InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Throw Caution To The Wind ❯ Shapes Of Clay ( Chapter 12 )

AN: Hey there everyone! Man, I love some of your guys' reviews! The Jaken remarks were quite entertaining. Well, I'm thinking one more chapter. I mean it. Not very much longer! I'm just gonna wing this chapter! Like always…If you haven't caught on, I write this AN beforehand and the ending AN afterwards…that's why I never know what's happening. ^^;;; Warning: a tiny bit of suggestive stuff. Be advised if you're really, really young or really immature. Wait, you'd probably enjoy it even more. Whatever. Oh, Sesshoumaru may be OOC, sorry, but work with me. Well, please tell me how my next improvisational chapter turns out and review.Thanks!

THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND_CHAPTER 12_SHAPES OF CLAY

Like clay in a potters hands, we are shaped. We are not born exactly as we will always be, physically or mentally, or personally. We are not slaves to genetics, it is the experiences, ordeals, people, how we effect those people, and emotions we encounter along the path of life that determine what type of person we will be and what type of person we are. There is potential for greatness, aptitude for evil, and more than a chance of mediocrity. How we chose to live our lives establishes which values we will take on. We are but clay in the hands of potters, our own hands.

At the moment, I was looking as if I were made out of clay, or mud, to be exact. Sticky, wet mud.

"Damn puddles!", I cursed quietly. It had been raining steadily for twelve hours and had just let up about an hour before. Thus, the mud puddles. As if things weren't messy enough…then life had to go and throw small, dirty things like that at me. There I was, just minding my own business, deep in thought, strolling back to the castle after a nice bath, when "SPLOOSH!" Face-first in a mud puddle, kimono completely ruined. And Sesshoumaru had given it to me, too…it was absolutely gorgeous, made from fine red silk with black embroidered lilies. It was an amazing piece of clothing and here I had gone and positively wrecked it. Real funny. I felt awful, remembering the nostalgic look that had crossed the face of Kaji as she gave it to me. It had probably been something very special…and I had ruined it. But red really isn't my color, I shrugged.

"You can't do anything without making a splash, can you?" the voice I knew so well in its mockery by now. The stone jerk, the stoic arse wipe, my husband. Irony! Here I am! And…did he just make a really lame pun?

"Thank you." I snapped, while flicking chunks of mud off my obi.

"Glad to be of service." he said offhandedly.

"You know, you're not helping the situation…" I replied sharply.

"But of course." The edges of his lips twisted up in a mocking smirk that made me want to see how nice his hair would look caked over in mud. It was aggravating, to say the least, how he could make such an infuriating experssion seem so intriguing and…sexy? Ughh. I held up a hand from my sitting position in the mud puddle, squinted one eye and placed the view of his face between my index finger and thumb, bringing them together. I did this for some time.

He had a placid look that hinted at a sighing confusion, placed over his features. He looked at me as if I belonged in an asylum, which I may…

"What, may I ask, are you doing." he droned smoothly.

"Squishing your head." I replied with a look of happy concentration, once again imagining my fingers compressing his face in my minds eye.

He stared at me.

"Entertaining?"

Squish your head, squish your head!

"Very."

"Indeed."

He stared at me some more. I squished his head some more. After another minute, I gave one more, extremely compressing and satisfying squish and dropped my hand back into the mud.

"Relieved?"

"Quite." I replied smugly.

"Very well. If you are through-" he started out, taking a step towards me.

"You know, you can be a big jerk sometimes."

"-I have duties to attend to-"

"An egocentric nit-picker."

"-and you have lessons to teach Rin-" he reached down and grabbed my hand.

"An overbearing hypocrite."

"-which she must finish before lunch-"

"An altogether supercilious ninny."

"-so I would suggest that-Ninny?" he paused and eyed me warily.

"Ninny."

"Ninny…" He arched an eyebrow, then his whole face went utterly blank. He gave my hand a gigantic tug and I went flying out of the mud puddle, right smack into his chest. Something that I don't believe he had planned for.

I slammed into him with all my body weight, which was very uncomfortable, I might add, especially when he fell backward, taking me with him, into another mud puddle. It took a moment to regain myself from shock of the fall and the proximity of his body but when I did, I immediately sputtered, spitting the brown mud out of my mouth and clamored off of Sesshoumaru's chest. I spared him a malicious glance and saw that he was lying there, his eyes closed, a most stern look on his face. If I didn't know, I would have said he had been surprised, also.

"Woman, you will be my undoing." I thought I saw him give a small, exasperated sigh, but who knows…

"If you don't kill me from under-stimulation first." I stated plainly. "Now I'm even muddier. Swell."

"You are not the one who was submerged in a pool of mud, with a person's weight on top of you." He commented dryly.

I sighed. "Yeah, but you must have, what, five hundred of the same outfit? It's all you ever wear, anyway. Just put on number three hundred and twenty nine. But you know…" I tapped my chin with a finger as I moved to sit up, successfully smearing mud across the bottom of my face and splashing my other hand in the brown ooze. "…you're right. This puddle is much deeper…"

I was going to need another bath.

__________________________________________________________________ __

Rin had easily passed the swimming standards. I guess, on the sly, she had convinced Fumie or Wakiko to go with her to the springs and watch over her as she practiced. I was extremely proud of Rin when she stroked her way back and forth across the large span of the hot spring. And she did it with amazing vigor, happiness, and devotion, too. I was very please, for, I started to feel that any achievement of hers was a joyful event for myself. Yet, I couldn't help but feel slightly downcast that she had asked others to watch over her as she practiced. But my resentment was short-lived because she announced her accomplishment as a surprise for me. She had worked extra hard for me. I felt…so proud. It was beyond rewarding. I felt like a mother might feel when her child got their first 'A' on their report card. And I realized that perhaps that was exactly how I felt. Perhaps I had taken it upon myself to be a makeshift mother of this adorable little child. And you know, I had no qualms. If this was what motherhood was like, perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing at all. I love Rin with all my heart.

Her studies were going extremely well, also. And she hardly ever talked in the third person…although it was really cute… Her math skills were amazing for one her age and her read…well, she gobbled up books like a favorite candy. And I could relate. Books are a delectable thing, a thing one must taste as many varieties of as possible. With each book, your knowledge and learning expand like the pallet of a fine wine connoisseur. I was thrilled for Rin.

As the days slowly drifted by, Jaken and Kero became what I would formally label 'an item'. It was almost impossible to separate the two. They just kept "bumping into each other"-wherever they went. Whenever they went. Jaken had even lowered himself to help Kero with her servants' tasks, an amazing feat for the high and mighty hopper. I was tremendously happy for the pint-sized pair for they both seemed very happy-I can't imagine how Kero could, but she most definitely was. It was a great advancement for both of them, and it kept Jaken out of my hair. My plan had more than worked. Once again, I felt extremely proud of others' triumphs. It's really something to have a hand in a successful something.

