Jesus fucking christ that took a while, I've realised Im shit at deadlines, it took a two extra days for this shit. Sorry, excuse my language lol. Anyways, had to split the chapter into two, cause this is long. Thanks for the support guys! Hope you enjoy!

Warning: Lemon scene (aka absolute filth) after the line break or all of the second half.

Half of the journey had been in silence, the only noises really being Shippo bickering with Kagome about whether or not he was still in trouble, and trying to wiggle his way out of punishment.

Everyone else followed a few feet behind, merely observing. They had travelled for quite a few miles however not once did Sesshomaru stop or allow Kagome to leave his shoulder, With the mannerisms of a soldier he simply footed along without so much a jostling her, even when walking through crushed rocks and boulders of wasteland areas that had accumulated from years of battles.

And everything about this had Inuyasha grinding his teeth. How could she let him touch her like that? Why him? Of all the bastards… Not once had Kagome ever shown even a smidge of interest in Sesshomaru like that before- Not once- and now, there she was stroking her hand through his fucking hair acting like they, he didn't exist. What the actual fuck?

How long had she been with him?

How had she survived?

Inuyasha remembered, very clearly, Naraku's weird ass tentacle bursting a huge hole through her chest and throwing her off that goddamn cliff into the abyss. Now here she was, she looked different, smelled different, even acted different.

And as these thoughts just swirled, over and over in the half demon's mind, he hit a break in patience. "That's it!" The first to break the silence, he stopped walking, as did the rest of their little group following his cue. No one knew how, nor were ready to burst Kagome's bubble yet, but everyone's questions pretty much followed the same foundation; how, what, when, where, why? Lucky for them, Inuyasha never had been the most patient. "I want an explanation, what is this," He was going on a bit strong, sure, but then his question went directed at the one person they thought he wouldn't confront, "Kagome." Everyone but Koga, Kagura and Kikyo drew a breath, even Sesshomaru stopped walking.

Inuyasha wasn't one to beat around the bush, and since the epicenter of all his confusion and anger was right in front of him, he may as well be the first to strike a match over the tar of continuous volatile tension that had always swamped between Kagome and himself. They had always been confrontational to one another, either was the spark and the other became the fire.

Except this time, she was not catching his cinder.

Head turned over her shoulder, a single bright eye strained to the side to settle on him, "What do you mean inuyasha? I almost died, Sesshomaru saved me. What don't you understand? If anything I should be the one with questions."

And that was true, there had been so much going on in her absence, however the palace was heavily guarded and nothing entered without Lord Sesshomaru's permission, including gossip. It was like a fortress, wrapped in a goddamn magic bubble, the only time she had managed to get any news of the outside world was from Sango, Shippo and after helping the territory's demons and even then, it was like they were filtering everything through a fucking siv, like she would be sensitive. Infact all the servants treated her like that as well, including Reina, but, well, the panther demon had witnessed her being a sobbing mess so…

But the point was, everything was uneventful for the most part, what could Inuyasha possibly be so upset about-

"Why the hell are you with him? You mated him!"

Kagome stiffened so fast, Sango was worried she had gone into shock. And well, she was shocked herself. Honestly, she should have known Inuyasha's jealousy would accommodate the forefront of his mind but, she had hoped he'd have a bit more tact. And there were better questions he could have started with, like- "Oh my Kagome, how are you alive?" The woman herself muttered the rhetorical question as she lept from Sesshomaru's back. At that, the daiyoukai was now annoyed, that their leisurely walk was now officially interrupted.

Once the soles of her feet, gracefully touched the dry, cracked ground she straightened, a glint flashing across her eye as she began walking with such animalistic grace, Koga blanched at the hypnotic sway of her hips, and the light melody of her voice as she continued her rant.

"It's good, but shocking to see you're not dead, Kagome. How have you healed so quickly with such a huge gaping hole in your chest where your heart was, Kagome? Kagome, what happened when you fell over the cliff? I'm sorry I didn't kill Naraku for you, Kagome, when I thought you'd been murdered. Kagome."

