Part 8: Unforeseen Developments

A/N: Dear readers, apologies for the late update. I hope the exciting developments in this chapter will make up for the long wait.

Thank you for reviewing:

MeliHP

Maria-Reynne

MidniteHearts

Reesexxoo (Glad you're enjoying the story. Kagura is about to get herself in trouble, and this chapter will be full of the consequences of her actions.)

Flareup4Ratchet (I'm glad you're loving the story. Always nice to meet other Sessh/Kagura shippers.)

Kagura's #1 fan (Sorry about the cliffhangers. If you thought the last chapter was emotional, you will love this one.)

Disclaimer: No matter how much I wish for it, I unfortunately own nothing except my plot, and a few OC's here and there.

I jumped out of my feather, and shrunk it before placing it back safely in my bun. I did not have the access code of the building, nor the key to the penthouse apartment, so I had gone with another alternative. I had flown up to the balcony and touched down on the terrace. I took a minute to appreciate the view from up there. The high vantage point gave me quite a lovely view of the sleeping city. Naraku and his son did know how to live well. Assholes.

After taking a steadying breath, I turned to focus on the glass pane door. I could see all the lights were off. I smirked. As I had guessed Hakudoushi was not there. I took out my trusty new fan, and with a gentle flick of my wrist broke the handle. I was relieved no alarms rang. In the blink of an eye, I slipped inside. I stumbled in the dark, until I found a light switch to flick on. I headed down the hallway, I remembered the layout of the penthouse fairly well, and knew what room I had to go to in order to find the scabbard. I remembered how back when I had first seen it, I had wondered why Hakudoushi would keep an empty sheath hung on his wall. My dear brother favored using a long curved naginata, which did not fit with a sword scabbard, which made the presence of the sheath even more odd. Getting it off the wall, and bringing it to Sesshoumaru would be child's play. Once the evidence would be safely in his hands, he would bring it to the other Lords, and see to Naraku's demise.

I wanted to bring about Naraku's end as quickly as possible. Mom and I's freedom depended on it. I also wanted to help Sesshoumaru by giving him the closure he so wanted and needed. My heart still ached thinking about his earlier revelations.

I reached the end of the hallway, and stepped into the small bare room. I turned on the lights and let out a string of loud curses. I was too late. The wall was empty. The scabbard had been moved. Well that had been a useless excursion. I sighed in disappointment. Time to go home and start to plot another plan.

I suddenly felt the wind stir behind me, and stiffened. This was a warning. Someone was here. I was in trouble. I turned around, eyes wide in shock. I had been found. This was no good.

"Well, well, well. Kagura. What a surprise to find you here."

He pulled out his weapon of choice. I raised my fan in answer. Despite the sweet tone of his voice, I knew he did not have anything nice planned for me. The maleficent pull of his youki and cruel smile on his lips let me know I was in serous trouble. I just hoped I would survive this encounter.

My head was spinning. My heart ached. Tears blurred my vision. The entire journey had been a blur, but thankfully my trusted feather knew how to get me home without needing me to steer it. I stepped off of my locomotion device, and barely took the time to get it back in my hair before I ran up the front steps, and barged through the front door. Man was I lucky it was not locked up this time.

Only once I was safely inside the warm foyer did I stop shaking violently. I finally felt safe. My mind was too clouded to think about what or where to go. My feet took me to a room I knew all too well, Sesshoumaru's study. Even if my trail of thoughts was still jumbled, my instincts knew what or rather who I needed. The sun was rising, Sesshoumaru and his team would be huddled in his office debriefing after their nightly activities. I knew every night they had to work, they met up to talk things over before heading up to bed. I had never of course assisted to one of the private meetings, but during the weeks I had spent in Sesshoumaru's mansion I had become quite familiar with the comings and goings of everyone.

Except for my first day at the Tashio house when I had snooped all around the place, never had I dared enter Sesshoumaru's private office without being first invited there by him. This time I could care less, I turned the knob and rushed inside.

Sure enough the three men I expected to see where seated around the desk of the Lord of the West.

"Good God!" Miroku jumped to his feet, and headed towards me.

"None of it is hers." Inuyasha reassured his friend after taking a deep inhale. "It seems like..."

I was too lost in my own thoughts to piece together what they were saying. Everything was blurry. I felt like I was about to throw up and couldn't breathe. The room was spinning faster and faster.