Speaking of advancements, the King of Cold seemed to be defrosting. The sleeping arrangements remained the same. He slept in my bed with me. He had slept with me for a couple of the previous nights or so and I had grown to actually taken comfort in his warmth and snuggled up to him unconsciously on a number of occasions. I had awoken with his arms wrapped firmly around my middle. I hadn't moved. I pretended I was asleep until he had woken. It was comforting.

And now, Sesshoumaru could actually be seen around the castle, doing various lordly things. I didn't ask. Wasn't sure if I wanted to know. But, most of all, he just seemed…more at ease. I had actually managed to get a smile or two out of him, amazing as that may seem. A daring feat, I assure you.

On Sesshoumaru's wishes, I had started to train with the bow and arrow. I found that I quite enjoyed the exercise. It calmed my nerves and produced something to focus my energy on…quite literally. It hadn't taken but a half an hour with a bow in my hand, for me to start glowing with energy. At first, I was freaked out. Down right scared. But, wouldn't you be kind of worried if you started to glow a radioactive pink? My point, exactly. So, after realizing that there was no logical explanation for this phenomenon that would reassure me that, no, I was not Godzilla's long lost niece, I ran straight to Kaji. Kaji told me to go to Maki, she new more about these things, and Maki tried to convince me to go to Sesshoumaru. I downright refused. What if this was the "condition" he had been talking about?

After a long sigh, Maki assured me that it was not a condition or ray-dee-u-active chemical effects, but that I was a miko. A pretty shocked miko. I, naturally was a little disbelieving, but Maki assured me, telling me short details of a time when I had healed Rin, partially with the healing aura of a miko. I had been shocked, but I generally take things as they come, and that's what I did.

So, now I trained outside of the castle on the edge of the forest (plenty of trees for targets-remember, do not do that at home-only you can prevent forest fires), and found that I was actually a fairly decent archer. My reflexes were fairly slow, but my aim was true. After that, I practiced with the bow whenever I had free time, which still wasn't very often, but possible.

It was probably a good thing, too. Fate had finally equipped me for something, thank you, it sure took long enough. In fact, if the earth-shaking pounds had come a week or two earlier, we'd all be in a lot more trouble than we were.

I was sitting in the library, actually, finally getting around to reading one of those old scrolls that I had been eyeing warily the last, oh, couple of weeks. I had been afraid I wouldn't be able to decipher any of it, but it was a surprisingly easy read, very enlightening, and fairly interesting too. Why was it so interesting? Well, for three reasons. 1.) It was a myth, a fairy tale. 2.)I showed an uncanny likeliness to the book which Rin so enjoyed, about the cat that can not kill the mouse because it falls in love with it, although it was much more detailed and sophisticated, of course. 3.) It was a myth, a legend, fairy tale. 4.) It was in Sesshoumaru's library.

Ok, so that's four reasons. Did I mention it was a romantic fairy tale…in Sesshoumaru's library? In fact, the very same one he berated me for reading to Rin.

I was just getting to the ending where the cat sets the mouse free, Rin's favorite part, when I fell over. At first, I thought I had just maybe dorked out, but then there was another vibration that shook the scrolls in their spots. Earthquake? I had no clue, but I knew that whatever it was wasn't good. I heard shouts somewhere else in the house and threw the scroll into a corner, taking off to find whoever was doing the shouting.

I ran into Fumie who was panting, out of breath.

"Oh, Kagome-sama! I was just coming to get you! Sesshou-"

"What's going on, Fumie?!" I asked, supporting myself against the wall as another pounding ran through the castle.

"I-I don't know, but Kaji-"

"Thanks, Fumie!" I ran past her, sprinting for the kitchen.

I burst through the doors, with the aid of another minor earthquake.

"Kaji-what on earth is-" I gaped.

Kaji was standing at the pot, stirring calmly, Maki handing her vegetables to put in, as bits of stew flew out with the shaking.

"Don't worry, Kagome-sama. It's just an oni. Though, my the sounds of it, it's a very large one. Sesshoumaru-sama should have a time with this one…" And she bent down to taste the stew. I threw my arms up incredulously and made way to the room where I kept my bow and quiver. As I was bolting out of the kitchen, I distinctly heard Maki say in a helpful tone

"It needs more spice, Kaji."

I paused for a moment, deeply puzzled at their lack of concern then ran as fast as I could, picking up my bow and arrows. But before going out to see what was happening, I made a swift trip to Rin's room. She was reading a book aloud and making all of the voices for the different characters, just like I did for her.

"Rin, I want you to stay in your room, ok? Just stay here for me and don't go outside, please. Follow anything Maki or Kaji tell you to do, but try to stay in your room." Without an explanation, I left, sliding the door shut behind me with a slam. I managed to work my way to the front of the castle, and made it to the castle wall. I cracked the giant wooden doors open slightly, to peak outside. A glimpse of white streaked across the sliver of vision I observed through, followed shortly by something big and black and bumpy. Naturally, I took a step back, but gathered up my courage. If Sesshoumaru needed me, I wouldn't hold back for anything. If Sesshoumaru needed me. Don't get me wrong, I'm a coward. But I'm the type of coward that will stop at nothing if my friends are in danger. So, I'm really more like a spineless rescuer. Yeah, that suits well.

I peered through the door again, trying to process as much information as I could, but it was difficult gather much of anything, peering through a sliver. So, when I was pretty sure nothing was headed in my direction, I gripped my bow and quiver and shoved one of the heavy doors open just enough to let myself through. I ran stealthily, I hoped, to a spot on the outside of the wall that was in shadows. There was something strange in the air, like a foul electricity. I chewed at my senses, gnawing at the pit of my stomach. The feeling felt very familiar, like it was a normal, everyday occurrence. Realizing that it probably had something to do with the giant ogre in front of me, I turned my attention to the battle being waged before me.

Sesshoumaru was, undeniably, the quicker of the two. The blur of his white form and silver hair passed before my eyes, back and forth. The ogre, though slow, deserved some credit. For something that big, it moved like lightning.

I watched as it made a giant sweep at Sesshoumaru with its enormous claws and Sesshoumaru dodged effortlessly. It was his turn. Sesshoumaru shot forward, sword drawn, appearing behind the ogre. He had successfully cut through the whole left side of the ogre. But, I watched on in horror as the gaping hole in the side of the monster began to crawl and squirm as the hole was filled with regenerated flesh. It was impossible, I thought. How on earth could a-

I gasped as Sesshoumaru seemed to have been caught slightly unaware of this fact also and unable to dodge correctly. I'm guessing the oni took a wild swing and just managed to make contact with Sesshoumaru, who seemed to recover quickly from the attack. Sesshoumaru made another slice, removing one of the one's arms from the elbow down, but once again, the slithering flesh grew back in a glow of dark light. Sesshoumaru did not bother to even recognize this fact before going in for another attack. But this time, the oni seemed to read his move and went on the offense, swinging wildly and I drew an arrow taught, ready to strike as Sesshoumaru had to dodge back. They were both busy and the massive creature hadn't noticed my small human being. I drew the arrow back as far as I could, and let it go, hoping for a true aim. It struck right as the ogre was about to back another attack, obliterating its right hand which was feet away from Sesshoumaru's head.

