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Red Lotus	By : Maddiesan Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Sessh?maru/Kagome > Sessh?maru/Kagome Views: 20072 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 2
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- 4
A/N: Thank you for the sweet reviews! I hope this update won't disappoint! This was not betaed, sorry for the mistakes!

Red Lotus

3. The Procedure

Today.

Her level of stress affected Kagome's weakened body and worsened her condition. However, she was too nervous to care. Sesshomaru was coming today. Yes, he did come to visit her most days but today's visit was different. Today, he was going to mark her.

She had a few days to think over the situation and at this point she was on edge.

What kind of crazy plan was this? It meant life, yes but – oh it was… No. It was a good idea and they were both willing. They discussed it and he explained and they agreed. There was no reason why she should feel as though someone was strangling her.

Even though she probably struggled to breathe because of her cancer and not the situation with Sesshomaru.

He failed to mention what time he was coming to visit and she did not inquire. The ritual was unfamiliar to her and he presumably required preparation. They were not doing this according to customs. The simple thought of the usual circumstances of marking was enough to make her blush. Hopefully his way around it was not as awkward.

Once again, her gaze drifted to the door and she waited. She did not have the strength to turn her body and look at the clock but she guessed it was mid afternoon. In two hours, visiting hours would be over but he was aware of that was he not?

Her heart nearly stopped earlier during the morning when she received a visitor. Unfortunately, that was visitor was not him but rather her mother. Kagome refrained herself from sharing the news with Miyu. It was not because she feared her reaction but because she refused to hold out that possibility that she might get cured. Sesshomaru seemed fairly convinced this would work but… what if?

If she told her mother and then she passed away nonetheless, she would break her mother's heart. Until she was certain to be on the recovery road, she would keep that detail a secret. It did create a feeling of uneasiness in the pit of her stomach that was augmented by her constant nausea but she could live with it.

Because her mother opened the curtains before she left, light was shining on Kagome's face. It was warm and she welcomed it. One day soon, perhaps she would be out there. The moment her lungs would allow it, she would run. Being stuck in a bed all day, every day, reminding her just how much of an adrenaline rush it could be to run at full speed.

Granted most of the time she did that in the past her life was in danger but regardless.

She sighed. There she was, getting her hopes up already. If this worked, they did not know how long it would take her to get better. It might be months or years. In spite of that, any kind of progress was very welcomed.

"Miko."

Lost in her thoughts, she never even saw him arrive. She gave him a quick nod and he entered the room and made sure to close the door behind him.

The scent of her nervousness filled the whole room and made his nose twitch. He, on the other hand, was rather calm. All he had to do to mark her was overpower her and considering how feeble she was it would be no problem at all. He doubted she would put up a fight. He walked straight to her bed and then rested his hands on the bed's sidebars.

"Are you ready?"

Again, she was voiceless and bobbed her head forward.

He leaned forth and seized both of her shoulders with his hands. Delicately, he moved her until her back leaned against his chest. This was the best way to do it since she could not hold herself up.

Kagome held her breath as he enveloped his arms around her body. He was as warm as she remembered Inuyasha to be. Seemingly, it was a youkai thing. Her body was tensed and even if she told herself to relax, it did not work. Unconsciously, she reclined her head into his chest and closed her eyes. This rush was making her dizzy.

He bent down until his mouth was to her ear. "I will need you to surrender yourself to me. Do not fight me."

She nodded.

He used his hands to tilt her head to the left and then he put his mouth to her neck. There was barely any skin on her bones. He nearly feared that biting her would break her. He stuck his fangs out and scraped them against her flesh. She shivered in his hold and he kept going until he reached the spot right where her shoulder met her neck.

Then, he sunk his fangs deep into her skin.

Her mouth opened wide into a silent scream and he dreaded he would have to clamp a hand over her mouth to silence her. When no sound escaped her, he relaxed.

She did not struggle or fight him. He felt his youki mingle inside of her, awakening what was left of her power. She was too weak to summon it on her own like she should. Since she was left with no energy, she barely glowed pink but it was enough. It required no more than a few seconds for his youki to swallow her light and then, it settled.

