Chapter Five:

Growling low, his fist connected with the hut next to him. Stupid. Stupid. Fucking idiot.

She had only left five minutes ago to meet up with the wolf. He had watched her leave. He had just watched her leave and hadn't stopped her.

With another low growl, he collapsed to the ground. Long lean arms rested on his bent knees. Silver hair hung disheveled and loose from its clasp. He was beat and broken, and he hadn't done anything to stop it.

"Sesshomaru," the familiar voice of her kit came to him.

Amber eyes looked up to see the young boy no more than a foot away from him. He was sporting a pair of blue jeans and a green t-shirt. His red mass of hair was up in the same pony-tail he had seen yesterday with…her.

"Are you okay?" the kit pressed on. His emerald eyes scanned the area for, what he assumed was, Kagome. "Where's mama," he asked when he didn't spot her.

She's with that fucking wolf. But he didn't say that. No, instead, looking at her son before him, he forced his anger and hatred down and away. "You mother went on a lunch date with a friend," he managed calmly.

"Lunch date?" Green eyes showed the confusion and suspicion that was rising up inside the boy. "Uncle Miroku called a little while ago. He mentioned something about Kouga, but it didn't make any sense. He wanted to know if you were still here."

Miroku wanted to know if I was still here? He must have spoken to Inuyasha. "What did you tell him?"

To his surprise, he watched as the kit's small chest puffed up in a mock gesture of pride. "I told him about what happened last night with Inuyasha and that you kept mom safe."

Yeah, he kept her safe. He was the only one that was suppose to. No one else. She was his and only his.

"Are you going to go after her?"

The innocence and curiosity shocked him out of his growing anger. Staring at the boy before him, he understood her worry but didn't like it. "No, Shippo. I'm going to give her some space right now."

"But, you don't like it, do you?"

What a clever child. "No, I don't like it."

The young fox demon let out a grin as he stood before the much older taiyouki. "I like you, Sesshomaru, and I know mom does too. You're doing the right thing."

Surprisingly enough, her son's comment made him feel better.

"Come on," he muttered as he rose to his feet. "How does ice cream sound?"

Beaming a smile he once saw on her, the kit grabbed his hand and drew them to the steps. "Sounds great."

—

Walking with Kouga was the last thing she wanted to be doing. What the hell was wrong with her. She has an extremely attractive man waiting for her back home, and here she was with this wolf.

Silently screaming out her frustrations in her head, the need to run back to him and apologize for her stupidity was over whelming. Stupid. Stupid. Idiot.

He had actually cared about her. He cared about her feeling strongly enough that he had let her go off with Kouga to let her figure things out. That small fact meant more to her than anything…and here she was walking away from him.

What the hell was wrong with her? I should just go back. This isn't worth it.

And she was about to do just that until her stalker, and now her date, drew her attention. "Kagome, how about seeing a movie first. Yuka mentioned you wanted to see that new American movie that just came over.

She knew exactly what movie he was talking about, and yes, she wanted to see it so badly. "Fine, but after lunch you're walking me home, right?"

Smiling, he gave her a nod before making their way to the movies.

—

It didn't take them long to find their seat when they got in. The place had been packed to wits end, but they got in early enough to beat the rush.

The movie had been great. No one had talked or done anything annoying. Kouga had behaved himself. He even made her laugh when something silly came up that did warrant a comment. It had been great…that is if she could get over the fact that she was out with the wolf instead of her dog.

Her mind had been running through the whole movie. She really didn't pay too much attention to it, which in itself was frustrating. No, he had been on her mind the whole time. He was the one she should have gone with. He was the one that should have been making her laugh and smile. Not Kouga.

"So, how did you like it?"

To be honest, she didn't remember much of it. "It was great," she lied trough a tight smile.

Believing her every word, he beamed and took her hand. The urge to jerk back was almost tangible, but she fought it tooth and nail. She was going to enjoy herself. If it turned out she would rather be with Sesshomaru later, than she could except that.

For right now, she was with Kouga and that was that.

"So, how about lunch. I'm starving."