Warm hands suddenly appeared on my shoulders, and anchored me. I had not heard him or seen him approach me, but I recognized his touch. His comforting presence made me raise my head. I met a pair of beloved golden eyes.

"Kagura." He spoke after a long pause. "Whose blood is this?"

At hearing Sesshoumaru's question I followed his gaze, and looked down and saw my white dress was drenched in brown drying blood. My hands were caked in the substance, and I could now even feel some droplets on my face. I gasped in shock. A part of my brain that was working still, had noticed that my usually baggy dress was clinging to my skin and felt warm to the touch despite the freezing night air, but could suddenly not remember what had just occurred. All I knew was that I wanted to run to Sesshoumaru and seek his protection.

"What happened?"

I could not answer Sesshoumaru's question. My tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth and my teeth were clenched shut.

"She seems to be in shock."

I recognized Miroku's voice and understood he was talking about me, but could not quite make out everything that was happening. It was as if I was in a fog. I could hear them, see them, but could not react in turn.

"Damn it." I heard Inuyasha curse before the hanyou headed to the sideboard in his brother's office, then stomping back towards me. He thrust a small glass in my shaking hand. It was Sesshoumaru who helped me bring the amber liquid to my lips, tipped my head back, and forced me to swallow it all.

The burn and smoky taste of the whisky jolted me awake, and the memories came back to me. I tried to scrub the images of the last hour out of my head, but I could not. They came springing forward, and tears sprang to my eyes.

"What happened?" This time Sesshoumaru's question was the trigger I needed to start telling of my ordeal.

"I just wanted to push him away and protect myself. I did not mean to..." I paused and tried to collect my thoughts so I could make more sense. "My new fan is more powerful than I thought. He always underestimated me so he did not protect himself from my wind blade... I sent it, and he did not move out of the way… It just slit his throat." I shuddered, the image suddenly clear in my mind. The second my wind attack had touched the soft skin of his neck, I regretted it, and wanted to take it back, but that had been of no use…once my winds were unleashed, there was no taking them back…

"Blood was gushing everywhere. I tried to help him... I swear I tried… but his head was almost completely severed." Just telling the story made me feel like I was back there again. I could feel it all. The copper smell and bright red color of blood, the warm feel of his blood as I pressed my hand to his wound and tried to stench in vain the flow of his life force spilling out. The way his head hung to the side almost completely detached from his neck. The horrifying gurgling noise coming from his cut throat as his attempts to speak only made the blood gush out faster. The look of horror and accusation in his eyes as he realized he was dying, and there was nothing I could do to prevent it from happening. Fear. Horror. Guilt.

My stomach rolled. I broke away from Sesshoumaru's hold and leaned to the side to throw up. At least I tried to. I had not eaten anything since dinner, so I was reduced to sad pitiful dry heaves. I just remembered how only a few hours ago, I had been sitting down at the dinner table eating noodles with my new friends. The children had been making jokes revolving around Inuyasha's apparent love of ramen and noodles in general. Kagome had complained about her swollen feet and heartburn, and Sango had shyly smiled my way a couple times. Such a simple comfortable family life. It had been in that moment that I had realized I had not only fallen in love with Sesshoumaru, but with the ragtag group he called family, and my determination to help us get rid of Naraku had burned brighter. This was why I had dared to go on my expedition, which turned out to be deadly. In this moment, I would give anything to go back a few hours, and be seated down at the dinner table with Sesshoumaru's family. The stark difference between that idyllic time, and the horror I had just witnessed only made me feel sicker. Only the feel of Sesshoumaru's hand supporting my back and caressing my head helped me stay anchored and sane.

Inuyasha kneeled down close to me. His golden eyes stared up at me, his dog ears flat on his skull. It was the first time I had ever seen him without a scowl. At least while he was talking to me. As far as I knew only Kagome, Shippou and Rin were able to get smiles out of him.

"Wind witch, tell us who attacked you. Who did you kill? We can only help you if you tell us the whole story." The concern clear in his eyes touched me more than any words he could have ever spoken. "Whatever you did, we'll help you."

I had to admit that hearing him lay it all in such simple terms was astonishing. I guess being his brother's enforcer killing came naturally to the hanyou but to me it was still shocking. Before this evening I had never seen a dead body before.

