A/N: Soooooo...

A while back, I asked whether you preferred longer chapters, or faster chapters. And you greedy bastards said both...

So how am I doing? LOL

Unfortunately, though, my Coronacation is drawing to a close, so I most likely won't be able to go as nuts with the updates anymore. It's been fun tho. I forgot what outside looks like XD

The harrowing boom of thunder that reverberated through his bones as soon as he reached the other tower could have been seen as a bad omen. But seconds later, the sudden downpour out of nowhere caused whatever soldiers keeping post to scurry back inside with haste. And, while inconvenient, the miserable weather looked as if it may aid in his stealth, and wash away any witnesses.

He had to say, he was duly unimpressed with the army that would be chased from their stations by a rainstorm. But, to be fair, these mountains appeared to be empty, and he would wager the three of them had been the first outsiders to come upon this castle in some time. Not to mention, with all the armor and weapons these men carried, the nearby crack of lightening may prove hazardous to their conductive human bodies.

Constantly looking over his shoulder, Sesshoumaru began perusing the perimeter. If he had been informed correctly, the dungeon was right here, beneath his feet.

He didn't know how much time he had, but it wouldn't be long before someone figured out he was not locked up where he should be. Once she saw he was no longer hanging from her bedroom window, Juzo's wife would likely inform someone of his disappearance.

But then, she may not, considering what had transpired moments before. She couldn't be eager to explain what he had been doing in there, but didn't put it past her to fabricate some lie implicating one of the guards, or even himself.

But for now, he was going to go over what he did know. He knew he couldn't reach the dungeon from the main tower. There were simply too many soldiers about, and he would be discovered instantly. Even if he had a weapon, it would be nearly impossible to charge through them. So that was out.

It was possible there was a passage from this tower, though he had yet to enter inside. He had no idea what to expect as far as men, or the layout. So far though, it was looking like his only option.

He turned the corner on the next wall, all the while raking his eyes up and down the building. He was looking for windows, or doors, or any weaknesses in the structure that could grant him access. Tunnels, or outlets, or ducts... But so far, everything he had found was too high. Breaking through that way would not get him into the dungeon, but several stories up. It was looking like waltzing straight through the front door was going to be his best option, but he was not at all confident of his chance for success.

Another boom of thunder was preceded quickly by a crack of nearby lightening, and he heard a muffled reaction from the men in the other tower. From the sounds of it, it appeared the party was still going strong, and he hoped the soldiers he'd met earlier were reaching the same condition he'd seen Juzo in – at least in regards to toxicity.

The rain was relentless, and he was collecting it quite beautifully. His short hair was sopping, plastering once fluffy black bangs to his forehead. And his thin white haori – what was left of it – had been rendered transparent. The inexpensive material had already soaked completely through, and clung to his form to display every cut of impressive muscle from his shoulders down to his hips.

The hakama he wore were his own, and the spider demon silk repaired itself instantly, protecting him from the elements and keeping his lower half at least dry. But with his hasty exit from Juzo's bedroom, his shirt had not been properly fastened together, giving him a rumpled, haphazard appearance and exposing much of his upper chest.

He turned the corner on the last wall, growing increasingly anxious at his apparent lack of options for breaching the dungeon. He ran his hands firmly along the stone, searching desperately for a weak spot or even hints of some magic that might expose itself. These men did tamper with illusions, after all. But there was nothing.

The dirt was getting soggy, and muddy beneath his boots. Perhaps he could dig? Maybe the foundation was unstable...

He looked down to where the tower met the dirt, and that's when he found it.

An opening.

Well, not entirely. The small rectangle of open wall was secured with two thick steel bars running through it vertically. It appeared to be a window of some kind, meant to offer ventilation from the dank underground room. Located at the back of the tower, it was the only one he'd seen, and likely the only one that there was.

But it was big enough to squeeze through. And if he could fit, they could fit too. There was just the pesky matter of removing those thick steel bars. It was still very preferable to getting in through the front entrance.

Sesshoumaru rushed over, and laid on his stomach to peer inside. He ignored the unpleasant feeling of mud squishing into his chest, and focused his eyes to inspect the room.

It was hard to see. It was dimly lit inside with only two small torches flickering against the back wall. But he was confident he was in the right place. If this wasn't the dungeon, he hated to see how shabby the dungeon actually was.

It wasn't especially terrifying or tortuous. Nothing impressive. Just dingy and sparse. Dirty, and desolate. Lonely. He was at least assuaged that the two of them were in there together. If they were. He still couldn't see them.

More than half of the room was empty. Just stone floors and cold stone walls. And a single stone bench affixed to the wall, momentarily unoccupied, he assumed for the on-duty guard. The fact that there appeared to be none was promising, but he did not rule out the possibility of their warden simply being away for a moment.

In the corner, propped up against the walls, he recognized Tetsusaiga instantly. Having written the weapon off as likely pillaged and gone forever, it appeared as if it had either been forgotten, or simply deemed unworthy of claiming. He could understand; its outward appearance was incredibly deceptive. It was not until transformed that the rusty old sword finally revealed its power and promise.

The hunting knife he had acquired was nowhere to be seen, however. And though it had served him well while in his possession, he had no particular attachment to it. He could easily find another.

To the left was a door. That must be the underground passage from the main tower that likely led to the tunnel. It was entirely possible that an armed guard stood on the other side, so he was going to go ahead and assume that there was. Either way, a journey through that tunnel would most likely not be a lonely one, but if it led to the main tower, he was not planning on using it anyhow.

He would have to get them all through this window, if they were in fact here. He still hadn't glimpsed them.

His gaze then slid right to peruse the other half of the room. If they were here, that was where they would be. More steels bars formed a very large cage. Running all the way from ceiling to floor, these bars were thinner, but more numerous, and tighter together than the ones at his window. The dark made it difficult to discern anything out of the shadows within, so he strained his eyesight in search of his packmates.

Still uncertain, he considered calling out. It was not a smart move to declare yourself before you know who all is present, but he figured anyone locked inside would probably not be offended by his appearance.

Before he made a sound, another burst of light shot out of the clouds, followed immediately by a long, threatening rumble. The storm was getting closer, but his nerves of steel prevented him from startling at the sudden unexpected noise.

Those in the cage were not so indifferent. The spark of bright light not only caused a huddled body on the floor to jump, but also illuminated the dark dungeon enough for him to make out the forms of his companions. They sat together, holding one another for comfort and support, and with their damaged legs spread out in front of them.

He'd found them.

"Inuyasha!" Sesshoumaru called to his half-brother in as loud a whisper as he could manage. When he got no response, he tried again a little louder.

This time, he saw his brother's head lift, and look around the room in search of the voice.

"Up here!" The window was near the ceiling, and at the clarification, Inuyasha finally saw the familiar face peering at him from the outside.

"Sesshoumaru!" At his loud outburst, the miko in his arms jerked up, and looked over to the door hopefully. When she still didn't see him, she tilted her head to look curiously at Inuyasha, and followed his line of sight. Relief, and excitement coursed through her, until she saw his somber expression as he held his finger to his lips.

The hanyou blushed a bit, aware of volume. When he called to him again, it was much quieter this time. "What's happening?"

"Where are the guards?" Sesshoumaru asked, holding both of the steel bars in front of him, he seemed to be inspecting them; testing their strength and shaking them. They didn't appear to budge.

"They come and go. Been a while, though."

That was promising. If they didn't have a constant guardian, they might simply be doing rounds. Perhaps they figured their cage was sufficient, or maybe they held post in the hallway. Either way, they needed to act fast, and remain quiet. Luckily, the storm outside was giving them some cover.

"Have they done anything?" His tone of voice was dangerous, but not void of concern. It was clear he worried for the answer.

"No, just talked some shit. Brought some guys in to gawk. They fed us."

Sesshoumaru was beyond relieved, but only showed it by accepting the answer with a silent nod.

He pushed himself up off his belly, and planted one foot on the ground in a kneel. All they could see was his boot, and the couple watched curiously as he reached down into the side of it and appeared to pull something out.

Another flash of lightening hit. When it did, a thousand little points of light sparkled and gleamed off of the object in his hand, lighting up the small dungeon room like a disco. Immediately, he covered the item tightly, cutting off the marvelous display.

He didn't know why he did it. Sesshoumaru was not a common thief. But ever since glimpsing Otoha's necklace, he had been inexplicably drawn to its beauty. It called to him.

He was aware of the youkai diamond mines in the East. The jewels they produced were the strongest, and most breathtaking in the world. He was telling the truth when he told her his mother had owned one. And while usually procured for aesthetic beauty, and to display wealth and privilege among the elite, it was also a very useful stone.

Those diamonds could cut through anything. He knew, from handling them as a pup just how destructive they could be against even the strongest of material. They were certainly tough enough to cut through steel bars.

With another look over his shoulder, Sesshoumaru inched closer to the window at his knees. He wrapped an end of the necklace around one of the bars so that he held a side in each hand. Sliding it up towards the top, he began his feverish movements.

Alternating his hands to and fro, he used the unbreakable necklace like a rope saw. He was like a one-man lumberjack cutting his way through, and it didn't take long for small amounts of progress to show; letting him know his plan was working.

A thin strip of metal was slowly grinding away, and he worked even faster. Muscles bulged through his waterlogged haori, and his one bare bicep strained as he continued to saw at a progressively faster pace.

The others watched on silently, while the noise he was making echoed throughout the small room. Sesshoumaru was aware of this as well, but as it was unavoidable, he simply tried to get through it as quickly as possible. Luckily, the rain was still coming down hard, and the noise of water pelting everything from above easily drowned out the sound of his makeshift saw.

The rain also did a fine job of washing away the sweat accumulating on his brow. The only evidence of it in the storm was the stinging sensation of his open pours as he continued to push himself to the limit of his endurance.

He was pleased to quickly learn that the bars were not solid. The insides were hollow, and this would speed up his task exponentially. That was a good thing, because without his youki, the muscles in his arms grew tired quickly. And still not fully recovered from his time on the bridge - and just now, the tower window - his body was protesting his gross misuse of it. But still, he persisted.

He got through the top of the bar at last, and began again at the bottom. When he was able to remove it, he moved over to the other and repeated the process. When both bars were out, he slid through the small window feet first and was finally inside.

In his excitement, Inuyasha scrambled up onto his good foot, and hopped over to the front of his cage. Kagome opted to scoot over to where the door to her cell was locked, and Sesshoumaru could see why. Her knee had swollen almost twice as large as it had been. He frowned at the sight, and knelt down beside where she sat.

She saw him looking down at her injury, and the displeasure on his face as a result. And yeah, it hurt, but she was way too happy to see him to not flash her brilliant grin. These bars were too close to reach through, so she placed her palm flat against them. When that drew his attention back up to her beautiful features, the look he found there eased his tension somewhat. But only a little. She was still trapped inside, and still in pain. But he wouldn't dampen her spirit with his logical pessimism. If she could put on a brave face in the midst of all this, he could too.

He lifted his hand to touch hers; his fingertips tracing the small parts of her he could reach. Feeling her skin was placating. She was real. She was here. He could touch her. And, for now, she was okay. He felt himself relax just a little.

He curled his fingers in between the bars. He couldn't get his hand all the way through, but she grabbed onto what she could, and brought her cheek close enough for him to touch. She closed her eyes at the sensation, and nuzzled the digits poking in. When coming in contact with a few strands of hair, he hooked his fingers into them and tried to rake them through.

From where he stood beside them, Inuyasha only looked down to watch the display. He said nothing, or reacted in any way. Just simply watched, with a thoughtful look on his face as he grabbed onto the bars in front of him to aid in his balance.

