I'm so sorry this one took so long to post. My network connection was f'd up and wouldn't allow me to post. 'sigh'

As for your question, HeavensMusical, I have had this story done for some time. My internet only got set up a month and some ago because I was moving, hence the reason it took me so long to post it.

This one's a bit longer than the others. Yet I doubt any of you are complaining. I've had a few people ask about the lemons. As I've stated… they're on their way. Be patient!

Disclaimer: Too lazy to find another language today. I do not own Inuyasha. 'sniffle'

Unsettled Sentiments

Biting her lip in rage, Kagome hoisted herself up out of the water and dried off, sliding into the kimono that had been provided. It was rather lovely; a pale turquoise with fine, white embroidery depicting two doves sitting on a branch. While the birds sat above her right breast, a small shower of feathers rained down the entirety of the right side, thinning out as they neared the bottom. The obi was a soft lavender color with small white feathers decorating it. She marveled at the silky texture. It was a warm day, and the cool breeze that ventilated through the thin cloth was welcome. It was much lighter than her fighting uniform. Fixing her hair so that it rested in a simple bun, she made her way toward the shoji, not exactly certain how she was going to find the dining room.

She was surprised to find Reisei standing quietly in the hall, her slanted violet eyes closing as she bowed. Once again feeling rather uncomfortable due to the young servant's treatment, Kagome rubbed her neck nervously and asked, "Could you direct me to the dining hall?"

Nodding, the small demoness turned and motioned for her to follow, throwing over her shoulder in a nonchalant tone, "You look splendid, Lady Kagome. Lord Sesshomaru will be pleased." When she smelt the miko's distress and embarrassment, she smiled slightly. She had very easily scented arousal and interest meshed into her Lord's aroma when he had exited the bathing quarters. Though she was quiet, she was not foolish.

Kagome didn't respond, she simply remained staring at the floor and expanded her senses toward the little nezumi, not wanting to stumble all over her again, like last time. She simply couldn't pry her eyes of the carpet, which she noticed was very elegant.

Thoughts of what Sesshomaru had said to her brought about another wave of heated embarrassment, and surprisingly, joy. She didn't know why his opinion seemed to matter so much to her. His words had scarred her all those years ago, when he had practically called her flat out ugly. And then, after she had grasped the concept of his compliment, she found she couldn't get his statement out of her head.

At first she had thought him to be insulting her again. However, after thinking about it, he had never denied staring; he simply stated that he wouldn't stare at something that was unpleasant. She had thrown his hurtful words back at him and, in a way she supposed that was his way of telling her that her appearance was pleasing and that he was sorry.

When she felt the nezumi's aura pause in its motion, she looked up, finding that the pretty little mouse was staring intently at her. Smiling, she tucked a loose strand of still drying hair behind her ear and bowed to Reisei before opening the one of the large, mahogany doors, stepping inside gingerly. Though she attempted to close it as quietly as she could, in fear of drawing attention to her self, the door seemed to slam shut with a volume that thundered throughout the entirety of the dining hall.

When she finally gained the courage to look up, she did not bother to hold back a gasp of awe. The room was huge! Pristine, flawless marble covered the entire expanse of the floor. A large, red carpet sat in the center of the room, a stretched table sitting neatly in the middle. Several silk pillows surrounded the gorgeously crafted table, only two seats currently occupied. While one pillow seated the small, boisterous little girl she had taken a shine to, the other held the one person she truly didn't want to see. It wasn't that she disliked his company, but rather that the thought alone of him at the moment was making her blush like mad.

Instead of looking at him, she continued to scan the room, finding that the walls were free of any paintings at all, only making the hall look even larger. When she looked up at the ceiling, which was at least twenty feet above her head, she realized why there was nothing adorning the walls. Nothing could even begin to compare to what met her eyes.

