Sorry

Shippo's eyes shot open, mouth gasping for air.

"Shippo!" He heard someone's voice call him but it seemed so far away.

What happened? Where was he?

The bright light of sunshine filled the room from open windows, making his eyes water. After re-adjusting his body, he deduced he was in a bed with a heavy blanket over him. An overwhelming smell of burnt wood and smoke covered him so much that he couldn't figure out who exactly was in the room with him. He tensed, worried that it might be snakes that held him hostage once more.

The tenseness left as small, gentle hands touched him. Who? His mind and body seemed slow to process his surroundings; the bright light blurred his vision and lack of smell only added to it. He turned his head to his right and a concerned face came into view.

"Shippo. Shippo? Can you hear me?" The soft hands caressed his cheeks as a mother would. A warmth spread across his cheeks from her fingertips sending butterflies directly to his stomach.

"Don't." A harsh voice commanded and the hands on him stilled, the warm feeling slowly leaving his cheeks.

"Why not? He's obviously confused." The woman said. He knew her from somewhere. It was on the tip of his tongue. Why could he not remember?

"He used so much of his youki to cast that spell that he depleted himself. Don't heal him anymore. It will only tire him of what energy he has left."

"But what if he has a brain injury?" The woman asked, her voice becoming shrill with concern.

The other voice didn't answer.

"Shippo, look at me." The soft voice told him.

Slowly his eyes wandered around the room until they focused on her face.

"Good. Does anything hurt?"

His eyes drooped, exhausted. Hurt? Why would anything hurt?

"Shippo! Stay awake. Do you remember what happened in the forest? Do you remember the snake camp?"

His eyes flew open. His heart pounded in his chest. Clarity washed over him.

"Where is Asako and Haro?!" His eyes darted around the empty room. "Where is Kenta?"

"Shippo, calm down. Focus on me." Kagome said softly.

His eyes found hers again.

"Kagome?"

A smile spread across her face.

"Oh, I'm so happy you're alright! I was worried sick about you." She gushed as she leaned down and kissed his cheeks.

His green eyes blinked several times in confusion.

"The children are fine. You saved everyone."

"What? How did I do that?"

"Sesshoumaru-sama found you chained to the ground. You had..." She paused. "I really don't know what you did...but you killed the captain and started a fire that burned the enemy camp-"

"And forest." Sesshoumaru added.

"Yes, thankfully Sesshoumaru stopped you before you destroyed the entire forest." Kagome said turning to glare at him. The daiyoukai turned his nose up, only to regard her coldly. She rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to Shippo.

"Asako and Haro are with their parents, and Kenta is with his uncle. The village has been reclaimed thanks to you."

The tension in his body left him, and the desperation he felt moments before dissipated.

"I see you found Sesshoumaru-sama." He said to Kagome, while keeping his eyes on the Daiyoukai sitting against the wall.

To his amazement, a small blush appeared on her cheeks. "Yeah, a lot has happened since you last saw me. Sesshoumaru-sama has agreed to help us. He even named Katsurou his heir."

Shippo could not believe his ears. He sat up so he could look at them both. "What? I understand that he might help with controlling Katsurou, but making him his heir?! You can't be serious!"

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at the young kitsune, but held his tongue.

Shippo grabbed her hand, pointing at Sesshoumaru. "He tried to kill us on multiple occasions, and you let him have your son?! What would Inuyasha think?"

Sesshoumaru stood, no longer tolerating Shippo's tone. "Watch your tongue, kit."

"It's alright. He doesn't understand." Kagome replied, giving Sesshoumaru a look of please let me handle this.

Shippo turned to face Sesshoumaru, his eyes narrowed in anger. "What's in it for you, huh? What do you gain from this? Is it to further gloat over Inuyasha's death?"

"That's enough!" Kagome commanded as she sucked in a breath through her teeth. It would have hurt less if he had just punched her in the gut instead. Guilt that she had worked hard to let go of came roaring back to the forefront of her mind. She quickly stood up and left the room, sliding the door closed behind her.

