For the Good of Things

thehotty: Hello there everybody! I just want to thank the few people who have reviewed constantly. I would like to name those few off and let them know my graditude.

Mlmonty

Voiletcarson

Betterthankkikyo466

SandK

sesshous_girl

EteranlLove_495

mortefille

Kagome: We thank you all. You have done us great honor!

thehotty: But I would like to thank one faithful reader and reviewer more then the rest. She has been with me since I first posted this thing... I believe at least... and I want to praise her for it.

Sesshoumaru: Yes, the #1 so far. How kind of her.

Inu Yasha: Voiletcarson!

thehotty: I give you my thanks!

All: THANK YOU VOILETCARSON!!! WE LOVE YOU!

Shippo: And now, this one's for you Voiletcarson. Read on, Inu lovers, read on...

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"Lady Kagome! You need o get up! A runner has returned with news,” Yura shook her vigorously.

Kagome rolled over and slapped lightly at the hand. “Just let me sleep a little longer, please. Not much, just some,” she mumbled.

“My Lady, it’s about your fathers. They are on their way here and should be arriving within the hour,” Yura insisted.

“My dads will be here?” Kagome asked, rolling over and peeking an eye open.

“Hai, my Lady. They’ll be here shortly,” Yura answered.

“Why didn’t you wake me sooner? I need to get ready for their arrival!” she yelled while jumping out of bed. “What am I going to wear? Who’s all coming? How will I great them? Oh Kami Yura! What will I do?” she asked while trying to find some clothes from the wardrobe.

“My Lady, please settle down. You need to bathe before anything. Come with me,” Yura helped Kagome get to the hot springs.

Kagome removed her yakama and slipped into the water. They quickly washed and changed into a beautiful black kimono with silver birds flocked from the bottom and spread out near the top. A white oobi was tied around her waist and her hair was brushed and left down.

By the time the runner had announced the arrival of her fathers, Kagome had been a nervous wreck about greeting them and presenting a castle she didn’t even know.

“My Lady, everything will go well. Don’t worry,” Yura reassured. “Let’s go greet them.”

They reached the Entrance Hall to find Sesshoumaru already there waiting.

“I see you’ve decided to waken,” Sesshoumaru stated without even turning around.

“I wish to greet my fathers. Not to pass words with you,” Kagome glared at the back of his head.

“Hn,” was his only reply.

A carriage pulled up and Kagome’s smile grew bigger. As the carriage door opened, she ran past Sesshoumaru and jumped into Inu-no-Tashio’s awaiting arms.

“I’m so happy to see you two again! Yura, help with the bags and find the best guest rooms for them,” she quickly turned to Kibito who was just getting out of the carriage.

“Darling! We brought Inu Yasha, Kikyou and Izayoi as well. I hope you don’t mind,” Kibito asked.

“Of course not! They’re more then welcome. I can’t turn down family,” she answered.

Sesshoumaru strolled down the stairs, keeping an eye on what was happening. “Father, it’s good to see you again. I take it that you are here for the ceremony?”

“Ah, Sesshoumaru! I was wondering when you were going to come down here. I’ll be staying until the wedding. Izayoi and Kikyou wanted to help with the decorating,” Inu-no answered.

“Hn. As you wish, father.” With that, Sesshoumaru turned around and headed back inside.

“Don’t mind him. He doesn’t like to talk very much,” Kagome tried to cover.

“Ah, don’t even try to apologize for him. He’s always had a dick up his ass. I just can’t believe you’re stuck with him.”

Kagome chuckled as Inu Yasha exited the carriage and helped Kikyou out.

“Still got a filthy mouth. I thought Kikyou would have gotten that cured by now,” she commented.

“Trust me, I tied. But no matter what I say, it doesn’t work.” Kikyou dusted herself off while Izayoi climbed out.

“Ah, my daughter! How nice to see you smiling and not cowering in fear! Come give me a hug, you brat!” she teased while walking toward her.

Kagome hugged Izayoi and they all began to head back to the castle.

“Kouga’s going to be upset when he hears you’re getting married again,” Kibito stated while they walked.

“I know but I have no choice without calling Court again. I know Hitten and Kanade will object ferociously. They didn’t like what happened with Naraku at the last Court gathering,” Kagome glanced away.

“I think that we should keep our eyes on the North. They may be a big problem at the announcement ceremony. We’ll all have to watch him closely so he doesn’t try anything,” Inu-no said while walking into the building.

“I’ll secure his alliance before the ceremony begins, or at least try to, since I do have the power of a Lord anyway,” Kagome offered.

“An excellent idea darling. Izayoi, Kikyou, why don’t you two go find Yura and begin decorating?” Kibito offered. “Kagome, you can show us to the study where we’ll discuss more in depth the plans.”

