A/N: Okay...I just have to say that there were several parts in here where I could have stopped and made some really wicked cliff hangers, but I decided to be nice. I would have even made it longer, but I'm exhausted and I didn't want it coming out blah As it is, I hope it's not. Anyway, I'm sure y'all let me know. So, moving right along...

Disclaimer: No, I do not own Inuyasha or any of Rumiko Takahashi's works. Though I'm planning a Sesshomaru Raid for next weekend...who's with me!

The Perfect Mate…Sort of.

The gods were not with her, in fact they seemed to have all joined together in order to laugh at her expense. Or at least revoke her right to an easy waking. As it was, Kagome once more found herself waking up to complete and total disorientation. Thankfully without the pounding ache this time, though. Ah, small favors.

This time her befuddlement wasn't due to paralysis potions or iron bars attacking her head or malevolent clouds of smoke. No, this time it had to do with something infinitely more pleasant and infinitely worse.

As Kagome opened her eyes she found herself staring into an achingly familiar pair of shining gold ones. No, not merely shining, they practically blazed. But surprisingly enough, she didn't feel burned...just slightly toasted. Either way, she found herself lost within their depths, not remembering them ever being so deep and complex before, or so full of awe, wonder, and…tenderness? Yes, there was an aching, rampant tenderness in those eyes that bordered on something equal parts passionate and mushy. That toasty feeling spread through her body as she bathed in liquid gold.

Inuyasha…no, wait…he's never looked at me like that.

Kagome let out a mental gasp and blinked, breaking whatever spell the two of them had been under as she realized just whose eyes she had been staring into.

Sesshomaru… Kagome prepared to fight off the fear she knew she should be feeling at being so helpless in his presence, but surprisingly enough found it completely unnecessary. Apparently it was hard to work up a good fear when someone was staring at you like you were their whole world.

Oh crap. I hadn't expected Massoumo's spell to work quite so well quite so quickly. When Sesshomaru finds out he's been tricked he'll kill me for sure…

Oh, look, there was the fear.

Apparently she wasn't the only one to find it either because the next moment Sesshomaru was kneeling down next to her cage so that he was no longer towering over her. And of all things, he was smiling softly at her. Since when did Sesshomaru know how to smile?

"Lady," he said softly, his deep voice smooth and coaxing, "you have no reason to fear this Sesshomaru. I swear, I will never bring you harm."

Please, no.Kagome moaned silently to herself. Now he was going to be doubly pissed.I swear, if he makes a declaration of love, I'm so pinching myself. No way could that be real.

Kagome slowly levered herself up in to the semi-reclined pose that the cage allowed and stared back nervously at the Lord. And for once, wisely chose to keep her mouth shut.

"Tell me," he said, his eyes wandering over the cage, "how did one such as you come to be in such a predicament?"

One such as me? Kagome fumed inside her own head. What was that supposed to mean? As if it wasn't bad enough that she was always being discounted as human, now that she was a youkai she was still apparently something less. The feminist inside her rebelled as she tried to keep her ire to herself. Apparently she hadn't kept the thought as much to her self as she had thought because the next moment she heard something like a deep chuckle come from the chest of the Taiyoukai. She blinked. First he smiled, then he chuckled? It was official…now she was just waiting for the Twilight Zone theme music.

"I mean no insult, little butterfly," he damn near cooed at her. "But this is a long way from the lands of the Shiro-Inu. And a cage is no place for one of our Clan. I can tell by your aura that you are strong, how did you wind up in this place?"

Weirder and weirder. Did he just call her 'little butterfly'? And compliment her? She revised her earlier opinion. This was not Sesshomaru. This was some weird, mushy imposter put in his place. It was so totally out of character, so…so…so wrong!

She saw his eyebrow hitch slightly and remembered the tale she'd made up while waiting in this damn cage for a full day. She'd have to play this just right…

"I was traveling," she said, surprised that her voice didn't quaver. She saw the eyebrow raise a little higher and looked down slightly, not sure she could lie to the Lord to his face. "No, that's not right. I was hunting…for my brother's killer."

She glanced up briefly to find him listening attentively. So far he seemed not only to be buying it, but actually interested in every word she said. Oh man, this would have to stop soon. This Sesshomaru was kind of starting to creep her out with his un-Sesshomaru-ness.

