It had been about a month since the coffee shop event, and the two couples made their relationships official. Kagome didn't really know how far Sesshomaru's appearance made girls act, but she always knew how to handle a situation, should one arise. Sesshomaru constantly made surprise trips to the art studio with gifts for Kagome. She wasn't stupid. She knew that he intended to mate her and she didn't have a problem with that.

"All right, Sess. I'll be getting off at five. Same as usual," she said smiling into her phone. "Why are you being so weird? And I know Sango is in on it, too. She's been acting strange, lately."

"It's nothing to worry your pretty little head over," his baritone replied.

"Don't talk to me like that, Sess. You know I don't like when I'm talked down to." Her smile fell.

"I didn't mean it like that. I swear Kags. You know I wouldn't do that on purpose. I'm sorry."

Sh could tell his apology was sincere. She giggled, "just don't let it happen again." She walked to the back of the studio and made sure the back door and windows were locked then walked back to the front making sure to have everything secure before she left for the night. "So what are we doing tonight?"

He chuckled. "I can't tell you that, my dear."

"So I'm guessing you're also getting me from work," she huffed, " considering your pawn has taken my car."

He let out a real laugh that time. He doesn't usually do it, but when he does, it's music to Kagome's ears. "Yes. I'm actually outside waiting for you right now."

"Uh huh. Ok. Let me turn out these light- WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?!" Kagome yelled at the human man, she wished would just drop dead.

"Kagome?! What's going on in there?!" Sesshomaru was more than frantic. And the fact that she wasn't answering his questions didn't help his reaction.

"DON'T PUT YOUR FUCKING HANDS ON ME, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" There was a pause and Sesshomaru jumped out of the car with the phone glued to his head. "I said get OUT!" There was a loud crash and Sesshomaru burst through the front entrance.

He saw Kagome standing over the limp body of a male with brown hair. There was pieces of dried pottery clay all over the floor. "Are you ok?" he asked as he pulled her into his arms.

"I'm fine." She kissed his cheek to calm his beast then stepped back. "Well, this is Hojo. The guy that has been all but stalking me since we started talking." She saw Sesshomaru's irises being to rim with red. "It's ok, Sess. See? I can handle myself."

"Mine" his voice was rough. She knew his beast was gaining control.

She stood in front of him again and lifted her chin, slightly turned her head, and pulled his face into the crook of her neck. He instantly calmed. "It's ok. Don't let this idiot ruin a soon to be, perfect night." She felt him nod into her shoulder. "Ok. Now I'm just gonna toss him out on the curb, sweep up this mess, and we can go. If you want, you can stay here and have a seat." He sat down and she planted and small kiss on his lips.

She quickly hefted the limp human over her shoulder and tossed him outside on a patch of grass. Then she cleaned the mess and quickly sprayed some air freshener, knowing that Sesshomaru could still smell him.

"Ready, Sess?" She was standing in front of him. He looked her in the eyes and she could tell his beast was still trying to get out.

"You mine. No one else." he said through his teeth.

"Of course, my love. Now let's go see this surprise you have planned for me tonight."

Sesshomaru calmed down enough to drive her to the site of her surprise. They pulled up to his house and she looked over to ask him why they were there, but he was already at her door, opening it.

"Thank you, Taisho-sama." she said with exaggerated formality. He smiled.

"This way, Higurashi-chan."

He opened the door and he had his entire family and Sango surprise her welcoming her in. She looked back at him with question all over her face. He got down on one knee, and her eyes grew to the size of saucers.

"What are you doing?" she asked not believing what was about to happen.

"Higurashi Kagome, as our friends and family witness, will you do me the honor of allowing me to court you?"

Her mouth stayed agape for a moment or two before she finally answered.