"You came," she whispered. When she pulled back to look at him, she pressed her palm flat again and weaved her fingers between his, letting him grab ahold as a replacement.

He watched where they connected for a moment, letting her calm his jangled climate with her welcoming touch.

"Did you doubt that I would?"

He finally looked in her eyes, the trust and gratitude he found there softened his own even further, and brought the slightest of smiles to his lips. She'd already answered him, but she would again.

"Not for a second."

When she pulled back to finally take him in, she couldn't help it; she laughed.

"You're a mess."

And he was. Muddy, wet, disheveled, and flushed from all the effort he'd expended. But somehow, he was still impossibly adorable. Especially with the little smile he offered in response to her rude assessment.

"I am."

But now that that was settled, her slight amusement gave way to deep concern. The whole time he'd been away, she couldn't help but fear what they were subjecting him to. She worried about him getting found out, or taking a risk, and getting killed as a result.

"Are you okay? What happened?"

But there would be time for that later. He'd dallied long enough. He had to hurry and get them out of there before anyone saw them.

"I had to escape. We haven't much time."

Assessing the cage that kept her from him, he tried to find the most efficient place to begin. Rather than start in on sawing away at the many bars it would take to allow them to pass through, he located the points on the cell which held the lock in place. It would be faster to saw through there, and then he could open the door.

Diamonds still in hand, he threaded it between the lock bars, and resumed his sawing.

"What is that thing? Some sort of necklace?" asked Inuyasha as he watched his brother work.

"Indeed." He never took his eyes off his task as he continued.

"Where'd you get it?"

Kagome was too busy tending to her knee to see the pensive look Sesshoumaru shot her way, but Inuyasha wasn't. But before he got his answers, the sound of keys hitting the floor outside the door caused the three of them to freeze.

Mumbled curses could be heard just outside, and they exchanged panicked looks as Sesshoumaru removed his necklace and hastily backed himself away from the cell. With his eye on the door, he creeped into the darkest corner of the room, which happened to be down the wall from the entrance.

It was dark enough there to shield him from a quick glance, but he could only hope another bolt of lightning wouldn't expose him.

After another moment of fumbling, a click at the door celebrated a successful unlocking, and the couple in the cell scooted on their butts to the back of the cage.

Sesshoumaru stood deathly still as he pressed his back against the wall, not even bothering to breath as the door cracked open. He was more than a little surprised to see Juzo stumbling inside, and turning around to close himself in. He didn't bother locking it though.

Apparently, Juzo wasn't one to cuddle. But then again, how long had he been down here? It had taken some time to saw through those first bars, but he was only halfway through his first in the cage. He hoped the leader would not notice the disruption, and with how drunk he appeared to be, he was liking his chances.

Doing a quick assessment, he could see that Juzo did not bring his gun. He did, however, have his sword at his hip, as well as a dagger. And apparently, he had not bothered to put his armor back on after his tryst.

Had she told him? What had she told him? He doubted she told her husband about their intimacy; with all the trouble she went to hiding him. But had she told him of his escape? After seeing he was no longer hanging outside of her window, had she alerted him of his absence?

Was that why he was here? So far, he was grateful to not have been detected. Yet.

Juzo made his way forward, obviously still drunk from before. Or maybe he'd had more. How long had he been down here?

He wasn't stumbling or anything, but he was obviously affected.

Was this what he did when he was 'planning his strategies?' No wonder he needed his help.

"Hello, priestess," he began pleasantly, if not somewhat sleepily. She didn't respond.

He was now leaning against the cage, keys still in hand, while Sesshoumaru remained silent and still; his predatory eyes gleaming from the dark corner he was hiding in.

The pair in the cage was scowling at Juzo, and trying their best not to flick their eyes in Sesshoumaru's direction.

"Did you miss me? I missed you..." Again, he was met with silence.

He ran his fingers down a few of the bars slowly. They watched nervously as he drew closer to the one that had been cut, but he mistook Kagome's rapt attention as interest.

"I was just thinking about you, when I was with my wife just now." When his statement registered, she shot him a distasteful look, leaving no question of her disgust. "Don't misunderstand, I love her deeply. But sometimes a man needs something different. Something... exotic."

She wanted to spit back exactly what she thought of him, but decided the wise thing to do would be to keep quiet. For once, Inuyasha did as well, especially seeing as he had absolutely no way to back up his threats at the moment. He didn't want to get her into more trouble.

"Where are you from, priestess?"

He waited expectantly, only to have her glare at him a moment before averting her eyes to the side. But he was not deterred.

"You're shy, that's too bad. I like a woman with some fire in her." He gazed at her, making her feel gross with the way his drunken eyes lingered. She could practically read his thoughts as he raked them all over her body. The smile that curled up his lips made her skin crawl. "Speaking of which, it is a shame about your ailment. I prefer to give my bedmates pleasure as well; I am not a greedy man." His smile dropped then, and the intent way he was looking at her went from creepy to downright sinister in an instant. "But seeing as your pussy's tainted from your impurity, perhaps we can find a use for that mouth of yours."

Her brow crinkled in unconcealed disgust, and finally, she couldn't hold her tongue.

"Try it, I'll bite it off." She knew she shouldn't, but she just couldn't let him get away with trying to intimidate her. As soon as she said it though, the return of his greasy smile told her she made a mistake. Now he was even more excited.

"There we go! There's that fire," he proclaimed, as if pleased with himself for getting her to snap back at him. "I knew you had it in you. I could see it in your eyes."

He looked into those endless pools then, and found himself getting lost in them.

So blue. He'd never seen eyes that color before. Not even on a demon. They really were stunning.

"Those eyes really are something."

He couldn't help but think back to earlier, when Yuta had expressed similar admiration of his beloved.

If they were anything like this woman's, he could see why he would hold them in such high regard.

At the time he just thought he was being cute with them, maybe trying to impress the women. But looking at this strange girl, he supposed he could understand.

He wondered what color his intended's eyes were. For loving them so much, he hadn't mentioned it...

He tore himself away from her compelling irises, and allowed his gaze to drift downward.

Her skirt was indecently short. He couldn't help but notice before, but seeing her now...

He appreciated getting such access to those legs. So long, and shapely, and...

In running his hands anxiously along the bars, he started toying absentmindedly with some burrs under his finger pads. The smoothness had given way, and he kept rubbing against the sharp, scratchy part of the disturbed metal.

Finally, he looked down, and realized it was some sort of cut. When he removed his finger, fresh steel dust had coated it, turning it silver.

He lifted his gaze again, and assessed the strange woman before him for another long, thoughtful moment.

"Yuta-"

Before he could complete his realization, his wife's diamond necklace was around his throat much too tightly for comfort. Sesshoumaru had the ends wrapped around his two fingers on each hand, giving him just enough length to squeeze his windpipe shut.

His by this point exhausted upper arms were tested once again, as he used every ounce of his strength to pull Juzo against his chest by trapping his neck. That he was slightly taller than the man gave him a bit of extra leverage.

Juzo's hands immediately went to the necklace, to scrape and claw at it in attempts to pull it away. But Sesshoumaru's grip was like the diamonds themselves; hard, strong, and completely unbreakable.

Realizing this while gurgling and struggling for air, Juzo tried another method. Screams for help already proved impossible, as he could barely breathe. Instead, he reached for the dagger at his side, and succeeded in arming himself with it.

Sesshoumaru couldn't release either of his hands at the moment. But he knew it wouldn't be long before he wouldn't have to. He considered briefly simply snapping his neck, but he was already succeeding at strangulation, so he decided to keep with it.

Besides, it had been so long since he had throttled someone slowly. He was kind of looking forward to it.

But, knife in hand, Juzo attempted a few clumsy stabs behind him. Sesshoumaru managed to dodge them, twisting his body enough to avoid getting cut. He had a few close calls, but with each try Juzo was spending some badly needed energy. His face was turning blue, and he was getting weaker. His struggling was beginning to slow down. That was why it surprised him when Juzo changed methods, and gave stabbing one more try, but aimed downward.

This time, he was successful.

A short yell of pain echoed through the dungeon when his blade pierced Sesshoumaru in the thigh.

And following that, a scream of worry when she saw the blood quickly bleeding through his hakama.

"Sesshoumaru!"

At the familiar address, Juzo's eyes grew wide. Though, it might have been from the pressure on his neck. But it looked to Kagome like he recognized the name, and she recoiled a bit in fear at having outed his true identity.

Oh well. It didn't look like he would be living long enough to tell anyone. And she doubted Sesshoumaru minded the man being aware exactly who was killing him.

Despite looking seconds away from taking his last struggling gasp, Sesshoumaru released one end of the necklace to wrap his hand around the one that held the dagger – still dripping with his own blood – and lifted it to the man's throat.

In one quick, seamless motion, Juzo got another cut on his neck, though this one wouldn't get the chance to scar over.

Sesshoumaru released him, letting him drop to the floor with a thud. Face down in an increasing pile of his own blood, neither in the cage doubted for a second Sesshoumaru's proficiency with a blade, nor his precision when making his cut.

Juzo was dead.

It was still slightly horrifying to watch a man's life be taken so gruesomely right in front of her, no matter how justified. Killing demons was one thing, but watching humans die so terribly caused an excitable charge to run through Kagome that was not at all enjoyable. It was a sickly feeling, enhanced by adrenaline and giving her a detached out of body experience.

But she was also relieved. It was almost over.

She looked from the creepy, open eyes of a dead man up to his murderer just in time to see him tear off his remaining haori sleeve and wrap it tightly around his thigh. Inuyasha still had the other one, because of course no one had seen to their wounds while they were in here.

After stopping the bleeding, Sesshoumaru picked up the keys Juzo had dropped and began sifting through them for the one to the cell. He was thrilled not to need to use the necklace anymore, and tucked it into his obi for safe keeping. Those diamonds could prove very useful.

The first key he tried didn't work, and he momentarily wondered if he'd damaged the lock too much to use it. But after trying another key, the lock clicked, and the door easily popped open.

He let out a huge sigh of relief, and doubled over a moment to catch his breath. It looked as if he'd been coiling up all his tension until they were free, and now he could relax. But, as much as he deserved it, he could not savor the feeling.

Inuyasha was already up, and trying to get Kagome on her feet as well. This is where things were going to get hard.

Sesshoumaru pulled the key from the lock and hustled to the door. Sifting through them once again, he found the one to the hallway and locked them inside the dungeon. If anyone else was coming down, it would at least buy them a few seconds. He hoped this was the only set of keys, but he kind of doubted it.

Lightening cracked once more, followed by thunder and even more punishing rain. The floor below the window was developing a puddle that was only growing larger by the second. It was a bad night to be lost in the mountains, but at least the storm would provide them a bit of cover.

With the door locked, Sesshoumaru threw the keys on the floor and rushed back over to the couple still in the cage. Inuyasha was still helping Kagome to her feet, and in an instant, Sesshoumaru was by her side, slipping his shoulder under her arm to help his brother support her.

Inuyasha was still limping somewhat, but they managed to get her out of her prison and lead her around the body on the floor. When they got beneath the window, Sesshoumaru released her and guided her to lean on the wall instead. With it, she could balance on her good leg, and keep any pressure off the other.

"How we gonna do this?" Inuyasha asked, looking up to the window and judging the height. If he had two working legs, he could jump and scramble his way out himself. He still might be able to, though it would be tough. But there was no way Kagome was going to make it up there on her own.

"You go up first. Once you are through, I will hand her to you."

"Okay," he agreed. And started to bounce on his good leg to try and jump up. His tongue was sticking out in determination, and he put his palms against the stone wall.

