"Well done, meeting adjourned." Ginto finished up the meeting in the defense room and made his way towards the medical wing. Nearly two weeks had passed since Kagome's poisoning and Sesshomaru left him to handle the briefings, reluctant to leave her room unless necessary.

Ginto peered into Kagome's room and briefly smiled at the sight in front of him. Sesshomaru's head rested against the wall behind him with his hair flowing around him and his eyes shut, his one leg on the ground with the other folded on the bed to make a comfortable space for Kagome's head to rest in his lap. Sesshomaru continuously stroked Kagome's hair while she still lay unconscious.

Tapping on the door quietly, Ginto bowed when Sesshomaru opened one eye at him. "How is she doing, my Lord?" he asked sincerely. Sesshomaru looked down at Kagome, "Between my mastery of poison, Jinenji's antidote, and Kaede's visits I believe it should be any day now." He delicately picked up Kagome's head and slid off of the bed, placing her head back on her pillow. She stirred slightly but offered no other movements.

Ginto clapped his hands together and a large smile took over his face. "Ah, a good sign!" Sesshomaru turned back around to look at her, and a slight frown formed. "No. Even while unconscious it seems she knows when I am no longer by her side. She does not like it." He quietly wondered to himself if she knew it was him, or if she thought he was Inuyasha. Not letting his mind wander any further, he turned back to Ginto. "Are there any further developments?"

Pulling out his notes Ginto went straight back into business mode. "We were correct that the threats were coming from the North. This shouldn't be too much of a surprise, we've known about the power struggle that has been waging on since the Panther King's death." Sesshomaru nodded his head in agreement, remembering that battle with Inuyasha vividly. "However, I'm fairly confident that they did not act on their threats." Surprised, Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at him. "The butterfly I captured that night isn't native to their land, but it is to ours."

"Hn. Meet with the Lords of the East and South and see if the butterfly resides there as well."

"I will set that up right away, my Lord. Do you believe they had something to do with this?"

"No, I'm confident our alliances are still strong. However, someone with access to their lands could have done this."

Ginto nodded and before he could even leave the room, Sesshomaru was crawling back into Kagome's bed placing her head on his lap. As he was walking out of the medical wing, Inuyasha passed him in a hurry without so much as an acknowledgement. Knowing he would more than likely be summoned soon, he let out a sigh and stood up against the wall with perfect posture waiting for the call. Although Ginto had no personal issues with Inuyasha, his extended presence created a lot more work for him and the rest of the staff.

"Yo, Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha barked as he barged into Kagome's room, nearly knocking the door off of the hinges, "we need to talk!"

Fighting back an eye roll, he once again lifted his head off the wall to look at the doorway. "About?"

The calmness in his voice irritated Inuyasha even more. "Why the hell are you just laying around! Someone tried to kill Kagome and you act like there's nothing better to do!"

Shit. Ginto cringed from his spot in the intake area, and quickly made his way back to Kagome's room without being summoned. Although Lord Sesshomaru had been putting up with Inuyasha's constant disrespect, yelling in front of Kagome as she was recovering would surely set him off.

"My Lord, I will stand watch over Lady Kagome if you wish to move this conversation."

Anger towards Inuyasha was pulsing through Sesshomaru's veins as he stared at his hanyo half brother in front of him. Has he forgotten who I am? I should put an end to him. Before he could act his beast roared loudly inside of him drowning out his own thoughts. Calm yourself! This is not the time. Surprised by his beasts objections, he collected his composure and walked past Inuyasha with his eyes focused straight ahead. "Follow."

Inuyasha looked over at Kagome laying in her bed hoping to notice some improvement, but all he could focus on was the look of discomfort on her face. His stare continued to linger before Ginto interrupted him. "You should follow."

"Uh yeah, right." Inuyasha said, as he stole one more glance of her before walking out the door.

Instinctively, Inuyasha sat in the chair closest to the door in front of Sesshomaru's desk. As Jaken was closing the doors to the main office, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha stared each other down as the tension in the air became thick. The clicking of the doors and the patter of Jaken's footsteps signaled that they were alone for the first time in a long while.

I've never felt so small in front of him before Inuyasha realized. An unfamiliar feeling of fear washed over him briefly as he stared at Sesshomaru sitting behind his desk. The wall directly behind him was decorated with a massive portrait of their father, Toga. Scrolls were neatly filed everywhere and paperwork was overflowing on the desk, and Inuyasha wondered if this office belonged to their father at one point. Heh. I've never thought of him as an actual ruler before, either. Slightly shifting in his seat, he sighed before speaking. "I want to join your group of officers."

"No." Sesshomaru replied stoically.

Rage crept up inside Inuyasha again, "And why the hell not?!"

Continuing to stare directly into Inuyasha's eyes to assert his dominance, Sesshomau questioned "Do you believe that because you were lucky enough to inherit blood from father, you are worthy?"

Inuyasha clenched his teeth. "Like it or not, we're brothers." He growled. "I've become much stronger over the past few years. Hell, you couldn't even take me down, and that's not just because of father's blood!"

