Authors Note: Wow it has been so long since I've written anything like this. I still read fanfiction, but I haven't found any motivation to write anything. My first story back is going to be a new work and we will see where it goes. I am going to try and pick up my other work hopefully I can remember where I was going with those stories. Thank you! Stay safe everyone.

Italics is Sesshomaru talking to himself

Bold is Sesshomaru's beast talking

Chapter One

A sharp crack rang out as a large tree that was severed by one of Naraku's many tentacles came crashing down around the Inutachi gang. The earth shook as it hit the ground and a loud roar of pain came from Naraku, having been hit by Inuyasha's wind scar. Kagome searched through the dust that had been kicked up in the somewhat empty field, coughing as she inhaled the dry substance. Her blue orbs seeking out her friends who were locked in their own battles. Perched on Kiara, Sango fought against Kagura, dodging her wind from the sky in graceful swoops throwing her boomerang trying to find an opening. Miroku stood precariously, sucking in the ground army of minions Naraku had brought to overwhelm the Inutachi, the sweat on his brow showing he wouldn't last much longer. Kagome's gaze was ripped to the main stage of the battle as Naraku sent Inuyasha flying away with one swift swoop, however she noticed that his wind scar had ruptured Naraku's shield. Closing her eyes, she drew her arrow and aimed for the incomplete part of the jewel that was imbedded in Naraku's chest. Saying her prayers she let it go infusing all the hope, passion, and strength she had into it. The arrow flared to life and flew across the field in an arch of pink light. As if time had stopped Kagome's eyes opened in almost slow motion watching as the tip of her reiki infused arrow stuck home in the jewel and exploded into a bright light. Shielding her eyes from the sudden burst of searing energy she could only hope it finished the job.

As the light cleared, she saw nothing but dust and a light almost clear jewel laying in the spot that Naraku had last stood. Off to the side Kagura fell to the ground screaming in pain as the area where her heart should have been began to glow with the same light as Kagome's arrow. Sango locked eyes with the wind witch and saw the happiness that shone in her red orbs, her lips tilted into a peaceful smile as she was purified into nothing but dust in the wind. Miroku ran over to Sango and grabbed her by the waist lifting her into a big hug, as Sango let go a few tears of not only exhaustion but relief. They had done it.

"My dearest Sango, I can't believe we did it!" He exclaimed in joy, before stopping and showing his blemish free hand where his hole had once been, as if it had never existed in the first place. Sango squealed with joy and hugged the monk, letting his new hand rest softly against her behind without consequence. She was too happy to care. She brushed his sweat soaked bangs from his face, gazing lovingly into his eyes before planting a chaste kiss on his lips.

Inuyasha stood from the ground that he had been pushed too and sheathed his sword looking for Kagome and finding her picking up the incomplete jewel, which instantly turned light pink in her hands. She seemed mesmerized with the glow as if she were searching for some unknown answer in its gleam. Seeing his pack safe and secure he let out a relieved sigh until he smelled a scent he knew too well. It was too late; a choked scream was heard as Kagome fell to the ground on her knees. An arrow like her own protruding from her right shoulder, staining her white shirt red. Inuyasha looked for the source of the arrow and found the face of his dead lover. He was shocked at her, how could she do this? He was frozen in his spot unable to run to his friend who was bleeding out.

"Kikyo..." He whispered, wanting to run to his past lover but knowing he wouldn't be received with open arms as she had nothing but hate left for him. Inuyasha watched his dead love advance on the girl that had stood by him through all the pain and hardships that came with him. Kikyo notched her arrow and aimed for her look alike whose eyes were wide with surprise, though no hate pointed towards the dead miko before her. Kagome turned to look at the boy she thought had loved her yet made no move to save her from her older counterpart. Suddenly, a white blur shot from the nearby forest kicking the dead miko away from the younger woman who held her shoulder in pain on the ground, coming to stand before her.

"Kikyo!" Inuyasha screamed running over to catch the woman before she hit the tree on the other side of the clearing. He grabbed her from the air and wrapped her in his arms taking the brunt of the impact. Looking over at the attacker he found only his brother standing above the young miko, eyes cold as ever looking down on the two crumpled at the base of the tree. Disgust was clear, yet all Inuyasha could feel was anger at his brother.