“Of course father,” Kagome led them through the halls to the study. Upon opening the door, she noticed that Sesshoumaru sat behind the desk going over old contracts and scrolls that Naraku left behind.

“Can I help you four?” he asked.

“Actually, we were going to go over a few things for the new contracts between our Lands, the North’s and the East’s. I believe the Eastern Lord shall be here soon and will agree upon anything our Kagome offers and demands of him,” Inu-no winked at Sesshoumaru.

His glare hardened at his father. “Don’t let me stop you. Please, continue.”

“Kouga and Kagome sitting in a tree…” Inu Yasha sung while sitting on a cushion.

“Maybe I should have agreed to mate him all those years ago. It would have saved me from such torture and rude men,” Kagome answered while sitting down near a bookcase.

“Don’t start with that again,” Kibito sighed. “You only cause more pain on yourself. We can’t have you so sad, now that things are starting to look up for you.”

“Death is the only think I’ll have to look forward to besides your visits,” Kagome smiled softly. “After all, what daughter wouldn’t be happy to see her fathers?”

“On to more important matters then what we should have done and what we shouldn’t have done,” Inu-no cut in before anyone could retort.

A knock on the study door broke the last of the conversation.

“Hai?” Kagome called out.

The door slide open and Yura stood there. “My Lady, Lord Kouga arrived unannounced. He’s demanding to see you.”

“Well, send him in then. We don’t want him making trouble, now do we?” Kibito answered with a chuckle.

“Please father, Kouga couldn’t hurt a fly,” Kagome replied.

“Yeah, especially when it has to do with her,” Inu Yasha teased, gaining a pretty blush from the woman across the room.

Sesshoumaru scowled at this. This woman was going to be his wife in a week and nobody was going to flirt with her. She was his, damn it!

‘Wait,’ he thought. ‘Where did that come from? I don’t want any human woman. Father really went over his head in butting in to my life.’

Kouga entered the room and went straight to Kagome. He picked her up and wrapped his arms around her.

“My woman! I have been worried about you. You are alright, aren’t you?” he asked her, putting her back down.

“Hai, Lord Kouga. Actually, we are glad to see you. We have too many things to discuss,” she answered.

“Drop the formalities, ‘Gome. We’ll be marrying soon, after all, followed by the grandest mating ceremony since Lord Inu-no-Tashio’s and you’ll be my Lady of the East and rule over the wolf tribe with me.”

“Uhm, Kouga. You’re jumping ahead of yourself again,” Kibito offered for the young woman.

“What do you mean?” Kouga asked, turning around to face Kibito.

“You are a slow one, aren’t you?” Sesshoumaru asked.

“Who the hell are you?” Kouga growled, wiping around to meet him.

“I am Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands and Lady Kagome’s husband-to-be. Sit down, Lord Kouga and listen to what the Lady and Lords have to say,” he said while motioning for Kouga to sit.

“What are you talking about? Kagome isn’t marrying anyone but me!” Kouga yelled at him.

“Kouga! Sit down and lower your voice. You’ll listen to what we have to say, and you’ll do it without complaint, do you hear me mister?” Kagome asked him with a sharp glare.

“Anything for you, my koi,” he answered, sitting down on a pillow next to her.

“I am marrying Sesshoumaru. Do I want to? Iie, I really don’t, but I don’t have a choice. I was the wife of Naraku when Sesshoumaru killed him, meaning that Sesshoumaru also got me with the Lands. If it were up to me, I’d go home with father and lead the life I was before Naraku came into it. I want you to become an ally to the West. Please, Kouga, I don’t think Lord Hitten will be as understanding as you can be. We all know he favored Naraku and will be quite upset with the new change of Lords,” Kagome pleaded with Kouga.

“Of course I’ll ally with the West if it’s for you Kagome. Though I wish you could marry me instead,” Kouga answered while holding her hand.

She smiled weakly while lightly pulling her hand away. “How kind of you to say such things.”

“Hai. Lord Kouga, shall we go over the finer details?” Inu-no asked.

“Let’s, Lord Inu-no-Tashio,” Kouga answered.

Inu-no sighed again as Hitten argued over another detail.

“Lord Hitten, I believe it really doesn’t matter if you get an extra man. It’s just one warrior! Just take what they’re offering you and let it be, or take nothing at all,” he cut into the fight.

“I’m sorry, my Lord. I’ll sign the contract. Lord Sesshoumaru?” he asked while turning to the desk.

“Father, I believe I’m going to check on the preparations for the ceremony.
People should be arriving soon,” Kagome excused herself while Hitten signed the contract, leaving the guys by themselves.

“So, you took out Naraku?” Hitten asked.

“Indeed,” Sesshoumaru answered turning to face him.

“Let’s go see what those women have done for the ceremony. They are probably done by now,” Kibito offered while Kouga and Inu Yasha nodded.

