A/N: Thanks for hooking a sister up! I'm a gal of my word, so here's your bonus chapter.

I always appreciate hearing your guys' input! Your kind words keep me motivated to keep cranking out content, so don't be shy XD

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Touran entered the gardens to find Sesshoumaru sitting alone on the bench made of stone. He almost seemed as if he were affixed to it, motionless and expressionless; as he so often was. Having grown up alongside him, with their fathers' both ruling their respective lands, she could probably claim to know him much better than most. Not that it was saying much.

He had always been a master of disguise; keeping his thoughts and feelings concealed beneath his mask of indifference, or if he was feeling generous, he could muster an annoyed glare. But she could tell that something was bothering him.

The night they had shared with the miko displayed more passion and emotion than she had ever thought him capable. But it wasn't directed at her, as she had so often wished for. It was all for the priestess who seemed to be turning his life upside down more and more by the day. After that night, she had vowed to them both that she would not interfere in their relationship. The one he had become so invested in, despite his partner's increasing indifference.

She hadn't spent much time in Kagome's presence since then, but she was perceptive enough to pick up on some glaring changes in the girl over last few days. She had been in the dojo for Sesshoumaru's gruesome match with Jiro, as well as the events that followed. She left before Inuyasha had ordered the crowd to leave, but it had nothing to do with any disgust or embarrassment at witnessing such an act take place.

She was still in love with him. She had made peace with the fact that she probably always would be. And though she would remain true to her word to them, it still caused her great pain. It was bad enough that he was in love with someone else, but the hurt was still so raw that bearing witness to any affection between them seemed like cruelty.

She wouldn't interfere, but she still hoped to prove her loyalty to him as a friend; even though to him, she was most likely only considered a member of his council. Nothing more.

She had something to tell him, and she only hoped he wouldn't incorrectly suspect any ulterior motives.

"We need to talk. May I sit down?" He betrayed nothing, barely offering acknowledgement.

"Do as you please." And she did, taking a seat beside him.

"It's about Kagome." The mention of his girlfriend didn't garner the reaction she had been expecting from him, but silence meant she could proceed.

"She requested an audience with Kouga and I. Apparently, she has convinced Kashi to name her as Heir to The South. She is demanding our support."

She doubted he was aware. Kagome had asked that they keep their meeting a secret, and she knew there was no way he would be on board with her new found aspirations. She was supposed to represent The West now; supposed to be his largest supporter. But from the meeting she had just had with the girl, it was clear that her ambitions had little to do with the demon lord.

She expected him to be angry. Surprised. Confused. Anything other than this. He had allowed an anguished look across his beautiful features that just seemed so wrong on him. It was almost like he had been expecting something like this from her, and the conformation was a terrible blow.

"Does she have your support?" he asked quietly, unsuccessfully trying to keep his pain in check in the presence of another.

"Is that what you want?"

"Of course not."

"Then why is she doing this?"

He had been keeping his predicament on a very need to know basis. But it had been a strain on him. Without Kagome available to help ease his burden, he was eager for a sympathetic ear; so he decided to let her in.

"My youki now runs through her veins. It appears to be influencing her to show dominance. To rule. It is all she cares for now."

Understanding dawned on her as she registered his confession. She had heard rumors of youki being able to take over the senses of the humans that were hosting it. But she had never actually seen the effects in action until this point.

Sesshoumaru was the most powerful being she had ever known. It would be difficult for any other demon to withstand his power. She couldn't imagine what it must be like for a human.

"If any of us were to challenge her, we would lose. She seems to know this," she informed him. His helpless expression hit its zenith in his eyes.

"But I will withhold my support, if that is what you wish."

"You would do such a thing?" He finally looked at her then. He had expected that Touran would be more than eager to see Kagome leave his lands. His surprise at her concession was mildly irritating; but the relief it seemed to bring him softened her slightly.

"My loyalties are to you, Sesshoumaru. How long have we known each other?" Her question would go unanswered, but compelled her to lay herself bare. His apparent need for comfort gave her courage.

"Do you remember the day we first met? You probably don't. Why would you? It was probably just another day to you, but not me." A wistful smile graced her lips at the memory of so long ago.

"I will never forget the first time I laid eyes on you. It was love at first sight; even though at the time, I was unaware of the strange emotion," she admitted. "Ever since that day, I was yours. And even though I know we will never be, I still care for you. I trust you. If you do not want her in council, I will voice my rejection. Though I don't know how much good it will do. I cannot speak for the others."

He grabbed her hand with demon speed and urgent haste, causing her to gasp with a start. She felt fear when he clutched it tighter, but hadn't a moment to process or register when his mouth descended on hers in a kiss that expressed gratitude and something else. It wasn't exactly affection. More like desperation. He kissed her as if he needed to. Needed to forget. Needed comfort. It wasn't clear, but she allowed it to deepen as he raised a gentle palm to the side of her face.

This was all she had ever wanted. All she had dreamed for. It took everything she had to pull away. To reject the demon she loved. Made even harder by that rejection registering in his features and alerting him to his slip, bringing him even more pain.

"Sesshoumaru..." she was almost in tears. "I'm sorry. I want to. Kami, you know I do. But I gave you both my word that I would not stand in your way." The weight of his head became too much for his shoulders to bare; so he allowed it to hang as closed his eyes tight.

His moment of weakness had shamed him, and he found himself at a loss as of what to do.

The panther demon was startled at his actions, but pressed forward.

"She must be going through a lot right now. It can't be easy having such powerful youki as yours suddenly overcoming her senses. That she also houses such reiki... I can't imagine what she is feeling."

She took his cheek in her hand this time, persuading him to look at her again.

"You love her. I know you do. Just give her some time," she forced a smile as she pleaded with him, on Kagome's behalf. "She is strong. She will get it under control, I am sure of it." She had never seen the demon lord in such a helpless state, and was compelled to do her best to reassure him.

"The Western Lands are having some growing pains right now. So is she. And I am very confident that both will endure. She will come around." She stood to leave him then, while she still could. But she had an afterthought that she could not prevent herself from voicing.

"But if she doesn't... Come find me. I fear that I will not have the strength to deny you a second time."

She turned to make her exit; but as she did, his voice stopped her progress.

"Your hair was up." He was looking at the ground in front of him, but was likely aware of the confusion plastered on her features.

"What?"

"Mioko came to watch father compete in tournament, here at the fortress. She brought you along." Eyebrows lifted as realization dawned on her, and she could only listen as he continued.

"Father defeated a tiger demon named Hao in six moves." He spoke softly as he recalled.

"You sat three seats to my left. You were wearing a yellow kimono, with a purple sash, and a white pattern on your shoulders." He finally turned to look at her, and she was floored by the sincerity shining in his eyes.

"And your hair was up."

He remembered.

Tears were threatening to fall, and she found she couldn't speak; for she knew her voice would crack. She only placed her palm above her breast; to calm her heart, and as a sign of her thanks. She offered him a smile, and left him alone in the gardens.