InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Bear Witness ❯ In Sesshoumaru We Trust ( Chapter 28 )

Disclaimer: {::singing like the 'Can Can' song::} I don't own so you no sue. I don't own so don't you dare sue. Suesuesuesuesue! I'm still mega broke and all you'll get is {::reaches inside her pockets::} 25 cents! Yeah!

Chapter Twenty-Eight: In Sesshoumaru We Trust

*6:04 AM Thursday, Kagome's Room*

Kagome glared at Ah as he left the room, the rope in his hands as he closed the door. She rubbed her wrist and ankles gently, grimacing at the faint rope burn she managed to receive trying to free herself from them. She sighed inaudibly, stood up, and went to the bathroom for a shower.

Kagome reemerged minutes later, deep in thought as she pulled on a pair of black cotton pants and a white tube top. 'How did I not see through him?' Kagome wondered for the umpteenth time. 'Am I that weak, to where I can't see past a simple sealing spell? And what of Inuyasha? Is he youkai too?'

"Well," Kagome said with a sigh, her fingertip glowing a feint pink. "There's only one way to find out. Inuyasha come."

Inuyasha appeared before he moments later, dripping wet with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. "What the hell?" He glared at Kagome irritably, frowning when she only glared back. "Can I help you, or do you get a thrill out of ogglin-"

"Drop it."

Inuyasha blinked owlishly, then smirked. "Why Kagome, I had no idea you were so forward. I already have a girlfriend so-"

"The sealing spell, jerk."

Inuyasha paled, stepping back as Kagome advanced on him. "What are you talking about?"

Kagome's eyes narrowed, her eyes glowing lavender as she raised her hand to him. "Either drop it or I purify you, no questions asked."

Inuyasha sighed, then closed his eyes. The air shimmered around him, and Kagome watched as his hair paled to a silvery white. Little triangle ears emerged on top of his head and his eyes were a dark amber when he opened them. "How did you know?" he asked her. Kagome shook her head, disregarding his question as she sat in a nearby chair and hung her head.

"I really am weak, aren't I?"

Inuyasha glanced at her, finally noticing her shoulder and her bandaged foot. "What the hell happened to you?"

"We were attacked," Kagome answered. "Sesshoumaru had to rescue me, if you can believe he would do such a thing."

"Why wouldn't he?" Inuyasha asked, taking a seat on her bed. "I mean, he does love you and all."

"He does not!" Kagome hissed, glaring at him. Inuyasha blinked and sat back as she stood up and poked him in the chest. "He only cares for himself."

"I take it you know about the dog in him."

Kagome snorted, shaking her head as she tried not to laugh. "Yeah, you could say that. Why didn't I see through you two? I mean, Kouga is one thing, but I should have been able to see him. Why couldn't I?"

"That would be because of the palace houshi," Inuyasha answered. "See, he created a few sealing spells for us so that we could blend in with humans."

"But that still doesn't say why I couldn't detect you," Kagome complained. Inuyasha sighed and motioned for her to sit beside him.

"Think: What's the one difference between youkai and human?"

"You mean other than super strength and vitality?"

"On a spiritual level Kagome," Inuyasha groaned. Kagome thought a moment, then shrugged. "Girls," Inuyasha grumbled, earning a tweak to his ears in response. "Hey! Don't do that!"

"Then explain!"

"Fine fine." Inuyasha rubbed his ears, then shook his head. "The difference is that humans have a purity inside them somewhere. It varies from person to person, with the strongest being inside mikos like yourself. Youkai and hanyou have very little purity, so that's why they die when they're purified. It's like an overdose."

"But wouldn't the absence of good make youkai evil creatures?" Kagome asked. Inuyasha shook his head.

"Not absence of good, absence of purity. That's different. It's like youki. That's why mikos become irate or change when youkai blood is introduced into their system."

"I didn't know that," Kagome said. "Is it all youkai blood that causes this?"

"Yeah, but I don't know the fundamentals of it."

"Oh." Kagome sighed, then rested her head in her hands. "I don't know what's real anymore."

"What's the matter Kagome?" Inuyasha asked, watching as a single tear fell from her hands. Kagome sighed again.

"You're brother is the matter. He's the miko killer."

"Don't start that!" Inuyasha growled defensively. "You have no idea what he's been through because of that!"

"Then tell me something Inuyasha!" Kagome yelled back. "If Sesshoumaru's not the miko killer, or the legend is wrong, then why didn't he tell me who he was?"