Finally she stopped, in front of him, barely an inch of space between them, noses almost touching and kami did Koga want to pull her away from that mutt's stink; not even out of jealousy, it was the principle. Having such a beauty, that woman so close to a piece of shit like the halfbreed was a damn insult. Even Sesshomaru growled out a warning, but it seemed to be aimed at Inuyasha rather than the woman that had initiated the closeness.

Don't you dare touch her.

Inuyasha's eyes were blown wide with shock, as he now stood toe to toe with his...his...fuck- with Kagome. When had her eyes been so beautiful, cheeks so rosy, hair so luscious despite its windswept state? And the modified kimono did nothing to hide the curves of her body, decorated by light scars, a testament to her efforts of staying alive and aiding the inutachi during all their battles.

The half demon was frozen, ramrod straight and standing to attention. He didn't know what to do, she was different, more than he had expected. Instead of being explosive, burning, boiling with passion, it was like she never went above a simmer, she was annoyed sure, but there was no anger, her flames were cold, opposite to before, opposite to Kikyo.

The next few moments were climactic with tension, everyone straining to intake whatever happened next. Kagome leaned closer, to everyone else it was almost a kiss, and Sesshomaru was straining for control to not drag her back to him and keep her locked in his arms. Something burned his chest at the sight of her touching almost touching another so intimately. Jealousy, was this what jealousy felt like?

He most definitely was, Kagura could tell. Sesshomaru was ready to kill something, specifically the half demon. It was strange, because most demons, especially dog demons of his type were not known for things such as jealousy much, possessiveness sure, but they were not monogamous by nature, therefore, him reacting to the human woman's choice to behave intimately with another was intriguing, perhaps there was more to him than his cold demeanor than she had initially thought.

"Do you see him, standing there?" Her voice was so soft and light it was almost a whisper, her lips right by Inuyasha's ear. "I suppose I should clarify a few things." She smirked, he was expecting her to justify herself? Well ok then, if the truth was what he wanted. "Those hands are the ones that held me as I was dying, those teeth are identical to the bite that saved me from my fate and that voice, was the only one I could hear over my own pain, and that soul is the one that I just can't get enough of. I don't care if you hate him, or if he's dangerous, he can be as much as he wants, my life belongs to him, I won't argue that, but you see" Kagome raised her right hand- the silken sleeve falling away immediately- and stroked it against Inuyasha's hair, blatantly avoiding his twitching ears - which were an incredibly sensitive and intimate area to pet - in a sarcastic mimic of how she had petted Sesshomaru, "Look how still he is," and he did, Inuyasha's eyes zeroed onto his half brother, going to the hand that had grown back, lax at his side in contrast to the slight tension of the demons brow and crease between his eyes, those were the only two things showing his displeasure, besides that he was completely lax, in a deadly way. No doubt, if Kagome chose to so much as peck his cheek, Sesshomaru would come after him. "How he stays like a good inu."

And oh damn, like an arrow through his heart. She didn't need to say anymore, with only a few ambiguous words she'd told Inuyasha he was inadequate, a rabid dog that couldn't even protect or avenge his own with only jealousy and no trust as a weapon; and until now he had never proven that wrong. Even with the smallest competitors for Kagome's affection, he either hadn't given a fuck or been so jealous he'd outright attacked, he had argued with her too, and that would have been fine if his possessiveness was useful in battle too when her life had always been in danger. And like a hammer on the head, Kagome finished with, "He is mine."

That's right, he's hers, Sesshomaru is just standing there waiting for her to return to his side. He's obedient, his stillness shows- whether Sesshomaru knows or not- that he belongs to her; and Inuyasha had never once allowed himself that kind of devotion to anyone but Kikyo. That was as close to a demon's love anyone would ever get - besides being completely devoured by their love. But, demon cannibalism as love did not translate well with humans, so this was a better example.

