Author's note: Thanks guys for bearing with me while I work on the story. I really have no clue where I want to take all of this. I was originally planning on it being an exact rewrite, but I really wasn't feeling it. So I guess I am turning this into something totally new. Thanks for the reviews. They make me feel all warm and cozy. J

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or it's characters, they are the property of one Rumiko Takahashi. The wobbly plot that is this story is of my own crazy mind. J

Warning: This fanfiction is rated M for mature audiences. There will be lots of lemony goodness and likely some cursing at some point.

Shout Outs: Merlenyn- Thanks for the review! Love the support. To answer your questions, there will be some bigger plot development, but I am building up to some stuff first. I don't want to give too much away. ;)

I will try to include a shout out to everyone who reviews in the future! I love the support.

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I spent lunch in the company of Rin and Hari. I munched quietly on my rice and fish while contemplating this morning's events. I had been stunned into silence at Seshomaru's admission. The first time he had used my name, and it was to say I am intoxicating. Was that really an admission of affection? Seshomaru didn't say much, and he certainly didn't seem open to sharing his feelings often, but was I already breaking him down? It seemed like it was to fast to really be me wearing him down. Was it the bond?

"Kagome-nee-chan!" I felt a small finger poke me in the side as my name was called again.

"Yes, Rin-chan?" I turned to see her smiling up at me. She had lost a tooth a day or two ago and she had been eager to show me her new smile.

"You weren't listening! Seshomaru-sama is having a festival this coming week to celebrate the full moon! Yuna, my tutor, told me the moon is the Inu's symbol and that's why we celebrate it. The last full moon, we were traveling and Rin didn't get to go. But Seshomaru had a special kimono made for Rin with lots of moons on it. Will you go to the festival with Rin? Did Seshomaru make you a kimono with moons?" I watched her bounce up and down on her knees as she spoke. She reminded me of my Shippo. As I felt my eyes begin to water again, I told myself to man up. Moping wasn't going to help me now, but I could talk to Seshomaru later. We always seemed to get sidetracked, but I wasn't going to let that happen again.

With new determination I spoke to Rin. "You know, I don't know if he had anything made. I wasn't exactly expected to show up here." At this Rin giggled. "But I am glad I did. I would love to go to the festival with you. Can you tell me more about it?"

"Rin remembers lots of lights last time. Seshomaru-sama wouldn't let Rin stay out too late, but Hari snuck me one of the sweet bean cakes before I went to bed."

"The festival usually involves a lighting of lanterns. The full moon is believed to be a bringer of light in dark times. So we light the lanterns to remember those who fell in darkness and to bring more light into the world." Hari spoke as she poured hot water into a bowl. She moved to pick up the chasen to make a cup of matcha and as she finished presented it to me.

"That sounds lovely. With Naraku on the loose, there is a lot of darkness to fill with light, it would seem." I bowed my head slightly and accepted the prepared bowl and sipped delicately. "Will Seshomaru be going?"

"He is expected to. With the lower-level demons causing more skirmishes around the territory because of the Shikon-no-tama, he hasn't been at the Shiro often. He tries to be here as often as he can, but his visits don't always coincide with the festival. With his presence, next week's festival is expected to be larger than the last few. I expect it to be even grander now since your coming." Hari sipped at her own bowl and encouraged Rin to do the same. Rin made a face at the slightly bitter taste of the tea and followed it with a bite of sweet rice.

"Why is my presence so important? Surely my relationship with Seshomaru hasn't changed much."

"Is Kagome-chan going to be Rin's new mother?" Rin looked up expectantly at Kagome.

"Is Seshomaru-sama, Rin's papa?" I asked with a slight smirk.

"Yes! Seshomaru-sama didn't say so, but he reads to Rin and he gives me gifts and he lets me travel with him. He also makes me eat my vegetables. I think that makes him my papa. At least, that's what my papa used to do." Rin sat thoughtfully.

"Then I suppose I am your new mama then." I chuckled. Rin's face lit up and she quickly stood up, spilling her tea.

"Rin is sorry, Kagome-chan! Can Rin go pick flowers for you? Rin's mama should always have flowers." She looked seriously at me before I nodded.

"Don't forget to take Ah-Un and Jaken!" Hari yelled after her. Rin nodded as she ran out the door screaming for Jaken. Hari shook her head. "She is sweet, but definitely a wild one. She is very free-spirited, much like you Kagome-san. I wonder if that's what drew Seshomaru to the both of you."

