Author's Note: I am so sorry for how long it took me to update. My sister got married and I adopted a dog so things have been cuh-razy around here. But now, it's all settled, and I can immerse myself back into this story. And to make up for how long it took me to update, this chapter is the longest one yet! I hope you all like this chapter! And thank you to those who have reviewed, you really light a fire under my butt to keep me going! Review Review Review! Let me know what you think!
It has been weeks since Kagome banned Inuyasha from her pack. She had no idea how strong the words were that she uttered. Apparently, he can't come within so many yards of her or the members of her pack unless she allows it. Something to do with the demon aura's and the words binding, imprinting on them. She really wasn't paying much attention when Koga explained it, and she is still in a state of constant shock over what had transpired. She does nothing but eat, breathe, sleep and repeat every day. She hasn't even trained her Miko powers. Nothing holds her interest. Food has no taste. Laughing is a chore.
Kagome had gotten a "whiff" a few days ago of the almost completed Shikon Jewel off to the North, and she knew it was Naraku. They all decide that he must be concealing his aura, because none of the other full-blooded demons are able to sense them. They are beginning to enter the mountains, which means snow and ice. Kagome silently thanks the Gods that Rin was at Sesshomaru's fortress in the Western Lands and that Shippo had been escorted there last week.
She mindlessly takes hats, gloves, and scarfs out to hand them to Miroku and Sango when she comes across a dark red scarf that Inuyasha had worn in the past, back when she was new to Feudal Japan. When there had been a promise of love, a bonded friendship and trust. Her grip tightens on the scarf, a mixture of sadness and anger boiling in her.
"Kagome..." Sango says, resting her hand over Kagome's.
"Hm? Oh, sorry." She mumbles, handing her items for her and Miroku to wear.
Kagome turns, sifting through the pack to try to find her gloves and she see's a pair of black boots in front of her. She looks up into impossibly gorgeous molten pools of amber and feels her breath hitch in her throat. Sesshomaru blinks once, looking bored, and hands her the gloves she has been looking for.
"These are what you are searching for." He says, turning on his heel to walk away.
"Where did you find them?" Kagome inquires softly.
Sesshomaru pauses, trying to decide on if he wants to respond.
What do I tell her? That I've had them for days? That I've been using them to grow more accustomed to her scent, to familiarize myself with it? How could I explain this to her when I don't know the reason myself?
"They fell from your pack when you were searching earlier." He lies, walking back toward the back of the group.
Kagome holds onto the gloves, watching his form retreat. She looks down at them, gently rubbing the fabric. Her eyebrows crinkle together as she stares at them.
But...they're warm...
Shrugging it off, she dons the gloves and sighs softly, relishing in the warmth they already begin to provide. She turns back and begins the long hike they have ahead of them. The mountain they are tackling is huge, beyond her comprehension in height and width. It will take weeks to traverse it.
Later on, a fierce snow storm begins to blow in. Sesshomaru calls it a night and finds a place large enough for all packs to rest. Which is more for the humans than the demons. He himself could continue on for days with out the need for even a wink of sleep He mentally rolls his eyes at himself. Why be concerned over the humans?
Because Kagome is one of those humans...not that it matters.
He stares at the wall of the cave they are taking cover in, pondering this. His eyes settle on the Miko who is rationing out food and feeding the members of each pack. She approaches him last, a bowl of soup in her hand, chopsticks covering it, and her head bowed.
"For you, Lord Sesshomaru."
He leans forward and sniffs around her hands. He has never smelled anything quite like it. She watches him with wide eyes, not sure what to do. After a few tense seconds, Sesshomaru takes the bowl from her, inclining his head toward her. She bows her head again and turns, half walking, half jogging back to her friends. Her emotions collide inside of her, a mixture of confusion and attraction. Sesshomaru smirks momentarily which is immediately replaced with his stone, faced mask.
Later on that night, Kagome sits up, sleep not coming to her as she wish it would. She gets up, looking around. All the members of Koga's pack seem to be asleep. She peeks slowly over at Sesshomaru to find his eyes closed. She dons her gloves, hat, scarf and jacket and pulls on her knee-high black boots she brought along for such weather and tip-toes to the mouth of the cave. The wind has finally died down, leaving nothing but a white canvas of beautiful snow. She steps out into the snow, grateful for her boots, because the snow reaches up to the middle of her calf. She doesn't notice as a figure behind her rises and follows her out of the cave.