"He didn't tell you?" Inuyasha stopped, taking a moment to think. "Then how did you find out?"

"We were attacked by youkai; a lot of youkai. He had to change."

"Oh." Inuyasha shrugged. "I don't know Kagome. I thought he would tell you. I told Katrina."

"When?" Kagome whispered softly.

"It's been at least four months."

"That does nothing but prove my point," Kagome grumbled, flopping backward onto her bed.

"What point?"

"That Sesshoumaru never cared about me," Kagome answered. "If he did, then he would have told me just like you told Katrina. I don't want anything else to do with him."

"Look Kagome," Inuyasha said, moving from her bed to a nearby chair. "I can't tell you why Sesshoumaru didn't tell you about him being youkai, nor why he didn't tell you that he's the Western Taiyoukai. All I can tell you is that he never does anything without a reason, and that he really does care about you."

"yeah right."

Inuyasha sighed and tightened his grip on his towel. "Before you decide that you don't want to try making things work with him, try to find out why you don't want to."

"Huh?" Kagome sat up and glared at him. "What are you talking about?"

"Well, its obvious that you're pissed off, but why are you pissed off?"

"Because he lied to me!" Kagome answered quickly. "I hate him!"

Inuyasha nodded, holding up his hands in a sort of peace treaty. "Alright then, but why does it matter so much?" He smiled soothingly, reaching out to ruffle her still damp hair. "To be honest Kagome, I agree with you. He should have told you. Like I said though, I can't tell you why he didn't. Only he can do that. Maybe you should ask him."

"Maybe I don't care," Kagome sniffed. Inuyasha frowned, then stood up. "I don't know about that. Hey, can I ask you for a favor?"

"What is it?" Kagome asked.

"Send me back, then bring me back here in 10 seconds."

"Why?"

"I have yet to give Sesshoumaru his present." Inuyasha sighed at her frown, then turned sad puppy dog eyes toward her. "Please?" He twitched his ears, mentally smiling when she nodded in agreement.

"I bet you always win arguments with that," Kagome grumbled as she prepared to send Inuyasha back. Inuyasha grinned evilly. "Nah, you're the first one to fall for it."

"Jerk," Kagome grumbled. "Inuyasha go."

He disappeared in seconds, leaving Kagome in the room by herself. She sat on the foot of her bed, setting her stopwatch for 20 seconds. 'That should give him time to find some pants. How was I supposed to know that he wasn't dressed yet?'

She closed her eyes and relaxed, her mind replaying Inuyasha's words. 'Could he be right?' Kagome wondered absently. 'After all, it's not like Sesshoumaru could have said it during regular conversation. I can see it now. 'Kagome darling, this salad is wonderful. By the way, I'm the western taiyoukai you used to fear when you were six.' That would have went over real well.'

Kagome shook her head sternly, glaring at the door connecting her to Sesshoumaru's room. 'No excuses. He still could have told me. If Inuyasha could tell his girl, then he could have told me.' She sniffed, wiping at her eyes before glancing at the stopwatch. 'Time to bring him back.'

"Inuyasha come."

Inuyasha appeared in front of her, the towel replaced with a black pair of jeans. He held a square red velvet box in his hands. "Here you go Kagome."

"I thought you said this was Sesshoumaru's," Kagome said as she took the box. Inuyasha nodded.

"It is. I can't give it to him though. I have to go back right away. Sango and Miroku are looking for me. They've been worried about you."

"Why?" Kagome asked as Inuyasha scratched his chin. "I'm fine…sort of."

"To be honest, I don't know," Inuyasha answered. "They won't tell me a thing. It might have something to do with Sesshoumaru doing your progress reports for the past week."

'Week?' Kagome wondered as Inuyasha glanced outside. 'I've been out for a week?!'

"I've go to go Kagome," Inuyasha reminded her. "So send me back."

"OK."

"Oh, and Kagome?"

Kagome stopped mid circle. "Yeah?"

"Remember what I said. Not everything is as it seems."

Kagome frowned, but nodded. "I will. I'll give this to Sesshoumaru too."

"Thanks. Bye Kagome."

"Bye Inuyasha. Inuyasha go."

Inuyasha disappeared once again, leaving Kagome with Sesshoumaru's gift. 'Well,' she though as she opened her room door and limped down the hallway. 'May as well get this over with.'

