I disclaim everything that needs to be.

Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's (or anyone's) inner demon talking, or flashbacks

Note: Chapters 1-12 are now updated! So go check that out since it flows waaaaay better now. I'll still be doing some minor edits, to make things flow better visually, but the big changes are done!

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Chapter 27: Mending Fences

Sesshomaru sighed, contently, he loved spending quiet moments with his mate.

"I think we should eat dinner privately again tonight." Kagome's request was quiet, clearly buried in thought.

"As you wish, my love," Sesshomaru hummed, "any reason why?"

He opened one eye to examine her, she looked thoughtful and relaxed. She was submerged to her neck, her hair piled on top of her head and held there with the thin length of bone Sesshomaru often used as a writing utensil. The blacked ink tip was jutting out the side of the bun. He hadn't noticed her lifting it from his journal in their bedroom, nor did he notice her putting up the onyx waves he adored. Her dexterity was clearly evolving, and she was moving more and more soundlessly by the day.

"I want Suzu sat next to me. The pups can sit on the other side of you, with Mai. I just want to try and talk to her. We can put Akitoki and Hayako together, and let them talk each other's ears off. I know it's not….ideal…"

"I know you wish to speak with her," Sesshomaru nodded, "I will endure the leeches feeding off each other."

Kagome sighed, "this really can't be easy for you. I wish I'd realized that both of them were so…attached."

"You are being quite diplomatic, Mate," Sesshomaru closed his eyes again and allowed himself to relax in the water, "they are far beyond attached. Their obsession with you is nearly as passionate as Naraku's to the Sacred Jewel. Akitoki is a terrible influence and Hayako is a quick study. We can only be so lucky that they are far too meek to resort to any real violence. Hayako wouldn't dare shame his lands further after Cali's complete immoral downfall. Akitoki is weak, spineless, his 'gifts' will be sent immediately to the surrounding villages so their women can use them. The…one of your time… crossed a line he didn't even think he would cross. And he feels shame for it, since it drove you further away."

"...maybe.."

"In his eyes, I could tell, he'd hoped it'd be seen as a drunken tryst that turned into a true love. Something to break the dam of emotions he was convinced you were hiding."

"Well Akitoki can have an entire dinner to talk to Hayako about all his hopes and dreams and what he thought he saw in the hot springs," Kagome sighed again before sinking her head under the water. When she came back up, Sesshomaru was examining her.

"If it's too overwhelming…" he started.

She shook her head, "No. No, I need to be able to try and talk to her. If I have to endure Akitoki's gushing with Hayako, I can do that. I've done worse things. Kyo isn't my problem right now."

"And you truly think you can change her feelings?"

"I just want to try and see what he's told her about my relationship to him. I want her to know the truth, that I didn't ever want him and I never will. I want her to know she has my support, I guess." Kagome ran her hand through her wet hair, "maybe it won't do anything."

"You can convince her to be civil to you at least."

"I would be just as upset. I mean, whenever Inuyasha would mention Kik-"

Sesshomaru raised his hand to interrupt her, "And you also didn't give him your whole heart while he was treating you that way. And you wouldn't."

She nodded, "I know it's just-"

"The woman resents you because she's spent her marriage with a man who compares her to you." Sesshomaru continued, "it is possible that it can be changed. Perhaps she can be swayed, but her husband will never stop."

"Maybe talking to her would help her deal with him better?" she sighed, "I don't know, I just know something needs to be said."

"You're smart, my love, you will figure out some way to comfort her."

Kagome sighed, "I hope so," she stretched one more time before standing up and moving out of the hot springs. Sesshomaru watched as she dried off, and wrapped herself in a fluffy towel. She sat at the edge of the warm pool, looking at him.

"Are you mine for the rest of the day?" She asked, smiling.

He leaned in and kissed her, "I am yours always and on all days. Today included. But, yes, my love, I will be with you the rest of the day."

