Author's Note:

This story evolved as an as I went thing with no real end in mind. It was more of a character exploration of "what would happen if..." So enjoy this bitter exploration into hurt, healing and hope.

Be warned, since I haven't followed the series closely in years or seen the Final Act, I'm pretty sure some things won't fit into cannon.

Of Pride and Power
Chapter 22: At Rest

Around the sixth day, Kagome was completely bored. One could only sleep so much and while she would've loved to brave the outdoors, the mountain air was far too cold to endure without a coat.

Idly, Kagome roamed the halls finally finding the courage to wander into Sesshomaru's wing of the estate. As she walked, her fingers trailed along the painted wood until they came to the inset handle of a sliding door. Knowing what– or rather, who– resided behind it, Kagome curiously slid the door open to peek inside. Aside from its size and ornate and lavish furnishing, the room was similar to the others; a testament of the wealth possessed by the inu-youkai.

The youkai in question rested within the cushioned alcove of a window. The silk clothing him was white once more and no longer did his refined cheeks bear the scuffs and scrapes of battle. Stripped of his armor and swords, Sesshomaru appeared uncommonly relaxed.

"So this is where you hang out." she noted, entering the room and ignoring his inquiring glance as she admired the flowery decor. Somehow, even with patterned flowers everywhere, the room held an air of masculinity that was undeniable. Though, that aspect could be attributed to the weapon plaques and wooden figure dressed in Sesshomaru's armor.

"Is this your home?" she asked casually, poking the unfeatured face of the mannequin before poking the spiked armor it wore. "I didn't think you had a home."

He eyed her briefly before returning his attention to the mountains. "It belonged to my mother."

"It's pretty big." she commented airily, moving to inspect an ukiyo painting of a man, woman and child, dressed in fur with silken white hair. "This is your family." she breathed, lifting a finger to trace the outline of a young Sesshomaru's pelt.

A soft hum of agreement was his answer.

Kagome moved closer to him, with another question in mind. "Hey can I ask you something?"

His expression remained unchanged, but Kagome couldn't help but notice a glimmer of amusement within his eyes. "Why now do you ask permission for what you've freely done before? What difference will this one's answer make?"

Thinking on his words, Kagome's expression turned sheepish. "I guess you're right." she agreed, scratching her cheek. "Well I wanted to know, why did you bring me here?"

Golden eyes looked to her coolly beneath magenta painted lids. "Would you have rather stayed with Lord Goro?" he posed.

Flustered by his question, Kagome's cheeks flared a soft pink. "Uh, what?" she stammered. "No! That's not what I meant."

An arrogant hum of sarcasm sounded as he returned his attention to the window once more. "From his care towards you, it was evident that that was his desire."

A blush instantly heated her cheeks. "Would you knock it off?" she protested, "I meant why didn't you kill me? I shot you twice and beat you into the ground!"

Sesshomaru eyed her once more, raising his claws. "Are you arguing a case for me to do so?"

"No!" she snapped, ignoring his threat. "I want to know why you didn't!"

With a snort of dismissal, a long blink and a look to the world beyond the window, he answered. "I do as I please."

"You're infuriating, you do know that right?" she asked with a hand atop her hip. A succinct hum was made to her annoyance and Kagome couldn't shake the feeling that in some twisted way, he was enjoying this.