Her blood filled his mouth with each passing seconds and he found it difficult to enjoy. Because of her cancer and treatment, the crimson liquid was disgusting. If it were not for the sweet hint of spiciness that came from her Miko origins it would be unbearable.

Some of it spilled upon her shoulder, tainting it red. Kagome's head rested on her other shoulder as all of the sudden darkness filled with her world. She was fighting to stay awake but she was losing the fight rapidly.

"Tir-ed," she mumbled.

Sesshomaru raised a hand and gently caressed the side of her head as if to soothe her since he could not speak. She already did not have energy to fight him and now, he was dominating her. He could taste in her blood that she meant to struggle, to try, but she could not because of how damaged her body was.

He kept caressing her short hair as he felt her fall asleep. He waited for her body to become limp in his arms and then he pulled his mouth away from her. Some of her blood dripped down his chin and unto her hair. He licked the remaining off of his lips and tilted his head back. It was a bit of a rush, making his head spin.

Slowly, he returned her to her laying position. Then, he grabbed a cloth from the side of her bed and wiped her shoulder off. There was no way he could explain to anyone the bite marks but he would not make it worse by leaving her bloody.

Once she was cleaned, realization set in.

He was bound to the Miko for the duration of her life. He felt it inside of him; weakness. Her body was fragile and she was close to death, much closer than her doctors thought. If the taste in his mouth was any indication, she should not even be alive. It seemed he intervened right on time. There was no saying how long it would take for her to recover but his blood and his lineage was strong; it should lessen the time needed.

"Sleep Miko." Tomorrow, she would wake up feeling changed.

-R-

Dizzy.

Kagome opened her eyes but it did not help her confusion. Her vision was blurring and everything doubled in front of her. Weak. Suddenly, the blur increased and something grabbed her hand.

"How are you this morning?" Silence. "Your vitals are looking great today!" This woman, who Kagome assumed was the nurse, was too chipper this morning.

She forced a smile as she waited for her vision to clear up. Then, the nurse's hand was on her neck. "What is that? Did you scratch yourself again?"

Sometimes, the treatment brought forward itches and they were simply impossible to ignore. She did scratch herself to blood a few times but they were always accidents. Those however were not from scratching. Sesshomaru bit her. To be quite honest, she barely remembered any of it. He held her in his arms and then bliss came along.

She almost wondered if that was what death felt like.

"I'm gonna get some bandages and disinfect that for you. No more scratching though!"

No chance of that happening.

As the nurse left and Kagome's vision finally adjusted she decided that she did not feel any different this morning. Then again, not a full twenty-four hours passed yet. She did not expect to recover right away but she did think she would feel a little less like – well like shit.

She remembered what he said about taking care of her, that it was duty since she was going to be his mate. Nonetheless, she found herself wondering if she would see him again, if he actually meant the words he said. His presence almost became comforting and the coldness and detachment she disliked in the past, she found pleasing now. Of all people, she was tied to Sesshomaru for the rest of her life.

Unknown to her, Sesshomaru was in his bed despite the lateness of the morning. He did try to get up a few times, he really did but he could not. His long hair was sprawled around his body, most of it gluing to his skin because of the sweat that covered him. He lay there watching as the hours went by, watching how late he was for work but he did not have the strength to pull himself out of bed.

There was only one explanation for this sudden fatigue: the mating.

He did not think it would suck his energy away, not like this. Kagome really needed his strength.

Unfortunately, he did not plan on missing work today. He did not even call in and his phone was too far for him to get it. He sighed in annoyance before re-adjusting his position in his bed. He never felt this weak in his life; his limbs were heavy and he was sweating and panting. He grunted after each movement as if they were exhausting.

Was he going to remain this way until she healed? Was she unconsciously drawing his strength?

Perhaps the only way to fix this was to visit her at the hospital but he did not know how he would make it there. He would let himself rest, as his body desperately begged, and once he would wake up he would force himself to go to the hospital.

One hour of rest, just one hour.

-R-

"Sessh-omaru?"