She looked at the sky, they'd been talking and relaxing for longer than she thought. It was almost midday, and they would be eating soon. She could hear the preparations finishing up. After, the pups would attend their self defense lessons and be escorted to the Library for her lessons.

"If you are asking yourself what my mother and Aia were teaching, I can almost guarantee it was stories about my youth," Sesshomaru stood, moving out of the hotspring to dry off, "Rin could probably recite them for you."

"What should we do today? I'm trying to think of something that'd be appropriate for all their ages. Mai is so little, she's even younger than Rin was when you first found her. Thankfully, I have some early education stuff that Suzu can take with her." Kagome trailed off.

"Mate, is it not 'spelling test' day? Rin and Shippo should be taking their exam, no? I will watch them, and assist, and you can focus on Suzu and her child."

Kagome nodded, "You're right, I totally forgot. The list of words they were meant to study are in the library. Hopefully Sensei Kay has been going over things. I asked for him to incorporate more of the words they learn with me, in his lessons. If they finish that, I asked them both to read stories with my mom. Maybe see if they can recite one?"

"Whatever you wish, my love. Kay is smart, and does as he's told." Sesshomaru held the door to their bedroom open for her, waiting for her to pass him. As she did, he kissed the top of her head. He watched as she took the towel from around her body to her hair, keeping the wet curls from her face. His eyes were locked on her hips as she walked to her wardrobe.

He moved soundlessly, wrapping his arms around Kagome, kissing her neck. Her scent immediately spiked as she leaned into his touch. He kissed and bit her as she softly moaned, lifting her arms to wrap around his neck. When her fingers were laced together, he lifted her into his arms and launched themselves onto their bed.

Kagome giggled, kicking off Sesshomaru's towel and wrapping her legs around his hips. He was already hard, and wasted no time sliding himself into her, keeping his mouth on her neck.

"It's been much too long, Mate." he growled.

"3…hours…" she could only moan back, dragging her nails up and down his back.

"4 and a half, mate. 4 and a half." He slowed his pace, making sure her neck was covered in bites.

Kagome's giggles turned to moans as he sped up again, feeling her climax coming. He wanted to pull more than one from her before they had to go to lunch, and he could only hope in the back of his mind that Akitoki would overhear. The closest that worm would ever get to his sweet Mate in this state would be hearing her brought to the peaks of desire through a locked door. Maybe he'd be sulking long enough to miss the Afternoon meal and lessons.

Sesshomaru growled happily as he felt Kagome's nails piercing his skin. They were getting sharper, with the rest of her body and senses.

"Right there, Sessh," Kagome groaned as he titled his hips, her legs squeezing around him.

He kept it up, kissing her, "as you wish, mate".

The moans from her lips were driving him wild. The growls coming from his own body he almost didn't recognize. His beast had joined their lovemaking at some point, probably spurned by the idea of making Akitoki, Kouga, and Hayako infuriated. He'd been holding himself back to make sure she had organsmed at least twice. When she reached her final climax, she dragged him over the edge with her, soaking their bed in their combined pleasure.

It took a bit for them to catch their breaths. Slowly, they untangled themselves from each other, still kissing. It wasn't until Kagome rolled to a drier side of the bed, that she spoke.

"I'm gonna hop back in the hot spring for two seconds so I'm not….so….damp…" she giggled.

"What do you wish to wear?" he stood too, moving to her wardrobe.

"Whatever you want," the volume of her voice didn't change from the other room. She knew he could hear him.

He smiled softly, pulling open the doors of the wardrobe and pulling out one of the silk dresses he'd picked for her in the Present. The one he chose this time was a soft pink, like the sunset. He pulled one of his own haoris that could match to layer on top and make sure the Akitoki kept his eyes in an appropriate place. The slipper boots she'd been wearing lately were waiting by the door. Carefully, Sesshomaru laid out Kagome's clothes on the bench at the end of their bed before picking out the pants for the haori he picked for Kagome, for himself. He'd picked a grey t-shirt from her era to pair with his pants, knowing this would be the most casual he'd been around their guests. They were all going to be in the Palace together for the rest of the season, so he might as well get as comfortable as possible.

