A/N: First, I was so glad to hear that a lot of you are really enjoying the story so far. Thank you for leaving me such wonderful reviews! I always appreciate receiving feedback from you guys :D

Now, on that note, I feel I need to address something briefly. A drabble/oneshot series is composed almost entirely of shorter than average chapters. As a result, they tend to be fast-paced and lack the description and emotional depth of a normal story. If you have a problem with this, do not continue reading this story. I am always more than happy to answer questions and receive constructive criticism, but I do not tolerate people nit-picking my work very well at all. If you see an inconsistency or grammar error, then by all means please tell me, but keep in mind that I'm writing for fun. My work is by no means perfect so if that's what you're looking for, I suggest finding a professional author.

Please enjoy!

Sesshoumaru's POV

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Chapter 11: Acquaintance II

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I was standing in the shade of a cherry blossom tree, watching as Kagome attempted to comfort Chisaki.

They were walking along the gardens and chatting animatedly. All vestiges of Chisaki's tears were long gone. Instead, she was laughing, as was Kagome, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight of them.

I was seizing a rather good opportunity to observe Kagome when she was not with me. She seemed happy enough then, and I was glad to see she did not appear any less happy now. In fact, she looked radiant.

I drank in the sight of her: to the sunlight glinting off the bare skin of her shoulders to the delicate arch of her neck, everything about her was striking. Her midnight hair was elaborately set atop her head, and her lips were painted deep crimson. It was incredible how easily she could look wonderful.

I sighed softly. The urge to touch her was nearly unbearable. Even now, after having here her with me for over a month, I still did not understand the intensity of my feelings for Kagome. It was as if she were a flame and I a moth. Despite whatever I did, I could not help myself from coming back to her.

"Admiring your bride, I see."

I tilted my head to see Kira swiftly approaching. "Indeed I am," I replied, nodding. I glanced at Chisaki and back to him. "And you, Kira? Have you come to admire your own bride?"

This startled him. It took him a few moments to stutter out "I'm sure I have no idea what you mean, Sesshoumaru."

"Don't you?" I chuckled at his stunned expression. "I've seen the way you stare at her when she's not looking, Kira. Why don't you pursue her?"

"Because, well . . ." he paused, clearly uncomfortable. "I am the god of death, Sesshoumaru, while she is, essentially, the goddess of life. She would never want anything to do with me."

I gave him a knowing look. "I wouldn't be too sure of that if I were you." I pointed to the veranda. "Earlier, she was there when Kagome found her crying. I cannot be positive, but I'm almost certain I heard you were the reason."

When Kira didn't respond, I continued. "Something to do with Haruyo, if I am not mistaken. I believe she was making some rather forward advances towards you?"

Shocked into speech, Kira hurriedly answered, "You don't mean to say Chisaki saw that?"

"That is exactly what I mean." I rubbed my hand thoughtfully along my jaw. "If I were you, my friend, I would make my feelings known. Otherwise, she may grow tired of waiting. I think I heard something about Katsuro having an interest . . ."

He was gone before I finished. Smirking, I looked on as Kira smoothly interrupted Kagome and Chisaki's conversation and commandeered the earth goddess for himself.

Not five seconds later Kagome was at my side, her small fingers interlacing with mine. "That couldn't have gone more smoothly," she said, laughing quietly. "We're quite the matchmaking team, if I do say so."

I smiled down at her. "I've known for quite some time that Kira felt for Chisaki. He simply needed a push in the right direction." Reaching up with my free hand, I brushed a thumb along Kagome's cheekbone and watched her face flush prettily. "When you want something," I murmured, "you have to be strong enough to reach out and take it."

Her blush darkened, and, chuckling, I tried to ease her embarrassment with a kiss on the cheek. "Come, ai ren." I began to pull her along the path leading back to the veranda. "Airi will be serving tea in the library soon."

"Ai ren?" she asked. "What is that?"

"Mandarin for what a husband calls his wife." I turned to look back at her. "My love."

A blush began to stain her cheeks yet again. "You're quite the charmer sometimes, Sesshoumaru."

Grinning devilishly, I tugged her into my embrace. "Only with you, Kagome," I whispered, touching my lips gently to hers.

Only ever with you.

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A/N: Yes, this chapter was a little sappy, but who cares? It's all about love!

Alas, the sappiness does have to come to an end, however, when Kagutsuchi decides to pay a visit to Kagome in the next chapter . . .

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