The hanyou took my arm and helped me stand up. I slightly wavered and placed a steadying arm on Sesshoumaru's chest. He kept me upright. I took a deep calming breath and struggled to open my mouth. I looked to my side to Sesshoumaru, and the small nod he sent me gave me strength.

"Hakudoushi. I killed my brother." Speaking the words made me shiver again. My bombshell announcement was met with complete silence; not the reaction I had expected.

"Keh! Always knew you'd be a troublesome woman." Inuyasha sighed. "What did you go and do that?!" Despite his harsh words I could tell he was struggling not to smile.

"Well she's being a good sister in-law." Miroku added, rubbing the back of his head with his hand, a bright smile on his lips. "She just wanted to help you get your revenge faster." He then added with a shrug. Their bantering did not amuse me.

"I don't understand, why are you not..."

"Upset? Angry?" Sesshoumaru supplied to my trailing words. He had removed his hand from my back and I was missing his warmth. "Hakudoushi deserved to die a long time ago."

"I made a vow to kill that little bastard. A few years ago he attacked Kagome. In our business family is off limits and he knows it. It was only because the Lords…" he paused to give his brother a nasty glare "intervened that I did not kill him for hurting her. I always swore that sooner or later I would kill him though. Keh! So Thanks for doing my work."

"Well I guess we should send in the cleaning crew, right boss?" Miroku looked at Sesshoumaru for confirmation. Once he nodded his assent, the young human turned to me, his cellphone already in his hand. "Just let us know where the… attack took place. We can have our clean up crew go in and scrub all proof you were ever there. Naraku will never know."

Naraku. Kami! I had been so focused on getting home safe that I had not even thought about my father, and how he would react to the killing of his only son and heir apparent. This was enough to make me feel sick all over again. I was done for. Naraku would kill me, and kill my mother too. He would make it slow, and make it hurt. I needed to get out of here. Maybe I still had time to get to mom, break her out somehow, and run as far away as possible. Maybe, just maybe we would be able to get far enough for Naraku not to find us.

My reeling thoughts were cut short when Sesshoumaru placed both hands on the side of my face, forcing me to stare right in his eyes. I felt comforted. I placed my hands over his, ignoring the dried blood covering them. I did not want to lose his touch.

"Whatever you are thinking, cease immediately. You have nothing more to fear. As long as you are under my protection, nothing will happen to you." His reassuring words, and unusually gentle tone he used moved me. "We can only help you if you are honest with us. Now tell us, where did you see Hakudoushi?"

I took a deep breath before answering. I needed to face what I had gone through if only for a few instants.

"Haku owns the penthouse apartment at the Mishima tower downtown. I went there in search of the proof we talked about earlier… He wasn't supposed to be home. I didn't expect him to be. I really did not mean to hurt him."

Sesshoumaru let go of me, and turned towards Miroku. "Get to work."

"Penthouse, Mishima Tower got it". The young human hurried out of the room, his phone already clasped to his ear.

Sesshoumaru then turned his attentions back on me, and took in my appearance.

"Go upstairs and get cleaned up."

"I think I can help with that."

We all turned to see none other than Kagome standing in the doorway. She was wearing a nightgown and her long hair was plaited in a braid. She clearly had just gotten out of bed.

"What are you doing up?" Inuyasha might have barked in annoyance, but by the love in his eyes we could all clearly tell how pleased he was to see his wife.

"You know I don't sleep well without my husband by my side. Besides your son has been playing soccer in there, and kept me up most of the night. I heard some noise, so I thought I should come down, and make myself useful."

She walked up to me, and took a hold of my hand, before dragging me along.

"Sesshoumaru, we're requisitioning your bathroom." She casually threw over her shoulder as she shoved me outside the room.

"Let them sort out this mess while we get you warmed up and cleaned up." She smiled at me as we started going up the staircase. "You're going to love his bathtub. It's huge and has lots of fun massage settings. Inuyasha and I use it sometimes when Sesshoumaru is not around. In fact, I would not be surprised if our baby was conceived in it." That last part had been whispered, probably in fear of Sesshoumaru overhearing.

I hesitated between laughing and shaking my head. That was some serious over sharing. Just a few moments ago I had thought I would never get to smile or laugh again, but sure enough, I was doing both.