"You fucking bastard, what the hell do you think you're doing?" Inuyasha stood up bringing Kikyo with him, who was oddly silent resting carefully in Inuyasha's hold. Sesshomaru scoffed, "You're as stupid as ever half-breed." His deep voice cutting through the clearing. Looking over at the Miko at his feet Sesshomaru bent down and grabbed the arrow in her shoulder breaking the stick leaving behind the tip in her shoulder, Kagome letting out a small gasp at the harsh movement but keeping her head bowed. Speaking in a softer tone than he probably intended Sesshomaru spoke to the young injured woman, "Stay still, this one will bring you to your hut." Sesshomaru tried to gage the woman's feelings as he picked her up bridal style, he had expected her to cry yet he smelled no tears or sadness. In fact, he smelled nothing it was as if the woman was blank, he frowned at this. The miko usually was full of emotions making it extremely easy for him to read her, this new turn of events unsettled him. Perhaps she was just in too much pain to care about Inuyasha's betrayal, shaking the thought off for later he made to move. Turning away from the two offenders who seemed to be happy in their place by the tree and over to the slayer and monk who stood ready to attack him should he make any false moves towards their hurt friend. They knew that Kagome and Sesshomaru had created some sort of bond over the last few weeks, but they were still weary of the demon lord himself. They would see her sneak off in the middle of the night claiming she was just taking a walk to clear her head, yet somehow be returned to her sleeping bag by a certain demon lord in white. Who would simply stare at them with a blank expression and leave once their young friend was tucked in and off to dream land, no words spoken. It was unnerving to say the least.

"See to it that my pathetic half-brother stays out of sight less him and his clay whore find death by this one's claws." The words left no room for argument and a slight shiver ran down their spines, it seemed as if the demon lord always went easy on their half-demon friend but this time it was different. He seemed serious and that frightened them. Watching their time traveling friend be carried off by their supposed enemy was a sight to see as the went over to their fallen leader. Sango threw her boomerang at Inuyasha suddenly causing him to flip out of the way to avoid it, bringing Kikyo with him all the way.

"What the hell you do that for wench? You could've hit us!" He was cut off by Sango's fierce yell, "You can dodge that, yet you can't seem to stop that bitch's arrow from hitting Kagome! I can't believe you even watched as that dead woman approached Kagome intending to kill her! Is a clay pot worth more than the girl who has loved you for so long? Kikyo is long dead, you need to move on!" At this point Miroku was holding Sango back from attacking Inuyasha, as the clay pot in question stared blankly at the enraged woman.

Letting out a slight chuckle Kikyo spoke in even cold tones, "Loved him? Inuyasha will forever love only me, that girl simply has what's mine." Her words sparking an even deep rage to begin bubbling in the normal calm demon slayer. Inuyasha was mute the whole conversation thinking about the woman in his arms and the one carried away by his own brother. He couldn't choose, he never could, and little did he know that was what pushed Kagome into the arms of his half-brother. Looking in the direction said demon walked off with his friend he could feel the guilt coursing through him, what had he done?

Almost spitting in the direction of the down cast half-demon and dead woman Sango shook her head, pushing away from Miroku in the process to adjust herself. "As usual you manage to make the wrong decision and hurt our friend, when will you ever learn? Suit yourself and stay here, I don't want to see your face and I definitely don't want to see hers." Sango sneered at the two in front of her before turning on her heel and rushing back to the village intending to check on Kagome. Miroku just gazed with disappointed eyes at his half-demon friend before silently following Sango.

With Sesshomaru, Kagome was silent as she was carried back to the village. Her shoulder ached painfully but it was nothing compared to the wound her heart had just endured. She had known that Inuyasha would never choose her and that was something she had slowly been getting over, but she had never expected his betrayal like this. Nothing could prepare her for the way her heart broke at the sight of his frozen form as she was almost killed by his ex-lover. A silent tear slipped down her cheek as more began to follow. Sesshomaru did not know exactly what to do so he just held the young woman close and began to say, "Don't cry miko, he isn't worth your tears." Looking up her tear-filled eyes stared into golden orbs, which were significantly warmer as they stared down at her. Kagome's bottom lip quivered at his words as she tried to hold back the tears but failed, which only caused her to cry even harder in his arms. He was firm and solid, and she wanted nothing more than to curl into his protective embrace and cry till she couldn't anymore, but she knew he wouldn't like that. Turning her head away to stare at the forest around them she spoke softly, just enough for him to hear her. "You don't have to help me Sesshomaru, I know this is the last thing you'd want to be doing right now. Carrying a cry miserable mess of a human woman." With her words like venom she became even more down cast as she curled into her own thoughts. Sighing he stopped suddenly and called out to her, "Miko." Her eyes stilled held a faraway look, ignoring him in favor of her dark thoughts. More firmly he called out once more, "Kagome." Shocking her from her inner self, she looked up in surprise as the demon lord used her name. Realizing he now had her attention he let his words become softer and his eyes swirled with emotion she couldn't place, as it looked so strange coming from the normal stoic demon.