Kagome sat up in the bed to the best of her abilities with his presence pulsing through her. When was the last time she could sense someone? She tilted her head to the right and looked at him. He was standing in the doorway, waiting for her permission before entering as per usual.

"You're he-re."

He meant to visit her sooner but it seemed the bond had something else in mind. When Sesshomaru woke up from his nap, days had passed. Even now, he had not retrieved all of his strength. Never in his life did he rest for so long and it irritated him. Not only that but when he awoke, he found that his job left several messages.

It was in complete silence that he walked into her room. "Are you feeling stronger?"

"I do-n't know. I don-'t think so."

"You should have been dead," he bluntly stated.

"Ex-cuse me?"

"I tasted your blood. You should have been dead." She peered at him with her dull, lifeless blue eyes, confusion written all over her face. "I believe you only made it this far because of your miko powers. They," he pause, searching for the right words, "healed you enough to keep you alive."

"Oh," was the only answer she managed.

If she was not a Miko she would be… dead? The only thought that came to her mind was her mother.

"You were close to the brink of death. Your body has been draining my strength for the past three days."

Now that she was looking at him properly, he did look slightly pale – well paler than usual. Did she make him sick? "Ar-e you ok-ay?"

He nodded. He was not going to tell her that she left him invalid, completely hopeless for three days straight. He had his pride.

Sesshomaru snuck his hand in his pocket and retrieve a small box. He put it beside her on the bed and backed away. Kagome twisted her wrist and took hold of it. She flickered it open only to find a surprising object inside; a ring. It was simple, modest; a silver band with a tiny blue moonstone, at least it looked like one, encrusted on top of it.

Wait.

A ring?

She lifted her head and stared at Sesshomaru, hoping he would provide her with an explanation. Did this mean what she thought it meant? No.

"If you were to be married to me, my health insurance would cover most of your hospital fees. I thought you might like to relieve your family from that duty. I am well aware that they are near bankruptcy."

He would never have the money to pay for her treatments. However, this way he could look after her properly and prevent her family from losing their shrine.

"I- hm – I."

Marrying Sesshomaru. She was already mated to him which technically was a bit more permanent but… it was still a commitment. She owed him her life and she was in his debt; this would only deepen that debt.

"I can'-t impose like that. You've al-rea-dy done so much."

"Miko, I have already mated you. Human customs hold very little meaning to me. This is simply for your and your family's benefit. You are marked as mine and it is my duty to look after you. This is part of it."

His pride wanted her to accept. He no longer possessed any titles or luxuries. He worked long hours for a small salary and barely any benefits. He was unable to care for her as he could have in the past but this he could do. Human marriage was nothing more than a piece of paper and it was much less significant than mating.

Guilt rose inside of her and stirred deep within. She was connected, bonded to him until the day she died. The marriage would mean nothing but it would save her family. Yet, she was unable to give an answer. She was taking advantage of Sesshomaru and his honor. Granted she did not ask for any of it but it did not make it right.

She could not keep taking from him.

"I ca-n't. It's too m-uch."

"It is a mere formality. It will not affect our lives any more than the mating did."

A part of her wanted him to drop it because the more he pushed it, the more tempted she was. Sesshomaru never really did anything out of the kindness of his heart. He did not do it because he cared about her or her family. She knew for a fact it did not matter to him if they lost the shrine or not.

Despite the many years she spent in the Feudal Era, she was not familiar with youkais and their system of laws and honor. Maybe she was insulting him by refusing his proposition? Ugh, this was too confusing and she did not even have enough energy to focus her thoughts.

"I – I don-t want to a-buse your kind-ness."

This is not kindness, he felt like replying but instead he said, "I would not offer if it was an inconvenience." She seemed to be displeased by everything he did out of pack loyalty and honor. His original answer would not have pleased her.

She grazed her fingers against the ring and then nodded. "Ok-ay."

If they did this before she left the hospital, which she assumed was kind of the whole point, then she would be getting married… here, like this. Not quite the fairytale wedding all little girls dreamed of. Then again, destiny enjoyed crushing all her dreams and hopes, why should this situation be any different?

"I have already acquired the forms. I will need your birth certificate and we will need two signatures from two witnesses. You will also have to fill in your form."