Due to Kagome's achy feet, we made it to the entrance of Sesshoumaru's bedroom door slowly. Despite my snooping over the past several weeks, I had not dared intrude in this room so far, not for lack of wanting to. There were just boundaries I would not cross. That was his private sanctum. I had often fantasized about how I would one day get an invitation to step through that door, but being dragged by Kagome while covered in dried blood had never been part of my imaginings.

She flicked on the lights. I barely had the time to appreciate the dark wood massive furniture or beautiful paintings before she pushed me inside the adjoining bathroom.

Despite her now impressive girth, she leaned slightly forward to open the water and fill the tub.

"There you are. You can just pick the soaps and bubbling settings you want. Just throw your dress out the door when you're ready, I'll get rid of it for you. We have excellent staff here, but I doubt even Ama could get the stains out of this dress. You can stay in here and relax as long as you want to. I'll bring you fresh towels and a change of clothes."

As a whirlwind of energy, Kagome moved away from the tub to head out. She suddenly stopped in her tracks to turn towards me.

"I know he is… was your brother, but I am not sorry he is dead. I know I am a miko and I should not rejoice in the death of others, but Hakudoushi was a horrible man, and I don't want you to feel any guilt."

I filed the information of Kagome being a miko away for analysis later on. After the shock of finding out Miroku was an actual monk, this was another surprise. A miko and a hanyou… now I was even more interested to find out how their child would turn out.

"Inuyasha said Hakudoushi attacked you."

"Yes." She took a calming breath. I felt bad for asking her about it when I noticed her hands were shaking. "When Inuyasha and I had first started dating he had warned me about the family business, and how it could be dangerous... but I did not care. I fell in love with him from the first time I saw him. What I did not know was that I had attracted the eye of Hakudoushi; we went to the same school back then. He was not too pleased about my involvement with the brother of his father's enemy, so he cornered me one evening after school, and attacked me. He claimed after the facts he was just trying to talk to me, but that was a lie, he tried to sexually assault me."

She swallowed, the pain and fear clearly still present in her mind. "I used my miko energy to repel him, then Inuyasha came along and kicked his ass. I'd never seen him so angry. He swore that if Hakudoushi ever got close to me again, he would kill him. That's why I never told him about the threats Hakudoushi has been sending to me for the past couple years. He would always tell me he would come for me when Inuyasha would not be paying attention, and he would finish what he had started."

Kagome walked back to me, and took my hands in hers, giving them a strong squeeze. I did not know if she aimed to comfort me or herself. "Now I feel free. I won't have to watch over my shoulder in fear. I don't have to worry about Mama or grandpa or my little brother ever being in danger either… and that is thanks to you. I am sorry you had to go through something so horrific, but I still want to thank you for giving me freedom."

I felt like a weight had been lifted off my heart. Deep down I knew the death of Hakudoushi had been self-defense, so I had no reason to feel guilty… but knowing I had gotten Kagome peace of mind helped me come to terms with what I had done. I had come to care for her, and despite never having had any real friends, I considered her to be just that. My friend. I cared about her, and knowing she would be feeling relief comforted my feelings. I had no guilt to feel.

I was not kidding myself. I also knew a serious retribution was waiting for me still. No way would Naraku let me live if he found out I had anything to do with Hakudoushi's disappearance. While I might be safely tucked away in Sesshoumaru's mansion, Naraku could easily find a way to rip my heart out from a distance. All he had to do was hurt mom, and he knew I would come out of hiding running.

"Now I will leave you to your bath. I would have offered to scrub your back, but I can barely bend." She happily rubbed her swollen stomach. After one last smile sent my way she exited the room and left me to my thoughts.

Mechanically I undressed myself. I could not hold back a shudder once I slipped off the ruined garment. The sight of my white dress being covered in old blood would stay with me for a long time. I cracked the door opened and threw out my old clothes. I did not care what Kagome would do with them. I just wanted them away from me. I locked myself up in Sesshoumaru's bathroom, unbound my hair, and sunk low in the heavenly water.

