InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Silver Dove and the Raven ❯ Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Seventeen years ago…

"It's been nine months since Lady Izayoi's death and he still hasn't left his room." A young woman sighed as she washed the dishes. She shook her head and turned to another woman who was cutting up vegetables for dinner.

"He needs time, Sanara." The other woman shrugged as she sliced carrots. "He just lost his love. His heart is dying. He needs to find the strength to over come it."

"but the children, Kyoni…Master Sesshomaru is only four and Inuyasha is barely one. Someone needs to care for them." She dried the last plate and turned off the sink. She walked over to the counter by Kyoni and leaned against it.

Kyoni continued to cut more vegetables and poured them into a pot of boiling water. "I understand that but there is nothing we can do. Lady Saya is ready to take Master Sesshomaru if InuTaisho doesn't make it. As for Master Inuyasha, there is no one to care for him, except for us of course, but I don't think the elders will allow us to care for a demon's son…even if he is a half breed, he is still a demon. No, we must pretend all is going well for now or they're going to overthrow Lord Inutaisho once they see he is unfit. He is strong. I know he is going through a rough time but he will come back for his children."

Sanara bit on her thumb and looked worried. "Did you see his chest? He continues to claw at it. The wound is not able to heal and the blood continues to seep through the bandages. I keep cutting and filing his claws but they grow back so fast. I cannot even remove the blood from his sheets and clothing anymore. I had to throw them out. I don't know how much longer I can see him go through this pain, Kyoni. He is such a nice man, so different from the others. He's never talked down to us and last Christmas, he gave me a perfume set …what kind of master does that?"

Kyoni rolled her eyes and shook her head. Lord Inutaisho was known for his generosity toward the human society. He'd let her live in the manor and paid for her children to go to a good school. He had built many shelters for half-breeds when human or demon shelters neglected them. She began stirring the vegetables around and added a pinch of salt. "I've heard of that pain they go through when the loss of their mate occurs. It's an unbearable pain that goes beyond their tolerance. They say it is as if your heart is on fire and boils the blood, you feel like you're burning from the inside. There is no medicine for it, painkillers do not work, but I found out that Whiskey helps. The other night, he was screaming in agony and I gave him a pint of it…" she waved her hand in the air. "… Slept like a baby."

"Such a sad thing…what happened to Lady Izayoi. It was so sudden, not even a warning. One day, she was as healthy as ever and full of energy and the next day, gone. Poor Master, I've never seen that kind of love before. He cherished her."

A girl walked into the room and shook her head while holding a bottle of milk. She opened the refrigerator and placed the bottle inside.

Kyoni looked at her watch and frowned. "Suri, it's almost evening, where have you been, has Master Inuyasha been fed?" She asked as her aged brown eyes narrowed at the young girl. She placed her hand on her hip as she waited for her to answer.

"I know, madam, but my chores kept me detained. I was planning on feeding him now but the strangest thing happened," she stepped closer to the both of them and looked behind her shoulder. She lowered her voice into a whisper. "I went into the room and Master Sesshomaru was feeding him already."

"Really?" Sanara laughed. "That little brat? After so many times of trying to kill him, are you sure there wasn't poison in the bottle? You better go back and see if Master Inuyasha is still alive!"

"I don't think so." Suri mused obliviously. "He was simply sitting down holding the bottle for him while reading a book .I came in to feed him and he frowned at me and said 'Time is of the essence.' And he turns away and says 'Your service is not needed.'"

"Oh that boy and his witty remarks. I tell you, I'd scold him if I didn't fear he'd smother me at night."

Kyoni tapped her on the head with the wooden spoon she used to stir the pot.

"Ow…"Sanara groaned.

"Don't be so mean, Sanara. Master Sesshomaru may be a handful but he has his father's heart. He's a good boy…just misunderstood, that's all."

She scoffed as she rubbed her head. "Good boy? He doesn't have a caring bone in his body. He's snobby and already pretentious like his mother. No sympathy for his father either! The other day when I went to change the Lord's clothes, I come out and Master Sesshomaru was waiting outside with a scowl. He stares at me with his arms crossed like this and says 'Serves him right for marrying a human.' And he walks away. Can you believe he said that? A four year old?"

Kyoni sighed. "Oh come now, you know that isn't him speaking. He's just mirroring his mother's words. That woman has him training day and night and feeding him nonsense. He may be smart for his age but he is still a child nonetheless. He is going to listen to whatever his mother tells him. Lord Inutaisho was out of his mind to give her joint custody especially since she opposes his ways and perspectives on humanity. Pass me the knife, dear."

Sanara muttered as she grabbed the knife from behind her and handed it over to Kyoni. "Master Sesshomaru will grow to hate humans as well and he will be just like his mother, just you wait. Why doesn't she just leave him alone and stay on the island. It doesn't make sense that the exiles are still allowed to come into the city. Sometimes, I think Lord Inutaisho is too nice for his own good."

"No, I don't believe he will become like her… not while Lord Inutaisho is around. The boy looks up to him…he will become just like him. Who knows, he might fall for a human one day himself, think of the irony…"Kyoni smiled.

"Psh!" Sanara scoffed louder. "Master Sesshomaru with a human, don't make me laugh … No, he will marry a nice demon girl and they'll have snobby little demon babies..."

Suri shook her head. "Let's just hope Lord Inutaisho will come to. If he doesn't make it, everything will just fall into ruins. I don't want to work for another demon lord. They're all cocky and rude and think they can have their way with us."

"Have hope, child. Lord Inutaisho is very strong and although he is compassionate, he is the strongest of them all. They all underestimate his pow-"

They all stopped when they heard a loud wail coming from upstairs. There was a loud thump and glass shattering, sounded like the furniture being thrown around the room again.

Kyoni sighed, "I'll get the whiskey…Suri, please get Master Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, and take them out for a walk. I don't want them to hear him."

"Alright." She hurried out of the kitchen.

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Two black hooded figures stood behind a statue of Lady Magdalene on top of St. Christopher's cathedral across the street from the hotel. The sun was rising and the night's chilled air suddenly became warm.

"Dosuka, please, this is nonsense. We were ordered to fall back. If we continue, Lord Sesshomaru will surely catch us again."

Dosuka removed his hood as he narrowed his red eyes toward the hotel, his arms crossed while waiting, waiting to see something. Something he could give Lady Saya to show her that her son was lying.

He scoffed. "Let him catch us."

His accomplice chuckled derisively. "You say that now…" He glared disbelievingly at him and shook his head. He whipped his cloak over his body, disappeared, and reappeared on top of the roof. Dosuka looked up at him with his crimson orbs.