Her birth certificate? Her mother had that. If she were to ask for it, she would need to explain why. It seemed she would no longer be able to keep the whole situation a secret from her mother. Kagome pinched her lips tightly and nodded.

"She'll be he-re tomo-rrow. I'll ask fo-r it."

Sesshomaru bowed his head forward. He then peeked at the side table where paper and pens rested. He quickly wrote his phone number on it and left it there.

"If you mother should require to speak with me, she may contact me through this number."

He noticed the shift in her scent when he spoke of her birth certificate. It was clear she did not tell her mother what occurred yesterday and he assumed she might feel the need to speak with him. Humans were different than youkais. His kind offered their daughters away to the most powerful youkais or in exchange for luxury and power. Humans seemed more… emotional about the whole situation. He felt her mother might need to confirm he could look after Kagome.

"T-hank you," she breathed out barely audibly.

He nodded.

"Re-ally, thank you. I don-t kn-ow how I'll e-ver re-pay you for this."

"There is no need."

And that was his goodbye. The conversation was leading nowhere; he did not need her to thank him. He did not want to be thanked. He did not decide to help her. Her life became intertwined because of his half brother. He merely chose to fully honor his obligation by any means necessary. She proved to have worth and he rewarded that.

There was nothing else to it.

-R-

A light blue steaming pot of tea was placed right in the middle of the wooden table with two empty white cups beside it. Miyu was sitting across from it, her palms resting against the table. Her breathing was steady, her gaze roaming over every detail of the kitchen. She was sitting straight and her heart was pounding in her chest.

Her brown eyes were still red from her earlier conversation with Kagome. She never meant to cry, she never meant to make her daughter cry but it all happened regardless. The words Kagome spoke were engraved in her mind and Miyu felt like a failure as a mother.

She understood why Kagome accepted Sesshomaru's proposition. He was giving her life; how could one refuse that? The marriage however brought her guilt. The only reason Kagome agreed to it was to spare them. She wanted to lessen their burden and the simple fact that, in her condition, Kagome was considering them first – it broke Miyu's heart.

Kagome was young, too young, to take on all those responsibilities. She was too young to fall down that well many years ago. She was too young to be bounded and married to a man who was centuries older than her. Kagome turned eighteen years old sometimes during her cancer and she could make her own decisions. Miyu always trusted her judgment but she feared these choices were made because of a lack of better options.

Her daughter was weak, ill, and she was trying to make everyone else happier.

Miyu cried.

Kagome comforted her. Everything was upside down.

After a few hours, Miyu agreed to help. How could she not? In her heart, she did feel the same guilt as her daughter; she owed the man. Without Sesshomaru's help Kagome would have mere months left to live.

That was why she called him and set up a meeting with him. The conversation was short and he was polite but quiet. Now, she was waiting for him at the shrine.

Souta and grandpa were not present and she was relieved. How was she supposed to explain a situation she did not even understand? Plus, her father-in-law was not very… welcoming of youkais.

A knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Slowly, she rose to her feet and headed to the door. When she opened it, she froze; the resemblance to Inuyasha was striking.

"Sesshomaru," she said before bowing politely.

He returned the gesture in silence before she invited him.

Sesshomaru watched the shrine from afar for many years but he never saw the inside. It was rusty, its original charm persevered, and one could call it cozy. Though, it was far better than the small apartment he lived it.

Her followed her to the kitchen and took a seat beside her.

"Tea?" she offered.

"Thank you," he kindly accepted.

She poured him a cup and he sipped it. Now that Kagome had short hair, he noticed she resembled her mother. Also, Miyu's scent felt familiar; it was almost the same as Kagome's.

"So you are Inuyasha's brother."

"Half," he corrected.

She smiled. "Yes, Kagome mentioned that."

Now that she was taking a better look at him, he did not truly look like Inuyasha. They shared the same amber eyes and silver hair but that was it. Inuyasha was more boyish and rugged. Sesshomaru seemed a tad cold and his features were refined.

"I have the birth certificate," she casually mentioned before reaching out for it.