I worked to untangle the mess that had become my hair. Somehow some blood had mixed itself with my hair and matted some of it together. The simple action relaxed me. Being surrounded by Sesshoumaru's bath products, and getting to smell him also helped me feel better. It was as if he was holding me in his arms. I decided not to worry overmuch for now. I had to place by fate in Miroku and the abilities of Sesshoumaru's cleaning crew to make it seem as if I had nothing to do with my brother's death. My own life depended on it. If Naraku came to suspect me, then I would find an exit strategy for mom and me. No matter how much I wanted to explore the possibility of staying here with Sesshoumaru, nothing could jeopardize mom and I's life.

The water had gone cold, so I reluctantly got out. I emptied the bathtub, and shuddered in disgust at seeing the red tinge of the water. I rinsed myself and washed my hair one more time. I realized it would take me a while to be able to forget the feeling of Hakudoushi's blood mating my hair together and staining my skin.

I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel and emerged from the bathroom. This had been a long night, and I was ready for some much needed sleep. All I wanted was to crawl into my bed.

I entered Sesshoumaru's dark bedroom, only a small side lamp was on. Despite the darkness I could make out what or rather who was in there, and was shocked to see the master of the house standing there. He was clearly in the process of getting ready for bed. He was wearing a pair of drawstring pants as pajama bottoms, and his shirt was gaping open, giving me the chance to appreciate glimpses of his pale skin and lean torso.

How awkward. Only an hour ago he had held me while I was breaking down and covered in blood. That had been more embarrassing to me than standing in his room half naked. The idea that I had shed my armor and let him peak inside me, and that he had seen my vulnerable side unnerved me.

The intensity in his gaze burned me. Despite the towel I felt like he could see me naked. I needed to get the hell away from there quickly before I embarrassed myself further.

"I'm sorry. Kagome was supposed to bring me some clothes… I'll just get out of your hair." My eyes cast low and my cheeks burning bright red, I hurried past him, or at least tried to. Before I had a chance to make my way out the door, he shot out his hand and grabbed ahold of my arm.

The surprising action caused me to jolt and suck in a sharp breath. I whipped around to face him, and my movement loosened the towel. Before I had a chance to take ahold of it, it fell. Next thing I knew, the piece of cloth was now pooling uselessly around my feet. I was standing next to Sesshoumaru, completely nude. I knew I should feel some measure of embarrassment, but I did not. All I could think about was that I was standing naked in front of the man for whom I had had feelings for over a decade. After the shock and horror I had experienced earlier that day, all I wanted was to feel good, to feel comforted and loved.

I boldly looked up and stared right into his eyes. He just stared back at me, his face its usual blank mask. Before my brain could register what I was doing, I placed my right hand on his chest, right over his heart. I could feel his heartbeat speed up, and I smiled. It was nice to know I was not the only one being affected by this moment. Mr. Ice Block was starting to melt, and I was loving it. I took things up a notch and trailed my hand up until I reached his shoulder. I gently pushed off the bothersome material of his silk top to reveal more of his skin. I was being bold and daring, and to my surprise, he was not rejecting my advances. I tugged down on his sleeves and in the blink of an eye had his shirt off. He was now half naked, and I intended to take full advantage of it.

"Kagura."

This was the only warning I received before he buried his hand in my hair and brought my face up to his. Our lips crashed. I poured all of my love in this one kiss. I did not know if I would ever get to enjoy another one, so I planned on enjoying this thoroughly. Soon our kiss turned passionate and when he pressed, I opened my mouth to let him in. Our tongues met and danced. Our kiss seemed to go on forever, but reluctantly, I had to break it to take in some air.

He cradled my jaw in his hand. His thumb caressed my cheek, his eyes staring straight into mine. I wondered if he was searching for hesitation, well he would find none. I looped my arms around his neck. I wanted another taste of his lips. Soon enough we were kissing again. His hands trailed down my sides, leaving shivers in their wake. He reached in the small space between us to tweak my left nipple. I jolted with surprise and pleasure.

His hands continued their exploration down, until he grabbed and squeezed the back of my thighs, and I knew exactly what he wanted, without him having to speak a word. Not that he would be able to, our mouths were too busy exploring one another. I jumped up and wrapped both my legs around his waist. I clung to him like a vine. Now that I had him, no way was I going to let him go!

Despite the separation of his pajama bottoms, I could feel his growth against the juncture of my thighs. So close to where I wanted him. The fire inside me burned hotter. I ground myself against him. He grunted and confidently walked me to his massive bed. He threw me down on his mattress and wasted no time joining me. Unashamed by my nakedness, I opened my legs wide. I welcomed him when he lay on top of me.

