Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or its characters, that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own the song used; that right belongs to Hilary Duff.

Author's Note: This is the very first Sess/Kag for this collection of drabbles. And is based on Hilary Duff's song: Stranger. Also, is a gift fic for the Amazing BrandPandyxxx.

She looked around the large room, making sure with a critical eye, nothing was amiss. A smile plastered on her face, giving an occasional nod of the head to a guest or two. This was her duty as a wife, his wife. Though to her, after ten years, all the happy illusions were gone, and it was just a title now.

"Care to tell me why I have no grand-pups, Miko?"

She was stiffening at the cold, harsh voice behind her, mentally wishing the woman away and turning in place to look at the speaker, smile still in place. Blue met gold in a clash of wills and unspoken words. Eventually, Kagome sighed, fed up with the charade. And though she'd been cautious about her blunt honesty. She was just not able to pretend. Her mate, perfect in the eyes in public. Though his eyes, when they were alone, showed no kindness.

"Than I suggest you talk to your son," she said in a very firm voice.

It pleased her to see the slight widening of those golden eyes. Knowing a verbal onslaught was coming. Kagome gave a polite nod to excuse herself and walked away. Not a single doubt in her mind that his mother would go to him and demand he take her to task. Frankly, she had always thought the Lady of the House of the Moon was a spoiled bitch. Figuratively and literally.

With a soft-spoken word, she saw the last guest off. The previous hour had been near unbearable. Her mate had used their mating mark to let her know he was angry at her. Of course, it was her fault for being rude to his mother. So, allowing a soft sigh to escape her painted lips, Kagome gave the servants directions and went to find her mate.

It was not hard to find him. He was always in his study. Work was always first. But that was fine because he was always fair with his work and employees. Never her, no. She was pretty sure he thought of her as an inconvenient burden the Kami's forced upon him.

"Do not just stand in the hall. Get in here, Kagome,``he growled, commanding her through the door.

Steeling herself already knowing his mother was in there too. Reaching out, she opened the heavy door and entered, shutting it quietly behind her as her eyes were held captive by his amber orbs. She openly ignored his mother, who lashed out at her with her demonic aura. It was a struggle, but Kagome didn't let her power rise to strike back. But she pictured how sweet it would be to do so and see the look and pain on that woman's face.

"Well, what do you have to say for being rude to my mother, wife," he snapped at her.

Kagome pressed her lips into a thin line to keep from snarling at him. He only used that word when they had company. To her, it was an insult and a lie like their marriage or rather mating.

"I was not rude. I just answered your mother's question, Sesshomaru. And very honestly," she replied. "It is not my fault; she did not like the answer."

The soft gasp from his mother, as he narrowed his eyes at her had her fighting to keep her heart from beating faster. She just openly slighted them both. And that burning in her mating mark was now a searing pain. Yet she would not submit to him. She chose to defy him by using his name.

"Than explain how it is this Sesshomaru's fault, wife," he demanded. His voice that deadly calm before the storm.

But his words brought a smile to her lips: a genuine one that made her smile look feral, defiant visage.

"Because, Sesshomaru, I cannot fuck myself and get pregnant. Last I checked that required two people, and I've always been more than willing," she quipped, mocking him while being crude. "But after ten years, it has become clear since you've only bedded me a handful of times since our mating that I am not what stimulates your desire. Thus you are at fault for not wanting to sire a pup on me. Even if I am immortal, and it would be a pure demon."

Seeing red bleed into his eyes, Kagome hoped he'd attack her. Draw blood in an attempt to make her submit as he punished her. Even try to kill her. They were nothing more than strangers, after all.

"Who are you? What have you done with my mate?" He asked of her.

She just laughed. Seeing Sesshomaru shocked was refreshing. His confusion was bittersweet. And from the way his mother's demonic power was being held close to her person. she had their undivided attention.

"Oh, I am still... your mate. I did my best to always be what you wanted me to be when you wanted me to be it. A good, attentive mate. The perfect wife in the fucking public and your family's eyes. And got nothing for it but your contempt," She stated in a calm, sugary voice. "Everyone has a limit. I have reached mine. Go find some demoness to bear you a pup. We are nothing but estranged acquaintances. And I refuse to allow a person I barely know into my bed. A bed my supposed mate hardly frequents. Since I am not a common whore... no, that is wrong. A slut would be more accurate as I don't get paid. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am tired and wish to retire to my bed, alone, for the night."

With that, she swept out of the room. Her heart was feeling lighter, though she was sad. Mating was for life; there was no such thing as divorce. And she strengthened the wall between them. A wall that he had wanted. If he thought she didn't have a limit to her patience, acceptance, and compassion to forgive, he was sorely wrong. Her heart had suffered because of his brother and now him. There was no room left in it for her to love. This lie would continue until he grew old and passed or attempted to kill her. He is causing the gods to intervene.

The End!