Ch 41

"Well shit."

The occupants of Miyuki's room all looked at each other. Sesshomaru arched an eyebrow, Miyuki muffled a snicker, and Kagome had her hands clamped over her mouth.

"This Sesshomaru thinks you have spent far too much time with the hanyou, miko."

"Gomen! I don't usually, I mean I have before but never, oh just leave me alone!" she hastily said trying to cover her burning face. Dropping her hands and sighing in resignation, Kagome looked at her two companions with solemn eyes. "Gomen. I just really didn't want to believe this was true. The jewel...it destroyed my life. I can't – I don't want to see it happen to Miyuki, too. Plus, now with a brand new and in-one-piece jewel, I don't want to think about what sort of trouble this will attract."

"You are right on that assumption, Kagome," Sesshomaru said with a silent exhale. "The moment the two of you were brought out of the dream realm, a violent energy flashed from the both of you. I was able to contain most of the blast with a barrier of my youkai, but This Sesshomaru feels that many have felt the awakening of this new jewel. It won't be long before word gets around of it, despite our best to conceal it."

Miyuki bent down and the pearl began to hum at her touch. "It feels...warm," she said with a smile. "It feels like there is only one soul..but think it's lonely," she said clutching it to her chest. Seemingly in agreement with her, the pearl blinked in a soft white light once before resuming a dormant state.

Kagome's brow furrowed as she contemplated the mess she was now in. "The Shikon no Tama was created during the final battle with Midoriko and a demon. The scroll says that there were two lovers, a miko and a demon, whose souls were trapped inside two legendary jewels. If Midoriko was the miko in the scroll, what would have been the reason for her demon lover to be trapped within one as well?" It was more of a rhetorical question since she knew neither of them could have had the answer.

"I suppose only the demon within the pearl would know that, Kagome." Sesshomaru gave a weary glance at said pearl, before reaching out with his youkai. Miyuki tilted her head questioningly when suddenly Hiro busted through her room doors.

"Finally. Do you know how long Lord Sesshomaru kept me locked outside the room? He told me that you and the miko were on a 'journey', and wouldn't give me any more of an answer before slamming the door on my face!" he bristled eying Sesshomaru with a clenched jaw.

Had Sesshomaru known him any less, his head would be rolling. But he decided to allow his rant to pass, since he felt the same way with allowing Kagome to go to the dream realm on her own so soon after regaining consciousness. He growled a warning nonetheless, just to let him know he was treading thin waters.

Hiro saw the pearl clutched protectively in Miyuki's grasp and he nodded at Sesshomaru. "So it's true. I thought you were trying to pull my leg. Then again, this neko has always been a little treasure," he said as he brought her face under his chin. Kagome wanted to roll her eyes at the cheesiness of his 'flattery', but found herself giving a small smile. She needs all the support and love she can get. I really hope she doesn't suffer a miko's fate because of it.

Movement caused Kagome to glance up quickly in time to see Sesshomaru grip her arm as he began to lead her out of the room.

"Hey! Where are you taking me?" she squawked.

Ignoring her, he nodded towards Hiro and Miyuki. "Keep the jewel safe tonight. I will embed a barrier surrounding your room. Servants will leave food for you outside the door. Hiro, I expect only you to be allowed out of this room until we find a more stable way to protect that pearl. I will be placing guards at your door and on both ends of this hall. Do not," he said sending a hot glare at Miyuki, "under any circumstance leave this room."

She nodded obediently at her pack alpha and threw her arms over Hiro. Kagome knew today had been hard on her friend, and hopped Hiro's company would ease the ache. Speaking of company-

Sesshomaru continued to drag Kagome down the hall seemingly lost in thought. She knew he was angered at her, nor was he angered period. He just seemed...conflicted.

"Uhm, Sesshomaru. I'll follow you where ever you need me to go, you know. You don't have to hold onto me so tight," she suggested in a soft voice. He paused to give her a considering glance, only to continue down the hall. He stopped only when he reached a chamber she hadn't seen yet, and it's large doors seemed to suggest exactly where he was taking her.

Sensing her sudden embarrassment and apprehension, Sesshomaru stopped her at his doors. "Miko, I will not allow you at of my sights. You will remain guarded in my chambers as I sense a threat approaching. I could only contain the physical damage of the blast, not shift of energies in the air I suspect had been felt for miles. You are now a pack-mate, and I expect obedience in my order of your protection" he explained as he pushed open the doors to his chamber.

Tranquil. That was the only word that came to Kagome's mind as she was lead into his quarters. Finally releasing his grip, he allowed her to take in the sight of her new, temporary, room. Or rooms, rather. The entrance to his chamber was similar to Miyuki's salon, although his had a shallow 6 foot by 9 foot rectangular stone pond with live koi fish swimming happily in it. The sound of running water lead Kagome to believe that Sesshomaru had somehow thought of a way to have water constantly flowing in and out of the pond to keep it fresh. There was zafu pillow placed at the head of the pond, obviously used for meditation.

