InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Predestination ❯ Predestination 14 ( Chapter 14 )

All night she was confused, what was she feeling? Just thinking of him made her stomach do flips. This is what she wanted in a man right? Well technically, he wasn't a man, and this wasn't exactly how she planned on meeting him. But hell nothing ever went as planned in her life why start now. No, she cannot fall for him, he just thought of her as a friend. She remembered the emotions she felt as she lie suspended in her body. The only feelings from Sesshoumaru were those of a lost friendship, all the rest was unidentified emotions. Emotions that the owner has yet determined, making it impossible for her to make any sense of.

It was true they were friends now, but she couldn't help but want more. She felt so desperate, it angered her, and she knew it was because she would have never got these things with Inuyasha. At least with Sesshoumaru he rarely made her upset, she knew Inuyasha couldn't help it but she now knew Inuyasha wasn't the one for her. But she would not put her emotions out on a platter to be used and abused anymore. If he had any feelings for her, he would have to be the one to show them first. But what was she thinking, they were friends and she was happy that he had enough emotion for that.

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Opening his eyes, he realized it was morning already. He looked down to see black hair covering his chest, for a brief second, he was puzzled until he realized the source of the hair. Following it with his eyes, he looked down beside his left shoulder to see the back of Kagome's head. Her face was buried in between the pillows and his arm; he honestly didn't know how she could sleep like that without loosing air supply. Carefully he got up without taking her hair with him; walking towards the door, he heard a gruff groan. Turning he heard her muffled words.

"No a few more beautiful minutes of sleep… I hate school…SIT." He quirked his eyebrow at the last part but mentally shrugged it off from his mind. He went to the patio doors and stepped out onto the balcony to collect his thoughts for the day. Today they would be traveling to the central lands to discuss agreements. Then he would take her back to Inuyasha for a while to collect the shards and visit her family. For some reason the thought of her, leaving didn't sound as wonderful anymore, as it used to. It had to be the incident that happened yesterday that triggered this feeling, he thought, he was just still worried over losing her again, his friend. He looked down to the tranquil gardens below, causing his bangs to fall over his eyes, when did the taiyoukai of the western lands need a friend so badly. He was known for his need for nothing much less somebody. It had to be conditions of the "mate" process.

A slightly louder groan interrupted his thoughts, letting him know that she was awake. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye, as he stood as if looking out. She sat up in his bed yawning and stretching slowly, pleasing the watching eye. He watched amusedly as she blushed deep cherry red, when she noticed her attire, she pulled the silk sheets tightly around her body like a dress. She quickly started looking around, she obviously found what she was looking for when her eyes fixed upon him. But he turned his gaze, as if he haven't noticed her awakening. Yes, it would be wise to send her away to his brother for a while.

"Lord Sesshoumaru help me!!!!!!!" the squeaky voice of Jaken interrupted all thoughts.

"YOU LITTLE HENTAI!!!! He heard the loud scream that nearly deafened him. He walked in to see her clutching the sheets around her tightly with one arm while beating his retainer with her slipper with the other arm mercilessly.

"Aaaaahhhh" The annoying screams of his servant finally caused him to slowly walk over to the frantic Kagome and grab her by the waist with one arm while throwing Jaken into the hallway with the other. Still holding her in his firm grasp he walked into her room and deposited her on her bed.

"We will leave an hour before noon, for the central lands." His deep voice played in her ears as he shut the door. Sighing she flopped back onto her bed, she was defiantly not ready for this.

"But why do you have to leave mommy!!" they both cried in unison hugging her leg, they were staring at her with huge watery eyes that was slowly killing her heart. But she knew Sesshoumaru wouldn't allow her to take them, hell he was being risky taking her. Kneeling down to their level she held her orange fur ball and the little brown eyed girl that she fell in love with, very close letting them lay there heads on her chest.

"I won't be able to bring you along but I will be thinking about you and I will bring you back a gift so you won't miss out on anything. But that means I want you to be on your up most behavior, practice your kanji and akido with Keito, and do what she says when she says it, if not you can count those presents out and you can be sure I will be very upset." She gave them a stern look, making them nod their agreement hastily. She knew all too well that they could be overwhelming together. It amazed her how excited they were together, every time she spent time when with them, which was usually when she wasn't with Sesshoumaru, which happened to be at least 50% of the day, she would get bombarded with there enthusiasm. Making herself and Keito the most enthusiastic ones of all when nap and bedtime rolled around.