"Why do you doubt me, brother?"

"Because you are being absurd. You blasphemously accuse the Prince of such heinous acts. He has denied that anything is serious between the two. It is only temporary. He's a man and the human happens to be quite attractive, can you blame him?"he laughed and grinded his claws against the cement ledge.

Dosuka spun around, turning his back on him as his long black hair fell down his face. "Ugh, Haji, don't make any excuses for him. He is supposed to take the throne in less than two months. He has not even found a legitimate demoness to take as his wife. He is going to turn out like his monkey-loving father!"

"Watch your mouth, Dosuka." Haji's face tightened.

"I can say what I want. Lord Inutaisho has abandoned us long ago. He no longer deserves my respect."

"He did not abandon us. It is we who abandoned him when we chose to follow Lady Saya. Get the facts straight, brother."

"If you so much admire the Dog General, why don't you kneel down before him and beg for absolution then, traitor."

"Oh be quiet. I don't oppose him as much as the others do but I still agree with Lady Saya's trinity ordinance- one which the Demons and Humans do not belong together."

Dosuka blinked a few times, exhaustion took over and he decided he wasn't going to see anything at the moment. The lights were off, they had gone to sleep early but he would wait. The sun would rise soon and they had to get up eventually. For the past couple of weeks, he was able to see through their window, nothing detailed but silhouettes when they stood by it. She'd peer out the window at times and he'd embrace her from behind. Stupid him should have had a camera for record but he wasn't thinking.

Haji sat on the ledge of the roof and crossed his arms. "I am going to sleep, wake me up when you come to realization that you are an imbecile. We have other tasks you know, and the sooner we can get to them, the better."

"What could possibly be more important than making sure we have a good leader at hand? Lady Saya has increased the clan when she cultivated the Jade Order and now they are waiting. They're becoming impatient and are starting to doubt her promises. I cannot bare to see Saya go through that humiliation again."

"Saya? Since when did you become personal that you needn't use of her title? I am beginning to think you are in love with her." Haji smirked.

"I am not." He frowned. "She is a beautiful, great, and powerful woman. He was such a fool to leave her. I was the only one by her side as everyone laughed and abandoned her when Lord Inutaisho had taken in that human as his mate. I will not allow it to happen again. She doesn't deserve this. I hope Lord Sesshomaru does not make the wrong choice, I would hate to see history repeat itself…"

"Dosuka, your words tread unsafely in the air. I beg you to watch what you say. No one knows anything and if you want to stay alive, you must keep your mouth shut. For all they know, it was an accident."

" Sure, sure….whatever you say, brother." He laughed. "I just cannot believe it though, have you ever seen Lord Sesshomaru entranced by a girl the way he is with that human?"

Haji sighed and closed his eyes. "No, Dosuka…I cannot truly say that I watch him like that."

"Don't you remember Sakura or how about Mika?"

Haji opened his eyes and darted his gaze toward his brother. "Oh come on, they don't count. Lady Saya had set him up with them. Sakura was psychotic and Mika was just brainless. Other than that, he hasn't dated much, come to think of it. I think they were the only two…." He leaned back and closed his eyes again, concentrating on the wind rather than listen to his brother.

"Maybe he hasn't dated much because he's like his father; not attracted to his own kind!" Dosuka cast a smug-like smile at his brother. Haji didn't see it but he could hear it in his voice.

"Don't be so cocky…" he opened his eyes and turned his head to the East; the sun was rising. The rays bled through the blue sky and he scowled. "You need to end this obsession you have over the Prince. I hope this isn't about vengeance."

Dosuka rolled his eyes. "That was ages ago and I'm not looking to avenge anything. I am above that."

"Are you sure? I mean, I recall you being very humiliated and angry when he beat you up in front of the social banquet. We told you not to follow him then, and look what happened…"Haji cackled and it made him angry.

"Listen, I have no obsession. I simply want a leader we trust to take the throne. That is all. This is not personal. It is for the sake of our people."

"Uh-huh…"Haji stood up, removed his hood, and scanned the city. Although they were twins, he was more attractive. They both had the same long black hair; his was tied back into a long braid. Dosuka usually wore his out and wild as it whipped around him in the wind. They both had the same red eyes but Dosuka's seemed darker and its shape stretched out toward his temples whereas his were a subtle almond shape. Dosuka had olive skin and he had a pale complexion. As for their rewarded markings for successful missions, he had more; two black lines that resembled an equal sign tattooed on both sides of his cheeks and a red diamond in between his eyebrows. Dosuka just had the red diamond on his forehead.

"So let's say, for argument's sake that she is marked, what can we do?"

Dosuka looked behind his shoulder and smirked. "Whatever Lady Saya intends me to do."

"You have lost it." Haji shook his head. "We can't lay a finger on the humans and you know that. Doing so would wage a war and if Lord Inutaisho finds out, he will make sure the Island doesn't exist anymore for the exiles. The clans will have nowhere to go. Don't you go starting something you will not be able to finish!"

"Relax, I never said I was going to harm her. I know the laws. We must not get into fights with the humans, they are no match for us in strength, yada yada. Where is the justice in that when they start with us and strike us and we cannot defend ourselves because we are naturally stronger? Ugh, is it our fault they are so weak and fragile?" he laughed. He peered down the streets; so many human pedestrians occupied it already in the morning. He stopped laughing and grimaced. "Bloody hell, there are so many of them. If only we were back in the old days, hm? We can destroy this city in minutes."

It happened quickly and he didn't know why but he felt a tight grip around his neck. He looked up at his brother in confusion. Haji glared daggers at him as he gripped harder.

"We aren't in the old days anymore, brother. You remember that."

Dosuka choked a few words out, all of them incoherent. Haji didn't care to know what it was. He released him and disappeared. Dosuka coughed a few times and scanned around him. He gazed back toward the hotel window and hid behind the statue. They were up. Sesshomaru was by the window smoking a cigarette.

"I will bring you down, human lover…" he muttered under his breath and disappeared.

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Kagome reached her hand out and felt a cold pillow. She opened her eyes and frowned when Sesshomaru wasn't in bed with her. She looked over to see him by the desk tapping away on his laptop. He was already dressed to leave.

"Hey…"she mumbled and he looked at her with a half grin. "When did you get up?"

He looked at his watch and pursed his lips. "About two hours ago."

She glanced at him in wonderment and sat up. She looked at the clock, it was nearly seven in the morning. That'd mean he had gotten up at five. "Couldn't sleep?"