Walking further into the entrance room, Kagome found a cherry wood tea table centered on a bamboo carpet. The green cushions were soft, but not overly luxurious. At the end she found a couch looking piece of furniture positioned under a rather large barbed window. The window stretched from the height of the couch to the ceiling, and allowed plenty of moonlight through. She noticed two doors remained closed, one to her left and the other to the right. Turning back to Sesshomaru, she noticed he was watching her curiously.

"There is a bathhouse to your right, miko. I will send servants to prepare the heat for you if you wish. You will sleep in my bed chamber and I will sleep here," he said without taking his eyes off her. Caught off guard by his statement, she could only watch as she pushed open the door to his bedroom.

Kagome walked into his room and smiled inwardly. It was simple, but very much to the standards of a Daiyoukai lord. The bed was centered on the back wall, with two large windows on each side of it. The bed itself was low, made from cherry wood, and adorned few light green and cream colored pillows. The mattress was made of some fluffy material with a cream colored sheet spread over it. The green quilt was folded neatly at the foot of the bed. She noted a few drawers obviously for clothes or what ever else he had the need to put in them. There was no closet and only one large tapestry of himself in his youkai form hanging above the bed. The wardrobe in the corner of the room caught her eye.

It was placed slanted on a corner so that it faced the bed. The cherry wood was carved depicting different wars, different eras of peace, lovers and enemies. It depicted so many things, Kagome wondered if it had the very history of Japan engraved into it. Sensing her curiosity, Sesshomaru stood before the wardrobe. Opening it, she gasped at what she saw. It was his real battle armor. Something he had yet to wear since he never really faced off as the head of a war. The samurai metal was intricate, and Kagome could sense magic woven into its welding.

"My father had this commissioned for me not to long before he passed. It was almost as if he sensed I would come to needing a piece such as this very quickly," was his simple answer before he shut the doors again. "The wardrobe has been in my family for generations. Each generation adds of vital piece of history somewhere on the wood. I have yet to add mine, since I'm not too sure I have seen such a life-changing event."

"It's beautiful. They both are," she said looking up at him with shiny eyes. Damn it, not now, idiot. There's no reason to cry, especially not in front of him.

Stepping up to her, he extending one claw to wipe a tear that dropped down on it's own accord. "Enough crying, miko. You have accomplished a great thing today. You have overcome great trials in your recent days. Enjoy the comforts of my bed and have a good night rest," he said dropping his claw and opting to take her hand in his. He gave her knuckles a gentle kiss and walked passed her back towards the entrance. "Simply ask me when you are ready for a bath. I will let you know when it is prepared," he said as he shut the doors behind him.

Ha! Who knew inu youkai would be such gentlemen. It's no wonder that Iziyao fell in love with Sesshomaru's father. It's almost impossible not to fall for them. Although, I'm not really sure who Inuyasha takes after. That hanyou can be so infuriating.

Kagome tapped her foot angrily just thinking about him. No. I can't think about him right now. Sesshomaru is expecting me to relax. Glancing around the room, she inwardly groaned. How the hell am I supposed to do that when I'm practically surrounded by everything Sesshomaru!

Tossing around on the futon of Sesshomaru's bed, Kagome sighed in exasperation and swung her feet over the edge. Sitting up and examining the room, she tried to focus her human vision on the door. Standing, she set her resolve to seek out her inu companion.

She opened the door and 'omphed' as she slammed into something tall and stiff. Despite the almost complete darkness, Kagome could swear she felt Sesshomaru raise an eyebrow at her.

"Do you choose this late hour for your bath?" he asked teasingly.

"No," she snapped back. "I can't sleep."

"Hn, perhaps meditation will relax you," he offered as he took her hand and lead her to the entrance spring. He pulled a second zafu pillow from a dark corner and set it beside his own. He took a seat without saying another word to her and closed his eyes, the air shifting around him seemed comforting and calm. Kagome sat beside him and focused her eyes on the water. She glanced around the room trying to keep her focus on something, anything, but soon realized her mind was too restless.

"What has you anxious, Kagome?" She tried to ignore the way his calm and low voice sent a shiver through her.

"It's just a lot of things have questions that aren't being answered. It's like each day, more and more problems spur up and I can't control my stress," she admitted staring into the spring. She swung her feet around and dipped her toes into it, giggling as the koi fish tickled her.

Hn, her and Rin share the same innocent spirit. I have only seen this behavior in two humans, but never once in a youkai. Is this what you saw in the hanyou's mother, father? This Sesshomaru is understanding more your decision to assume a relation with her. Especially if she is anything like my miko...

"As your alpha, it is my duty to ensure that all your problems find a solution. There will not be a situation taking toll on your consciousness longer than necessary." He moved and positioned himself so that he was behind her, pulling her back against his chest and securing his arms around her tightly. "But it is my honor, if you would allow it, to be your pillar of strength when you need my support. Do not be impish and withhold your troubles from me," he whispered into her ear.

