Characters = Rumiko Takahashi

Story = Desert-Bandit

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Last time:

When he finally reached her, he took her small hand in his much larger one and raised it to his lips, all the while never taking his eyes off of hers.

"Pleasure meeting you again."

Kagome's smile broadened,

"And you as well, my Lord."

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Chapter 6

The joys of reacquainting

His lips were soft against her hand much to Kagome's surprise.

She was well aware of the blush that crossed her cheeks and knew that Sesshoumaru saw it as well due to his small smile.

She watched as he released her hand and took a few steps back so he was close to the tree line, standing just off to her left, leaving her still sitting alone to watch the ceremony.

Not much more was exchanged between the two after that.

What do you even talk about to a demon lord that you haven't seen in seven years, not to mention, one that you were never even considered close to.

Yes they had a few quiet moments together, but that was so long ago.

Kagome was sure that Sesshoumaru, a youkai that was constantly on alert, poised for battle at any given moment, would never have reminisced on their intimate moments; if she should even call them that.

It was also safe to say that if he had even the slightest idea that she herself frequently recalled those memories, he would undoubtedly call her crazy and kill her. Scratch that, she was too low to even be killed by him, she thought bitterly to herself.

Standing off to the shadows, he was able to fall into his thoughts.

One of the first things he noticed about her was that she had changed quite a bit without even changing at all.

She had physically matured quite nicely in his taste and her eyes still held that trusting gleam.

He was glad about that.

It was one of his favorite things about her and was surprised that she was able to keep it after everything she went through.

Suddenly, he was pulled out if his silent musings by a soft noise.

"I have to say that I'm surprised that you had attended."

Kagome said after clearing her throat to get his attention.

"You are not the first to have said so."

He replied in his usual stoic manner.

And just like that, he was unapproachable again.

Honestly, trying to have an actual conversation with the guy was like pulling teeth.

She should count herself lucky that he even said anything to her at all.

Again left alone, she turned her attention back to the ceremony.

Though she couldn't understand much of what was being said, due to it being in Kouga's native tongue, it was beautiful to her all the same.

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The ceremony had ended with a kiss and cheers.

Together, Kouga and Ayame ascended towards their home in one of the large openings in the ravine wall, leaving the guests to mingle.

Kagome was slightly startled by a hand reaching out to her.

Sesshoumaru stood with his mask firmly in place as he patiently waited for her to accept his offer. With her hand firmly in his once again, he carefully helped her to stand.

After brushing away any dirt from her kimono, she allowed him to lead her closer to the crowd, though making sure to keep some distance from the joyous mass.

His plan had not worked as he had envisioned much to his disappointment.

Obviously, walking away from the shadows had been his first mistake. Having Kagome on his arm was the second.

No sooner had he approached the gathering, Lord Takeshi and Lord Daichi had found him and made a bee line towards them.

Hopefully if he played his cards right, he would get out of this with his pride unscathed.

"Kagome, there you are, Daichi, come meet Kagome, she's the one that I was telling you about."

Lord Takeshi said with arms open while ushering another man towards them.

"So you're this 'Kagome' that my friend here keeps talking about; 'The one that got away from my son', he tells me. My name is Lord Daichi of the North and it's a pleasure to finally have met you my dear."

Daichi said while raising Kagome's hand to his lips, much like Sesshoumaru did earlier.

Oh boy, she could already tell that he was used to having women fall to their knees with his smile. It just screamed womanizer. Once he stood to his full stature, she had acknowledged that he was about Sesshoumaru's height but out weighed him by quite a few pounds muscle wise.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well Lord Daichi, I hope that Takeshi-san hasn't bored you too much with his ecstatic behavior tonight."

She responded with a wide smile.

Lord Daichi laughed with great pleasure.

Oh yes, he liked this girl already.

He was told about her with much enthusiasm by both Takeshi and Kouga.

Her bravery and loyalty is one to be greatly respected; and a sense of humor to boot.

"Well, I have to say that it has been grating on my nerves since I arrived this evening."

Daichi confessed with a wink to his long time friend.