"You could say that." He looked away and set his attention back to his laptop.

Kagome frowned. Something was still bothering him. She could feel the distance he was emanating. She sighed and tilted her head. "Is something the matter?"

"No." he shook his head as he rested his chin on one hand and tapped his mouse on the other. He looked up when she got up and walked toward the bathroom. He could feel she'd been staring at him on her way there but he averted his gaze. He drummed his fingers on the desk in frustration as he pulled out a cigarette and walked toward the window. He let out a deep sigh as he lit his cigarette and took one long pull.

"You know," she said as she came out of the bathroom. "You've been acting strange since last night. Are you sure there isn't anything wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong." He lied and took another long pull. Kagome could see his fingers fidgeting with the lighter in his hands. She decided to let it go again and went back into the bathroom.

Sesshomaru glanced behind his shoulder and flicked his cigarette away. He walked over to the closet and rummaged blindly, feeling for his leather jacket. His brows rose when he felt the sleeve. His hands made its way toward the pocket and pulled out the velvet box. He heard the shower turn on and walked back toward the window. He opened the box and stared at the ring. The muscles in his jaw tightened as he remembered the conversation he and his mother had. His mother made it very clear what she had in store for him but her plans no longer met his interests. Yes, he wanted to be like his father and lead a clan but he wanted his own clan, one that he had cultivated himself.

His amber eyes illuminated at the sight of the ring. What was he thinking? He felt his arm twitch from the thought of chucking it out the window but he quickly placed it in his pockets when Kagome came out of the bathroom in a towel. He looked back at her and she smirked.

"Forgot something…" she muttered as she walked toward the dresser and searched for this item. His eyes followed her as she walked back to the bathroom and he found himself smiling. His smile quickly faded and he turned to face the window. He gripped the window pane tightly and growled to himself. He had to make his decision today for sure, no later. Actually, the decision had been made; it was when he should tell her that was the issue.

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He couldn't push her away when she wrapped her arms around his waist as they entered the elevator. She smelled so great, that he dug his nose into her hair and inhaled the scent of tropical fruit in. He bit his lip wanting to kiss her and turned his head opposite of hers to avoid coming in contact with her lips. She looked up at him and he ignored it as he watched the numbers on the screen go down. She caressed his back and his eyes slowly met hers. He stroked her hair and cleared his throat as he looked back at the screen. She rested her head on his chest and lifted her chin. He felt her lips brush against his neck and he tried to control his breathing. His heartbeat sped up and he cleared his throat again. He could feel her staring at him and he looked back into her eyes. She innocently batted her lashes at being caught staring and he gave in and lowered himself to meet her halfway and their lips met. It was a simple tap at first and then she trapped his top lip between her lips and pulled him into another kiss. She opened her mouth, he opened his, and that was that. He grabbed the back of her neck and ran his fingers under her hair. Their kiss became fast and rapacious that they hadn't noticed the elevator coming to a stop.

"Ahem…"they heard and snapped their heads toward the doors. They quickly released each other and pressed up against the wall. "Well, good morning." Inutaisho said as he walked in, holding Rin in his hand. Inuyasha walked beside him shaking his head with a smirk.

"Hi…" Kagome said as her face turned to different shades of red.

Rin giggled into Inutaisho's sleeve and it seemed he was struggling to keep a serious face. Sesshomaru crossed his arms and straightened his posture militantly. His face became expressionless and he went back to staring at the screen.

"I take it you both are heading to the studio." Inutaisho said into the quiet elevator.

"Yes." Sesshomaru answered before Kagome could open her mouth.

"Do you have any plans after?" his father looked at the both of them. Kagome shook her head but Sesshomaru said otherwise.

"Our day has been set. We will be occupied the entire day."

"I'll bet…" Inuyasha muttered and Sesshomaru quickly sent him a scowl.

"We were probably going to have dinner at La Pergola." His father said.

Sesshomaru nodded in acknowledgment and looked at Kagome. "Enjoy your time then."

"If anything should change…" Inutaisho added.

"It won't." Sesshomaru quickly retorted and Kagome frowned at how rude he was. Sesshomaru glanced to his side and noticed her expression. He sighed and looked away. "but thank you."

The elevator doors opened and Kagome and Inuyasha were glad to get out of there. There was a thick air of awkwardness and it was indeed suffocating.

Marla stormed up to them and crossed her arms. "You're late! Why do you do this to me? I had reservations for Oyster bay terrace and now we will not make it! I swear you two…." She stopped and met Inutaisho's eyes. She saw Inuyasha and Rin by Sesshomaru and cocked a brow. "Oh, um..I apologize, I was…wait," she gasped. "You're Lord Inutaisho!"

"Yes, I am Sesshomaru's father." He answered. "This is my son Inuyasha and daughter Rin."

"It's great to meet you. I'm Marla Baldacci, I'm their agent, publicist and assistant to Valentino. We were on our way to brunch but I'm afraid we missed our reservation. Would you like to join us though?"

"No." Inuyasha and Sesshomaru said at the same time and they looked at each other skeptically. For once, in their life, they agreed on something.

Inutaisho peered at them acridly and shot a smile at Marla. "We would be delighted, Mrs. Baldacci."

"Oh, please…"she giggled. "It's Ms. But you can call me Marla."

"Well, Marla…"Inutaisho extended his arm. "Lead the way."

She blushed as she linked her arm around his. He looked back at his two sons and winked as he walked away with Marla.

They all followed behind and Kagome chuckled under her breath. She wrapped her arm around Sesshomaru's and leaned into his ear. "Your father is quite the charmer."

"Hmph…" Sesshomaru scoffed.

Kagome looked at him disbelievingly and shrugged. She couldn't understand why it was a big issue that his father came along?

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"So…" Inutaisho chuckled between words. "We had to pry the knife out of Sesshomaru's hands and Inuyasha's hair didn't grow for months!"

Everyone laughed except for Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. Kagome wiped a tear from her eye as she tried to stop laughing. She looked over to Sesshomaru and he glared at her. She immediately stopped laughing.

"How about another story, dad!" Rin orated.

"How about not!" Inuyasha pinched her.

"Ow, that hurt! Dad?" she cried.

Inutaisho took a deep breath and rolled his eyes. He met Marla's eyes and grinned. She looked back at him sympathetically.

"Kids!" she said.

"Do you have any?" he asked and she nodded with a huge smile.

"One, Reno, is his name."