She played in the gardens, which was their favorite place, for a couple of hours and then ushered them in for their lessons with Keito. After leaving them, she headed towards the study to read a few scrolls.

Eichiro sat on the cushion in the far corner of the study near one of the huge windows, glancing at his friend from time to time.

Sesshoumaru sat at his desk going through documents of the past daimyo meetings; he could feel his friend's ever-persistent gaze. Without taking his eyes off his work, he broke the silence.

"What do you want to ask me Eichiro?" he heard his sigh before he spoke.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I just have to know one thing." he got up and walked directly in front of Sesshoumaru's desk and leaned on it with his fist. "I know something is up between you two involving this spontaneous relationship, and I don't really care if you tell me or not. However, I can see very clearly that you have feelings for her and your denying it, why don't you just claim her and stop torturing yourself. I honestly don't understand why you let her roam about without being fully mated, I know it can't be because you don't want to, because that would mean your either an imposter or you became a unic." When he said this Sesshoumaru was still looking down at his papers, his bangs were covering his eyes. Now he watched as his head slowly lifted and revealed darkening amber eyes. Kuso he knew he was going to get pissed, but he wasn't going to back down, he never has and never will.

Sesshoumaru couldn't believe he had the audacity, but then again Eichiro always did the opposite of what was expected. However, in this matter it was very different, he just crossed a forbidden level. Slowly he put down his papers and sat back in his chair staring at the bold youkai in front of him.

"Understand this Eichiro, Kagome and I relationship is merely for political reasons, besides that you may consider her my ally and nothing more. However," he got up slowly and walked around his desk towards the soldier. He could smell his apprehension get stronger with every step, he stopped until he was a mere inches from his face. Since the top of his head only came to his nose, he had to look down at the sea green eyes of his foolish friend. "as far as my claiming her, has nothing to do with you or anybody, and I suggest you tell my men to control themselves when they are around her. For I am aware that my soldiers desire my mate when she is near, know that I will kill anyone and everyone who decides to take a path of idiocy and approach her with foolish intentions." with that he turned around and walked to his window.

Eichiro did a mental gulp before sitting back down on the cushions. His ears twitched as he heard the soft thumps of a woman approach the study doors, he sniffed and instantly knew whom the flower and honey scent belonged to. He looked over to Sesshoumaru who was still staring out the window looking unaware of the approaching visitor, but he could see the change in his body. It took a trained eye to see the changes but he could see them. He smirked as he watched his ears twitch slightly, as he lightly took her approaching scent, he had to suppress a grin as he noticed his favorite change, the shifting of his tail. Every since they were little he was the only one to notice that Sesshoumaru's tail would shift in different moods, and he always found it quite amusing that the ice lord's tail gave him a away.

He smiled as he took the opportunity to piss Sesshoumaru off. He could hear her grab the door handle and start entering the room, now she was in perfect hearing range. "So you say your relationship with Kagome is an alliance based relationship. Just allies eh?" he said casually with a mock curiosity as he got up and stared at Sesshoumaru for a forced answer. She was well in the room by now, and was looking at both of them.

Sesshoumaru ground his teeth together to keep from killing him. He knew Kagome heard and was most likely waiting an answer. He was about to answer, but he was beat to the chase.

"Of course we are, we are just merely friends. He looks after me and I …well I do my best to look after him." She was smiling with laughter in her eyes as she responded to Eichiro's question. Eichiro nodded and quickly excused himself and left the room, but he didn't pay much attention to him his mind was else where. Turning back to the windows he wondered why she responded so quickly. He knew she was just trying to save him the trouble of answering, but he sensed no other emotions beside happiness while she answered. He stopped his train of thoughts before they got out of hand, they were allies and that was all, nothing more.

He turned to see her teetering on the top of his ladder on one of his highest shelves. It was as if time stopped he could see her foot slip off of the ladder step as she reached for a scroll beyond her grasp. He jumped from where he stood and grabbed her falling body; catching the bookshelf with one hand, he supported them in the air.

"Grab the scroll." His voice had a curt edge to it, she noticed as her heart pounded in her throat. Quickly she grabbed the scroll and held it tightly as he landed gracefully in front of her desk.

"Thanks, my clumsiness over powers me at times." He just grunted and sat down at his huge desk while she sat at her slightly smaller one. She huffed and turned promptly around in her chair so her back was towards him as she looked at her scrolls.