"Enough of those thoughts, if this one didn't wish to help you; he would've let you let die by the clay pots arrow. But, he did not. Now, stop with the self-loathing and focus on what you have accomplished today. Inuyasha's indiscretion is nothing in comparison for the duty you fulfilled in that clearing." His words were sharp, making her stare in wonder at the man holding her. His presence calmed her in ways she couldn't understand, she had never felt so safe in another person's embrace. Never been so soothed by someone's words quite like his, not even Inuyasha's. Smiling a bit at the demon lord's kindness she took a liberty and leaned against the front of his chest, avoiding his sharp armor. Murmuring softly, she said, "Thank you, Sesshomaru. For everything." Content that she was no longer in the depths of despair he resumed his pace back to the village. A sort of peace settling over the pair like a blanket. Letting her eyes close she let the exhaustion of her body take over, luckily the bleeding had stopped somewhat. The arrow tip still embedded in her flesh acting as a cork, she was lucky that Sesshomaru had decided to walk rather than run and further jostle her shoulder. She grimaced slightly at the thought of taking the tip out, it would be horrible with no numbing agent like the ones in her time, but she knew she could handle it.

As they reached the out skirts of the village, they saw an older woman hobbling over to the odd pair, the other villagers following closely behind. They were shocked to see the human hating demon lord and supposed enemy carrying their favorite miko and even more surprised at the lack of Inuyasha's presence. He was never far from their young friend and certainly not absent when his hated half-brother came around. Something was off, Kaede spoke first. "My lord, what brings ye? Where has Inuyasha gone, surely he should be here with Kagome since she is hurt." Looking around for the said half-demon the older woman couldn't help but notice the way the young miko looked down cast at the mention of Inuyasha's name and the way the demon lord's eyes narrowed dangerously, he didn't bother to answer the older woman's question. Choosing to drop the subject she reached forward to inspect Kagome's arm, seeing the arrow she nodded firmly, "Follow me to my hut, I can remove the arrow and bandage her." Turning not even bothering to get a response she knew he would follow and began to move towards her hut which was in the center of the village.

Inside the hut Kaede set about creating a small fire in the center, placing a pot of water to heat up above it. She noticed from the corner of her good eye as Sesshomaru sat off to the side, Kagome still firmly held in his arms. However, she was now in a half seated, half laying position in his lap. Her back was angled to rest against his chest and right shoulder to avoid his spikes as his right arm was wrapped around her side to lay on her hip almost possessively. His left hand rested on his own knee effectively caging the miko legs which were draped over his thigh. She looked so small in comparison to the larger imposing form of the demon lord. Kaede could only wonder what their relationship was for Sesshomaru to allow such a display to occur, focusing on gathering the supplies needed to treat the younger miko she limped to their side before rousing the dosing girl. "Child ye must awaken. I need ye to pull down the clothing from ye shoulder so I can remove the arrow tip." Kagome's eyes fluttered open weakly before a light blush played across her face at the position she realized she was in. Looking up at the now stoic Sesshomaru she nodded shyly before undoing the top of her school uniform and painfully slipping out her shoulder. The strap of her cute pink bra showing and she was sure the demon lord would get a full glimpse of her womanly mounds beneath the cloth if he were to peer down. But, his eyes remained fixed on the older miko watching her movements very carefully as she began to reach for the wound.

Kagome watched Sesshomaru as the woman set about opening her wound and trying to extract the tip, she traced the firm line of his jaw with her eyes roaming across his high cheek bones, she felt the urge to reach up and feel the markings against his cheek. She was entranced by his beauty; she had always known he was handsome much more than his brother. He had a more mature handsomeness, a more manly look while Inuyasha had the bad boy look, but he was just that, a boy. Not a man, not like his brother. As the tip was extracted from her shoulder Kagome closed her eyes crying out at the pain clutching the arm that lay over her thighs tightly. Sesshomaru's eyes sharply cut to her as he watched the pain twist her features and unconsciously felt his hand move from his left knee to caresses her thigh closet to him. While he had said nothing, his unconscious body movements were not lost on the older miko as she watched the two closely. Yes, something was unique about their relationship.