She walks further away from the cave, relishing in the cool, crisp air. The smallest of breezes drifts past her, carrying her hair along with it and rustling her long bangs. She brushes them back from her eyes and glances up at the large, full moon.
"You look just like an angel, Kagome."
She jumps, hearing the voice and spins around to face Koga.
"Oh...uh...thanks." She murmurs, looking anywhere but him.
"So, after all of this is over, I was thinking we could finally get married. We can have the ceremony at my den. You can even bring your humans with you." He says, proud of himself.
"Oh, Koga, you can't possibly think-"
She begins but is cut off when the young wolf prince leans forward, capturing her lips with his. Kagome's eyes snap all the way open in shock, almost bugging out. She doesn't move her lips, noting as he tried to deepen it.
"Wolf." A deep growl rings out into the silence.
Koga pulls back, taken by surprise and turns to face Sesshomaru.
"Can't you tell we're having a private moment here? Why don't you go back to the cave, eh?" He says, turning back to Kagome.
"I do believe you are the only one having a moment, wolf." He says, his voice colder than the snow itself.
"Why is that any of your business?" Koga says turning again to face Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru stops at this. What can he say? It really isn't any of his business. But the thought of his hands...his lips...on her...it makes the beast inside him rage with protectiveness and jealousy. Sesshomaru tries to tame it, but his eyes lock onto the fact that he has her hand in his filthy paws.
"The Miko clearly has no desire to wed or bed you, if you continue to force yourself on her, I will have to remove you." He growls out, surprised at his own intensity.
"What did you just say?" Koga yells, stepping toward him, both of them baring fangs at each other.
"Hey! Enough already! Sheesh, what are you guys, 5 years old?" Kagome says stepping between them.
"Tell him, Kagome! Tell him how we were meant to be together and that we will finally be able to-"
"No, Koga, I can't do that. And you know why. You know I have never had interest in being anything more than a friend to you. Yet you keep pushing it and it puts me in a very awkward position. I love you Koga, I do, but as a friend. I trust you and depend on you, but nothing more than a friend would." Kagome says as gently as possible.
Koga stares at her, emotionless. The moments tick by, all three of them silent. Kagome starts to worry, yelling at herself for telling Koga off like that. Had she been too harsh? He can't leave, not now, not when they're finally all working together.
"You're right." He finally says.
Kagome gasps slightly, surprised.
"I've been forcing it for so long now, it just sort of became what I do...what's supposed to happen. I knew from the beginning you only wanted that mutt. Don't get me wrong Kagome, once you finally realize what a catch I am, I will be waiting for ya." He says, winking at her.
"Oh, thanks I guess, Koga." Kagome chokes out, laughing a small burst of laughter, for the first time in weeks.
"I don't know what your deal is, but if you want her, you better claim her. I'm not the only one who can appreciate her beauty." Koga says directly to Sesshomaru.
"Oh, what, is that all I'm good for? A pretty face?" Kagome says, smiling, putting her hands on her waist.
"No, of course not. You're also a great chef." Koga says, grinning and running off back toward the cave.
"Well, I'm glad that's finally cleared up." Kagome says out loud, letting out a gust of air.
"I doubt that will be the last of his attempts to court you." Sesshomaru states, sounding bored.
"He posed a good question, Sesshomaru. Why is it that you are so concerned if someone tries to court me?" Kagome asks, crossing her arms across her chest.
The demon Lord steps toward her, standing directly in front of her. She craned her neck up to stare at him, the moonlight making his pale skin glow. His amber eyes are filled with words not said. He stares down at the small woman in front of him and takes her chin in his hand, claws avoiding her delicate skin.
"I wish to court you." He says, very quietly.
"...huh?" Is all she can manage.
Sesshomaru doesn't repeat himself, merely just stands, staring confidently down at her. Kagome's mind is whirling.
Court me? No way! I mean...I guess...it does make sense but...
"Why? You hate humans." Kagome says, her voice squeaking.
"It would seem I have had a change of heart."