"Is that so, Inuyasha? You have sought out no formal training. You are rash and make uninformed decisions based on your human emotions. You believe that because you were entrusted with Tessaiga that you are superior to everyone, including I, the Lord of the West." Sesshomaru stood up from his seat and leaned over towards him, his muscular arms bulging as his hands and forearms supported his weight from the top of the desk. His voice changed to a throaty growl. "If you ever disrespect Kagome or I again, I will show you no mercy."

Inuyasha's ears flattened at the tone and he noticed a red tint to Sesshomaru's eyes. Heh, he's pissed. Reluctantly breaking eye contact to show his submission, he mustered up the courage to ask, "You really love her, don't you?"

"Hn." Sesshomaru grunted as he sat back in his chair.

"Figures I wouldn't get an answer out of you." Inuyasha rolled his eyes and stood up to leave, not waiting to be dismissed by Sesshomaru.

"To answer your question from earlier, no one tried to kill Kagome. The poison was too weak for someone of my skill. This has nothing to do with her." Sesshomaru wasn't sure why he was offering this information, but he watched as Inuyasha came to a halt with his back still turned to him. "The incident has been the main focus of myself and my officers. I am sure you noticed Kagome's features change as I left the room."

Inuyasha thought back to how Kagome looked uncomfortable even though she was unconscious. That's right, why would she look like that if she has antidote in her.

Sesshomaru wasn't sure how he would react to his next sentence, but didn't hold back. "She does not like it when I leave her side. That is why I have been staying with her every chance I have and not off in meetings."

Inuyasha's head dropped slightly, and his chest felt like it was on fire when suddenly the room started spinning. "Right. Makes sense." Memories flooded in of all the times Kagome needed him by her side, tears forming when he remembered how he would be standoffish instead of truly being there for her. His face softened sightly. "Just... take care of her, would you?" Knowing he wouldn't get a response, he left Sesshomaru's office and retreated back to his room.

A soft golden glow danced around the room as Akasuki lit the candles that hung from the walls, signaling nightfall had come once again. Tears welled in Sango's eyes as she sat at Kagome's bedside holding her hand, squeezing it every so often hoping for her to feel something back. Placing his head against hers, Miroku wiped her tears away and draped his arm around her shoulders. "Sango, it will all be okay. Sesshomaru and Kaede have said it should be any day now." Sighing, Sango knew neither would make an empty promise but it didn't make her worry for her friend any less.

Out of the corner of her eye, Sango noticed Sesshomaru and Rin standing in the doorway. "I think this is our cue to leave, Miroku," she said reluctantly as she gestured her head in their direction. "Ah yes, of course. Thank you for allowing us to visit, Lord Sesshomaru." Changing his focus to Rin, Miroku joked with a wink, "I hope the children didn't give you too much trouble!" Rin smiled and shook her head, but once her eyes shifted to Kagome laying in bed her demeanor changed. Her lip quivered and a frown quickly took her smiles place. Sesshomaru quietly berated himself for bringing her here knowing how sensitive she was, but her pleas to visit were compelling. Other than himself, Jaken, or A-Un he had never seen her care for someone this much.

"Hey Rin, would you like to come take a bath with the children and I?" Sango asked with a soothing voice and gentle smile, hoping it was convincing enough for her to come. Rin stood silently for a few moments feeling conflicted, I want to be with Kagome, but I feel so sad seeing her like this she thought while processing her emotions. Not wanting to offend Lord Sesshomaru, she let out a big yawn and stretched while peeking out of one eye to make sure he was watching. "You know, that sounds like a great idea before bed!" Wrapping her hands tightly around him, she looked up at her adoptive father and said goodnight. Sesshomaru patted the top of her head lovingly and looked to Sango, giving her a slight nod. Sango smiled and grabbed Rin's hand as they skipped out of the room with Miroku following behind.

"Any day now!" Sesshomaru glared at the healer who was a little too giddy for his liking. She must be new. Who else would dare speak to me so informally.One of the senior healers immediately rushed in front of her, slightly pushing her back, and bowed. "My apologies, My Lord. While we know it could be any day now, there's no major improvements to report but Lady Kagome is doing better every day. We will check on her again in the morning." Sesshomaru nodded while still irritated, "Very well."

As they were exiting the room, the senior healer began scolding her for her mistake. "You never speak to him so informally, ESPECIALLY about Lady Kagome!" He chuckled, do they know something I do not? Positioning himself deeper into the bed, he moved his arm under Kagome so she was slightly propped up against his shoulder. He brushed some loose hair out of her face revealing her paler than usual face, what is it about her? As he got comfortable on the pillow and wrapped his other arm around her, he realized her scent had changed. The smell of poison is almost completely gone now. Before he knew it, he was slowly drifting off to sleep.

"Ses..shoma..ru..."

