I disclaim everything that needs to be.

Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's inner demon talking, or flashbacks

Note: I'm working on rewriting the beginning chapters, so keep an eye out for those.

Chapter 20:

"Sesshomaru, you didn't mention how you felt about your Mate during her story." Jahari mused

"Infatuated, and curious about her," Sesshomaru answered as he tightened his hold of her, bringing her closer.

"Now then, your education…" Choro trailed off.

"I started school at age 5. In my time- children are in school for around 12 consecutive years as a standard. After that, higher education- to learn more in depth or any specialties, is an option." Kagome was quiet for a moment before continuing, "When I was a child, I wanted to be a schoolteacher. Then a poet…then a scholar." She laughed, "who knew I would be a historian instead. All without that higher education."

Aia smiled at Kagome before asking, "before we continue, do you have any questions of us?"

"Well," Kagome started, "Why is there a Council? As demons, it seems like things are pretty free reign, and well-run by the Lords."

"Intelligent girl," Jahari commented, "First, it was a matter of formalities. Checks and balances to make sure some of us were not overrun by the humans. And as the human population grows, we persist to maintain our power and dignity."

"That's what leads me to believe that demons have assimilated into modern society," Kagome agreed, "it makes sense. They've probably hidden themselves rather well. My grandfather talks about sensing demons all the time, but we never took him too seriously."

"This one will have to ask about that the next time we visit." Sesshomaru commented

"So, you intend to visit often then?" InuKimi asked, curious.

"Family is very important to Kagome, Mother," Sesshomaru sighed, "I intend to uphold that value, and teach it to our children."

"That pleases me, son, of course. I could only implore you to allow Kagome's mother time with her grandpups. Have Rin and Shippo been as accepted?"

"Oh of course!" Kagome smiled, "I think my mom sends me back with more things for the children than anyone else. She absolutely dotes on them. I'm sure she knows all of their favorite treats by heart now. I travel with bags of books, snacks, toys, and games for each of them."

Sesshomaru agreed, "Her mother has been most generous. She'd only met the children in the flesh at our mating ceremony in her time. In the years since Naraku's demise, she only increased the personalization of gifts for Rin and Shippo. Perhaps it is because she knows things are less likely to be destroyed in battle."

"Good," Aia's voice was smooth, "tell us more of your family."

"Well my dad died when I was quite young, when I was 4.. I have a younger brother, his name is Souta. He's 15 now. He loves sports and games, he's very mischievous. Shippo absolutely adores him and learns so much."

"And your mother?" InuKimi pressed

"My mother and I are very close. She's incredibly understanding, especially with all of the chaos of my travels. She and my grandfather have been wonderfully supportive, keeping everything together while I'm away." Kagome's voice sounded far away, "I always miss them so much, I know it must be so hard for them. Especially with how my mom worries."

Sesshomaru, sensing her homesickness, squeezed her thigh in comfort.

"Her maternal instincts have passed onto you, dear Lady. I only have one final question," Jahari mused, "How, Sesshomaru, did you regain your arm?"

Kagome smiled, "that's a fun story."

"Then you may tell it," Sesshomaru sounded bored, but he was embarrassed. The story surrounding the regeneration of his arm did not showcase him in a way he wanted to be seen.

"Well Lord Jahari asked you," Kagome giggled before looking at the Eastern Lord, "Sesshomaru lost a bet."

"A bet?" Jahari's voice was mischievous as he grinned, "do tell, Lady Kagome."

"Well, we were debating on how much my spiritual power has developed, because at the time I wasn't practicing as much as I should've been." Kagome started.

"The Miko was quite convinced that she did not need extra supervision in the healing of others. Adamant that her talent of fainting after a large expense of power was no longer an issue. This one merely suggested that she heal something she always wanted to heal, if she was so….skilled." Sesshomaru's voice was clear, but the room noticed the icy tinge.

"So, we made a bet," Kagome smiled, "I would heal the thing I wanted to heal most, without fainting…or I wouldn't. If I lost, I owed a book. If I won…"

"The book we retrieved at the fortress was her prize." Sesshomaru finished for her.

When he'd made the agreement, he'd never imagined that she would reach out and touch his left shoulder, focusing hard. The limb warmed and then seared with heat while glowing pink. Time seemed to stop, and he didn't know how long they sat there in the middle of the flowery clearing. The sun had gone down, and the stars were beginning to sparkle as he lifted his new left arm slowly. He'd phantomed this feeling so many times that the surreal moment could make him almost believe it wasn't happening. This was the thing she wanted to heal most? His greatest shame, losing his arm in such a way….this is….was her choice, he was her choice.

