Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any other characters (except Katsurou).

Swear

Kagome sighed in defeat. Tears slowly rolled down her face. What would have Inuyasha thought? Would he have hated her for her decision?

She wiped away her tears quickly.

"Alright, Sesshoumaru-sama, I consent to it, but first I need your word. Swear to me, that you will not harm him or abuse your rights over him. I will not stand by idly while you make him some kind of pawn in your political schemes."

"This Sesshoumaru swears."

Kagome continued. "Also, I must retain my rights as his parent. I have the final say when it comes to how he will be raised."

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "I will agree to that, miko, but I ask that you respect my wishes as his adoptive father."

Kagome frowned. "That sounds...reasonable." She crossed her arms over her chest. "Well, if we are going to be co-parents, then you have to quit calling me miko. My name is Kagome."

"Hn."

Sesshoumaru stood. He deftly untied his armor and set it on the ground. He held out his hand to her. She looked at him cautiously. He waited patiently.

She tentatively put her hand in his.

He pulled aside the left lapel of his haori, exposing his chest. He gently tugged her closer to him. He placed her hand on his chest over his heart.

Kagome looked bewildered. What in hell was he doing? She could feel his warm skin, and the soft thump of his heart. She felt her cheeks flush. She had not touched anyone this intimately since Inuyasha had died.

"Let it be known to all. This Sesshoumaru vows on his title as Lord, his lands, his family, and ancestors, that he will take responsibility for his nephew, Katsurou. I vow to never abuse the relationship between us. I will teach him as his Alpha should, but I will treat him as my own son." He looked down at Kagome. His golden eyes met her sad, blue, watery eyes. He could hear her heart racing, and see a flush of pink creeping up her neck. He couldn't help wondering how beautiful she would be once she became well again.
He realized then, how close, and personal they were getting. Kagome watched as his eyes studied her intently. Slowly, before she could observe it, Sesshoumaru had let down his guard. His sincerity showed openly on his face. He placed his right hand over her own on his chest.

"This Sesshoumaru, also vows to protect the Shikon Miko, Kagome, and to respect her wishes as Katsurou's mother." He declared.

Kagome felt the truth in his words. His words resounded around them with a sense of finality.
His youkai flared bright and surrounded Kagome. His youki crawled down her arm and slowly spread across her body. She felt no pain at the intrusion, but rather a soft warmth. Her reiki swirled about, intermingling with his youki. Sesshoumaru felt her reiki seeping into his body. The familiar pleasant tingling sensation spread outward from his chest.

Her hand on his chest glowed brightly, then quickly spread to cover them both in a bright light. In a quick flash, it had subsided.

"It is done."
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