They all stood up and followed the path Kagome had just taken to the ballroom. Upon entering, Inu-no-Tashio smiled and patted Sesshoumaru on the back.

“Dear son, I believe you’ve gained the best Lady and wife out of all of us. Look at what she can do in not even a full day. I know Izayoi couldn’t even pull this off in a week,” he joked.

Sesshoumaru glared at his father while Inu Yasha whistled low and long after looking into the room.

Black, red and white rose petals covered the black and white speckled marble floor. Black cushions with red and white rose petal designs sat in front of four long tables set in a square. White roses lined the center of the tables while a single red or black rose sat in the cups at each spot. A plain black and white pillow sat in the center of the square. A red pillow sat in front of the two.

Kagome, Kikyou, Izayoi, and Kanade stood near the center of the room discussing the food and who should bless the new Lord and herself.

“I know, how about Miroku? He’s here today. I saw him come behind your carriage,” Kagome looked at Izayoi.

“Of course, I almost forgot about him. Let’s go find that monk,” Kikyou answered.

“He’s probably in the Entrance hall acquainting himself with all the young, pretty princesses. That womanizer has a ‘cursed’ hand after all,” Kagome joked with the others as they turned to exit the room.

“Look at the beautiful job you’ve done my daughter! I’m proud of you darling,” Kibito wrapped his arms around Kagome’s waist in a sweet hug.

“Thank you father. Please take your seats. Everyone else will be coming in soon. Lord Sesshoumaru, I will need you to sit on the black pillow. Yura,” she called out while the others went to take their seats. The demoness quickly appeared and bowed to Kagome.

“Hai, my Lady?”

“Will you ask Miroku to come in here and then after a few minutes you may let the others enter and take their seats.”

“Of course, my Lady.”

With that, Yura left and Miroku soon entered.

“Ah, Lady Kagome. It has been a while. I see you have been much better than our last meeting. What can I do for you?” he asked while handing his staff to a guard.

“I need you to bless Lord Sesshoumaru as the new Lord of the Western Lands. Will you do this?” she asked him.

“Anything for you, my fair Kagome.” Miroku smiled and grabbed her hand. “Though, I must ask you for a favor.”

“I will not bear your child, monk. Just do the blessing with no troubles. I need you to be quite serious,” she scolded him.

“Of course, my Lady. I swear on the holy one I will behave myself.” Miroku bowed to her.

People began filing into the room and taking their seats. Kagome and Miroku sat at the pillows in the center of the room. The room settled and silence filled the room.

“Welcome friends. You have been invited here today to be introduced to your new Lord Sesshoumaru. He has rightfully slain the Late Lord Naraku and gained not only the title, but the Lands. Next week he will gain the hand of the Lady Kagome. I bless Lord Sesshoumaru and Lady Kagome and they will rule over the Western Lands kindly.” Miroku bowed to the two while Kagome smiled at him.

They stood up and everyone clapped. They went to their seats and super was served.

“That was some party Kagome. It was nice of you to get such a lovely ceremony together on such sort notice while dealing with matters of the Lands,” Inu Yasha complimented.

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. You all will be staying until the wedding? I don’t think I will be able to do that one alone,” she answered.

“Of course. Then I’m going to kill him,” Inu Yasha boasted.

“Why would you do that? He is your brother. You should take honor in that.” She smiled brighter. “Plus, you can’t rule over two lands, its law that only one Lord per Land. You’d never be smart enough to run two Lands. You’re barely smart enough to run just one,” she teased him.

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean? Huh? I’m smarter tan you any day! You’re just a girl,” his face turned red with anger.

Kagome giggled while slapping his arm. “I wouldn’t start talking down to me. I just may lose control,” she giggled again.

“Keh! Whatever. You’re not strong enough to beat me! I have demon blood in me,” he scoffed.

“Leave.” The harsh, cold tone of Sesshoumaru’s voice broke through Kagome’s giggles and Inu Yasha’s growls.

“Why? So you can abuse her like Naraku did? Just going to take his place?” Inu Yasha growled.

Kagome placed her hand on his arm. “Inu Yasha, you can’t do this. I don’t need your protection anymore. Just go find Kikyou; I believe she’s looking for you.”

“Whatever!” he huffed while walking out of the master bedroom.

“Why was he in here?” Sesshoumaru asked.

“He is a brother to me. We were just talking about stuff,” she shrugged her shoulders.

“I am you husband-to-be and he is my brother. He will not be in your room any more without this Sesshoumaru there. I will not allow it,” he growled out at her.

“I am sorry. I didn’t know it would bother you all that much. I will remember next time.” She bowed low to him and headed to the wardrobe for a yakama to change into.

“I realize that you will be my husband next week. I wish to discuss some things I’ve been thinking about, if you don’t mind.” She pulled out a red yakama and laid it on the bed. She headed towards the fire place to sit down.