Sesshomaru wrapped both of his arms around Kagome in silent gratitude. All of his budding feelings for her melted and radiated into the embrace he gave her. It was after that, that he flew them straight to the Western Fortress to his bedroom, where his favorite book was. This book was scribbled with his notes and annotations, and it was sure to be something a bit too 'sensitive' for a Lord to be reading. It was poetry, written by a moon demon many decades before. He'd discovered it amongst his father's secret selection as a child and kept it close since.

"Oh Sesshomaru," his mother's voice was bright with amusement, "however did you react?"

"Truly, Mother," Sesshomaru mused, remembering, "I was more than surprised that she chose to heal This Sesshomaru's arm."

"Oh Kimi," Aia giggled in a stage whisper, "you've embarrassed him, he's gone Dai-formal on us."

Kagome suppressed her own giggle, feeling her mate's left arm tighten around her.

"What, Kagome, do you do in your time at the Palace?" Choro shifted the conversation, "We know you teach your children, but that's only for a few hours a day."

Kagome thought for a minute, "Well We've only been living here, in the palace, a little over a year. 18 months, I think. Before that, Shippo and I would travel from the Village in Inuyasha's forest for their lessons in the afternoons, after spending my mornings helping Priestess Kaede with things around the village. We would sleep over a lot, though. After we moved here, I decided to be a bit more disciplined in my training."

"Oh?" Aia said, "go on."

"Before breakfast I usually do yoga in the gardens outside my bedroom," She started.

"Former bedroom." Sesshomaru interrupted.

"Right," Kagome continued, "After yoga, and breakfast, it's a workout focusing on agility with my bow and arrows. Then a dip in the hot springs and some studying in the Library before lunchtime."

"Busy girl." Jahari commented

"Well," Kagome laughed a little, "I think I'm so used to being on the go and on top of the development of my powers. Since it was so helpful to our search for the sacred jewel and our fight with Naraku. Plus growing up going to school, my time was always filled."

"Sesshomaru, you must make sure she rests properly." InuKimi scolded, "She's your mate."

"I'm sure he has his ways, sister," Aia put a hand on her sister's shoulder, "Kagome doesn't seem the type to do what just anyone says."

"This Sesshomaru is not just anyone." Sesshomaru whispered in Kagome's ear, to Jahari and Aia's amusement.

"Sesshomaru often…. encourages me to rest," Kagome answered the critique, "in his own way, absolutely."

"She appreciates my suggestions. When this Sesshomaru suggests she take some time for herself, she does not need to be asked twice." Sesshomaru's voice sounded proud, squeezing his mate before continuing, "are there any more inquiries of my mate?"

"No, my son," InuKimi stood, the rest of the group following suit, "We will give you some privacy before the midmorning meal. After which, Aia and I will be sitting in on your afternoon lessons."

"I would be honored." Kagome smiled at them as they said their goodbyes. Jahari left first, InuKimi and Aia left together- in whispers, and Choro smiled softly at the couple before closing the door on his way out. When they were finally alone, Sesshomaru spoke.

"She is right," He started, his voice remorseful, "I should make sure you rest more than you do. Your group is so used to being run ragged by Inuyasha that your stamina is high but-"

"Love," Kagome interrupted with a hand on his cheek, "Spending time with you and the kids…that's my rest. When we soak together in the hot springs, when we read together, all of that brings me rest."

"I do not wish to overwhelm you, especially in your condition." He murmured, leaning into her touch.

"I am far from overwhelmed. You'll sense it the minute I grow tired, I'm sure. I trust you, Sesshomaru, and your instincts as a mate. Do you trust me to tell you what I need?"

Taking her hand from his cheek, he brought it to his lips before speaking, "There is no one in this world or the Next that I trust more than you."

Kagome leaned in to kiss her mate, once separated she smiled, "I'm fine love, truly."

"This one merely wishes to keep everything perfect for you."

Kagome stood then, giggling when he moved to stabilize her, "Life isn't perfect. Our love is the perfect thing, and we're taking wonderful care of that."

"You, Kagome, are perfect." Sesshomaru said firmly, lifting her into his arms as he stood.

She giggled, "are you going to be carrying me this whole pregnancy?"

His voice was warm, "as long as I'm allowed, mate."

"Maybe when I'm massive and tired. Or maybe when I'm feeling like this."

"And how do you feel, love?"

"Like I want to be very very close to you, more than usual."

He tightened his grip around her for a moment before speaking, "Then I'll take advantage of this moment."

Kagome smiled against his chest as she was carried to the dining room by her mate. Today the children would resume their self-defense lessons after lunch, and Ryu would escort them to their lessons with Kagome in the mid afternoon. Sesshomaru wanted to give her more downtime, knowing she wouldn't be resting. At the very least, she'd take advantage of a bath.

