And I thought that I don't belong

Kagome opened her eyes and sighed, but then she sat up, grateful.

Inuyasha had left her. The jewel had trapped her, and things could be oh so much worse for her. Sesshomaru could have left her right then and there, but he didn't. What he offered was honorable, and they did have a history together. So her fairytale didn't end up as she thought, but perhaps her fairytale wasn't over?

She didn't like thinking about it, but Kikyo and Inuyasha's fairytale was, and it was tragic.

She was alive, warm, and safe because of Sesshomaru, of all people.

A knock came to the door, and then it opened. Baba came rushing in with two other demonesses, tall, pointed noses, twins with long bloody hair and eyes. Older but not as old as Baba.

Before Kagome knew it, hair was being brushed, layers were being wrapped, and bows were being tied.

It was suffocating yet beautiful. The kimono wasn't simple. Deep navy and gold with bits of red. It was too much and screamed his mother. Kagome liked Kimonos, but this one was over the top. Yet it screamed what they wanted it to scream.

His mother walked in, and Kagome looked at her like a helpless deer.

"What is with that face, Miko,"

Kagone lifted one hand, her arm covered with heavy fabric. "A bit much,"

His mother's face remained frozen. "Lady of the West," Was all she said,

"Yes, but as Lady, can't I pick out my own clothes?"

"Indeed!"

That was too easy, and Kagome narrowed her eyes. "But?"

"But they must reflect my son,"

"Sesshomaru doesn't care about this stuff,"

"Lord," She snapped,

"Lord Sesshomaru doesn't care,"

Inukimi walked in. "He didnt, but now he must mate and so duty before pleasure,"

Kagome raised an eyebrow,

"Once his mates and all social calls have been met, he can go back to not caring," She then shooed Kagome out of the room and to another for morning tea and breakfast. It was nice being able to eat without worrying about how to get the food, but damn, did she feel so far from where she had once been. If this is what she had to do to be a demon's wife, she wasn't sure she would become one.

She wanted someone who wanted her for her, how could one learn about her if she had to fake it till you make it?

Kagome sat down her tea and then noticed not only his mother but Sesshomaru staring at her.

"You were so deep into a depressing thought that you didn't even sense him!" His mother snapped,

Kagome blushed. "Sorry,"

"Well, do tell us what thoughts kept you so blind?" His mother snapped,

"Mother," Sesshomaru spoke. "Leave us,"

His mother didn't look pleased but did as he asked.

Sesshomaru stared at her,

"It's weird, right?"

"The color suits you,"

Did he compliment her?!

"Oh, um, thank you," She looked down,

"What bothers you now?"

She didnt want to complain, but.

"Kagome,"

She looked up. "I know, I know you are doing this for my benefit too; it's just that it's not me. I dont want to fake who I am,"

"Elaborate Miko,"

Kagome sighed and stood. "The kimono is beautiful, dont get me wrong, but it's a bit much,"

"Then choose another,"

"Your mother said it has to reflect you,"

He blinked. "I do not care so long as it's not your so-called uniform woman,"

"And I dont need a bunch a woman fussing over me,"

"Then send them away,"

"You mother-

"Miko,"

She looked at him,

"Learn and do what you will with it, within reason, as I have stated before,"

"Your mother means well,"

He didnt buy that.

"She wants the best for you, and that means putting me on show,"

"You are to be the standard which they will have to live up,"

Her eyes went wide. "But I human Miko,"

"Hn, my mother will have fun,"

"That's not fair,"

"All is fair in war,"

"This isn't war. It's love,"

He snorted "Perhaps for you,"

"You don't care at all, do you?"

"I will know when I know, this is all diplomatic,"

Kagome sat back down. "I want to help you,"

"Then do so."

"I dont know how. I know how to fight, and shoot arrows and ride a bike, and get dirty. I don't know how to be a princess," She sighed. "Maybe I don't really belong here," A sadness washed over her though at the thought of living in a small hut, in a small village, all alone. She could do it, but...

"Do you care about my person, Miko?"

She looked at him quickly. "Well, yeah,"

"Then this task will be easy. I need a mate, and she must get through you, not my mother,"

He walked to the door. "The kingdoms may set the rules, but I trust you will do as you have always done,"

"Always done?"

"Played by your own,"

He then walked out and looked at his mother. "Enough, Mother,"

His mother waved him off and entered the room where Kagome stood quickly. "I want to pick my own Kimonos!"

Baba shook her head in the background; she was beginning to think Lord Sesshomaru was having fun at their expense.