Warmth pooled somewhere south of Kagome and she shifted trying to alleviate the pressure there. These feelings are just too soon after...after Naraku. But I need to know where this is going. "Well, for starters...it would be good to know where I stand with you. I know we're...closer...but I just wanted to know what we were getting ourselves into," sighing rather loudly, she pushed herself off his chest and turned so she could look at him. "You were so ready to mate Miyuki, even after," she paused to blush and drop her eyes, "what happened in my era. I'm not a toy that can be used over and over." She clenched her fists and closed her eyes as memories of Inuyasha flooded her inner vision.

A clawed hand pressed under her chin lightly, forcing her to look up. Kagome inhaled sharply at the intense stare in Sesshomaru's eyes. They had slightly tinged red, need and something fierce echoing in them. "This Sesshomaru has already admitted his mistake. Perhaps I should have accompanied it with the affirmation of my intentions. Miko of the Shikon Jewel, Kagome, This Sesshomaru has been courting you since the time you awoke again in his palace. I wll continue to court you until you deny my intentions or take my proposal," he said firmly and properly, but the mere admittance of it spoke volumes to Kagome.

Tears welling in her eyes she felt loved and she felt like she was someplace she belonged. She understood that he didn't mean to just throw her under when Miyuki came back. He was just so conflicted with his emotions, just as she was now. But in this moment, locked away in the calm darkness of Sesshomaru's chamber, both of them knew not a shadow of a doubt. They were in love.

Thoughts began to swirl in her head. Does this mean he's expecting something for admitting his feelings for me? I don't think I'm ready. She bit her lip and pulled away from him, her thoughts turning dark. I still feel strange about Naraku taking Sesshomaru's appearance. I know it wasn't him talking. But I know he really felt like that. But that doesn't mean Sesshomaru took advantage of me. Oh this is no use! I'm just too conflicted!

"Kagome," Sesshomaru said sternly effectively silencing her thoughts. "You are thinking so loudly, this Sesshomaru can almost hear them. What ever happened in Naraku's fortress, you need to know that you are safe here. You are safe from now on where ever you go. I will not take advantage of you. When you are ready, you will approach me. Do not think I am unable of controlling my desires," he said in almost a growl. He was frustrated that she held so little trust in him. Fighting with his instincts, he tried to put himself in her shoes, but was just coming up short. He still didn't know what happened leading up to her attack. She never spoke about it, and he never pushed her to.

Feeling guilty that the energy in the room turned bitter because of her own pity party, Kagome leaned into Sesshomaru again and tried to ease him by stroking his hair. After a few moments of silence, Sesshomaru pulled away from her. Kagome looked into the darkness barely catching glimpses of him as he walked out of the shadow of the moonlight. She was about to ask him if she did something wrong when she felt him approach her again, resuming his position behind her.

"Did you know that grooming is a very intimate act between mates?"

Still thinking she did something wrong by stroking his hair, she was startled when she felt bristles touch her scalp lightly. Sesshomaru felt her stiffen and paused his ministrations. "If you do not want me to, I will return the brush," he said simply. His tone was cool and nonchalant, but he desired so much for her to allow him this. He wasn't a soothsayer. He didn't know how to make her pain go away. But perhaps if she allowed him to show her his feelings in his inu ways, she would begin to trust him again.

For all the pent up emotions Kagome had been keeping, just the image of Sesshomaru stroking her hair with a brush sent her into a fit of giggles. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her and allowed her to laugh. He hadn't a clue as to what was so funny, but found himself smiling nonetheless, knowing it probably had something to do with him.

Kagome looked up at him with softness in her eyes. She was glad the energy of the room returned to being light and stress-free. She wanted to enjoy her time with her..well her fiance. She smiled brightly at the thought and nodded dumbly, turning her head so he could gather her hair. They stayed that way for nearly half an hour, Sesshomaru alternating between brushing and stroking her dark locks. He was amused at how the ends of her hair always upturned into gentle curls, giving her hair beautiful bounce and volume.

In return for his brushing, Kagome was stroking his silver hair, which had pooled beside her. She watched the tranquil spring glitter in the moonlight. Everything just felt so right, it should have overwhelmed her. But she only felt an increasing sense of peace. She turned her chin up to him and nuzzled under his jaw, a gesture she understood from Inuyasha meaning she trusted her alpha and sought attention from her. Sesshomaru rumbled his pleasure in her attempt to communicate with him in his Inu language. He lifted her effortlessly from the cold floor and carried her to his futon. Kagome was relaxed since she knew he wouldn't attempt anything without her consent. She allowed him to ease them both onto the mattress and she turned to tuck her face under his jaw. Sesshomaru was still stroking her hair as they fell into a gently flowing slumber.

Though it remained silent, Sesshomaru knew his beast was rumbling its contentment from his sleeping mate. Our mate.