Kagome looked at her surprisingly. She didn't think the evil witch had kids. Poor child was probably starving and traumatized by her constant nagging. As she reached for a breadstick, Marla smacked her hand. She cursed as she retracted her hand back at her side and grumbled. She didn't even think she was paying attention.

Rin sipped her soda and placed the cup back on the table. She looked at Kagome and tugged her sleeve to get her attention. "So, did you like the ring?"

"What ring?" Kagome cocked a brow as she forked her boring salad.

Rin frowned and noticed Sesshomaru glaring daggers at her. Her body tensed as she tried to think of something quick. Her life depended on it. "Um…the movie?"

"Oh.."Kagome shrugged. "I didn't see it but I heard it was scary."

Rin sunk in her seat as she tried to avoid the glares coming from Sesshomaru. She assumed he would have given it to her. She hoped he wasn't mad at her now. Inuyasha chuckled and leaned closer to Sesshomaru.

"I don't know about you, but I thought that was a nice save for a nine year old."

Sesshomaru bowed his head and sighed. When will it end?

"Alright, let me just say this quick…"Marla said and put on her business face. "Today, is that last of all photo shoots, Benito is going to fill you in on the last shots. After that, we are done with the studio. The last three days are for you guys to do whatever you like but I'm afraid one of those nights, you will have one last party to attend. Vita, you remember her, don't you, Sesshomaru?"

Vaguely, he thought. She was the old journalist trying to interview him a couple of weeks ago.

"Well, she is throwing a party for you both, in celebration to the lovers launching successfully. Everyone, who is anyone is buying the line. We have hundreds of designers trying to get their share and trying to work with us. You already know about the runway deal for Fashion week, I won't press you both anymore, but it's a good opportunity and we'll discuss it when we get back to New York. But for the next three days, you guys can do whatever you want and….eat whatever you want." She smiled at Kagome.

Kagome scowled. Oh sure, look like the good person since Lord Inutaisho is here. What an evil woman. She excused herself to go to the bathroom and Marla and Rin followed behind her making it a girls'trip.

The table was quiet for a little while. The sounds of people laughing and light Italian music playing in the air. A waiter passed by and refilled their glasses of water.

"So, I take it you didn't tell her." His father said.

Sesshomaru shifted in his seat and glanced bitterly at him. "Don't start…"

Inuyasha brought a fork full of pasta into his mouth. "Someone is in love….did you see that tongue action in the elevator?"

"Be quiet, half-breed."

"Sesshomaru, be nice…" Inutaisho tried to look serious but smiled when he looked at Inuyasha. "That is what your children will be if you decide to become serious with the girl."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and clenched his teeth. "Isn't there a business proposition for you somewhere else, perhaps in another country?"

"No." Inutaisho sipped his latte and shrugged.

"Awww, are you bothered that we're here to see you contradicting yourself. The mighty demon kissing a human when he said he never would. Awwww, it's ok. We still love you!." Inuyasha snickered and Sesshomaru grabbed a fork and stabbed him in the hand with it.

"Shit!" Inuyasha yelped as he pulled his hand back and continued cursing. "Are you fuckin' crazy?"

Inutaisho sighed. "The both of you, be quiet!"

"but Dad?" Inuyasha whimpered. "He just stabbed me! Most parents would be worried!"

"Oh, you're fine." Inutaisho waved.

Inuyasha slid his chair away and he and Sesshomaru glared daggers at each other. Their father cleared his throat and sipped his wine. "So when do you plan to give her the ring, or do you still plan to end it?"

Sesshomaru sipped his water while Inuyasha observed his hand and frowned at the holes on his skin that began to bleed. He looked at Sesshomaru and grabbed a butter knife from the table. He hid it under the table waiting to get back at him. He snuck his hand under the table cloth and pointed the blade toward Sesshomaru's leg. He lifted it and was about to impale him with it but Sesshomaru grabbed his hand from under the table, punched his knuckles and the knife fell from his hands. He tried to punch back but Sesshomaru elbowed him in the rib.

"Would you two stop!" Inutaisho whispered tersely. "Inuyasha you sit next to me, Sesshomaru, what is wrong with you? You know better than that."

Sesshomaru smirked as Inuyasha slid over a few chairs to sit by his father.

"Judging by what I saw in the elevator…it doesn't look like you plan to end it anytime soon, hm?"

Sesshomaru scoffed. His father was really trying to get on his nerves right now. This was normal. His father always tried to get a rise out of him. What wasn't normal was the fact that he was actually getting annoyed by it. It was affecting him and he could see it in his father's eyes that he knew it as well. The girls walked back to the table and they were silent. Inuyasha hid his hand under the table and winced when his wound brushed against the table cloth.

Rin sat between Kagome and her father with a wide smile. "Guess what? Marla's invited us to come along to the studio!"

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and sighed. Inutaisho glanced at him smugly and looked back at Rin. "Is that so, well…that is so nice of you Marla, we will be happy to come."

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Koga glared at the navigation system on his dashboard and looked around for the hotel. "You said she's stayin' at the Majestic Roma?"

"Yeah…"Sango said as she looked at the paper where she wrote it down. "Well, that's what she said."

Ayame pulled her auburn hair into a ponytail and wiggled her freckled nose as she stared out the window. Everything was beautiful and it was almost like the movies. She saw a Mediterranean style building with a big red awning on it. A gold crown emblem was imprinted on the front. "Ohhh, there it goes!" she shouted and it frightened the sleeping passengers in the car. Hakkaku, Ginta, Miroku, and Muso jumped awake and looked around the car.

"Where are we?" Ginta asked. "Are we back in New York?"

"No, shit for brains. We're in Italy." Koga grumbled as he looked for parking.

"I feel like we've been driving for days…"Hakkaku yawned and went back to sleep.

"We were." Miroku muttered as he rubbed his eyes. He leaned on Sango's shoulder and tried to fall asleep again.

"Don't fall asleep, we're here." She smiled and tugged his ear. "I can't believe it's been two months, I wonder if they really are together now. She said they weren't but I just don't believe it."

"Oh, they gotta be now." Koga laughed. "Sharing a room for that long….oh yeah."

Ayame scowled and hit him on the head. "You are so gross."

"What?" he retorted with a frown. "It's the truth. You seen how they were back home, imagine now."

"Oh my god, you guys!" Ayame said. They knew some gossip was up ahead when she started with 'Oh my god.' They all looked at her as Koga found a parking space. "Shurran is here too, you know?"

"What?" Koga looked back. "Damn that girl…I hate her, she's such a bee-yotch."

"Koga!" Sango and Ayame scolded.