"You should not be here, Kagome." Sesshoumaru called, his voice calm, yet audible.

"You need my help."

"I need nothing."

"You do right now. Think of me as your knight in shining armor." I tossed out, mockingly.

The ogre had undoubtedly been set back by his injury. I mean, hell, his right hand just…disappeared. Good. It stood there and seemed to merely stare at its impediment, only to realize seconds later what had happened and strike with renewed force and a base hatred. He made another wild swing but missed his target as Sesshoumaru materialized below the giant beast and removed its right leg with a single swing. I watched on in awe and terror as Sesshoumaru darted in and out, and undetectable shadow of silver and white. I saw the ogre whirl around, confused by the shifting of Sesshoumaru, smashing trees from the nearby forest into the ground to splinter, staggering, then falling with an earth-shaking crash, before its leg had had a chance to regenerate.

"Kagome, look for glowing lights in the oni. Where are they."

I was utterly confused, but decided it was no time for questioning motives, so I concentrated on the colossal creature laying sprawled on the ground, smothering it with its mass.

"Um…" I concentrated, scanning my eyes over the ogre's form. "um…ah! There's one in its stomach, below its ribs! And…another one between the neck and the shoulder and another one in its left leg!"

Sesshoumaru nodded silently, and I watched, breathing heavily, as he approached the monster slowly, like a victor who knows he has won, or someone approaching the grave of a dead relative. I stood, arrow knocked in place, if the beast should rise to its feet, but I shouldn't have worried. It seemed that after so many wounds, its leg was taking a while to recover.

Sesshoumaru stood over it, gazing down at it and for just a moment, I thought he wasn't going to kill it. But then he shifted positions and made three quick cuts, glints of silver as cuts appeared across the creature's shoulder, stomach, and leg. I watched, scared, as blood streamed forth from the wounds and pooled on the ground. But with the black-red liquid, there was a tiny shimmer that fell from each wound. Sesshoumaru knelt down and picked one up.

"What are they?" I asked quietly.

"Pieces of a jewel that causes nothing but trouble. They were controlling it." He held the pieces out and I walked over to him, taking the pieces from his hands.

"You mean…it didn't choose to attack us? It was these jewel pieces?"

"Most likely not." he stated coldly. There was a bitterness in his voice. It mad me believe that he knew more than he was letting on.

"Will it die?"

"Most likely."

"Is there any way we can save it?" I asked, knowing what the answer would be. I just can't stand to have something die meaninglessly. Even if it had just tried to kill Sesshoumaru, especially if it hadn't wanted to kill Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru looked at me, his eyes open slightly more than usual. I almost laughed. Was that surprise on the Ice Prince's face? Just goes to show that any of us can be taken by surprise.

He seemed to hesitate. Then, without saying another word, he placed the sword he had been fighting the oni with back in its sheath and drew out the second sword that rested at his hip, one that I could not remember seeing drawn. He stood over the ogre and before I could stop him, made a quick slash of silver light across three spots of the monster. I ran to him, ready to yell at him, when I shrunk back, surprise now covering my face. The wounds on the ogre had completely healed. I stood, shocked, staring at it.

Sesshoumaru sheathed his sword and turned to walk back to the castle, passing me. I was staring at its recovering form.

"It will take time to fully recover." I heard Sesshoumaru's voice from behind me. I turned to chase after him.

"Sesshoumaru-how-"

"I advise you to stay away from it until it is fully healed. It will act like a cornered animal when injured."

"Sesshoumaru-" I tugged on his sleeve as we walked.

"I do not want to answer inquiries at this moment."

"Ok, but please answer just one question."

He stopped and turned to me, a blank but slightly interested look gracing his features.

"One."

"Great!" I looked up at him sheepishly and wolfishly at the same time. He was looking at me as if to ask what now. "Can we keep him?"

He didn't talk to me for the rest of the day.

___________________________________________________________________ ___

Yeah, life was finally seeming to smooth down a bit. I enjoyed everyone in the entire citadel, even the single, actual, gardener-Minori- who was hardly ever seen around, with his green attire which blended in splendid with the greenery he was usually shielded behind, but was friendly, nonetheless.

The giant oni had healed perfectly and seemed to acknowledge Sesshoumaru as having saved it and had went north where there was rumor that something might stir on the borders across from Sesshoumaru's territory which could then spread into his territory. It had gone to aid Sesshoumaru. I guess even monsters have consciences.

I had good meals every day, plenty of clothing, and ample space to roam about the castle. I had a little girl-Rin-, practically my own, to teach and watch over. I had the best and most personable servants ever heard of, and a husband that, let's just say, was very easy on the eyes even if he was a stiff. I had friends, too. Everyone there was a great friend to me and always patient and willing to come to my aid, no matter what time of day. It is definitely an understatement to say that I was well off.

On the whole, I was beginning to sincerely enjoy my time around the castle. One of my favorite periods during the day was when I could take Rin swimming or to pick flowers, a.k.a. Jaken Torture. In fact, sometimes I wished Rin's studies would be over swifter, maybe even more than she did, so that I could take her swimming or play a new game with her. I relished my time with the sack of pure energy. I often wondered if one of the servants would sneak sugar into her meals. That type of energy just wasn't…natural.

And. Really, I didn't have much of a right to complain about Sesshoumaru anymore. He was far more agreeable to be around, and getting better. He slept with me every night, hands off, but there. Just his presence was comforting and the fact that he could restrain himself when no other men could was amazing. A part of me hoped he wasn't gay. But that part was slapped, because I could almost swear I could see the random glimmer in his eyes that my mind told me was a side effect of concealed desire. I had a husband who could contain himself, but who still seemed to want me. How lucky was I? Even if he was a jerk still sometimes. Yet, the fact that we were not 'together' perturbed me slightly. Ok, maybe a little more than slightly. I couldn't think of anything wrong. Really, it bugged me.

"Maki…" I pulled the old youkai to the side one day while she was passing my door and led her into my room to sit on my bed.

"What is it, Kagome-sama?" she looked at me calmly, expectantly. I wrung my hands.

"Is there-has Sesshoumaru ever told you about a 'condition' that I might have?"

"What type of condition would that be, Kagome-sama?"

I blanched. Did I really have to go into details?

"Uh..well…a condition so that I couldn't…you know…"

"I'm sorry, Kagome-sama, but I do not think I know."

I coughed. This was embarrassing. Like come to school in underwear embarrassing.

"You know…" I looked at her helplessly.

"Sorry…"

"You know!" I made a gesture with my hands.

"Oh. That." she remarked offhandedly.

"Yeah. That."