A portrait, so detailed it looked like a photograph, had been painted over the entirety of the ceiling. It depicted a battle, one between light and darkness. On one side, large, ogre like demons enshrouded in black mist surged forward, a huge, shadowed creature looming over them all. On the opposing side was what looked like a hoard of angels, their beauty radiating a light that seemed to shine from their very pores. These mystifying beings were, what she guessed to be, the army of the great Inu no Taisho in their humanoid forms. The powerful Dog General himself stood above his men, his presence impossible to miss. In truest form he stood, perfect white coat glistening and fangs bared, eyes an eerie red. The gargantuan dog looked an awful lot like a larger version of Sesshomaru's inner inu, the only difference being the sheer size and the blue markings that streaked his fur covered cheeks, whereas the current taiyoukai's were magenta.

All in all, the painting stole the very breath from her lungs.

"You like it?"

She lowered her head the instant those cool, yet curious words caught her ears. She was shocked to find the owner of said words was none other than the emotionless taiyoukai himself. After realizing she had yet to answer his question, she blushed profusely and answered in a whisper, "Yes, it's lovely. Who painted it?"

A long pause ensued, and Kagome was certain he wasn't going to answer. He simply sat there, staring straight into her eyes as though he were trying to delve into her soul. Then, just as she was about to heave a sigh of defeat, he spoke.

"I did."

Eye widening, she pressed a hand to her mouth and looked back up at the massive painting. He had done that magnificent work of beauty? He had created that masterpiece that looked as though it had taken decades to complete? Eyes once again catching Sesshomaru's piercing golden gaze, she huffed, "Is there anything you can't do?"

Kagome was very shocked to see emotion slide across his features at her question. There was pride, of course, and a sense of smug arrogance, but what really got her was the little flicker his eyes had taken on for a second. The look depicted something that simply didn't match with the Ice Lord's persona. He looked almost… naughty.

"No," was his sure reply.

Blinking in obvious surprise, Kagome frowned a little at his haughty attitude. 'That arrogant jerk,' she grumbled, 'the question was rhetorical. But oh no, he just had to say something… ass.'

She moved forward to take a seat next to Rin, her mind continuing its silent grousing even as she knelt down beside the bouncy brunette.

"Rin is glad to see that you are alright, Kagome-chan!" the youth piped up.

Tearing her angry gaze from the still smirking Lord, Kagome smiled and patted Rin on the head. "I'm fine dear, nothing a little rest couldn't fix."

The child seemed to perk at that, a bright, gap toothed grin displaying her joy. "Would Kagome-chan like to pay with Rin after lunch?"

Smiling, Kagome was about to give her an answer when Sesshomaru's steady voice beat her to it.

"She will not be able to play at the moment, Rin."

Scowling at the insensitive youkai, the miko snapped, "Is your name Kagome?"

Giving her a rather odd look, Sesshomaru inquired, "I beg your pardon?"

"She distinctly said, 'Would Kagome-chan like to play with Rin after lunch?' I don't believe your name is Kagome, therefore you have no right to answer the question," the infuriated miko replied, a soft venom underlying her words.

Snorting lightly at her childishness, he informed her, "You will not be playing with Rin until I give you leave. I require some time alone with you after the meal, miko, there are some things I wish to discuss." He had noted that, when angry, her lips pursed into the most adorable pout he had ever seen, and the way her breasts rose and fell with her harsh breathing was very intriguing.

He saw her terse nod and smiled inwardly at his little victory. She was rather amusing while perturbed.

The remainder of the meal was passed in silence, save the odd hum that would come from Rin. The miko always seemed to perk at that. He had noted her fond regard of children and it only seemed to add to the ever growing list of attractions he held for her. She was honorable, responsible, kind hearted, loyal, and honest. Such were qualities to be treasured.

Once she had finished her rice, she set her chopsticks aside and waited patiently for Rin to finish her own plate. She had been all too aware of Sesshomaru's penetrating stare during the light lunch, and it both excited and bothered her. Why was he looking at her? Was he studying her? If so, was it in disgust or interest? Her heart fluttered lightly at the thought of him paying so much attention to her. He might have been an arrogant jerk at times, but he was extremely attractive, and she felt somewhat proud that she had snagged the attention of such a high ranking male… and a youkai no less.

It also gave her a smug sense of joy. To think, the human hating Lord of the west was ogling her, a ningen female. It was too sweet to be true.