He got dressed fairly quickly, hearing Kagome dry herself off and head back in his direction. She walked back in naked, smiling at the clothes he laid out for her.

"I need a bra and panties, right?" she teased, moving to her dresser and pulling out the articles of clothing and putting them on. Her smile only grew as he groaned watching her dress.

"You can't cut these later," she giggled, "this is a cute outfit you picked."

"I often pick out Rin's clothing. I will happily choose yours whenever you wish." Sesshomaru stood from his stop on the couch and helped her tie the haori, covering her as best as he could.

"You are really such a sweet and devoted dad." She kissed him happily.

He kissed her back, "I will be for as many pups you will provide."

"I love you, and I'm sure you'd see me pregnant every year for 10 years. Let's see how this pregnancy goes," she took his hand, "let's go to lunch."

He smiled as she unlocked their bedroom and led him out, "I'm pleased my attempts to trigger your appetite have been successful."

She laughed, "I figured that's part of your motive."

They walked hand in hand to the dining room for their midafternoon meal. Most of the court was already there, growing quiet and bowing their heads as Sesshomaru and Kagome passed. The only ones missing from the tables were Akitoki and Hayako.

Kagome glanced at her mate as they took their seats, "Where do you think…?" she started quietly.

Before she could finish her question, the doors burst open and the two hurried inside. Hayako went straight for the table Kagome and Sesshomaru sat at and bowed deeply. Sensing the distraction, Akitoki hurried to his seat next to his wife.

"Lord Sesshomaru, Lady Kagome, I humbly apologize for my tardiness."

"Oh! It's okay, Prince Hayako," Kagome smiled, "we haven't started eating yet."

"You may be seated," Sesshomaru confirmed before turning to Akitoki.

"Do you have anything to say about your lateness?"

Akitoki stuttered, jumping to his feet, "Oh- I-um. We got distracted talking. We didn't mean to be late," he looked at Kagome, "I'm sorry."

"It's fine, Akitoki," Kagome nodded, "please sit and we can get started."

Akitoki almost missed his seat as he scrambled to sit back down. The Court continued talking and eating amongst themselves. After maybe 20 minutes of glaring silence Suzu started whispering angrily, and Kagome was surprised that she could hear the conversation.

"Your new best friend is going to get us all killed. You need to think about your child. What if they hurt her?"

Akitoki huffed, whispering back, "I cannot believe you would think Kagome would ever allow something like that. Hayako is part of the Southern Land's Court. Seriously, Kags, I really need you to use your head."

Suzu glared, "His high position, nor hers will not change the mind of the Killing Perfection. Especially if we offend her, read a book, Akitoki."

Her attention was immediately back on their child, who was happily chatting with Rin. The older girl looked excited to tell Mai stories and guide her. She was making sure that she had a well rounded plate of food, and was minding her manners.

"Is this Princess, Rin?" Mai asked, straightening her posture and holding her fork the same way as Rin.

"Yes! Just like this." Rin modeled how she ate her lunch. Carefully and 'ladylike' from her etiquette lessons.

The two girls looked adorable, and it warmed Kagome's heart. She was so excited to see Rin as a big sister, since she more or less treated Rin and Shippo like twins since they're so similar in age. They would be great older siblings for the new pup, or pups. The thought of that made her smile even bigger. She had no idea if this pregnancy would be multiples, as Kikyo's seemed to be. Part of her wanted to savor time with just one pup, since it'll be such a big change. She felt immediately overwhelmed at the thought of multiples, with her having zero knowledge on inu pups and their developmental stages. The wave of anxiety paused Sesshomaru in his conversation with Jahari, and he turned to her.

"Has something upset you?" his voice was low.

She shook her head quickly, "I started overthinking. I'm fine, will you pass me those meat buns?"