Finally, Kagome pulled back, voice a bit louder and clearer as she addressed the group, "Though," she continued with a sigh, "I suppose I do owe an explanation of sorts and since we're now in western territory…"

"Damn right you do." Miroku was the one to speak. That was the first time she'd ever heard the monk swear.

Kagome actually felt guilty as her gaze settled in him, and she rubbed the back of her head with an awkward smile in embarrassment, "Ah sorry Miroku, this must have been such a shock." The monk forgave her as soon as he saw a bit of her old self shine through.

"It's alright, I'm just glad you're ok. But it makes sense considering how Sango's mood picked up after she returned with shippo." That really had been a relief, he had almost been a wits end with how to make her better. "But how did Sesshomaru heal you so quickly."

"Aaahh well, He ah, just did…" Kagome hesitated, looking back at Sesshomaru for permission, who still had his eyes laser focused on his piece of shit half-breed brother (in his opinion). Despite this, he nodded at the feel of her gaze. Kagome then cleared her throat, nervous about the explanation, "Sesshomaru shared his soul to purify the miasma and speed up my body's healing."

"Right," Miroku nodded slowly as the gears turned in his head, processing the information. If his knowledge on demons was correct, "This means you literally became his property, since a piece of him is inside you, not only that you no longer have your miko powers."

"Yes." Kagome confirmed for the rest of the group, "although I can still use my Ki, it's not holy, so I'm not sure how useful I can be anymore when it comes to fighting Naraku. But that's where Kikyo comes in, isn't it?" Kikyo, stepped forward, tugging on the spiritual line connecting the two women. Kagome smiled, genuinely, "Nice to see the results of my hard work. Well, technically Sesshomaru's but hey-ho." She looked at Inuyasha with an expression to say 'your welcome', "Actually I've slowly been pushing my half of Kikyo's soul back to its original owner."

Miroku looked down in contemplation, "I'm guessing the process is yet to be complete, but the effects have been positive, only thing is, Kikyo now bleeds, like any other human." He turned to the miko, "Kikyo, if you get injured…"

"My soul collectors cannot revive me with the souls of the dead. Deep wounds may be fatal." Kikyo answered.

"That will be troublesome."

"Why?" Kagome asked, pacing back to Sesshomaru, and wrapping her arms around his midsection in a relaxed hug.

"Assuming you can't control how quickly you return her soul, it could take a while, and we may not have long until the next battle, Kikyo won't be strong enough to take on Naraku or destroy the shikon jewel."

"There's also the dead things" Shippo chimed in, tugging on Kagome's Kimono.

"Yeah Naraku has found a way to resurrect the dead." Koga confirmed, "We ended up fighting a whole village of them back east."

"We were in Kaede's village when they attacked. Luckily most of the villagers were put to sleep by some strange mist. These creatures are stronger than normal demons, and relentless, if he resurrects enough they will be difficult to defeat." Sango's explanation made Kagome quiet as she processed the new information. That didn't sound quite right, zombies totally didn't exist, and she remembered Kaede mentioning something about resurrection and reincarnation years ago when Kikyo had first come back to life. She would have to ask Hama.

"With how Lord Sesshomaru handled Naraku, I doubt he'll try anything for a few days at least." Just then, Miroku reminded Kagome the whole reason they were all here.

"Sango, you should come stay in the palace or at least nearby, I can set you up in the village." Shippo nodded vigorously at his mother's words. He knew that there would be doubt and distrust in the group's mind, and he wanted to prove Sesshomaru wasn't so bad.

"Papa! Papa!" Shippo hopped from one foot to the other, "Please…"

Sesshomaur knew what the kit was asking, and it was irritating. He didn't want these vermin in his palace, but he didn't want to deal with his women crying again either. Shippo simply got an irritated growl in response, but knew immediately his puppy eyes - as Kagome liked to call it - worked. "Yay!" he jumped away, and ran to miroku, "Papa said you can even visit sometimes to see her! At home!" Because that's what the palace had become, home. Miroku looked up at the dog demon in surprise, he hadn't expected that kind of generosity, but nodded gratefully nonetheless.

