipe the fucker off the face of the planet right now, if he wanted. But Kagome had been right. It would just be too easy, and that didn't sit well with him. Oh, he would take him down one day. Of that he was certain. But doing so now, when he was like this... there would be no joy in it for him. It wouldn't be satisfying.

He now had a new reason for helping Sesshoumaru return to his demon state. Yes, they were all doing it for Rin, and that was all fine and good. But if he ever wanted to defeat his brother, and prove himself stronger once and for all, he would have to do it when he was himself. Inuyasha vowed to make his brother demon again at all costs. Then, he could kill him.

"How's it going?"

If Sesshoumaru was startled by his Inuyasha's sudden appearance, he didn't show it. In fact, he made no move of showing he had heard him at all.

"We leave tonight."

"Huh?" Sesshoumaru restrained a pained huff.

"Every moment out of my presence, she is in danger. We must find her tonight."

He could understand his brother's urgency. But he wasn't a taiyoukai anymore. There was no way they could cover the ground to make up for the tiger clan's day long head start.

"We won't be ready tonight. We can make a plan when Kagome gets back."

A sneer played at Sesshoumaru's lips as he regarded Inuyasha disapprovingly.

"You require her permission? Are you not alpha?"

"I am," he insisted. "But that ain't how we do things here. We work as a team. Each member has input."

"And my input?" he ventured.

"Is noted. We will talk when she gets back."

"There is no time for courtesies," Sesshoumaru informed him. "You and I will leave tonight. The humans will stay behind."

Unaccustomed to taking orders, Sesshoumaru was finding the notion quite inconvenient.

"Don't you get it yet? You are one of them now," Inuyasha reminded him. "Even if we did leave the others behind, you won't last more than a day without sleep. Without food. Without rest and shelter. I can go for days. And really fast too. But you... I can't keep up the distance while I'm dragging your ass around with me."

"I may travel along by dragon," he insisted, all but pouting. Inuyasha shook his head.

"It don't matter. You still need all that stuff I said. Look, who's the ningen expert between the two of us? You came to me for a reason, right?"

"Because the miko-"

"Exactly," he interrupted. "Because Kagome wanted you here. We are going to wait for her to get back, and then we will come up with a plan. But we don't go tonight, so you might as well get comfortable."

Sesshoumaru forced himself to remain calm, and attempted to relay the seriousness of the situation.

"Every moment she is out there, she is another moment closer to death."

He spoke slowly and clearly, and his brother was receptive. But unwavering.

"I'm sorry about that," he offered. "But it's the best I can do for now."

Sesshoumaru considered taking Ah-Un and beginning the manhunt on his own. But he knew Inuyasha was right. As he was, he wouldn't get far. He was woefully unequipped for such an undertaking. As distasteful as it was, he realized he would do well to stay with this pack for now. At least until he had a better grip on his abilities and limitations. They were going to need a better plan.

Resignedly, and under the assumption that the conversation had ended, he turned from his brother to continue his perusal of the modest hut that would serve as his base for a time.

Inuyasha was reluctant to leave, however; lingering in the doorway uncomfortably. He had something he wanted to ask, and was gathering the nerve to ask it. He finally decided that blunt was the way to go.

"Did you fuck her?"

Sesshoumaru was half tempted to toy with the obnoxious half breed. Instead, he opted for a raised eyebrow, and answered his question with a question.

"What does your nose tell you brother? Mine is unable to discern such things in its current state. However as I recall, the last time I was in your presence the miko's maidenhead remained intact. Are you saying that has changed?"

"She ain't lost her virginity," he admitted awkwardly, shifting on his feet. "But that don't mean other stuff didn't happen."

The boy's insecurity was amusing. It was clear that the miko desired the hanyou. If he was so interested, why has he not taken her yet?

"Such as?"

A scowl commanded his features, darkening them in an instant.

"I could smell your seed on that bag. You telling me nothing happened?"

"That is what I am telling you, yes," he supplied with a dismissive shrug.

"I have no desire to bed your miko. Or any human, for that matter."

"Not even the kid?" The suspicion in his tone was laced with true curiosity. There was no good reason he could think of why his brother would take that girl along with him. And why he would be so distraught over her absence.

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed dangerously, proving he was still more than capable of intimidation.

"What?"

"That girl, Rin. Why else would you keep her around?"

It took all he had not to sputter. He tried to calm his murderous thoughts long enough to respond.

"You insinuate that I am-"

"Grooming her. That's exactly what I'm insinuating. That's fucking sick, man. I never thought you were such a creep."

His aura flared dangerously, and Inuyasha was certain that if he could summon youki in that moment, he would have been a goner. Or at least hurt very badly. Despite his brother's limitations, the hanyou backed up half a step.

"Know this, half breed. Had I not given your miko my word, I would kill you where you stand. Rin is my charge. My ward. I see to her protection. One day, I shall procure her a worthy mate. But it shall not be This Sesshoumaru. Nor will it be any demon. I would not wish a hanyou child on her, or anyone."

He spit the last bit out harshly, making sure his dig landed. But Inuyasha easily dismissed it. He was used to such comments by now. He was more focused on another part of that statement.

"Feh. So, you really did promise Kagome you wouldn't hurt us."

"I promised I wouldn't kill you. Hurting is not off the table."

A cruel smile played at Inuyasha's lips as he reclaimed the space between them.

"Oh, yeah? I'd love it if you tried it. Any time you want to go, I'm all game."

Sesshoumaru seemed to consider it, but made no move to respond. The thick tension dissipated after a wordless moment.