He latched on my left nipple, oscillating between sucking and gently biting. Who knew the feel of fangs could cause so much pleasure. I moaned and arched at every one of his caresses.

"Sesshoumaru."

I felt him slide his pants down his legs. Now our bare skins truly met. He rubbed his length along my seam, torturing me with pleasure. The friction between us was electric. He was so close to where I wanted him. He pressed one more kiss to my lips before holding himself up on his forearms, and looking down on me. He did not speak a word, but I could see the silent question in his gaze. I raised my thighs to cradle his hips and he wasted no time responding to my silent invitation. He raised his hips away from mine and slammed back down, thrusting deep into me.

"Fuck!" I cried out in pain at his intrusion. This hurt a lot more than I had expected. I grit my teeth. No way would I cry out in front of him.

Sesshoumaru brought himself up on his arms once more to stare at me. His silver hair fell down all around me. A curtain sheltering me away from the world. The first rays of sunshine coming in from the crack in the window curtains made it shine like liquid moonlight. Focusing on that kept me from focusing on the pain.

"Kagura."

I could see the shock and incredulity in his eyes. I reached up to gently wipe with a flick of my thumb the frown that appeared between his brows. I did not want his words or interrogations to ruin this beautiful moment. Whatever my future may hold, I would keep this moment in my heart, always. I had waited for it for so long.

He tugged his hips away from mine as if he wanted to leave me. The slight movement caused a stab of pain to ripple through me from where we were now intimately joined. I sucked in a sharp breath.

"Just give me a second to get used to it." I placed my hands on his hides and held on to him. No way was I going to let him go this easily. I had him right where I wanted, and I intended to keep him there.

Sesshoumaru did not speak another word, nor thankfully did he move a muscle. He watched me quietly as we waited for my body to relax. Despite him holding himself over me, we were so close our eyes remained glued to one another and our breaths mingled. I had longed for this moment for so long. My heart clenched in happiness. I did not want him to see my feelings reflected in my eyes, so I closed them and instead raised my lips to kiss his. I sighed in relief when he kissed me back.

The pain finally faded away. I raised my hips and he took it as his cue to thrust deeper. He buried himself to the hilt. I moaned in appreciation. This time all I felt was pleasure.

I felt a bit awkward. My body felt foreign to me, I did not know how to move, or what to do. This seemed and felt much different than what I had ever expected. No alone session or playing with toys had ever prepared me for this. Sesshoumaru seemed to sense my discomfort because he reached down with one hand to guide my hips into moving the way and the pace he wanted them to. Now we were in synch, and it allowed him to thrust even deeper, and that felt amazing. Never had I ever imagined I would ever be this close to him. I threw my head up against the pillows and cried out. Normally I would feel guilty about losing control so completely, but I was currently too far-gone to care.

"Sessh!" My strangled cry had more to do with frustration than pleasure. I was so close. I could feel a delicious pressure building. I had experience something similar in my lonely bed when I played with myself, but nothing as intense as this. As much as I wanted to reach that glorious crest a part of me was terrified of it. I knew once I did nothing would ever feel the same again.

He squeezed one of my breasts before letting his fingers trail all the way down to the place where we were joined. He reached for my pleasure button, and all my sensations were amplified. I had explored that place often enough while alone and thinking about him, but feeling his fingers touching me there, playing with my hidden pearl while he was buried deep inside me was like nothing I had experiences before.

With a flick of his clever fingers, the pressure became too much. The dam broke, and I found myself soaring. A loud cry escaped my throat as I reached my climax. I squeezed him with my legs as I lost control of my body, but he did not seem to care.

Sesshoumaru buried his face on the side of my neck and his thrusting became faster and heretic. After one last deep push, he became completely still. I heard him groan as I felt him release a splash of hot seed deep inside me. He took a few calming breaths before rolling off me, and lying down on the bed next to me. I felt a sense of loss at him leaving me, but my body was still rocked with pleasure waves so I had not been able to utter a sound of protest.

I had a big stupid grin on my face. This had been quite the revelation. I had not expected this to happen, and I had not expected for it to feel this good. I knew nothing would ever feel the same again between Sesshoumaru and I, but I was not sorry.

