Yeah, next chapter! In his little episode, Sesshomaru's overprotective nature begins to get the better of him, and jealousy rears its ugly head. What will it lead to? What decision has he come to? Find out…

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha… What? I can have a normal Disclaimer, can't I?

Beginning of Admittance

Waking to a soft chirping, Kagome pried an eye open to locate the source of the noise, sapphire irises locking onto the tiny bird sitting atop her headboard. Wiping the sleep from her eyes, she sat up and stared at the little chickadee that was sitting so innocently on her bedpost. Placing her hands in her lap, she asked in a sleepy voice, "What are you doing in here little guy?"

The bird chirped once in response, head tilting this way and that before it spread its wings and flew out the balcony window.

"Do you often speak to animals?" a cool, calculating voice from the doorway broke her reverie.

Turning to face the source of the voice, she smiled lopsidedly when she found Sesshomaru, primped and proper as ever, standing in her doorframe. "Sometimes," she answered with a shrug.

Lifting a brow at her, he stepped forward, stopping only when his tall, imposing figure was looming over her bed. "Come, Lady Kagome, it is time to wake," he commanded, "Rin wishes for your presence at the breakfast table."

Sticking out her bottom lip, Kagome shook her tousled head of black hair and flopped back down, pulling the covers up over herself. She knew he wasn't going to let her go back to sleep. She expected perhaps a short bark for her to rise, or perhaps the yanking of the blankets from her body, but she had not expected to feel a heavy weight settle on top of her, one that was most definitely the weight of a body.

Ever so slowly she peeled the comforter down, peeking over the edge and yelping when she found she was nose to nose with a very unreadable Sesshomaru.

When she attempted to ask him what he was doing, she found all that came out was a lethargic, blur of words, tangled together to sound more like a soft groan than anything. Her tongue suddenly felt extremely heavy, like a brick of lead in her mouth. She frantic beating of her heart against her ribs thundered in her ears like a drum, pounding to an unknown and erratic tune.

She watched his head quirk to the side, his eyes ablaze with an emotion that was foreign to her, yet one she had seen before. The same flicker of emotion had crossed over the inu youkai's face the night before, yet she hadn't the inkling as to what it was.

Cerulean orbs picked up the almost undetectable movement of his delicate nostrils twitching, eyes widening as he lowered his face into the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply, not at all attempting to hide what he was up to.

When he pulled back slightly, so that his lips grazed her ear, she couldn't help the gasp that slid past her lips.

"You smell… pleasant," he admitted, his voice husky in the delicate curve of her ear.

Those same seductive, masculine lips brushed over her cheek to rest just above hers; hot breathe fanning against the quivering pink morsels. Inhaling in a shaky intake of air, Kagome's tongue finally decided to function, allowing her to utter a single word. "Sesshomaru."

The molding of their lips was divine, perfect as they pressed together in a soft yet passionate kiss. He kissed her slowly, long tongue tracing the outline of her succulent, plump petals.

She was left breathless when he pulled back; golden eyes staring down into hers with tenderness. "Kagome," he cooed, "… it's time to wake up."

Dark… everything was so very dark. Through the thin crevices of her eyelids, small red streaks of light poured, unforgiving as they burned her sensitive retinas.

Oh, she knew she was awake; she simply didn't want to accept it. It had been such a wonderful dream, one that she was so very reluctant to wake from. Should she open her eyes, not only would she have to accept the fact that it was nothing more than a dream, but she would have to come to grips with the feelings she had for a certain taiyoukai.

Grumbling, she pried her eyes open, a cute scowl on her face. Eyes still narrowed in her sleep induced stupor she sat up and rubbed her head. Yes… she had feelings for Sesshomaru. It was ridiculous really, since they man was little more than callous toward her. 'Good job, Kagome,' she chided bitterly, 'you went from a backstabbing asshole to an insensitive prude. Boy you sure can pick 'em.'

Tossing the blankets off into a tangled heap, she threw her legs over the edge, groaning when her muscles screamed in protest. Actually, she was rather sore all over. She guessed it was from her exertions the day before.

Standing on unsteady legs, she wandered to the other side of the room, looking glumly into the massive mirror that adorned one of the walls. She was a mess.

Raking relentless fingers through her tangled ebony locks, she swore in a un-lady like fashion as her hand caught and yanked rather harshly on a few raven tendrils.

Growling as she attempted to smooth out the unruly locks, she failed to notice the small figure that entered her room.

"You're funny, Kagome-chan."

Twirling around at the sound of the jubilant, youthful voice, Kagome smiled when she found Rin to be standing in her doorframe.

"Are you coming to breakfast, Kagome-chan?" When the elder girl nodded, she giggled and teased, "You had better hurry, silly. You'll miss it."

Kagome once again attempted to straighten out her hair, stopping when she found her efforts were futile. She heard Rin giggle yet again, and turned to shoot her a playful scowl. Much to her surprise, and embarrassment, she watched as the child walked up to the dresser near the corner and removed a brush from its top.

"Rin will brush Kagome-chan's pretty hair," the brunette exclaimed joyously.

Nodding, the elder female sat cross legged and allowed the child to brush her hair. Once the child gave her a satisfied pat on the back, she stood, dusting her sleeping garb off and placing a gentle hand on Rin's head. Allowing the little girl to take her by the wrist, she was pulled toward the closet where an array of kimonos had been provided.

"You choose one," Kagome suggested.