Jolting awake at the sound of Kagome's voice saying his name, Sesshomaru sat up hoping to see her staring back at him. Hn. What a cruel dream he thought as he saw Kagome still motionless with her eyes closed. As he carefully laid back down in the darkness, Akasuki scurried in and began lighting some candles. "No need, Akasuki."

"Ah.." Kagome groaned softly while grabbing her head in agony. Pain radiated throughout her head as though someone had been pounding it with a hammer. She tried to reposition herself but her body felt stiff and fought her efforts.

A soft golden hue illuminated the room from the few candles Akasuki lit, and it was just enough light for Sesshomaru to watch as Kagome was slowly coming out of her coma. Suddenly, he noticed Kagome's aura begin to shift. She's starting to panic. Calmly, he began to reassure her while caressing her face. "Kagome, I am here. Everything is alright." Gently lifting her, he moved her so she was in a reclined position in his arms and pulled her closer to help calm her down. Before he could say a word, healers came rushing in to tend to Kagome and get her comfortable with medicinal herbs.

Slowly, Kagome opened her eyes for the first time in nearly two weeks. Blinking a few times to get her blurry vision to focus, she gazed into Sesshomaru's honey colored eyes and felt her budding panic melt away. She closed her eyes and smiled, nestling her head into Sesshomaru's chest. "I'm so glad you're here," Kagome whispered.

Healers and servants whizzed around them in what seemed like slow motion, but in that moment she was all he could focus on. Her once neatly done braid was loose, her skin was still as pale as the white sand, but Sesshomaru smiled at the frail human wrapped in his arms. I will protect you and be by your side until the end of time, Kagome. His heart ached to have her all to himself. Ignoring everyone else's presence in the room, he leaned down and softly kissed her slightly chapped lips while rubbing her cheekbone gently with his thumb. Color rushed to Kagome's face as she blushed from his public display of affection.

In the midst of the chaos, Akasuki took it upon herself to prepare a grand breakfast to serve Kagome and Lord Sesshomaru in bed knowing she must be starved. As she walked into the medical corridor pushing the serving cart full of food, the scent permeated the entire wing causing Kagome's stomach to growl and her mouth to water. "I realllly hope that's for me," she whined. "It seems Akasuki did not hold back in preparing your favorite breakfast foods."

Kagome began ravenously attacking the plate in front of her while Sesshomaru watched with amusement, but she was too hungry to care what he thought of her as she shoved more food into her mouth. Akasuki brought over another plate when Kagome remembered she forgot to thank her. Embarrassed, Kagome began apologizing profusely, "Oh Akasuki I'm sorry! Thank you so much for the wonderful food!" Akasuki smiled back at her, while Lord Sesshomaru wasn't unkind to her, she never expects the amount of praise she receives from Kagome. She bowed "You are welcome, Lady Kagome. I'm glad happy to see you're feeling better. It has been a long two weeks." Kagome's eyes grew wide and her mouth fell open. Stunned, she couldn't get the words out.Two weeks...I've been laying here for two weeks!?

After happily scarfing down another plate of food, she looked over at the cart next to her desperately wanting another plate but knowing she would get a stomach ache if she ate anymore. Still picking at some fruit on his plate, Sesshomaru offered some to Kagome. She smiled at his gesture and patted her full stomach. "No, thank you. If I ate any more I would explode." She rested her head on his shoulder before finally asking, "What exactly happened that night? The last thing I remember Inuyasha and I..." she trailed off. That's right, she thought, Inuyasha and I were in the courtyard... did he...

"Inuyasha and yourself were in the courtyard tying up loose ends." he began, trying to tread lightly on the subject. Kagome's chest tightened at the thought of Sesshomaru seeing and hearing their intense conversation that night. Noticing the shift in her aura, he gave his plate to a servant and put his arm around her to reassure her he wasn't angry. "Then, a butterfly covered in poison sprinkled it on you from above unsuspectingly. However, it was not meant to kill you." Her brow furrowed at the mixed emotions she was feeling and she exclaimed angrily, "How do you know it wasn't meant to kill me! It's poison!"

Although he knew the anger wasn't towards him, Sesshomaru was caught off guard by her tone. "The poison can kill, however, the amount used was a typical dose to place someone in a brief coma and make them feel ill. It is usually used for kidnappings." With her head still on Sesshomaru's shoulder, she stared blankly at the wall straight ahead. She tried to process everything that he said, when something didn't make sense to her. "Sesshomaru, you said the poison should only put you in a brief coma, so why was I in one for two weeks?" she asked quietly, worried the poison has a greater effect on her.

Trying to lighten the mood, he chuckled, "After you were poisoned, you face planted into the ground." Kagome looked up him wondering if he was crazy. "How is that funny?!" she pouted. Sesshomaru tousled her hair while she fought back a smile. "Stop it!" she giggled.Sesshomaru put his forehead to hers at an angle and grabbed both sides of her head with his hands. His voice changed to a deep but quiet tone. "All joking aside, I am glad you are awake."