"I don't really know what Seshomaru sees in me. We haven't really had a serious discussion now that I think about it. But I intend to change that." I started making a list of things I felt needed to be discussed with Seshomaru. Shippo, my family, my time, my education, my responsibility to the Shikon-no-tama, Naraku,… It was going to be a long conversation. I sighed.

"In any case, Kagome-san, to answer your question: yes! It is a big deal that Seshomaru has mated you. Not just because your ningen, or even because you're a miko (which is still pretty big news). Actually, its more of a shock that he mated anyone. Seshomaru is just over 500 years old, and has many more centuries, no doubt, but he was expected to have found a mate a few centuries ago. When his father bedded and wed the ningen woman that birthed Inuyasha, Seshomaru took over responsibility for the Shiro, and he hasn't been dedicated to the task. But the other Lords, and even his advisors, have been pushing him for a mate since before all of that. I think people were beginning to fear the worst."

I listened quietly as Hari continued. I thought about what she was saying and it just made me wonder even more about Seshomaru and his decision. What was there really to our relationship beyond sex? How long had he been watching me? Was I just a means to an end? I felt myself begin to worry. What if it none of it was real? What if even his "emotions" I was getting through the bond were somehow manipulated? My mind began to spiral at the thought that Seshomaru could be so cold one minute and then warm the next.

"Luckily, Seshomaru-sama is a fair and strict ruler. He demands a lot of respect and so the territory has prospered despite the mild fears for the future of the line. It certainly could have been worse if his rule had been any different." Hari looked at me seriously for a second. "But I think he chose a suitable companion to rule with him. I hardly know you, but I hear rumors. You are the Shikon miko, yes?"

I nodded my head slowly, the weight of Seshomaru's decision on my mind. What does this mean? What will my life become? Will he try to keep me from my duty? Is that why he wont stop fucking me? He needs an heir! I felt my chest tighten and constrict. Maybe…

"Kagome?" Hari looked at me worriedly. "Kagome, breath. Put your hands over your head and just breath." She grasped at my hands from over the table and put them over my head for me as I zoned out. "Breath in through your nose, hold it, and let it out through your mouth. That's good. Again." I followed her instructions. I tried to shut my brain off. As I felt myself begin to breath a little more evenly, I felt warmth spread through my chest. Something so comforting… it couldn't be fabricated, could it?

"You know, I didn't say those things to scare you." Hari said soothingly. I nodded my head again, content to just remain quiet as she spoke. "Really, I just wanted you to know that you must be special. Seshomaru has waited nearly 300 years for a mate, and he chose you. That must be a good sign, right?" I nodded again. "Anyway, I'm sure everything will be fine. As Lady of the shiro, there will be much for you to learn, but it isn't anything that you have to know right away. Let's just focus on getting through to next week. Is there anything I can help you with in the meantime?" She rubbed soothing circles on my back after having sat beside me. As my breathing came back to normal, I brought my arms down. I felt just a bit silly for panicking.

"Sorry, Hari. My mind just got away with me. I have a responsibility to the Shikon-no-tama. I can't let anything come between me and that purpose."

"I don't think Seshomaru intends to take you away from that duty. Think about it, the Shikon-no-tama is the cause of great stress for him and every other Lord. I have a feeling they are all going to want to come knocking at your door for the purpose of showing you support. You will prove to be a great ally. And I don't say that because I think that's why Seshomaru chose you, so don't start. I don't think his choice had anything to do with what your responsibilities. It's hard to get a read on him, but I always wondered if there wasn't something soft and squishy under that hard and cold exterior." She grinned. "But don't tell anyone I said that. I hear rumors, you know." She winked playfully at me and I giggled. It would be just like Seshomaru to have someone killed for saying such things.

"Thanks, Hari. I guess I've been on edge the last few months. Years, really. We haven't found much in the way of the Shikon-no-tama. Naraku has been difficult to locate and we had been struggling for some time. I was under a lot of pressure."

"I heard that you traveled with a group. I think we spoke of your kit already. Is it true you traveled with Seshomaru's brother?" Hari settled in beside me, crossing her legs as she once again drank from her tea. I brought my knees up to my chest and set my head down on them.

"Yeah. I traveled with Inuyasha as well as a Monk and Demon-hunter. They were my friends. They are my friends. I miss them."

"What is Inuyasha like? I never had the opportunity to meet him. His mother took him in with her and her family when Taisho-sama passed away."

