Dating?

Kagome's heart hurt after hearing Manako's story. She could understand why Izayoi would not give up her child. She would have never given up Katsurou. Yet she could also understand why it upset Manako to be denied. She thought that Izayoi should have given him to her for the better future she would have given Inuyasha.

"You would have treated him as equally as Sesshoumaru-sama?" Kagome asked.

"No. I expect much more from my first-born heir. His responsibilities would not have been the same as Inuyasha's. Despite what you may believe, I would have cared for him as my own. His mother would not let me teach him the life skills he so desperately needed."

"I...had no idea." Kagome stared blankly.

"I am not a villain in your story. As his grandmother, I wish to help raise Katsurou and teach him the things that I was not able to impart to his father."

Kagome wanted to believe her, but she still had questions. "Inuyasha's mother did not live long, and left him alone at a very young age. Why didn't you help him then?"

Manako ran a finger around the rim of her cup. "Did he not have his human family? Izayoi continued living a life of privilege, so she must have had relatives who could have cared for him. Why didn't they rescue him? Hm?"

Kagome opened her mouth to answer, but realized she was right. Inuyasha had been abandoned by both sides of his family.

"I will admit I was very prideful. She refused my help, so I turned a blind eye to the whole situation." Sesshoumaru's mother explained.

Kagome gripped the fabric of her kimono in her lap. "Inuyasha was just a child. He had no say in anything of this, yet he was the only one hurt by it."

"He was not the only one affected by our actions! I could have just killed them both and rid myself of any obligations. Yet, I did not. Others called me generous for letting them live, especially when I failed to bring the child home. Here is a lesson to you about our family structure." Manako leaned in to look her in the eyes. "You could say pack is family, but it is more than that. A strong pack ensures our survival. Touga and I had made a pack with our son, and while my mate was allowed to have more females, he should have consulted with me. The new female should add new strength to our pack, should help our pack grow. Instead he hid her from me, because she was human and weak."

Kagome cut in, "You are not convincing me that you have no problem with humans."

Manako narrowed her eyes. "Izayoi was weak minded, miko. He made brought another female into our pack without our consideration. Touga dishonored her by not bringing her to live with us. It wasn't until later that I realized Izayoi had no desire to be a part of our pack. She could not stand living with youkai, but would gladly spread her legs for one!"

Manako's words were harsh, but Kagome was starting to understand why.

She felt bad for both women involved. The demoness grabbed her hand, startling her.

"We could sit her all day and discuss what ifs. What Touga, Izayoi, and I should have done differently in order to avoid Inuyasha's fate, but that wouldn't get us anywhere. I can't change the past, but I can change the future. Katsurou will not share the same fate as his father. He will be cared for by his pack. He will grow to be a great warrior and learn to take care of himself. I swear to you, that as part of his pack, I will devote my life to him."

Tears fell from Kagome's cheeks before she could stop them. She so fervantly wanted to believe every word the demoness said.

Manako dropped her hand, and looked away from her. It was so unusual to see tears from someone who was not a child. Are all humans this emotional?

"I fully accept you into our pack, because you are not weak. You will bring strength to our pack, family, and kingdom. I will instruct you in our ways so that you will not share the same fate as Izayoi."

Kagome felt in awe of Manako's words. She felt her sincerity, but she still felt a small measure of distrust. Was she being honest with her? She would have to ask Sesshoumaru about it. When had she begun to trust him so completely? She had to qualms about putting her life in his hands.

She wiped her face with the back of her hand, embarrassed for show of emotion.

"Now that we have this understanding, we need to discuss your manners." Manako started.

The miko frowned. No one likes being told they need manners.

"Now, now miko..."

"My name is Kagome, please use it."

Manako gazed blankly at her for a moment, deciding her next words. "Very well, Kagome. Your manners might be wonderful by human standards, but by youkai standards, you are a walking insult."

Kagome pursed her lips together and frowned.

"Do not be so easily offended. That is why we are here. I am to help you."

The miko closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "You're right. Thank you."

The powerful demoness daintily held her sleeve back and she poured herself another cup of tea.

"Lesson one: be careful of whom you share your affections. Typically, any light touching, hand holding, or embracing is considered flirtatious, and could be seen as a desire to court. Keep in mind that familiar touching is to be reserved for pack and family. When you are formally introduced to another noble, simply bow graciously, and avoid eye contact. Looking certain youkai in the eyes could be seen as aggressive or a challenge, particularly with females. Keep in mind, that when visiting a noble in their own home," Manako paused to give her a pointed look, "to keep your energy coiled tightly around you, even if their power beats down on you, just bear it. Remember this is not an act of submissiveness, just courtesy."

Kagome put a finger to her chin, thinking. "I can see how rude I was when first met you."

Manako hummed in agreement and folded her arms into her sleeves.

"You mentioned courting? What is that exactly? Oh, wait, is it like dating?"

Manako stared at her, unsure of her odd choice of wording.

"You don't know what that means." Kagome rubbed her head. "You know where you get to know someone before you agree to marry...uh mate them?"

"Yes, that would be courting. Between nobles it can be a very serious matter. Alliances are very important, and arranged marriage typically forms the needed bond between allies."

Kagome immediately thought back to how many times she had touched Sesshoumaru and how intimate that must have been for him. Who was she kidding? Even for her modern standards, they had been very intimate. Oh no, if judging by youkai standards, she must have seemed very forward with Kohaku. It's no wonder that Sesshoumaru seemed so uncomfortable during the meeting. It wasn't just her either; Rin happily threw her arms around him. Knowing what she knew now, she wondered if Rin did all that on purpose. Did this mean Sesshoumaru was jealous? Surely not, no way would he feel that way about her…right?

Manako watched with interest as Kagome's face turned red.

"Are you thinking of my dear son, Kagome?"

Kagome waved her hands in front of her body. "N…No, nothing like that!"

"LIAR!" Manako shouted and pointed at her. "Lesson number two: most youkai can smell when you are lying!"

Her face burned and she covered her face with her hands. Sesshoumaru's mother sat back in her furs, looking like a cat who ate the canary.

"Ah, so refreshing…young love. I take it you have starting dating my son?" Manako's eyes gleamed with interest.

Kagome's eyes grew wide. "No!"

"So scandalous!" Manako admonished, giving her a sly knowing look.

"We are not courting or dating or anything else! He said that others will assume we are, but I had the choice."

"Ah, so, he did not ask you to court him?"

The miko fiddled with the hem of her sleeve. "Uh…no."

Manako pouted. "He's so unromantic!" Then her expression brightened. "Oh, but you could ask him!"

Kagome covered her face again and groaned at her predicament.

His mother laughed and clasped her hands together. "This is going to be so much fun!"