His brother's hand on his shoulder stopped him, though, and he looked over at him in confusion.

"I will help you. Jump onto my hands."

Crouching low, Sesshoumaru laced his fingers together to give his brother a boost. Inuyasha looked down, somewhat shocked at his suggestion, but unwilling to question the aid.

Bracing himself against the wall, he hopped from the floor with one foot, only to be caught on the way down. Sesshoumaru straightened to full height, lifting his bare arms as high as he could to get him closer to the window. His biceps bulged and shook under his brother's weight. And when he managed to get his arms thought the window, Sesshoumaru bent and maneuvered himself so that Inuyasha's foot was now supported by his shoulder, and extended to full height once again. With the extra push, he had managed to use Sesshoumaru to kick himself up and get himself out.

He cursed in pain as his mangled leg dragged painfully behind him, scraping against stone and dirt as he made his exit. And then a bit more, as he spun back around to face the others. He managed to prop up on his good knee, while he tried to do his best not to put any pressure on the other one. He wasn't entirely successful.

That was why he was frustrated when he only saw Kagome down below; Sesshoumaru was nowhere in sight.

"What the fuck's he doin'?" he demanded. But before she could answer, he was back in frame, and holding Inuyasha's sword by the sheath; offering him the hilt.

Inuyasha paused for a moment, the sight of his brother reaching to give him Tetsusaiga caused an uncomfortable feeling to wash over him. Something he'd yet to identify, and didn't know if he was ready to.

He did recognize the guilt though. About the last thing he'd said to him before he found him in that trap. Before he freed him the first time.

And now, here he was, proving him wrong. Proving him to be the asshole. Giving him his sword, even after his childish assumptions got them in this mess. Got himself and Kagome hurt and kidnapped. And if it wasn't for his brother, it would have gotten so much worse.

And he could have just walked away. He wasn't dumb enough to get stuck in some trap. He could have let them stay there. After what he'd said to him, he would have deserved it.

But no, he was there with them every step of the way. Doing whatever he could to get them out. Saving them.

Inuyasha looked down at his brother's increasingly expectant features, and he felt ashamed. Somberly, he accepted his sword with a quiet "thanks," and put it down in the mud beside him.

Sesshoumaru was looking down at Kagome sympathetically. He knew there was no painless way to do this.

"I must get you on my shoulders. He will pull you the rest of the way." She nodded in acquiescence, and he moved to get behind her. But she stopped him.

"Your leg." She looked down to the bloody haori sleeve tied around his thigh, and he followed her line of sight. Her concern for him was endearing, and despite everything, he had to smile at her.

"Just a scratch," he assured her. But she was not convinced.

"Are you okay?" she asked, with even more concern. He responded by smiling a little bigger. To make matters worse, it reached his sparkling eyes.

"Much better. I was beginning to feel left out."

She was not amused at all, but he seemed to have enough to spare. Without another word, he got behind her, bent low, and stuck his head between her legs.

She flushed when she felt his neck pressing firmly into her clit. She was wearing her skirt, so only a thin pair of cotton panties separated skin from increasingly heated skin. Even in a dire moment such as this, his touch was still able to excite her, and as she adjusted herself, she tried not to heed her body's call demanding she enhance the pleasurable feeling by grinding or rubbing against him.

As he cautiously straightened to full height, he put his hands on the tops of her thighs to steady her. Very high up, so as to avoid her painfully swollen knee. He made sure not to touch it, but the rocky turbulence still hurt her, and in an instant all of that wonderful pleasure he induced was forgotten in lieu of the throbbing pain.

She whimpered and whined, and he tried to make this quick. He leaned them back against the wall, and waited for Inuyasha to grab her beneath the arms. He did, offering some grunts and whines of his own, and got a solid grip on the young woman.

Once certain he had her, Sesshoumaru made the same maneuver with her as he had with his brother, crouching beneath her dangling feet to give her good leg something to push off against. Once her foot was on his shoulder, he stood to full height again, and Inuyasha pulled.

Then, she was off of him. And with twin cries, the two of them were out the window.

As they struggled to get their bearings, Sesshoumaru indulged in another sigh of relief. Now all he had to do was lift himself out. But before he did, he had one more thing to do.

He stalked over to Juzo's body. Doing his best to avoid stepping in the man's blood, he crouched low to assess him.

"Are you okay?" Inuyasha asked Kagome who was laying on her back and wincing in pain. She was fighting off tears, because even though she was hurting, she knew they still had a long ways to go.

"Yes," she assured him. "Are you?"

"Yeah."

They shared a friendly smile as he crouched over her.

"Where is he? Can he get out?"

They both looked to the hole they crawled out of just in time to see a sword be forced through it. Inuyasha only looked at it a moment, before reaching forward and pulling it out. He placed it beside Tetsusaiga when he saw Sesshoumaru's hands come through to grab the edges. Then came his head. As soon as his shoulders were through, Inuyasha grabbed him by them and helped drag him out the rest of the way. Once through, he wasted no time popping up onto his feet, and retrieving the strange sword.

They both immediately noticed how instead of the sleeveless, muddy haori he had been wearing, he now had on one of the soldier's well-made dragon-scaled shirts. And they knew where he got it; the same place he got the sword. Inuyasha got up onto his feet to join him, and hobbled over to collect his own weapon.

"What now?" he asked his brother, who was scanning their surroundings, likely looking for guards. The weather seemed to be doing a nice job of keeping them at bay. But they had to hurry. They couldn't move very fast, and as soon as one of them was spotted, all it would take was a well-aimed bullet to put them down. They needed to flee.

"We run for the tree line as quickly as possible, and put as much distance between us and this castle as we can manage." Sesshoumaru did not run away from battle, so this was a new and very uncomfortable scenario for him. But anything less would cost all of them their lives. He looked down at Kagome who had struggled herself into a seated position.

"Can you manage?" he asked him, then handed him the sword he had stolen. "You may use this for a crutch."

"That why you took it?" he asked with a slight smirk.

"No. But it may be helpful."

Inuyasha accepted the weapon, and tried using it to absorb some of his weight. It wasn't perfect, but he would be able to move faster with it.

Sesshoumaru then moved to kneel in front of Kagome, but Tetsusaiga's hilt in his face obscured the view of the incapacitated priestess.

He turned, and looked up at his brother questioningly.

"Take it," he demanded, but Sesshoumaru made no move to.

"It won't transform for me right now. If those guards see us, I need you to take them down with this."

The elder brother declined to remind him that he wasn't sure it would transform for him either. And while he did appreciate the significance of Inuyasha trusting him with his sword, he could not accept it.

"I thank you for your trust, but I cannot carry the miko and the sword. You must keep it, but stay near."

He knew what that meant. If need be, he would take it from him. But though surprised he would decline taking possession of that which he once coveted beyond all else – something he had tried to kill him over several times – he found he was not surprised he was forgoing the opportunity in order to save Kagome.

It appeared he had found something he cared about more than his father's fang.

He leaned closer to the woman whose thighs he knelt between, and matched her wincing features with his apologetic ones.

"We must go. Are you ready?"

She nodded, but was not looking forward to this journey. It was very nice of him to offer to carry her again, but last time was far from comfortable. She knew they had to hurry, though. She was just going to need to suck it up.

But when he leaned closer as if he was going to kiss her, she was caught off guard.

Not really a great time, but she supposed her hero had earned his reward. She closed her eyes and parted her lips. But nothing happened.

She opened her eyes again to see him smiling at her, and she became indignant.

Was he teasing her? Now? Like this? This was not the time to try and make her feel stupid, and she was about to tell him so.

"Grab onto me," he instructed, cutting her off before she got started.

"What?"

"I am trying something different. I believe it will cause you less discomfort."

She looked at him suspiciously, but quickly complied. She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders, and gasped when he wedged his hands beneath the bottom of her ass. He turned his head then, hair tickling his face as he put his lips right up against her ear. Each soft word sent a warm tingle coursing through every part of her his breath touched, and more.

"Hold on tight," he ordered hushly. She did.

In a quick motion, he was on his feet. He was holding her like a father might hold a child, and she felt a little ridiculous. But she had to admit, it was much less strenuous on her damaged knee, and she breathed a sigh of relief. This was going to make their escape somewhat tolerable.

His hands grabbed her ass, and adjusted her to sit right above his hip bones. Cheeks pinkened at the way her legs stretched wide around his firm torso, and that thin layer of cotton keeping her from him got a touch damper. Her blood stiffened clit was smashed against his rippling abdominals, and each time she attempted to adjust herself against him it only increased her desire to grind on him harder. But she resisted.

She kept her chest pressed against him tightly, squishing her breasts into his hard upper chest, and the way her arms wrapped tightly around his neck made it so she didn't have to look him in the face. She appreciated that at the moment.

"Better?" he asked softly again.

"Y-yeah. Thanks," she squeaked out. He was pleased, and affirmed his grip on her.

"Do not stop until you reach the tree line," he ordered his half-brother. "Are you ready?"

"Let's go."

Sesshoumaru could have ran, but he settled for a speed walk to match his brother's pace, and keep his cargo in place. She bounced up and down against him with each hurried step he took, and he forced himself to focus on his goal in order to keep other thoughts out of his head that might appear. Thoughts of what it would be like if they were both naked, and she was just a little bit lower...

He was continuously looking over his shoulder, looking to see if anyone was following him, and to also make sure Inuyasha was keeping up. With his sword as a crutch, he was hobbling along pretty good. Several feet behind, but he was keeping his mind off the pain and focusing on getting out of sight.

The rain was pelting them brutally from above, but the thunder and lightning had held off for a bit. Sesshoumaru was relieved when they made it to cover; to be both out of sight and out of the rain was an acceptable milestone. When he got there, he stopped and turned, and waited for his brother to join him. When he did seconds later, he allowed him a moment to rest his leg. But only a moment. They had to get as far as they could away from there.

"Okay. Where are we going?"

"I do not know where we are," he admitted with a hint of shame. "And with the clouds, I cannot see the stars. We entered here from the other side, so I propose we continue heading this way. It might throw them off when they come looking for us. Objections?"

He looked back at forth between the two of them, totally willing to hear suggestions.

"Nope. Your guess is as good as mine."

He'd done well so far, and Inuyasha was not eager to take the blame for wherever they ended up.

Sesshoumaru nodded at his reply, and turned to the woman in his arms.

"Hn. Miko?"

She was still clinging tightly to him, shifting some as he tried to help her get more comfortable.

She leaned back a bit, and turned to finally look him in the face. He appeared receptive, and was definitely not being snarky for once. She shook her head.

"No, I trust you. I'm sorry I didn't before."

She absolutely wasn't willing to take the lead on this one. She felt like it was her fault they were lost in the first place, even though her pack mule insisted it was not.

"Very well. Let us continue then."

An hour after their daring escape, they were deep within the enormous mountain. They had only taken a few short breaks for rest, but the mantra they had agreed on was to keep moving for as long as they could.

The rain had let up, and had done a nice job in covering their tracks. Without the aid of dogs or demons, the army at the castle would not have an easy time finding them. They had not encountered any other fortresses or associates of those humans, so they were growing fairly confident they had made it reasonably out of harm's way.

The thick clustering of trees made it impossible to navigate by the stars, but also worked at providing them decent cover for a relatively dry trudge, so that was at least something. Tensions had been high at first, but as time was pressing on, they were feeling more and more like they had successfully gotten away.

But they weren't taking any chances.

