It was the start of a new day and more so the start of Kagome's new life, at least temporarily, or so she thought. She had awoken much earlier than expected that morning and found herself on the balcony of her own room, her thoughts on Inuyasha. What had gotten into him? How could he have even dared to slap her like that? She hadn't over stepped her boundaries in any way, she told the truth and just as Kikyo didn't want to accept her death, Inuyasha didn't want to accept it either. It was sad really….the entire situation with Kikyo.

Don't get her wrong, Kagome felt no sympathy for her, not anymore, not after she killed her and stole her soul. Nor did she feel any for Inuyasha, he had proven to be quite an idiot in his thoughts. No, they weren't the ones who deserved sympathy, what was sad though, was the mere fact that someone who once used to be pure, someone who knew death was inevitable and accepted it the very first time, could be so foolish as to cling to a life as a wandering dead woman. Kagome didn't understand how Kikyo could wish for a life, any life at all…especially being a priestess, she should have known better. All the talks of her being a great priestess seemed so false upon meeting the woman who, though she hadn't thought it at the time, would one day be her undoing in more ways than one.

In the first place, how could one who was said to have a pure heart, ever attain such hate? Her revival as wrong as it was as well, she refused to even let the souls she used to keep her body alive, free to rest as they should. In truth, at some point Kikyo had become a demon upon her revival and Inuyasha refused to see it. She had abilities she shouldn't have had, her soul collectors alone should not have even been following her. Then the thought came to mind, how could she have believed so falsely of Inuyasha? If she truly loved him, shouldn't she have been able to trust and believe he would not have done such a thing? Shaking her head Kagome sighed, it was certainly something that could be dwelled upon and forever remain a mystery.

By this time the sun had risen and she turned around to gaze at the bed, there laid a sleeping Shippo, who had curled further under the covers to hide from the sunlight. She imagined this was the first good sleep he's had in a long time, not having to worry if something were to attack them, for Sesshomaru wouldn't allow any vile demon to even get close to his home. It was more than just the guards, Kagome got a sense that this castle was far more protected now, probably because Naraku had managed to steal her body before from here, she wouldn't doubt the demon lord would have taken better precautions to secure his home from intruders.

As Shippo stirred she walked over to him, gently shifting him into her arms as she sat on the bed, slowly when he opened his eyes he smiled up at her and hugged her, "Kagome….I almost thought I was still stuck in that nightmare," he whispered, sniffling a little.

"What nightmare Shippo?"

"I thought you were still gone…"

"Oh…it's alright, I'm right here," she smiled down at him and hugged him tightly, bringing him up to her chest.

He hugged her back and smiled, "are you sure it's alright for me to be here?"

"Sesshomaru wouldn't have said it if he didn't mean it, anyway I imagine someone will come and get us soon for breakfast," she stated.

No sooner had she said that, than there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," she called out to the one on the other side.

A female opened the door slowly, peeking into the room, she walked in and bowed slightly. At first glance she almost seemed human, but Kagome could clearly tell a demon when she saw one, especially having been in the Feudal Era for as long as she has. Studying the female demon, she stood about 5 inches taller than Kagome, her blonde hair that flowed down behind her back was pulled back into a neat braid and her eyes were like shining amethyst gems. She appeared to be some sort of rabbit type demon, but Kagome wasn't quite sure, her ears were evidently from that line of thinking along with her tail that was small, white and fluffy and only visible should she turn around or in this case bow.

"My Lady, I am Sayako, during your stay here I shall be your maid, if there is anything at all that you need, please do not hesitate to call on me. I've come at this time to take you to the baths and from there breakfast shall be ready," she explained, standing upright, her eyes remaining downcast.

"Woah….she's pretty, good thing Miroku isn't here," Shippo commented.

Kagome laughed and then smiled at the demoness, "It's nice to meet you, but please, call me Kagome."

"Uh yes my Lady, I mean…Kagome," she said softly. "If you will follow me this way," Sayako led them out of the room, waiting to be certain Kagome was following. Once she was sure she was, she led her down the hall, going around a few corners until they arrived at the bath. "Please," she motioned for Kagome to enter. Kagome began to walk in when Sayako stopped her however, "The kit will have to have a bath in the other room, forgive me, the lord's orders," she explained.