She handed it to Sesshomaru with a smile. "Thank you."

Sesshomaru tried to remain mostly quiet, waiting for her to speak her mind. There was a reason she invited him over and he knew it was not simply to give him the documents he required.

"I appreciate what you have done for my daughter," she said glancing down at her cup. "Kagome says you did it because of an obligation?"

"Inuyasha asked me to make sure nothing happens to her."

"Your brother is - was a good person. He was always welcome here and I trusted him with my daughter's life." Even in his last moments, Inuyasha cared about Kagome. "I know why she is doing this. She doesn't want to burden us." She sighed. "While I do not entirely approve of her reasons, I won't condone her choices. Kagome is free to make her own decisions."

After all, Kagome was always very good at making the right choice; she followed her heart.

"She is my daughter however and I do not know you." She could not even remember if her daughter ever mentioned him. "I'm also not certain if I understand, hm, mating, but Kagome made it sound rather permanent."

"It is."

"What do you expect out of my daughter?"

"Nothing."

Miyu raised an eyebrow. "She – she is barely eighteen. She might -"

"Kagome will be free to do as she wish. Whatever that might be." He already explained to her that if she found someone, she was free to be with him. He would divorce her and let her live her life as she saw fit.

Miyu was unable to prevent a smile from reaching her lips. "You do not know my daughter very well do you?" She softly gazed at him. "Kagome would never do that."

In her daughter's mind she owed this man her life. Unless he personally told her to leave, she would stay.

"Your daughter already feels as if she is imposing. I do believe she will leave if the occasion presents itself."

His voice lacked emotions, his eyes were dull. Each time he spoke his face remained neutral and his tone was the same. He was clearly not one for feelings but most of all – well, he seemed lonely. "How long have you been alone?"

For once, his mask cracked and a feeling of surprise flashed through his eyes. Alone? He was always alone. Jaken was by his side for a few centuries and Rin did not live older than sixty years old.

"I do not seek company."

"And yet you asked my daughter to marry you."

"I am -"

"Honoring an obligation. Yes, you mentioned that," she said almost teasingly.

She looked right into his eyes and searched his gaze for a few moments before peering away. "If you have the forms I'll fill them for Kagome."

He blinked, stupefied that she handed her interrogation so abruptly. He recovered rather quickly and opened his suitcase to retrieve the forms. She took them from him, her smile never fading.

"I'll leave them with Kagome tomorrow."

"Thank you," he said as he rose to his feet. He then bowed to her and turned around before she could walk him to the door.

Miyu watched him leave and involuntarily chuckled. Kagome seemed to attract broken souls, people who did not know they needed someone, people who did not want someone.

Old Kagome would have stubbornly fought him like she did Inuyasha. But her daughter was no longer that person. Back then it might have been good for her to have someone like him in her life… but now?

They were about to find out.

-R-

Kagome Taisho.

That officially became her name one week ago. Strangely, she did not see her husband since the day she took his name. Taisho, she wondered why he picked that name… unless it was always his name?

Her head was resting against a pillow, a blanket tightly wrapped around her body. Keeping her eyes open was a battle she was losing. She spent the earlier morning doing tests. It seemed her nurses and doctors were a bit surprise by her good vitals and wanted to see what was going on. In a way, she hoped there were no drastic changes. She had no desire to become a famous miracle girl.

"Sleepy? I'm sure the excitement from your marriage left you tired, you poor thing."

The nurses did not fail to notice the change in her name. Of course, that brought forward a million questions and she could not answer any of them. Actually, she did. She confirmed the man who often visits was her new husband. Except for that, she had no idea how to respond. Where did you two meet? Oh five hundred years ago! Are you in love? Oh, yes, Sesshomaru is the most emotional person there ever was and he is so romantic. I love him. Not.

Each time, she pretended to cough and be in pain so that they would leave her alone. She was not very good at lying and she knew they would be able to tell her stories were made up. Unfortunately, it was something she was going to have to work on. Eventually more people would ask and she needed answers.

"I just ne-ed to re-st," she said with a smile.