Sesshoumaru followed his instincts, and his companions were following him. In general, he was trying to take them down the mountain slope, but when he got a bad feeling about the direction they were headed, he would deviate from this loosely based guideline and take them up or around. They still had no idea where they were, and had encountered nothing relatively familiar. But still, they walked, waiting for sign of anything to tell them they were going the right way, or not. That, or find them a nice, safe place to hide for the night. If they could make it until morning, the light of day – and a half breed's nose - would make it easier to travel.

With some space between them and the castle, low spirits were lifting. They'd slowed down their pace so that Inuyasha didn't have to suffer too much on his leg, but when they asked if he wanted a break, he always replied that come morning, he would be hanyou again and therefor would be healed. He could suffer for one night and then he'd be over it. He didn't want to slow them down.

But Sesshoumaru had greatly reduced his pace. He was traveling at what could almost be described as a leisurely stroll. At least, as leisurely as one could be with a woman wrapped around his hips and looking dreamily into his eyes.

She was no longer clinging to him tightly. She had discovered that reclining back helped elevate her knee and relieved a lot of strain. So her hands were now clasped behind his neck, and she tilted herself back as far as she could while Sesshoumaru held her firmly beneath her ass, so that her tailbone rested below his navel. It was by no means uncomfortable. But the way she looked up at him, with that dreamy smile and a glazed, loving look in her eye, it certainly was hard to watch where he was walking, or look at anything other than her.

He would briefly take note of his surroundings, but just briefly. Then, he would lower his gaze once more and enjoy the sight of the Shikon Miko staring at him like he was the only thing in the world. It had been this way for nearly an hour now, and Sesshoumaru decided he could gladly keep this up forever. He didn't bother hiding the smile he returned, as he happily took in the view of the pretty young woman in his arms.

"This is awkward," she finally declared, though her smile never left her face. Neither did his.

"It is not the most awkward position we have found ourselves in, miko."

She only smiled wider, and a slight blush stained her cheeks as she tried to discern which particular awkward position he was referring to. If she had to guess, she would say it involved a certain night they spent together in a sleeping bag...

"What does that mean?" Inuyasha asked, looking between the couple who seemed enamored with each other. Or at least, not the least bit mad at being literally attached at the hip.

Her blush deepened, and Sesshoumaru's smirk only progressed. He aimed it square at her, and lifted a brow expectantly in a clear indication he was going to let her take this one.

"Oh...on the bridge, remember?"

When his condemning eyes reacted to her answer with amusement, she knew her initial guess had been right.

"Awkward? Try terrifying." Inuyasha seemed more than willing to accept that answer. But really, she was pretty sure he didn't want to know.

It was so weird to think back on that now. Back then, she had been so terrified that he was going to kill her just for touching him. So much so, that she made him promise that he wouldn't. Now, here he was with her legs wrapped around him, carrying her all over the mountainside like a baby sloth, and not only had it been his idea, he seemed happy as a clam to be doing so. And she had to say, she wasn't minding so much herself.

Now, she wanted his touch. Now, it was exciting. Not that it hadn't been back then. If fact, she was very disturbed at her body's involuntary reaction to his rigid, naked form.

She remembered moving her own nude form over his, getting to know every nook and cranny... every inch of him. And she hadn't even liked the guy.

It was strange to think that now, now that she actually liked him, she had yet to experience him as intimately. Sure, they'd kissed a handful of times. But she hadn't felt his skin pressed against hers. Hadn't felt his fingers where she intimately wanted them... hadn't felt, or even seen his bare cock since a time when she hadn't even wanted to.

She supposed she very well could. He hadn't been shy about declaring his desire to do so. It was she who put a stop to things when they were getting too far. But that was because it was different now.

This wasn't satisfying base urges or relieving stress or saving a life. She was falling hard. She was getting attached. She was setting herself up for a fall, and she knew it. But kami, did she want him. And she knew that there was no free lunch in this world. Everything had its price. And apparently, the price of falling in love with a sweet, devoted, unreally beautiful man who was sure to see to each and every one of her physical needs, was having to eventually lose him. She supposed everyone loses the one they love eventually. Hers would just probably be a lot sooner than most.

She just wondered, after he was gone, if it wouldn't ruin love for her forever. Would he be the unrealistic measuring stick she held all her future suitors to? Could she ever feel pleasure, or enjoyment, or contentment with another man ever again, after tasting this one?

It was a depressing thought. But she wasn't going to dwell on it now. If she was giving up her future happiness for a little joy right now, she wasn't going to ruin it by obsessing. If anything, she wanted to be as amazing for him as possible, so that after he left her, any demoness he ended up with would pale in comparison. She wouldn't be the only one to suffer. She was going to be so wonderful, he could never be satisfied again. That would show him.

Maybe it was almost time to pull the trigger. His body just felt so good rubbing up against hers, and they hadn't even taken their clothes off yet. No, she wasn't ready right this minute, but it was going to be soon. She tried not to let her nerves take hold of her senses.

Inuyasha began to slow behind them, so Sesshoumaru decided to stop.

"Do you require another rest?" he asked. When he got no answer, he turned around.

But instead of fussing over his leg, the whelp was just staring off into the distance.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome asked him, growing concerned. She was about to call him again, but he finally spoke.

"You hear that?"

The couple froze.

Hear what? Was someone coming? Had they been found? Suddenly, her nerves consumed her again.

"You hear someone?" Sesshoumaru asked him, and Kagome could feel every muscle between her thighs and under her hands tighten considerably. So much for a leisurely stroll. They might have to run.

"Not someone," he replied, still looking far away. It was a relief, but it still left a lot of questions. The pair was confused, and eager know what he meant. Sesshoumaru was straining, obviously not happy that his brother could hear something he could not. He was about to curtly demand he clue them in, but the hanyou beat him to it.

"It sounds like water," he finally declared, and a meaningful moment of silence followed.

Realization dawned, and all of their faces lit up with excitement.

"The river," Sesshoumaru guessed, and instantly, they all turned to the sound and began making their way over with haste. Heeding neither their injuries nor exhaustion, they sped up to a pace not achieved in nearly an hour, and rushed excitedly forward.

After about five minutes of painful near-jogging, and almost tripping over tree roots and rocks, the sound of water rushing and sliding and cutting around rocks got much louder. But they were not anywhere near a river. It was too high up the mountain, and that water sounded close. True, it was dark out, and it could be echoing off another mountain, but they were still pretty much stuck in the middle of the woods. Where was that water at?

Way off to the side, where Inuyasha had speed hobbled over to, a large splash was heard. Kagome and Sesshoumaru turned to the sound, anxious with confusion and anticipation. But then, a barrage of expletives followed the wet plunking sound.

"God dammit! I thought we had it!" he yelled, and childishly stomped his foot in shallow liquid. They were supposed to be being quiet, but the hanyou had reached the limits of his frustrations.

"We're never gonna get out of these mutherfucking mountains!"

Sesshoumaru hurried the two of them over to see what he had found. It appeared to be a modest stream. Not the river they wanted, just a fairly decent sized body that was pouring down the mountain.

"Dang," Kagome sympathized, once the no more than knee-high flowing water was in her sights. "Oh, well. At least we can get a drink. It's still good we found this, Inuyasha."

"Yeah, yeah." He lowered himself to pout, and take some pressure off of his throbbing leg after his fruitless run. The miko watched him somberly, before turning her attention back to the man between her legs with a helpless expression.

'What now?'

He studied her features a moment, as if considering her silent question and looked back down to the running water at their feet.

Sesshoumaru knelt down to place Kagome gently on her ass. He made sure to keep her far enough away from the stream to keep dry, but close enough to easily get a drink if she wanted.

She looked up to him gratefully, understanding the poor guy needed a moment to rest and stretch his overtaxed muscles. He'd been carrying her damn near the entire time. She'd already apologized profusely, even though he assured her that she wasn't heavy.

She looked over to see the dejected hanyou burying his face in his hands, but she didn't know what to say. So she leaned over for a moment, and decided to indulge in a drink of water. She was confident it was pretty pure so near the top, but in the darkness, she decided to play it safe and purify it anyhow.

She was about to offer her ride the next sip from her hands, but his smooth voice from behind interrupted her generosity.

"We have found it."

She turned to him with a crinkled brow, hoping for a clue as to his meaning. But the dark night made his stoic features even more unreadable.

"What?"

"The river," he proclaimed confidently. She was still confused, but Inuyasha deigned to lift his face from his folded arms to interject.

"What are you talking about? You know this is only a stream. It's just melted snow running down the mountain is all."

"Indeed. But where does it lead?"

A moment of silence followed his leading question. But as he realized what he meant, the hanyou's eyes lit up in epiphany.

"The river!"

A smile grew upon his mopey features then, and Sesshoumaru nodded in agreement.

"If we follow it downstream, it will take us to it." He was watching it flow, trying to see where it was headed. Inuyasha followed his line of sight, but neither could see very far in front of him.

But something occurred to him then. He couldn't help but offer pessimism. They'd had enough failures on this trip to actively discourage too much hope.

"Provided it don't lead to a cliff or nothing."

And Sesshoumaru couldn't argue that. It very might not be an easy trail of breadcrumbs, but it was better than nothing.

"Still, we now know the way. If only I could see the stars, I would know exactly where to go."

He tilted his head back regretfully, only to see small patches of grey skies scattered between breaks in the dominating tree life overhead.

"Why the stars?" Kagome asked him, bringing his gaze back down to hers.

"I know the river is at the end of this stream, but I do not know what side of the mountain we are on. If I knew which direction we were facing, I could discern the mountainside, and I could lead us to the river on the correct stretch."

She considered his explanation a moment, and a simple solution made itself clear to her. She was very afraid to voice it though, for obvious reasons.

"We can just use my compass."

The sudden intensity of his stare cut clearly through the black forest, and made her nervous. The last thing she wanted was to upset him. She began to fidget.

"You still have your compass?" he asked carefully, and she nodded just as so.

Then as proof, she slipped her hand into the pocket of her jacket, and sure enough, pulled out the item that had been the source of more than one heated spat between them. And those were simpler times.

He rushed forward, startling her with the sudden movement as he knelt between her outstretched legs and removed it gently from her grasp. She surrendered it, and he held it up to his face, almost in awe as he studied it like a painting.

When he lowered it again, he revealed a very satisfied smile, and the sight of it calmed her rattled nerves a great deal.

"Good?" she ventured hopefully. Though she doubted the look he gave could mean anything but.

"Better than good. We are going the right way." The confirmation lightened her chest and gave her hope new life.

"If my assumptions are correct, we will be upon the river tomorrow."

She couldn't describe her happiness at his confidence, and was not at all willing to question it. When he lunged forward to engulf her in a hug, she decided to let the unexpected gesture do the talking.

She kind of enjoyed that with how much time they'd been forced to spend physically attached to each other, he would even use his fleeting break time to wrap his arms around her, and encourage her to do the same.

"Not so useless now, is it?" she laughed, and took his lack of response as agreement.

He pulled back to look her square in the eyes, but she didn't release him. His smile never faltered.

"I could kiss you."

She blushed at the prospect, and was not inclined to deter him. Quite the opposite.

"Not opposed," she replied coyly, and hope and excitement soared. He seemed to consider her request, and felt the arms around his shoulders tighten.

He drew closer, but only enough to read his lips.

'Later,' he mouthed silently, then flicked his eyes over to his brother, who was attempting to stand.

She smiled, and nodded in understanding, and he pressed forward again.

She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck as he got a firm grip on her ass, and once again he lifted her off the ground to continue their march onward. This time, with a destination, a purpose, a plan... and as a result, hope.

Another hour passed as they continued to follow the stream, and the trio was understandably worn down.