Kagome looked down at Shippo and they both nodded, Shippo jumping out of her arms and walking into the other bath as Kagome entered the one before her. Upon entering, she gasped in shock at the beauty of it. The room was concealed of course and all around, the floors were clean, the walls pristine, the bath itself, looked as if carved out of stone into a perfect circular shape, it was the most beautiful type of bath she had seen in Japan. Not to mention the light of the day, seeped in from the rooftop, glass covering the top of the bath to allow such, so there was no need for candles during the day time.

Clearing her throat, the demoness had entered and slid the door closed. She gently reached forward to help Kagome undress when the younger woman stopped her, "Oh no, please, that's not necessary, I can do it myself," she smiled softly.

"But it is my job, my lady."

"I know, but why don't you go ahead and take a little break? I can manage it, please?" she asked almost pleadingly.

The demoness sighed and nodding, excusing herself, she made her way out of the bath and down the hallway. Kagome watched her go then got undressed and sunk slowly into the water, it was nice and hot, steaming and felt wonderful on her skin. Her time in death had caused her quite a bit of pain, the lack of movement had her muscles tense and stiff and though she hadn't moved all that much since being alive again, the small bit she had moved, still hurt her. The water and heat from it seemed to massage that pain away and allowed her to relax. Closing her eyes, Kagome leaned against the tub of sorts and just allowed her body to soak for a bit.

Not long after, she finally began to wash off her body, finding the sweet scented liquid nearby that came obviously from herbs, crushed and ground into this liquid form, she smiled and took some of it into her hand, lathering her skin with it. It was a pleasant scent, but she missed her shampoo and soap greatly, this caused her to wonder, where was her bag anyway? She figured Sesshomaru hadn't picked it up and the group didn't seem to have had it, that's when it dawned on her. It was probably left behind at Kaede's hut. So how was she going to get it back now? She doubted Sesshomaru would take her to retrieve it, then again, it didn't hurt to ask. With a nod, she decided she'd ask him later. At this point she had finished washing her hair when a light knock was heard from the other side of the screen, "My Lady, it is Sayako," the female demoness had returned.

"Oh come on in," Kagome replied immediately. Once she entered and closed the screen door behind her, she walked over to Kagome and bowed, "I have brought you a towel my lady and your garments to wear for this day," the woman placed down the garment on a nearby bench, being sure it was clean before doing so. She then held the towel and unwrapped it, holding it out to the priestess.

Kagome sighed, knowing when she was beat, she knew this girl wouldn't accept her refusal this time and so got out of the water. Having someone else wrap her in a towel and at that dry her off wasn't something Kagome was used too and she was starting to think their treatment of her was going a little too far. After all, she was no lady, she shouldn't have been treated this well, should she? Shaking her head, she decided she'd speak to Sesshomaru on the matter later.

Once that was done, the demoness set the towel on a bamboo that was fashioned into a rack of sorts to allow it to dry, she then retrieved the garments she had set down earlier and began to help Kagome into the new, clean kimono, much to the young maiden's dismay. Before long she stood in front of a mirror within the bath, towards the entrance and exit. Kagome gasped at the reflection before her, there she stood, wearing a cream colored kimono, magenta cherry blossom designs imprinted all over the lovely and silky fabric. Silk, why on earth was she wearing silk?! This was certainly a first for her, something so elegant to have been given to her to wear…she didn't expect it at all. The sash that held it closed and in place, was also the same shade as the cherry blossoms on her kimono and it certainly was a fitting match. Her hair was the next attraction she hadn't expected, her hair for the most part remained down, but the two sides of it were pulled back to the middle of her head to fall in wavy tresses, clipped together in place with a magenta comb that held shimmering diamond like gems on the top of it.

When she agreed to stay to pay back Sesshomaru for his help, she never dreamed she'd be as pampered as this and if this wasn't her being pampered, then what was it? Because it sure did feel and seem as though she was being treated far better than that of another under his employment. Sayako turned Kagome to face her now, a satisfied smirk on her lips, gently she reached forth and pulled a few strands to hang down in front of Kagome's ears, using her claws she twirled the strands until they became wavy and framed her delicate features, "there now….my lord will be quite pleased…." She smiled at her, proud of her work.