Finishing her task of removing the tip she quickly cleaned the area and put a salve to help prevent infection before bandaging Kagome's shoulder the best she could in the position, given that the demon lord had no intention of moving the woman from his arms. Once finished Kaede could see the relief on the young Miko's face and felt better knowing she was safe and would just be a little sore. It wasn't a bad wound, but the young woman would be weak considering she had lost a significant amount of blood prior. Looking at the demon lord in front of her, Kaede spoke in even tones not wanting to irritate the dangerous demon, "If it would please ye, I can have one of our men take her to her hut to rest and heal. I'm sure ye are a busy man." Kaede made a move to the cloth door intending to call in one of the men when Sesshomaru stood gracefully keeping the younger woman nestled in his arms safely, "It is of no consequence, this one will return her to her quarters and keep watch until the half-breed returns." Leaving no room for argument the demon stepped out from the meager hut and began in the direction towards the smaller huts off to the side, having found Kagome's scent coming from the last one the strongest he deduced that was hers. It was small and poorly built, it looked like it would collapse any day in a simple breeze or storm. Sighing at the place he made a mental note to speak to someone about fixing up the hut. Stepping inside he laid her out on the weird looking bedding he had seen her use during her travels. Being sure to cover her he let his Mokomoko trail over her form and curl around her, hoping to keep her warm as the cool air wafted through the cloth of a door. He let himself sit off to her side watching the door for any intruders as the young woman slept peacefully. Sesshomaru let his youkai come out and wrap around the young woman's form, blanketing her. He expanded his aura just enough to allow those approaching know that he was here and would not tolerate their interferences in her rest.

Sesshomaru let out a deep sigh and looked over at his self-imposed charge and let his mind wander, getting lost in his own thoughts. He did not know exactly when he had begun to care for her, hell even feel the tingle of affection settle in his chest at the sight of her. Had it been when she would sneak off to see him during their hunt for Naraku, sitting with him for hours talking, albeit one sided about anything on her mind? He had learned quite a bit about her in the times they spoke, he had even begun to converse back once her presence became a regular. Sesshomaru didn't know when he had begun to relax in her company, even look forward to her visits. Her scent like wild cherry blossoms and clean springs soothed his inner demon on levels he had never experienced. She was different from the other humans he distained, she was more innocent, more kind, so very selfless. He narrowed his eyes at the thought, she was too selfless, caring more for others than her own well-being. But that was something that had endeared her to him in the brief time they had known each other.

From their first meeting in his father tomb he had been entranced by her, she had survived his poison and stood up him without a glimpse of fear gracing her scent. No other person had dared to speak the way she did to him, and for some reason rather than making him angry he became curious. She was a miko, and untrained one yet she didn't hate like the rest of her people. This was new to him and being the dog he was he had to find out more, he was just so curious. Thinking back now he knew that's when his obsession started, he had begun running into the group more often. Purposely provoking his brother while looking over the miko from afar trying to gain insight into who she was, what she was. Though he came out with more questions after every encounter, she stayed a mystery. Finally, when it was time to team up on the quest to defeat Naraku he was readily agreeing. He kept his distance opting to stay with his own pack in clearings close yet out of ear shot of his brothers. Sesshomaru would plot ways to discover the wonders of his obsession, but he didn't need to put them in effect when she began showing up. Her purpose was to bring food to Rin and try to let him know of their plans but he it was something more than that. He could scent her tears after the half-breed had belittled her once again and could feel her sadness coursing through her aura, she never could hide it from him. He had told himself that he indulged her habits for Rins sake, but it was purely selfish as she began to open up to him once his young ward had fallen asleep.

Flash Back

Kagome had wandered to their clearing for the fifth night in a row, her purpose originally being to bring Rin food and play for a bit before informing the demon lord of their plans, although it became more than that. Even after Run had fallen asleep, she stayed with the stoic demon sitting across from him in front of the fire in silence. Why he allowed her to stay she didn't know, but she wouldn't complain. It was the only time she could be truly alone with her thoughts without someone breathing down her neck and yelling constantly. This time she had come late, Rin already asleep having eaten with Kagome's group earlier in the night while playing with Shippo before returning to sleep next to the two headed dragon. As Kagome came through the brush and into the little clearing, she locked eyes with Sesshomaru's. His eyes betrayed nothing, blank and cold causing her to falter, hesitant to continue with what she was doing. It was late, she had no reason to be here with Rin asleep, what was she doing?