He studied her for a moment before reaching for the plate she requested. Kagome smiled at him as she took 4 buns from the plate and started eating.

"I am pleased you've begun eating as you should, little fireball," InuKimi commented, "I too craved meat buns during my time."

"Mother," Sesshomaru commented, "not now."

"Oh hush," InuKimi piled cured meats onto Kagome's plate, "she needs to keep protein at highest priority. Indulge her every craving."

Sesshomaru started filling up a different plate full of fruit, remembering her dreamy sweet cravings as well. He knew his mate well, she would eat only Mochi if he allowed, so he was trying to balance her meals with as much healthy food as possible.

Kagome sighed softly, if she allowed it- she would gain 100 lbs during this pregnancy. InuKimi and Sesshomaru were trying to feed her literally everything. No one would be able to tell she was even carrying a pup, if they had anything to do with it. She thought about when she'd go home to tell her family. Maybe after she'd passed the 3 or 4 month mark, or whenever she'd start to show. Definitely not now, when it was still so early.

Her mind wandered to the afternoon. She was relieved that Sesshomaru remembered the spelling test. She really needed all the time she could get with Suzu to try and make her feel more at ease. Especially with what she'd overhead, she never wanted Suzu to feel like she or her family were unsafe in the Palace. Her mate's reputation preceded everything, and she knew what she was up against. She didn't even want to change it, necessarily, but she wanted invited guests to feel safe.

"Suzu," Kagome started softly, "is there anything special you'd like to work on in Afternoon Lessons? I don't want to interrupt your teaching at all, or Mai's learning schedule."

"Oh," Suzu was surprised, "well, Mai is still so little…we're working on manners and small words. She helps sort things in the shop because she knows her colors."

"Oh wonderful," Kagome nodded, "I have a lot of books ages 3-5 that you are more than welcome to have."

"What about your pup? I would never want to take from something a Western Heir may need." Suzu looked worried.

"Oh, you're sweet," Kagome smiled, "it's totally fine. I'm sure my mother has a whole library planned out for her future grandpups. Mai is three now, right? She'll be five much faster than any new pup of mine would be. I want them to get used."

Suzu blushed, grateful, "Thank you Lady Kagome, that is most kind."

"Of course! You are friends of the family, now, so," Kagome trailed off, not missing the quick look Sesshomaru gave her at her words.

"Really? Thank you Lady Kagome, really. I'm so happy our friendship continues." Akitoki almost choked on his food.

Kagome smiled thinly, "I want Suzu and Mai to feel comfortable here. You all are invited guests."

She turned her attention back to the kids. Shippo was talking Sango's ear off about his magic and mischief lessons. Rin was showing Mai how to eat like a princess. She nodded to herself, content enough to really start eating. This eased some of Sesshomaru's lingering anxiety, as their mid afternoon meal was nearing its end and she hadn't eaten too much. He wasn't excited about the afternoon lessons. Usually he was excited, happy to spend time with his love and pups. Today, he was grateful they had self defense lessons first. Shippo would be trying out other weapons to train with other than his magic and tricks, and Rin was practicing her archery. He could have a bit of time to work, and start to sort out exactly how he would keep Akitoki and his family at a respectable distance. He could tell that Kagome would do almost anything to make Suzu feel more comfortable, and that she was no threat to her. He only hoped it wouldn't go as far as their family moving closer to them. He could handle gifts, and brief visits only if Kagome insists.

"Okay guys, Sensei Ryu is here," Kagome gestured to the Self Defense trainer standing near the doors, "are you finished eating?"

"Yeaaaaa," Rin and Shippo said together, standing up from their seats and making their way to the doors. Following their exit, a few members of Court left to tend to their own affairs.

Soon, all who were left were the people Sesshomaru was used to seeing the most as of late. Choro, Jahari, Aia, InuKimi, and what was known around the countryside as the InuTachi. Kagome, and her friends. An ever evolving group with fluctuating numbers, depending on the time in which you stumble upon them. You were guaranteed to see Kagome, though. Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo were always nearby. Kouga and Ayame were wildcards, like Sesshomaru. Sometimes there, sometimes not.