Turning to look back in the mirror once again, Kagome still couldn't believe her eyes. Shaking her head, she managed to speak, "ah…shouldn't we get going now?" she asked.

"Oh, yes of course, follow me please my lady," Sayako stated and led her out of the bath house.

"Hey, hey! What did I say about that my lady business?" Kagome asked.

"Um…oh…right, forgive me….Kagome, but at least around the lord I must continue to call you as such, I am not allowed to be informal with one who is of importance in the Lord's household," she explained herself.

Kagome looked at her confused, "Importance?"

"Yes, you are to be along on his travels after that vile half demon, just as well, you will be taking care of the little lady as well, that gives you great importance within his home."

Kagome fell silent after that, contemplating what she had been told.

Sayako took this as a sign that she accepted her explanation and left the rest of their trip to the dining room to the comfortable silence between them. Upon arriving, Sayako led her to a seat that was on the right of Sesshomaru who was currently seated at the head of the table, naturally. She pulled out Kagome's chair until Kagome sat down and scooted her into the table, bowing she dismissed herself.

Kagome for a moment longer remained puzzled, even while seated there at the table, it wasn't until Shippo spoke up did she realize he was even there next to her on her right. "Wow, you look so pretty Kagome!" he chirped.

Rin who was across from Kagome, smiled as well, "yes, very pretty Lady Kagome! Lord Sesshomaru said you'll be staying with us, does this mean I get to play with you?" she smiled.

Kagome looked at the children and smiled at Shippo, "oh thank you, thank you too Rin," she said giving her a smile as well. "Ah, yes, Shippo and I are both staying here now, this means you and Shippo can also play together," she smiled sweetly at the little girl.

Sesshomaru sat there watching the exchange, keeping his opinions and thoughts to himself, though in his mind he couldn't hide his first thought upon seeing Kagome enter the dining room. 'She looks quite ravishing does she not?' the demon growled within his mind.

'Hn…of course she does.'

'I knew it, you don't see her as a mere tool!' the demon stated with a howl of triumph.

Sesshomaru inwardly groaned, he hadn't intended to admit to anything. 'That means nothing, she looks lovely and that is all. There is nothing more to it you fool, now be silent.'

'Yet you kissed her to awaken her when needed. You almost kissed her as well in another dream that I recall.'

"Foolish," he accidentally uttered out, thankfully it wasn't loud enough for anyone to know what he had said.

"Did you say something Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Hn….no. I leave Rin in your care priestess, if you need anything, Sayako will attend you. Should you feel you need to speak to me about anything I will be in my study for the rest of the day, she can show you where it is located," that was all he would say as their food was brought out to them and they all enjoyed their meal in silence.

Sesshomaru wanted to strangle his beast for the comments he had brought to mind, but he couldn't deny there was a hint of truth to them, still, not because he couldn't deny it, meant that he wouldn't. He refused to believe there could be any such thoughts of a human in his mind, especially once that was once his brother's wench. That notion was shattered again however, by his inner demon who decided to interrupt, 'ah but she is not nor was she ever his wench, that dead bitch is the one he cared for most as yesterday had proven it.'

'Did I not tell you to shut up? I will not repeat myself again,' he snapped, growing irritated, mostly because he knew what his beast said, was indeed true. Shaking those thoughts from his mind, mentally mind you, he ate his breakfast, not having much as he didn't require much. When everyone was through with their meal, he allowed them to go, Rin and Shippo immediately stood up and dragged Kagome off to the one place they all knew and loved, the gardens.

The trio sat down on the benches, Kagome smiling and telling them a story she had heard when she was a little girl, it was a story about a brave knight who saved this poor girl in a peril. You're typical bedtime story, but they had begged and pleaded for a story while sitting amidst the flowers and lovely sounds of nature out there, which is how she was roped into doing this. For the first time ever Kagome noticed Shippo relaxing and enjoying himself, something he couldn't have done when on the hunt for Naraku and jewel shards, he needed time to be a kid and she was happy he was finally getting to be just that.