Sesshoumaru moved closer to Shippo. The last thing he needed was this child reminding Kagome of what she lost. He didn't need others telling her that he wasn't trustworthy. That he wasn't Inuyasha. He sneered as the mouthy kitsune looked up at him with concern.

"Consider yourself lucky. It would upset her if this one maimed you."

Shippo gave a small toothy smirk. "As if you care."

"This Sesshoumaru cares, the question is: why do you not?"

"I love Kagome. She's my family and she's always been there for me. I'm trying to look out for her." Shippo retorted, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Why do you think so lowly of her?"

Shippo stared at the door she left through. "I think the world of Kagome!"

"Do you not think she can think for herself?" Sesshoumaru pointed out.

"Of course I do..." Shippo grumbled.

"Then act like it." Sesshoumaru said moving towards the door.

Shippo suddenly felt very small when he thought of all the cruel things that had just come out of his mouth. He had intended to hurt Sesshoumaru…but his plan had done the opposite. "I should apologize, huh?"

"Hn."

Shippo watched as Sesshoumaru walked out the door. Did...did he just have a conversation with the cold daiyoukai?

He fell backward on the futon with a thump. He lifted his right arm to inspect it. His arm had been broken, but now smooth skin covered where the bone had broken through. Squeezing his fist, he could still feel a bit of weakness in his arm. Kagome must have healed him.

Shippo groaned and closed his eyes. He had been a huge jerk.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

A few days after the snake's defeat, the village decided it would celebrate their victory and their hero, Shippo.

After resting in bed for a whole day, Shippo was just getting back on his feet. He had not seen Kagome since she had left his room the day before, and was eager to speak with her. Unfortunately, everyone was determined to speak with him.

He was stopped eight times before he even made it out of the inn. When he got to the street, it got even worse.

"Ah! There's our hero!" Someone shouted at him. Others approached him and patted him on the back. It was utterly bewildering especially since he didn't even mean to set the snake camp on fire.

He had only made it half-way down the street before he asked with exhaustion, "Have you seen the miko and Sesshoumaru-sama?"

The kitsune woman talking to him paused in her ramble. "Oh! I believe I saw them on the street over. They're eating in the restaurant."

"Thanks!" Shippo said quickly and darted away from her. As he walked, he used his youki to disguise himself, hoping to not get stopped again. This newfound fame was killing him.

Fortunately, his trick worked as he ducked through an alleyway, cutting his way to the street over. Sesshoumaru's voice drifted to him over the sound of the crowd.

"You need to eat."

Shippo stopped just outside the restaurant so he could listen. Spying wasn't his objective, but...

Kagome stirred her steaming bowl of noodles with her chopsticks. "I'm trying alright? My stomach doesn't feel well."

Sesshoumaru sat the table across from her wearing an irritated look. "You have been staring at your food as if you were going to divine the future from it."

Shippo frowned. Why did Sesshoumaru have to be such an asshole about it?

Kagome set her chopsticks down with a sigh. Guilt gnawed at her insides.

"You're upset at what the kit said to you."

"His name is Shippo and yes, it unsettled me." She admitted.

Sesshoumaru actually looked offended. "Do you regret your decisions regarding Katsurou? Have I not seen to your health and needs?"

"Of course not! You...have been wonderful to us. It's just...He had a point. I can't imagine that Inuyasha would be too pleased with..." She lowered her eyes, giving him a look, "...you know."

Sesshoumaru gave her a blank stare. "Our affair or the raising of your child?"

Kagome blushed and covered her face with her hands.

Shippo's eyes widened. Did he just hear what he thought he did? What did Sesshoumaru mean by "our AFFAIR"?

Sesshoumaru stood up from the table, startling Kagome.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, I didn't mean to offe..."

He strode out of the restaurant before she could finish.

Shippo watched with growing anxiety as the powerful daiyoukai walked out of the restaurant and made his way directly towards him. Maybe he didn't recognize him, but...Sesshoumaru wasn't dumb.

The young kitsune turned to flee, but Sesshoumaru was quicker. He grabbed the boy by the back of his collar and lifted him in the air. His cold amber eyes bored into his. "This Sesshoumaru does not appreciate eavesdroppers."

"I'm sorry! I was on my way to find Kagome to apologize!"