It had been a particularly grueling evening at the end of a brutally unforgiving week, and the few leading up to that had not been any better. But the stream had yet to lead them to an impasse, and with each mile traveled, the prospect of reaching the end became more tangible.

But it was the dead of winter, and the nights were long. And despite the desperate drive to move forward, they knew that it would be better to sleep through the dark hours and awaken in time to use the light of day to aid them in their travels.

Not to mention, they were all getting tired. Inuyasha was struggling to keep up at this point. He'd surely pushed his injury well past the extent of its capabilities. And after the third exaggerated yawn in ten minutes, Sesshoumaru could see that the miko in his arms was not far from falling asleep in them.

He was exhausted too. So now, he'd decided that the first suitable place he found to safely get them some rest would serve as their stopping point. Then could pick up following the stream in the morning.

But so far, he hadn't found anywhere to stash them. He was concerned about letting his guard down and falling asleep out in the open. It was cold and uncomfortable, but there was also a risk of being discovered. He would have volunteered to stay up and keep watch, but he was loathe to admit that at the first opportunity, he would drift quickly as the others surely would.

Inuyasha was beginning to stumble with some frequency, and he'd nearly tripped over a few tree roots himself. It was finally time to stop; they were just going to have to hunker down and hope for the best.

That's when he noticed a very large tree off in the distance. Not the tallest he'd seen, but one of the largest in circumference. It might have to do, as they could huddle around the base and perhaps be shielded from any potential passersby.

When he began to stride over, Inuyasha continued to follow. But the path was becoming more treacherous and overgrown on the trek over, causing the hanyou to become curious of his intentions. Before he could ask, Sesshoumaru stopped them in front of the very large tree.

"What is it?" he asked, causing Kagome to startle from her near sleep state. But he didn't reply. Simply made a show of perusing the impressive tree as he circled around the base.

When he got to the other side, he stilled. The hole that was dug beneath the roots almost looked like an animal's burrow. Perhaps it was abandoned. But by the size of it, he wasn't sure he wanted to disturb what may be sleeping within.

But when he crouched down, with Kagome still cradled carefully in his arms, a closer look at the roots revealed something about the tree. Despite outward appearances, it was dead.

"It is hollow," he announced to no one, earning to questioning looks.

"So?" his brother asked, but he only answered by placing the miko down on the ground.

He got on his hands and knees, and looked ridiculously like a dog who was sniffing out a fox hole. But the others only watched as he cautiously entered the large opening head first.

They shard puzzled looks at each other as Sesshoumaru burrowed further, and before they knew it, half of his body had disappeared into its depths. Then, he retreated.

"Is something there?" Inuyasha wondered, and he brushed the loose dirt out of his hair.

"Nothing," he informed him. "It's perfect."

They looked on confused as he elaborated.

"Crawling in will be painful. But it will be the last time this evening. Then, I can assure your safety."

"We're gonna sleep in a hole?" his brother asked incredulously. He simply responded with calm.

"No. In the tree. The trunk is completely hollow, and large enough to fit us all comfortably. We will be shielded from the elements, as well as the eyes of others."

He turned from a dumbfounded hanyou to give the miko his orders.

"Scoot in on your back. I will pull you through."

And with that, he dove back into the hole beneath the roots, until it swallowed him up completely.

They only looked at each other a moment before relenting, and doing as they were told. Inuyasha tried to get her into the tree as painlessly as possible, and Sesshoumaru pulled her up by the arms in a reverse of what they had done at the dungeon. She cried out at some unavoidable jostling along the way, but as soon as she was in, Sesshoumaru pulled her back to his chest and sat them against the inside of the tree.

Inuyasha cursed as he struggled his way inside, and when his brother broke away from his cooing to offer his aid, he was quickly refused.

"I got it," he insisted gruffly. And after he was inside, he claimed the opposite side of the hollowed-out tree for his own. With legs stretched out in front of him, he looked around the giant tree trunk to see what they were dealing with.

It was tall, and narrowed slightly. It was too dark to see the top, but seeing as there was no light shining through, he gathered that they were covered. There were no signs of bats or any other living creatures to contend with, which was a plus. And around where they sat on the dirt was enclosed by the roots – now dead and useless – still buried deep enough in the earth to keep the giant tree standing. They were completely sealed in, save for the small hole they crawled in through.

They were protected from the wind and rain, and body heat would soon help aid in warmth. Sesshoumaru seemed eager to speed it along, however, as he had Kagome's frame surrounded with his own.

She – just like Inuyasha – had her legs stuck out in front of her. Some cleaver weaving allowed both of them to retain the position in close quarters, while Sesshoumaru's knees were bent, and his hands were busy at work rubbing warmth into Kagome's arms. She wrapped her jacket around her more tightly, and leaned back into his embrace.

They could hardly see each other. The position of their entry hole left little opportunity for light to shine through. So for a moment, heavy breathing around noises of discomfort filled the space while they adjusted themselves.

It was silent for while, before Inuyasha folded his good leg and shifted himself forward. Kagome felt his hand gently touch her ankle, before wrapping around it and lifting it slowly.

A bit shocked at his audacity, she gave an indignant squeak as he continued to raise her bum leg high onto his shoulder. She did not attempt to wrench it from him, as any movement on her own was unbearable.

"What are you doing?" she demanded, and Sesshoumaru watched on intently, not yet protesting his brother's strange indulgence, but holding her tighter nonetheless.

The action had her reclining into him somewhat, which he enjoyed. But it was only for the darkness and his brother's human eyes sight that he allowed the otherwise revealing position.

"You need to keep it elevated. I'm gonna hold this here for 20 minutes."

The prop kept her knee above heart level, which should reduce the volume somewhat. It had graduated to cantaloupe size by now, so it definitely needed some relief. She found the position also not painful, as long as he continued to support her and didn't let her foot drop. That would be bad.

"Too bad the snow's gone. Could really use some ice right about now."

She had to admit, she was impressed. He'd never indicated he had any sort of healing knowledge. It was always her who was helping him to get well.

"Where did you learn that?" she couldn't help but ask.

"Feh. You really think I wasn't paying attention? You've bandaged me up enough times."

She hoped he could see the smile she was giving him. He'd never taken care of her like this, and she found his efforts very sweet. At the same time, Sesshoumaru had resumed rubbing up and down her arms, and she got the distinct feeling she was being looked after as a pack would do; the bothers working together to ensure that she healed. But she wouldn't dare accuse them of it.

Instead, she allowed herself to relax. Leaning back into Sesshoumaru's hard form behind her, she gave a small sigh and tilted her head to find him looking down at her thoughtfully. It was hard to see him, but she had the feeling she was being assessed.

"I really wish I had my pills now." Yep, this was exactly what they were prescribed for. But she remembered how fuzzy they had made her during her recovery. She couldn't even remember those weeks immediately after surgery.

Though, she'd forgotten how badly this injury hurt. And they did help when the pain was at its very worse...

But they were in her backpack, unfortunately.

At the utterance, he paused his movements and his friction halted. She was confused when he pushed her away from him slightly, and she felt the sensation of him arranging his clothes behind her. Suddenly, she was very interested what he was up to.

"I did take something else besides the necklace," he informed her; he was still fiddling with something.

She was amused at the prospect. Sesshoumaru, the thief...

"Mr. Sticky Fingers. What'd you nab? Tell me its food." He felt brief regret at the oversight of providing nourishment. First thing in the morning, he would be sure to find something for them to eat. But for now, he would give her all he had to offer.

Reaching his arms around her, in one hand he produced a pipe. Knowing she could not see well, he held it closely to her face for inspection. She squinted as she looked at it, the foreign smell immediately catching her attention.

"Is that hash?" She wondered. She'd never been around the stuff, but she knew what a pipe was for. There were those who touted its's medicinal benefits, though she did not give it much credence. Whatever small relief it may provide, it would not be enough to make much difference. Not where this injury was concerned.

Plus, she didn't need to be paranoid right now.

She was ready to refuse, but his other arm wrapped around her, and he produced a fire stick of some kind. She'd heard of soldiers using them to light their rifle wicks, and figured it might have gotten donated along with Juzo's sword and shirt.

But before she got the chance to turn it down, he shocked her with his clarification.

"Opium." It was offered hopefully; eagerly. He sounded like he was proud to give this to her; pleased to have procured it, as if it had been something she'd asked for. Something she'd sought.

And it's the thought that counts, but she wasn't sure she liked what this meant he thought of her.

"I can't smoke that," she told him, pushing it away. He seemed confused by her refusal.

"You said it is the same as your pills," he recalled, and now it all made sense.

She remembered explaining pain killers to him. In their absence, she supposed this was the next best thing. It was sweet of him to think of her. And really, pretty amazing he had been able to find it on such short notice.

But should she? She wasn't one for altering her senses, aside from the occasional glass or three of sake. And this was serious stuff that she didn't want to get messed up in.

But he was right. It was not much different from her pills. This way just seemed... dirtier than the other way.

But these were desperate times, and her knee really hurt. Not to mention, it would be rude to refuse, and he was still holding it out in front of her expectantly...

"Take it. You are in pain." That pleading tone was just too much.

What the hell? Let's smoke some opium. It wasn't like she was going to ever come across it again. This was a one-time deal.

She reached out timidly, and finally took the pipe from his grasp. She studied it a moment to see how it worked, and with the scrape of the fire stick against the inside of the tree, he held the flame for her and put it where it needed to go.

She inhaled, feeling the thick smoke enter her lungs immediately, and just as quick, it was out again with the choking cough she expelled.

He rubbed her back sympathetically as she hacked, and put out his flame before he set the whole tree on fire. She tried to hand it his pipe back to him as soon as she got her bearings, but he did not move to accept.

"Take another," he ordered. By now, she was already beginning to feel the effects of the hit she had taken, and couldn't deny her pain had already ebbed incredibly. On top of that, her stress was melting away, taking the heavy burden upon her shoulders with it. She obeyed.

It was still burning when she hit it a second time, and this round went much smoother. She knew what to expect, so she had been able to breath it all in without the painful coughing at the end.

Finally satisfied, he removed it from her this time. She didn't seem to register it when he then lifted it to his own lips and took a hit as well.

Inuyasha, who had been watching on silently with dumbfounded interest, turned down his brother's generous offer to share it with him. He muttered something about getting enough in the form of residuals from the two of them. But it did not take much goading to make him relent, and help relieve the terrible pain in his leg.

It was a comfortable silence after that. A relaxed, serene peace that had been so well-deserved yet entirely too elusive settled them into a comfort they had not felt in a very long time. Stiff, abused and damaged muscles became pudding, and thoughts of worry and woe were banished as they watched the opium smoke swirl towards the hole and escape into the mountain.

Kagome's twenty minutes were up, and Inuyasha cautiously removed her foot and placed it to rest gently in his lap. She felt no pain in the action, and she wasn't sure if it had more to do with the swelling having lessened, or the drugs she took.

She continued to let her weight fall completely back, and be absorbed into the Western Lord behind her. He accepted her willingly, and instead of warming her with his soothing hand motions, he now simply had his arms wrapped protectively around her; pulling her tightly to him, yet not so much as to cause discomfort.

She lifted her hands to her shoulders where his crossed, and placed them gently on his arms to let him know she appreciated his touch.

Suddenly, Inuyasha' voice rang through the blackness.

"Ain't no sunshine when she's gone,

It's not warm when she's away,

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone,

And she's always gone too long,

Any time she goes away..."

The soft, gentle singing out of nowhere pulled Kagome from her stupor, and caused her to smile at the hanyou she couldn't quite make out in the dark.