"I tracked him to a place not far from here, but when I arrived I found someone I didn't expect. A woman. A wind-user that smelled like the hanyou that killed my brother. I was surprised and caught off guard. Stupid. When I woke up, I was in this cage."

She had seen Sesshomaru's eyes narrow when she had alluded to both Kagura and Naraku, but not out of suspicion. Only anger. She'd picked her story carefully, knowing what he did about their enemy. She needed something vague enough not to tip Massoumo off, but specific enough so Sesshomaru would hurry it up and get her out of this damn cage before she got a permanent cramp in her neck.

"And why have you not freed yourself?" he asked. "You certainly must be strong enough."

Kagome sighed. "There are spells on the cage," she said, this time not lying in the least, "enchantments that keep the cage from being escaped…"

Sesshomaru stood so suddenly Kagome momentarily feared he would leave. Okay, while she didn't want Massoumo's plan to work, she sure as hell didn't want to be left in a cage! But Sesshomaru didn't go anywhere, he merely stood there for a moment looking at the cage with narrowed eyes. After a moment, his lips twisted in a smirk and he put his hand on his sword.

"Lay down," he instructed softly, "I do not wish to hurt you."

Kagome blinked again then lay down quickly as he started to draw his sword. Two swipes later and she found herself in the ruins of a shattered cage. She blinked for a moment as the dust settled around her and sat up slowly, looking up at the gently smiling Lord. Okay, he definitely had some skill. And while some back part of Kagome's mind registered that he was absolutely stunning when he smiled the rest of her wished he would stop. Partially because she didn't like that i any /i part of her was considering him stunning. Massoumo's spell wouldn't be working on her too, would it?

So lost was she in her own thoughts that she didn't even register that she was still staring up at the Taiyoukai above her with something akin to awe on her face.

I never should have gotten out of bed…

ooOoo

Sesshomaru gazed down at the beautiful female staring up at him with awe and wonder on her exquisite face, her amazingly azure eyes wide and even more beautiful for it. Such a perfect creature. For this Sesshomaru to have found her…it truly must be fate. Perhaps my loneliness will come to an end after all.

But even as the thought floated through his brain there was another part of his mind that whispered caution. It was a part he tried to ignore, but it would not shut up. Something about this was not right, it warned. She seems too familiar, things are set too perfectly, and why, oh why, do you suddenly feel towards her as you do? There is no reason, no cause, something else must be going on. And since when did he act so amiable towards one he didn't even know? Sure, he was a noble and thus a gentleman, but he was practically gushing at her! Something was definitely off and he needed to pay attention to it.

But the voice was muffled and restrained, barely permeating his scent fogged mind. It simply wasn't enough on its own to break through the haze of protective tenderness that had welled up in him from the first moment he truly laid eyes on her, from the first moment he had been enveloped by her scent.

His smile widened as she continued to stare up at him and he extended his now empty hand down towards her to assist her up. She blinked at it for a moment before lightly placing her own within it. Sesshomaru marveled at the feel of it—smooth but not soft, strong but not rough, dainty but yet nimble. She was not some cosseted princess, some soft lady who knew nothing of the world but tea ceremonies and ikebana. She had gone hunting her brother's killer, she had said, and from her hand alone he could believe it. There was a strength, a fierceness to her aura that spoke of a warrior and yet also a gentleness and soothing quality that sung of a kind nature. And threaded throughout it a deep, deep knowledge that evidenced an old and powerful soul. Yes, she was perfect.

He pulled her gently to her feet, his eyes never leaving her shining pools, never wanting too, even as that tiny part of his mind screamed at him that this was not right, that he needed to be wary. Frankly, Sesshomaru was tired of being wary. Especially with this right in front of him.

"Do not fear," he said softly to her, hoping to sooth the tension he could feel from her hand alone. "You are now under the protection of the Cardinal Lord of the Western Lands, Prince of Dogs, and King of the House of the Moon. This Sesshomaru will see that no further harm comes to you. You have my word and my bond."