"So. How did she get such a promise from you?"

"She prevented my death. Honor demands that I offer her something in return," he relayed, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Inuyasha seemed to accept that. But his insecurities still plagued him. He needed a bit more reassurance.

"So she really never touched your cock?" he asked hopefully. Sesshoumaru let the question hang in the air a moment, eyes alight with mockery.

"That is not what I said."

He tried to remain passive, but a smirk played at the edge of his lips. And he was pleased when the hanyou fumed at the insinuation. But the joy he got from rousing his brother was short lived, and he deigned to allay his fears.

"She passed over the chance at a night of passion with This Sesshoumaru to ensure that you and your friends shall not die at my hand. Your mistrust in your miko is unfounded."

"I trust Kagome. It's you I don't trust."

"You may trust that I find all ningens repugnant. Your miko very well may find solace in another, but he will not be me."

That seemed to be all the assurance he needed for the moment. "Thats good. Cuz of all the humans I've ever met, believe me, the most repugnant is you."

Fears put to rest; he altered his focus to his brother's battered appearance.

"So. You wanna tell me what happened to you?"

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Upon arrival back in her time, Kagome greeted her mother and made a beeline for the shower. She felt the distinct need to wash the previous evening off of her.

Flashes of a hard body lying beneath her were easily squelched, and she instead cursed herself for not bringing more laundry. They had more to do back at camp, and it was much more difficult to clean their garments without use of her washer. Oh, well. It looked like she would have more work to do when she returned.

After she had dried and changed, she made her way to the laundry room to put her sleeping bag in the washer, only to find it missing.

"Kagome, I threw your bag in the wash for you. I think we need to have a talk."

Her mother addressed her gravely, and Kagome was confused by her tone.

"What about?"

She followed her mother when she made her way to the kitchen, and she joined he at the table when she sat.

"I saw the stain."

Stain? What st- Oh, no. Kagome's eyes widened nervously.

"Oh, that's not-"

"Don't lie to me, Kagome," she insisted, cutting her off. "Are you having sex?"

The accusation was made of equal part concern and upset. Kagome was started to feel offended at everyone's suggestive opinion of her.

"No!"

Mrs. Higurashi reached the table to grab her daughter's hands, looking in her eyes as she did so.

"I need you to be honest with me. Did Inuyasha pressure you?"

"It wasn't Inuyasha. It was his brother. And we didn't do anything!"

Her mother turned her disappointment inward, looking away from the table.

"I've been negligent. I thought I still had time, but I guess we need to have the talk."

"Mom, I'm 17. I know about sex."

"Clearly."

The accusing tone caused Kagome's brow to crinkle in annoyance.

"And I'm not having it. Certainly not with Sesshoumaru."

Her usually open-minded mother was being awfully thick headed. It was like she wasn't even listening. If she was, it didn't seem like she believed her.

"Kagome, you need to know that boys your age are going to start to want things from you. Physical things. And you might think you are in love, but some boys will say anything to get what they want."

"I'm not in love with anyone. And I won't have sex until I am."

"Are you telling me that you never have urges?" Kagome faltered, and her mother caught it. "Come on. I was young once too. The truth is, you are going to start to have feelings, down there." Kagome held her face in her hands in mortification. "But until you are married, it is best to handle those urges on your own. Do you understand?"

"Oh my god, yes. Please stop!"

Oh, she understood. She understood that she was going to kill Sesshoumaru when she got back. Because he couldn't control himself in the cave, she was now forced to endure this humiliating conversation with her mother. And now everyone thought she was being promiscuous. This so wasn't fair.

Her mother's mind was made up.

"I'm going to make you an appointment to get you on some birth control when you get back. But in the meantime, I want to give you this."

She grabbed a small box off of the counter and handed it to her daughter. Kagome took it, eyeing her mother suspiciously as she did.

"I bought this for myself, but I haven't opened the box yet. If you get uncontrollable urges, I want you to use this, instead of any handsome young man- or demon- who may try to persuade you."

Kagome's eyes widened in disbelief when she recognized what it was.

"A vibrator?" She blanched.

"And I bought you some condoms. I hoped you wouldn't need them yet, but I want you to take these with you."

She handed her the box of prophylactics, and Kagome could only accept them dumbly.

"Mom! I don't need-"

"Just take them," she insisted. "They will help me feel protected too." She was speechless. This was not how this trip was supposed to go.

"Please don't have sex," her mother begged. "But if you do, you need to use these."

"Mom, listen to me," she demanded firmly. "Sesshoumaru was freezing to death. I let him use my bag. He had a wet dream, that is all. I promise! Don't you trust me?"

For her part, her mother's features softened.

"Of course I trust you, dear. It is those boys I don't trust." She moved to brush Kagome's bangs aside. Hands now full, she could do nothing but allow it.

"You are a beautiful young woman, and I need to prepare you. And if you have any questions about sex, I want you to feel comfortable coming to me. Do you?"

"Not really," she confessed honestly, and her mother frowned at the admission. "But I will. I promise."

Mrs. Hirgurashi brightened at the concession.

"Just please, don't buy me any more sex toys, okay?"

"To be fair, I bought it for me," she reminded her with a smile. Kagome was mortified.

"Oh, god! And please don't ever tell me that again."

She didn't know how, but Sesshoumaru was going to pay for this. The rest of her visit was plagued with thoughts on how to exact her revenge.

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A/N: I don't know where that came from. It does give me the option for several possibilities down the road though.