Beaming brightly, Rin scampered into the closet, disappearing in the mess of garments to reappear only seconds later. In her hands, a kimono was draped. Holding it out, she chirped, "Here you go. Rin thinks that Kagome-chan will look beautiful in this one."

Smiling, she nodded in thanks and took the clothes that were being offered to her. Pulling it on, she knelt so that Rin could assist her in tying the obi. She never had been all that good with knots.

Admiring the wondrous kimono in the mirror, Kagome smoothed out a little wrinkle in the sleeve and sighed. Silk felt so very heavenly against ones skin in the morning. The apparel she had been dressed in was splendidly decorated. Tiny, silver stars sprinkled the bottom of her kimono, which was a pale pink. The obi, which was a deeper shade of pink, was also littered with silver stars. At the cuff of her right sleeve, a large, silver moon stood out plainly against the sea of rose.

Twirling in a circle, she watched as the bottom of the garb fanned out around her. She felt so lavished here, like a princess.

Rin once again took her by the wrist, leading her to the door. Following the bubbly youth, she wandered down the halls to the dining room, surprised to see that Sesshomaru was not the only one awaiting them in the dining hall.

Another man, one taller than Sesshomaru, stood at the foot of the table with said Lord. His short, auburn hair hung loosely around his face, framing a strong jaw and high cheekbones. On the middle of his brow, a green, four pointed star sat out against the color of his skin. Large, brown eyes looked in her direction as she approached the table. Though this man was noticeably older than Sesshomaru, he was still attractive, his frame broad and imposing.

"Lady Kagome," Sesshomaru greeted with a nod, "This is the eastern Lord, Takura."

Bowing lowly, Kagome smiled in a shy manner, not certain if this youkai would be as friendly as the last one she had made acquaintance with. He gave her a curt nod in return, his face remaining stoic.

"This is the priestess Kagome," the Western Lord informed his guest, "She aided in the healing of the troops."

Takura's brow lifted in surprise, chestnut orbs swiveling to give her a quick once over. "A useful human," he mumbled, "surprising."

Kagome was shocked at his rude comment, but reminded herself that most youkai were not exactly fond of her race. With that in mind she held her tongue.

Scrutinizing pools of russet roamed her body once more. "She isn't completely hopeless looking, I suppose. Rather, she is quite pretty. She would make a nice rut."

Mouth hanging agape, Kagome went rigid. The racial remark she had tolerated, but that perverse statement would not be left. Stepping forward, she straightened her spine and spoke in clipped tones, "Excuse me, milord, but I would appreciate it if you would keep such crude remarks to yourself .I am a respectable priestess and, human or no, I will not stand by and let you comment on my body as though it is a piece of meat."

Sesshomaru let a small growl slip from his throat. He had hoped she would remain silent, but, apparently, she needed to learn a few things on court etiquette. It was true, what Takura had said was uncalled for, but he was a Lord, and as such he had the right to say whatever he wished. Also, she seemed to be disregarding the fact that, in this time, women were to remain silent before males unless given permission to speak.

Both brows now lifted in utter surprise, a tiny, almost unperceivable grin spread across the eastern Lord's lips. A deep, hearty laugh bubbled up from his belly, and his grin grew into a full fledged smile. "My, my, my, I had thought that these eyes had beheld every sight imaginable during my countless years. Apparently I was wrong. Never has a human… a human female no less, spoken to me in such a manner. Such authority, such a clear tone; you, priestess, have impressed me."

Kagome stared curiously at the hand presented to her. Taking it meekly, she grasped it firmly and gave it a good shake.

"Strong grip; shows character. Will you never cease to amaze me, little onna?" Takura inquired softly.

Clearing her throat, Kagome bowed and stated in a polite tone, "Pleasure to meet you, Lord Takura. If I may, milord, I just want you to know that over this time of hardship, you have my full support. Any ally of Lord Sesshomaru is an ally of mine. Should you ever be in need of assistance with something I might be able to help you with, do not hesitate to ask. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must see to the child. "

Nodding his approval, the eastern Lord watched the tiny miko make her way to the dining table, where she took her place next to the little girl seated there. "Quite the interesting ningen, you've got there," he commented while motioning to Kagome.

Nodding curtly, Sesshomaru sniffed lightly and droned, "Perhaps, Lord Takura, we should take this conversation elsewhere. We must discuss the plans for attack and I doubt such should be done in the dining hall."

Agreeing, the eastern Lord allowed his host to usher him into the hallway, but not before looking over his shoulder to catch another quick glimpse of the pretty, mysterious miko.

Keen gold eyes did not miss the motion, and their owner fumed silently. Ally or not, his dear friend had better not stick his nose into places where it did not belong. Takura had a mate, but was known to take on the odd mistress. The girl was his. 'Perhaps,' he mused, 'it is time to end this little charade.'

Oh no, what drastic measures is Sesshomaru going to take now that he believes Takura is after Kagome as well? Bwahahaha… wait and see loyal readers!

And before any of you ask or complain, this isn't going to be one of those fics where Kagome is all powerful and every guy has the hots for her, alright? I hate that predictable crap. I know it seems like these men already do… but has it occurred to you that perhaps such notions are simply what results when a taiyoukai gets jealous? Honestly, all I'm trying to put out is that Sesshomaru is being super protective and obsessive, meaning that he isn't quite being honest with himself about his feelings. All of that 'other men trespassing on his territory' shit is in his head. Takura and Meiyo are simply curious because she is a human and yet has astounding power and bravery.

So… you know what to do. Give me and R! Give me and E! Give me a… oh to Hell with it… Give me a review!