The female blinked in seeming surprise and her luscious mouth dropped slightly, revealing the daintiest, most alluring set of fangs he had ever seen. He watched, fascinated as a faint blush tinged her ivory skin, like roses against snow. It was slightly strange, he had to admit, that every single thing about this rare creature entranced him. The slightest motion was alluring, her very gaze drawing him in, calling to him as if he already belonged there. The voice in the back of his mind grew ever so slightly.

"I believe I know the one of which you speak," he continued, trying to ignore his own growing unease. "He is a base and vile creature, a pretentious hanyou of the worst sort. I assure you, you have given me another reason to eradicate his presence from these lands. You will find your justice, your peace by my side."

He watched as her flush deepened and failed to wonder at the cause. She dropped her head slightly, lowering her eyes from his. While disliking the loss of the pleasure of looking into her bottomless eyes he couldn't help but feel amused at her sudden shyness. He found it to be endearing.

The smile warming even more on his lips he dipped his own head, still holding her hand, to try and catch her eyes. She blushed more and ducked farther in a show of maidenly innocence so that he nearly had to crouch to look into her face.

"Come now, little butterfly, there is no need to be shy," he nearly purred at her, loving the way she daintily bit her lower lip at that, revealing one perfect fang. It was adorable. "Might you do me the honor, though, of telling me your name?"

ooOoo

Kagome was nearly dying inside of embarrassment, humiliation, and guilt. What in the world was happening to him? Was the spell really that strong? This was not the cold, deadly youkai she had known and run from. This was not the proud aristocratic assassin who had once tried to melt her. No, this was…hell, she wasn't sure what this was. The closest she could get was 'love sick puppy' but even the thought being associated with him seemed somehow sacrilegious.

He was polite, the demon who had thrown such rude insults around like nothing in his battles with Inuyasha. He was kind and gentle, the same being who seemed to take pleasure in slashing and rending his opponents into little pieces. And he was eloquent, oh he of the one word catch phrase…'die'.

It wasn't that he seemed soft a weepy, no, not at all. He still radiated strength and deadliness. He was still a very dangerous creature that was swathed in power like a thick cloak. He was still Sesshomaru, just…smoother.

And the way he was looking at her was having a very unexpected and unwelcome affect on her. No, it's just natural to get all flustered and flutter-hearted when a gorgeous man is being so tender and affectionate towards you. Compliments and vow and promises like that are supposed to make you blush. Really, I'm sure I read that somewhere.

It was like he was courting her.

Oh crap.

When he put her under his protection, she was shocked. And what was with the whole title things? She'd only heard him referred to as the Lord of the Western Lands…hadn't she? Inuyasha had never mentioned anything about the rest. Was he really that powerful? Right, like that's the most important thing at this juncture. Focus Kagome!

The guilt had come shortly afterwards, especially with how sweet he was acting towards her. He had mistaken her embarrassed and guilty blush as shyness…and damn it, it had been cute. The way he was trying to get her to look at him. And he seemed so happy…there was a light in his eyes that she'd never seen before in any of their encounters. He was always so cold and distant, even when he was trying to kill them. But now…Poor Sesshomaru, he really didn't deserve this. She didn't care if he had tried to kill them before, no one deserved this. To find out it was all a spell, a trap…

"Come now, little butterfly, there's no need to be shy," she heard him say, biting her lip to keep from giggling or shaking her head at the endearment. Who would have thought Sesshomaru would be one for pet names? And 'little butterfly'? It was so sweet! It was the kind of pet name she had always dreamed of being called. Having i him /i call her it…well, to say it was weird wouldn't even begin. Too bad it was only a spell.

Oh, no. I did not just think that. Man, do I have some issues!

"Might you do me the honor, though, of telling me your name?"

Kagome blinked and stilled. This was what she had been waiting for, a way to hopefully break through the spell and get him to realize what was going on. He had never called her by name, but she knew he knew it. Inuyasha screamed it enough while they fought. He would have had to be deaf or stupid not to learn it.

Slowly she raised her eyes up to his blazing golden ones, trying to send him a message with her own. She took a deep breath. This was it…she just hoped he didn't kill her.

"My name…my name is Kagome."

ooOoo

Sesshomaru tried not to seem too eager as he waited for an answer. At that precise moment he wanted nothing more than to hear this angel's name. For some reason his entire world seemed centered around it. It was as though it would complete it, complete her. It would make her real, this vision that seemed too good to be true.