"Jerk!" she mumbled under her breath, she couldn't help it that she was clumsy. He didn't fail to notice her reaction, he made a mental note to annoy her more, it proved to be quite entertaining.

About an hour and a half later, she got up and stood by the windows near her desk, with her feet apart and her hands in a prayer position. Her mouth started to move but sounds were not being emitted, her eyes were closed and her body was rigid. He instantly went on guard at the sight of her actions, at the base of her feet pink swirls of miko energy swirled around her legs. His eyes narrowed as the swirls were sucked into her body causing her eyes to pop open. Slowly pink sparks started to come from her back, and before his eyes, beautiful pink and purple energy wings were adorned on her back.

Testing them, she flapped them slowly, getting a little more excited she flapped them rapidly; she had complete control of them. Grabbing the scroll off the desk, she hopped and started to flap her wings simultaneously, sure enough, she started to float upwards, and until she was at the shelf, she toppled off earlier. Gracefully, knowing she had an audience, she placed it in its proper location and floated back down. Saying a quick word the wings disappeared, with her chin raised, she walked directly back to her seat and sat down as if nothing happened.

"I see that you have learned a new trick, maybe now you will not need my help as much with simple matters." He said casually as he wrote a few documents and sealed them. He could feel her gloating aura leave; now he could smell if not see her rage building.

She instantly sprung up from her seat at his words; marching over to his desk, she slammed both of her palms on his desk, receiving nothing but an arch of his brow.

"I never asked for your help Sesshoumaru, I am able to end up doing just fine with out you. So, if I am such a burden to you give me time to collect my things and I will be out of your life for good, so I won't cause you any more trouble. Because I obviously made a big mistake in trying to be your friend." With that she spun on her heal and marched towards the door and grabbed the handle so hard she nearly tore the door off its hinges.

She didn't get but one foot in the hallway before she was yanked against a hard chest. She watched the door slam shut with intense force in front of her, she tried to pry herself loose from the iron grip of her captive but with every struggle, the grip only got tighter crushing her small frame to the larger and harder one behind her. Seeing she was going to get nowhere, she stopped all movements, even though her heart was pounding in her ears. Maybe she went a little too far she thought, she noticed he didn't say a word or even really move, he just stood there with her caged in his arms.

"Sessh…shoumaru." She said slowly hoping to know what the hell he was doing. She heard a low growl in her ear it vibrated her whole body sending shivers through her body. She could feel his hair tickle her arms as she stood there, sending a second wave of shivers. What was he doing? Standing there for a few more minutes she finally understood, this was his way of apologizing or making a truce. She relaxed completely against his chest, hopefully telling him that she accepted. Sure enough, his arms loosened so she could turn to face him. His face was still indifferent but she could see something different in his eyes. They stood there just staring at each other's eyes until a slight knock on the door interrupted them. He turned his head towards the door and growled for them to enter. Slowly she stepped back from him as a servant entered.

He bowed low and told her that she had a visitor by the name of Fuuto; he quickly left after she thanked him. She quickly excused herself from Sesshoumaru's presence and dashed down the hallway. She came to a halt at the front hall when she was greeted with the sight of the blue haired inu soldier.

"Konnichiwa, Fuuto how are you feeling?" she bowed before leading him to a sitting room.

"I am fine Mistress Kagome however, I should be asking you the same question." She could see that he still felt awful about what happened. Taking his hand in hers, she patted it gently.

"I am fine as you can see, but I hope you do not blame yourself for that matter, no one should. Things like that happen that's just the way life goes." His eyes brightened at her words, he obviously needed to hear that from someone. "So tell me what do I owe the visit." Boy she thought she was starting to sound all proper and junk, her friends would laugh so hard if they knew she was talking like this.

"My wife wanted to thank you for saving me so she told me to take you this," he held a package in his hand, "since she cannot thank you personally. Please forgive her she has been detained, my son is training all day today for the big fights tomorrow." As if seeing the confusion on her eyes he quickly explained, "it is where you are tested if you are a good enough fighter to be placed in what sector of the army."

"Oh I see, well tell them I wish them luck."

"Arigatou, my lady I will tell them as soon as I see them. Please except this gift from my wife." He handed her the big soft package, she cut the string with her sharp claws and slowly undid the paper. She stood up and held the garment out that lay inside, it was a beautiful kimono, but it was altered, it did not need an obi to hold it together, even though it had one for looks, and on the right and left side there were long splits that reached all the way to the hip. Underneath the folds, she found tight leggings very similar if not identical to the ones Sango wears when fighting. She looked down to see three more out fits of different material but same design.