"I'm sorry, what was the question again, Kagome-sama?" screw going to school in underwear, this was going to school stark naked and painting yourself neon pink and green plaid. Every last inch.

I relayed my question.

"Hmmmmm…." she furrowed her brow thoughtfully. I could swear she was having a go at me… "hmmmmm…." I was practically in a sweat now. "no."

"Wha-?"

"Sorry, Kagome-sama, but I can't recall ever hearing Sesshoumaru-sama mentioning a condition of yours." If Red Lobster had needed a mascot to stand outside and advertise shrimp platters for half off, I would have been their girl, I was fuming.

"You mean to say-"

"But," Maki cut in quickly, a strange look spreading across her face. "if you are wondering of the reason Sesshoumaru-sama is distant in bed, it is because of his respect for yourself."

"what." I looked at her, underwhelmed.

"Yes, you see, you and Sesshoumaru-sama have not been binded long and you expressed your wishes to get to know Sesshoumaru perfectly and for time for you to settle in properly. Sesshoumaru-sama is honoring your request."

Cartoon impression. Jaw drops to floor.

"Really now?"

"Yes, Kagome-sama."

"Sure?" I squeaked.

"Would I lie to you, Kagome-sama?" she asked, her eyes bright.

"O-ok. Th-Thank you, Maki. I'll leave you alone now. I'm sure you have plenty of work to do." I muttered numbly. I didn't know what to think.

A withered, kind hand rested on my shoulder and I looked up into Maki's crinkled, happy eyes. There was something akin to enjoyment and youth in them.

"When you are ready, you may tell him then. But do not think badly of him, for he is just doing as you wished. Be kind to him, Kagome-sama. He is hard to understand, but he needs someone who will try to. Keeping his promise is Sesshoumaru-sama's way of showing his affection. Do not be angry with him…"

I nodded dumbly and she rose to leave my bedroom.

"Oh, and Kagome-sama." I stared up at her, not quite seeing straight. "Do not tell Sesshoumaru-sama of your knowledge about this. It would serve better to be left unspoken. I believe you understand. And…it may embarrass him." she winked, sliding my shoji door open.

"Huh. Him, embarrassed? The only thing that would make him embarrassed is-oh, I know him too well, don't I, Maki?"

She smiled and slid the door shut behind her.

That afternoon, I decided that it was time to fulfill my wifely duties. Or at least test them out. The idea of losing my virginity still scared me. Perhaps I could just show him more affection…

_______________________________________________________ __

"Are you not supposed to be teaching Rin, at this moment?" his calm, smooth voice cut through the air of the library, but left no wound.

"She went with Kero and Jaken today to some town nearby to get some stuff. They took Ah-Un. They should be back in a couple hours.

"I see. Why was I not informed of this?"

"Well, control freak," I huffed "I am the lady of this house and I have taken Rin on like a daughter, so I may as well be able to be somewhat in charge of her. What would happen if you were to go off to battle of something? Would you leave the citadel in the hands of Jaken? I hope not. I would be watching over it. So until you figure out that I should have some say in things, I'll just do things without your knowledge. Reassuring thought, isn't it?" I smirked. He sighed; he looked tired, if that was possible.

"What are you reading?" I walked over to me and glanced at the children's book in my hand. It was Rin's favorite, the one about the mouse and the cat and I was comparing it to the old scroll that had showed so many similarities, not to mention testing whether I had memorized the whole story yet. I tucked the scroll away, wishing to rub it in on him at a later time when I had finished reading it.

"You wouldn't care if I told you." I turned a page of the children's book, scanning its colorful pages.

"You do not know that." he remarked placidly.

"Ok. I'll tell you, but you can't criticize it."

He nodded once in agreement. So, I summed it up for him.

"So there's this cat who's pressured by all these other cats to catch a mouse." Sesshoumaru was staring at me, unblinking. I know its brazen, but I saw my chance and moved slowly closer to Sesshoumaru on the floor, his golden eyes boring into mine, nearly hypnotizing me. "But one day a mouse saves him by warning him of an oncoming danger" I was a foot away from him now, he hadn't been that far away to begin with, and it was getting hard to think. All that filled my mind was 'if I kissed him, would I embarrass myself or him?'. "and the cat decided that it would kill that mouse because it did not want to be indebted to a mouse." I was half a foot away now, blinking into his unmoving eyes that were locked onto my face. "but through some coincidences, the cat gets to know the mouse and they became very good friends. Eventually, the cat falls in love with the mouse…" I was two inches from his face, leaning forward towards him, not of my own will anymore. Almost as if it were a command… his beautiful, entrancing eyes. "and when the time came, the cat could not kill the mouse because it had fallen to deeply in love." An inch away now, his almost undetectable breath warming my skin. "And the cat let the mouse go, out of pure friendship and love." I whispered, my lips brushing his for a second that seemed to last a minute. In my head, there was a dull pounding, asking me if I loved this person in front of me, if I could spend the rest of my life with him. I replied numbly that I had too, so I may as well love him. The dull pounding seemed to changed to dull laughter, laughing at me.

"It is a child's story, a meaningless fable." he responded, his lips brushing mine this time. I hadn't noticed that his arms had partially encircled me, not touching me, but there, trapping me, sheltering me.

"You said you wouldn't criticize it." we weren't even a breath apart.

"I lied."

"Not surprising." With that, I closed the distance between us and kissed him tenderly, a warmth coming from it that felt safe and comfortable. I didn't wrap my arms around him, I didn't entwine my fingers in his hair. I just gave him the most honest kiss I could with such a lack of experience, and hoped that he would understand my meaning.

I broke away from him, slightly out of breath. I stood and smoothed down my kimono-a lovely gray and green one-and walked to the door, tossing him the story as I left.

" I forgot that Rin's clothes need washing before she gets back. I need to take them to Kaji. And by the way," I pointed at the book resting in his hand " you could learn a thing or two from children's fables. Someday I'll have to read it to you with the character voices that Rin likes so much." I smiled warmly and left.

Silently, I wondered if it was surprising when I lied.

I hadn't talked to him the rest of the day and I was to nervous to even come close to him that night when his slid in my bed. I lay there, eyes shut, breathing slow, controlled breaths, hoping he would think I was asleep. I almost gave myself up when I nearly jumped as I felt his arms circle around my waist and hug my body to his. Then I became worried and forgot my game of play sleep.

"What happened today?" There had to be a reason he was acting as he was.

"My half brother came to take something which he does not deserve."

"I'm sorry. Don't worry about it."

"I won't." His arms tightened around me. I kept my eyes shut, feeling nervous, an odd feeling of discomfort in my stomach, maybe even betrayal…? But why would I feel that, I was with my husband after all. It ate at me until I felt a hand run down my cheek and brush a strand of hair out of my face. I forgot the feelings of uneasiness and could feel only warmth as I snuggled into his body. Everybody deserves at least one easy night of sleep.