Kagome's cheeks turned red as she nervously bit her lip. When her eyes looked up to Sesshomaru's, she gasped at how intensely he was staring at her. Not waiting for his next move, she threw her leg over him and straddled his lap while she passionately kissed him. Sesshomaru's hands slowly traced down Kagome's body until they stopped at her hips, gripping them tightly. Their tongues danced in each others mouths as their desire for each other continued to grow, leaving them breathless. She opened her eyes to see Sesshomaru looking back at her with the first true smile she had ever seen on him. Still catching her breath, she closed her eyes and smirked at the thought of her causing the seemingly emotionless Lord of the West to have a genuine smile on his face. Gently she trailed kisses down Sesshomaru's forehead towards his cheek, past his jawline, and once she got to his neck she began to nibble. Sesshomaru's body pulsed with a need for Kagome and he moaned softly, sending the same feeling shooting through Kagome's body. Still straddled on top of him, she began to feel him harden as she began softly kissing from his neck to his chest.

Suddenly, Sesshomaru's eyes shot open and he lifted Kagome off of him. "Hey!" Kagome cried, startled by the interruption. After positioning her sitting up in the bed next to him, his gaze focused solely on the doorway while Kagome looked at him confused and embarrassed. Did I go too far? She wondered as she picked at her nails nervously.

Ginto lightly tapped on Kagome's semi-open door with his knuckle while still looking over his papers. Expecting to hear Sesshomaru's voice, he nearly jumped when he heard a females voice, "Hello, Ginto!" His breath caught in his lungs and his eyes darted from his notes to the bed where he saw a conscious and upright Kagome. "Lady Kagome!" he exclaimed and went into a rushed deep bow before quickly walking to her bedside and grabbing her hand in his. "I am so happy to see you are well! What a relief!" His attention switched to Lord Sesshomaru when he noticed the same flushed look on his face as Kagome's. Whoops, suppose I interrupted something he thought to himself fighting back a laugh.

Not amused, Sesshomaru hid his irritation. "What came from the meeting with the Lord of the East?"

"Lord Koga and Lady Ayame were very distressed upon learning what happened to Lady Kagome. They-"

Ginto was cut off by the sound of Kagome coughing. "Wh-" she continued to cough while pounding a fist into her chest and her other hand holding her tea. Healers came rushing in at the sound while both Sesshomaru and Ginto gave her a worried look. Once her coughing fit slowed she started laughing "I'm fine! Wrong pipe, sorry." she assured while taking another sip of tea to help ease her throat. "I wasn't expecting to hear that Koga is the Lord of the East! How exciting for him and Ayame, I'm so glad to see he fulfilled his promise he made to her on the lunar rainbow." Noticing that she was rambling, Kagome abruptly stopped talking.

Sesshomaru and Ginto shared a puzzled look with each other. "What! He is my friend!" Kagome defended while taking another sip of tea to suppress any more coughs from her choking episode. The men both chuckled and Ginto began to tease her, "May I continue, Lady Kagome? Or do you think this information is too exciting for you?" Rolling her eyes and smiling she waved her hand, "Yeah, yeah, whatever!"

Ginto cleared his throat exaggeratedly, winking at Kagome. "As I was saying, they did not know that she was back and requested that once Kagome was awake and feeling up to it that they be allowed to visit. Unofficially, of course."

Internally his beast was going wild at the thought of having to share Kagome's time, but logically he knew he had no reasons to offer as to why they couldn't come. Hn. I suppose I am more diplomatic than I believed. "Tell them they are welcome to come now that Kagome is awake. What did they have to offer about the butterfly?"

"They did not recognize the butterfly, my Lord. Lord Koga also believes it is only native to our lands. Lady Ayame said she doesn't remember seeing it in the Southern lands either."

Sesshomaru nodded. "Very well." Ginto excused himself and began to walk out of the room. "Wait." Sesshomaru ordered, "Did you say Koga and Ayame did not know Kagome was back in this era?" Ginto smirked at the revelation knowing he had some more work to do, "Interesting."

Kagome's eyes darted between Sesshomaru and Ginto as she slowly sipped her tea with both hands wrapped around the cup. I should really mind my business, but then again... I guess this is my business. A pit began to form in Kagome's stomach and her voice started to shake, "You don't think Koga and Ayame had something to do with this, do you?" Although her and Ayame had a rocky start because of Koga pining after her, she thought she made it clear that Koga and Ayame belonged together.

"No, my Lady. What's interesting is that the North seems to somehow know of your return, but others do not. We do not have any strong alliances with the North as they are in a power struggle at the moment, but it's mostly internal."

"Oh thank goodness" she said while exhaling a sigh. I don't think I could handle being enemies with any old friends, especially at a time like this. Sesshomaru and Ginto gave each other a nod before he left the two of them alone again.