"Drop your youki." He commanded. Shippo hastily followed his order. Sesshoumaru turned around and carried him back into the restaurant.

Kagome stood up. "Shippo! Sesshoumaru-sama, what are you doing? Put him down."

Sesshoumaru tossed the young boy into his vacated seat at the table. "Tell her."

Shippo looked beyond embarrassed. "Hey...Kagome."

"What's going-" Kagome started, but stopped as an older kitsune paused by the table to slap Shippo on the back.

"Ah hungry now, hero? Get whatever you like, it's on me!"

"Shippo-san! Have you met my daughter?" Another youkai approached the table.

Sesshoumaru's eyebrow twitched.

"Everyone get out." The lord commanded. Everyone in the restaurant seemed to pause for a brief second, before making a mad dash out of the venue. The dishes rattled on their table at the thundering of stampeding feet. Kagome blinked at the sudden exodus leaving only the three of them.

Shippo looked sheepish. "I'm apparently popular here."

Kagome laughed. "It appears so."

Sesshoumaru took a seat at a different table away from them.

Shippo fidgeted, feeling the daiyoukai's stare at the back of his head. "I'm sorry, Kagome. I shouldn't have said what I did."

Kagome stared at her untouched bowl of udon without reply.

"Look, I was an asshole. I shouldn't have said that stuff about Inuyasha."

Kagome gave a weak smile. "It's alright,Shippo."

He reached across the table to take her hand. "No, it's not. I, of all people, should have some understanding of your mourning. It was incredibly callous of me to bring him up."

A large painful lump formed in Kagome's throat. When would she be able to think of him without feeling like she was drowning in despair and guilt?

"That's not all. Tell her what you were doing." Sesshoumaru intoned from across the room.

The young teen shrugged. "I apologized. I don't know what else you want me to tell her."

An apple flew across the room and beaned him in the back of the head.

"OW!" Shippo cried out, clutching his head.

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Kagome chastised him. The daiyoukai didn't look remorseful at all, only as if he were inspecting the rest of the apples in the bowl in front of him to use next.

"Okay, okay. Look, I disguised myself to make it across town without everyone trying to talk to me. When I got here, I may have overheard you talking..."

Kagome narrowed her eyes at him.

Shippo heard the tell tale sound of Sesshoumaru picking up another piece of fruit. He ducked his head. "Is it true you are courting Sesshoumaru?"

Kagome's face turned bright red. "No...yes..." Her eyes left the imploring look of Shippo to the dark amber eyes of Sesshoumaru, who merely regarded her. No doubt he was interested in what she would say.

"Well which is it?" Her adopted kitsune asked.

"I don't know. We're are not officially courting." She answered honestly. "My feelings toward Sesshoumaru have changed since I have gotten to know him. Simply, we have a relationship and I care about him a lot. The rest is none of your business."

Shippo sat with his mouth agape. "What?! What do you mean it's not my business?! What if he hurts you?"

Kagome sighed. "Everyone has to take that chance in a new relationship."

Shippo pursed his lips together and said nothing. What could he say? She had obviously made up her mind. He knew that she was going to ask Sesshoumaru for help, but he would have never dreamed that they would get close. Had the world gone mad?

"Kagome...I need time to process all of this. I just...don't know." Shippo stammered as he rose to stand.

"Shippo, wait." Before Kagome could reach out, Shippo ran out of restaurant, pulling his weak magic around him to disguise himself.

Why did he feel so...betrayed?

He didn't make it ten paces down the street before a large clawed hand grabbed him and yanked him into the air.

"Hey! Let me go!" He yelled.

"Ah ha! I've been looking all over for ya, son." A gruff, but friendly voice said.

Shippo stopped kicking and throwing his arms around for a moment to actually look at who had grabbed him. A tall, muscular, bear youkai held him. The bear's dark brown shaggy hair was cut in uneven lengths to his shoulders, the ends naturally flipping outward to give him a more gruff appearance. A short, trimmed beard accentuated his strong jaw, giving his face a strong look, but despite that, his eyes were a bright and sunny blue: a shade that reminded Shippo of river water. He wore a black leather chest piece over his kimono top, and brown fur pelt hung from his shoulders down his back.