"You remember that song?" she asked him. She recalled the day he came to drag her back from the future while she was cramming for her test. Music always helped her study, so she had her mp3 player going in the background while she made flashcards for her biology midterm.

He was pouty when she scolded him for his impatience, and told him he was going to have to wait until she was done. Out of spite, he did; taking a seat on her bed and moping so she knew how unhappy he was.

But as the song played in the silence between them, something within him seemed to relax. When he asked her about it, she offered to replay it for him so he could listen again. It seemed to help his patience to attempt and memorize all the words, so she ended up playing it on repeat until he had it down cold. By the time he did, she had enough study material to bring with her to the past so she could be ready for the test when she returned.

"We used to sing it all the time when you went home." His voice, though distant, traveled back to her on an air of happy reminiscence. She could hear him smiling, even though she couldn't see it.

"Really?" She was unaware the others knew the song. She couldn't remember ever singing it in the past. Or even the future, really. It was an okay song, but not one she would put in a playlist or anything.

"Yeah. I taught Miroku after you taught me," he informed her. Though, if he were being perfectly honest, it was more like the monk heard him singing it when it was stuck in his head. Miroku always was a quick study. "Whenever I was starting to get too cranky waiting for you to come back, he would always sing it to piss me off." He chuckled then, "And make me laugh."

She was smiling wide. She could picture it. Picture them, her friends, clear as day, and all of the fun they used to have together. Those simple times seemed so far away right now. She wondered if they would ever get that back.

"Shippo started singing it too, when he was missing you too bad." Her happy, reflective smile turned sad in an instant, as thoughts of the little kit consumed her memories.

It had been so long since she'd seen him. He didn't even know where they were. She hoped he was faring okay.

"That's sweet," she managed, keeping her emotions in check. "I wonder how he is doing."

She absentmindedly began stroking the arms enclosed around her shoulders, and didn't seem to notice when he squeezed her tighter in response.

"Probably causing headaches for everyone at kitsune school," he guessed, probably fairly accurately. "Probably singing the sunshine song a lot, too."

Her thoughts strayed to the little kit, and fantasized about all the things he was up to. Good things.

"Wonder this time where she's gone,

Wonder if she's going to stay,

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone,

And this house just ain't no home,

Any time she goes away..."

The two of them sung in unison and very off key. They seemed to get lost in the 'I Knows,' neither remembering how many there were, and giggling through the attempt. But it was Inuyasha's last, loud recitation that caused them both to completely lose it.

"You better leave young thing alone,

Ain't no-"

Her laughing fit caused him to break and join her, and the joyous sound echoed all the way up and down the large hollow tree. Finally, through her tears, she managed to get ahold of herself and address him again.

"We should stop," she suggested, and turned her head to try and look up at her backrest apologetically. "We're probably annoying Sesshoumaru."

She expected that to be that, but she didn't expect his silky-smooth monotone to rumble pleasingly from behind her.

"You may sing, if you wish." He surprised them both with his concession, and Kagome wondered if she should include him. She turned again, and tried to take him in.

"You want us to teach you?" she asked timidly.

She couldn't tell if he was considering it, or simply pausing to smile down at her. He lifted one of his hands to rake fingers through her hair in a soothing action that had her eyes drifting shut.

"No. But I will listen."

She wondered if it was soothing for him to listen to them sing, but with the octaves they hit, she kind of doubted it. Unless, of course, it was their contentment, and not the song itself that soothed him.

As a pack alpha, it likely pleased his spirit to know that those he cared for were at ease.

They only made him suffer through one more run through of the song before she got tired enough to fall asleep right there propped between his legs. Once she did, he adjusted her carefully so that her head fell comfortably against his shoulder, and he pulled her jacket together snugly to make sure she was warm enough.

It was dark, but even with his human eyes Inuyasha could see a few things very clearly. One of those things was the way his brother held the miko so delicately in his grasp, and another the way he brushed bangs out of her sleeping face so tenderly as not to cause her to wake. He saw the way was looking down at her, assessing everything he could to ensure she had everything she could possibly need at the moment.

But he saw even more than that.

"That's twice you saved her," Inuyasha said. Sesshoumaru didn't look up from her slumbering form, but instead resumed his previous rubbing to keep her rain-soaked body heat up.

"Three times, if you count warding off hypothermia," Sesshoumaru saw fit to correct him. And really, it had been many more than that. But he wasn't including all the times before he turned human, nor all the times where he simply warded off assault. If he had, it would be in the dozens.

Inuyasha watched another moment as his brother seemed to lose himself in his thoughts. He was still stroking her; still looking down at her with a kind of awed reverence.

"Do you love her?" The question was enough to halt his stroking, but apparently not enough to pry his eyes from her. Nor his thoughts

"I'm not sure I know what love is." What started out as an admission was beginning to feel like insistence, but the only way he was lying was if he was lying to himself, and he found that very hard to believe.

Still, he sounded far away. Halfway to realization, and curious, yet resistant to complete his journey.

"It's just how much you care," Inuyasha began simply, as if it were obvious. "You would give your life to protect her, because you can't stand the thought of living without her."

He still couldn't tear his eyes away. He had not intended to speak further, but his lips were moving of their own accord. When they did, his voice sounded raspy, and hushed.

"What if living without her was the only way to protect her?"

He was holding her so firmly, yet so gently, as if she may break at any moment. He almost seemed afraid to move; to breath.

Inuyasha creased his brow at the desperate sounding question.

"What do you mean?"

"I vowed to protect Rin with my life. However, I selfishly wished her to remain by my side." He scowled then, as if disgusted with himself. "I knew she would be safer in a human village. But she begged me not to leave her, and I could not deny her request. I wanted her with me as well."

He remembered the day clearly. It was one he relived countless times by now. That decision had been the first time he had gone against his better judgement, simply to appease his own desires, as well as another's.

That had been weakness. He should have seen it then, because it was very clear to him now. And now, that moment of weakness may have cost Rin her life. In holding his desires above all else, he had cost himself the only thing in this world he had ever held precious. He got what he deserved, but Rin did not.

"And now, she might be dead, or suffering, all because I wasn't strong enough to let her go. It would have been in her best interests."

How he wished he could go back, and deny her request to remain with him. If he had one wish, he would do it in a heartbeat. But wishes just don't come true. If they did, there were many things he would see changed.

"She couldn't stand the thought of living without you. She must have decided it was worth the risk," Inuyasha tried, but only earned a human sounding growl in response.

"She did not understand the risks. Now she does. I am sure that if she is alive, she is regretting her choice."

Kagome began to stir at his increased volume and tensing muscles. Realizing this, he softened himself again, and rubbed her slightly to ease her back into sleep.

"I'm sure she'd regret it if she was left at a village, too," Inuyasha lowered his voice above a whisper while his brother fussed a moment over the miko's comfort. "So would you, I'd wager. Then she'd be hurting a whole lifetime."

"She would be safe," Sesshoumaru insisted with an air of finality, and there really wasn't anything Inuyasha could say to that. It was probably true. It still didn't make it the right choice.

"I have already failed one human girl. That cannot be undone." The regret, the tortured defeat in his voice prevented Inuyasha from refuting him. He just... felt terrible for him. But as he continued to look down at his best friend like she was all that he saw, flickerings of hope began to sprout that the hanyou did not want to impede.

"But maybe, by keeping this one safe, it will ease the burden of my failure just slightly." Then something almost – almost – like a smile graced his lips, as he continued to take her in, like he had just discovered a new element.

"Perhaps I can find redemption in Kagome," he admitted hopefully. But that intense burden returned and increased tenfold. "But I cannot lose another one."

His assessment worried Inuyasha. Sure, he was happy he was so committed to protecting her. But he was letting entirely too much ride on the miko that had earned their high regard. He was putting all of his self-worth into his ability to keep her safe. If, kami forbid, anything ever happened to her, he worried if Sesshoumaru would be able to take it.

"You're putting too much pressure on yourself. It's not up to you to protect everyone, especially not now." He looked sympathetically at his brother whose focus still remained on Kagome.

"It's okay to need help; we all do sometimes." He looked at him, and paused, and made a cautious, albeit bold assumption. "Maybe it's your turn to be saved. But you have to let her help you. You can't just run away."

That finally did it. Finally, he turned his head and acknowledged that he heard him. But now that he had his attention, Inuyasha realized he said all he could say. At least, as far as Kagome was concerned. But there was still more to admit.

"I should have trusted you... with Tetsusaiga." Sesshoumaru was not prepared for the abrupt change in topic, and it caused him to straighten slightly. He was surprised at his brother's confession, but sought to use it to help get himself together.

"I'm sorry I didn't. If I had, we never woulda been captured."

"Why should you have?" he asked him, some of the firmness returned to his tone. The regret never left, however. "I did not even realize I had stopped desiring that sword until you accused me of it."

"Cuz you're different now," he insisted, and both were somewhat surprised when Sesshoumaru made no attempts to refute him. But his silence gave Inuyasha time to pose another question.

"Why'd you stop wanting it?"

There was a moment's pause as he gave his answer due consideration.

"Other matters arose that were of greater importance." Though referring to many things, both looked down to the sleeping woman in his arms. When Sesshoumaru lifted his gaze to meet his brother's eyes, he added, "Also, I did not need it. You needed its power more than I did."

And that had been true. That was the reason why his father left it to his brother, and not him. At the time, he had all the power he would ever need.

"Not anymore." Sesshoumaru tried to glare at the assessment, but he could not deny that fact. "You don't have anything, and look at all the stuff I got? I'd say you need it more right now."

He wasn't trying to brag, or rub it in, though turnabout would be fair play. But even when trying to be allies, their rivalry ran deep, and was not easily put aside. They were not ones to mince words. In being blunt with each other, even cruel, perhaps there was a solution to be discovered. But maybe not.

He didn't know why he was bringing it up, but he couldn't help but draw parallels.

"It's the same with Kagome. That's why I ain't mad about you two."

"What?" the elder brother demanded, not exactly sure what he was implying.

"You need her more. She used to be all I had, but now..." Yes, as he said, look at all the whelp had now. And what did he have? What did human Sesshoumaru have to his name? At times, only her.

"And I see how she is with you. How she makes you better. She did the same with me." A blush stained his cheeks that could not be seen in the dark. But his smirk could. "Well, not exactly the same."

Sure, Kagome had loved him. At least, she thought she did. But the reaction she had to his brother was a good deal more... mature. He might be human tonight, but when he was a hanyou, his nose didn't lie. He could smell how she feels about his brother, and it was not the same way she smelled when around him.

It could be that she was older now. It could be that he'd actually reciprocated. Or, it could be something different. Either way, it seemed to be leading to one thing.

The dark once again concealed his blush, and his entire uncomfortable countenance.

"Are you gonna... you know?" He didn't really want to know this side of his brother. But Kagome would always be his concern. He needed to know she was going to be okay. So, it was really his duty to pry.

"I don't know," Sesshoumaru admitted, shocking them both with his ignorance. Or really, with any kind of serious response to the personal question.

"Why not?"

He looked down at her again, somewhat ashamed of speaking of her like this while she slept.

"She is upset because I told her I must sever all ties once I am a demon again." He remembered how displeased she had been at the mansion, and was greatly disappointed when she put an end to their shared affections.

But there was a renewed interest for sure. He just couldn't discern exactly what she wanted. She seemed willing enough to proceed, but he could see how attached she was becoming already; the pain in her aura at knowing it would not last.

He was not certain he wanted to move along too quickly, knowing it would eventually hurt her. He would have to tread very carefully, and in the end, he didn't know if it would even matter.