Kagome stumbled down the hallway to the stairs, finally stopping at the landing. The stained glass window was boarded up, the glass shards no where to be seen as Ah and Un jumped at the sight of her.

"Kagome-chan," Ah greeted, frowning sadly as she merely stared at them. "How are you?"

"How long have I been asleep?" Kagome asked.

"One week to be exact."

"Not exactly," Un corrected. "You have been awake only once."

"Really?" Kagome sat on a nearby step. "I don't remember this."

"That's because you were in a great deal of pain when it happened," Ah answered as he and Un sat on either side of her. "You're shoulder was still bleeding, as was you're side."

"You nearly purified us," Un told her.

"Why?" Kagome asked, struggling to remember a third of what they were saying.

"Some youkai blood managed to mingle with your own. You were in a lot of pain because of it."

"That is true Kagome," Ah said gently at her disbelief. "Sesshoumaru-sama took it upon himself to purge it out of you."

Kagome touched the place where her neck and shoulder connected, glancing at the faint bite mark. "So that's where that came from."

"You were trying to purify the blood," Un continued. "And it was hurting in the process. Sesshoumaru-sama said that you thought you were on fire."

'Fire…' Kagome nodded slightly. 'I remember that…but I don't remember anything else.'

"We were so worried for you!" Ah exclaimed, he and Un hugging her. "We didn't know what to do!"

"I'm fine you guys," Kagome comforted, patting their heads. "I'm sorry I scared you. Can I ask you a couple of questions?"

They nodded.

"OK. Um, what happened to the other servants?"

Ah and Un exchanged uneasy glances, then sighed. "I guess she should know," Un said and Ah nodded in agreement.

"Know what?"

"That we're the only servants here," Ah answered.

"Why didn't you guys just say that before?" Kagome asked.

"Because we didn't want you to become suspicious."

"So the servant quarters only house you two?"

"That's correct."

"Oh. OK then. Second question: Why didn't you tell me you were youkai?"

Ah and Un hung their heads sadly. "Sesshoumaru-sama told us not to."

"Oh." 'Strike two.' Kagome stood and limped down the rest of the stairs, brushing off the twins' attempts to help her. "I'm fine you two. I just need to give Sesshoumaru something."

Their faces brightened instantly as they pointed to the kitchen. "He's in there."

"OK. Thanks."

Kagome left them behind, standing in the kitchen threshold and staring at the room ahead of her. Sesshoumaru sat at the bar in his human form, dressed in a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. His right elbow was propped on top of the counter, his forehead in his hand as he picked at a piece of cheesecake. He made no move to acknowledge her as Kagome crept into the room.

'You should forgive him Kagome,' a tiny voice in her subconscious advised. 'Look how miserable he is'

'He wouldn't be this way if he would have told me the truth,' Kagome reminded it, shutting it off completely as she sat the red box by Sesshoumaru's plate. He glanced at it, then returned to his plate.

"Inuyasha-"

He turned toward her instantly, his eyes shining in curiosity and relief as Kagome spoke. "Inuyasha said to give this to you."

"Inuyasha?" He picked up the box, then turned to her. "When did you see him?"

"Before I came downstairs. He says Merry Christmas. If you give me a few moments, I'll be ready to escort you to work."

"You shouldn't be moving around," Sesshoumaru told her as he reached out for her. Kagome took a step back instinctively, watching as his eyes widened, then hardened in understanding. "You're only going to injure yourself further."

"I'm sure you care," Kagome countered sarcastically. "But don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Now just give me a mom-"

"I'm not going to work," he said. He turned his back to her in dismissal. Kagome gawked, then huffed. "Fine." She flounced out the room as best she could, limping still. Sesshoumaru waited until she left, then stood up and threw the ruined pie in the trash.

Sesshoumaru opened the tiny box, revealing a small, golden pocket watch. He opened it, and on the inside were a picture of him and Kagome sleeping where the clock face should be. He glanced at the other side, finding the words

"It's about time…"

engraved on the other side. Sesshoumaru sighed heavily and put the watch in his pocket. 'If only it were…'

*Thursday 3:42 PM, Sesshoumaru's Office*

Sesshoumaru pushed away from the keyboard, his mind to scattered to truly focus on the information on the screen in front of him. He wearily rubbed the middle of his forehead, willing the massive migraine to go away.

'Who would have thought,' started his subconscious, eliciting a low moan from the taiyoukai. 'That one little human could cause so much stress.'