"Who are you?" Shippo demanded.

"Where were you running off to? Don't you know it's rude to leave in a rush like that?" The huge youkai threw him over his forearm and carried him back towards the restaurant.

"Put me down!" Shippo yelled just as the youkai threw open the door.

Kagome brought a noodle to her mouth, before pausing as a large shadow blocked the sunlight from the door frame.

"Hello! I think I caught your kitsune for you." A large youkai announced bringing Shippo into the restaurant once more. The kitsune in question scowled so deeply, his chin had dimples.

Sesshoumaru eyed the bear youkai, and crossed his arms over his chest.

"He can go."

"I'll let him go in a minute. I just wanted a word with y'all."

Kagome set her chopsticks down, giving him her full attention.

"My name is Kumotaro. I am Asako's and Haro's father." A broad smile covered his face.

Shippo looked up at him with awe. "Wow, Asako-san didn't exaggerate."

Now that it didn't seem like young teen would take off again, Kumotaro set him down. He kneeled to be at eye level with Shippo, placing a heavy paw on his shoulder.

"Son, I owe you a great debt for saving my children. If there is anyway I could be of help to you, let me know. I am your ally." The bear said solemnly.

Shippo nodded numbly. "Uh...sure."

"Actually, there's a way you could help us out, Kumotaru-san." Kagome said nicely.

Kumotaro clapped his hands together, standing to his full height once more. "Alright. How may I be of service?"

"Would you mind escorting Shippo to the kitsune Yuudai clan, south of the Western fortress tomorrow?"

"It would be an honor. I am taking my family deeper into the territory as well." The bear said as he bowed.

"Now, wait a minute! I wanted to go with you." Shippo said to Kagome.

Her blue eyes saddened for a moment. "I'm sorry Shippo. We are heading towards the enemy line. I would rather you go back to the kitsune clan where it's safe.. I know Asaji-san is worried about you."

"I'm not weak! I could be helpful."

Sesshoumaru moved to his side. "You are strong, however you are untrained. You have potential to be great. You lack guidance. Your uncontrollable fox fire in the forest is a prime example of that."

Shippo frowned in obvious disappointment.

"I will see to it that you get combat experience, and not just magical tutorage." Sesshoumaru promised.

The defiant teenager crossed his arms across his chest. "Alright, fine."

Kagome stood, stepping away from the table to wrap her arms around Shippo.

"I'm so proud of you, and how strong you have become."

"Thanks, Kagome." He said wrapping his around around her midsection, his cheeks flushing from her praise.

"Well if we are done here, I believe it is time to party!" Kumotaro announced cheerfully.

Shippo groaned.

"Come on, son. You're the town hero! Enjoy yourself today." The big bear placed his hand on his shoulder, ushering him out the door.

Kagome sat back down at the table, and began eating her noodles. Unfortunately the soup had gotten cold, but it didn't matter.

Sesshoumaru sat across from her, resting his chin in his hand as he leaned on the table.

"Well, that could have gone better." Kagome said between slurps.

Sesshoumaru only gave an amused huff.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Kagome and Sesshoumaru stood back away from the crowd. The party was in full swing in the city square, and Shippo was the main event. The merchant stalls that only a few days prior had been destroyed, were all repaired and gleaming with wares to be sold. Some villagers were on a makeshift stage playing instruments, others dancing wildly. No matter what activity a villager was engaged in, everyone stopped to thank Shippo and wish him good fortune. Many offered him goods or tried to arrange an eventual marriage to their daughters. Poor Shippo seemed to resist the attention at first, but once drinks started flowing, he seemed to ease up a bit and enjoy himself.

"I'm surprised you aren't joining in." Sesshoumaru commented, looking down at the beautiful miko at his side.

"I don't feel like celebrating. This doesn't feel like a victory." Kagome said turning her attention from Shippo's crowd surfing to Sesshoumaru's steady gaze. "This was just one enemy camp. There's bound to be more, especially the closer we get to the edge of your territory." She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "I feel restless. Not to mention, all this cheering is starting to give me a headache. I hate to say it, but...can we go? We have more work to do, and now is not the time to be partying."