"It is for your fighting so that you may appear that you are wearing traditional kimonos but you will be able to move a lot more freely." He stuttered as if he had remembered and rehearsed the lines. He looked at her expectantly for a reaction.

"They are so beautiful, please forgive me I am just so stunned at the logic and beauty of it all. I am going to go put it on now. Please tell your wife that I love them, but I am afraid that I have to ask a favor."

"Anything my lady." He was so happy that she was happy with her gift and that he had the honor of serving her even further.

"I want all my kimonos done like this, if I pay you and have my kimonos sent to her do you think she can alter them, and I will ask if some of the seamstresses from the village will help her because I know she is busy."

"Yes, yes of course I know she will not mind at all." He said excitedly. She gave him a tight hug before letting him leave.

He just stood there as she hugged him; he was shocked at the informal ness of the situation. Here he was but a soldier being hugged by the lady of the western lands. He quickly hugged her back in order to not to seem rude, but he couldn't help but smell her purity. As he left his mind wondered to the war times when lord Sesshoumaru would take youkai women to his bed along with the rest of the men. He was known for his hunger, and his lasting stamina. When others were spent for the night they could hear the lord's steady endurance last throughout the night. They would have to carry the poor girl back to her village because of her lack of rest and the brutal force to her body. So why would he not take a ripe and highly intoxicating creature like that. It took all self will not let his scent of arousal to filter the air in her presence, and when she hugged him, he thought for sure she would sense him but thankfully she didn't seem to.

He watched from the dark corner of the room as she happily grabbed her gifts and ran to her room, most likely to try it on. He nearly melted the worthless soldier when he responded to her surprising hug. He watched as she poured her affection on him as he blamed himself for her accident. He wanted to slice his head off with his whip and take her on the very spot to show her who is more powerful. However, he knew it would gain him only her resentment and fear, the two very emotions he never wanted from her. He jumped from the shadows and called Jaken.

A few seconds later he looked to see the toad bursting through the doorway. "Yes lord Sesshoumaru what may I do to serve you?" he bowed in front of him.

"I want you to prepare our leave, and have what I ordered ready when we leave." As he turned to leave he thought of Kagome's meeting with Fuuto. "Take five gold coins to Fuuto's wife."

"Yes my lord right away." He never questioned his master's orders, but he wondered why would he be giving Fuuto's family five gold coins.

She looked at herself one last time in the mirror before heading down stairs. She wore the red kimono she was given, it was trimmed in black with black leggings. There was a beautiful black dragon embroidered on it while the leggings had a red dragon embroidered on them. She but on some black boot like slippers similar to Sesshoumaru's. A servant informed her earlier that her trunk was packed for her already. Dear heavens they were only staying for a couple of days at the most, how much stuff could she need. Slowly she descended the stairs saying good-bye to servants along the way. As she placed her foot on the floor from the last step she looked up to see Sesshoumaru, he was wearing his white attire but this one was edged in green, his armor and weapons sparkled making him look all the more dangerous.

His eyes roamed over her appearance with a completely new light. The kimono she was given fit her like a glove; hugging every curve available, every time she took a step, he could catch a glance at the form fitting leggings, revealing shapely legs. She looked absolutely incredible, he inwardly groaned, he was going to have to make his presence known even more in order to keep other youkai at bay. He held out his hand towards her, which she responded gracefully by placing her small hand in his. He was slightly amazed that he could close his hand and completely cover hers from sight.

Kagome didn't fail to notice it either, she had to suppress the urge not to shiver from the mere thoughts roaming through her head. As they walked to the dragon they stopped, in front of them was Keito and running towards them in full speed were Shippo and Rin. She didn't even get the chance to open her mouth to stop them, when she felt Shippo ram into her chest and Rin attach herself to her leg.

"Bye bye mommy!" they said in unison, they were staring at her again with giant watery eyes making her feel guilty for leaving them. She gave them each a kiss and a tight hug before standing up, Rin ran promptly over to Sesshoumaru and did the same but she received a slight pat on the head making her giggle. Shippo jumped bsck into her arms and turned and leaning towards the taiyoukai. Sesshoumaru turned slightly to see what he was going to do, to her surprise Shippo placed a small gold leaf in his hand.