“Indeed. I would believe you would.” He sat down across from her and placed his swords Tensigia and Tokojin at his feet. “Do not feel afraid to speak rashly.”

“Thank you, Sesshoumaru. I believe you remember what I have gone through with my last arrangement. I do not want to go through that again. I wish to know if you are the type to force yourself upon another. I don’t believe you are, but if you are, I do not wish to go through it again and I will appeal to Court about letting me give up my title.”

“I will not do so. There is no worry. I cannot have any pups unless it’s with a mate. You are not my mate, but my wife. That is nothing but a title to demons.”

Kagome gasped and a hand flew up to cover her mouth. “Oh! I was not aware. I am sorry for ever thinking you could do such a thing,” she lowered her gaze to her lap, where her hand followed. “I want to have a somewhat significant relationship with one of my husbands. A wife may just be a title and a list of responsibilities to you, but it’s a lot more to a human. It is the person, or in this case, demon, they spend the rest of their life with. They are supposed to love one another and care for each other. They produce children, or pups in your case. I don’t expect any of that, but I do hope for some respect and for an open relationship. You don’t have to, but it is all I ask of you,” she let her hair fall in front of her face to shield the rejection she thought was coming.

“I see. You have already gained my respect. As for an open relationship, we will have to see how things are between us.” Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome’s head lowered further and the slight smell of salt hit his nose. “Good night, Lady Kagome. I shall see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Sesshoumaru-sama,” she forced out as he left the room.

As the door shut, Kagome let the tears she had been holding back since after Court had been held out. She shed her kimono, put on her yakama and cried herself to sleep.

“My lady, your father is demanding your presence. He’s threatening to pull you out of bed if you aren’t in the study soon,” Yura tried to pull the blanket away from Kagome’s form.

“I’ve already told you to tell everyone that I’m disposed of for the rest of the day, demands and threats put aside for inspection on a later date. You may tell my father I am a grown woman and may choose when and who I’ll meet with!” Kagome yelled at Yura while pulling the blanket back up her shoulders.

“But my Lady! Lord Inu-no-Tashio is even threatening to come collect you! Please,” Yura begged.

“Iie! Just go away! I want to sleep and be left alone!” she yelled again. “It’s an order! You don’t serve them, you serve me and you will do what I say, not them!” she yelled louder.

“Sorry, my Lady. I’ll let them know.”

With that, Yura left the room while Kagome stared at the wall. ‘Can I never be loved by anybody? Will I always be married to men who care so little about me? Why can’t I have a normal relationship, or marry Kouga when he asked?’ She sighed. ‘My dream man. I had almost forgotten all about him. Yesterday was so busy and last night I was so upset that I didn’t even have a chance to think about him. Only his face can help me through the tough times.’

Kagome closed her eyes and golden ones meet hers. A small smile played on her mouth.

“You’re a lot nicer in my dreams. Always rescuing me or saying loving words to me. Oh, Sesshoumaru, what I would give for you to be as kind to me awake as you are when I sleep.”

She peaked her eyes open and yawned loudly while stretching her body. “Today is my day, and I won’t listen to anyone but my heart. Sesshoumaru-sama is Lord now and can handle everything else. Plus, I need a break. I’ve worked really hard lately. Not to mention, I’ve had a lot of crap to deal with. The battle with all those demons, and then Naraku. Then having to deal with Sesshoumaru and those other Lords in making treaties. Hitten especially. Then having to go through that ceremony while having to make all the arrangements and talking to the girls into decorating for me.

“I just want a nice day to myself.” Kagome climbed out of her bed to change into a blue and silver kimono.

The door flew open as Kagome was straightening her oobi and two men followed by a pleading Yura stomped into the room.

“I demand to know why you refuse our company!” Kibito yelled.

“Why did you yell at Yura?” Inu-no demanded.

“Ugh! Can’t I have one day of PEACE without ANYone bothering me? I’m taking a day to myself and that means I’m not talking any business,” she yelled at them.

“I’m sorry my Lady! I tried to stop them, but I couldn’t,” Yura pleaded with Kagome.

“You can’t be serious! You’re dropping all your responsibilities today?” Kibito stared at her.

“Sesshoumaru!” Inu-no-Tashio screamed for his son.

“Fathers! I’m fine! I just need a break from all the stress, please. Just let me have one day of relaxation! That’s all I ask for!” she pleaded with them.

A loud growl quieted the room and everyone faced the door to find Sesshoumaru there.

“What is the meaning of screaming in my castle?” he asked.

“Tell this girl that she’s not putting off her responsibilities even for one day! She’s the Lady of the Western Lands! She can’t do that!” Inu-no pointed a finger at Kagome while he yelled.

“What is going on here?” Sesshoumaru asked.

