Sesshomaru walked past Miroku, clearly angry. Miroku noticed his markings were slightly darker and more jagged. "You can't blame her."

Sesshomaru stopped and looked at him,

"A few days ago, she still had hope that your brother-

"Monk, do not finish that sentence,"

Miroku sighed. "She isn't like other women,"

"Of that I am aware, Monk,"

"You are the lucky one here,"

"She carries my seed and yet denies to mate with me,"

"Did you ask?"

"Ask?"

"Sesshomaru, why do you want to mate her?"

"My reasons are my own,"

Miroku crossed his arms. "Is that what you said to her?"

"Monk, I am tired of your questioning,"

"I am simply trying to help,"

Both men looked back when they heard the faint voices of the women. Kagome was still wearing his outer layer, and that was enough for now. His scent was still strong on her.

"We should find food," Sango stated,

"I could go back home,"

"No," Sesshomaru said suddenly,

They all looked at him,

"No?" Kagome said slowly,

"We do not know how the portal will react to the child,"

Sango knew Kagome was about to say something, and by the looks of it, Sesshomaru was already on edge. "Kagome, it might be best to wait and see if you are-" She trailed off,

Kagome sighed. "I, I guess,"

Miroku slapped his hands together. "Right, shall we hunt, or shall I find work?"

Sesshomaru wanted to roll his eyes and, pulled out a sack of money and gave it to Miroku. "Find food and an inn; tomorrow, we will travel West,"

"Uh," Miroku looked into the bag,

"You're staying with us?" Kagome asked,

Sesshomaru walked up to her. "You agreed to court me, did you not?"

Kagome bit her lip, nervous. "Maybe that's a bad idea," Her braveness was long gone now. Sure, her thing with Inuyasha was short and dead before it even began, but to date, Sesshomaru? It seemed crazy.

Sango moved away as he came closer. "Woman,"

Kagome put her hands up, and they met with his chest. "Can we just get some food first? Im really tired and hungry,"

His lip came up slightly, showing her his fang. "Indeed, perhaps that is why you are not thinking clearly,"

He moved "Monk,"

Miroku shrugged his shoulders and ran after Sesshomaru, who took the lead.

"Im not thinking clearly?" Kagome mouthed to Sango, who smirked and shook her head, then they locked arms and followed after the men.

They followed a road, something they did not do often when Naraku was alive. Kagome no longer carried the jewel around her neck but sealed deep inside her body from which it came, and that was that.

Soon, the road came to a market village; the road was filled with booths on either side.

"Perhaps we should let them women go in front; these people might not be so welcoming with you out front,"

It wasn't his fault people were stupid, but the Miko did need food and rest, so he agreed with the monk's request, and they walked behind.

People were still nervous, but they didn't run screaming.

"Smells so good!" Kagome beamed,

"Look Kagome Kimonos!"

They went to a stall carrying women's kimonos. "I guess I need one till I can go back home and get some of my clothing,"

Kagome walked up to Sesshomaru and he looked down at her. "Buy me a Kimono,"

"What is wrong with what you are wearing, Miko,"

"I can't just keep wearing this,"

For all he cared, she could, but he was courting her and would see to all her needs.

"Besides, you owe me,"

He raised an eyebrow.

She leaned in. "You know why."

"Do tell Miko,"

She blushed. "Never mind,"

She turned, but he grabbed her arm. "Very well, but I get to choose,"

He picked a dark green kimono with a wine sash. She quickly changed and gave him his layer back.

She looked beautiful.

"What?" She asked when she noticed him looking at her,

"Come, the monk and slayer found food,"

"You didn't have to buy the food,"

But she was sure glad he did; it smelt so good, and she was hungry.

"I spoke to a man; he said there is an inn halfway up the mountain, and it has a passage going West," Miroku told them,

"Then we shall go there," Sesshomaru spoke,

Kagome sat down her sticks. "What about Inuyasha?"

Sesshomaru slid his eyes to her. "The half-breed is with the other,"

"I didn't ask that," Kagome snapped,

"If he wished to find you, he will." Sesshomaru crossed his arms.

Miroku cleared his throat. "We should get going,"

A man came over and cleared the table, bowing. "Forgive me, but are you a Miko?"

"Oh, um, yes, but I dont really practice,"

Sesshomaru eyed the man as he looked back at group of men hiding; it was pathic.

"Forgive me for being so bold, but do you have a husband?"

Kagome blushed, and Sesshomaru did not like it.

"Oh, well, no."

The man reached out to take her hand when Sesshomaru's sword came between them. "Human,"

"Ah, yes?"

"She is spoken for,"

"Sesshoamru!" Kagome gasped,

The man bowed. "Forgive me!" Then he ran away.

Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru. "What did you do that for?!"

"Making it known that you are spoken for, as I stated, Miko, I do not share,"

"Im not property Sesshoamru,"

He growled,

"Kagome," Sango slid over to her friend. "Maybe we should get going," She grabbed Kagome by the hand and dragged her away.

Sesshomaru ran a hand through his hair,

"Oh, my friend, you got it bad,"

Sesshoamru glared at him. "She is the mother of my child; how else should I act when every fiber of my being says to claim her."

"Maybe tell her that, but in a different way; Kagome doesn't like the whole claiming thing."

Clearly.