With that, Sesshomaru lifted Kagome back onto his shoulder as she stated her goodbyes for the day, "the new village is that way," she said, pointing into the distance, "they do awesome food. Shippo, you can show them the way yeah?" The kitsune nodded enthusiastically, "Good!" Kagome yelled as the couple got further and further away, "Oh and Kagura, good to see you're ok!" She beamed, no sarcasm of any kind.

Kagura froze in surprise at that, she hadn't expected to be acknowledged by the human girl, especially after everything she had done, but, somewhere in the cold of her chest where she knew something was supposed to be, a new sensation of warmth spread. Surprised by her own reaction, Kagura didn't respond.

As soon as they arrived back at the palace Reina greeted Lord Sesshomaru at the gate, "My Lord, we welcome your return."

"Hn."

Sesshomaru was in no mood to converse, in fact, he was still annoyed. Keeping Kagome on his shoulder he headed straight inside, ignoring everyone.

"The lieutenant Hiro is still completing a border check. Also, you have received a letter, it is in your study."

On the other side of the compound he could hear the pitter patter of little feet, "Reina, it's time for rin's dinner, have her play in her room after," he just managed to grit out. The lord knew the child must have missed her parent's dearly, but he had matters to attend to with his beloved wife.

"Yes my lord." Reina responded, unfazed by her master's attitude, by now, she trusted the human to resolve such things.

The walk was quick and before Kagome even knew it, she was dropped onto the huge cushions in the corner of his office specifically there for Kagome to lounge on.

Taking that as a cue to remain there, Kagome removed a scroll from the shelf on her left and began to read quietly.

Sesshomaru had intended to complete all the documents on his desk before anything else, but the annoyance he felt was overpowering his ability to concentrate, not only that, the woman kept peeking over the scroll at him with and innocent look, like she hadn't been all over that damn mutt that couldn't even control his arousal. The scent was seared into his fucking brain.

With a growl, he slammed the paper's back onto his desk in frustration. The great dog demon relaxed back in his chair, head lolling back, golden gaze glaring down at her.

Without so much as a word, the metal bands seared to Kagome's flesh began to sing, and her limbs were being pulled by a will other than her own. Kagome gasped in surprise as she was lifted into the air and dragged before him, until she was settled on to her knees with her arms locked behind her back and presented at his very feet.

Kagome shuddered at being forced into the submissive position. "I am plenty capable of walking over to you myself you know." She said with a hint of sarcasm. She had no problem with the position but, the thought of him just using the bands whenever he was annoyed was beginning to tickle her nerves, figuratively and literally. Sure there was no such thing as feminism in this day and age but damn.

"You belong to me, this Sesshomaru shall do as he pleases." Was the arrogant reply she was expecting of course, so it was no surprise.

"I didn't realise it was a doll you wanted, would you perhaps like me to stick some strings on and powder my face too?" She blinked up at him coquettishly. The only response to that were the bands pulling her limbs taught, back arching and chest heaving heavier breaths at the strain. However, Kagome didn't fight it, she relaxed her muscles as best she could and tried to catch her breath. He could do what he wanted, but he would find no satisfaction like this and he knew it.

"You've made your point woman, however, you seem to forget why you are mine to bind." There was electricity in his eyes, sharp and scorching, Kagome could not turn away as her body responded, heating at a moments notice to the point even the metal bands infused with her very flesh vibrated with warmth.

It was pleasant to see such a fight in the woman, endearing. It proved, saving her hadn't been a waste, the woman had become uncharacteristically docile, compared to what he had witnessed during her time as a miko, however, she was not empty nor frozen. Despite his hatred for the half-breed, he had to admit, it wasn't until she saw him earlier that she finally came alive, like she needed that confrontation.