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The rose bush had lost all its blooms, but new sprouts were growing in, bright and green, promising many wonderful things to come.

Maybe it was just my hope getting in the way, but it seemed that after that day, Sesshoumaru had become much more open with me. He began to tease me much less seriously and much more often and I couldn't help but smile and be shocked at his sometimes nearly content demeanor. It seemed completely out of place and it seemed to remind me of someone else, but it was relieving and I enjoyed the change. Somewhere, I hoped that I had helped bring out the change. But, it was almost scary how he could be so cold one second and have a devious, almost enjoyable expression the next.

"You know, when you smile, you're almost approachable…" I had commented lightly the one day at breakfast where I had made a smart comment about toad youkai antics. I guess he had found it amusing, because the most amazing thing had happened. He smiled. A true, genuine smile, albeit somewhat scary coming from him, but a smile nonetheless.

"Then I will be sure to never do so again." he had teased seriously.

"Yeah…your face might shatter into tiny little slivers almost as small as your heart."

"My dear Kagome, you are not one to speak."

"What do you mean! I smile a whole lot more than you do, Prince Personality!"

"I was not referring to how often you smile, Kagome. I was referring to your face. It has obviously broken at least once or twice…" the corners of his mouth lifted up again and he smiled as I steamed in my spot. The guy really knew how to push by buttons. But, that was what he wanted. "Yet, I do not understand your comment about my heart, for-"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot you don't have one at all…oops. Didn't mean to rub it in."

"Kagome, I will not tolerate disrespectful remarks in this household. Vile manners are punished." I was just about to tell him just how much of a hypocrite he was when I looked into his face. There was a devious smirk on his lips and his eyes were narrowed, like a panther waiting to strike its prey. It sent shivers down my spine that may or may not have been welcome. But I almost had to laugh. Sesshoumaru was playing with me. Sesshoumaru wanted a hunt. So, as any righteous wife would do, I'd give him a hunt. I dropped my chopsticks and was out of the dining room, streaking down the hallways in two seconds flat. I knew Sesshoumaru would be hot on my trail, he was a demon after all, and a dog demon to say the least. I hoped he didn't have any blood hound in him.

I took off, heading for the garden, flying past Maki.

"Good mor-"

"Morning, Maki!" I called back, throwing myself out of a door and into the garden. I ran over towards the vegetable garden where Fumie was working happily, digging up old earth and turning it over to reveal the rich, dark soil.

"Fumie-" I panted.

"Wha-what's wrong-" her eyes lit up worriedly.

"If Sesshoumaru comes, tell him I'm hiding in the garden. Over by the pond, please!"

"Of course-"

"Thanks, Fumie! You're great!" I took off in the opposite direction, slipping back into the house through a back door. I ran to the servants quarters and jumped in a pantry-like closet then back out, leaving my sent everywhere possible. Just as a door was sliding open, I slipped out stealthily and darted down the halls, full speed. Halfway to my room I ran straight into Jaken. I grabbed him by the collar as I went and carried him, while running as fast as possible.

"Jaken, tell Sesshoumaru I've run past you, heading towards my room. Just do it," I set him down on a passing table and turned a corner, sprinting the rest of the way to the library.

I slid open the door, turned and closed it with a quick snap. I clutched my chest, gasping for breath and bent my head on the door, trying to subdue my racing heart. Suddenly, I screamed as an arm reached around my waist from behind. Another hand covered my mouth, muffling my cries.

"Punishment, Kagome, is even worse for those who flee it." he whispered quietly in my ear, sending chills through every last particle of my body.

Observe as the Sesshoumaru in his native habitat plays the prey into his hands, watching it squirm in them before devouring it with the satisfying success of an accomplished hunter.

I growled lightly and bit down on his hand. He didn't jerk away, but dropped the hand covering my mouth.

I made to turn around and his hand provided me the leverage, but remained about my waist. If he thought I would give in easily just because he was…extremely sexy… and very strong, well he had another thing coming, even if I was his wife.

"You know…you're right…" I took a small step, closing the distance between us. I reached up and traced his jaw line slowly, finally bringing my fingers to rest on his lips. "your right Sesshoumaru…but…" I pressed my body against his and the hand around my waist pulled me even closer. I could feel the chiseled features of his chest against mine. I reached up and brought his face down to mine slowly, tracing my fingers back over his lips. I raised my head up until our lips were millimeters away. I could feel his breath on my face, warm. I moved my lips, barely skimming his.

"Unless you can flee successfully. Got you." With that, I shoved him back and took off, down the hall again. I ran with all my might, my heart pounding in my chest for more than one reason. I skidded to a halt in front of my room door and shoved the door open. I scrambled to shut it, but a hand shot out and stopped it, a good foot from being closed.

"Ah…Sesshoumaru…" I stepped back and he slid the door open, stepping inside, stoic face once again masking his emotions. "Heh heh…I uh…." He was scary like that, seemed like a walking statue, cold and unforgiving. He turned and slid the door closed behind him. "Um..about…" I backed away as he turned once again and started to walk towards me slowly, torturously. "Yeah, well you've had your fun, right! It's just a game…come on Sesshoumaru…you won." I had gotten back an ounce of bravery only to loose it immediately-he was the only one that could do that to me- as I realized that he may be mad now. In fact, he had every reason to be. But I was perfectly mistaken.

I backed up, amazingly, into a wall. Damn clichés! Cruel fate. I stood there like a cornered animal, waiting for the impending doom as Sesshoumaru approached. He reached a hand out and it cupped my face firmly yet carefully. He took another step forward.

"I'm not used to being bested, Kagome." He stared down at me, a calm, unreadable look in his eyes. One that I thought looked similar to the way he looked at Rin, but it was different. It was unique and new in a deeper way.

"Well, with me around, you better get used to it." I tried to smile mischievously, but it was wasted. The look on his face was completely serious. He placed a hand against the wall, forming a semi-cage around me. His thumb stroked my cheek slowly. I could feel the red rising in my face as he brought his lips down to meet mine. At first, I was so shocked I didn't know what to do. I stood there, completely numb. I was so nervous that my body began to shake. This seemed wrong, but I was his wife, and maybe it didn't seem so wrong when I thought about it.

After a moment, my body betrayed my mind and I found myself responding to his kiss. He took my lenience as a welcoming and deepened the kiss, parting my lips to roam them freely. My heart pounded frantically in my chest as I welcomed the new sensations, squirming in all the new feelings. I wrapped my arms around his neck, entangling them in his hair as he intensified our kiss, running his tongue along my teeth. I reveled in the feeling as he explored my mouth greedily. I, in turn, responded, testing my mouth in his. He picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me across the room, placing me on the bed. I was almost quaking with nervousness. The thought that I was still young kept repeating in my head, but my reasoning quelled it. I was his wife, I was married, I would have to be mature, and…I had started to realize the last few days…I could love this man if need be. This enigma, this cold-hearted creature. I could love him. I didn't move as he slashed the top of my kimono with his claws then undid his own haori, his eyes never once leaving mine. He bent down and took my lips in his once again, chewing tenderly. I could taste the taint of copper as one of my lips grazed one of his sharp fangs. His hands worked their way down, reaching to slash apart the tie that held the rest of my kimono together, when-

"Sesshoumaru-sama, there-EEP!" Jaken stood, frozen, then seemed to realized what he had walked in on. "Please forgive this humble Jaken, Sesshoumaru-sama. I did not mean to-"

"Leave, Jaken." Sesshoumaru growled, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Y-yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!" The door shut-click-as fast as it had opened.

