The Love of Brothers

Chapter Two

It had been nearly a year since that day. Here she stood, a priestess, Kaede had passed the previous winter and Kagome had slipped easily into her duties. She had steadfastly refused to wear Miko robes at first. Not bearing to be garbed as Kikyo, she had fought so hard to banish the woman from Inuyasha's mind. It was Sesshoumaru who had taken care of the small issue, she wore white hakamas and a deep blue haori. He had opted for all white but she had merely laughed at the suggestion. She had no desire to dress like he did. A small shrine was built near the hut and it was here that people came to pray and be healed. She had done very well with the demon lord's help.
Sesshourmaru landed silently behind her, she was thinking of Inuyasha again. Wondering of his fate. All she knew was that since Sesshoumaru had not claimed her that he must be alive. She sensed him behind her and smiled. He loved that smile, the smile meant only for him. "Hello Sesshoumaru-sama.". He peered around, sniffing, she had used the honorific which meant they were not alone. "Miko." he said quietly, "Are your duties for the day complete?". She turned to answer him when a small girl bolted from the shrine and collided with the tall youkai's legs. He didn't even budge but stared down at the little one. Wide brown eyes stared at him in wonder and he palmed the child's head steadying her. The great demon lord of Japan apparently had no frightening effect on children as the little girl giggled and ran to Kagome. Little girls just love him, probably think he is some fairy prince or something. He looks it.
Kagome handed her the broom and thanked her for her work that day. Then they watched as the child ran off home. "Come Kagome." he said then. She didn't move from her place, a breeze blowing a stray lock of hair across her face. Slim fingers moved to tuck it behind her ear and golden eyes followed the delicate action. Her line was tense as she stood and he waited knowing that whatever was on her mind would be revealed soon. Suddenly she turned to him, throwing herself against him. His hands came up to instinctively steady her. " I hate not knowing, I should be there! I should be fighting too and Sango and Miroku!"
He wrapped his arms around her and let her rage against him. She felt powerless, useless and he knew she hated that more than anything. "No Miko. He was right to go alone. He is alive you know this." His soft words soothed her, "But why?". He sighed and soothed her hair, it was not the first time he had held her like this. It would not be the last. She had warmed up to him considerably, he supposed that it was because he had hid nothing from her, she was perhaps the only one who could make such a boast. She tilted her face up to him, and he brushed his lips across hers, a sweet caress. A nip of lips that left her breathless. He had explained things to her and she knew that he was slowly building her to his touch. That he would take the consideration to do so made her smile.
"I would not have done anything differently Kagome. You must trust and do what you can here. You are needed. The monk and the slayer have built a life here, a life to live not throw away. Like we have. You and I and Inuyasha.". His calm presence was like a balm to her hurt feelings and pride. With a sniff she pulled slowly away, "But he never tells me anything.... if only he could be more like you." she gifted him a small smile, and he returned it. Her words touched a chord in his heart, warming him. At least in this she preferred him, she counted on his honesty no matter how ruthless it was at times and he appreciated that. "Enjoy it Kagome for there will be times when I will not explain things to you." Storm clouds were gathering in the distance, a storm was coming and fast. Gathering her close again he took to the air and flew towards the palace.
Kagome had been restless all night, sleep eluded her even though she felt exhausted. With a grumble she got out of bed and pulled her robe around herself. On silent feet she made her way to the library, maybe she could just read for a bit. She had just passed the massive doors leading to Sesshoumaru's chambers when the door opened revealing the lord. "Kagome." he said, but his tone held question. She turned tired eyes to him, "I'm sorry Sessh did I wake you?". He shook his head, he wasn't sure what had woken him. "I was going to the library, I couldn't sleep... the storm." she whispered.
An elegant brow arched at her, "Do you fear the storm Kagome?". She blushed, "Of course not, I just couldn't get comfortable tonight." she said, highly insulted at the very thought. He chuckled and pushed his door wider. "Come in." he said and turned to vanish into the darkness within. She followed slowly, she had never been in his rooms before, though his chambers connected to hers on the left and Inuyasha's on the right. His bed was enormous! She imagined that he could curl up on it true form with room to spare.
The door shut and the youkai stood just behind her. She felt his hand at her shoulder and leaned back into his warmth. He was always warm like Inuyasha and they always smelled like the forest, fresh and cool and mysterious. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply of it, the tension draining from her shoulder as she did so. A loud clap of thunder shook the chamber and she nearly jumped out of her skin. The tall demon supressed his smirk. "Get in bed Kagome." he ordered. She looked at him in shock, he merely arched a brow at her and pressed a kiss to her brow. "You need to sleep, you keep yourself too busy during the days. I'll not do anything if that is what concerns you. Come to bed.".
She watched the demon stride back to his bed and settle himself. She worried her lip with her teeth, she trusted him. But she was starting to wonder if she could trust herself. Another clap of thunder sounded and she hurried to the large bed. She climbed into the warm softness and pulled the bedclothes up around her and settled against the pillow careful not to touch him. He merely hmpffd and threw his arm across her drawing her back against his chest. In moments she relaxed. Her breathing and heartbeat told him that she would not find sleep soon. He growled softly, a soothing vibration that moved through her body. It was meant to soothe and calm and it did, for soon enough he felt her slip into sleep. Her calm scent washed over him, lavender and spice, a strange combination, utterly exotic. In his mind Inuyasha couldn't return soon enough. He breathed deeply and lay quiet until he too fell asleep.
The following day went as any other, the routine that had come to be life to them continued. The only difference was that Kagome once again returned to Sesshoumaru's bed. It became standard and was not questioned. She was his mate after all, or would be. She slept soundly in his arms, and though he was loathe to admit it, he slept better as well. Often times they would simply lay in the dark and whisper to one another. Mundane things really. How Rin did on her lessons that day, shrine business, what rumors stirred outside of the western lands. Sesshoumaru still went patrolling, though he refused to take Kagome. Not until his brother was back, his hunt successful. She missed him when he was away, the stoic lord who hid such a warm heart from the world. She would scowl at him as he left and he always kissed her when he returned.
Jaken had taken a liking to her since Rin now followed her about the palace and let the retainer alone. Storms came frequently, the weather growing colder and the servants were ordered to see to the palace fires. Sesshoumaru and Jaken did not feel the cold much, but Rin and Kagome and the countless human servants did. The business of his office kept him up late most nights now, and he had become accustomed to finding Kagome curled on the large rugs before the fire. She curled like a content kitten he thought, her body warm from the flames and sleep and he would merely scoop her into his arms and settle her in the bed.