Kagome couldn't control her movements as her body acted on its own accord and went to sit in her familiar seat across from Sesshomaru in front of the fire. She pulled her legs to her chest and wrapped her arms around them silently staring into the fire. Neither of them said anything, opting to sit in the comfortable silence. Surprisingly, it was he who had broken the peace with soft words, "Miko, what ails you?" She was shocked that he had bothered to ask, surprised he had even noticed her sadness. She didn't think he had cared enough. Sighing and looking into the flame before her she responded dully, "Nothing much, I just needed some time away to think. I'm sorry for disturbing you, I just..." She was silent for a moment before continuing in a whisper. If he hadn't been a demon, he was sure he wouldn't have heard her, "...I have nowhere else to go." The softness of her voice, the sadness that was heavy in her eyes and form struck a chord in Sesshomaru's heart.

His silence seemed judgmental, but she knew that he didn't care that much about her, let alone enough to pass judgements about her loneliness. They fell into another moment of silence until he spoke again, "You are here now, so it seems you do have somewhere to go." His words were spoken as a statement, but she knew his veiled message and she smiled feeling warmth grow in her chest. He had given her his blessing to come to them whenever she wanted. She would have a place to go, if needed. Kagome didn't bother to react or speak but let the smile stay on her lips as a silence thank you, She continued to watch the ashes burn out before her. She felt the urge to continue to speak, to hear his voice and see if he would continue with her. "Sometimes I wonder if I do belong here, chasing after Naraku and fighting demons. According to Inuyasha I am nothing but a burden, an untrained miko out of her time who constantly does more harm than good. Perhaps this is true, I am not meant for this world." he was confused at her words, how was she out of this time, she lived in this world? His curiosity won out as he asked, "What do you mean miko? You are born from this world why would you not belong?"

Kagome's eyes shot up as she realized her mistake, she had revealed too much, and she knew she couldn't get out of it. She had come to know that the demon lord was persistent and would find out anything he wanted if he wished too. Hoping to stop the conversation and move on she brushed it off with an awkward chuckle, "O-oh yes, I know sometimes I just don't make sense. Don't mind me..." She trailed off under the weight of his gaze, he was glaring at her. His words sharp and quick, like a bark, "Do not lie, this one can smell it." he growled softly at her, frustrated at being kept from the answers he craved so deep within himself. Sighing Kagome gave up knowing it was a battle she couldn't win, looking him in the eyes she began to explain her life and her time, starting from the moment she fell into the well house. His eyes were wide, and he had let his mask slip during her story, curiosity and wonder playing across his features as he soaked in the information. Like that they stayed for hours her telling him everything, answering the questions that formed at the revelation. To her, she was more than happy to have someone who was genuinely interested in what she had to say. Talking more enthusiastically she told endless stories of the wonders of the future, wrapping him unknowingly to her even deeper in her web.

End of flash back

Sesshomaru let a hand come up to push the bangs from her face, he smirked speaking softly to not wake her, "You are quite the mystery Kagome." His touch caused her to stir and sigh peacefully turning towards him seeking out his presence. He smiled softly at her and let his mokomoko curl tighter, hugging her close. She let out a little giggle as the fur slid over her bare thighs. Kagome remained asleep even as he moved to watch her closely, drinking in her form that had become exposed to him as her sheet fell away. She was stunning. Stunning to him. The way the light shone on her fair skin, smooth as porcelain and supple to his eyes, He ran the length of her leg to her slim waist and generous curves and womanly assets. He admitted long ago that he was attracted to her, attracted to a human. Though her beauty surpassed many other humans he had known, he could genuinely call her stunning. His desire ripped through him like a tsunami and he had to grab the wooden floor to keep himself grounded as his inner demon clawed to come out and take the woman before him. His eyes tinged red as he tried to settle his inner self.

Calm yourself beast, we will not take her like this. Not right now. Sesshomaru spoke angrily to the caged inner demon. The beast huffed and sat on his back legs almost pouting.

Mate. Beautiful, must be ours. Take her, take her. Like a mantra his beast repeated the words over and over giving Sesshomaru a headache.

Soon. Be patient. With that Sesshomaru forced the beast back till he no longer spoke and went back to watching Kagome.

Yes, soon.