And that is what he hated most. For once, he had been almost… fearful the human woman would choose to return to the weak imbecile. Pressing his face between Kagome's breasts the demon general took a deep inhale; cinnamon, honey and the tang of sweat invading his senses, the scent a growing familiarity.

Kagome had somewhat of a gist of what had Sesshomaru in a bad mood and from a human's empathetic perspective she understood why. It seemed however, Sesshomaru was knew to the feeling of insecurity, after all, she had gotten too close for comfort to Inuyasha, but when her old companion had started going off, she wanted to really drive her point home. Just yelling from the other side of a space didn't work with him, so she had been a little unorthodox; but Kagome didn't mind handling the aftermath, besides, she had a feeling angry makeup sex would be very enjoyable, Sesshomaru had no idea what was coming.

For him, this comfort couldn't get any better, this feeling, embracing her, smothering himself with her scent, that's what he thought anyway, until...

"I'm your personal toy, is that right?" She whispered, trying to be as seductive as she could. Unknown to her, she didn't have to try so hard, because when the next few sentences left her mouth she had him. "Fondle me, hold me in place by your will alone and use me until your heart's content. Something to bend to your very will, spread my legs," And she did exactly as she said, leaning back and drawing herself up to sit on his desk and parted her legs wide, showing him her offer. "Fill me with your cum over and over again until I smell only of you. What are you going to do with your doll after?" The dog demon's eyes glazed, enticed with such desirable possibilities, his approach was slow as he roused, following her from the chair to the desk, careful not to touch her quite yet as she continued to speak such filth into his ear. "Lock my limbs and keep me on your lap, warming your cock in meetings while you entertain those shitty generals… I'm good for it, I can show them who I belong to." Kagome was no exibitionist, but had he asked, in that moment, with the way he was staring at her, all dark desire and absolute loss of control, well, her morals would definitely have come into question. Ofcourse, she wasn't only talking about them, afterall the route of the problem had been her intimacy with a jealous Inuyasha, but his jealousy was childish, like her crush on him had been, it was the only reason she was able to pull it off. If he had been serious, Sesshomaru would have killed him. And so, all he needed was a little relief from these knew found emotions, and she...would give it to him, in the form of two long legs teasing his sides and wrapping around his hips.

Sesshomaru couldn't take it anymore, a strong hand tore the clothes from Kagome's body in one swift move, and within seconds, she felt him.

He tore through her tight opening without reserve and Kagome shrieked, unprepared for the sting of being split open. If she had still been fully human, this would not have been as easy to handle, but well, she had felt worse before, and what was pleasure without a little pain.

To her own surprise, the pain didn't even really register, not with the logical part of herself and not for a second did she guess her body, if it was ok. She was laughing, head thrown back, hysteric with euphoria and delighted with her sweet husband's show of emotion.

Sesshomaru plowed into her over and over, as her pussy contracted attempting to lock him in, it took monumental effort to pull out for even that short moment, torture when only at the tip, until bliss would welcome him again as he fucked right back in.

"Yesss," He hissed, voice rough like gravel and vicious in his desire, "No one, not even kami will save you from your fate. Mine- my mate-" He was lost, the killing perfection had yet again lost control. Her words had set a fire in him that could not be dimmed. Then again, it appeared his mate had no intention of setting the fire out.

Her nails dragged down his chest slicing his skin in its wake, rivulets of blood staining their clothes until the wounds healed right back up, slower than usual, however it went unnoticed.

"Yes" She cried out, legs tightening around him, encouraging the back and fourth motion, "Fuck me, don't stop, don't stop ungh!" Kagome arched her back against the desk, shoving her breasts that bounced with every thrust to his sights, she wanted all his attention, only on her; she wanted him to keep jackhammering his thick cock inside her and watch his biceps flex as he manhandled her, in the moment that the binding control of the metal bands were momentarily forgotten. She wanted his mouth to devour her, she wanted to be eaten alive and without mercy. "Please please please please!"