'I do not want to hear this,' Sesshoumaru replied back, turning to attempt the numbers once again. 'I have better things to do.'

'That you're not doing because of her,' his subconscious countered back. 'You would not have this problem if you'd only listen to me.'

'And where in our numerous conversations did you ever say to tell her about my lineage?' Sesshoumaru asked.

'Um….that's not important.'

"Figures," Sesshoumaru mumbled, reaching inside a nearby drawer for a bottle of Advil.

'Now you're just being factious,' it replied back. 'Besides, I'm talking about this grand scheme of yours that's managed to blow up in your face.'

'Now who's being encouraged by the little miko?'

'You're not listening.'

'I do try.'

'You're dry wit won't work on me,' it said smugly. 'I know you too well to be swayed by that. You're hurting inside, that's why you're so scatterbrained.'

'So you say.'

'So I know. Look, do you even know why she's upset?'

Sesshoumaru looked up as the door opened, watching as Kagome silently slipped between the mahogany doors and came into the room. She glanced at him a moment, a pained look crossing her face before her eyes hardened.

"I didn't mean to disturb you," she said quietly.

"Nonsense," Sesshoumaru assured her. "If you would like to take a seat-"

"No, I don't think so," Kagome interrupted. "I have a staff meeting to conduct." She reached down and picked up her attaché. "If you'll excuse me."

Instead of going to the break room like Sesshoumaru thought, Kagome opened the office doors and stepped into the hallway outside.

'She doesn't want to be in the same room with you.'

'So I've noticed,' Sesshoumaru answered with a heavy sigh. 'I don't know what to do.'

'You mean to tell me that you care?'

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, then leaned back into his chair. 'Yes, I do care.'

'About bleeding time!' the voice cheered. Sesshoumaru shook his head and waited as the voice continued. 'Have you tried talking to her?"

'You see how that went.'

'Oh yes. Quite. Well, you're going to have to talk to her. See what it is that's bothering her about you, and try to make it better.'

'Of course.' Sesshoumaru opened his eyes, a sudden epiphany clouding them as he considered the advice. 'Why didn't I think of that?'

'You just did, in a way.'

Sesshoumaru ignored this. 'That is all I have to do, isn't it? Just talk to her, see what it is that's bothering her, and fix it! It's not too late for this plan to work!'

'Um, Sesshoumaru,' the voice called as another plan began to whirl. 'That's not exactly what I had in mind.'

'This will be perfect,' Sesshoumaru continued, ignoring the little voice as it began to fade away. 'No surprises this time. This time everything will go as planned.'

'But Sesshoumaru- '

Sesshoumaru shut off the voice quickly, then returned his attentions to Kagome. 'Yes, this will be better than last time. This time I'll give her whatever illusion she desires for her to stay with me. Then I'll have what is mine.'

*8:06 PM Tuesday, Living Room*

Sesshoumaru peered into the living room, watching the silent occupant curiously.

Kagome sat on the floor before the fireplace, one of the thick blankets from the nearby closet wrapped around her shoulders. She seemed to be watching the fire intently, her dark ponytail flickering every now and again with her movements.

"Stop watching me Sesshoumaru. I'm not going to up and disappear."

"I don't know about that," Sesshoumaru replied, his calm demur belying his surprise at being detected. "May I sit down."

"Your house," Kagome answered dryly, sparing him a sideways glance as he sat down beside her. He crossed his legs beneath him, resting his hands in his lap as he too watched the fire. They sat in silence for a few moments, then Kagome sighed.

"Kagome, I want to talk-"

"I don't."

Sesshoumaru quirked a brow, then shook his head. "I think we should. We can't be efficient in our duties with this hanging over our heads. If it must be said, I am sorry."

"For what?" Kagome asked. "For not telling me, or me finding out in the first place?"

"Kagome, look-"

"Setting up for another lie I see."

"That was uncalled for," Sesshoumaru countered, growling slightly as he calmed his youki. "What is so important about my being youkai anyway?"

"You don't get it do you!" Kagome shouted, ignoring Sesshoumaru's cringe at the decimal. "You just don't understand!"

"Then help me to," Sesshoumaru smoothed, attempting to calm her growing temper. "Because you're right. I don't understand."

"I've done some thinking…and I realized that I'm not exactly angry with you."

Sesshoumaru blinked, having no doubt about the confusion that was so plain on his face as he turned to her. "You're…not? Then why-"

"I'm pissed, don't get me wrong," Kagome whispered, her eyes once again fixed on the fire. "But I realized that I'm only pissed because I'm hurt. I trusted you Sesshoumaru."