I stared at the door, trying to get over the fact that this was the second time the toad had found me in a compromising position. He was getting way too much show from me. I felt eyes on me and turned my head back to look at Sesshoumaru. There was almost a pained look on his face, like he was fighting something. Sure, I was his wife, but that meant I should make sure he did what he needed to.

"Jaken wouldn't just come in without reason." I had threatened to skin him alive and hang his hide outside of my door as a warning to others if he ever came into my room again without knocking…

I looked Sesshoumaru straight in the eye. "Something important is happening." He looked as if he were about to say something, but I stopped him, just in case. "Go check. It needs to be done."

Amazingly, no, astoundingly, he did not berate me for telling him what to do and he did not attempt to take charge of the situation. He merely got up and tied his haori on. He paused in the doorway, something slightly off about his movements. It scared me. Sesshoumaru was not one to seem unsure about his decisions. So, I smiled at his back and called out to him.

"I didn't know you cared!" I said jokingly. That's my habit. Whenever something's uneasy, I joke. It's not as much to reassure others, as it is to reassure myself. "Sesshoumaru, you shouldn't worry so much, I'm your wife. I'm stuck with you for the rest of my life. I'll be right here!" I laughed as lightly as I could.

He turned to me, a look of utter seriousness on his face.

"That's what I'm worried about."

"You creep!" I threw a pillow at his head, missed, and got to watch him close my door, an almost contemplative look on his features, expertly covered by his smirking.

______________________________________________________________ _______

"Yes, on the outskirts of your territories on the southern front line-the forest."

"Why was I not notified of this before?" I could hear the low tones of Sesshoumaru's words. Apparently Jaken was telling him something important.

"I-I was not informed until very recently, Sesshoumaru-sama, and then you were-"

"Does he seem stronger?"

"The Hanyou Filth? No, he appears just as he had last time we encountered him, although I believe he may have mastered a new attack of Tetsusaiga's."

My brain went 'clink' and I registered that I had heard that name before. Tetsusaiga. So familiar….

"Very well. I will leave shortly. Ready Ah-Un."

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama."

Ah-Un…Sesshoumaru leaving…ok, so I had been eavesdropping. No, not eavesdropping, information gathering. Unfortunately, I didn't react fast enough when Jaken left, trying to walk right through me, who happened to be on the other side of the door. I slid over to the side, behind the door. Jaken, thank goodness, wasn't alert enough to know if a badger was latched onto his head. I was safe.

"Kagome, it is not suitable for you to hide behind walls." I gulped and stepped out to stare at his feet.

"You have to leave?" I asked, sounding more helpless than I would have liked to.

"Yes."

"Can I come with you? I'm handy with bows and healing." If I could list my advantages…

"Why would I need am archer or healer?"

"But aren't you going to some fight or battle, or something." Ok, I felt like a complete prat now.

"Yes."

"Well then? I promise I won't get in your way. You won't have to worry about me at all. I can take care of myself." At this he gave a reproachful nod. "And in case someone gets hurt…on scene nurse! And I want to see what you have to do, first hand. What do you have to lose?"

He studied my eyes for quite some time, but I never felt as if he actually saw them. There was conflict in his face. Again, it made me nervous. The evasiveness of his character had an uneasy effect on me. He was being careful about something. Too careful.

"More than you might think. You are not coming, Kagome. I will leave the castle in your care while I am gone. Watch over Rin and give orders if necessary. I will alert all servants of the change of authority. I should not be gone long."

I started to argue but he cut me off with that way of his that makes everything seem final.

"I can trust you, can I not, Kagome?"

I smiled. "All relationships need trust, Sesshoumaru. Promise me you wont let your pride lead you to stupid decisions. It's something an egotistic demon like you would do." I hugged him quickly and released him before his walked out of the door and to where I could only see with my imagination.

I watched the door slide shut, his footsteps echoing in my mind. I knew he could defend himself. He was amazing. I had seen him practicing in the citadel dojo before and I know that there are few who could match him. Still, something did not settle right. Something ringed too many bells. I knew he would be fine, but I couldn't help it.

"Be safe. Come back."

_________________________________________________________________ ____

I went about my daily routine as usual. I gave Rin her lessons (I was teaching her poetry now-man, was that…interesting…I think her and Jaken should collaborate on a piece together), helped Fumie and Wakiko with any extra duties, and even managed to fit in a bath. But I no longer gave Rin swimming lessons, and the servants seemed to have things pretty wrapped up what with Kero's new help, so I had found an increasing amount of time to my self the few days before. Now, don't get me wrong, I treasure time to myself. It lets me relax and really think about things, sometimes from a different, better perspective. But in this case, I got to really thinking about things, things I really hadn't given the time of day before. It was amazing how in a house with so many nice, kind friends, I could feel lonely. It wasn't a normal, depressing loneliness, it was more as if something was missing. I'm not dense and I do not go into denial, so after a moment, I knew exactly what that something was that was missing.

In truth, I was usually busy keeping an eye on Rin or helping Maki and Kaji, and I really hadn't ever spent much of my day in the presence of Sesshoumaru. Really, he almost had no affect on my days, yet he had the biggest influence. All my memories that I still had included him. He was always there, underneath, a presence which, now matter how little, was there on the edges of my subconscious. Every move I made, was partly, a result of, him. It was sweet, maybe a tiny bit romantic, and very freaky. I would not be sleeping in the room that I called my own if it were not for him. I would not be sleeping in that room with him, if….it were not for him. In a way, I found his underlying presence reassuring, yet I did not like the fact that pieces of my life were controlled because I was his wife. Domino effect. One decision, on event, leads to another and so on and so on. Bleh. Not that the dominos had been at all unkind to me. But also, I knew that, just as the dominos lead to more dominos, they could also, with the slightest breath, fall and knock down all in the past and future, in a mere second, destroying all. Everything is delicate. Everything. I was aware of this, and decided that I would do my best to do whatever I could for the relationship between Sesshoumaru and myself. Not that I would give in to any of his hypocrite, I'm-so-above-you crap.

Perhaps, I could love him.

________________________________________________________________

It must have been around midnight when I felt a body clamber into my bed.

"Hello, Sesshoumaru…" I muttered drowsily. Someone giggled sadly. I turned over to find great big eyes an inch from my face. I almost screamed and Rin giggled again. I caught my breath and let out a sigh of relief.