I haven't felt like this since I was a pup. he thought absently. It was true. He hadn't felt this carefree, this happy, this…giddy…since he was a youngling.

He could almost hear that little corner of his mind sigh and roll its eyes, muttering about how if that wasn't a clue than what was? But it didn't quite reach through…her. He watched, enraptured, as she slowly looked up. He blinked as he looked into her endless azure eyes. Her expression was so serious, so determined, so intense as she gazed firmly into his eyes. The seed of unease inside him started to grow as she seemed to try to tell him something with her countenance alone.

"My name…" she started, her voice smooth and melodic enough that it washed away his disquiet. Until she finished. "My name is Kagome."

In that instant, everything seemed to stop. Kagome. The name resonated through his brain, his muscles freezing in shock. You wouldn't have been able to tell if you hadn't been touching him, but with that single word he went from blissfully relaxed to so tense a mere tap would have shattered him.

Kagome. He knew that name.

It was an unusual name, a unique name, one that he had only ever heard of belonging to one other woman. Images flashed through his brain, breaking through the euphoric fog he was in. A girl in a grave, glaring at him, wielding a rusted blade. Dark brown eyes, burning at him from behind a bow. Gentle hands, holding his unconscious ward, protecting. A miko. A human. His half-brother's human.

Like a nightmare he watched as his mind's eye fitted the human girl's face over that of this enchanting female youkai…the colors were off, but the face was the same. How…what…no…

He was brought out of his daze as he felt the hand still in his tighten around his fingers. His eyes snapped back into focus to find her still gazing up at him determinedly. He felt his eyes narrow, not wanted to believe it, his very soul crying out against it. It couldn't be, she couldn't be…

"Sesshomaru, please, please listen to me" she said, so softly he barely heard her, stepping slightly closer to him. He looked down to see her eyes dart to the side and back meaningfully. "All is not as it seems. There is more going on here than I can say at the moment," her eyes darted to the same place quickly and then back, "but it is very important that I tell you. Please, we have to leave."

So we are being watched, he realized. She is trying to warn me. Whatever is happening, she is trying to caution me…I will know. He paused for a moment as she spoke again. Amazing. She can speak without moving her lips.

Indeed, to anyone watching it would appear as though they were standing there staring longingly into each other's eyes.

"Sesshomaru," she continued, her faint whisper sounding more and more urgent, "please. I will explain this plot, but right now we really need to leave."

His thoughts were racing. Plot. Someone was plotting against him and this female…girl was part of it. But was she willing? She was warning him, but then, it could just be part of it. No, he couldn't, didn't want to believe that she was. Something in him still yearned for her, while another part felt like it was bleeding.

Somewhere, in the back corner of his mind Sesshomaru thought he heard a loud hah!

"Come," he said suddenly, stepping away from her, "I will take you back to my camp. It is not far and you must be tired from your ordeals."

He could feel her relax ever so slightly as she let out an almost inaudible sigh. His heart skipped a beat and his breath caught as she flashed him a bright, relieved, and thankful grin. For the first time since he had scented her he tried to shake it off and found it nearly impossible.

Still grasping her hand he led her from the clearing, more confused, angry, and…he didn't even know, than he had been in a long time. Something was definitely going on, and he would find out what.

A/N: Okay...so I thought that went well. What do you think? Do you think that went well? I think that went well. Okay, obviously in need of the beddy-bye times. And don't worry, I won't be cruel to Sesshomaru the whole time...but I am evil. I do have a rep to maintain. Hehe.

Reviewer Responses:

02: I can't say as I blame your muses for venturing to the haven that is Starbucks. I'm a Seattle girl...Starbucks is like a god here. Hell, the girls at the Starbucks in my building decided that we see each other so much anyway that we should socialize...we're going to a club next weekend. And I hope this chapter was more amusing to you!

hellspixie18: I'm glad you liked, I'll try to keep the updates a coming!

Okane-Tsuki: I'm glad you like my little tale here. I'm having a blast with it. Don't worry, the first chapter will come into play and maybe it'll start to make a little sense. This is slated to be a long story...and I've been working it out for a while now. And if it doesn't make sense...well, we'll just have to beat it until it does!