"Please take care of my Okaasan." With that, he jumped down and stood by Rin again. Sesshoumaru placed the small item in his robe before lifting her up onto the dragon. But before he got on he took a parcel from Jaken who was standing with Eichiro. He sliced the paper off in one clean stroke, quickly he grabbed the contents. He held up a full length white fur coat with a hood, and bell sleeves. As he hopped onto the dragon he placed the coat on her, she could feel the divine softness as she pushed her arms through the sleeves. He leaned forward and whispered softly in her ear.

"For reasons unknown to me you hold many of your human weakness, and coldness is one of them. The central lands are going through winter snow at this time, and I have no desire for you to be cold." Encircling his arms around her waist, he grabbed the reins, commanding the dragon to take off.

She waved as she did the last time she left to everyone as the dragon took off. However, this time a small light sphere traveled along side them.

"What is that Sesshoumaru-sama?" pointing to the green sphere.

"That is Eichiro and Jaken they will accompany us to the central lands."

"Oh," she whispered shifting she threw one leg over the other side so that she straddled the dragon like Sesshoumaru. She sighed at the more comfortable position, she heard a small grunt from behind her. But when she turned to look at the source, he looked as if it didn't even com from him.

When she adjusted herself, she unknowingly scooted back until she was nestled deeply between his thighs making his body pump liquid fire through his veins.

"What is this gold leaf, that your kit gave me?" the mere fact that he was asking a question brought a smile to her face.

"That is a very strong protection leaf it shoots out tremendous fox magic and puts a shield over the user for protection. It is his most valuable possession, his mother gave that to him before she died. I guess he gives it to you to you while we are gone, to protect me." He heard vast amount of affection she held for the kit. Twirling the leaf in his hand he stuffed it back into his coat.

"I will return it to him when we return."

"Of course, but remember to be grateful when you do, because he gave up a lot to let you hold that. I do not want his feelings crushed, I would hate to have to crush you in return." Even though her voice was light and humorous she held a promising edge to it, that only made him smirk.

"Arigatou for my coat it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen." She continued as she stroked the soft fur. "However it is not as soft as…." Her pause caused him to look down at her, she was staring directly back up at him with a mischievous sparkle. Without averting her eyes, he saw her hands capture the end of his tail and hold it close to her. " Your fluffy tail." She squealed, much like Rin he noticed. He just looked straight ahead as he inwardly shook his head, for some reason women and Rin loved his tail. The women he would take to his bed found his tail fascinating, but he never allowed them to touch it, only Rin and the miko who was now stroking it ever so sensuously were allowed to touch it. He let Rin play with it just because she would stare in amazement until he relented, and the miko just always seemed to take him off guard.

Looking down she could catch glimpses of the villages through the thick puffy clouds. Seeing them reminded her of the human village in the western lands, and her promise. But how would she approach the subject with him, he hated humans and nine times out of ten he was going to get mad at her for what she did. Inadvertently she started to fidget her hands nervously, causing a certain taiyoukai minor annoyance.

He looked down and over her soldier to see her wrenching her hands nervously, and had smelled her scent change to nervousness, apprehension, and self-conflict.

"What is it Kagome?" he tried to make his voice as soothing as possible so she would tell him, in order to cease her fidgeting. Her gasp and slight jarring of surprise indicated it was very important to her whatever it was.

"Well if I tell you, you have to promise not to kill me or hurt me, or growl at me, ok?" she was slightly turned staring straight at him. He knew he wasn't going to like it, and especially now that she took away all his options.

"This Sesshoumaru promises."

"Ok, here it goes. When I was at the human village I made friends with the head hunter, remember him?" how could he forget him, he was the one that was touching her when he went to retrieve her.

"Hai"

"Well they are unhappy because they feel worthless. They are not allowed to do anything but do your every beck and call, and its not that they mind its just that they wish you would grant them more responsibilities. They expressed to me how grateful they are that you have allowed them to live there and that how beautiful and safe your lands are from invading youkai. However, they would like to help you patrol your lands and become your human army of hunters very much like Sango's exterminator tribe. But they can never get through to you so I decided to become their spokesperson in a way." Panting for air she smiled sweetly at him.

"I have no need for a human army." He looked back up as if the conversation was over.

"But they could be a great asset in forming alliances with other large villages in other regions you are not allied with making you have an army already on the inside. And I am willing to bet no other youkai will have a willing human army."