"What's wrong, Rin? Why aren't you asleep?"

Rin shifted a bit and looked at me, almost guiltily.

"I had a bad dream again. Can I sleep with Kagome-okasan?" She smiled almost dully.

"Of course, Rin. Tell me what it was about."

Rin shifted under the covers and pulled them up around her small form.

"It was the same one that Rin had last time I came to sleep with Kagome-okasan." She muttered, twiddling her fingers. I thought it was cute how she shifted in her talking between first and third person. An confused child who understood more than most people do.

"Do you want to tell me what happened in the dream? Sometimes that helps." I said as comfortingly as I could. She nodded quietly.

"Kagome-oksan….In Rin's, in my dream, Kagome-okasan…you leave Rin and Sesshoumaru-sama and Jaken-sama. You go away and you leave Rin alone and don't come back…" tears were forming in her large eyes and I hugged her to me, running a hand over her hair, smoothing it down.

"Rin-chan…you know I would never leave you. I may not always be here, but I promise to always come back to you. You should know that I would never abandon you or Sesshoumaru-sama or even Jaken-sama. I love you all too much to do that."

She looked up at me, pleadingly. "Promise?"

"Promise." I held out my pinky to her and told her about pinky swears-something that had come back with my memories of the future world- and in the end, we both made a pinky swear, she promising to always remember me, and I promising to always come back to her.

She snuggled close to me and I felt a bit of the warmth that had been missing come back. I had gotten used to sleeping with somebody I cared for right next to me. It's odd, these small human comforts. I hugged her to me and stroked her hair until she fell asleep, snoring quietly into my nightclothes.

I wished with all my heart that I could keep my promise.

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That night, no more than three or four hours later, a loud noise rang through the house and I felt someone shaking me.

"Kagome-sama…Kagome-sama wake up!" someone whispered hurriedly. I opened my eyes groggily to see Fumie staring down at me pleadingly. I clambered out of bed, careful not to wake Rin. Fumie pulled me outside into the hall and whispered a few hurried sentences into my ear. I stared shocked for a second and took off down the hallways, tearing through the doors and into the garden then to the front gate where Minori and Wakiko were opening the gate hurriedly. I slid through it as soon as I could and ran out, searching the dark for a white form. Finally I spotted it, coming towards me. I sprinted to it as fast as I could.

"Sesshoumaru!-" I cried out softly. I pulled his arm around my shoulder, hoping to support him.

"I'm fine, Kagome. I am able to walk." he muttered stiffly.

"Well I'm helping you." I bit out tersely. I supported him all the way until we got to the door of the castle, then called for Minori to help him. When Minori was there, I barked out orders to the servants.

"Maki, Kaji, I'll need some hot water." Maki and Kaji ran off to the kitchen wordlessly. "Wakiko, bring the yellow pack from my room into Sesshoumaru's…and don't wake Rin." She nodded and hurried off in front.

"Sesshoumaru, I'm sorry, but I have to get the right medicine." he nodded and I sped ahead to Sesshoumaru's room.

When I threw the door back, Wakiko had already brought in my back pack. I hurried over to it and began throwing out different supplies. I finally found a medical kit and rummaged through it, producing disinfectant and antibacterial medicine, just as Minori and Fumie were bringing in Sesshoumaru. They laid him down on the bed and removed his shirt. I contained a gasp at the wound in the left side of his stomach. It was bleeding pretty badly, so I grabbed the bed sheets and tore them into strips, placed them over the wound and applied pressure as fast as I could.

"Sesshoumaru…what happened to you?" I asked myself.

"Even I sustain injuries from time to time. It cannot be helped." he replied, making me jump. "I will be fine in a days time."

"I don't care how super-youkai you are, this is serious, and I'm taking care of it." I replied sharply, taking the bucket of water Maki and Kaji brought into the room. "Thank Kami-sama it looks like at least you stop bleeding sooner."

"Our blood produces natural coagulants sooner than a human's."

"That's good, because otherwise, you'd be dead by now, you dolt!" I felt warm liquid running down my cheeks as I lifted the clothes and began to sponge the wound clean of the dry blood. I hadn't realized I was crying.

It was still bleeding, so I covered it again and sat, my hands on his stomach for who knows how long, the warm tracks on my face never cooling.

I felt a hand cover my own and I looked up to see him staring at me, his eyes unmoving, but holding something that seemed to fight against him. His other hand rose to wipe away a warm track that a tear had left behind. I closed my eyes, bringing one hand up to cover his on my face, the other one still pressing on his wound.

"You know.." I brought his and my hand down, placing them both on the cloth that was turning red more slowly now. "I missed you, you cocky hypocrite." I smiled lopsided at him and he smirked back at me. "But then you had to come home like this and bloody up the floors…" I smiled even more. "I don't think I can forgive you for ruining my house."

"Your house?"

"My house. Although, perhaps we can somehow turn it into a motif. If Fumie and get to it while it's still wet, we could make that red flower design that you have on you hoari out of the blood you leaked everywhere." I smiled thoughtfully. "Yeah…"

"My thoughts on humans were correct. You are all mentally unstable."

"It's all relative, Sesshoumaru." I smiled. "One man's blood is another man's mosaic for the entry hall." I stated philosophically. His lips quirked.

"It's stopped bleeding."

"Huh?" I looked down at the rag which was now covered in dry red-brown. "Right." I soaked another rag in water and placed it on the ones covering his wound until they were wet and peeled them off, careful not to start the bleeding again. I washed up his wound and applied liberal doses of disinfectant- "more people die from infections than the actual wound in these times!"-and wrapped him up carefully, but tightly enough to stop any bleeding that might start again.

"Sesshoumaru, you try to get some sleep."

"I do not need the amount of sleep that you humans require."

"Did you sleep at all while you were gone?"

"No."

"Then even you, Inutaiyoukai, need it."

"I can not merely sleep when I wish to."

I stared at him for a few minutes, hoping to scare him into sleep or something, I guess, but it was futile. The man remained awake, staring at me.

"Fine." I huffed. "Then tell me about the battle. Tell me exactly what happened so I can tell you exactly how it would have been better if I were there." I crossed my arms and leaned back, waiting for his explanation."

"It is not necessary."

"No, but I want to know."

"It is not you business to worry about."

"I'm your wife." I spat out. He stared at me, stoically.

"It was a battle against a demon named Naraku."

I smiled triumphantly, with a win well acknowledged.

"The very one who had his detachment erase your memory and who has performed many unacceptable mishaps towards myself."

I gasped. "How did you know about it."

He seemed a bit uneasy. He paused before answering. "I was informed by ones on the lookout for him." I didn't feel like pressing the matter, so I didn't say anything.

"Tell me what happened." I pressed on, checking his bandages.

