Author's Note: So I friggen loved writing this chapter. Ah, the beginnings of a relationship. Cat and mouse games you play. SO FUN. Let me know what you think, yah? REVIEW!
A few days after the "incident" by the river (as Kagome mentally referred to it), the wolf-demon tribe and Sesshomaru's small pack consisting of Ah-Uh, Rin and Jaken had settled into life in Edo. The villagers had grown to appreciate having Inuyasha, a half demon, and were used to seeing him on a daily basis. But seeing full blown demons milling around had nearly caused a riot.
They all decided it would be best to set up camp further from the village. Inuyasha had run off to be with his undead love for the past 3 days, though why he still would sneak around to go see her was beyond Kagome. If he really thought she didn't know by now...well, it was almost an insult to her intelligence!
Koga approaches Kagome and catches her completely off guard, due to being lost in her thoughts of Inuyasha and Kikyo. She takes a step back as the wolf-demon grasps her by her wrists, bringing them up to his nose, inhaling deeply. Kagome scrunches her eyebrows together, about to open her mouth to protest when a stern voice breaks the silence of the combined group.
"Release the Miko." Sesshomaru says icily.
"Excuse me?" Koga says, letting his hands fall, still holding her wrists. A twitch appears in his tail as he registers Sesshomaru's immense aura.
"You will release the Miko. She clearly has no interest in what you are attempting."
"Why would that be any of your concern?"
"The woman is clearly uncomfortable, and if I am to be discussing battle strategies and joining forces with you and Kagome, there can be no tension or lack of calm."
"Well, then I guess it's good the half-breed ain't here, then." Koga says, grinning and releasing Kagome.
Sesshomaru says nothing but silently regards the young Miko standing a few feet away from him. Her legs seem to go for miles, her black tresses curling and spraying out into the wind, her wide doe-brown eyes regarding him as well. He stiffens slightly and begins to walk past her. As soon as he reaches her side, he hears a small, delicate whisper call to him.
"Sesshomaru..." She says, the sound of his name on her tongue sounding perfect.
His only answer is a pause in his steps.
"Thank you."
"Hn."
"Where is Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru asks after the 4th night of his absence.
Sango and Miroku look at each other, silently communicating. It seems he picked the perfect time, right after Kagome announced she would be going to bathe, to bring this us. Could it be the demon Lord is being...tactful?
"He sometimes goes off to clear his head." Sango says.
"Hn. For four days." Sesshomaru says, somehow sounding uninterested and curious at the same time.
"Yes, well, don't we all need a break every now and then?" Sango says, trying to close the topic.
"It would seem he does this often. How could he be regarded as Alpha of a pack he never bothers to near."
"Inuyasha is very stubborn and headstrong, but he has always been there for every battle." Miroku says, somewhat defending his friend. Though his and Inuyasha's friendship has been lacking lately. His attention is either on Kikyo or Naraku at all times, and it bothers Miroku to his core how he treats Kagome.
"Hn."
"Why don't we all just be honest, hm? We all know exactly where he is. And while I appreciate how delicate you and Sango have been with this, it's time to stop pretending. I've fully accepted where I stand in Inuyasha's life." Kagome says, appearing suddenly, clutching her bag til her knuckles have turned white.
Sesshomaru turns his eyes to the priestess, quirking one eyebrow. He notes how sheepish Miroku and Sango look. What exactly is he missing, here?
"Kikyo. He's with Kikyo. She always and will always come first. Then tessaiga. Then me. Maybe. Sometimes I may even come after Ramen." Kagome says, throwing her bag and storming off.
"Kikyo. The undead woman." Sesshomaru says, staring after Kagome.
"Yes." Sango says quietly.
Sesshomaru silently gets up and walks in the direction of the retreating Miko. Sango and Miroku glance at each other, eyebrows raised, both thinking the same thing. What if a stoic, cold, human-hating demon Lord fell in love with a carefree, warm, selfless Miko?
Kagome sits down my the riverbed, picking at the long blades of grass. Her comfortable, black fleece pants came in handy on the cool night. She drops the blade of grass, sighing, sticking her hands in the front of the baggy hoodie she threw on in her hurried escape.
She had made a fool of herself. No doubt Sesshomaru could see the anxiety and hurt written across her face. She knew she was over this, she knew that Inuyasha had clearly made his decision, and she had come to terms with it. It doesn't mean that she can't cry for the loss, the life she thought she could have had with him. It aches, like a large hole was punched in her chest. She knew she wasn't making things up, she knew for a time Inuyasha did love her. That's what killed her the most.
"He loved me...and he chose someone else. What's wrong with me?" Kagome considers, tears blurring her vision.
"You willingly and submissively place yourself on a list, behind a sword." Sesshomaru's voice rings out.
"Agh!" Kagome starts, jumping almost 5 feet into the air.
Sesshomaru stands, his back to the moon. The gentle, cool breeze blowing his silky silver hair away from his face. His golden eyes seem curious as he gazes at her. Kagome cocks her head to the side, gazing right back into his eyes.
"Answer."
"You didn't ask me a question. You merely repeated what I said."
"Why."
"There is no why. It's how it is."
"And why do you accept-" Sesshomaru begins, cut off
"Because I made a promise." Kagome interrupts, her voice soft and full with hurt.
Kagome lowers her face, her tears betraying her pride. Not one part of her wants to cry in front of him or show him any type of weakness. She is supposed to be Alpha of her pack. He must think she is such a fool. Suddenly, she feels a claw underneath her chin, pulling her head up. Her chocolate eyes meet amber, Sesshomaru's face inches away from her.
"Do not feel ashamed. You are loyal, too loyal. That half-breed is a fool." Sesshomaru, moving and turning his back on her.
"You asked me a question, now I get to ask one."
Sesshomaru merely stands, back to the woman, waiting.
"What happened...when I was in the water...you were there..." Kagome says, embarrassed and aroused at the thought, biting her lip.
"I may explain that to you...in time."
And with that, he was gone. He may explain that? Well that's not quite fair. And why is he showing such interest in her stupid, human emotions? Had he really called her loyal, and that Inuyasha was stupid for picking Kikyo? Exactly what is going on here? Silently, Kagome vows to delve into the mystery that is the demon Lord. Something inside her craves to know him, for him to trust her and let her in. Not that she wants to date him or anything. Oh gods. No, not date, not at all. She's just...curious.