“I’m taking a break from everything today. I’ve more than deserved it by now,” Kagome answered while glaring an Inu-no. “And did you really need your son to help you? Doing that is almost pathetic Father!” She flopped on to her bed and groaned. “Can’t anyone leave me alone?”

“You call me in here for such a pointless argument with a stubborn woman. She is not a child, she may make her own choices,” he smirked. “Plus, she wouldn’t listen to me either father.”

“Isn’t anyone going to talk some sense into her?” Kibito asked.

“Yo, old man. Kagome’s got a mind of her own and when it’s set, its set. Keh, just leave her alone,” Inu Yasha leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms.

“Actually, I was just going to find you and Kikyou. I wanted to spare and
practice my bow and arrow. Do you mind?” Kagome pushed her way past the men and Yura to reach him.

“Kikyou asked me to invite you. We were just getting ready. A lot on your mind, I take it?” he smirked and pushed away from the doorframe.

“Yeah, but don’t ask what. I don’t want to discuss it,” she forced a smile on her face. “Let’s go though. I want to talk to Kikyou about something the girls talked about a while back.”

Inu Yasha nodded and they headed down the hall leaving the three Lords and Yura by themselves.

“Excuse me, my Lords. I have to take care of a few things.” Yura turned around and left the men by themselves.

“It was pointless to call me in here,” Sesshoumaru glared at his father.

“You should have at least tried to tell her she can’t forget her duties! You didn’t even try to. You were absolutely useless to call down. You’re her husband practically and her Lord! She’d have to listen to you!” Inu-no yelled at Sesshoumaru.

“She wouldn’t have anyway. She has more power than me because of Court. She could have over-ridded anything I had to say about it, just like she did with you. Blame yourself, father.” With that, Sesshoumaru left, leaving behind a flabbergasted demon and an upset human.

“I guess there’s nothing we can do except let her live her life as she wants, after all, she is an adult now and marrying for the second time in her life,” Kibito bowed his head low.

“I believe you may be right, dear friend. Let’s go get some tea. I’m thirsty.” Inu-no sighed while leading them out of the room.

An arrow flew through the air with a slight whistle. A bright pink light surrounded it as it hit the haystack and everything was disincarnated instantly with a white glare.

“It seems you’ve been holding some emotions again, I see. That isn’t good for you Kagome. You need to keep up your practicing.” Kikyou turned to face her.

“I haven’t had the time to practice and I’ve been surrounded by nothing but guys for the past few days. I wanted to spare and shoot all day, but I believe I’d rather talk to you at the moment.” She as her bow and quiver of arrows against the nearby wall and followed Kikyou to another nearby haystack and sat down.

“So, what’s on your mind young sister?” Kikyou placed a hand on Kagome’s shoulder as a deep sigh escaped her lips.

“Remember my dream man? The one with long silver hair and piercing amber eyes? He’d always save me or hold me in his arms while telling me I was the most beautiful and wonderful woman, that he could never love another? The only person who could ever read his cold emotionless eyes was me, you know. His eyes were like ice and his voice even colder. The perfect man. Well, at least to me he was. I figure if anyone else had seen his image, they’d wonder why I even care or bother to feel any love for someone like him.

“Does this description ring a bell to you?” She turned to face Kikyou. “It should.”

“I see. It is Lord Sesshoumaru, but it seems that he doesn’t care. I am sorry it had to be that way Kagome.”

“Iie, it’s not like that. I already have talked to him and he’s not like Naraku. Or, he won’t be, for whose sake, I don’t know. I want to say he may already know how I feel, but, once again, I’m not sure.” She grabbed her head in frustration. “Agh! Kami, why can’t I figure anything out?”

“Kagome, did you try talking to him?” Kikyou asked.

“Iie! Have you lost your sanity? What would I say? ‘Oh, Sesshoumaru-sama, I forgot to mention that you’re my dream guy. Take me away, please!’” Sarcasm dripped heavily from her. “Come on Kikyou! Can’t I do anything else?”

“That’s all I can think of for you to do. I know it seems silly, but it should be better after you get it off your chest.”

“But what if he laughs at me? Or if he tells me I’m a fool? I really think if I try to say anything to him about this, he’ll say something horrible to me. Do you understand?” Kagome’s eyes pleaded.

“I can’t figure anything else out. You should think of a way by yourself. It’ll be easier then asking other people what you should do.” Kikyou stood up. “Let’s practice some more. I think that’ll get things off your mind.”

With that, they both walked back to their bows and quivers to practice some more.

Sesshoumaru sat at his desk, his mind once again drifting back to the dream he had just that night. A growl of frustration exited his throat at the thought of it.

He had been holding Kagome in his arms and had told her that he loved her. She had moved further into his arms and held him tighter while saying the same thing.
Sesshoumaru then placed his chin on her head and a content feeling settled into his heart.