"I arrived on the edge of my territory where I was told that Naraku was engaged in a battle, which he was. Seeing as I had wanted to destroy the filth for some time, I joined in." He then told me all of the details of the battle that I asked for, how he had been injured. It had actually been noble. He had attacked Naraku, distracting him while another delivered the last blow of the battle. Naraku had been blown to pieces losing all of the shards of the jewel Sesshoumaru had told me about after fighting the oni, but had escaped somewhere to regenerate.

"Who were the people you fought against him with?" I asked, realizing he had never relayed any names other than Naraku's which I had already known. He looked at me, his face covered with a mask that I could not read. I wanted to know, but if it was that difficult for him to tell me, I could forget about it, but I didn't get time to tell Sesshoumaru that.

"A houshi, Taijiya, and hanyou." he said slowly, calmly.

"Houshi, Taijiya, hanyou." I repeated back. Bells were ringing in my head, sounding something. The only thing I could think was that perhaps I had known these people. "What was the taijiya's name?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I do not know it."

"The houshi's?"

"I believe it started with an M." There was something wrong, Sesshoumaru had an odd look on his face. Perhaps he hadn't told me everything about the battle. Was he injured somewhere else?

"If there's something you're not telling me, please do. You're not hurt anywhere else, are you?" I scanned his body instinctively. He shook he head.

"One wound and you have taken well enough care of that." Reassured, I brushed that aside, returning to the unsettling feeling in my stomach.

"Did any of them..were any of them killed?" I asked, feeling pale.

"No. The monk was hit unconscious and the hanyou received a minor wound."

"Oh, that's good." I stated matter-of-factly. I wanted to know what was setting off alarms inside me. "What does the taijiya look like?"

"Black hair, carries a boomerang weapon. I do not pay much heed to mere humans, let alone taijiya." his tone was slightly annoyed now, but I pressed further.

"The houshi?"

Sesshoumaru was beginning to look slightly anxious, I had learned to read the tiniest changes in his face. Worried that perhaps his wound had started bleeding again, I checked it, but saw nothing wrong. Sesshoumaru sat up, the sheet sliding down to show his wrapped stomach and bare chest, his hair pooling over his shoulders. I turned completely to face him, bring my legs onto the bedding.

"The monk, what does he look like?" I was rubbing my hands together, for some reason anxious just like Sesshoumaru.

"Black hair, carries a staff, has a curse in his right hand. I do not give much attention to a houshi, either."

"And-"

"The hanyou."

"Yes, what does he look like?" Sesshoumaru sighed visibly, not bothering to disguise it in front of me. He looked me in the eye, but it wasn't a cold or hard gaze. There was something else there that I had never seen before. An emotion that I could not name, filling his movements, expressions, contrasting murderously to his normally stone qualities. It scared me and perplexed me at the same time. What could possibly be wrong? Who are those people? But I would not bother him about it if it caused unwanted feelings. I can't stand seeing people upset, it upsets me also.

"Are you so bent upon learning of other men? Does being married to myself not satisfy you?" He questioned me strictly. I gaped, straggling for words.

"WHAT?!" I screeched at the top of my lungs. "Sesshoumaru, you know that's not what I meant by it! You know I don't think of any other man every hour I'm awake, no one else haunts me and scares me and makes me as happy as you do! I'm your wife, how could you accuse me of that!" I was outraged, and saddened that he would think of something like that. "I love you, you sardonic bastard!" I whispered. "And you go around making assumptions like that! It makes me wonder exactly how loyal of a husband you are!" I rose quickly, ready to leave and not speak to him for as long as it took. But a hand grasped mine and I allowed myself to be pulled back, into Sesshoumaru's embrace. Only then did I look at him and see a sad, happy smirk.

"Wipe that look off your face right now!" I yelled at him, pointing an accusing finger into his chest. "Or I'll-"

"What? Yell at me? You won't do anything, Kagome."

"And how exactly do you know that?!"

"You said it yourself. You love me."

I lost all steam, my heart rate slowed back to normal, and I wiped tears that, once again, I hadn't realized I'd been crying. I pulled back and glowered at him and he smirked at me, then pulled me into a tight embrace. He had decided something. The turmoil that had been there…he had broken it. There was something he had decided and it scared me.

"But you don't know, you don't remember. You don't understand what you feel." I listened to him speaking, but it didn't make any sense. He wasn't making any sense. He sighed, but I only knew because i could feel it run through his chest. "I'll tell you, Kagome." I was going to ask him what exactly he was going to tell me, but he didn't let me. "He has silver hair, the same as mine, and gold eyes, the same as mine." Something seemed to click in the back of my mind, but I couldn't tell what it was. "He has claws, and white, dog ears on his head." My mind was racing, tiny clips of something, someone flipping before my eyes like an unreadable book. "He wears red nu-hakama made from the fur of the fire rat and carries a sword made from his father's fang, the tetsusaiga. Pictures were now showing randomly, at amazing speeds. Glimpses of red and silver. Sesshoumaru pushed me back gently and bent down to kiss me. It was a soft kiss, much like the one I had given him in the library. There was hardly any substance, but more depth than anyone could imagine. He pulled back shortly and held me to him chest, his arms encircling me tighter than ever before, as if I would disappear. "His name.." He placed a hand on the back of my head and held me to him with the other. "is Inuyasha."

I shuddered, an immense pain threatening to split my forehead. Images of the hanyou that Sesshoumaru describes raced before my eyes, images of the hanyou fighting, sitting by a campfire. I clung to Sesshoumaru's back, my whole mind feeling as if it would break. Pictures of the hanyou with black hair and human eyes, clips of the hanyou with a monk and a taijiya, images of the hanyou with me. Of Inuyasha with me.

I fell, my weight leaning against Sesshoumaru's form. I was sobbing into his shoulder, into his hair. I remembered. I was sobbing, crying with everything I had. I buried my face into Sesshoumaru's shoulder.

My sobs quieted and stayed, clinging to Sesshoumaru's back. Tears rolled down my cheeks, but they were silent. Finally, my voice came to me, but I could only speak one word.

"Inuyasha."

I cried into Sesshoumaru's shoulder, but his arms had fallen from around me and lay on the bed, empty.

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AN:Hello everyone. I'm really sorry this took so long to write but I kind of lost my thread and then I put it off. And the last week, I've been preparing projects for finals and so on. As a result, I gave you a very late, very bad chapter. I may rewrite it, better. I'm really sorry, but I promise that I'll make the last chapter as good as I can. So, look forward to the next and last chapter of TCTTW with a clean slate for me. But, please still tell me what you thought of this chapter. It was very difficult for me to write and Sesshoumaru is sooo out of character. Oh well. It was required. Next chapter: memories are stirred, feelings are suppressed, and what Kagome does with her life. See you then! The last chapter!

Japanese terms used:

Inutaiyoukai-basically, a very strong dog demon

Houshi-Buddhist monk/monk

Taijiya-demon exterminator

Obi- the large fabric thing used to tie a kimono