Sesshomaru stood up from the bed and stretched his arms as high above him as he possibly could, causing his back to crack in several spots as he slightly arched his back. "I am aware you just ate, however, would you like to join your friends for breakfast?" He asked while extending his hand out towards Kagome. Smiling, she placed her hand in his and he gently helped pull her off the bed. "Whoa!" Kagome cried as she wobbled on her feet while falling towards Sesshomaru's chest. Putting his arm around her and under her armpit for stability, they began walking towards the dining hall. "Lean on me, we will walk in together."

As they slowly made their way to the dining hall with their arms wrapped around each other, Kagome began to regain some of her strength and balance. "Wow, I'm surprised this is happening so quickly," she thought out loud. "Hn. You had the best care in the land. I saw to it that your muscles were worked throughly."

When they were around the corner from the dining hall, Sesshomaru stopped and cautiously stole a glance of the hall from their concealed spot. Puzzled, Kagome tried to walk ahead when he tightened his grip on her not allowing her to move. "I have not told them you are awake," he warned her with a low whisper, "I thought it may be fun to surprise everyone."

"You thought a surprise would be fun? Who are you?" Kagome scoffed playfully while trying to keep her voice at a whisper.

Absentmindedly, Sango pushed the food on her plate around with her chopsticks while her chin rested in her palm. Every so often, she would let out a sigh as she got lost deeper in her thoughts. Miroku watched from across the table helplessly as his wife slowly lost more of her appetite each day. Desperately trying to cheer her up, Miroku reached his hands out towards Sango with a smile, and when she placed her hand in his Miroku gave it a squeeze. "Why don't we go visit with Kagome after breakfast? I'm sure Sesshomaru would appreciate a break." Inuyasha winced at his brothers name and Sango let out another sigh, "Yeah, that sounds good." Even though Sesshomaru doesn't want a break she mused to herself.

With food still on his plate, Inuyasha placed his chopsticks down on the table and stuck his nose in the air while his ear flickered. "What is it, Inuyasha?" Miroku asked curiously. "Her scent..." he mumbled as his head snapped towards the dining hall's main doors. Following Inuyasha's gaze, Sango, Miroku, and Rin were shocked to see Kagome standing in the doorway leaning on Sesshomaru. Her messy braid trailed down her back and her medical wing clothing made her look frail and tired. Fighting back happy tears at the sight of her friends, Kagome waved with a smile, "Hi, guys."

"Ka-Kagome!" Sango cried as she jumped out of her chair sending it crashing to the ground, and rushed to her friend. Trying to convince herself it wasn't a dream, she gripped Kagome's shoulders and looked her up and down and then pulled her close for a tight hug. "I was so worried" she whispered in Kagome's ear as they both stood hugging each other crying. Sango kept pulling away from Kagome to look at her and then going back in for another hug while both laughing and crying. "Now, now Sango." Miroku placed a hand on both Kagome and Sango's backs as they embraced. "You can't hog her forever," he teased. Sango laughed as she pulled away from Kagome once again, wiping tears from her eyes.

Awkwardly standing behind Miroku waiting for his turn, Inuyasha tried to keep his focus on Kagome while feeling Sesshomaru's stare burning into him. Jeeze, what does he think I'm going to do, marry her? He thought to himself sarcastically. Kagome turned to him with a warm smile and her arms stretched out, glad to see he wasn't avoiding her like last time. In her peripheral vision, she could see Sesshomaru giving Inuyasha quite the stare down, I'll have to discuss that with him at some point she noted. Inuyasha wrapped his arms around Kagome and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Idiot," he whispered, drawing laugh from both of them.

Kagome clapped her hands together and took another look around at her friends, "Okay, I'll let you all get back to your breakfast! I just wanted to come say hello." Rin ran back to Kagome to get another hug and wrapped her arms tightly around Kagome's waist. "Can we have a sleepover soon?" she pleaded while looking up to her. Sesshomaru watched the two of them interact. They're trouble he thought while hiding a smile. Kagome giggled as she looked to Sesshomaru, "I think we can arrange that!"

"Sango?"

"Hm?"

"Bath soon?"

Sango smiled at Kagome "mhm!"

"Sorry, I should've asked if you had plans for me." Kagome said to Sesshomaru when they were back in the privacy of her medical room. "Do not apologize, if you wish to bathe with your friend you are allowed to do so. Akasuki will have a fresh wardrobe waiting for you." He caressed the back of her head with one hand and gave her a quick kiss on her forehead before heading back to his office to catch up and reassign duties, knowing if he waited any longer he would refuse to be away from her.

"Ahh," Kagome moaned as she sank deeper into the hot bath, causing her hair to float around her. "Sponge baths do not do a real bath justice." Sitting across from her in the bath, Sango snacked on some fruit Akasuki had brought them. "Sooo what's the deal with you and Sesshomaru now?" she asked while inspecting a grape in-between her index finger and thumb.

"Hm, good question!" Kagome joked trying to change the subject. She thought back to what happened not long after she woke up. What got into me? she wondered. Why did I have such strong feelings towards him in that moment? Sango pulled Kagome from her thoughts. "To be honest, I'm surprised you're even here alone." She stood up just enough to look over the bushes to see if Jaken was still standing watch by the doors. "Well, here without Sesshomaru."