"Actually, would you be so kind as to save me from more of his erratic behavior?

I fear that with my old age, his voice shouldn't be at all healthy for me."

Oh he knew how to lay it on thick but she saw the humor in it all

She was told by Ayame that Lord Daichi and Lord Takeshi were good friends and were even good friends with Sesshoumaru's late father. All three constantly played pranks on each other on the lords before them when in their youth.

That surprised Kagome to know end.

With how she saw these two joking around, it was hard to see the great Lord InuTaisho be the same way when she only had Sesshoumaru's personality to go on. If that's the case, she wondered if Sesshoumaru got his mothers' personality.

Releasing a small giggle, she abandoned Sesshoumaru's arm in favor of Lord Daichi's.

After leading her to the middle of a dancing crowd, Lord Takeshi came to stand next to the much younger lord.

Takeshi watched the entire scene and closely watched how Sesshoumaru acted. He wasn't disappointed.

The young lord watched Daichi's every move when it came to Kagome. Even now he was fiercely watching the two as they danced.

Giving off a small growl when he saw that Daichi leaned down close to Kagome's ear, causing her to laugh at what he said. The need to storm over there and rip Kagome away from the lecherous lord was riding him hard.

"Calm down Sesshoumaru, let the old man have his fun."

Takeshi said clasping his hand on Sesshoumaru's shoulder in an effort to distract him slightly.

"It's not every day that we old timers get to dance with young, beautiful women; especially with one of her caliber."

It seemed to work because Sesshoumaru relaxed slowly.

He wasn't sure if it was the wolf demon's words or his own pride kicking him in the ass that made him come to his senses. What the hell was he doing?

This is the first time they had seen each other since the demise of Naraku and he was acting as

if he had claimed her already. Sure she was the closest person that he even remotely let in into his heart but that was a long time ago. Besides, she is with his brother. They had probably already plagued the lands with more half-breeds.

No, that can't be, she still smelled pure.

Either way, she is involved with InuYasha and for that, she is off limits.

So why is he still feeling like this.

Even now, this slip of a woman is able to confuse him, to make him feel things for her that he didn't want to feel. At least that's what his mind was thinking.

His inner beast on the other hand was all for being with the feisty miko that stood up to him on numerous occasions.

Mentally, he shook himself out of his thoughts when he smelled her soft spring rain filled sent coming closer. He regarded the Northern Lord carefully as he escorted Kagome back to where they had left Takeshi and himself.

"I have to say Kagome, that you are an excellent dancer."

Daichi praised.

"Thank-you, Lord Daichi."

"Your husband must be proud to have such wonderful company around all the time."

He said while throwing a knowing glance over her head towards Sesshoumaru.

Just what was the old bastard up to?

Surely he smelled her purity while he had his lecherous hands all over her while dancing.

Sesshoumaru thought disgustedly.

"No, I'm not married."

"Not married? Certainly you're being courted?" Daichi asked with feigned surprise.

Kagome shook her head,

"No, it's just me and my son, Shippou."

Well this was a surprise to Sesshoumaru.

He had thought that after the battle his brother would have claimed her.

He should apologize to InuYasha for not telling him sooner how much of a bigger idiot he turned out to be.

Before the two older lords' said anything more she waved it off,

"It's quite alright, besides, Lady Kaede and my friends always remind me about my age every year. You're not getting any younger, Kaede always tells me."

Kagome said obviously wanting to get off the subject of her love life.

Just then, a loud echoing roar filled the ravine, tapering off into the night sky.

Everyone had that knowing look on their faces.

Kagome, on the other hand, was beet red causing Takeshi to laugh even harder and yell out,

'That's my son!'

Over the rumble of the laughing and cheering crowd.

Sesshoumaru watched with much amusement as Kagome continued to shrink from embarrassment.

No, she hasn't changed at all.

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As the party was dwindling down, Lord Daichi pulled Sesshoumaru off to the side where they were able to converse in private. When Sesshoumaru found a place that offered privacy and a good view of Kagome talking with Ginta and Hakkaku, he refused to walk any further.