“Damn it! What spell has that woman used?” Sesshoumaru’s fist pounded into the desk and it slightly cracked under the pressure.

“JAKEN!” he yelled.

An ugly green kappa wearing a brown robe and carrying a two headed staff entered the room within seconds and bowed low to the ground.

“Hai, my master?” its grating voice squeaked.

“Jaken, go find Lady Kagome and bring her here.”

The kappa known as Jaken quickly left the room to do as his Lord had commanded. He exited the castle and into the training ground where two Miko’s were practicing their archery.

Jaken shivered as the kinder looking Miko released an arrow that glowed the most brilliant pink with power he had ever witnessed in his life. As it hit the target, a bright flare erupted and the haystack disappeared as the grass around it burned completely.

“Oh mighty priestess! You surely know where I would find the Lady Kagome!” he threw himself upon the ground in front of the woman’s feet.

“Uhm… may I ask who you are?” she asked him kneeling to be on a closer level with him.

“Of course! I am Jaken, Lord Sesshoumaru-sama’s most loyal and most trusted servant,” he boasted.

“I see. So Sesshoumaru’s sent for me then? Or is there a message?” She asked him.

“Iie, Miko. He’s asked for Lady Kagome. Could you point me into her direction?” He asked.

The second Miko laughed at the kappa. “I don’t think he’s doing to believe us, little sister. He’s never seen you before and I’m not sure Sesshoumaru-sama even knew you were a Miko. Imagine! A demon and a Miko married to one another. It is quite a hilarious thought,” she teased.

“Shut up Kikyou! You’re married to a hanyou! Even mated one. Don’t make fun of me.” Kagome poked Kikyou in the side.

“Excuse me Miko, I really must find the Lady. Please stop kidding around and just tell me where she is,” Jaken interrupted them.

“Oh yeah! I almost forgot you were there. I am Lady Kagome. What does Sesshoumaru want?” Kagome asked, turning to face the imp again.

“He requested Lady Kagome’s presence this moment. Stop lying about your identity and just tell me where to find the Lady!” he yelled at her.

“I AM the Lady!” Kagome huffed. “Oh, forget it! I’ll just go to his study by myself,” she huffed again while walking away from the two.

Jaken quickly followed after squabbling about how his Lord shouldn’t be bothered by imposters. Kagome ignored him as she knocked on the door as Jaken finally caught up with her.

“Enter!” Sesshoumaru called out.

She opened the door and walked in.

“I’m sorry my Lord! This Miko wouldn’t tell me where the real Lady was!” he threw himself down in front of Sesshoumaru.

“Kami! I am Kagome, you baka! Tell him Sesshoumaru!” Kagome growled out.

“Jaken! Do you insult Lady Kagome?” Sesshoumaru growled.

“Huh?” Jaken sat up and stared at him with a puzzled look on his face.

“I told you I was Kagome. How can you stand him?” she asked, sitting down on a pillow.

“Leave us,” Sesshoumaru nodded his head toward Jaken.

“Of course, my Lord!” With that, he scampered out the room.

“You asked for me?”

“Do you know any spells?” he focused his attention on to her.

“Iie, why do you ask?”

“I have the impression that you’ve done just that to me.”

“Nani? Put a spell on you? Why would I do that?” she glared at him.

“To place the idea of love into my mind.”

Kagome’s jaw dropped. She quickly recovered from it and glared at him. “I would never do such a thing! I don’t know any spells. Only dark Miko’s can do such a thing. I am not a dark Miko. Why would you think I did that?”

“Because of the dreams I’ve been having,” he glared back at her.

“What dreams?”

“Of you.”

“Of me? What do you mean?” Confusion settled on to her face.

Sesshoumaru glared at her as if to say she already knew what dreams he had been talking about.

“Leave,” he commanded when she still didn’t say anything.

“Iie! You’re having some sort of dream about me and I want to know what your dream was!” Kagome stood up placing her hands on her hips.

“Do not make me repeat myself,” he growled.

“Then repeat yourself, because I’m not leaving until you tell me about the dream.”

“Iie! Get out before I have the guards remove you from this study!” Sesshoumaru yelled.

“I have more power than you do. I can override your order. Tell me what was in the dream, damn it!” She stomped her foot on the ground.

“I held you in my arms, told you I loved you and felt good about it!” he growled, standing up while banging his fists on the desk.

Kagome gasped and fell onto the pillow again. She stared in disbelief and shock.

The anger that had shown on his face disappeared, replaced by the normal stoic mask. He sat back down and glanced at her again.

“You had dreams like that too?” Kagome asked after a moment of silence.

“Explain yourself,” Sesshoumaru growled out, annoyed that she had confused him.

