Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

Author's Notes: This story is a continuation of 'Stranger.' We can thank a few people for this being written up. And there will be one more in this one-shot series. This one-shot is mostly from Sesshomaru's POV.

Sesshomaru stared at his phone screen. His golden eyes glared into a pair of brilliant green. He had finally reached the end of his proverbial rope. It had taken a year too. However, he was (even now) still in a mild state of shock.

Sesshomaru knew Kagome had a fiery personality. And when Kagome was defending what she saw as hers or backed into a corner, she'd fight(to the death if need be). He'd been on the receiving end of her temper. Yet since the end of their shared journey, Kagome became an ascended human or deity. Then mating him when the Gods acknowledged her, Sesshomaru had a passive picture-perfect wife.

At first, it baffled him, and he felt no rush to mate her until Kagome was ready. But as time continued to pass, they'd become distant, estranged. And Sesshomaru found her rather dull. Thus, he focuses on his tasks as a Lord rather than business and as a politician. During all this, Sesshomaru hadn't noticed the distance becoming a chasm filled with ice.

"Seriously, Lord Sesshomaru, I have no reason to help you."

With a slow blink of his eye, Sesshomaru fought to keep his displeasure off his face. He knew it was a long shot asking the Kit, Shippo. Even now, centuries later, the boy was extremely loyal to Kagome, as was the wolf clan.

"I mean, you waited too long to finish mating a woman gifted to you by the Gods. Though human, Kagome is a transcendent and more powerful than you now," Shippo said. His words were casual but like a sharp thorn stabbing him. "She was patient. She tried, and you either ignored her by choice or never noticed. And now that she's openly putting demonesses in your path so you and your mother can have a grand-pup, you're whining like a child."

At Shippo's words, Sesshomaru finally lost his composure and growled to warn the Kit. Though the fact was Shippo wasn't wrong, and the look he was receiving told Sesshomaru Shippo wasn't impressed spoke volumes.

"Lord Sesshomaru, let me ask you one thing. Depending on your answer, I might help you."

Sesshomaru felt both his eyebrows jump on his forehead. Not giving a second thought, Sesshomaru nodded his agreement. If he did not feel desperate, especially to get rid of the unwanted, eager bitches away from him. And to get Kagome back.

"Okay, good," Shippo muttered in a dark tone. "I need to know if what InuYasha said after Kagome was given to you had any bearing on you distancing yourself from her? Even on a subconscious level."

Sesshomaru felt indignant at the question. When he opened his mouth to claim it did not, Sesshomaru closed it just as quickly. A faint feeling that seemed to come alive in his chest prevented him from answering. He knew himself best, yet saying it didn't affect him felt wrong, leaving Sesshomaru confused.

"You don't have to reply; I can see your answer on your damn face," Shippo laughed. "I'll help you. But you'll owe me a favor later."

Sesshomaru stared at the dark-haired woman before him. It had been centuries since he'd watched her final moments living. The off-hand confession she'd given in those minutes replayed in his mind. But it behooved Sesshomaru that Kagura was standing before him, next to his mate. And it was said mate who'd brought Kagura back to life.

"Kagome, I don't think he's happy to see me."

Sesshomaru gave a soft 'hn' of agreement. Then it hit him—the conversation he had a few weeks ago with the Kit. Shippo had asked some pointed questions. One was if, in the past, he'd ever been honestly confessed to. The answer had been yes, Princess Sarah, a human woman, and Kagura of the Wind. Sarah had hurriedly been rejected. And Sesshomaru knew she was a taboo topic.

Yet now, as he looked at Kagura again, Sesshomaru knew Shippo had told Kagome. And this was her trying to find a demoness that might suit his wants and needs. Jumping back to that day and replaying all the things she had said and up until today. It had Sesshomaru wondering if he crossed a line? Had he lost his mind somewhere along the way?

"Kagome, sorry I wasn't his type."

"It's okay, Kagura. You and Kanna enjoy your new lives and freedom."

"Of course! And I didn't think it would be long now. You'll find and experience the happiness you deserve."

Kagura's words had Sesshomaru narrowing his eyes and growling softly in a warning. The dual looks of annoyance he got made him wonder why he was receiving such looks.

"Well, I am going to go. I think his Lordship should be blunt and truthful and tell you what he wants, Lady Kagome."

Sesshomaru felt shocked as he watched the toothy smile Kagura flashed at him as she left. Then he turned his gaze to Kagome; Sesshomaru saw the expectant look on her face. However, her blue eyes were darkened by some unknown emotion. He knew he'd better tell her and quickly. Since he only wanted her.

THE END!