Smiling down at her, she didn't miss the contentment in his eyes. He was enjoying her company. That alone made her suddenly feel guilty. "I know the spot. Its right around the next block."

She followed him through the throng of people. It was a nice day. The wind wasn't too terribly cold, but the sun wasn't too hot either. It was just nice.

Rounding the corner, there was a little coffee house that had a restaurant attached to it. She knew the place, and it did serve great lunches.

He held the door for her as they motioned inside. A hostess was there almost instantly. Before she knew it, they were seated and looking at the menus.

"What to get?" Her finger tapped against her cheek, and she looked up in time to see him look away. A sense of amusement came to her with the soft blush on him. "How about a Chicken Cesar Wrap."

"You enjoy American food?" he inquired, watching the light come to her eyes.

"What can I say," she teased, "I'm just weird like that."

"Kagome," his voice went serious, drawing her attention, "there is nothing weird about you."

The strength and gravity in his eyes left her held and bond. Even if she wanted to get angry with him right then, she didn't think she could. "What happens if I want to be weird, Kouga?"

Smiling at her, the softness and tenderness made her weak and almost liquid inside. "Then, I would agree with what ever you wanted."

Smiling, she mouthed thank you as the waitress came over.

—

Sesshomaru and Shippo had run from place to place all afternoon. The kit was the most active thing he had ever come across, and yet, if it would have been anyone else—excluding her—he would have barked and killed. When any other would have drove him crazy, Shippo only made his laugh.

"How about the fair? Mama said it was coming into the city today."

He didn't have time to argue as the little fox grabbed his hand and started dragging him. The action reminded him of her as they maneuvered through the crowds. She had done the exact same thing to him just yesterday.

Smirking, if it wasn't for the fact that Shippo was a full demon, he would have thought he had her genes in him. No, instead, the kit acted, spoke, and thought just like her…the woman who had raised him from an infant. She had been there for him his whole life, taking care of him, helping him as he grew.

The runt dragging him around right now reminded him of her yet again. The memory of every second he had seen her, been with her, flooded him with warmth. Even knowing now that she was off with another man—yes, he wasn't happy about it—it didn't enrage him like he had thought it would.

He trusted her where he had never trusted anyone before. Something inside of him simply knew that she was safe and his. If the wolf tried anything, he would know.

"Where's this fair, Shippo?"

Beaming a smile he had only seen on one other person, the kit was just like her in so many different ways. "Down on the boardwalk."

Heading to the walks, he allowed the boy to drag him anywhere he wanted. To make Kagome and, surprisingly, Shippo happy, he would do anything.

—

Her heart warmed beyond words could describe. Ignoring the man across from her, her gaze fixed to the site just outside the restaurant window behind him. Her little Shippo was with him. Her little fox was dragging the great and powerful taiyouki behind him.

The mere image and the smile on her kit's face was enough to make her feel more for the man following him than she had before. The contentment and the soft smirk on his lips as he playfully acted like he was the weaker of the two demons made her smile and warm more.

"Kagome," Kouga's voice drifted to her like a distant echo, "are you alright?"

Looking to him, she just nodded. The two individuals that where strong in her heart had disappeared down the street. She knew where they were going. It was just the other day when she told Shippo that the fair was coming into town today.

"Kouga, do you feel up to going to the fair?"

She didn't know why she was asking him to go with her. It honestly didn't dawn on her that she could go alone and meet up with Shippo and Sesshomaru there until after she asked him.

Watching the smile grow on the wolf's face, she mentally backed herself out of her sudden frustration. "That sounds great, Kagome."

Paying for the meal, they headed out of the restaurant and to the walks.

—

What the hell was she doing? Screaming inwardly, she scanned the area for Shippo and Sesshomaru. Her eyes desperately searched for them, hoping beyond hope that they were here and she hadn't been wrong. They had to be here, they had to.

"Kagome," Kouga's voice came to her again, "you've been awfully funny suddenly. What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," she lied. Raising up her two finger's in a boy scout solute, she smiled. "Promise."

"If you say so."

Buying two wrist bands, he gently put the one around his wrist, and she put one of his. Just feeling her soft touch on his skin sent waves of warm and passion through him. He wanted her…beyond reason and words, he wanted her.