"What do you mean by that, Sango?" Kagome asked as she washed her hair.

"Sesshomaru rarely left your side, and I do mean rarely." Sango emphasized. "He had Jaken in charge of watching Rin, but I guess that's not surprising since he watched after her as a young child when we were all searching for Naraku. And..." Sango trailed off hesitant to say the next half of her sentence, "call me crazy, but when I was visiting you, your face changed as soon as he would leave the room."

Kagome slowly stopped scrubbing her hair and lowered her arms. "He.. really? I..." she stuttered, not able to form a sentence. "I didn't realize..." she whispered. Emotions were running rampant through her as she envisioned Sesshomaru by her side the entire time. She had been feeling a slight longing for him while bathing but assumed it was leftover lust from earlier this morning, or was it more than that?

"So," Sango said in a more serious tone, "what's going on between you two?"

"I- I really don't know. Things got a little hot and heavy this morning before Ginto showed up and if he didn't..." Kagome admitted while blushing.

"WHAT!" Sango yelled, causing Jaken to wince at her voice echoing throughout the bathing room. Quickly covering her mouth with her eyes wide, she threw her head back and started laughing. "I really need to stop doing that!"

"Or maybe I need to stop telling you shocking information!" Kagome quipped while laughing along with her.

"Do you want my two cents?" Sango asked her friend. Kagome nodded. "You know Inuyasha is a dear friend to me, but I think there really is something between you and Sesshomaru." Lowering her voice so Jaken couldn't hear she continued. "One night I couldn't sleep even though Miroku and the children were sound asleep. Instead of tossing and turning I decided I would go sit with you for a little while. When I walked in Sesshomaru was laying in the bed with you wrapped in his arms, and his lips were lightly pressed against your forehead while you both slept. You both-" Sango began choking up remembering that night, "You both looked so peaceful, Kagome. I stood in the doorway and just watched with tears in my eyes because I could feel the love he has towards you."

Kagome plopped back in the water dumbfounded by the news. Tears silently rolled down her cheeks and into the bath water. "Wow," she murmured. "Why me, though? I don't even know if it's like that, maybe he's just... bored."

Sango shook her head in disagreement. "No, I highly doubt that. He's the Lord of the West and a very powerful demon. I'm sure he's not begging for 'company'." Kagome laughed at the air quotes Sango used while emphasizing the word company, when suddenly Jaken cut into the conversation from the doorway.

"Honestly, what on earth could possibly be so funny!" Jaken squawked. How did I get stuck babysitting these two he complained silently to himself.

Kagome ignored Jaken's grievance while finishing up rinsing her hair. "You know, Koga and Ayame are coming for a visit soon!" Sango sadly looked down towards the water, "Yeah, about that..." A hint of sadness filled Kagome's heart, almost sure she knew what Sango would say next. "While this place is absolutely stunning and I envy your new home," she said with a wink, "this isn't our home. We've been gone for over a month and I'm sure Kaede needs us back at the village."

Kagome's lips turned to a pout while trying to hide her frown, and a new worry washed over her. I never thought of what would happen once they go home. Realistically she knew she wasn't being held hostage here and could go at any time, but she couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness creeping up into her body. Every time she was in this era she had her best friends by her side, and when she was back in her time she had her family and other friends. How am I supposed to cope being in this era essentially by myself? she worried, before scolding herself. Look at you, worrying and complaining about how you'll do while living in a castle like this.

Sango looked at Kagome emphatically with her own heart breaking as well. She didn't want to leave Kagome behind, but also knew she couldn't stay here forever even if Sesshomaru didn't mind the extended visit. "Well, it would be nice to see Koga and Ayame again and catch up, it's been awhile. How about we stay until then?" Kagome's face lit up even though she felt a little guilty for forcing her friends to stay longer because of her again. "Thanks, Sango." she said with a smile.

Sesshomaru was deep into the paperwork he had been somewhat neglecting when he heard a familiar knock on his office door. "Enter," he said without looking up and continuing to work. Ginto strolled in with an exaggerated display of confidence and took a seat throwing one leg over the other with a smirk on his face. Sesshomaru raised his eyes to meet Ginto's and when he saw the look on his face he chuckled. "Hn, I suppose this should be good," he said while turning to the serving cart and pouring some drinks. Ginto and Sesshomaru clicked their glasses together with Sesshomaru taking the first sip, waiting for Ginto to speak.

Swishing the sake in his glass, Ginto teased, "For starters, congratulations on your mate waking up from her coma."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at him while taking another sip, not expecting any less from him. When he thought of Kagome the word never came to mind, but the more it lingered on his mind the more he liked the sound of it.

"Just calling it like I see it, my Lord." Ginto flashed a smile before taking his first sip of sake.

"I'm sure you did not come here just to interrogate me," Sesshomaru leaned back and stretched in his chair, "what else is there?"