She was a lot smarter in war and political tactics than he assumed, but he would not relent. He would be considered weak if he were to take a human army, he already took in a human as his ward he didn't need this added on.

"Humans are weak I have no use for an army that will die before they even get a chance to fight." As soon as he said it, he wished he hadn't. Her eyes started to glow a bright purple, turning indigo slowly, but instantly faded to pink tears. She whipped back around knocking his hand from her waist and scooted furthest away from him.

"No matter what I may be now, I am still human to me and so are my family and friends. You deny humans then you deny me and Rin, I wish not to speak to you again and you not to speak to me, you have upset me too much today, I will not have you treat me as your brother did."

That cut him deep, he was enraged that she compared him to his brother, he was pissed that she was forbidding herself to speak to him, and he felt dumb for the first time in a long time over his choice of words.

If they flied straight to the central lands without stop they would arrive late that evening. He could still smell her tears as they crossed over the border to the central lands, but he could also sense her fatigue from her crying. But she was pushing herself to stay awake, wiping the tears from her eyes. It wasn't his fault that she promised something she could never keep. But he couldn't ignore the pang of pain going through his heart every time she sniffled.

"I will consider the human's offer, with certain adjustments I might make deal with them." He knew she would not respond but her sniffling did cease after awhile.

They could see the white towers of the palace approaching. It was now dusk and everything had a blue and white tone to it from the approaching night and the thick snow. She hugged the coat tighter as the dragon landed in the front gates of the palace. She looked to see two figures dressed in pastel colored kimonos approach. When they were close, enough she noticed that they were deer youkai, how fitting she thought they were perfect to rule a docile region.

"Welcome," the male one bowed slightly, his hair was a beautiful chestnut brown, while his voice was as smooth as syrup. He had a warm smile, as he greeted them as did the female deer standing next to him, Kagome assumed she was his wife. Taking the hand of Sesshoumaru she stepped off the dragon with practiced grace. She bowed to each of them and thanked them for their hospitality.

"Aahh Sesshoumaru you have found the most sweetest and beautiful wife, I am shocked if I dare say." He was wearing a pastel green and orange outfit. "I am Yasuo lord of the central lands and this is my mate Naoko lady of the central lands, welcome to my home."

Turning towards Sesshoumaru he bowed briefly, "I know that you would like to go to your rooms and rest and settle to prepare for tomorrow. I will have dinner brought to your rooms, have a peaceful night."

She followed Sesshoumaru through the beautiful palace and in to their room, and that's when she realized, they would be sharing the room. She sighed as she walked to the center of the room well its not as if they haven't shared the bed before. Turning in a slow circle she examined their beautiful setting. The room was designed in dark oak furnishing with a rich polish to each piece making them shimmer. Walking closely to the table, she could see their intricate carvings; she lightly ran her hand over the exquisite craftsmanship. Everything was done in red and white giving it a very rich touch. However unlike their castle this one did not have a balcony, just large windows, with shutters. She noticed Sesshoumaru staring out of one while she stood by the crackling fire. She refused to talk to him, even after he said he would consider it, she was still too shocked and disappointed that he could say such things. Well what did you expect from a heartless and former enemy, no one just turns saint overnight. Before she could think any further, a timid knock came at their door. She heard the edge of frustration as Sesshoumaru growled his permission, what did he have to be frustrated about he was the one being the jerk.

She smiled warmly at the scared badger youkai who laid the food out on their table. She could see his hands tremble slightly as he poured the saki. After he left she stood beside her spot at the table and waited expectantly. Sesshoumaru had his back turned towards her, obviously sensing her stillness he turned his head as to were only the side of his face showed, he looked at her with his usual placid façade but his eyes held quite different emotions. Turning from her, he walked towards the desk.

"This Sesshoumaru has no need for food at this time." She sat down as he sat down at his desk summoning Jaken with a deep growl. She ate behind a screen as they talked over various things. She was so mad and slightly sad she couldn't even enjoy her dinner, even though the food was quite delicious. Getting up she rung for the servant, entering he collected her dishes and cleaned up her area.

"Before you go may you tell me were the baths are." She could see a blush cross his face as if she were talking of bathing in front of him or something.

"Yes my lady I will have a attendant come to you immediately. They are through that door behind you, there is a small private bath in there."