If only she wanted me too.

He wasn't dumb. It was obvious she never liked him. She was nice to him as long as he didn't do anything stupid. Secretly, he would do things to piss her off just to get her full attention, even if it was in a negative way.

Yet, there were moments when he did have her full attention without doing anything wrong. It was those moments that he cherished. It was at those times that he let himself believe she could someday be his…that someday she would be his and only his.

"Kouga," it was her turn to draw him away from his wondering thought, "are you okay?"

Mocking her, he loved when she smiled at him. "Nothing's wrong." Two fingers in the air, she laughed softly. "Promise."

"You're horrible," she laughed. Grabbing his arm with hers, she dragged to the very ride that she absolutely loved. It was the large ship that swung high and fast.

Standing in line, she forgot about why she had wanted to come here. For just a moment, laughing and talking with the very man she always promised herself that she would never date, she had forgotten about the two boys she had wanted to follow her.

The sudden realization left her still and slightly sick.

—

A hard growl escaped him as he watched her. The moment she stepped passed the entrance to the fair, the sweet scent and fragrance she emitted came to him. Watching her smile and talk with the wolf made his blood run warm.

Small laps of sanity broke through when her gaze searched the crowed. Lovely brown eyes scanned every face and every ride, looking for someone. Had she known that they might be here? No, she wasn't at the shrine when they had left.

But now, watching the wolf with his arm around her, jealousy and rage began to rise. Watching as she laughed and smiled, seemingly happy in the youki's arms, fire coursed through him.

He was about to make himself known when the hand in his tugged his attention back down. "Sesshomaru, what's wrong?"

Emerald eyes looked at him with such confusion and wonder, the demon inside him softened and retreated back. "Nothing's wrong, fox. I promise you."

"You saw mommy, didn't you?" Amber eyes narrowed in confusion and surprise. "I saw her come in with Kouga. Don't worry. She doesn't like him like that. Its in mom to like everyone. She only hated one person her whole life, and he deserved it."

"Who was that?" he asked as they made their way to the swings.

"His name was Naraku."

That name was strongly familiar to him. "Naraku Izame?"

When the kit nodded, he knew exactly who the man was. Most of Japan hated him. He was the only hanyou that wasn't born one. There are so many versions of the Naraku tale, but only those with full youki blood know the truth.

He was a human that sold his soul to a demon to become immortal. In doing so, he had to sacrifice thirty children to the demon. This only happened about ten years ago. The man was serving a life sentence in Tokyo Maximum, only because no one could find a way to kill him…yet.

"Hey, Sesshomaru," Shippo called out to him as he got on the swing, "can we get some pocky later?"

Standing off to the side of the ride, he only nodded at the swings started moving and the ride began. Distantly, his mind wondered back to the woman on the other side of the park. Despite what the kit had said, his blood still ran warm with his growing anger.

Just to think the wolf was holding her like she belonged to him was one thing, but to see it made him furious. She belonged to him, Sesshomaru. The wolf had no right to touch her let alone hold her. That was his job.

He had to fight the urge to go back and kill the flee-bag. Yet, as he heard the kit's laughter, it grounded him still. He was here with the fox, her son. He couldn't just leave him. No, he had to stay with the kit. Later, he swore, I'll put the wolf in his place later.

—

Kagome's eyes didn't miss her little fox on the large swings just a few rides down from where they were right now. Searching the ground, she found what she was looking for. Standing by the boundary grate, he seemed calm, but she knew better.

Silver hair was still bound and held back by the leather strap. It was neater now than when she had left him. He had managed to change out of the school uniform and into a pair of blue jeans and a white button down long-sleeved shirt. The fabric was so thin that his tan could be seen through it. He was also sporting a pair of brown boots and belt.

Staring at him, as they went around the carousal, just the sight of him gave her butterflies. To think that a man as perfect as him wanted her, and all she did was just leave him to spend the day with another. They were suppose to just go out for lunch, but no…

No, instead, they had seen a movie she had been waiting weeks to see. They went to one of her favorite restaurants for a delicious lunch. Now, she was with him at the fall fair. She wasn't just going out for lunch. She was spending the whole afternoon with him.