"But you don't now?"

"How could I?" Kagome answered honestly. "See, you're right about me not believing you. I would have laughed my head off if you'd have told me, then possibly freaked but at least you would have told me. I could have gotten used to it, but you never gave me the chance. You just-" She sighed, closing her eyes a moment before gazing down at the floor.

"You don't love me Sesshoumaru. I don't believe you ever did. If you did, you would have told me. You wouldn't have let me find out the way I did. You wouldn't have allowed me to feel like such an idiot. You didn't trust me to handle it.

"How can you love someone you don't trust?"

Sesshoumaru thought a moment, trying to find a way to answer her when Kagome stood up and began to leave the room. "Kagome, wait a moment."

"For what? What could you have to say that would possibly make this better?"

"Is it because I'm youkai?"

Kagome thought a moment, leaning against the doorframe as Sesshoumaru watched her. "It's that, and it's more than that. Goodnight Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru sat quietly as she left, her words replaying once again in his mind. 'She is right of course. But there must be some way to change her mind about me.'

How can you love someone you don't trust…

'Perhaps this isn't as hard as it seems,' Sesshoumaru thought. 'Maybe I'm trying too hard…or…' An evil smirk crossed his lips as a suitable plan began to form. 'I'm not trying hard enough…'

*1:53 PM Saturday, The Dojo*

Kagome stood in the middle of the room, watching as the purple ki flooded the room. 'I must remember to keep it contained,' she reminded herself as it lapped at the barrier she erected in front of the door. 'It wouldn't do to purify anyone by accident.'

'You may as well. After all, that's what you want.'

'That is not what I want,' Kagome countered as one of the four mannequins she placed around her blew apart.

'And why not?'

'Because it's not professional.' Another mannequin exploded, but the one in front of it was shielded by a pink bubble-like shield. Kagome observed behind purple-clouded eyes.

'Falling for him wasn't professional either, but you still did. Can't you find it in you to at least try to forgive him?'

'Nope.' Kagome sighed, pulling in her ki and transporting the splinters around her to the garbage outside. She teleported herself to her room, grabbing a duffel bag out of the closet before leaving the room.

"Kagome-chan?" Ah asked as she rounded the corner. "May I still call you that?"

"Of course Ah. I'm not mad at you or Un anymore. I understand that you were only following orders."

"But what of Sesshoumaru-sama?" Ah asked, flinching at the glare she sent his way.

"What of him?" Kagome sauntered past, tossing the duffle bag over her shoulder as she descended the steps. "If you need me, I'm at the pool."

*

Sesshoumaru growled lightly, then struck. "Damn it!" he snarled when smoke began to rise and sparks flew. "That's the third one this week!"

Un scrambled in the study moments later, fire extinguisher in hand. "Are you alright my lord?" he asked as he sprayed the flaming remains of the computer. Sesshoumaru nodded.

"Yes, I am. I need a break however. I'm going for a walk."

"Of course my lord," Un said as Sesshoumaru stepped past him. "Don't worry, I'll take care of this."

Sesshoumaru nodded as he walked down the hallway, grumbling as he brushed the smoke away from his plum silk shirt. 'Just great,' he grumbled. 'Another computer completely ruined. Whatever happened to my discipline?'

He strolled through the kitchen and out the patio door, surprised to find Kagome's scent leading toward the patio doors. He followed it instinctively, his nose leading him through the frozen gardens outside. The snow crunched beneath his shoes and stuck to his black trousers, yet he thought nothing of the cold weather as he reached the pool house.

He opened the door, sniffing gingerly as he glanced around the room. He thought Kagome to be gone at first, but then spied a single flicker of green in the middle of the pool. Sesshoumaru crossed the room toward her, attempting to gage whether or not she sensed him when he froze mid step.

He watched her a moment longer, finally taking the time to fully study her as she floated face down on the water's surface. She made no movements, her hair swirling darkly around her as she lied there motionless.

Panic suddenly gripped Sesshoumaru, tightening his chest as he dove into the water fully clothed. He swam to her quickly, his ears focusing on her faint heartbeat as he swam beneath her. 'Please don't be dead,' he chanted to himself as he propelled himself toward her. 'I don't know if the real Tenseiga still works. Please don't be dead.'

Arms wrapped around Kagome's waist, and an instant later she and Sesshoumaru sat on the side of the pool, Kagome angrily sputtering water.

"What the hell?" she gasped after a moment, trying to remove herself from Sesshoumaru's arms. "What do you think you're doing?"

Sesshoumaru ignored her, moving her legs so she straddled his as he checked her over. Kagome attempted to shove him away, only to have him grab her wrists and pin them behind her.

"What are you doing?!" she screeched, satisfied when Sesshoumaru winced and paused. He clamped his hands over his ears, glaring at her a moment as her echo rang throughout the room. Kagome waited until Sesshoumaru uncovered his ears, then "Well, are you going to answer me or not?"

"Are you injured?" he asked, ignoring her question. Kagome shook her head. "No, not that I think so. Except for the small shock you just gave me. What the hell was that about Sesshoumaru?!"

"You were drowning!" Sesshoumaru protested. "What was I supposed to do?"

"I was not drowning!" Kagome countered. "I was meditating."

Sesshoumaru quirked a brow. "You meditate face down in water?"

Kagome nodded. "Yes, is that a crime?"

"I don't know Marshal. You tell me." He sighed at her glare, shaking his head as he draped his arms around her waist. "I didn't know. I thought you were hurt."

"You…you were worried," Kagome asked softly, her eyes downcast when he nodded. "Why? You're supposed to hate me."

"I don't think I could hate you," Sesshoumaru answered truthfully. He pulled her into his embrace, relaxing when she rested her head on his shoulder. "I am sorry for ruining your meditation."

"Sesshoumaru. Let go of me."

Sesshoumaru did so reluctantly, watching the dark cloud pass over her face like an infection. "Kagome-"

"I have to go." Kagome attempted to stand, gasping when Sesshoumaru jerked her back to his lap. "Sesshoumaru, what are you-"

"For once, you're going to listen to me today," Sesshoumaru commanded, leaving no room for argument as his tail wrapped around her waist. "I've been most gracious to you, so this is the least you can do."

"Sesshoumaru, let-"

"No."

Kagome glared at him, Sesshoumaru reflecting it with an icy look of his own as his mind whirled into action. "You're a hypocrite."

Kagome blinked, not entirely sure she heard him right. "Say what?"

"You heard me," Sesshoumaru growled lightly. "You-Are-A-"

"I heard you the first time. Now tell me why I shouldn't make you human for saying that."

"Because it's the truth." Sesshoumaru frowned down at her, then at his shirt. "Just great. This is ruined."

"You were saying."

Sesshoumaru flicked some water from his collar, then nodded. "You say that you love me. If you did, would this make a difference?"

"Would what-" Sesshoumaru raised a clawed hand to her eye level. "Oh yeah. That."

"Yes, that. What difference does it make if I'm youkai?"

"It makes a difference because you didn't tell me!" Kagome accused. "You should have told me."

"Perhaps I should have," Sesshoumaru replied. "But if I had, you already said that your reaction would have been bad. If you loved me the way you said you did, then it shouldn't matter what I am."

"But Sesshoumaru, you're-"

"The miko killer?" Sesshoumaru spat angrily. "Yes, I remember you saying something about that." Kagome flinched at the anger in his voice, not entirely used to having his fury directed at her. "You have no idea what you're ancestors put me through, do you?"

Kagome shook her head blankly, watching as his eyes shifted from hazel to brown in microseconds.

"My mother didn't die of illness, or anything of the like. She died trying to protect me. Miko killed my mother. Is it a wonder I'm so wary around you?"

"Sesshoumaru," Kagome gasped. "I'm so sorry."

"For what?" he growled. "That you couldn't be there to do it? You and you're tajia friend? You humans are all the same." Sesshoumaru stood and turned, shocked with the level of emotion he just displayed. 'What possessed me to tell her that?' he asked himself as he unwound his tail from Kagome's waist and began to leave. 'And why does her calling me that bother me?'

"Sesshoumaru!" Sesshoumaru stopped as Kagome stepped in front of him. He sidestepped her, only to have her reappear in front of him. "Sesshoumaru, I'm sorry. Really."

Sesshoumaru allowed himself to visibly soften; after all, he could never truly stay angry with her. "My thanks."

"I mean for everything," Kagome whispered. "I just…I don't know what to think anymore. I'm confused." She hung her head sadly, her fingers twiddling in front of her as Sesshoumaru watched on. "I mean…I just…" She sniffed and covered her face with her hands. "I just don't understand."

"Kagome," he sighed softly, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer to him. "For all it is worth, I wish I would have told you now."

"You do?"

Sesshoumaru nodded. "It seems as if you can't seem to get past this. Maybe if I had told you, then I would have seen your reaction and protected myself from you."

He could have smirked when she reacted predictably, raising her tearstained face to his with her surprise evident. 'That's the one thing I like about you Kagome,' he thought as she struggled for words. 'You're heart is on your sleeve, or on your face as the case may be.'

"What do you mean by protecting yourself from me?" Kagome asked. "I wouldn't purify you."

"But you've done much worse," Sesshoumaru answered. He let go of her and turned his back to her, his mental smirk widening when she gasped in surprise.

"Sesshoumaru? I don't understand."

"You never needed to purify me," he said softly. "This is enough. You'd have never accepted me the way I am, so I thought that you would if I were human. That's why I didn't tell you."

"But that's why I don't trust you. How can I when you keep something like this from me. It makes me wonder what else you're hiding."

Sesshoumaru quirked a brow, but kept his back to her as he spoke. "Do you think I would hurt you?" 'Yes,

He thought to himself as Kagome struggle to answer. 'That is a good question.'

"I…I don't know," Kagome answered. Sesshoumaru sighed, slightly saddened by her answer. "Why don't you?"

"I just…It's hard to tell what you'd do now."

Sesshoumaru turned to her then, his hands gently clasped to her shoulders. "But you know I wouldn't."

"I do?"

Sesshoumaru nodded.

"Are you sure?"

Sesshoumaru resisted the urge to roll his eyes, deciding instead to rub his forehead delicately. "I'm very sure. I'll even give you an example." Kagome waited patiently as Sesshoumaru thought. "Ah. Do you remember when we first met?"

"Yes…"

"And you were taking dictation for me ?"

"Yeah…"

"Wasn't it I that kept you from falling down those stairs?" Sesshoumaru looked on as she thought a moment, then smirked when she nodded.

"Yeah, but that's just one time."

"Then you don't remember me rescuing you from that group of youkai on that rooftop two months ago."

Kagome started to giggle, leaning over slightly as she gasped for air. "Rescue. Haha. That's rich."

"What?"

Kagome smiled up at him, the first in two weeks. "You, playing the knight in shining armor. Not exactly textbook of you."

"Nothing is textbook about me. The night you were hurt, I only changed to protect you. I would have been perfectly happy to fight Naraku in my human form, but you were already hurt and the situation called for a quick solution." He cupped her cheek in his hand, a soft smile playing on his lips as he gazed into her eyes. "I apologize for not telling you, but I won't apologize for being myself. I can't change, no matter how much you want me to."

"Oh Sesshoumaru!" She threw her arms around his neck, embracing him for once instead of the other way around. "I never said that you have to change! I'm sorry!"

"Don't be," her replied, cupping the back of her head as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "I'm the one that should be sorry."

"Then we're both sorry," Kagome concluded. Sesshoumaru nodded, agreeing with the compromise as relief and something unknown flooded over him. He relaxed against her, forgetting about his wet and ruined clothes as he inhaled her scent.

"I've missed this," he whispered, unaware of it slipping his lips until Kagome said "I missed this too."

"Does this mean you forgive me?" he asked, smiling when she nodded.

"However…"

"However?" Sesshoumaru quirked a brow curiously, once again looking at her as she brushed his wet bangs away from his face. "However what?"

"There are to be no more secrets," Kagome instructed. "So if there's anything you need to tell me, now would be a good time."

Sesshoumaru thought a moment, his eyes falling to the pink crystal around her neck before shaking his head. "No, there is nothing else."

"Are you sure?"

Sesshoumaru nodded.

"Good," Kagome said with a sigh. "Then yes, I forgive you." She gasped when he hugged her again, this time with all the unknown pent up tension inside of him. "Sesshoumaru," she gasped, her face swiftly turning red from lack of air. "You're squishing me."

"Oh." He let go instantly, laughing to himself as Kagome gasped for breath. "What's so funny?" she asked, one hand to her heart as she lightly shoved him back. Sesshoumaru gracefully pushed his hair back, then shook out his tail.

"Ooooo!" Sesshoumaru turned to her instantly, watching as curiosity took over her face like a child's. "May I see it Sesshoumaru?"

"This?" He pointed to his tail and she nodded. "What are you willing to give me?"

