Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha. All rights are reserved for Rumiko Takahashi.

He had decided once and for all that he would mate her. No one else would do. He wasn't all that deterred about having half human children because of the fact that Kagome herself was a very strong human female. Therefore the chances of having stronger half breed children would be increased. He had also taken into account that Inuyasha, even though he soiled their father's great blood, was still strong in battle.

He watched the sleeping woman beside him and smiled at the crescent moon shape that was forming on her neck. He thought before that a simple rut was all he needed to rid the miko from his mind, but he knew now that he was totally wrong for all his thoughts were concentrated on her more than ever. And he had forever to think about her, be with her, and cherish her.

He was delighted with the fact that now that they were mated she had obtained his life span, making it so that she would age slower and never get sick. Now all that was left to destroy were the obvious threats to her life such as Naraku. Though even if she should die, he would be able to bring her back from the dead only one time. Though he did not wish to let her die at all.

His thoughts continued about her safety until his mind was brought back to the present when she moved closer into his embrace. She sighed happily as she nuzzled his chest making him feel needed for once. She had not spoken about her nightmares anymore and seemed quite at peace in his arms. He would see to it that this become a regular occurrence in the very near future, but when she awoke he would have to start preparing her for battle against Naraku.

A few more of his castles had been reported being overrun by Naraku and he wouldn't stand for it. They would move out tomorrow and head for his castle. Nothing would delay him from cutting off that vile half demon wretch's head. But for now he closed his eyes and enjoyed the warmth of the body next to him. It had been a long time since he had actually enjoyed sleep.

When I woke up I had to fight the urge to pull away because at first it felt like I had, accidentally, attacked myself to Sesshomaru. But then I realized his arms were rapped around me, pulling me closer to him than I had been before. I sat the for a few moments and let the events of last night set in. I had told Inuyasha that I loved Sesshomaru, gone into the shadow world, and, most spectacular of all, I'd lain with lord Sesshomaru.

I looked up at the sleeping demon to find out he wasn't asleep anymore. He was watching me put the pieces of the puzzle together and smiling all the while. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and then looked up at him again. His smile turned almost smug and so I decided to catch him off guard. I kissed him without warning and found out he was all too prepared for the attack. I laughed against his lips before he broke the kiss.

"What is it Mana?" He asked while eyes the shadows by the door.

"Yuma is waiting for Kagome. It is time for practice." She was standing by the door now with a ghost of a smile on her lips.

I blushed and sat up quickly. I smiled down at Sesshomaru before I rushed out of bed with a blanket rapped around me and ran into the closet to change quickly.

"So you marked her?" Mana eyed the lounging demon lord on Kagome's bed.

"I did," he replied simply.

"You better be prepared for all the controversy and not so subtle jealously attacks." She walked over to the closet door and then glanced at him again. "I wont have people like Suina attacking her all because you decided to pick a human."

"It was not my intention to cause her trouble."

"Regardless, you will lead her into painful matters of the body and mind," she said quietly.

"I will protect her." His voice was sure and unfaltering.

"I know. And so will I."

Their conversation ended as soon as I returned to the room which puzzled me. I could feel the tension in the room and decided it was best if Mana and I left right away.

"We'll be back later Sesshomaru," I said his name slowly, unsure if I was allowed to address him so.

"Just so, I have business to attend to as well." He said this but showed no intention of leaving the warmth of the bed for a while.

I smiled at him before Mana opened the door for me. Half way down the hall Inuyasha appeared before us with a somber look on his face. I watched him closely as his eyes focused on us.

"Kagome..." He stopped and sniffed the air more closely. "I see. You really must love each other, huh?"

"Inuyasha, I'm really sorry." I didn't know what I was apologizing for, but it felt like the right thing to say. Before I could say anything else his arms were around me.

"There's nothing to apologize for. You haven't done anything wrong." He said before he pulled away. "I'm the one who should be apologizing."

"I'm just surprised you're taking this so easily," I said in quiet disbelief.

"I've had a whole night to think it over..." He smiled sadly at me and then turned away. "I'll- uh, see you later I guess."

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Inuyasha," I called after him, sad to see him so rational for once.

We headed for the sparring room without anymore delays and met up with a very antsy Yuma.

"You are late," he commented as we approached him.

"Our lord was occupying her time." Mana gave him a look that I couldn't read before it disappeared.

"He marked you!" Yuma's facial expression changed to shock in a matter of seconds. He walked over to me and pulled the collar of my white t-shirt to the side to confirm what his nose already told him. He growled as Mana pulled him away from me.

"What the hell is he thinking!" Yuma exclaimed.

"I think he's the one who gets to choose who he mates, not us." She replied calmly.

"I wont allow it!" He growled and glared at Mana who stepped into his path before he could storm out of the room.

"I will stop you from disrupting our lord's decision." She glared at him before picking up her favorite sword to challenge him. His reply was drawing his sword.

Mana was very skilled with her sword which made me wonder who would win this fight. They weren't exactly evenly matched because after every strike and clash of their swords one of them would quickly swing at the other with a surprise countering move.

"You've grown attached to her haven't you?" He asked in outrage.

"And you haven't?" I had hardly ever heard Mana yell and at this moment I guess she found it necessary.

"Neither one of you needs to fight!" I said trying to calm them down. "Why don't we just let it go?"

"I wont stand for it." And as his gaze met mine Mana brought her sword at him again, this time knocking his sword away. At the same moment he reached out and grabbed her sword with his bear hands and threw it to the ground.

She growled and, just as quickly as he had, grabbed the top of his breast plate armor, drawing him closer to her. Without any hesitation she kissed him leaving both of us shocked.

He fell to the ground in surprise and then, blinking with confusion, looked up at her. She smiled smugly down at him and reached out her hand.

"Looks like I win," she said easily.

"You cheat, Mana, however I will leave Lord Sesshomaru to himself on the matter of our Lady." Yuma looked over at me after he had been helped up and motioned for me to come to him. "Pick out your sword. It's time for practice, but don't think that just because you are my lady now that I will go easy on you." His words seemed a bit harsh in tone, but his eyes danced with amusement. We smiled at each other before the dance of blades began.

Acceptance wasn't so hard to achieve after all.

To be Continued...

Thanks for reading! I hope it was worth the wait! Yuma and Mana? Who'd have guessed? Haha certainly not me. Well please continue to read and review! Til next time, my lovely readers!

-Lala 3

P.s. sorry for any typos! I was walking through a Cosco's store when I was writing half of this chapter. Thanks again!