After the story however, she suddenly realized, she didn't quite talk to Sesshomaru as she had planned and so called for Sayako. When the woman appeared, she led all three of them towards his study, Kagome thanked her and asked her to take the children back out and keep them company for the time being while she spoke to him. Complying with the priestess's wishes, she led the two back down the many corridors and out to the gardens once more, keeping an eye on them as asked.

Lightly, she knocked on the door of the study, when she heard him answer with a rather soft, "Enter," she did so and closed the door behind her.

"Is there a problem priestess?" he asked, not even looking up from his papers that were scattered on his desk.

"Um well…not really? I just wanted to talk to you about a few minor things," she started off.

Raising his head to look at her, he set the papers he was holding back down on the desk to give her his undivided attention.

Taking that as a sign to continue she cleared her throat, "well this is minor I mean really minor but thank you again for letting Shippo stay here with me….it really means a lot to me," she paused for a moment and bit her lip before continuing, "now the other thing is that I realized, I had a bag of things I brought with me from home but considering what happened and all, it's been forgotten and left behind at Kaede's hut back in the village near Inuyasha's Forest…"

"You wish to retrieve it."

"Well…yea there's stuff in there I really need," she explained.

"Very well, we will go tomorrow and retrieve your belongings. Was there anything else priestess?" he asked.

"Well…now that you mentioned it. I'm rather confused, why is Sayako calling me a lady and this kimono is quite lovely and all but why am I wearing such expensive material? I really don't deserve to be called anything of the sort so I was just wondering-"

"The servants address you as such by my orders. Despite your main purpose in taking care of Rin, you still hold a higher status than anyone here other than myself of course. Do you mean to tell me you do not like that kimono? I had picked it out for you," he stood now, walking around his desk and over to her, towering before her and examining how well it fit, he hadn't seen anything wrong with it.

Kagome blushed a bit under his gaze and bit her lip not realizing he had picked it out. "Yo…you did? No I don't mean anything by it, it's lovely but should I really be wearing something this nice?"

Looking down at her, he thought carefully how best to go about her response. "Being that your standing is higher than a servant, the best choice was that material for you. If you do not like it however," he paused and turned around walking back to his desk, no idea what had gotten into his mind as he said the next part, "you are more than welcome to undress and remain so."

As the words had left him, he mentally smacked himself, that damned beast of his had saw fit to put in a word or two into his mind. Was he growing so weak as to not be able to refuse such suggestive words by his inner demon?

Sitting down he turned around and arched an eyebrow at the look on her face, an amused smirk came forth on his usually blank features.

Kagome realizing what he had said was first in shock until she turned a dark shade of red. Shaking her head and looking down in an attempt to hide her blush, as miserable as an attempt as it was, she spoke quickly, "no, no, this is fine, I gotta go!" with that she ran out of his study.

Once she left he had a mental war with his inner demon for a bit until he had somehow lost and it was quite smug in knowing the truth. Though no matter what, Sesshomaru would keep that thought to himself. It was growing rather tiresome, if these thoughts by his demon persisted, he'd become like his father in no time and he didn't want that at all.

When Kagome had left them with Sayako, the two children began to talk among each other upon reaching the gardens. "So Shippo are you a half demon? Is Kagome your mother?"

He looked over at his new friend and shook his head, "No, I'm a full demon, my father was killed by the thunder brothers and my mom…well I was a baby when she died so I don't know what happened," he whispered sadly.

"I'm sorry Shippo, I didn't mean to make you sad…" Rin looked as if she would cry for him knowing he was orphaned just as she was.

One look at her and he stood up straight, puffed out his chest and said, "Don't worry, I'm strong, I am a demon after all! Besides, you are right about one thing, Kagome is like my mother, she's the closest thing I've got, until I met her, I didn't know what it was like having a mother," he said with a smile, "but what about you Rin? Where's your parents?" he had always seen her with Sesshomaru and found he wanted to know just what happened to her and how she even came to follow Sesshomaru of all people.

From what he knew, Sesshomaru wasn't the nicest person around, hell, until recently, the word nice didn't seem to fit him at all, even now it still didn't seem to fit even though he had let him stay here with Kagome and at that, saved his mother from death. Though there must have been something he was missing if Rin seemed to love him as much as she did.