"Who says you have to? You still gotta problem with humans and demons getting together?"

He heard the accusation in his brother's voice, and for some reason became defensive.

"Not just I," he insisted. "There are many who would see her harmed as a result. Many who would see it as desertion on my end; as betrayal." He easily suppressed a sneer, but not the resentment in his violet eyes. "I am supposed to sire full blooded heirs; lead by example. She is a threat to all of that."

Inuyasha frowned at him. His brother had always endured his heavy burden of duty with stoicism and resignation. And he couldn't claim to understand what it must be like to have such lofty expectations placed on him at birth. Inuyasha had no such expectations. None, in fact. And though Sesshoumaru had been born and bred to rule his father's lands, and command a race of demons, and thus had been given every luxury at his disposal to see it through, he wondered if at times he did not envy his younger sibling.

Sure, Inuyasha was given nothing, but that included a void of responsibilities and presumptions. He might not have armies and servants and treasures and bitches at his beck and call, but he had always been his own man, answering to no one except for himself. There was no one to disappoint because there was no one to impress. And even though Sesshoumaru had been a lord who could supposedly do whatever he pleased, Inuyasha was actually free.

Perhaps it was that freedom that was the inheritance Sesshoumaru truly envied. Now more than ever it appeared to be so.

"Not as much as you might think," he offered, trying to relay hope. "Our numbers are growing; it ain't such a big deal as it used to be." Well, it was sort of true. Hanyous were by no means accepted or valued, but a grudging tolerance was beginning to force cracks in the edges of propriety.

He had once thought he was alone in the world, but during his travels he had encountered a few more like him, and even met people like his friends who didn't view him as some sort of mistake of nature.

With the right support, an alliance between the species was perhaps on the horizon. His father may not have done enough to normalize fraternization, but maybe his brother would be up to the task. It was something he never would have considered until very recently.

"Besides, you're strong. Those idiots look up to you; follow you. You could be the one to make it okay. They listen to you."

Sesshoumaru would not deny having considered this himself. If he wished it so, he could impose his will as such. But it would not be an easy sell, and the war hard-won. Disrupting the status quo would incite mass instability, and many would pay with their lives.

He just wasn't certain if he was willing to take on such a cause, knowing how much would be lost. Knowing what all was at stake. Would it even be worth it?

"It is not the only reason," he imparted somberly. Inuyasha furrowed his brow.

"Then what?"

"As you said, I have changed." They both knew he was not simply referring to his outward appearance. His human form was far from the most glaring difference in him these days. "I am not as I was, and she has become familiar with myself in this form. When I am youkai again, I will return to the body of a youkai who has done terrible things." If he didn't know any better, Inuyasha would have sworn his admission was laced with regret. "Committed many atrocities. Many against you, and even some against her."

Yes, the regret in his eyes was unmistakable when he returned them to the slumbering miko in his arms. Even though he had changed, he never thought his brother capable of such a feat. But he remained defiant despite his disbelief.

"So? Kagome don't care about that stuff. Like you said, you've changed. For the better. It ain't like you're gonna go back to doing that stuff, right?"

He projected confidence, but his question was tinged with insecurity. Because in truth, he really didn't know what his brother was thinking. He hoped after all this, that things could be different. But there was always that worry, stalking the back of his thoughts that when he changed back, Sesshoumaru would go back to being his old bastard self. The prospect caused him to hurt in an unfamiliar way. He didn't want to go back to the way things were. He didn't want to go back to hating him, or being hated.

But his simple answer removed weeks of weights and worries, and allowed for a relief he did not know his brother was capable of granting.

"It is unlikely I will leave this form unaltered," he admitted.

The breath Inuyasha exhaled next worked to expel the dark, unnamed plague that had consumed more of his form than he'd been aware. He smiled.

"See, there ya go. That's all that matters to her."

But Sesshoumaru was not granted such reprieve. His burden still weighed heavy, and he looked like he might buckle from the bow it made.

"I tried to kill her." His shameful admission was aimed at her, and gasped out like an apology. Inuyasha couldn't help it. He chuckled.

"So have I." First upset with his humored reaction, Sesshoumaru's glare at his brother became one of surprise. "So have a lotta demons she is still friends with. Miroku and Koga both kidnapped her, and they are best of friends, unfortunately." This information did not please him, however, and he was forced to temper his upset. "It seems to be a good way to get her to love you. And if you have that, it'd be crazy to give that up."

"You did," he pointed out bitterly. And despite not being pleased at the response, Inuyasha managed a smirk.

"Yeah, cuz I wanted someone better for her. Someone who can take care of her right. Protect her."

"And that man is me." Though not formed as a question, it displayed doubt in his brother's judgement. But Inuyasha met it with confidence.

"In the last few days, you saved her from falling off a bridge, broke her out of prison, carried her for miles and kept her from getting raped. I can't think of better hands for her to be in."

While all true, he could not take credit for helping her out of scenarios he had put her in in the first place. It was like saying he saved her from drowning after throwing her overboard.

"She was in all those situations because of me. I have done nothing but place her into danger."

"She wouldn't be anywhere else," he insisted, but it gave little solace. Even his mere presence caused her to behave recklessly. "You didn't ask her to help, she demanded it. And when she sets her mind to something, it's kinda out of your control."

It was true. He knew that Kagome didn't do a damn thing she didn't want to. But he didn't want to be the one responsible for stoking those foolish inclinations. If he wasn't around, she wouldn't even have the option to help him.

Seeing his conflict persist, Inuyasha audibly sighed. It was late. He was tired. He just wanted to go to sleep, and when he woke up he would be hanyou again. He couldn't remember ever desiring to be a half breed so badly.

He leaned back, allowing himself to recline against the dead inner shell of a once great tree, and closed his eyes.

"It's obvious you care about each other. And you may be strong, but I think you are underestimating how much losing that is gonna hurt. But hey, don't come crying to me when some other guy scoops her up and she leaves you in the dust."

But if things went as they were supposed to, that was the result Sesshoumaru was hoping for.

With Rin, he'd made a costly mistake. He put his own desires above her well-being. He would not make that mistake again.

He had told her he would protect her as long as he was human, but he must now admit it would go beyond that. He would protect her as a youkai, and for the rest of his life.

And to protect her, he was going to have to abandon her. It was what he should have done with Rin. He had learned his lesson.

She would have no trouble finding another human to share her life with, and he would give her his sincere blessing when the time came.

But the thought had him drawing her even closer to his chest.

The light sounds of snoring from across the tree told him he was alone at last. He took the moment of privacy to look longingly at her again. With no one to bear witness, he brushed her hair away, and indulged in a silent lament.

Regrets and what ifs led him through brief foolish fantasies, and he let himself reside in a world where he could have everything he wanted. A world where he was truly free.

Before drawing back, and resigning himself to the reality he had been born into, he peeled back her bangs and lowered his lips to her forehead.

She sighed at the contact, and settled in against him, and all of his sadness washed away, giving birth to a wonderful warmth in his chest he was in no hurry to relinquish.

And then he smiled, half-lidded and happy, and he remained that way until sleep at last claimed him too.

It was just after dawn when he stirred. The feeling of thick, warm material being settled over him was enough to rouse him from his slumber.

Inuyasha smiled apologetically for having woken him, as it had only been a few short hours since drifting off, and his overworked body demanded a much longer reprieve from the inhuman tasks this former demon demanded of it.

Hanyou once more, his brother stood before him on two good legs. The evidence of prior damage was gone, along with the tears in his hakama that had also repaired itself.

Sesshoumaru seemed almost as relieved as his brother at the transformation, and he allowed the indignity of the whelp throwing his fire rat haori over him like a blanket only because it was covering the sleeping miko in his arms.

After a brief communication, Inuyasha crawled out of the tree to go forge for breakfast. Sesshoumaru considered going back to sleep, but his muscles were cramped from his position, and he decided he needed to stretch.

He was loathe to disturb her, but after a short debate, he decided he could live with himself for gently insisting she wake.

His knees were still bent on either side of her, and while he reclined slightly back into the uncomfortable bark of the tree, she made similar use of him, and tilted her head back to rest on his shoulder.

He slid his arms around her middle, pulling her against him and nuzzling her soft cheek tenderly with his own.

She half sighed, half moaned at the pleasurable contact, and he had to exert restraint to not slide his hand down between her thighs and encourage similar noises from her.

"Kagome?" he whispered, angling his head just enough to brush his lips against her ear. A few strands of hair got dragged between them as well.

Another moan at the contact caused more blood to rush south, adding to the effects of his early morning affliction.

He ignored it, and avoided grinding it against her, but he did not restrain himself from pressing his lips to her cheek, and speaking softly in her ear again. "Kagome?"

Once again getting nowhere, a devious smirk graced his features, and he refused to find guilt - or too much enjoyment - in his plans.

His next word came out sharper. Firmer. More commanding. Instead of a gentle suggestion, his deep voice demanded obedience, and projected authority.

"Miko."

That did it. She startled, instantly confused as she regained consciousness and tried to make sense of her surroundings.

He watched it all come back to her piece by piece, and when she realized where she was, she turned back to regard the man who she'd been using as a recliner.

His smile was promising, and comforting. And with a blush at their proximity – and her audacity – she offered an apologetic one of her own.

His continuing comforting grip around her middle told her he didn't mind, or at least that he forgave her, and she allowed herself to relax back into him while she indulged in a yawn.

"How are you feeling?" he asked her. When she attempted to stretch, she was instantly reminded of her injury, and winced.

"Still hurts." He frowned sympathetically.

"Would you like some more opium?"

He asked it so earnestly, but the notion was still off-putting. She had smoked some last night, hadn't she? And she had to admit, it really helped. But something about it was yucky to her, and she didn't really want to partake.

She would if it was an emergency, but she'd rather try to get on without it.

"No. I'm gonna try and manage. I'll take a pill when I get back to my bag." He didn't know why she seemed to have an aversion to his pipe, but had no qualms with her pills. She said they were the same, so why was she opposed?

He hadn't noticed much difference, except that the opium worked much faster. But he was willing to let it drop. Until she appeared to be in obvious pain, that is. Then, he would be forced to insist.

"Thank you for everything. You were really amazing yesterday." She was attempting to turn to face him, so he adjusted himself to make it easier on her.

She'd managed to get bedhead, despite the obvious lack of a bed. So he generously lifted his hand to smooth out a few unruly locks and tuck them behind her ear.

"It was a terrible day. I'm sorry for everything that happened to you."

He seemed to be offering his apology by fussing and grooming, or perhaps it was a simple way of soothing his own nerves.

Either way, she lifted her own hand to rest on his offending arm, and stopped him.

She looked meaningfully into eyes which appeared to be avoiding her for some reason.

"It wasn't your fault," she insisted, and he withdrew his arm all together.

"All of this is my fault."

Her heart broke at the shame he displayed. She wanted to tell him he was wrong. Tell him he was wonderful, and none of this was his fault. That it was all hers. But of course, she couldn't.

"Remember this?" His question rescued her from her guilt and captivated her with the sudden lift in his mood. The hand he withdrew was now in front of her again, and holding the amazing, glittering diamonds he'd used to spring them from prison.

It was still dark in the tree, but enough morning light had been able to seep through the hole to see the item perfectly.

"The necklace!" The sight perked her up, and he was pleased at the reaction. "Nifty little life saver. We're lucky you're so clever."

She returned her admiration to him, and away from the jewelry. He continued to smile as he lifted his free hand away from her belly to fiddle with the gems. His arms still encircled her as he toyed with them.