"Thank you but there is no need for an attendant I can manage just fine on my own." Quickly leaving the privacy of the sitting room area she gathered her things for her bath and headed past the two talking youkai, but she knew he noticed her movements and heard her conversation with the servant she had no doubt.

The room was the size of her mother's bedroom, it had a bath in the middle with a waterfall pouring in hot steamy water from the wall. Laying her clothing on the bench she slowly stripped off her clothes, folding them neatly and placing them with her other clothes. Slowly she stepped into the hot water; she let out s moan at the beautiful feeling it gave her. She always loved her water steamy hot. Letting all but her head submerge she rested against the inclining ledge. Closing her eyes, she allowed her body to relax while her mind ebbed away the stress of the day.

He heard her ask the servant the location of the bath; he could hear her sweetness to the weak creature. Clinching his fist tightly, he suppressed his urge of ripping the throat out of the badger as he passed him. How dare he receive her kind words and radiant smile, while he Sesshoumaru a taiyoukai of formidable strength receive her detest and anger. Dismissing Jaken he took off his armor and laid it out beside the bed. Maybe he shouldn't have gone so far, but he would not apologize, he couldn't remember the last time he actually and truly took back something he said or did. No, she would not weaken this Sesshoumaru.

~~~~~~Red eyes filled with malice and destruction loomed over her, she couldn't see the face but she could see the outline of the figure, and knew he met to destroy her. She knew the features all too well, the deep blood red eyes, the bold strength of his body, the determination in his stature, and the unmistakable long wavy hair.

Naraku

In his eyes she could see the destruction of the world as if were really happening, she could hear the wails and screams of his victims. She wanted to cry, to scream, to run, but she couldn't all she could do was stand and look into his eyes.

Faster than she could react she saw his hand go straight for the jewels around her neck. The closer his hand got the more the darkness that was surrounding them turned into the horrific scenes that played in his mind.

No, no she would not let him, she wouldn't let what he wanted happen.~~~~~

She sat up gasping for air, coughing and sputtering. What was that, was it a premonition or what? She felt so helpless and alone in that strange dream, hugging herself she reassured herself she had the comfort of her friends, they would all take down Naraku.

Drying off she dressed in a thin shift like gown and scrambled back to the bedroom. As soon as she caught sight of Sesshoumaru, she felt a million times better. As she sat on the other side of the bed, she turned and looked at his back. She noticed that his long thick hair needed to be combed; even though she was still mad at him, she grabbed her comb off the dresser.

He looked up to see her standing in front of him with a comb in her hand. Puzzled he sat still as she grabbed handfuls of his silver hair and combed it gently. Every time she ran the comb from the beginning of his hair to the end, it sent tidal waves of pleasure through him. This was ridiculous; this simple act should not stimulate him as much. When she was done with the front, she crawled onto the bed and behind him to finish the back. When she was done she sat back and admired her handiwork, his hair sparkled with sheen. Since her hair was already braided, she put her comb back up and slipped into the covers.

She heard the rustling of clothing as she faced the opposite side, she couldn't help but blush, the picture of what he looked like totally naked entered her mind. She has seen him 80% but not the whole thing. She felt the bed dip as he entered, she felt awkward going to bed like this. Together for starters and mad at each other for seconds. She turned over to see him staring at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. He wore no shirt just plain baggy white pants.

"What if I were human again could you treat me as an ally, not just a worthless weak human?" she had to know. He turned towards her propping himself on one arm, looking casual except for the stern face.

"I cannot make you any promises as to what I would have done, but I do know that I have promised to be you're ally and your mate, and whatever happens I will remain the same." His eyes looked beyond her towards the windows most likely as he finished. "You have proven my beliefs on humans wrong, and for you and Rin I will keep an open mind about them."

As if for the first time she realized he, Sesshoumaru lord of the western lands was but a young prince with tremendous responsibility. Sighing she scooted closer towards him to emphasize her point.

"And I will learn to remember that you are who you are, and that you have a lot more things to worry about than me. I apologize for acting rash at times, I forget that we were raised in two totally different worlds and ways."

No one has ever looked at him like that; no one has ever offered to help him like she did. He barely knew what to do or say at such an offer. But he was saved as he noticed her eyes slowly drifting shut and popping back open as she caught herself. Wrapping his tail about her, he pulled her closer so he could encircle his tail around them beneath the covers.

Dammit he cursed inwardly as he stared at her sleeping face, Eichiro just might be right.