Chapter 8: Trip

She awoke in the morning, not feeling nearly as sore as she thought she would be. The spot next to her that Sesshomaru would occupy was still warm, signaling that he had not been gone for too long. There was a cold draft and she shivered, pulling the blanket closer to her. Her sleepy mind had slowly realized that she was naked, though she did not have the ache that would have signaled the loss of her virginity. His scent clung to her intimately.

"You are awake," his voice called, and she looked to her husband. He was dressed and his hair was pulled back into a ponytail, much like his father's. "How are you feeling?"

"Still slightly sore," she admitted. "I am not nearly as sore as I thought I would be."

"Hatsu is to be thanked for that," he murmured. "He supplied me with oil to help with that." She nodded. She wanted to get out of bed, but was shy. They had never seen each other naked before. "I will leave you to dress. There are a few things that need to be taken care of." She nodded and watched him leave before getting out of bed. There was a kimono sitting on the foot of the bed. She pulled it on and secured it before sitting to brush and do her hair.

Touga looked at his son. His hair was pulled back and he was dressed. Kagura's scent did not cling to him, however the scent of Kagome did. There was no smell of sex on him, so he knew his son had not slept with her.

"Is there something I can do for you?" He went back to the scroll in front of him.

"I have set up a retreat for myself and Kagome. I am unsure how long we will be gone." He looked up at his son.

"A retreat?" His son nodded. "What for?"

"To strengthen the bond between herself and I." He knew his son would not explain further so nodded.

"Be careful. We are still in a time of war. I do not need for you or her to be injured." Sesshomaru nodded and left. This was progress. Hopefully when they returned Kagome would be pupped.

He had the food stores for the short trip there. Once they got to their destination he would hunt for their food. He knew what he was doing. He was going to get to know her, and properly court her before making her his mate and impregnate her. He was unsure how long it would take, but they would not return until she was with child.

He entered her room to see her dressed in the kimono he had picked out for her. It was dark blue in color with his family crest on one of the shoulders. The obi was blood red and she already had the tabi and geta on her feet. Her sword was tucked neatly into the obi.

"Come, Kagome," he murmured softly. She nodded and approached him. They left their room and made for the court yard. His father and a few others were out there waiting, Shippo amongst them. He was trying not to cry at being left behind. Touga would take care of the kit in Kagome's absence.

"Take care of her," his father called at their departing backs.