Finally, after several minutes of anxiousness on Kagome's part, the child gobbled her last bit of rice and stood, smiling at Kagome with a tender fondness.

"Rin," Sesshomaru addressed her sternly, "you may go play in the gardens if you wish. I need to speak with Kagome."

The young miko was rather shocked. He had used her name again. For some reason, every time he did, an unfamiliar tingle surged through her body, making her shiver. She wasn't sure what it was, but the feeling wasn't at all unpleasant. It was a light hearted giddy feeling, mixed with something stronger, something that was unnamable but made her blush just by thinking of it. The feeling was somewhat like that of which she had felt when she first began her travels with Inuyasha. Was it possible that she was attracted to the taiyoukai? 'Duh, Kagome,' her conscience bit out snidely. Obviously, whatever she was beginning to feel was more than a passing crush.

It was reasonable, she finally decided, since he was the most gorgeous male she had ever met, and though he was cold at times, he did have a softer side. His confidence and strength made her feel weak at the knees. It was true, he could get rather haughty at times, but she had always adored men with confidence in themselves. His mysterious air didn't help either. Despite herself, the young, innocent miko found she was becoming raveled in the enigma that was Sesshomaru.

It was then she realized Rin had left, and that the western Lord was currently staring at her again.

"You will remain here until I say otherwise, miko," Sesshomaru informed her.

Jaw agape, Kagome carefully replayed his words in her mind until she was certain she had heard him correctly. Her lips pulled back into a snarl as she rose, hands placed on her hips in a sign of feminine fury. "Why you stupid… self absorbed… inconceivable dick, how dare you give me orders! You don't run my life! In case you haven't forgotten, I have a duty to perform!"

Rising up to his own impressive height, he was upon her in an instant, pinning her to the wall with a single hand at her throat.

Kagome clawed viciously at his hand, succeeding in drawing several small trails of blood. She smirked to herself. Yes, filing her nails into points had defiantly been a good idea. Even though they really hadn't served a purpose as of yet, seeing them draw blood from the demon in front of her made the extra fuss worth while.

Sesshomaru growled low in his throat as she kicked her legs out at him. They were not weak, flailing kicks… oh no. They were powerful, well placed kicks that happened to be grating on his nerves. When one such kick landed a blow very close to his manhood, he thrust his entire frame against hers, efficiently halting any further movement from the onna.

Kagome had to hold back a pleased gasp at the feeling of his iron hard body against hers. It seemed to swallow her, engulf her entirely. His masculine scent wafted across her senses like a whisper in the night, and it made her rather hot. She could feel perspiration forming along the crevices of her body due to his nearness. What was he doing to her?

Gnashing his teeth at her in a sign of dominance, he released her neck and fisted his hand into her hair, yanking her head to the side to bear her throat. Running his slightly elongated fangs across the fluttering skin of her pulse, he let a deep rumble vibrate his chest, a noise that, in inu tongue, was meant to calm or subdue a female. It seemed to work, despite the fact that she was ningen, for her felt her go lax in his grip.

Little did the miko know, the great Lord Sesshomaru was fighting a dormant battle that he was quickly losing. His inu roared in its confines, clawing at the walls of his mind. It begged for him to simply lift her legs around his waist and hoist her kimono up so that he could fuck her into submission. Her power was crackling against his skin, a feeling that only further served to arouse him.

Kagome became very aware of his steadily increasing breath on her neck, soon followed by the damp sensation of his tongue flicking her pulse. When she jerked in surprise, she came in contact with something rather large and hard. Her eyes were, at the moment, as wide as they had ever been. 'Now calm down, Kagome, there are two explanations as to what… that is, but I seriously doubt there's a banana in his pocket. Do hakamma even have pockets?' she spluttered inwardly, trying her hardest to keep the blush down that was surfacing on her skin.

When he growled in a manner that could only be described as huskily, she jerked yet again, pulling what sounded like a moan from him as she pressed against that bulge yet again. She almost lost herself when she felt him begin to run the tips of his claws against the outer swell of her right breast. Her body gave in and released a moan when he began to grind himself against her, the intimidating hardness pressing against a part of her anatomy that sent sparks flying behind her eyes.