If the older lord had any doubt in his mind, it quickly vanished when Sesshoumaru committed this simple act.

Throughout the celebration, he noted how Sesshoumaru acted around Kagome, almost like they were a couple and she acted the same way. Maybe this girl is the one for the stoic lord.

He sure hoped so. He knew Sesshoumaru desperately needed someone to call his and to have heirs to further solidify his standing as the Western Lord. He was already over due to have a mate. In their law, the maximum age a lord has to find a mate is 600 years. Sesshoumaru is getting awfully close and if he refuses, he'll have to step down. The Western lands had never had a lord not from the same bloodline.

Hopefully, if he is able to persuade the stubborn lord, Kagome would be calling the western palace home for a while and possibly forever.

Well, here goes nothing.

"I'm surprised that she was the woman that Takeshi was talking about,

I envisioned something entirely different."

Sesshoumaru wasn't biting; instead, he was still listening to his surroundings, deciphering what was a threat and what was not.

Living in a time where war threatens to rear its ugly head will do this to a lord.

"Sesshoumaru, I know that the war against the South is weighing you down but would you please consider an old friends advice?"

Sesshoumaru turned his gaze back to Daichi to show him that he was listening.

"Please consider taking Lady Kagome to your home for a while.

She would help you lighten your burden when dealing with the South, also with your daughter;

I hear that she has become a handful."

Sesshoumaru was about the walk away until the Northern Lord blocked his path.

"My boy, never underestimate a woman. They may be small and fragile, but they can hold even more than us and still run circles around us, especially this Kagome. She is far stronger than any woman I have come to meet; she would be a good ally to have at your hands."

Daichi did have a valid argument. It would give him an excuse to have her around more.

She was the only woman he could tolerate for any considerable amount of time. Plus the thought of only having to worry about the war in the South was a definite relief.

From his standpoint, there were no draw backs, except the possibility of Kagome's refusal. He just hoped it didn't come to that.

Nodding, Sesshoumaru agreed to Daichi's advice. Once he was sure the young lord was fully on board with his plans, he allowed him to pass; following him with his eyes until he reached Kagome.

Now, off to tell Takeshi about the possibility of another consummation ceremony that may be taking place soon.

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Kagome looked over her shoulder just in time to see Sesshoumaru drawing near her.

Quickly excusing herself from her conversation with Ginta and Hakkaku and promising them that she'll come to visit more, she anxiously awaited for Sesshoumaru.

He reached her quickly with his long strides.

For the first time since meeting again after many years, he allowed himself to scan her appearance fully.

He was right, she did fill out nicely. Ample breasts and a small waist, all covered by a light blue kimono with a cream colored obi. Dark silky hair falling around her shoulders and long eyelashes that framed her blue eyes that were watching every stride he made towards her.

Finally reaching her, he again took her hand into his and led her away from prying eyes.

Arriving to a quiet area just bordering the tree line, he asked

"It has come to my attention that I am in need of your services in maintaining the Western lands peace."

Kagome was flabbergasted.

Here was Sesshoumaru, this all great and powerful demon lord asking for her help.

If InuYasha could see this, his jaw would certainly hit the ground which is what hers was doing now. Sesshoumaru raised an eye brow at her reaction.

Of course, he should have expected it. She was, after all, very animated.

"Your answer?"

He requested, snapping her out of it.

"What will you be needing help with, if you don't mind me asking."

"Running the palace efficiently, offering your advice in strategies during war meetings and helping to care for Rin."

It didn't seem so bad.

It would give her a chance to be away from the village.

Though she would have to ask permission to leave if a local village became under attack by rogue demons but that shouldn't be too hard.

Smiling, Kagome made up her mind.

"Alright, I'll come and assist you."

She reached out her hand to shake his.

And when their hands met to finalize their agreement, neither of them knew that it was the beginning of a new future for them both.

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Chapter 6 done!

Ohmygosh, this one kept me up for quite a while.

Hope you enjoyed! (And keep enjoying)

Thank-you

Desert Bandit