"She is. And can you tell me why is she here too? My money is on Sesshomaru; you know that's why she's here. She's on his nuts and I bet you she is only here to start some shit up." Koga didn't care. He said what was on his mind; girl or boy, whatever. He was known for his bluntness and was proud of it. " Man, if I was a girl…. I'd knock her out."

A few of them laughed as they got out of the jeep. Koga peered at the hotel and whistled. "Damn, well this is nice."

"Wow…"Sango and Ayame gleamed.

Miroku yawned and helped Muso and Ginta pull the sleeping Hakkaku out of the car. When they walked into the lobby, a few people stopped them.

"May we help you?" they looked at all of them as if they were lower class.

"Um, sure." Koga said. "You can start by taking our luggage from the jeep, thanks." He pushed passed them and walked over to the concierge.

"Hello…"said the woman.

"Sup…"Koga nodded. "We were wonderin' if Kagome and Sesshomaru were staying here?"

"and why would I tell you that?" she sighed, not caring to meet his eyes.

"Um…because I asked?"

"If Lord Sesshomaru and Ms. Higurashi were staying here, I wouldn't tell you. That is confidential."

Koga scoffed. "You just did. Who said he was a Lord or her last name but thanks for letting me know." He smiled and walked away. "Hey, guys. They're staying here."

"Awesome, where are they?" Miroku shrugged.

Koga frowned and walked back to the lady. "Um, where are they?"

The lady frowned and tapped her computer. "They are out for the day."

"Do you know where?" he asked and rolled his eyes when she stared at him stupidly. "Right, confidential. Whatever. Alright, then you can book us in then, preferably on the same floor." He handed her his ID and credit card.

"Lord Sesshomaru and Ms. Higurashi have the Veneto suite, their room is the entire top floor, I'm afraid I cannot book you there."

"Thanks, at least I know where their room is. You're not really good at this confidential crap, so you might as well just tell me where they are." He smirked and the lady couldn't help take a liking to his charm. She gazed into his sky blue eyes and sighed.

"I can book you on the floor beneath them and as for where they are, they stepped out to brunch and then the studio."

"Do you know what time they will be back?"

The lady gaped with a cocked brow and scoffed. "Usually, they get back around nine."

"Thanks so much." He grinned revealing his fang. "We will need two separate rooms, one for the girls and one for the guys. "He said and the lady looked at him disbelievingly. "Hey, I'm a gentleman."

She nodded with a smile and handed him the keys. "Have a pleasant stay at Majestic Roma, Mr. Wolf."

He turned around and walked over to his friends. He rubbed his stomach and placed the keys in his pockets."Alright, let's get settled in. They're not here now so we'll have to wait till they get back."

"Why don't we just call her?" Sango asked.

"I want it to be a surprise." Koga whined and grabbed his guitar bag from Ginta. "Besides, let's experience Rome and do as the Romans do." He sang as he walked to the elevator.

"Dude…I thought we were in Italy?" Hakkaku groaned as he stared bewilderedly at everyone.

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Kagome waited in the chair like always for Isabella. She had called to say she was running late and to sit tight. Sesshomaru was downstairs being fitted for his suit with his father and Inuyasha. Rin sat on the sofa beside Kagome listening to the radio for any word on Koga.

Kagome looked over at her and tilted her head. "You understand what they're saying?"

"Mmhm." She said. "I've come here with Sesshomaru plenty of times when he was doing business with Naraku. He taught me and I had to learn because he wouldn't speak to me in English when we were here."

"Ah…"Kagome grinned. "I see. Well that's cool. What are they saying?"

"Hm, eh, it's boring stuff. Something about the Vatican. I hate the news…"

"Me too.." Kagome said.

"Kagome…."Rin said and walked over to her chair. "Do you like my brother?"

Kagome blushed and cleared her throat. "Um…well, yes, I guess I do."

"Are you going to marry him?"

"Uh…" Kagome looked around, hoping someone would come in so she didn't have to answer. "It's a little too soon to say, Rin."

"I think he likes you too."

"You do?" Kagome smiled.

"Uh huh…he acts very different around you. Before you came along, it didn't seem like he enjoyed anything. Today at brunch, he smiled a few times….more so than I've ever seen him do in my entire lifetime." She laughed.

"Well, that's nice to know…" Kagome said. It was reassuring when she mentioned it, especially with the way he'd been acting recently.

A man came in holding a box of hair accessories. He plopped it on the floor and smiled at them.

"Who are you?" Kagome asked while Rin went back to sit down.

"I've come to wash your hair." He said.

"Where's Isabella?"

"I am her assistant. She'll be here shortly, she told me to prepare your hair before she came."

"Oh, ok…"Kagome said and stood up. She didn't know Isabella had an assistant. He led her to the sink and she leaned her head back as she sat down. She met his eyes and something about his face intimidated her. His eyes were a dark red and it seemed cold, and he had strange markings on his face. He definitely was a demon. His black hair was tied into a ponytail and he wore a black shirt and tight black pants.

Rin glanced a few times at the guy. Something about him looked familiar. Did she know him or she probably seen him somewhere, but where? She shrugged it off and went back to listening to the radio.

"So what is your name?" Kagome asked and he was quiet at first.

"You can call me Akeno." He said and turned the sink water on. He turned on the hose and began wetting her hair. He grabbed some shampoo and dabbed it into her hair. She looked over to Rin from the side; she was concentrating on what the radio was saying.

After he was done with the shampoo and conditioner process, he grabbed a towel and started drying her hair. He led her to the seat and told her to bow her head. He continued drying her hair and gasped when he saw the mark on her neck.

"So, how come I've never seen you before?" Kagome asked. She frowned when she didn't get an answer and felt him stop. She lifted the towel from her eyes and looked around; he was gone. She looked over to Rin and cocked a brow.

"Where did he go?" she said and Rin looked at her.

"I don't know…"she shrugged and Isabella walked in, her hair wet and clothes drenched.

"I'm sorry…"she panted. It sounded like she ran. "You won't believe the day I had. Eh…my car wouldn't start and the eh…train wouldn't come for another hour so I had to eh….take the cab and there was so much traffic so I walked the rest of the way and it started to rain…. I see you washed your hair." She smiled as she dropped her duffel bag.

"Actually, your assistant did."

Isabella's brows twitched as she removed her jacket. "My assistant?"

"Yeah, some weird guy." Rin mentioned as she pressed her ear on the radio. She still contemplated why he seemed familiar. Something about his face, his eyes and the markings.

"Good, you thought he was weird too." Kagome said.