“I’ve been having dreams like those for years. I never knew who you were until a few days ago, but that doesn’t change anything,” she answered him.

“How long?” he asked.

“For at least ten years. Ever since I’ve decided boys weren’t gross.” A small laugh escaped her lips. “It’s been a long time since then.”

“Hn,” His glare softened a tiny fraction as he smelled no lie on her. “What did these dreams consist of?”

Kagome’s face turned a deep crimson red with embarrassment. “Oh my. Lots of things, I guess,” she whispered.

“Like what?” He smirked at her embarrassment. “Please elaborate.”

The flush became deeper, if possible. “Well…” she glanced at her hands in her lap. “You’d come and save me from one thing or another and take me to some romantic place or else you’re just holding me in your arms watching the stars with me. It’s silly, really.”

He watched her closely for any deceit and still couldn’t find anything.

“I believe my sisters waiting for me. Good afternoon,” she bowed low and quickly got up without looking at him.

“Sit. I want to talk with you some more.” Sesshoumaru motioned to her.

“I really think I should leave…”

“I said sit,” Sesshoumaru cut in before she could finish. “I still want to speak with you.”

She quietly sat back down and stared at her hands in her lap. “What would you like to speak about?” she asked.

“Have you dreamed anything else?” he asked.

“How about you tell me about your dreams. How long have you been having these dreams?” she asked, diverting the attention off of herself on onto him.

“Three years. I’ve had dreams similar to your own. Saving you from various situations and whisking you away, holding you in my arms and even a few dreams of mating with you. Have you had any dreams of us mating, Kagome?” he raised an eyebrow at her and she allowed her hair to cover her face.

“I might have. I can’t recall every dream,” she whispered.

“I take it you’ve had dreams like this then?” he asked again.

“Well, hai. But that was kind of personal. You didn’t even have to tell me about it.” She tried to scoot back further away from the desk.

“Are you embarrassed, Kagome?” he teased.

She lifted her head and glared at him. “Only because you embarrassed me. Why are you teasing me anyway? Don’t you have anyone else to bother?”

“Frankly I only speak to you now because I wished to know in what manner of spell you had laid upon me. Now that I have the answer, I will leave you to be. You may go back to your training.” He went back to his paper work, in an obvious dismissal, but Kagome glared at him still.

“Is there something else that holds you from training with your sister?” he asked after a minute of her still sitting there.

“You haven’t told me of how you feel about me.” Her gaze softened at the question and he almost wanted to say ‘I love you’ to her, but he knew he couldn’t. She was merely a wife-to-be, a Miko and a human. He wouldn’t allow himself to ‘love’ ore care about any ningen besides Rin.

Rin was a young girl-child of the age of eight or nine, he presumed. He had saved her life after she had attempted to heal him after a serious battle that had gravely wounded him. She had followed him around from there on out and obeyed him more closely then even his most loyal servant, Jaken. She had been mute for a while, bit soon began to speak with him openly and sung as she gathered flowers and chased butterflies.

“I feel nothing but loyalty towards you. You will be my wife and you will produce a few children to carry out your blood, but my heir will be produced from a demoness. That is all I fell when it comes to you. One day I may look to you as an adviser, and a confident, and maybe even a friend, but never as a lover. If that is what you are asking.”

She lowered her gaze back to her lap. He fought the urge he had to comfort her and went back to the work in front of him.

“I won’t bother you with my presence, my Lord. If you may need me for anything, I will be with Izayoi, Kikyou and Yura planning the wedding in the Library. If you will excuse me.” She stood up and began walking towards the door.

“My retainer should be bringing my ward to the castle soon. You will be watching over them. Do not make my ward uncomfortable in anyway and show them the utte most respect.”

“Of course.”

With that, she exited the room and quickly found the girls in the dinning hall laughing at the men, who seemed to have found the new shade of red on Inu Yasha’s face quite fun to make change into a deeper color. By anger or embarrassment, she could not tell, and she quickly dragged the girls off before the finding out what was being said. She figured with the lot of men in there, that she would have been appalled and embarrassed at their speech anyway.

They had already drawn up the celebration dinner and were now working on the decorations of the dinning hall when a sharp tap was heard on the door.

“Enter!” Kagome yelled while looking at the fabrics strewn across the table in front of her.

“My Lady, Lord Sesshoumaru has directed me to bring his ward to you and you will be caring for them.” The grating voice of Jaken called out.

“Of course. Send them in. I will just be a moment longer here,” she called over her shoulder while pointing to beautiful silver silk with scattered dark blue flower petals that ironically were shaped like crescents, almost as if it were made to match the moon on Sesshoumaru’s forehead.

“That looks like Rin’s Lord Sesshoumaru’s moon,” a little voice stated from behind Kagome, startling her.

She quickly spun around to face the child while her hand pressed against her chest trying to calm down the wildly beating heart within it.