The girl had fallen silent for a moment, the events still fresh in her mind, she wished she could forget such cruel images. Taking a deep breath, she sighed and began her story, "I was four years old when I saw my parents and siblings being killed by bandits….the village we lived in, allowed me to stay with them but they would beat me at times for taking food or doing things they didn't think I should be doing. It was scary but I remember being killed by wolves and Lord Sesshomaru saved my life," she looked up now and smiled, "I know he seems scary but Lord Sesshomaru is like a father to me. He's always coming to save me if I'm in trouble and makes sure I have food and everything."

"Wow…I never knew he could be that nice though it's still hard to describe him as nice from what I've seen…." He shook his head and left those thoughts out of his mind.

For a moment the children were happy in their silence, thinking of the person in their lives they loved most as they gazed up at the cloud filled sky. Finally a thought came to mind for both of them and they looked at each other once again.

"Shippo!"

"Rin!"

They shouted each other's name at the same time, laughing at their timing.

"You go first Rin, ladies are always first," Shippo offered.

"Um…well okay, do you think….maybe….Kagome would want to be my mommy?" she asked softly.

"I was just wondering if you'd want Kagome as your mom! I think Kagome would love that, she wouldn't refuse, especially since I'm sure she loves you already," he said with a grin.

"Oh really? Yay! Well if Kagome will be my mom, maybe Lord Sesshomaru can be your dad," she suggested.

"What? Well…I don't know…I don't think he likes me very much, besides…Lord Sesshomaru would probably kill me before wanting to be my dad…it's okay really, I don't need to have a dad so long as I have Kagome. And one day when Kagome gets married, I'll have a dad then," he said trying to smile and keep a stiff upper lip.

"Hmm….well I don't think Lord Sesshomaru would kill you, oh I know! I'll ask him later!" she smiled, knowing she could get away with asking such things.

"No Rin, really you don't have to-"

"Don't try to stop me, I'm going to ask and that's that. He may not verbally say yes, but trust me, if he doesn't answer, then that means we have a chance!" she said proudly that she knew Lord Sesshomaru so well.

That was when another thought dawned on her and she had an almost wicked gleam in her ever so innocent face. "Even if he does say no…I think I know how we can get him to be your dad…."

"Rin? What are you thinking?" Shippo scooted back a bit, the look on her face was quite scary and he promised himself he never wanted to see Rin scheme again.

"It's like you said, whoever Lady Kagome marries will have to be your dad…so if she married Lord Sesshomaru…." Rin laughed and began to hum quite happy with her own little thoughts.

Shippo blinked a few times in disbelief, was she really thinking what he thought she was thinking? Somehow he had a feeling he was about to become a part of this plan of hers, whether he wanted too or not.

All the while Sayako sat on the bench, keeping an eye on them. Their conversation was quite sweet at first, but she couldn't help but hide her smile at their thoughts on sharing their respective adopted parents, she found it all the more amusing when Rin got a plan in her head. Sad as it was to say, she knew if anyone could accomplish the task before her, it would be Rin and found that her Lord would be in for one unexpected plot set by one human girl who saw him as her father.

A/N: Hiya everyone, thank you again for being so sweet and patient as always. I've decided I shall try and make it a habit to update every Friday, which is why I'm updating today. In light of tomorrow however, you know Valentine's Day and all that, this chapter is a bit longer than my usual chapters. However I do have an idea for a special side chapter for tomorrow, hope you all don't mind it being slipped in right in the middle of the story, but it goes with Rin's plot in a way. Its a fun little chapter and will probably be a lot shorter than the other chapters but as I said, its a fun chapter specially created for Valentine's Day. Hope you're enjoying this so far and don't worry, I still have more of a plot to fit in the rest of the lyrics so they aren't forgotten.

Thank you to all of those who've reviewed by the way, sorry if I didn't privately pm you all this week, been rather busy. And thank you to the guests as well, seeing as I can't pm you guys at all.

One more thing, I apologize if Sesshomaru seems a bit ooc, if he seems so in anyway and thanks again for reading, please continue to review ^_^ I really enjoy the sweet comments and thanks again.