Appreciating that he could approach Sesshomaru like this, he changed to a slightly more serious tone, "I haven't discussed this with the other officers, but I have a hunch about the Lady Kagome, butterfly situation."

Immediately Sesshomaru sat a little straighter in his chair and his attention was focused fully on Ginto. He was never afraid to approach him with an idea whether it was fact based or not, and also never afraid to admit when he was wrong. So far though, it's been far and few between. A smile slowly crept to Sesshomaru's face, "I, too, have a hunch."

Ginto raised his glass, "Interesting," he said stealing his Lord's usual line and took another sip. "Mine is a little... bold."

This. This is why you are my second in command Sesshomaru thought to himself. "I am all ears."

Ginto smirked again, "Forgive me, my Lord, but I would like to keep it to myself until I get some more proof other than my gut feeling. However," he said while taking the last sip of his sake, "just know I have something up my sleeve that's bold but also not out of the realm of possibilities."

Intrigued, Sesshomaru tried to hide his curiosity, "I expect that if any facts come of this, I am immediately informed."

"Are you sure you would want to be informed immediately, my Lord?" Ginto said with a wink as he was walking out of the office doors, thinking of his Lord's flushed face from earlier.

Sesshomaru shook his head while chuckling, "I suppose there are times I do not need to be immediately informed, Ginto."

Once Ginto left his office, he dove right back into his paperwork. While his office looked orderly to the average person it was overflowing with work and organization that needed to be done. It was worth it he reminded himself as he began. What seemed like minutes passing turned to hours when Jaken entered the office to begin lighting the candles on the office walls. Sesshomaru looked up from his desk noticing the bright natural light from earlier was slowly diminishing. He stood up and began walking over to one of the massive arched windows behind him, stopping at his fathers portrait that hung in the center of the two windows. Is this how you felt when you met Izayoi, father? While he would never admit it, he missed his father and his wisdom deeply.

He stood in front of the arched window to look out at his land, when he noticed Kagome and Sango in the courtyard smelling the flowers and laughing together as the sun slowly set. Those two he mused. Sesshomaru continued to watch Kagome as her hair and lavender dress Akasuki made her swayed slightly from the breeze that danced around her. In that moment he was mesmerized by her beauty and the happiness that was emitting from her. Ginto's words popped back into his mind. Hn, my mate? As he said the word his inner beast roared with excitement, and his urge to protect rose to levels he had never felt before.

"Mommy, come here!" the twins sang in unison while pulling Sango by each of her hands. She laughed and looked up to Kagome, mouthing the word 'sorry' as she was being dragged away with Hisui sleeping peacefully on her back. Kagome smiled at the sight, but was still sad that she missed out on her close friends pregnancies. She made her way over to a bench that was close to the fountain in the courtyard. Closing her eyes, she felt the golden light from the setting sun warm her body as she deeply inhaled the scent of a pink flower she had recently picked. A wave of relaxation rolled throughout her entire body and in that moment, she felt infinite.

Quietly, Sesshomaru sat on the bench next to Kagome and studied her as she meditated with her unaware he was close by. Mates typically have a special bond he thought to himself, time will tell.

What is this sensation? It reminded her of when she could feel a jewel shard near by, but she knew she had destroyed the Shikon Jewel three years ago. No, this is different from that, but what is it? Focusing harder, she began to see a pink light intertwined with white twinkling lights whirling around in the darkness. This light, it reminds me of the light that comes from my sacred arrows. Suddenly, a hazy purple light began to appear. This feels... familiar, but why? As she continued to focus on the purple light it started to slowly come together, almost as though she was watching an artist bring a painting to life. When the light took its true form, Kagome gasped. I've seen this before. I saw this while I was in the coma, sometimes the light would disappear and I would be left in the darkness.

"Sesshomaru?" she questioned out loud, as she stared intently at the image of a majestic white dog outlined by the purple light. "Hn, so you can see it." Kagome quickly opened her eyes startled by hearing Sesshomaru's voice so close to her, "How did you... what was that?" Sesshomaru reached his arm around Kagome's shoulder and pulled her closer. She rested her head against him as they watched the sun begin to disappear from the orange and pink sky.

"That," he began, "was the auras from our souls."

Confused, Kagome lifted her head from Sesshomaru's chest. "What do you mean our auras? I've always been able to sense a demonic aura, but this was different from that."

Sesshomaru nodded. "You are correct. This is different. You are able to sense demonic auras due to your powers as a priestess. However," Sesshomaru said with a smile, "this is deeper than that. Our souls were able to connect."

"Our...souls?" she managed to mummer as she leaned back into Sesshomaru. She reached her hand up to grasp his that was dangling off of her shoulder, and pulled his arm across her chest for comfort. Silently, they watched together as the sun completely disappeared from the horizon. "This wasn't the first time I saw that light," Kagome said timidly, "I saw it while I was asleep. Sometimes the light would disappear, leaving me alone in the darkness." Quietly, she added, "I didn't like when that happened." Sesshomaru could feel the sadness in her voice and squeezed her hand while resting his chin on top of her head, relieved to know that he was able to provide her comfort while she was unconscious. "I was talking to Sango, she said you hardly left my side. She was exaggerating though, right?" Kagome asked hesitantly, "I hate the thought of causing you so much trouble and pulling you away from your work."