Suddenly sick, she couldn't calm down. The blood in her veins were running hot and cold at the same time. A dew of sweet broke from her as she struggled to breath.

"Kagome," Kouga called to her, but his voice seemed as though it was miles away.

No, the only voice she wanted to hear right now was his. All she wanted right now was to run to him and apologize for her stupidity. Was this what the fates had planned? Was this the gods conspiring against her, or was this her own body doing this?

She didn't know. She did know that she wanted to be in his arms. She wanted to be held in his arms as she cried out her frustration and anger. Her life should be her own, not the gods'.

Her father had fallen down to hell because the gods thought it should be that way. Why did they seem to want to mess with her family so badly?

"Kagome," he called again.

Looking up into those blue eyes, her mind envisioned amber orbs. She knew better, though, than to get the two men confused. The hands holding her now where not his. No, this wasn't her taiyouki holding her. It was someone else…someone she didn't want to be with.

The ride began to slow as it came to a stop. One by one, each carriage was departed and another group came on.

She needed off this damn ride. She wanted off.

As they were allowed to depart, she tried to head to where she had seen him. She had tried to go to him, but a pair of arms kept her moving in the other direction.

"Kouga, let me go," her voice was weak and soft. Her whole body suddenly felt weak.

"You're not well, Kagome." He was drawing her to the fair exit. "You need to get rest."

No, I don't. I need to go to him. "Kouga, let me go." Her words were getting stronger, but her body still felt slightly weak.

"Kagome," he grinded his teethe in slight frustration, "you have a fever. I need to get you someplace where you can rest."

Fighting him now, she struggled against his hold. "I don't want to rest. I don't want to go home."

"I wasn't going to take you home." She faltered momentarily at that. "My place is just around the corner."

A whole new series of struggles began. His place was the last place she wanted to go right now. "Kouga, please. Just let me go."

"Kagome," both of his hands held her by the arm, shaking her, "you are burning up. I need to get you someplace where you can rest."

"I don't want to go." Tugging against him, she could feel her strength coming back to her. "Now, let go."

"Kagome," he began to argue but the sharp and furious growl that erupted behind her made him freeze still.

Stumbling back from her sudden release, she collided into a familiar chest. A pair of arms encircled her, and she knew who now held her. The affection and peace that flooded her made her body feel like it was pudding.

"I suggest you leave." His deep rumble that came out with his words moved through her body. The sensation made her slightly limp in his hold.

She didn't see the look in the wolf's eyes, but his voice spoke volumes as to how pissed he was getting. "And who are you? You look a hell of a lot like that dog-breath."

Shippo's voice was the one who answered the question to her surprise. "He's Inuyasha's brother, Sesshomaru Mizuki." There was such joy and happiness in his next comment that it made her even more comfortable in his arms. "He's mom's soul mate."

A growl of immediate rage echoed out of the normally controlled wolf. "No, it can't be."

"Believe it, wolf." His tone was deep and threatening. "Leave."

Hearing the low growl, she opened her eyes in time to see him turn on his heels and leave. Watching him go, it overwhelmed her with a sudden ease. Now that she was in her taiyouki's arms, she was peaceful and calm. There was no more internal conflict and worry.

She still wasn't ready to just up and mate with him like so many others, but she knew there wouldn't be any other than him now. It was obvious to her. She belonged with him, and he wanted her.

Turning in his arms, he didn't miss the look of satisfaction and contentment from her. She held her arms out and within minutes, her kit was in them. He suddenly realized the image they presented. He held her tight in his embrace while she held the kit in her arms. They looked like a family, and someday, he knew they would be.

"Mama, are you going to stay with us now?" Shippo's innocent question made them both warm with happiness.

"Yes, my little brat," she smiled, rubbing her nose with his. A burst of laughter came from the runt as he leapt from her arms and darted to a near by ride.

Looking to the man holding her, neither of them needed to say a word. They both knew what the other was asking, and they both knew the answer. Yes, she was his, and no, she wouldn't run from him anymore. She was his and willingly so. She belonged to him, and he belonged to her.