Now though, they were an active presence in the Western Palace. After he'd asked Kagome to move in, Sesshomaru kind of expected it. Inuyasha didn't fully trust him at the time, when he asked for her to stay permanently, so he was around every single day. He'd hop the gates and be right outside Kagome's bedroom every morning to check on her, and watched her sleep for at least an hour before returning to Kaede's village for the night. Sesshomaru understood, as much as he hated it. He'd strategically chosen her room, it being very close to his own. The garden outside her bedroom connected with two other rooms, his and Rin's. He watched Inuyasha sit in front of her garden doors until he knew she was asleep, because he was watching after that. Before that, even, if he timed it right he could catch Inuyasha going into Kagome's room to talk to her. Sesshomaru would watch them talk, argue sometimes, hug goodbye on the good days, and watch Inuyasha slam the garden doors on bad days. Those nights, where they fought, were the ones he would find Kagome sneaking into the garden after she was sure Inuyasha had left. Often, he'd meet her and they'd talk.

"Love," Kagome's voice snapped him from his thoughts, "are you alright?"

Sesshomaru shook his head, "lost in thought, briefly. Has your appetite been satisfied?"

"Almost," she looked at her plate, "I was asking if you had any other work to do? I wanted to catch up on some reading in the Library."

"That is perfect, mate. I can get anything I need to accomplish, done in the library."

"Okay," her voice was quiet and he could tell that she was curious about what captured his thoughts for so long.

Kagome again turned her attention to Suzu. As soon as Rin left, Mai was bored and fussy. She wanted to play outside, if she couldn't play Princess with Rin. her mother said she was too little for the self defense lessons. Suzu was trying to get her to eat a bit more, promising anything she could think of.

Akitoki saw Kagome looking and paused, "Mai, honey. Show Princess Kagome how much of a little Lady you can be."

Mai immediately straightened up, "Princess Kagome?"

Kagome blushed, "you can just call me Kagome, sweetie."

"What's a self fence?" the little girl asked

"Self defense is a skill one learns when they need to protect themselves." Kagome explained, "so a warrior doesn't have to follow you around if he doesn't want to."

"Mai can self fence!" she grinned

"I bet you could, Mai, when you get bigger I know your Mama will show you everything you need to know."

"Kaome, Kagome," Mai corrected herself, "Can Mai play outside?"

"Of course, when your Mama says you've had enough lunch." Kagome picked up her last meat bun.

Akitoki grinned at Hayako, who was smirking. Sesshomaru appreciated that Hayako knew his place. He knew to what extent he could have his little crush, publicly. He could reel in the heart eyes in front of the Court. Akitoki, however, behaved as if he were a lovesick schoolboy. Exactly how Sesshomaru suspected Kyo behaved when Kagome was around, leading him to wonder how she thought him so innocent for so long.

Kagome finished eating quicker than Sesshomaru thought she would, so it surprised him when she suddenly stood up.

"I'm going to the library," she leaned down to kiss him, "I'll see you in there? The spot we usually go?"

When he nodded, she turned her attention to the others, "Whoever is coming to the afternoon lessons, I'll see you then. Otherwise, we'll be having dinner in the courtyard again tonight. Suzu, Prince Hayako knows where the afternoon lessons are being held, I'm sure he'll be thrilled to escort the three of you."

"Thank you, Lady Kagome," Suzu smiled shyly.

Sesshomaru watched as she hurried out of the room, heading straight for the library.

"Strange," Jahari commented, "Is the Lady alright?"

Sesshomaru stood, "I'm about to find out."

*that's all folks! I really appreciate y'all taking the time to read my stories! Writing these is such a fun creative break, haha Let me know what y'all think! I'm still trying to figure out the drama that's gonna unfold with Akitoki there but he's messy–Inu'sgurl97 *