The room was quiet except for the sound of us both catching our breaths. I stared up at the ceiling wondering what to do. Movies always made after sex etiquette seem so easy. Was I supposed to slither out of his bed? My legs felt like jelly, I felt tingly, sweaty and sticky and to be honest a little sore in places I did not even know could get sore. Since I could not head back to his bathroom for another soak, I would have to contend myself with a shower in the guest bathroom reserved to me. A long hot shower would be nice. Hum Sesshoumaru was quite a vigorous lover, and I had worked up an appetite. I would love a snack and a glass of wine to calm my nerves. Maybe a visit to the kitchen was in order too.

I was about to get out of bed when he turned to his side to look at me intently. I squirmed under his golden gaze. A part of me wanted to reach under us for the covers so I could hide my naked body. It was quite ironic to feel this uncomfortable and nervous after he had just been inside my body. Well he had seen, touched and tasted most of me at this point, so who cared if I flashed him?

"Why me?"

Hum, I was sure he was surprised to find out I had been a virgin.

"Not so much you rather than the opportunity." I boldly lied. "My father always kept me locked up or under surveillance. Even if I had wanted to, none of the men at the mansion are crazy enough to dare try to touch me. "Besides after what happened tonight, I needed some comfort and something good and fun and a reminder that I am alive."

I wondered if he would buy that flimsy excuse, no way was I going to out my feelings right now. He just looked at me silently for a long while.

"Are you recovered?" I was so surprised by his question, it took me a bit to catch its meaning. I wonder why he wanted to know? Did he want me out of his bed that badly? I stared back at him, and did my best to keep a scowl off my face. I sat up, ready to get out of his bed.

"I will take that as a yes." He pushed me back, and rolled over to once more cover my body with his, and I only then realized his question had been an invitation to go for round 2.

He placed a volley of kisses from my ear to my jaw and all thoughts fled my mind. Why had I ever even thought about leaving this bed?

I woke up. No red frilly canopy over my head. I was not disoriented this time around. I knew exactly where I was: in Sesshoumaru's bed. Speaking about the master of the house, I reached a hand over the other side of the bed, and was met by cold sheets. To be honest I did not mind that he had left. In the light of the morning, I was not sure how I would be able to face him.

The previous night had been quite an experience. The man was insatiable, and phenomenal. After I had fallen asleep post round 2, he had reached for me two more times… Okay the second time was after I had spent a good chunk of time purposely rubbing myself against him. He had gotten the hint, and dragged me back under him for some sweet lovemaking. What a brazen hussy I was quickly turning into! Not that I could truly be blamed, the man was as talented as he was gorgeous. He had been able to make my body sing in ways I had never suspected were even possible.

I felt like a truly different person. In the span of one evening I had killed someone, and I had lost my virginity to the man I had secretly been in love with for as long as I could remember. Did it make me a terrible person that I was more scared about the implications of the latter? Now that I had had time to compose myself, I came to realize that I had killed Hakudoushi in self-defense. Of course I had never intended to kill him with my attack, but now that I had, I had no regrets. I had no doubt that I would be dead otherwise. Better him than me. I burrowed my back deeper in the pile of pillows, and breathed in the delicious scent of Sesshoumaru's cologne. I missed him already. I wondered how I could make it so that I would become a guest in this bed once again. I pushed the thought away for now, sure I would figure out soothing soon.

I was sore, sticky and in serious need of a shower. I reluctantly left Sesshoumaru's bed, idly wondering when I would get back in it. I crept over to my room, thankfully I had met no witnesses during my walk of shame in the corridor.

I took a long relaxing shower, and was in the process of putting some clothes on when I heard a commotion coming from downstairs. From the window I could tell the sun was up high. The kids should be in school so the house should be quiet. I could hear voices shouting. Fear gripped my heart. Maybe Naraku had found out what had happened last night and had come for revenge. Bile rose in my throat, but I pushed it down. Whatever came next I would face it. I would draw strength from the loving Sesshoumaru had given me last night. Wrapping my feelings around me like a warm protective blanket, I stepped outside, my fan now firmly clasped in my hand.

To be continued…

A/N: Things are happening at a rapid pace. I'm sure this chapter shocked lots of you, but it lays the foundation for the rest of the story. Let us find out about what is in store for Kagura and how her relationship with Sesshoumaru will be going forward. The next chapter will be named New Paths.