"Your friend would be correct," he admitted unembarrassed. He gently tilted her head up to face his and pressed his lips to hers, and their tongues began intertwining as he slowly moved his hand down to her neck, rubbing it with his thumb. A soft moan escaped from Kagome as he lightly bit her lip. Sesshomaru pressed his lips harder against Kagome's as his hand wandered from her neck down to her thigh. My mate he kept echoing in his head as his inner beast begged to be set free with Kagome while his tongue continued to explore her mouth.

"Damn Sesshomaru, who's the girl!" Mortified, Kagome pulled away from Sesshomaru and looked in the direction of the all too familiar voice. "Koga," she whispered. "Really Koga? I know this is an informal visit but do you have to be so rude! We haven't even walked in the doors yet!" Ayame snapped while smacking Koga in his chest. "Whaaat? I can't be happy for Sesshomaru finally getting some action?" Ayame rolled her eyes and began tickling and talking to the wolf pup in her arms, "You won't be like daddy will you? No, you'll be a polite little boy!"

Annoyed with yet another interruption, Sesshomaru began walking over to the main walkway of the castle with Kagome to greet Koga and Ayame. I suppose I should have told them a specific day to come, I was not expecting them so quickly. He noticed Kagome's face was as red as a tomato and he tried to reassure her, "There is no need to be embarrassed." "Yeah right, easy for you to say!" she argued playfully. When they were about 30 feet away from Koga and Ayame, Kagome stopped dead in her tracks. "Do. They. Have. A. Baby!?" she squeaked while bringing her hands to her cheeks. Sesshomaru laughed at her excitement, "Yes. I believe I sent a gift about a year ago for the pup's birth." Kagome jogged over towards Ayame with her arms open wide, "Let me snuggle that baby!"

Koga's mouth dropped and his eyes began blinking in disbelief when he saw it was Kagome running over towards them, "Y-you were the one making out with Sesshomaru?" Trying to recover his slightly bruised ego he crossed his arms and stuck his nose in the air, "Well, I guess it's better than being with that mutt." Ayame glanced in his direction to give him a warning look while shifting the pup to her hip so she could give Kagome a hug. "I'm so happy you're doing better, Kagome!" she said genuinely. Only half listening, Kagome continued fussing over the pup, "Can I hold him? What's his name?" Ayame looked down at her son and gave him a kiss on the top of his head before handing him over to Kagome. "His name is Ichiro," she beamed proudly.

Koga's chest puffed out, "Yup, that's my son! He'll be the best leader the East has ever seen." Sesshomaru laughed to himself at the theatrics, he is a good leader and ally but he tries too hard. "Isn't he just sooooo cute?" Kagome gushed to Sesshomaru. He nodded to be polite, it was nothing personal but he didn't have the same excitement Kagome did over someone else's pup.

"Lord Koga, my servants will take your belongings in while we eat." Koga patted Sesshomaru on the back with enthusiasm, "No need for the Lord titles, we're here as friends!" Irritated by the lack of personal space but not wanting to be rude to his guests, Sesshomaru let it go. As they headed inside with Ichiro still in Kagome's arms, she couldn't wait for the long overdue reunion. "Sango, Miroku, and Inuyasha will be so excited to see you three!" Koga's face turned to a scowl, "What? The mutt is here?" Ayame smacked his chest again, "What Koga means is that he is happy they're here." Kagome giggled at the ongoing feud that should clearly be over, loving that Ayame wasn't afraid to put Koga in his place. "They're only staying until the morning Koga, so play nice." Kagome playfully warned.

Sesshomau quickly scanned the seating arrangements and was relieved to see that Inuyasha and Koga were on opposite ends of the table from each other. I was not in the mood to be a moderator tonight, perhaps this could be a nice evening. After they all were seated by his servants, he proposed a toast and all of the glasses were being held in the air as Sesshomaru spoke, "To Kagome and her health, old friends, and new beginnings." The sound of clinking glasses filled the air and they all took a sip from their drinks. Without warning, the doors to the dining hall slammed open and Jaken came running in, "My Lord! Your-" Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes knowing Jaken knew better than to cause such a scene at a time like this.

Everyone's heads turned to the doors where they saw a beautifully dressed women with long silky white hair leaning against the doorframe, "Hello, Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru clenched his jaw before replying, "Hello, mother."

Author's Note:

Holy long chapter, Batman! November was the perfect storm of writers block and self doubt, so I was stuck for a little bit. I never stopped brainstorming though, and finally I started writing more and more. Clearly by the length of this chapter, I didn't stop. I'm not sure if future ones will be this long or not, but as always I appreciate you reading and enjoy reading your feedback. Hope you enjoyed!