"He is brash and quick to judgement. He doesn't always think things through completely. He is really stubborn, but he saved my life. Saved it a lot actually. I stuck with him for so long because I fell in love with him. But, I think I stopped loving him some time ago. It doesn't lessen the pain of rejection though, does it?"

"It sounds like you needed this time away from him and the hunt."

"Inuyasha is a good person. I used to believe it much more strongly, but like I said… the last few months. It's been hard. I think your right though. I needed to get away from him and everything. I miss my family. This is the longest I have gone without seeing them, I'm worried they may think I've died. I hate worrying my mother." I felt the tears welling up again as I thought of her. This time, I let them come. I felt a great sob wrench through me as I thought of Souta and Grandpa.

"You should talk to Seshomaru-sama. You heard me say soft and squishy, right?" She smirked at me as she took my hands. She squeezed them kindly. "But let's talk about your outfit for the festival! Would it make you feel better to spend some time playing dress up?"

"Only if you play with me." I laughed.

"As long as I have your permission. I've never worn such fine fabrics before. I would gladly help you chose the one that looks best on me." She stood up and pulled me with her. Her laughter and personality were contagious. She reminded me of Sango.

"Thanks, Hari. I would love that."

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By the time my day ended, I could feel my inner youkai growling and pacing. Today had been frustrating. After my release with Kagome earlier in the day, I had a meeting with some of the leaders from towns around the territory. There seemed to be some concern, once again, involving rabid demons and a miasma. Then came the meeting with our trade ambassadors. They were worried about a lot, but crop results and road safety were the hot topics of the day. I had a brief break before finishing the meeting with the advisors. Then there were the following meetings with the military leaders, followed by inspections. I really hated the way these things piled up when I had to be out of the Shiro.

And then there had been the continual emotional onslaught of her. One minute she was happy, the next she was sad. Wave after wave of emotion. At one point I was fairly certain she had been having a panic attack, but she seemed to have quickly gotten it under control.

There were times during the day when I didn't send her anything back. Times when I wasn't sure what to think or what she would need from me. My youkai wasn't much help. He just seemed to repeat the same thing:

Mine. Mine. Mine.

I wasn't sure if that was supposed to be helpful or not. I didn't think it was.

I headed back to the room to enjoy a quiet dinner before going to Rin. She would need attention today. She hadn't seen much of me in the last week. I smiled at the thought of all her stories. Surely she would have much to catch me up on.

I walked into the room and saw her sitting at the fire. She seemed to be staring into it dreamily. I wasn't reading anything from our bond, so I moved to sit beside her in silence. I picked up a scroll from beside me and begin to look over it.

"We need to talk." Her voice was steady and serious. I waited. "We need to talk about a lot, actually." I set the scroll down and turned my head toward her, waiting for her to begin. She seemed to recognize it for what it was, because she plowed forward.

"There is a lot to discuss, but I have to start somewhere. I think I need to see my family. Inuyasha denied me the pleasure for several months, and I know they are worried about me. This is the longest I've gone without seeing them and they are sure to expect the worse." She seemed to pause, expecting some kind of answer. I nodded at her to continue.

"I would like to spend at least a couple of days with them. I don't know how much you know about me, but…" She trailed off. I could feel the worry and insecurity coming off of her.

"I know that the well is involved. That the Shikon-no-tama is somehow connected with it, and that you come from somewhere far away." I filled in slowly. I had my suspicions, but I wished for her to tell me.

"You're partially right. The Shikon-no-tama acts as a conduit by which the well draws it's powers, but I don't come from a far away place. At least, not literally. I actually come from a different time. I am from the future. My Grandfather owns the shrine that keeps the well, but I come from about 500 years into the future." She looked down, twisting the hem of her kimono between her hands as she spoke.

"I had suspected." She looked up at me quickly and then nodded. She sat silently for a moment. "I believe we can make arrangements to see your family. I will accompany you." She looked surprised by this, and then contemplative.

"I have only ever traveled with Inuyasha. I cannot guarantee you will make the journey with me, but I am open to trying." She smiled slowly and I felt the worry ebb from our connection.

"You will certainly not travel with the Hanyou. I have reason to believe the well will work for us. We will leave for your family after the moon festival. What other concerns do you have?"

"Thank you, Seshomaru-sama! I… well, I had wondered if we could bring back my kit, Shippo, when we return to the shiro. He is my son, I have cared for him and loved him, for some time. I fear for his well being with Inuyasha. I know that Sango and Miroku will care for him, but I would prefer to have him with me. He is a good kid and I can take care of his schooling and I can find a way to provide for him. I-"

"We will bring back the kit. He will have a room beside Rin's and will be taught. I will provide for his youkai needs. He will be made to be pack. Does this satisfy you?" She rambled when she was nervous. While I wanted to be irritated by this, I found my youkai purring. Her requests, thus far, had been easy. I had anticipated these requests. There were still one or two more to hear, I was sure.