"I don't know who washed your hair but I don't have an assistant." Isabella chuckled as she pulled out her brush.

"Uh oh…"Kagome opened her eyes wide with worry and looked at Rin. "I think it was the ghost of an evil hairdresser!" she cackled and Rin giggled as she stared at her admirably. Isabella shook her head and grabbed the hairdryer.

"You silly girl…so who's the little one?" she pointed to Rin.

"That is Sesshomaru's sister," Kagome said and she already expected the face on Isabella, the confused how-is-she-his-sister-if-she-is-a-human face. "Long story…"she whispered and Isabella nodded in compliance.

"Hello, little one. I am Isabella." she said in a thick accent.

Rin smiled. "Sono Rin, come sono voi?"

Isabella raised her brows in amazement. "Parlate italiano, buon per voi."

"Ok, guys, I feel left out…" Kagome pouted as Isabella brushed her hair.

"Too bad, that means you must learn." She laughed and they all looked back when Inuyasha knocked on the door.

"Inuyasha, come in." Kagome said and he buried his hands into his pockets as he walked over. He met Isabella's eyes and she blushed into a smile. "Inuyasha, this is Isabella."

"Hi…"he said and she nodded.

He went to sit by Rin and he couldn't take his eyes off of Isabella. Rin groaned and changed the station of the radio. "They say he's already left London a few days ago, that means he should have been here by now."

"He'll come, Rin." Kagome said and winced when Isabella pulled a knot. Inutaisho walked in with Sesshomaru and Marla. Marques entered holding a green bubble dress with gold trimmings.

"Bien, mon amour. Vous savez quoi faire avec cette robe." He said and placed it on a hanger. He hung it on the rack and pulled out a cigar.

"English, Marques." Kagome sighed.

"Eh…there is your dress. Be careful with it." He looked around the room and saw new faces but he could tell they were related to Sesshomaru. "So many…eh, handsome men in this room, hm?" He winked and walked away. Inuyasha grimaced and looked at Sesshomaru and his father.

Inutaisho sat down by Inuyasha and Rin and watched as Isabella did Kagome's hair. Sesshomaru tugged on his suit and nodded in thanks when a petite old woman brought him an espresso. She smiled and brought one for Inutaisho and Inuyasha as well. When she turned to Rin, she handed her a sundae.

"Grazie." She said and grabbed it.

Inuyasha sipped his espresso and licked his lips. That lady knew how to make coffee. He looked over to his father's hands and noticed his espresso was untouched. He looked up and observed his father's long expression. His mouth was partly open and his eyes were wide. He followed his gaze toward Kagome and noticed a mark on her neck when Isabella pulled her hair up and pinned it.

No way, he thought and looked at Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru sipped his espresso in deep thought but felt Inuyasha staring at him. He frowned when he saw his father's expression and tried to see what he was looking at. He saw the mark on Kagome's neck and knew right away, without a doubt, that it was what his father was looking at. From the corner of his eye, he could see his father turning his head slowly toward him and he immediately looked the other way.

Isabella released the pin and Kagome's long locks fell down. "Let's do something different to your hair, hm?"

"What'd you have in mind?"

"You thought about dying it or cutting it?"

"No, I don't want to cut it. I've had it long for so… long."

"Hmm, how about I give you eh…some bangs and give you layers but the eh...how do you say, the length will stay the same."

"Hmmm…"Kagome looked apprehensive. "Okay…but don't cut it too much."

"Can I dye it too?" she asked.

"What color?"

"Blonde?"

"Ew, no way." She snarled.

"Ok, ok…"Isabella laughed. "A honey brown and we keep the underneath black."

"Fine…but if it looks terrible, I am allowed to shave your head bald."

"You are crazy, it won't look bad."

"Then you don't have to worry about being bald."

"Fine, deal." Isabella rolled her eyes. "It is just hair, it will grow back."

Sesshomaru walked out of the room and his father followed behind him. "You failed to mention the girl was marked."

"I do not see how that is any of your business." He said as he pulled a cigarette out of his pocket and walked out.

"Sesshomaru, would you stop. This is serious. This doesn't make any sense. Why would you want to end it after marking her?"

"It just happened."

"Sesshomaru, you cannot…"he frowned when his jacket pocket vibrated. He pulled out his phone and answered it. "Now isn't a good time. I'm speaking to my son… Just….what do you mean? Are you sure…Were they ours?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and tried to read his father's expression. Something had gone wrong.

"Right… Have they been reprimanded? Yes, tell them I will be there. I actually happen to be in Rome. Tell them not to do anything, I will be right there." He said and hung up the phone.

"What is it?" Sesshomaru asked.

His father glared toward the window and looked at Sesshomaru. "A few demon radicals tried to attack the Vatican today. They're being held until I get there."

"Were they ours?"

"No…but they have reason to believe it was the Jade Order."

"It cannot be." Sesshomaru spat. "On whose orders?"

"I wouldn't doubt that Saya…"

"She wouldn't…."

"Sesshomaru…"his father sighed impatiently. "You have to understand something about your mother…She is a devoted woman and sees things through if she must. I wouldn't put it past her."

"She is just trying to see through the wishes and desires of the demon community, those wishes that you have neglected in order to serve the human community theirs."

"Sesshomaru, those people that followed her…what they wanted, it just wasn't right. These are new times now and things cannot go back to the way they were. I will see to it that I find out who is behind this which I believe, without a doubt, that it is the work of Saya and I will bring her down, you must be prepared for that."

Sesshomaru lowered his gaze and looked away from his father. "I will not allow her to go through the humiliation again and I will do what I must to ensure that."

"Is that a threat?" Inutaisho scowled and walked over to him. "Will you fight me?"

Sesshomaru lifted his gaze to meet his father's eyes. "If I have to."

"Is that so?" his father's eyes grew angrier. There was a fire in them that Sesshomaru had never seen. "Then end it with the human now, take over the Jade Order now and destroy everything I have done!"

"It isn't like that." Sesshomaru said.

"No? Let me tell you something about the Jade Order, son. They aren't loyal. They are ruthless and selfish and do not wish to abide rules that are not met by their standards. They are wild and have no morale. You want to lead a group of rabid monsters?"

"You've forsaken them, they had no choice."

"I gave them a choice, they chose to stand down and follow your mother's old ways. You wish to go back to the old ways, hm? Where humans were used as our slaves and the women were raped by our men and left to bare half-breeds that were later killed at birth? You go ahead and you lead those monsters and think of Inuyasha being tortured when they catch him. Think of Rin being kidnapped at night and used and abused, raped and thrown a way like garbage."