Entering the dining room, Sesshomaru noticed one more new face. Toru looked more like his middle grandson than Cali, Kagome noticed first. When they reached their seats, Sesshomaru set her on her feet.

"Lord Toru, Welcome." Sesshomaru greeted, "This is Lady Kagome."

"My pleasure to meet the Young Lady of the West. Lord Sesshomaru, we didn't expect to hear from you for quite some time. I trust my son has been acting up, if we're here so soon."

Sesshomaru gave a noncommittal nod, "It's under the Council's discretion what is to be done with one who dares to threaten a Lady of the West."

"Of course, Lord Sesshomaru," Toru's face was serene, "We will indeed get to the bottom of it."

Sitting, Sesshomaru marked the beginning of their meal. Ryu was sitting next to Shippo and Rin, talking about their incoming lessons. Kagome took the opportunity to talk to Sango and Miroku about her theory.

"His wife? Why just her?" Miroku asked, his voice hushed.

"We saw an elk demon come onto the grounds last night, I think Lord Cali may be looking for Akitoki for some reason. Knowing him, he wouldn't bring her along if he was seeing me."

Sango nodded, "And you said Ah-Un will be joining us?"

Kagome paused as Sesshomaru whispered a name in her ear before continuing his conversation with Choro and his mother.

"General Kuno," Kagome said after a moment, "General Kuno will be going too."

Miroku raised an eyebrow before nodding, "we'll leave after lunch."

"Thanks guys," Kagome said gratefully, "I really appreciate it."

"Of course!" Sango smiled at her friend before starting to eat. If they were leaving, she needed to eat quickly so they could prepare.

Kagome turned her attention to her children, "wanna do moon phases today?"

"Yea!" Rin said excitedly, "that's fun!"

Settling into her meal, Kagome observed the room. She wasn't very hungry, only eating a little bit of the sushi put out for them. Sesshomaru gave her a look, before switching his much fuller plate with hers.

Kagome sighed, this wasn't an argument she wanted to have right now. She could hear his voice in her head 'in your condition, mate', that excuse will get old fast. She rolled her eyes, eating from the bigger meal anyway. He wasn't feeding her in this moment, but his pup.

"If I'm super bloated later, it's gonna be on you." She murmured, making Jahari and Choro smile.

"This one accepts all responsibility." Sesshomaru raised a glass of water to his lips.

As their lunch dwindled to a close, the members of Court going about their business until the evening meal, Kagome waved goodbye to Miroku and Sango, who were getting ready to leave. Sesshomaru watched as Ryu escorted Shippo and Rin to the Dojo for their self defense lessons. Soon, he and Kagome were the only ones left in the dining room.

"Go and soak in the hot springs, you've had a long few days. This one will be in the study, working."

Kagome nodded, "I might take a nap too."

"When it's time for the children's lessons, we shall meet in the Library." Sesshomaru kissed her cheek before moving toward the door.

As Kagome walked back to the rooms she shared with Sesshomaru, she noticed Hayako studying a painting. He turned to bow at her, falling into step as she walked past.

"Hi Lady Kagome, I'm surprised to see you without an escort. I mean, you're all by yourself."

"I think I'm okay walking through the Palace alone, don't you?" Kagome tried not to laugh, she could sense his nervousness.

"Oh, uh, of course, Lady Kagome. I didn't mean.."

"Take a deep breath, Hayako. It's okay, really. You don't have to be so nervous."

He blushed, "You're very kind, Lady Kagome. I hoped I'd run into you, can….I sit in on your lessons this afternoon?"

Kagome smiled at him as they reached the doors, "Sure Hayako. We'll be in the library."

Hayako nodded, a smile on his face long after Kagome closed the bedroom doors behind her. He was entranced by her scent, rooting him to the spot while he reveled in it. He stood there long enough that he didn't see Kouga walking by.

"Kid, this isn't a road you wanna go down. Even if she did decide that Sesshomaru wasn't for her….you'd be pretty far down the list." Kouga smacked Hayako's back, "it's not worth the heartbreak."

Hayako kept his smile as Kouga dragged him away, "To be her ally…friend even, could sustain me."

Kouga laughed, "You say that now. You haven't heard those two really go at it."

Hayako's eyes widened thinking of the sounds Kagome could possibly be driven to make when her body sang with pleasure. Letting Kouga drag him off, he let his thoughts run wild at the possibilities, replacing Sesshomaru's image with his own.

*that's all folks! That's it for this chapter! The re-writes are hopefully giving more context to where the story is going, and I hope you like the changes! I really appreciate y'all taking the time to read my stories! Writing these is such a fun creative break, haha Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *