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An Unexpected Love	By : yukisan Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Sessh?maru/Kagome > Sessh?maru/Kagome Views: 7450 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
THIS IS A
FLASHBACK
CHAPTER.

~ . o . O . o . ~

An
Unexpected Love

Chapter Ten
: How It All Began

~ . o . O .
o . ~

The twigs and leaves whipped against her legs and forearms as she ran, dodging
the larger trees while trying to keep low and out of sight. The little
girl by her side was kept close; she didn't want her hurt. The sounds of
swords clashing still rang within her ears as another explosion rattled the
ground. A soft laugh caught her attention as she paused, stilling Rin
and her breath as the bark scratched the skin on her exposed back.

Fear filled Kagome. She knew that Inuyasha and the others were too far
away and still fighting; and though Sesshoumaru's whereabouts were still in
question, Kagome could not depend on him either. He had left earlier
that morning without a word to anyone. All she and Rin had was
herself. So Kagome ran.

Picking up the girl, she moved deeper into the forest, away from the threat,
as the sounds of battle faded. A steep slope forced the woman to stop
dead in her tracks. 'Shit.' She had to find a good hiding
spot and quickly. Kagome had thought back to the conflict earlier that
month; she couldn't get caught again. Naraku had become more persistent
lately. In their last encounter, Rin had almost died. It was
Inuyasha who had come to their rescue; and he had rubbed it in.

They carefully but quickly made their way down as she shook those disturbing
thoughts away, her eyes darting around nervously. A bone-chilling cackle
echoed in the air causing the female to freeze. She cradled the child in
her arms as she turned and continued on. Kagome didn't bother to look
behind her; she was too fearful of who she might find.

Suddenly, something moved to her right and, before she could react, the duo
ran straight into Naraku's arms. Kagome quickly tried to move back but
his hand shot out to keep her in place. "We have much to discuss," he
laughed, his gaze resting on Rin before moving back to Kagome's face.
"And it seems that you can not argue."

His words sent chills down her back. She couldn't imagine what he would,
could do. She nodded slowly, "Very well, but I will only help you if you
let Rin go."

"She is free, put her down and-"

Naraku was cut off as Sesshoumaru's sword slid through the hollow body,
turning the clone into a fine dust.

"Sesshoumaru!" Kagome's voice was filled with relief.

The demon swiftly approached the female. "Were you simply going to let
him take you?"

His question threw her off. "It was all the leverage I had to get Rin
out of danger and free from Naraku." It was the truth and she had
promised to protect her.

His hand brushed against her face. "Do not think that the only one who
could hold affection for you is Inuyasha." His words were soft as he
gently took the girl from Kagome's arms.

Their eyes held for a few seconds before Inuyasha came busting through the
underbrush, finding the two in a much closer proximity than he liked.
"What's going on?" he questioned as he pulled Kagome from his side.

"You should be the one thanking me this time, little brother."

Inuyasha knew what Sesshoumaru meant; he instantly turned to gaze at
Kagome. His eyes scanned her briefly for any injuries.

She blushed, "Inuyasha, it wasn't that serious."

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru. I am grateful." He spoke through gritted
teeth as he stared off into the surrounding forest. "I am grateful," he
repeated as he suddenly grabbed Kagome's arm, pulling the woman off behind
him.

Sesshoumaru's face slipped into a slight smile. The demon had not wanted
Inuyasha to gloat anymore, and he did not want to be indebted to the
hanyou. The look on Inuyasha's face was too much for him to relish and
Sesshoumaru preferred to have the situation in his favor. He would wait
for them to return to camp before he spoke with Kagome privately.

Dusk was soon approaching and Sesshoumaru began to wonder where the couple had
gone off to. The demon grew impatient as he stood when breaking sticks
echoed around them. Everyone looked up at the lord before Inuyasha's
form came crashing through the brush. Anger was still etched on his
features as the two brothers locked eyes.

"Where is Kagome?" Sesshoumaru demanded.

Inuyasha's face hardened at his question. He growled, "What business is
it of yours?" The demon merely stared at him, waiting for an
answer. "She returned home for the night. She'll be back
tomorrow."

Satisfied with the hanyou's answer, Sesshoumaru turned his attention back to
the campfire. Kikyou's village was less than fifty yards away. He
had seen the community but the thought of visiting the unusual girl's home was
now appealing to the lord; it seemed he had a purpose.

Sesshoumaru woke early the next morning, intent on finding the miko's home
before the sun lit the sky. He exited the camp, slipping past the hanyou
with ease. Once free from the confines of the perimeter, the inu demon
lightly sniffed the air, picking up the faintest traces of the girl.
Inuyasha had tried to cover her scent, but his attempts could not fool a full
demon's sense of smell. The trail led him outside the village and, as he
entered the clearing, Sesshoumaru could see Kagome struggling with her yellow
bag near the solitary well and mumbling harsh words about the hanyou. He
had already been introduced to her 'sits' and the lord had to hide his grin at
her choice of words; the woman was feisty.

He was quiet as he approached the female, only speaking when he was behind
her. "Do you need assistance with that?" His voice was soft as his
hands appeared on either side of Kagome, lifting the bag over the ledge to
rest at their feet.

She quickly turned, finding herself face to face with Sesshoumaru. His
silk kimono rubbed against her legs as she tried to back away, only to have
the rough bark of the well stop her. Swiftly the lord reached out to
steady the woman, lest she fell into the damp hole. Kagome instinctively
placed her hands on his chest before violently blushing. "Sesshoumaru,
what are you doing here? Where is Inuyasha?"

Their eyes met and Sesshoumaru saw her distress. He ignored the question
as he spoke, "Why are your eyes red?"

"I-I didn't sleep very well," she mumbled, trying to shrug the feel and warmth
of his touch.

He growled lightly and tightened his grip. "You are lying. What
did Inuyasha do to you?" His voice was hard and demanding.
Sesshoumaru could not understand what had happened between the two. Had
Inuyasha threatened her? Vented his anger towards her because of
yesterday's events? It was not Kagome's fault that the hanyou was
inadequate.

Tears filled her eyes as she tried to speak with a clear voice.
"Sesshoumaru, please," she began; Kagome's attempt to move away from the demon
failed as he abruptly stopped her.

Sesshoumaru held her face, inspecting her features closer. She did not
smell like she had been violated although the hanyou's stench was all over
her. However, it was clear that something had transpired; her eyes were
obviously swollen and her demeanor was unusually low. "You will answer
my question."

"He did nothing." Her meek words hung in the small space between them.

He could smell her fear. Why did she let Inuyasha steamroll her like
this? What was Inuyasha holding over her head? What was it that
Sesshoumaru didn't know? "Why do you continue to lie to me?" The
youkai could not understand why the woman was still defending his brother
after such harsh and unreasonable treatment. He was frustrated and
slightly confused. "Are you willing to leave with whoever is
intimidating you? First Naraku and then Inuyasha; if that is how you
respond to power, I should like to see what happens after."

"No, it's not like that," Kagome stuttered.

"Then how is it?" he inquired.

She was silent for a moment. "We are just friends, " she spoke slowly,
repeating the same words she had heard from Inuyasha yesterday.

Sesshoumaru let her go and Kagome wobbled on her feet for a second. "I
see, then he has not laid a claim on you."

Kagome looked up, confused, "Claim?"

Inuyasha had been implying that Kagome would, eventually, be mated to him; yet
he was telling her they were 'friends'. Sesshoumaru understood this
human concept. "Come, I shall escort you back to the camp."

"Oh, okay," she replied as they began the journey back. He had picked up
her bag and began walking slightly in front of her, leading the way.
Kagome wanted to ask Sesshoumaru so many questions but she was not sure where
to start. 'Did he see me as I came out of the well? What was he
doing here?'

The two emerged from the brush, grabbing everyone's attention. Kagome
kept her eyes glued to the ground, afraid to meet Inuyasha's gaze.
Sesshoumaru's voice was commanding as he spoke. He no longer cared about
the rights and wrongs that Inuyasha felt, but instead all he could see was the
wrongs that the innocent girl, so attached to Inuyasha, had endured. It
was savage and something he could not stand to see.

He supposed it was the same part of his cold heart that stirred when Rin had
smiled at him, not afraid but merely accepting and nourishing him, in her own
way of course. That is what prompted the demon lord to speak on Kagome's
behalf. For her well-being, her sanity, and any shred of her heart she
would have left.

The brothers locked eyes. There was a long silence before Sesshoumaru
spoke, dropping the woman's luggage at their feet. "Inuyasha, you should
stop living in the past and look into the future before it slips out of your
grasp."

"What the hell are you talking about? Mind your own damn business and
stay away from Kagome," he spoke. The hanyou tried to get the girl away
from his brother, only to have the demon move to block the advance, surprising
everyone.

"Heed my warning, because it will only come once." Kagome tugged at his
sleeve, tentatively trying to get his attention. The lord put his hands
on her to calm the fury he had stirred. "If you can not succeed in such
a simple task, then I shall be forced to relieve you of it."

"What the hell? Why are you so interested in Kagome now?" Inuyasha
demanded as he glared at his brother. He knew there was something up.

"She is the keeper of the jewel correct? Therein lies my concerns.
Your reckless actions could lead to Kagome's demise. You think not of
the goal but of your immediate actions."

"Stupid, I know what I'm doing," he retorted.

Sango, Miroku, and Shippou could all only watch in confusion as the day
continued on. Inuyasha had been pissed off that he had received such a
lecture from Sesshoumaru. In fact, he completely refused to move from
Kagome's side, even when she insisted that she needed to only use the
bathroom. With Sango's help, Kagome managed to come to an agreement with
the hanyou. Sango would have to watch over her when he couldn't.
It was a little extreme, but Kagome felt that Inuyasha was more compelled to
not make the demon mad than anything else. It hurt her, deep in her
heart to know that, even though it was for her well-being, it was Sesshoumaru
who was more concerned than Inuyasha.

The lord had departed with Jaken shortly after noon, stating that he had
urgent business to attend to and that he would return the day after
tomorrow. Rin and Ah-Un were left with Kagome. The group watched
him disappear into the horizon.

~ . o . O .
o . ~

The letter had clearly stated it. This was the book he had been
searching so long for. The old worn leather cover was weathered but kept
its guard over the papyrus through the ages. Sesshoumaru slide a hand
over the smooth surface, before his fingers untied bindings, revealing hidden
secrets.

The lord sat for over three hours pouring his time into the binded paper,
looking for an answer as he flipped each page. It had been obvious in
the last months of traveling with Inuyasha's pack that Naraku had repeatedly
targeted Kagome. At first, he believed it was with the intent to kill,
but then Sesshoumaru realized that the demon was testing the girl's strength,
her limitations, and ultimately her will. There was a difference in the
attacks aimed at him and Inuyasha than the ones focused on Kagome. There
had to be a connection, a reason Naraku was continually after the miko.
'Had it been because of her prior earthly form? Did Kikyou pose such a
threat from the underworld that her reincarnation had to be destroyed?'

It seemed logical. Kikyou's association with the jewel was the driving
force behind Kagome's attachment to the Shikon. Sesshoumaru had
discovered this much from the conversations between the group recently.
When the stone was the topic of choice, Kagome and Kikyou's name always
surfaced together.

Then, suddenly he found it; the answer he had been looking for. It had
taken over a year but the burning question he had finally had an answer.
And it wasn't good.

It also seemed that, although Naraku possessed the jewel, it had a will of its
own, and ultimately refused to obey any command he gave. The only other
option open to the hanyou turned demon was Kagome. If he could attain
her, then he could certainly control her. There were several ways and
one such as he could be creative.

There was also a section mentioning a bond that one would have to invoke with
the priestess in order to tap into the full powers. His continued
reading lead to the final answer. "Complete possession." He read
the words aloud. Naraku would engulf the girl, swallow her up.
Darkness would consume her heart and soul, and in turn, she would be a walking
shell of the woman she was. Just like Kikyou.

Sesshoumaru closed the book with a thump. It bothered him. It
bothered him that Kagome was always in Kikyou's shadow, always picking up the
pieces she had left scattered about. First Inuyasha, now the Shikon no
Tama. Was Kagome truly destined to walk in that woman's footsteps until
her very death?

She was an enigma to him and always seemed to be doubting herself. But
the fact that she had grown close to Rin in the past five months had not
escaped the lord. In fact, Kagome had even developed an unusual bond
with him. Like Rin, she refused to tip-toe around him and her
personality still resided. She held her respect but it was a different
kind than the one he normally commanded.

Sesshoumaru sighed. There was no getting around it. He would have
to intervene for Kagome's sake. If she was to fall to Naraku then the
battle would surly end with their loss and their deaths.

The demon stood and exited the private study. He would have to send word
to several allies and then put in place the suggested strategy.
Sesshoumaru mentally reviewed the list, recalling the words on paper.

~ . o . O .
o . ~

It had been almost a week since Sesshoumaru had departed, leaving Rin and
Ah-Un in Kagome's care. The group had traveled farther south-east, still
tracking Naraku's scent relentlessly. Sesshoumaru's words weighted heavy
on Kagome. She thought about what he said. 'Claim.' Though,
Kagome could not exactly know what the lord had meant, it didn't leave much
assumption other than what it initially implied.

She sighed, the rolling thunderclouds caused them to camp earlier when they
happened upon a large enough cave. If he had any, Inuyasha kept his
complaints to himself as Kagome set up the temporary stove, readying the
evening meal for everyone. When she was ready to gather water, Inuyasha
insisted he follow, so the two left, each carrying a water jug.

When they returned, Inuyasha seemed to be in a better mood, but it was hard to
tell sometimes. He carried a string of fish, remarking on his quick
hunting skills. The group huddled around a nice campfire, keeping warm
as their food slowly cooked. A few hours after dusk, the rain began,
drizzling down.

Continuous thunder prompted Rin & Shippou to sit in Kagome's lap, both
under a large blanket found in Ah-Un's saddled bag. Suddenly, Inuyasha
jumped up, running out into the steady onslaught of water to disappear into
the dark night.

Kagome wanted to follow but kept her seat as the small demon and girl's weight
helped to plant her. Sango glanced her way and they caught eyes.
"I have not felt anything." Kagome spoke.

"Me neither. Miroku?"

He shook his head, "No, but the rain can become a mask. Inuyasha's
senses are much better than ours."

A sudden noise caused Sango to move to Kagome's side. They looked to
Miroku as he slowly walked around the fire and closer to the entrance,
listening. The houshi could not sense nor see a thing in the piercing
dark. A sudden swing caught him off-guard and sent him flying against
the cavern wall. Sango moved to Hiraikotsu but was too late as Kagome's
sudden scream caused her to turn. It was another one of Naraku's
attachments that had the miko by the neck and pinned against the rocky
surface. Rin and Shippou were below her dangling feet as the monster
continued to slowly squeeze the life out of her.

The taijiya quickly grabbed the large bone and hurled the weapon toward the
creature. With a swing, he deflected it. In his defense, he had
dropped the woman to the floor. Rin rushed to her, trying to shake her
awake. Shippou sat by her head, gently nudging her with his body.
The boomerang disappeared through the mouth of their shelter. Sango
could hear the faint sound of trees falling, but her eyes were on the target
in front of her. She was defenseless and open to any attack.
Instead, the creature turned to picked the girl up again.

Inuyasha's sudden growl caught both by surprise and was a blur as his claws
ripped into the unsuspecting target. The demon jumped back,
swinging a large hooked 'hand'.

Kagome stirred, seeing Rin and Shippou over her caused her to rise. She
caught of glimpse of the two fighting in their now-much-smaller den. The
miko darted up, covering the children with her body as she looked around for a
bow and arrow.

Inuyasha was wildly lashing out, leaving himself open as the nameless beast
caught the small gap and threw him against the opposing rock.

"Inuyasha," Kagome screamed, catching the demon's attention.

She stepped a few feet closer, almost not catching the lowering scythe that
swung her direction. She turned and tried to dodge the calculated
strike, stumbling as the weapon grazed her side. The woman fell to the
ground, blood pouring from the open wound. She cried in pain as her
hands went to cover the sore. Blue eyes glanced upward, widening as she
saw the sharp claw descending toward her.

Inuyasha was a blur as he collided with the figure. Violently ripping
the demon apart, the two tumbled out into the dark. Savage sounds filled
the night sky, mixing with the pouring rain for several minutes.

Sango had checked on Miroku, noting the bump and lack of an open wound, before
moving to Kagome's side. The flesh looked as if it were already starting
to become infected, and the taijiya feared that poison may have also been
used. She ripped apart extra cloth fetched by Rin as Shippou readied hot
water to sterilize the gash.

Inuyasha emerged from the darkness beyond the firelight as Sango mixed a
herbal treatment into the water, then began dipping the strips of cloth.
Her eyes only landed on the hanyou for a second before concentrating on her
task.

Inuyasha was wide-eyed and obviously still in shock as he stared at the
bleeding miko. Not ready to share why he had run off, the hanyou moved
to the fallen houshi's side, checking on his unconscious friend. Though
the rain had washed most of the blood away, he could still smell the miasmatic
stench of Naraku soaked into his haori.

Kagome's sudden scream brought his eyes into focus on the huddled
figures. Sango sat towering over the woman as Rin repeatedly wiped her
forehead. Shippou continually pulled cloth from the pot, handing it off
to the taijiya, as he replaced it with new ones. Kagome's shirt had been
pulled up, exposing the scar and her smooth stomach. The blood was stark
red against the color of her skin. The woman cried louder as Sango
wrapped the cloth tighter around her abdomen, the pulpy green medicine oozing
out of the sides.

The night was relatively still with the exception of Kagome's restless form
jerking in her sleep. After Miroku woke, he mixed a liquid that would
ensure her some relief and slumber, and ease any pain that was ailing
her. The group remained camped for several days as Inuyasha was
insistent that Kagome was healed before they continue.

By the dawning of the sixth day, Kagome was well enough to venture outside of
the cavern walls. In desperate need of a bath, the miko slipped out
while the hanyou had left for the morning hunt. The woman had been
couped up all week and needed some fresh air and space. The river was
only twenty or so paces from their site, and anyone would hear her cries if
she were in danger.

Kagome arrived at the bank, quickly choosing a bush and rock as her cover as
she undressed and set the folded garments where they would be safe from the
water. She descended into the cool liquid without a second thought at
her sharp intake of breath. The flowing spring slowly cleansed her skin
as it slipped past her.

The miko was oblivious to the watching eyes as she scrubbed her skin, trying
to free the dirt that had caked on in the past days. The attack played
over and over in her mind, and Kagome found herself unable to think, to move,
past what it had meant to her. After all, it was the first time that she
felt her true vulnerability. Inuyasha was her protector and she was now
comprehending how little power she actually had.

After finishing her cleansing routine, Kagome walked to the pebbled
shore. She slowly dried herself off, enjoying the warmth of the morning
sun as she pondered what Sesshoumaru had spoke of. Claim.
Keeper of the jewel. It had been true that the demon prince would
have naturally known of Kikyou's affiliation with the Shikon, but to hear his
assumptions about her own connection with the jewel. Well, it was a
little surprising. And coupled with his alarming and blunt statement, it
made one stop and wonder what the demon was thinking. Why would he
defend Kagome? Why would Sesshoumaru say that to Inuyasha?

She dressed, still lost in her thoughts even as Sesshoumaru stepped from the
dense forest. Kagome had not seen him until he was upon her.
Stunned, the miko stared wide-eyed at the towering figure, unsure of what she
was suppose to do. His words were still spinning in her mind as she
clearly recognized the foreign emotion that flickered across his eyes.
Guilt, sorrow, and pain.

He slowly lowered his head, startling the woman when his fingers snaked under
her shirt to caress her side. "What is this?" he gently commanded as his
eyes bore into hers.

Kagome swallowed, knowing that she would not be able to lie to him, not when
he was touching her like he was. She tried to find the words, her mouth
moving but her voice was silent.

"Does it still hurt?" She shook her head. Sango had sewed the gash
better than Miroku and after the bandages had been removed, the scar was
barely visible.

"Where were you, Sesshoumaru?"

His eyebrow raised. "Answer my question first."

Her eyes lowered a moment before she spoke. "We camped before a
thunderstorm last week. Inuyasha ran off into the forest before we were
attacked. It was another one of Naraku's detachments, but it was one we
had not seen before." She squinted her eyes as if she was recalling
it. "It looked a lot like Kageromaru only bigger. Anyways, I got
cut trying to dodge it in the cave."

He nodded again. So the rumors that he had heard were true. Then
it was all the more reason for him to take control of the situation before it
spiraled out of hand. Still, he had to keep his temper in check.
Even though he had warned the hanyou of Kikyou's 'meetings' with Naraku, and
the possible attempt on Kagome's life, Inuyasha still abandoned her. And
worse, Naraku had waited until he was away. Kagome's innocent blue eyes
stared at him. She did not know any of the complex things he had learned
within the past two weeks.

"Kagome, I must speak with you in a private place. We need to discuss
some very important matters that have come to my attention as of late."
He pulled her closer to his side, not letting the woman reach for her shoes as
she stumbled, bare-foot into him.

Her damp hair still clung to her forehead and was soaking into the white
fabric of her top, unveiling the straps of her underwear. Her green
sailor-style collar was not tied and the red ribbon hung lose, revealing the
edge of her lace bra and a nice view of the swell of her breasts.

Sesshoumaru's eyes stilled and Kagome held her breath. She thought that
he would kiss her again, but the sound of stomping brought her eyes to see
Inuyasha's emerging form, followed by the rest of their entourage, as they
came through the brush. Sesshoumaru did not release his hold on the miko
until Inuyasha met his cold stare.

"What the fuck are you doing to Kagome?" He rushed to pull her from his
brother's arms. The demon did not hold her in fear of hurting the
female, but he kept his smirk hidden when Kagome tugged free of the hanyou's
fingers.

"He's not doing anything, Inuyasha. I just stumbled."

Kagome's voice brought the hanyou's eyes to her face. "Was he coming
onto you?" Inuyasha asked the miko as she tried to not blush.

"Inuyasha, you are the one that could not save her." Sesshoumaru spoke,
not caring if his words sounded harsh to their ears, it was the truth.

"What are you talking about? She's alive ain't she," he fumed as he
stared his brother down.

The demon moved the girl closer, turning her so that she was facing his body
and not Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru lifted her shirt, exposing the healing
scar on her right side. "I said not a scratch. From now on, I
shall watch over the miko."

"Watch over? What the hell do you mean? I'm not leaving you with
her! I'm not letting you near her!"

"You don't have a choice." The demon turned, taking the miko in his arms
and away from Inuyasha's reach. "You have proven yourself
inadequate." Sesshoumaru paused before moving on.

Kagome was stunned speechless, as was Jaken, Sango and Miroku. Rin
clamped her hands as she followed her Nee-chan, exclaiming that she was now
part of their family. The kappa demon stared at Inuyasha for a brief
second before waddling after his master. The taijiya and houshi
exchanged looks before their eyes rested on the hanyou.

"I believe Lord Sesshoumaru may be serious about this after all."
Miroku's voice was low but still caught Inuyasha's ears.

"What do you mean by that?"

"It seems you may have waited too late, Inuyasha," Sango replied.

~ . o . O .
o . ~

Kagome could do nothing as Sesshoumaru dragged her away from the village, and
Inuyasha. At first, she had thought that the demon had not been aware of
their petty problems, then Kagome believed it to be concern for his brother's
well-being; but the miko had been wrong on both accounts. Sesshoumaru
had not shown interest in Inuyasha, he had shown interest in her. They
suddenly stopped and the demon broke her jumbled thoughts when he spoke.

"Jaken, take Rin to the castle, we will be following you shortly." The
smaller demon nodded and took the reins as Rin climbed on Ah-Un.

The couple watched them go before the demon spoke again. "Did you not
believe the words I spoke earlier?" he turned and caressed her face,
continuing to speak, not waiting for an answer. "Why do you repeatedly
risk your life for Rin? What is it that you wish to gain?"

"Gain? I want nothing in return."

"Then answer me; why do you risk your life to protect Rin?"

"It is my duty to risk my life to protect her, she is only a child. And
besides, you are risking yours to protect everyone from Naraku, even if you do
not see it that way. I see nothing wrong with it." She continued,
mumbling the last part. "It is obvious to me that the little girl means
something to you. I would not wish you, or her, any pain."

"This one does not protect anything but what belongs to me."

She smiled and shook her. "It does not matter what your intentions were
but what your actions result in. I owe you more than I can repay, and if
I am able to watch Rin and guard her safely while you are gone, then I would
gladly lift that burden from you so that you may fight without worry."

"You are saying that you were willing to die for this Sesshoumaru?"

She nodded, "Well, I guess you could put it that way." Kagome looked
down at her clasped hands. "Both Inuyasha and I are grateful-"

Sesshoumaru cut her words off as his lips came crashing down upon hers.
He broke the kiss to whisper in her ear. "I was not lying when I said
that I had affection for you. You would be welcomed at my castle and
have Rin's company as well as mine."

Kagome could not find any words to respond; her eyes portrayed her dismay at
his request. She still had her home in the future; friends and
school. There were so many things she had wanted to do with her
life. And she couldn't let Sesshoumaru know about the well.

He could sense her hesitation. "Is your feelings toward Inuyasha causing
your reluctance?" She glanced away, trying to hide the emotions she
plainly wore. "Are you not tired of living in Kikyou's shadow?"

Kagome took a deep breath. It was true; Inuyasha saw Kikyou every time
he looked into Kagome's face. "I can't deny that I have feelings for
him, but I don't think that he would hurt me in any way. At least not on
purpose."

"It seems that is the case. Inuyasha can not love you because he is not
free to love. I have known of his involvement with the undead one for
some time now; but the question is, how much do you know?"

"What do you mean?" Kagome choked out. His unexpected words baffled her.

"Inuyasha is bound by his honor as a member of the Inu House to uphold his vow
to that dead miko. The only chance for his freedom is his death or her
releasing him." He paused, gathering his next words. It was not
his wish to hurt her but she had to be told the truth. "Before I left, I
spoke with Inuyasha, warning him of a possible attempt on your life. I
had uncovered some disturbing information; Kikyou had seemingly made a deal
with Naraku. She would lure the hanyou away and he would take you.
In the end, both would be happy."

Kagome was stunned, unable to speak as she let his words sink in. If
Sesshoumaru had told Inuyasha what he had just told her, then why had he run
off? Did he think he could talk Kikyou out of it?

"Your loyalty is commendable and I admire that about you, but it is wasted on
Inuyasha. He is being more cruel to you than Naraku by letting you
believe that you two have a future." He took her hand as the other moved
around to her lower back. "I can promise you and your kit safety and a
comfortable life. I will shelter your friends for however long they
wish. You will not be a prisoner, but I will not allow you to freely
roam. In short, your life is in danger."

"Sesshoumaru, I don't know what to say. I'm sorry but I can not accept
such an offer. Th-There are things that I need to do, things I must
accomplish before I could even begin to move forward. The jewel, and-"

He nodded. "I understand your situation but keep in mind what I
said." He lightly touched her face. "If you are willing to give
your life to this Sesshoumaru, than I shall give mine to you. I am now
keeping watch over you, Kagome."

She was moved by his whispered words, and her eyes welled up with tears.
"Sesshoumaru."

"We will return to the castle to resupply Ah-Un and rest. I will send
word to the monk and taijiya. Inuyasha will be welcomed but only if he
behaves."

The two returned to camp, finding Shippou and Sango waiting by the fire.
Sesshoumaru invited them to stay at the castle until they could get a good
direction on which way Naraku had headed. Shippou nestled in Kagome's
arms as the trio lifted off, letting the woman relay the information.

The next several days was spent in a dreamy state for the weary group.
Sesshoumaru treated them to feathered beds and four-course meals topped with
desserts. Their mornings were spent lounging around as the lord was busy
with meetings and paperwork. In the afternoons, they met about their
plans on Naraku, and to learn of any new information or developments.
The group, and even Inuyasha, was surprised at how helpful it had been at
having Sesshoumaru's resources at their disposal.

In the evenings, the unusual band ate at in the dinning hall and would then
retire to the large library before bed. In all his years, Sesshoumaru
had not enjoyed his home, and the finer things, so much as he did in those
short hours each day. It gave him time to study Kagome, and everyone
else. Her small smile, her blushing cheeks, and bright eyes. It
was hard to think of a time when there was not something so bright in his
life, not since he first met Rin.

The human females seemed to becoming a part of his life so much so that he
could not recall a time without them beside him, nor would he want to.
Sesshoumaru was stunned when he finally realized this assessment of his
current bundled feelings. Kagome glanced his way and their eyes caught
briefly. He could feel her heart flutter as he tried to not imagine her
body under him.

As the days and nights progressed, the demon lord found himself watching the
miko every minute he could. During the hours of light, they held polite
conversations. He could feel the tension in her body when he was beside
her, and smell the sexual aroma that permeated through the fabric of her
clothing. He would always hide his smile when he knew Inuyasha was
seething with anger at Kagome's reaction to him. But it was one he
reciprocated.

The dark hours brought all of his suppressed emotions to the forefront and
Sesshoumaru could do nothing but burn with the desire and lust he felt for the
human female. He could not explain it. He tried to, at first, but
it proved fruitless and in the end, had decided it didn't matter what
attracted him to her. He could not rationalize with his inner beast in
the least and had exhausted his means. His endless walks always brought
him to her bedside, watching the miko sleep peacefully. Her serene
expression eased an ache that he had not known existed. And yet he could
never bring himself to touch her.

The lord was content enough until their self-induced fantasy ended.
Inuyasha had been persistent about moving out in the suggested direction;
north. After a week of the hanyou's complaining, the group had finally
decided to pack up and move along, trying to track down the elusive
Naraku. Sesshoumaru agreed, surprising Inuyasha, and supplied their
immediate rations.

On the morning of the eighteenth day at the Western Lord's estate, the small
band of travelers left the stone palace, heading north-east to the river
before following it north. The journey was relatively quiet but with
each passing day, tension grew between the brothers as Sesshoumaru was never
more than five feet from Kagome at any given moment.

The hanyou remembered what his friends had said before. 'Was Sesshoumaru
really serious about Kagome?' Yet, Inuyasha still believed that the
young miko only had feelings for him. His brother's interest in the girl
had caused worry and Inuyasha feared that the demon lord would find out
Kagome's darkest secret; her future life.

On the eve of the sixth day, the group settled near the river, in an alcove of
rocks hidden by dense growth. The spot provided a large shelter, enough
so that the entire party, including Ah-Un, would be able to take cover.
And they had access to a small open area that could easily transform into a
fire pit.

Kagome and Sango began setting up the camp, with Shippou and Rin's help, as
the men surveyed the area. Miroku and Inuyasha headed toward the banks
of the water. The hanyou went farther upstream, leaving the monk to
finish inspecting the area. Sesshoumaru easily scanned the immediate
vicinity without leaving the miko's side. Within the hour, the members
had reunited.

As Kagome finished setting up the fire, she announced that they would need a
little extra meat or it would be mostly ramen again. Though Inuyasha
stated that he didn't mind, the look the miko shot him said otherwise.
The hanyou grumbled about having to hunt when his brother brought all other
kinds of stuff but disappeared into the forest anyway.

Miroku and Shippou laughed a little as they exchanged looks. Rin sat
playing beside the kit as they colored the paper that Kagome had handed
them. Sango smiled as she glanced over at the demon reclining against
the tree. The taijiya nudged the woman to her right. Kagome looked
up then over to where her friend had pointed.

The miko shook her head, then blushed before speaking. "Sesshoumaru,
Sango and I are going to the river for a bath before dinner. Um, there
isn't a need--"

"I can hear anyone from miles away. If there is need of my presence, I
will warn you first. I am not a pervert."

They turned to look at Miroku who smiled. "Thank you," she muttered as
they left.

Dusk fell as the stars dotted the atmosphere. The two women returned to
find that Inuyasha had come and gone, dropping the rabbit off in a haste to
venture south. Kagome was a little perplexed but kept her questions to
herself. They readied the meat and within the hour, the meal was
finished.

By that time, Kagome had figured out why Inuyasha had disappeared. Even
with everything Sesshoumaru had spoken to them about, both openly and
privately to her, Inuyasha still snuck off to see her. It didn't matter
to Inuyasha that Kikyou had tried to kill her. It seemed all the hanyou
could think about was her. Kikyou. The dead priestess.

And everyone knew. Everyone knew that Inuyasha had never kissed
Kagome. Everyone knew that all he had was Kikyou, but no one knew that
Inuyasha's hatred boiled when he remembered the passionate kiss he witnessed
between Kagome and Sesshoumaru. The demon prince was clearly coming onto
the young miko. It infuriated the hanyou to see Kikyou's reincarnation
be touched by anyone other than him. And Inuyasha couldn't figure out
why his brother was so attracted to Kagome, she was a human after all.
But his thoughts were fleeting and just as indecisive as he was.
Everyone knew where Inuyasha had gone and who he would see.

Sesshoumaru had waited patiently for Kagome to realize that the hanyou could
not change because he was chained to the dead miko. He had been cordial
and distant, not trying to impose but letting her think about his offer.
Even though it was apparent that the current situation was a strain on her,
she still tried to keep the peace when the two brothers were around each
other. Though Sesshoumaru could not truly appreciate her generous
gesture, he gave her credit for the attempts. Her strength was an
amazing site to see day in and day out. It helped to reassure the demon
that his beast had not thought him crazy too.

But now, his heart crumbled as he watched Kagome's face. She numbly
passed out the food in portions as she sat pushing hers around. Several
minutes later she excused herself, heading north past their nightly
shelter. Sesshoumaru kept his anger in check. Why would Kagome
think Inuyasha would change? He would make the miko accept his offer,
even if it was for her own good. 'She may be angry, but she will be
alive to be angry.'

~ . o . O . o . ~

Yay, done! Thanks to Marcia for being a wonderful beta. The
next chapter will pick up where nine left off. Please be patient as
eleven will take some time for me to finish. R & R welcome.
- 9
- 10
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An Unexpected Love