"But...I'm a Miko."
Sesshomaru raises one eyebrow.
"Miko's and demons...they're like oil and water. They don't mix."
"You were willing to be with my brother at one time."
Kagome opens and closes her mouth, looking much like a fish, not knowing what to say.
"If you decline, then I shall leave you alone." Sesshomaru says, taking his hand away from her and turning to walk away.
"No! Wait!" Kagome says, running and tripping in the snow to get in front of him.
Sesshomaru stares down at her, quirking an eyebrow again. Her face is flushed, whether from the cold or embarrassment, he doesn't know. She sways, trying to keep her footing in the deep snow.
"How...I don't know...much about demon courting..." Kagome's voice bubbles, laced with embarrassment.
"I will show you, then, if you accept..." Sesshomaru says, voice strong and unwavering.
Kagome stares up at the beautiful man in front of her, her throat closed with too many emotions to even name. This man has despised humans his entire life. Yet here he stands, reaching his hand out to her, wanting her. She merely nods at him, unable to speak.
Sesshomaru smiles inwardly, his face remaining untouched. A part of him was worried she would decline. This surprises him. Worry? Has he ever worried about anything in his life? Never. This woman is changing him. Slowly but surely, she has built herself a nice niche inside his heart.
"I need to mark you."
"How?"
"Imprint. It is a temporary courting mark that will only become permanent should we...be wed." He says, weighing the words.
Kagome squeaks, eyes widening. It's so much.
"You want to marry me?"
"The point of courting is to find that out." He says blandly, almost rolling his eyes.
"Oh. Right. Ok. Let's do it then." She says, putting on her brave face and nodding.
Sesshomaru takes her face gently in his hand and turns her head to the side, baring her neck to him. The act of this, her submission, stirs his aura and he quickly stomps it down. Using his fingers, he presses them gently to her neck. Then, in the blink of an eye, he forces all of his aura out through his fingers. His very essence penetrates her skin, coating her in his scent, intertwining them.
Kagome let's out a cry of surprise, the pain gone as soon as it came. Her eyes are blinded by a bright light, and then Sesshomaru steps forward, snuffling her neck, licking it gently. Kagome's cheeks burn even redder, immediately aroused. Sesshomaru clenches his teeth, willing himself to step away, surprised that he is able to.
"What is it, what did you do?" Kagome asks, touching her neck.
"You are marked with the symbol of the house I come from."
"Symbol?" Kagome asks, eyebrows scrunching together.
Sesshomaru takes her hand and presses her fingertips to the crescent moon on his forehead. Kagome's eyes widen more, staring at it. She had no idea why that was there, and was even more curious as to why Inuyasha didn't have one, but that was something she would talk to him about later. Sesshomaru lowers his hand and her fingers linger there, drawing small circles around it.
"It is time for you to get some sleep." He says, suddenly picking her up.
"Hey you know I can walk, right?"
"I have begun to question that, Miko." Sesshomaru says, his eyes lightening in shade.
Kagome's jaw drops and she slaps his shoulder lightly. Sesshomaru raises both eyebrows and stares at her, his surprise showing through his usual mask. Kagome freezes.
Did I really just slap him?
"Sesshomaru, I...I-I'm so sorry, I didn't...I wasn't thinking..." She stutters, fear oozing from her.
"Do not fear me, Miko, I will never harm you. But think twice before doing that again. I may take your hand." Sesshomaru says, his eyebrows lowering, eyes glimmering.
"You said you would never harm me!" Kagome says, her hands gripped into fists, forcing herself to not slap him again.
"Hn." Is all he says as he takes her back to the cave.
Upon entering, he walks her to where the Monk and Slayer lay asleep. He takes his fur wrap off as she unzips her jacket and lays it on the floor, then steps away, looking at her. She looks at it in shock, then looks up at him.
"One rule in courting is to make your intended comfortable at all time." He says, then walks away.
Kagome looks after him in awe. Never, would she ever imagine Sesshomaru giving anything to a human, let alone her. Yet here she is with his fur, getting down to curl up onto it.
You continue to surprise me, Sesshomaru.
From the back of the cave, Koga smiles softly, shaking his head and laying back to sleep.
Finally. I guess all he needed was a little shove.