"What about the kit?"

Kagome rubbed her temples. "I'll leave him a note. I don't think he's too pleased with me right now anyway."

Sesshoumaru said nothing for a moment. It was a relief to know that she would continue on to the border with him. He had assumed that she would want to spend more time with the kit, and apart of him has been nervous that she would decide to stay behind. Obviously, his fears were for not and she felt the same way he did. It would take a few more days of travel to reach the border, and the sooner he got rid of the snakes the better. This was but a small victory, and much larger battles waited for them in the future. He itched to secure his lands again. Perhaps his miko was bloodthirsty and longed for battle.

"Let us go somewhere more private," he said, his voice growing low as he strode away from the crowd. The thought of Kagome in the midst of battle fighting by his side stirred something within him.

"Alright," she replied, following him away from the crowd towards buildings. Her cheeks flushed from the tone of his voice. Where had that come from? She followed him toward a small alley between two buildings, it was dark and definitely quiet. No one would see them from here. Her heart beat in her chest. Is this what he thought she had meant? She definitely was not going to protest...

"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked, reaching out to him in the darkness when his mouth covered hers. His kiss was demanding, and robbed her of breath. Kagome bumped backward into a building, her back pressing against the brick as she kissed him back. She moved her hand to touch his face, when he grabbed it and held it in place above her head. Her growled softly at her attempts to move closer to him. When he moved from her swollen red lips, she gasped and pushed her body against his. She was so responsive to even his light touches. He yearned to taste more of her. To his luck, she wore her traveling hakama and kimono top; a kimono would only slow him down. With his free hand he pulled at her collar and juban until the top was wide open. To his disappointment, she had wrapped and bound her breasts, which while important for battle, it was not helpful to his motives. His hand skimmed over her chest; his claws hovering over the binding.

"Don't you dare. It's not like a bra that I could just put it back on- Ahh..."

He squeezed her breast, enjoying her reaction. Moving from her chest, his hand traveled over the smooth planes of her stomach.

With a quick yank on the ties of her hakama, her pants became loose. Kagome's heart raced as she felt his hand slide further south. His clawed fingers trailed through her soft black curls before finding her most intimate spot. She let out a moan, pushing her hips against his hand. He leaned in again and kissed down her neck, biting and nipping as he went. His fingers moved a bit and finally sank into her heat.

"Sess-!" She hissed against him. Her hand clutched his bicep as her knees trembled. He pulled away from her neck to assault her lips once more. He slowly removed his fingers to press them against her clit. He let go of her hand in order wrap an arm around her waist as her back arched in pleasure.

After only a moment, in a most glorious display of beauty, her whole body tensed and she cried out, tossing her head back. Sesshoumaru could no longer deny that he wanted more of her, but... no was not the time. He would not take her in a back alley. Kagome's eyes opened and focused on him. Her lips were swollen, and her face was flushed. Her neck bore a mark from his attentions. Her clothing had been wrenched apart, exposing her to his eyes. It pained him to stop. She was his.

Kagome felt great. It had been so long since she had had any physical love from a man. Her heart pounded, and she felt the adrenaline rush from it all. She thought she would feel embarrassed, but rather instead...

Keeping his eyes on her, Sesshoumaru brought his hand to his mouth and licked his slick fingers clean. He stepped away from her, subtly righting his own clothing.

"Let's go." He said turning from her to leave the alley.

Kagome's mind derailed. "Wait! What?!" She looked down at her jumbled clothing. "Gimme a second!"

In a haste she tucked her kimono in to her hakama, and re-tied the her pants. She jogged after him, pulling her kimono tighter around her as she went. She settling into a quick stride just slightly behind him.

She didn't even have time to process what just happened. Did he really? Oh god, he did.

She fanned her flushed face with her hand. "Holy hell, that was hot." Kagome mumbled.

Sesshoumaru said nothing, but a small corner of his mouth raised ever so slightly in a smirk.

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Author's Note: Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks again to my wonderful beta reader Saruwarui. She finished her own fic, so go check it out!