"Yes, Seshomaru-sama. Thank you! He really is a good kid, he wont cause to much trouble." She smiled broadly and I nodded. Suddenly, her demeanor changed. The smile fell from her face and her body sagged slightly.

"What is it that bothers you, Kagome?" At the sound of her name, she seemed to perk up a little. As if she had gained some courage.

"The Shikon-no-tama." She looked down again. I grasped her chin with my hand and tilted her face upward. She pulled away and asked in a quiet voice: "Why me?"

That gave me pause. Surely she wasn't asking me to explain the kami's choice of her as the Shikon miko. But why ask the question? Was this the root of her insecurities earlier in the day?

"This Seshomaru needs more information, Miko." The use of her title seemed to throw her for a moment. Her spine seemed to straighten and she sat more stiffly. Odd.

"Why did you choose me as your mate? What do you want with me? I wont give you the jewel shards if that's what you are after."

I frowned. Did she really think that's what this was?

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I watched him, as the ice mask slid back into place. Where I had been feeling his sense of calm before, I was now feeling nothing. It was like complete emptiness.

"I have no need for the Jewel, Miko." He said coldly. I watched as he turned his head from me.

"But why? Is it for an heir? Is it something I did? Is it because I come from the future? What is it? Was your seduction of me purely a strategical move?" I started to yell. The sudden loss of him, his absence from me, threw me off. I wondered at the way I had become so dependent on him these last few days.

"You will watch your tone of voice with this Seshomaru." His voice was solid, as if made of rock. His words struck me.

"I may be yours, but remember that you are MINE!" I yelled back. His head whipped back to me quickly. "That's right! As much as I am loathe to admit that I am yours, it's true. You have me, but that comes at a cost. YOU ARE MINE! I have just as much right to know you as you have to know me. It's only fair that I understand what you expect to come of this union. Especially since I wasn't exactly consulted on its permanency. Sex is sex, but you made sex into a mating ritual!" I was shrieking hysterically. The weight of it all finally hitting home.

I watched his face, daring to hope for some kind of emotion. I reached out to him in anger, pushing my emotions on to him as hard as I dared. The fear, the loss, the anger, the love, the happiness, the sadness, and the confusion. Everything I had I tried desperately to push at him, hoping to elicite some kind of reaction.

His face seemed to shift minutely. I watched his eyes narrow, as if searching mine to find a falsehood. I stomped away from him in anger, pulled at my hair, and then came back to yell again.

"Give me something, Seshomaru!" I felt like crying, but as if I had already used them up. I was so utterly frustrated. I tossed my hands up in the air, and at his silence turned again to storm out for good. As I did so, I felt his grip on my wrist stopping me.

And just like that I felt a wave of comfort, affection, warmth, and happiness wash over me. It had been like a slap. I fell to my knees, stunned by the force of it all. I turned slightly to him and felt the slight tinge of fear laced into the other emotions. I felt his own worries and insecurities begin to fall over me. I felt his anger, his hope, his frustration, his strength, his everything… I began to see images in my mind. Rin, Inuyasha, Naraku, Kagura, Kouga, his father, a woman who must have been his mother, and finally me. Was this another layer to the connection?

I felt the barrage continue as he let loose. It was all so fast, I couldn't catch it all. I raced to catch up to it, to follow each emotion and thought to it's inevitable conclusion, but another would interrupt it and I quickly became overwhelmed.

The last thought I had before blacking out was how soft and squishy Seshomaru really was under all that ice. Hari had been right.

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Note: So what do you guys think? There is lots more building in the next few chapters. I will try and post another one before next week. It's nice to have the distraction from work. I also don't currently have a beta. If you are interested in the job, shoot me a PM. Also, just as a side note, I am including some lore that doesn't really exist. I will be explaining the importance of the Festival in a later chapter and what it has to do with the Inu clan. I was just laying some basic foundation. I guess this is becoming slightly AU. And Fluffy-sama and Kagome are certainly OOC. LOL It's unavoidable.

Don't forget to read and Review! I love it when I get comments and questions. I will try not to give too much away, I do want to try to throw you some curve balls. Thanks for all the support guys.

Until next time- Myra