Before she knew what had happened, she found herself on her butt on the floor. Sesshomaru was standing near the door, his back to her and, from the rise and fall of his shoulders, he was panting rather heavily.

She stared at the broad expanse of his back, wondering what it might feel like to run her hands across it. 'Where in the heck did that come from?' she pondered in embarrassment and surprise.

"Miko, you will continue your hunt of the jewel shards, but you will wait until I give you leave. I plan on accompanying you."

Upon hearing that, she managed to choke out, "But you-"

"It will be done much more quickly if I assist you. I too wish to rid this world of Naraku's disgusting existence and expel the threat that the Shikon no Tama presents. The issue is not up for debate. I will accompany you, and that is final," with that last forced sentence, he sped out the door. He needed to vent. Perhaps a nice workout in the dojo was necessary.

He had taken things too far. Never before had he lost his control in such a way, especially not to a woman. It was infuriating. He was Lord Sesshomaru, after all, such bursts of unpredictable behavior would not be beneficial to his rule. This wench was far more trouble than he had imagined her to be. What was she doing to him?

The thought of killing her crossed his mind. It would halt his little infatuation for good. One way or another, he couldn't allow it to continue. When he was around her, when he saw her smile, feelings he never knew he was capable of stirred within him. He didn't like it. She was mortal… she was not worth such attentions from him. No… he would not repeat his father's mistake and further taint the family bloodline.

Yet, despite his denial of feeling anything more than a passing lust for her, a deeper part of him knew there was more to it than that.

He snarled to himself, a sound that reverberated down the hall he was currently speeding through. 'I do not care for this ningen bitch! The notion itself is ridiculous. I lust for her… that is all, and even that I will soon put a stop to.'

Stopping in mid stride, a wicked, none too friendly smile crossed his pale lips. All who had currently been in the hall fled into the nearest room, knowing that such a look would not promise anything pleasant should they get in his way.

'Perhaps I am looking at this in the wrong way,' he mused, his devious smirk growing, 'Yes… there are other ways to quell such desires.' He chuckled low in his throat, a dark and cruel sound that made one freeze in their tracks. He had decided. Oh he would rid himself of this longing for her, but he would not kill her. No… it would be a waste of flesh… flesh that could be put to better use.

He would sate his needs, and the little priestess would help him do so. It was obvious that though she was still pure and that she was attracted to him, she had proved as much when her delightful lips allowed a moan to pass through them. Her body ached for his just as much as he ached for her.

He nodded to himself. Such was acceptable. He would bang the little wench and have his fill, then he would no longer be pestered by the bothersome thoughts that flooded his mind. After all, he was Sesshomaru, taiyoukai of the western lands, and he always got what he wanted.

Growling in anticipation, he continued on his way, still intent on going to the dojo to go a few rounds with his General. Fighting always helped him regain his composure. The feisty miko wench would be yet another conquest for him, one that he would revel in for some time. She was, after all, the strongest miko on the face of the planet. He relished in the thought that he would soon conquer such a powerful being. He doubted very many of demon heritage could pull off such an act, and took great pride in knowing that it would be he who stole her virginity. And she would go to him willingly… he would see to that. She would beg for him to take her.

His long, sinewy tongue slid across his lips in anticipation, eyes flashing red as he thought of her lithe little body writhing beneath his in sheer delight. He would make her scream herself hoarse by the time he was done with her. Yes… any demon would leap at the chance to dominate such a powerful and fiery wench, human or not. She was gorgeous, that much was obvious, and throbbing with power. She was completely untouched, and she was all his.

Another chuckle bubbled up in his throat. He was going to enjoy this.

Awe… their bonding… well, sort of. Yes, yes, Sesshomaru is an artist. Come on, someone with such a taste for beautiful things has to be an art lover. What else, do you suppose, could be done with such skillful hands? I'll leave the rest of the imagining to you, girls, though I'm certain Kagome is going to find out in a few chapters time. ;)

And what's this, he's going all sinister on us? Dun, dun, duhhhhh!

So, anyways, please review.