“Oh, hello darling. Are you lost? Where are your mommy and daddy?” she asked, dropping her hand.

Big brown eyes pierced into her violet ones. Her hair was tied to the side of her head. An orange and white kimono with circles adorned her body. A toothy grin was plastered on her face and Kagome noticed the missing tooth.

“Lord Sesshoumaru told Rin you were to be Rin’s new mommy. Are you?” Her sweat voice almost broke Kagome’s heart with that simple question.

“Oh, darling, if you want me to be your mommy, then I gladly will.” She smiled at the child as she cheered for joy and jumped into her lap.

“Rin’s name is Rin. What’s yours?” she asked.

“I’m Kagome. I’m getting plans for Lord Sesshoumaru’s and my wedding. Would you like to help?” she smiled softly at the young girl.

“Yay! Rin gets to help Rins new mommy!” She bounced up and down while clapping her hands.

They once again went over the fabric sitting on top. Rin pointed to the one she had commented and they continued to go over the plans and decorations for the rest of the night until dinner was served. Kagome had spent all day with the girl and tucked her into bed.

She found herself in front of the fireplace in her bedroom pondering over the little girl who was so suddenly and had so easily became her daughter. Her smile widened as something she said passed through her head.

***Flash back***

“Mommy, does daddy love you?” Rin looked up from the different flowers some people had brought to her.

“I don’t know, baby. Daddy won’t tell me.” A barely audible sigh escaped her lips. She hated lying to anyone, but she didn’t want to upset the child.

“Do you love daddy?” she asked.

“Ever since before I knew him, I’ve loved daddy. I may not have ever realized it until a few years ago, but I do.” Her face settled into melancholy.

“I think that nobody should marry until both the mommy and daddy know they love each other. I’ve always been told that by my last mommy, and that’s why she didn’t marry anyone else after my real daddy died.” She looked down at a flower in front of her. “But it doesn’t sadden me as much anymore because I have a new mommy and daddy to watch over me and love me.”

***Flash back***

“Children have silly ideas. Marrying for love.” A sad chuckle escaped her lips. “Love is only a fairy tale now days. It’s something of the past.”

A soft noise caught her attention. She turned to find Sesshoumaru standing behind her. He moved to the extra seat and sat down.

“What is the thing of the past?” he asked while pouring a cup of sake.

“Love. What else could be so ridiculous to even consider anything like it?” she asked propping her head on her hand.

“Why do you say that?” he asked her.

“Because what good is it to think about marrying for love when all I’ll ever marry for is duty. Love is an illusion for me.” She didn’t even bother to look at him.
“So you think love is a silly thought?” he asked her.

“Hai. Why wouldn’t I?” she asked, irritated at him for rephrasing his last question.

“As you wish, though if what you’ve said is true, then you do not love me as your dreams have so obviously made clear to you.” He glanced at her and took a sip of his drink.

“If that was so, then the same could be said of you. We both know that it isn’t though, so the point?” she finally looked up at him.

“I believe you are right. Your dreams must have just been false hope for all these years.”

“Hai, and for you, a nuisance and disgrace. I’m sorry to have bothered you so deeply. I’ll make sure never to do it again,” she growled while standing up. “I’m going to bed. Please leave so I may sleep.” She growled again.

“So you are discourteous as well. I might just crawl into bed with you this night.” A smirk formed on his lips.

The smell of fear permitted the room. He turned to face the woman who had become deathly white and extremely tense. Tears slipped down her cheeks and the smell of salt penetrated through the fear.

He once again felt the urge to comfort her. The thought of Naraku raping her passed through his head. He quickly stood and walked up to her.

“I am sorry. I did not think about what had happened.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and moved her to sit on the bed. He sat down next to her and just held her to him.

“I’m not going to do anything to you. You are too kind and loving to do anything to.” He began rocking her back and forth.

They stayed like that for a while until Kagome had fallen asleep. He leaned back on the headboard and pulled her up to his chest. He pulled the blanket up and over them and soon fell asleep from her relaxing smell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

thehotty: I was going to save Rin for the next chapter, but I saw the big cliffy and I couldn't help but to keep going.

Sesshoumaru: I like it when I sleep with Kagome.

Kagome: YOU like it when you're doing more then sleeping with me.

Sesshoumaru: YOU like it too.

Kagome: *blush* well....

Inu Yasha: AH!!! I didn't need to know that!

Naraku: I wish to own the world.

thehotty: Why are you going on about that again?

Miroku: Because I asked him why he even wanted to in the first place.

Sango: Which led into a huge fight about the wind tunnel.

thehotty: You know what? You're all boring today, so I'm saying this. Next time on For the Good of things: Freak out! x2 and a wedding. What's it like to have a wedding like this one?

Rin: YAY! I'm here!

All: Ja ne!