"Stop it." Sesshomaru turned away from him and started walking away.

Inutaisho fumed as he followed him. "What is wrong with the way I've lead? I've brought peace to our communities, I've made it possible where humans and demons can coincide together in harmony. No one thought it to be possible. What do you hope to achieve when you decide to lead her clan? Why not wait to lead mine. If it is the timing, I will gladly hand them over to you now."

Sesshomaru looked acerbically around the hallway, a few of the crew members laughed as they walked toward them. "I vowed to lead the Jade Order; I intend to keep my promise."

"Fine." His father spat. "but know this, once you've stepped up to the throne as their leader, as much as it pains me, you will have become my enemy. I will do what I have to in order to protect. Once you've decided to lead those monsters, I will disown you!"

His father panted in anger and stormed off not wanting to have another word right now with his son. Sesshomaru watched as he walked away and a part of him wanted to follow but he backed away and went back into the dressing room. Those words had hurt him and he couldn't believe what just happened. He had no idea his father held such opposition to him leading the clan. He bowed his head as he went back inside.

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It wasn't something she wanted to come home to after a day in the spa. The butler pointed to the living room when she entered and she walked toward it with a look of exasperation. Dosuka stood over the fireplace, staring at a painting of her and Sesshomaru, a look of disgust was his face.

"Where have you been, Dosuka?" she had said. "Shouldn't you be guarding the new manor? The clans are still vulnerable without a leader. We need you there."

"I've just come back from Rome, my lady." He said.

"Why now? I told you to stand down two nights ago."

"Ma'am, there was something I needed to see, something I needed to prove." He turned around and met her eyes.

"Well, what is it, Dosuka? I am pressed for time."

"She is marked, my lady. Lord Sesshomaru has marked the human."

The feeling came back. The one she had when Inutaisho said he was in love with a human and he wanted a divorce. The room became small and she couldn't breathe.

"This can't be true. He said…"

"He's lied, my lady. What do you wish me to do?" he kneeled.

She looked over to her phone and saw a blinking light. Messages awaited her, messages she didn't look forward to hearing. She walked over to the sofa and sat down. She buried her face into her hands while her lips trembled. How could he do this? How could he betray her?

"and you know this for a fact?" she looked up at him.

"I saw it with my own eyes. She bares his mark behind her neck. He has claimed her." He gritted. "Do you wish me to get rid of her?"

She shook her head and stood up. "No, don't do anything. Leave it up to me…I will handle my son. Right now, just join your brother at the manor and prepare for his return. He will come and he will claim the throne, regardless of the mark. We can look past that."

"But my lady, the clans will not accept that she is marked. His wife needs to be marked. When he finds a wife, he will not be able to mark her."

"I said leave it to me! I will take care of this!"

"I can take care of it, Ma'am, if you let me. I will get rid of her and the problem is solved."

"Dosuka, please….leave now. I said I will take care of this. Now go!" she shouted and he quickly disappeared. She rested her hands on her hips as she paced around the room. She refused to listen to her messages. The Jade order had been bugging her day and night about Sesshomaru. They're worried he will deny the throne and turn his back on them like his father did.

"Yuya!" she yelled and her butler came running in.

"Yes, my lady…" he bowed.

"Get me the next plane going to Rome. I need to get there right away!"

"Yes, ma'am." He said and left the room.

Not again, she thought. Please, not again.

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"We're free, we're free!" Kagome ran out the elevator and jumped around the hallway as Sesshomaru pulled out the key to their room. She squealed a few times and took off her shoes. She dropped them on the floor and jumped on top of his back.

"No more photo shoots, no more make up and tight dresses or bikinis, no more Marla telling us what to eat! Aren't you excited?"

"Thrilled…" he said as he opened the door.

She got off him and walked behind them as they entered the room. He dropped the key on the desk by the door and took off his blazer.

"Are you going to tell me what is wrong? This is getting annoying." she crossed her arms.

"Nothing is wrong." He said and unbuttoned his shirt. He took off his belt and hung it in the closet. He felt her wrap her arms around his waist and he sighed. It wasn't that he didn't want her near him, he was just deeply annoyed by what his father said and the discussion he had with his mother. He was in a bad mood.

"Maybe a nice shower will make you feel better." She chuckled and pulled him toward the shower.

"Not now…"he said as he pulled his arm back and she stared at him perplexedly.

"Fine…"she spat and walked toward the closet. She removed her dress and pulled out a t-shirt and he looked at her.

"Are you upset?" he leaned against the doorway of the bathroom.

"Upset?" she said as she pulled out a pair of shorts. "Why should I be upset? I mean, you've been acting weird and distant for the last two days and you won't tell me why. I keep trying to talk to you and obviously you don't want to. I'll just..leave you alone."

He rubbed his face and stood straight. She was right, he should tell her what was going on. He could no longer stall what he had to do. When she finished washing her face and brushing her teeth, she walked over to the bed. He followed her and sat on the edge of the bed.

"There are things I should tell you…" he said and she walked over to him and stood in front of him. "I never expected this to…"he stopped when a knock sounded at the door. He looked at the clock and frowned, it was nearly midnight.

Kagome sighed, who could be knocking at this time. "I'll get it." She said and turned to answer it but he grabbed her hand.

"No, I will get it." He said and walked over to the door. The knock persisted and he tried to look through the peephole.

"Housekeeping…" the person said, their voice oddly high-pitched.

"Show yourself…" Sesshomaru said and the person didn't remove their hand or whatever it was from the peephole.

"Housekeeping…"

Sesshomaru scowled. "It is late, come back tomorrow morning."

The knock sounded harder and more obnoxious. "Housekeeping…" the voice said, sounding more gurgled like…Ms. Piggy.

Sesshomaru sighed, opened the door, and grabbed the person by the neck. He lifted his hand to punch the imposter and rolled his eyes when he saw it was Koga. He looked up and noticed Sango, Ayame, Miroku, and Koga's band mates holding boxes of pizza and bags. They faltered a wave and smiled.

"Told you it was a bad idea…"Miroku mumbled.

"Hey, since you know it's me now, can you let go?" Koga choked out.

Sesshomaru gripped harder and released him as he turned around. Kagome came from behind him and opened her eyes wide.

"Oh my god!" she yelled and she ran out into the hallway. She hugged all of them, including Ayame. It was just great to see familiar faces, she thought. "I've been waiting to see you guys! Rin is going to be excited. Come inside!"