Sucking a taught nipple into his mouth, he bit down, just a little, until he tasted the smallest lick of blood, Kagome jerked and screamed, not prepared for it but all the more delighted, and gyrated her hips against him in response until they heard that 'squelch' of how wet she was; and it was only then she noticed, everything was soaked, Sesshomaru's pants, his papers that she was spread over, both their flesh, she could feel his balls sliding against her every time he slammed home.

Slipping a hand between them she collected some of her juices, Sesshomaru watching her every move, pupils dilated leaving only a thin ring of gold, so when she brought that very hand up to his eyes to see the glistening sheen coating her fingers, "Look My lord, how wet you make me, the evidence of my desire for you-" He pulled out before Kagome could say anymore and within half a second the killing perfection was on his knees, head shoved between his lover's thighs and his tongue replaced his cock. That thick saliva drenched muscle invaded her, split her open all over again, and this time he truly devoured her.

Tears leaked from Kagome's eyes, at the daiyokai's tongued assault, sliding between her soaked folds, spearing her deeper than any other could, any human tongue could, oh and so much stronger, it writhed inside her, moving at a speed to the point it was almost vibrating. This time Kagome lost all control, her mouth speaking of such filth, Sesshomaru could hardly comprehend how it affected him, only that it did, "ugh! Like that oooh your tongue- feels so good inside me, don't ever stop! Eat me, like this, everyday, anywhere, whatever you're doing- My king is on his knees eating me up!"

Sesshomaru heard a crash from the hallway, only a few paces from his study. One of the servants, no doubt they had heard Kagome's words just now. Fluctuating his aura, he warned them away, he could deal with it later, a more pressing matter was at hand, her words were getting to him too much, she would have him coming untouched and that would not do, he shouldn't have been so affected by her, by this.

Kagome, moaned as her fingers forcefully invaded her mouth, slathering her own taste across her tongue, the metal band fused to her arm vibrated, hinting the design of Sesshomaru's will.

Kagome smirked around her fingers, two could play at that game, with her free and luckily forgotten hand, she gently wound it in her beloved's hair, then without warning, yanked tight and pulled, pressing Sesshomaru's face harder against her mound, until his mouth was spread wide and sealed over her clit, tongue pressed even deeper inside her, so far in she couldn't even imagine how little more it would take to completely fill her.

Sesshomaru was so far gone, any other woman, any other situation and he would not have allowed this, his head would not have moved an inch and he would have broken the woman's hand, if it had been anyone but Kagome, and that thought alone was a revelation.

Maybe that's why the king's eyes were rolling into the back of his head and returning a tinted red, on the brink of fully transforming, already his lower face had become a snout and his canines were clamped over Kagome's pelvis, threatening to pierce her pelvis and rounded ass, only she didn't seem to care, in fact she was squirming as if inviting him to bite like he wanted to.

He wanted to.

He needed it.

It was a mantra in his mind, almost akin to a prayer. But she was human, he couldn't, he had to find a way to restrain himself. But he couldn't, the temptation, the taste of her was too much, and he had never felt like this before.

But just then, as if Kagome was kami herself, she answered, "Do it!"

Before, he could even think, canines pierced through her flesh, sinking so deep, blood spilled out everywhere, the desk, the floor, into Sesshomaru's mouth, and despite the delicious taste of her blood, there was something even better mixed in…

Her orgasm short-circuited his brain, and it took a moment for his heart to restart. He couldn't stop it, he climaxed, semen spraying across the floor, spurting out over and over as his body went ridgid, muscles coiled and trembling from the shock. When he was finally able to move, he looked up, jaws releasing but tongue still working to lap up every bit he could, he saw kagome, mouth open and frozen in a silent agonised scream, eyes rolled into the back of her head, and the edges of her lips curled into a smile.