"And not a scratch on it," he proclaimed proudly. "A souvenir of our success."

He lifted it to her throat, and before she knew it, he was reclining back and fastening it behind her neck.

"What are you doing?"

"Putting it on you," he replied obviously. It took a second to get the mechanism to lock. When it did, he pulled away any hair that had gotten trapped in the process.

She allowed it, really just too shocked to protest or resist.

"Why?"

"Because it would look terrible on me," he smirked, but she was too discomfited to register the joke. "And Inuyasha already has a neckless."

She looked down at the fabulous jewelry, and touched it carefully with her fingertips.

She couldn't help but think that just didn't suit her. Especially not how she was currently dressed. Fancy things just didn't seem natural on her. It didn't feel right.

"That thing cut through steel bars. Won't it cut through my neck?" She tested the diamonds carefully. She had seen them used as a saw, so she was a little wary.

"It did not cut Juzo's neck, did it?" he offered, and cocked an eyebrow at her.

No, she supposed it hadn't. The dagger had done that, courtesy of the man who currently had her encaged. She banished the unpleasant memory from her thoughts, and continued to look at the necklace in pensive awe.

"It is not sharp to the touch," he assured her. At her continued hesitance, he gently grabbed her hand. Turning it, he used the soft, sensitive top to drag firmly along the rows of diamonds now at her chest.

"These are demonic diamonds. They will not cut your skin."

When he was through with his demonstration, he lowered her hand between them, but did not relinquish his hold. She was looking down at where they touched, but his question drew her eyes back up to him.

"You think I would let any harm befall you?"

She held his gaze, while her fingers absentmindedly stroked his.

"No. I trust you." Her answer pleased him, and he let his smile show it.

With a faint blush at his generosity, she struggled to maintain eye contact.

"How does it look?"

His eyes were burning as he took her in, though he seemed more interested in her own eyes than the priceless necklace she wore.

"Stunning."

"Yeah?" she asked, not fully convinced. Intimidated by his intensity, she averted her eyes downward.

"I think I would like it very much, if you were to wear this with your burgundy lip paint." The strange request earned him her attention again, and she filed away his preference for later use. "And put your hair up."

He combed his fingers through her falling locks with both of his hands, and held the hair he gathered up behind her head. He kept it like that, and gave a thoughtful pause when she turned her neck to look up at him.

"Why up?" she asked softly, locked in his hypnotic trance.

He shifted the hair he'd taken into one hand, and removed the other to trace one long finger slowly down the expanse of her throat.

She shivered at the contact, and continued to tingle and buzz all along the path he made.

"You have an elegant slope of your neck. I like when it is exposed to me."

He continued to trace his finger up and down, as if transfixed. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation, uninclined to stop it.

His breathing, while soft, became heavier, and suddenly, he just wasn't close enough.

"Sesshoumaru?" Her voice was shaky to her own ears. "You still haven't kissed me."

She remembered his promise by the stream, and now, his face... his mouth was so close to hers.

"I did, while you were sleeping." His detached voice spoke of his distracted state while he continued to touch her.

"That's... kind of creepy." The declaration sobered him somewhat, and he smirked very faintly.

"On your forehead. I could not resist." The clarification seemed to satisfy her.

"Oh, then that definitely doesn't count."

"No?"

His stroking finger stopped, and ghosted slowly up to her jaw. With his other hand in her hair, he angled her to him as he found himself moving closer.

He didn't have far to travel. She closed her eyes and parted her lips in anticipation of him. But though everything within him ached, and screamed at him to close those last torturous inches between them, he could not erase one troubling thought from his mind.

When he didn't arrive, she opened her eyes again to question him. The worry she recognized in his features spurred her own.

"Back at the castle, I was forced to do something I did not wish to do."

He had been dreading this moment, and could not contain his fears of what this confession would mean for him. For them.

The confused look she gave him requested he continue.

"In order to escape and see you both freed, I was forced to seduce the wife of the soldier."

Her surprise was quickly outdone by the hurt she displayed. Her pain was his own, and he forced himself to push forward. To explain himself as fast as possible.

"I had no desire for her, but she desired me. She saw to it that we were alone so that she may advance on me without her husband's knowledge."

She had already recoiled form him, and the loss caused an irrational panic to flood his system. He forced himself to keep his composure as her eyes sought to avoid him. As if looking at him was distasteful.

"Did you..." The question hung between them. She couldn't even say it, and she braced herself for the answer.

"No. Her husband returned before it came to that, thankfully." He saw her exhale deeply, and felt a measure of relief. He would continue his confession, however.

"But I did kiss her," he informed her solemnly. The admission earned her eyes on his, and she took in his harrowed expression. "I saw her in her undergarments, and I grabbed her."

She scowled at the news, unhappy with the images his cataloging presented. Unhappy with him for putting himself in that situation. He continued his recount.

"I had her on the bed, and that was when the soldier approached."

Thoughts of him kissing, touching another woman in bed had her blood cooking in her veins, and caused a painful ache in both her chest and her stomach. She snapped her face downward, unable to look, not wanting to hear anymore.

It pained him to see her react to him this way, but he had been preparing for it. He fought the urge to grab her by the chin, to make her look at him. But he'd made his bed. He would not force any sort of reaction from her.

He was pleased she was at least hearing him out, so he did the best to explain himself clearly.

"I had no desire to be with that woman," he insisted firmly. "But I knew it was my only chance to rescue you. I knew what they were planning to do to you."

As the insinuation hung in the air, she finally lifted her gaze, and forced herself to turn back to him.

"And if that soldier hadn't interrupted, I would have lain with her. I would have had to."

She could see his regret, his torment. But even though he had his reasons, it still made her ill with jealousy. She couldn't contain the resentment she felt at him for putting them in this situation. For ruining an otherwise sweet moment between them now.

"Why are you telling me this?" Thought she felt the sting in her eyes, she ordered the tears not to fall. She was not going to cry over this. If he could have an upfront and honest conversation with her, then she could to.

"Because I remember your conditions. My involvement with any other females would see your interest in me extinguished."

She considered it was good that he at least cared. That he at least had tried to adhere to her request. It offered some solace, though very little. For it didn't change the fact that he'd had his mouth on someone else. No matter the reason, the act was still painful for her to accept.

"I do not want to be with anyone else," he assured her. This time, he could not resist lifting his hand to softly guide her chin in his direction. He looked right into her eyes, and hated the sorrow he'd put there. "But what is the point of having your regard if you are not alive to give it? I did what had to be done, and I would do it again."

When she said nothing, he released her, and continued to wait. He'd said all he could say. He'd told her everything, and explained his reasons. It was up to her if she wanted to forgive him.

He was growing impatient, and nervous waiting for her reaction, however. When he could no longer take it, he gently prompted her.

"Are you angry?"

He waited breathlessly for her to gather her thoughts. Though he exuded patience, he was tense to his core.

"I'm not happy that you touched another woman," she finally admitted. "I don't want to think about it. But I understand why you had to do it."

He allowed himself to hope in the face of her understanding, but his guilt, and regret prevented him from soaring too high on those wings.

"You didn't have to tell me that. Why did you?"

He was somewhat confused by her question. Would she have preferred his reticence?

"I do not want you to ever question my loyalty. You continue to hold my interest. And I did not want you to think I had anything to hide." He raised a condemning, almost incredulous brow. "You would rather I lied to you?"

She didn't want to admit she almost would have, because she did not want him lying to her in the future. But if she were being honest with herself, she would have been a lot happier never knowing this about him.

"Of course not. It's just...I never would have known." And maybe that would have been better. Because knowing this did not change how she felt about him, and it only caused her suffering.

"Perhaps not. But if that is something that cannot be forgiven, you deserved to know it."

And that was how he really felt. He didn't want to have her interest under false pretenses. If anything he had ever done had rendered him unworthy in her eyes, he would have her know it, not shield her from it. She would have all of the facts, and be free to make her decisions accordingly.

Another moment of silence ensued in which he could hardly endure his anxiety. Once again, he prompted.

"Am I forgiven?"

That hopeful, worried look he leveled her with as he awaited judgement was too much to bear. She didn't want to make him feel bad. Quite the opposite.

And she knew he felt the same about her. He didn't do anything to hurt her. Quite the opposite.

She placed her hand gently on his cheek as he bore down into her expectantly.

"Of course."

She felt his relief as all the tension left his body. He looked like he wanted to smile, but he was not yet allowing himself the pleasure.

"Kagome, I-"

But, tired of waiting for him, she finally took the initiative and lifted her chin to meet his lips mid-sentence. He didn't seem to mind it, disregarding whatever he was going to say to communicate himself to her non verbally.

His soft lips relished hers, and he took the time to thoroughly explore them before even venturing to go deeper. Her hand at his cheek moved into his hair, grasping at short locks and scratching her nails lightly into his scalp. He groaned softly at the action.

His own palm guided her face tenderly to his, while his other grabbed her side, and traveled up to her arm in an effort to keep her close.

This kiss was gentle, and careful. But completely unrushed. There was gratitude in this kiss, in that both were aware how precarious their position was, and how fickle fate could be, and how lucky they were to have each other for this moment in time, if nothing else.

When he sought her tongue, she met him willingly. The feel of firm, wet satin sliding across her slowly had her moaning in appreciation, and he held her even tighter.

The kiss continued for a long time, and she was getting painfully hot between her legs. She wanted more. She wanted him to touch her there. To touch her breasts. To relieve the pressure for her.

She was disappointed when he didn't, but instead pulled away, allowing her at last to catch up on breath while he righted is own.

He seemed pleased with her reaction, though he still appeared troubled as he looked deeply and meaningfully into her eyes again.

"If I'd had to sleep with that woman, would you still have forgiven me?"

She frowned. She didn't want to think about it. In fact, she wanted to forget the whole unfortunate event had ever happened.

"I don't know," she answered honestly. It would have made it harder. But luckily, they wouldn't have to find out. And they better not ever.

"Hopefully, your dick won't be the crux of any more life or death situations."

She meant to sound admonishing, but she could tell he was amused at her assessment.

"You might be surprised."

She couldn't help it; she smiled. The smirk, and the little sparkle of mischief in his eyes was too much to ignore.

"Yeah, I might not actually," she replied, and smiled bigger when he squeezed her to him and stole another kiss on her cheek.

They had a fire ready by the time Inuyasha returned with breakfast. Over their meal was when he informed them of his plan.

On his hunt, he'd ventured ahead, and was able to confirm that the river wasn't far. In just a half a day's hike they would be there, if they continued following the stream.

But with Kagome's knee, it was clear she would not be able to make it across. He, on the other hand, could use his hanyou advantages to cross it without issue.

He'd decided to escort them to the river, and ensure they had everything they needed. Once there, he would cross it alone, and use his strength and speed to reunite with Miroku and Sango in the village they were supposed to meet at.

Once he found a boat, he would return to take the others across. It was the fastest, safest way to get everyone over. His only qualm in the past had been leaving Kagome's side. But in light of recent events, he decided that his brother was a worthy substitute in his absence.

Now that he was all healed up, Inuyasha volunteered to carry Kagome and give his brother's tired muscles a break. Reluctantly, Sesshoumaru agreed. He was going to need his strength. Once they got over, the tiger's compound would be in their crosshairs.

A/N: Did you know that the Inuyasha fandom still has awards?

Now's the time! I can't leave a link, but google the Feudal Connection Tumblr to nominate/vote for all your fav fanfics and fanart for this quarter! it covers the whole IY fandom and all ships... so go show your love and support for SESSKAG! Go vote for your favs to help keep our ship alive! Nominations closes July 15th!