No more wedding talk. No more true love. She loved once and she lost that. She lost everything. This was not true love; this was a way to survive. Kami, she was bittersweet.

"I think it's so romantic. You know, him wanting to marry you now in cas-" The nurse's eyes widened as if she just realized what she was about to say. She chuckled nervously. "I mean, you know, marrying you because he loves you, not caring where and how."

Kagome forced a smile. Yes how romantic of him.

Well – the real story kind of was. Or would be if it was anybody else but Sesshomaru. Or for different reasons. He did just rescue her from death.

"Miss Higu- oh, my apologies, Mrs. Taisho."

Kagome looked up only to catch a glimpse of her doctor walking into the room. He was holding his notepad close to his chest and seemed in a rather pleasant mood.

"I have your test results."

Her heart skipped a beat and she waited impatiently.

"I do believe your condition is improving!" It was rare, but not unheard of, for patient to unexpectedly feel better for short periods of time. In her case he was sure the wedding contributed to it. Nonetheless, good news was good news no matter how long it lasted. "Your lungs have improved as well. I'm sure you noticed that breathing was easier."

Was it? She did not think she could remember what normal breathing was like.

"A l-ittle." Everyone was so happy. She did not want to ruin their happiness.

"Oh looks like you have visitor!" exclaimed the nurse.

There, in the corner of the room, was Sesshomaru. After a whole week of torment, he was finally fully back to being himself. No more weakness, no more pain. He did not know if it was because she was better or because she stopped stealing his energy but he was grateful. There was no way he could afford losing more work days.

"Mr. Taisho?" the doctor asked uncertain.

Sesshomaru nodded.

The doctor beamed with joy. "You're here just in time. I was just telling your wife how much her condition has improved! I'm sure the wedding helped."

So she was feeling better. The week made him feel aggravated, out of patience and cranky. He already had a very low tolerance for idiots and this pushed him to new limits. Hopefully, it was over for good.

The doctor and nurse walked past him, leaving him and Kagome alone.

"I though-t I was-n't gonn-a see you ag-ain," she said, breaking the silence.

"I was busy."

She noticed that it was a bit strange to be in his presence now. Her miko senses were more awake now and she felt him, she felt the connection they had. His visits were also awkward. Before, he would sit, tell a few stories and leave. Now, it was as if neither had anything to say.

"Have you decided where you will live?"

"Uh?"

He sighed. "You will be leaving this hospital soon. Your state will improve and you will return home. Will you be returning to the shrine?"

"Whe-re else am I suppo-sed to go?"

"My apartment."

Oh. He was – he expected her to live with him? Then again, marriage and mating pretty much led to that.

"We are married and you are from a shrine. I believed this was an appropriate arrangement. However, you are free to live where you please."

It would be harder to provide for her if she lived at the shrine since money was not something he had but he would not force her in any situation. His main goal was to save her from death and he did. Everything else was up to her.

"No I m-ean, it ma-kes sense."

He was her husband. Wives usually lived with their husbands. Then again, they were also usually in love. If she went home, everyone would take care of her, that she needed help of not. Sesshomaru on the other hand had a job and would be gone for most of the day. She knew he would not go out of his way to do everything for her. For too long now she had someone watch over her.

She could ask him if he was sure but at this point, she was certain that moving in with him was not a big deal. He did mate and marry her.

"I wi-ll live with yo-u."

Maybe this way, she would be able to repay him for his kindness.

"I will make the necessary arrangements."

At the moment, there was no room for her. His apartment only had one bedroom but it did have an office. He would have to turn it into a room for her. He did not see the point in spending money to move. The location of his apartment was perfect and it worked with his budget. His expenses were going to be higher now that she would live with him and a bigger place was not a luxury he could afford.

"Tha-nk you."

"Contact me when they are ready to send you home. I will pick you up."

Her presence was slightly uncomfortable. Now that they were bonded, her feelings echoed through him and it displeased him. She was a very emotional creature.

She nodded.

He sounded so optimistic when he talked about her recovery, as if it was a sure thing. He even made it sound like it would happen soon.

It seemed that freedom was no longer out of reach.

-R-
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Red Lotus