"The rest of your life," she growled, her hands on her hips as her fingers glowed a soft purple.

Sesshoumaru nodded, deciding to let her spend her fancy just this once. It moved toward her lazily, creeping up her leg and winding around her torso. She giggled as some of it looped across her head, making a sort of makeshift scarf with the end of it idly moving from side to side at her waist.

Sesshoumaru propelled her toward him, purring slightly when she began to pet it. "I've wanted to do that since I met you," he admitted, resting his chin on top of her head and watching her. She seemed fully enthralled with it, and in turn with him once again.

'This is how it should be,' he thought to himself as the tip of her tail began to tickle her. 'Her and I like this…this feels…right. I guess the saying is true; you really don't know what you have until it's gone.'

Kagome smiled up at him, a cloud moving above them to allow the sun to peer through at the same time. The sunlight brightened her eyes, giving them an ethereal glow that made her all the more beautiful. She kissed his nose and turned back to his tail, the blissful look on her face muted a hundred fold by her thoughts.

'I've missed him haven't I?' she determined as she swatted at the tip of his tail playfully. 'And I've missed being like this. He's right, it shouldn't matter about him being youkai, but that doesn't mean I'll just forget this. I'll forgive him this time. I just hope there's never a next time. I don't believe I could give him a third chance.'

"Oh, and Kagome?"

Kagome glanced up at him, noting the mischievous smirk on his face. "Yes Sesshoumaru?"

"Happy Birthday."

----

SF: OK, before anyone freaks-

Inu-cha: ~.~ Why did you have her forgive him like that? SHE NEVER LET'S ME OFF THAT EASY!!!!!

SF: If you'd let me finish, I can explain. {::watches as Inu-chan sits down, then sits down beside him::} Part of the reason for her forgiving him was you.

Inu-chan: 0.0 {::then::} WHAT?!!!!!

SF: >.< {::hands over her ears::} You know, you sure are loud for someone with great hearing. Can I please finish?

Inu-chan: -_- {::grunts something rude, then shuts up::}

SF: Bleeding…anyway, you're wisdom is what lead her to at least listen to him. You were right in what you said, you just didn't think that Sesshou was still playing his game.

Inu-chan: So I'm not stupid in this one?

SF: {::hugs Inu-chan::} You never were stupid. In this fic or any of the others. Just a little hot headed and stubborn, but never stupid.

Inu-chan: {::blushes::} Yeah, whatever. Get off.

SF: {::lets him go, then whispers as he walks away::} You always had a way with words Oji-chan.

Inu-chan: What was that?

SF: Nothing. The preview and the responses are below.

Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Sheep in Wolves' Clothing and The Truth Behind The Necklace

Naraku's Plan B, Kagome learns another secret, Katrina tells a tale of woe, Inuyasha forgives and Kagome forgets.

Responses:

Ice Princess: Don't cry. If you start to cry, then I'll start to cry and we'll end up making a huge mess. Everything's fixed now anyway, but don't hang on to it. There's one last piece of S/K fluff, then everything goes to pot.

Kikitravel: Now now, slow down. We haven't gotten that far yet. I don't know about that love stuff. I'll think about it. Silver Fox: {::slaps SF in the back of the head::} Stop teasing her. Look here, I'm not allowed to tell you the story, but I'm writing two lemons. There are you're only clues.

Lady Sesshoumaru: Yes I do know how cruel you are! But...that's why I like you so much! A lady after my own heart! Muhahahaha-{::another slap from Silver::} Silver Fox: Stop that crap and get to the point. SF: {::breathes deeply, chanting something along the lines of 'I must not fry the boys' over and over again::} Yeah, I agree with you there. She could have seriously hurt the twins.

Aira^o^: Yay! Aira's back! {::parades around with an Aira flag::} Not a problem about the review thing. I've missed you! Oh, anyway, Sesshou pulled a dirty trick, but don't worry. As I've been told by at least one old person: Lies told in the dark always come to the light.

S1Cherry: Not a problem. I'm working on the next chapter now. Try real hard not to get killed before then, ok?

The Black Kat: Thanks a lot! More butts kicked, coming up!

Fireash: I know I was supposed to read it last month, but I forgot with studying and all. That's the first thing on my list come New Year's.

Ladihouki: I update every Wed. unless I say different. If you're ever curious, check my bio page on FanFiction for my update schedule. It's updated every week. {::blushes::} Thanks for the best story ever vote too!