The sensation had been a complete overload, mentally she wasn't present.

Now back to his senses, Sesshomaru finally pulled away, tongue slipping out with a wet 'shlick' and rose to his feet. As soon as he did, lightning fast Kagome's legs wrapped around the demon Lord's waist again and pulled; but when he looked up, she was still unconscious, so the act itself was complete instinct, which was impressive for a human.

He allowed his member to harden a second time, and after a few moments of teasing, slid back into her warm heat.

This time, slowly, gently, he began to fuck her, coaxing her back into consciousness. Her upper-body was liquid and taking too long to respond, Sesshomaru changed tactics kissing down her neck and whispering sweet nothings, opting to massage her hips easing any severe aches.

Full golden eyes studied the two deep puncture holes centred between her hips. Although the bleeding was now sluggish, it would take the wounds a while to begin to heal correctly, and though he was moving gently within her now, this would be of no help in the long run, but he couldn't bring himself to pull out yet. After this, he wouldn't use her body until she healed.

"Mhmm"

His gaze drifted back up to her face, he waited, allowing her to come back in her own time.

"S-sessh...oma-ru"

The Daiyokai answered with a slightly harder thrust, jolting her and sure enough, that did the trick- Kagome snapped back to reality, all her senses lighting up like a fucking Christmas tree, "Holy- fuck! Ah~" and was quick to wrap her arms around his neck for balance that she didn't really need (after all, it's not like he was going to drop her).

Once she regained her focus, Kagome pulled back and immediately noticed the crease between his brows. Was he...worried? Following his line of sight she saw the two huge puncture wounds right in the center of her pelvis and all the blood. Kagome jumped in shock and then again in pain, not only on her front but on her butt-cheeks as well. Sesshomaru gripped her thigh to steady her, "I bit you."

Looking back up at him she realised how upset he was, but she couldn't tell why, he'd just take her to Hama to get healed, or was that the problem? "Don't worry, I need to see Hama anyway."

Carefully Sesshomaru lifted her from the sludge of her own drying blood and sat her in his lap to rest. "Why?"

"Ah that thing about the zombie- I mean the undead, I don't think they are exactly that, there's something but I can't quite put my finger on it, thought I'd ask Hama since she knows about souls." As she spoke, he had removed the outer layer of his kimono and wrapped her naked body.

"Hn."

They rested like that for a while, Sesshomaru contemplating and Kagome just enjoying the afterglow. After a while, he heard the returning pitter patter of little feet approaching.

"Rin."

"Then that's my cue, don't worry it doesn't hurt much I can go myself, if she see's this mess she'll be scarred for life. Besides, you have work to...do." Kagome trailed off grimacing at the mess now that she could see it as a whole. Oh no, who was going to end up cleaning this! She could feel the burn of a blush creeping up her neck to her cheeks and heating her ears.

Actually it was best she didn't know. Quickly she wrapped the covering as best she could and hurried to the door, but stopped, "And Sesshomaru?" From his hunched position the normally indifferent demon general looked up, "You have nothing to worry about. I love you."

She didn't stick around to see his reaction, just slipped out, just in time to see Rin round the corner and run towards her as fast as her little feet could take her. Luckily, Kagome had closed the panel to the study. Bending over, arms spread and ready for a hug, "Ah my little apple!" she greeted the little girl as she jumped into her mother's arms.

"Mama! You been gone for a lo~ng time!"

"Hmm? Was you a good girl while I was gone?" Kagome rose, releasing Rin from the hug and opted to grab her hand so they could walk.

Rin nodded as she followed along-side her mother, telling her all about her day.

Lucky for Kagome, the Kimono was dark and so big it covered her like a dress leaving no one the wiser, she would just have to be careful not to aggravate her wounds. First she needed to change and then go to Hama.

Kagome remembered the troubled look on Sesshomaru's face when he had seen the bite, it felt like he wasn't telling her something.

Hmm, she'd have to ask about that too.