"Rin?" Koga said hoarsely. "She's here?"

"Yeah, she's here along with Inuyasha and his father."

"Damn, everyone is here…" Koga dropped a bag on the bed and looked around. "Wow, this room is huge."

"You should see the bathroom!" Sango shouted from the bathroom.

Ayame looked in the closet. "Oh my god, you should see the closet, it's the size of our rooms back home."

"When did you guys get here?" Kagome asked.

"This morning…"Miroku said as he plopped himself on the bed.

Sesshomaru shook his head as he walked over to the window. Of course everyone had to come at the moment he decided to talk to Kagome. He pulled out a cigarette while they opened the boxes of Pizza.

"Oh my god, I haven't had pizza in forever." Kagome drooled. "I don't even like Italian food but I'm starving." She grabbed a slice from the box.

"Yeah, we can see that….crackhead. Are they even feedin' ya?" he cocked a brow and stuffed a slice into his mouth. "Sesshomaru, you want some?"

Sesshomaru shook his head as he looked back out the window, exhaling the smoke into the air.

Koga rolled his eyes. "I can see nothing has changed."

Kagome smirked and they all started talking about their experiences in Europe. Kagome mentioned about her strict diet and the things she had to wear, the people she was surrounded by. Koga mentioned his concerts, his fans, how they had to rescue Muso from a group of girls holding him at ransom. They spoke about Kikyo and Kagura, how they haven't gotten auditions and doing small time commercials for Pringles, Monistat and Birth control. Kikyo even did a commercial for Valtrex and now all of her friends believe she had Herpes. Hiten was doing some shady business at the pier with his father, smuggling diamonds and gold. The police were now looking for him.

"Ugh, and Shurran is here too, in Italy." Ayame said and everyone looked at her evilly. They all knew Kagome didn't get along with Shurran and they also were aware that Shurran liked Sesshomaru and tried to do anything to get to him.

"Oh really?" Kagome grimaced. "Well, that's nice for her."

Koga looked over to the window and met Sesshomaru's eyes. There was something in his eyes that seemed bothered, like he had a lot on his mind.

"So, Kagome, what's your schedule like now?"

"Hmmm…"she mumbled as she chewed. "Well, we're done with our photo shoots. Tomorrow night, they're throwing us a party but that's it. She said we were free to do what we want in the next three days. How about you?"

Koga shrugged, "We have one more concert the night after tomorrow and that's it. We can all go back home together."

"Cool." Kagome smiled. "So...what should we do? It's been kind of lame. For the most part, we've been staying inside this room because we were too tired to go out…or by the time we get back, everything is closed."

"Hm, alright…"Koga mused. "We'll be tourists tomorrow then. Let's bring cameras and big ass book bags and stand in the middle of the streets like idiots blocking traffic."

Kagome laughed. "Can we wear the doofy sandals too and wear matching t-shirts?"

"Of course!" Koga said. "What kind of tourists would we be if we don't?"

There was another knock at the door and they all looked at each other. Sesshomaru walked over to it and looked through the peephole but no one was there. The knock continued and he frowned as he opened the door. He looked down and Rin was in her pajamas holding a blanket.

"Did you know Koga is in this hotel?"

"Rin!" she heard her name and peeked into the room. When she saw everyone huddled up around Koga, she nearly screamed. Sesshomaru, Koga, Muso, Ginta and Hakkaku winced in pain as she squealed her way over to Koga.

"I knew it!" she said. "I knew it! You came!" she hugged him and sat next to him. He handed her a slice of pizza and she blushed. They all watched her as she ate her pizza and looked at him the entire time. Koga and Ayame met each others gaze and she smiled at him. He cleared his throat and looked away as he listened to Rin talk about random things.

Kagome walked over to Sesshomaru and leaned next to him by the window. "Why don't you come and hang out?"

He shook his head. "I am fine here…"

"Ok…"she said. "So, what were you going to tell me?"

He looked over his shoulder and then at her. "I will tell you later."

"Okay…"

After a couple of hours, they decided to call it a night so that they could get enough rest for tomorrow. Koga said he had something in store for everyone and they precariously took his word for it. Kagome and Sesshomaru lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to go to sleep. She turned to him and he felt her looking at him.

"Tell me about your father…"

"What about him?"

"Ever since he came here, that was when you started acting funny. Are you ashamed of being with me around him?"

"No." he said.

"Does it bother him that you and I…" she stopped. She didn't know what they were. They weren't boyfriend and girlfriend, they never established that. "are…you know?"

"Why would it bother him?"

"I don't know…."she said and they were quiet for a while. "Hey…" she said to make sure he was still awake.

"Hm?"

"It is later now, are you going to tell me?"

He turned to her and gazed intently at her through the dark. She waited for him to speak and a thousand words rested at his tongue, waiting to come out but he collected himself and tried to figure out how he could minimize it to a few words. Whatever happened later on, whether they'd stay together or parted ways, he wanted to make sure that she knew how he really felt.

"That day…" he started. "When you told me…you…loved me." He forced out. He didn't realize how hard it was to say that word. It was probably the first time it came out of his mouth.

"Um..."she retorted uncomfortably. "Mmhm, what about it?" She should have known. That was what it was about; he had started acting weird since she said that.

"You…caught me by surprise and I didn't get to respond adequately…"

"Ok…" her voice cut into the dark with confusion.

"What I am trying to say is…that…"she felt him shift around. He was uncomfortable too. He usually said things with ease and never had a problem with conveying his sentiments. "I…..over the course of the past few months…developed, no…let me rephrase that, I….that day, what I'm trying to say is…"

"Sesshomaru?" Kagome nudged his shoulder.

"Yes?"

"You're malfunctioning…."she chuckled.

He exhaled a small chuckle and shook his head. This wasn't easy. He cleared his throat. What was going on, when did he become such a babbling idiot? No, he had to say this. He had to let her know. He inhaled a deep breath and looked away from her. "I…"

Kagome rested her fingers on his lips. "Look, don't force yourself. It'll come out when it does. Let's just get some sleep, ok?" she kissed his lips and turned around. It wasn't that she didn't want to know what he was going to say but she was actually nervous. She wasn't sure if she was ready to hear it.

Silence filled the room again and they fell asleep, actually, Kagome fell asleep. Sesshomaru's eyes were closed but he was fully awake. He couldn't sleep until he said what he needed to. He turned to her and began stroking her hair. He leaned over and kissed her shoulder. How could he have been such a coward? Why was something he had dismissed as trivial so complicated? How hard could it be to say he felt the same way?