Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or his characters, and have no right to it except as a long time fan.

Wither
Chapter Five: Flourishing

Kagome sat in the dojo of the western stronghold, her legs crossed, as she practiced manipulating her power. She brought it up and out before pushing it back down, and proceeded to repeat the process over and over again. As she did this she let her mind wander, and it inevitably went to Sesshomaru and the progression of their relationship.

After talking to him about her concern on what it would be like to be his mate in the affection and intimate sense, Sesshomaru and his beast stepped up the level of affection they showed her. In essence he began to show her exactly how he would treat her as his mate.

Immediately he began to subtly caress and kiss her in front of others, and behind closed doors he showed her that he was a passionate male. She couldn't help recalling one of those times, one she had particularly enjoyed.

FLASHBACK

Night had fallen and Rin was in bed, hopefully asleep. All was quiet for the night, for the most part, except for the resident miko's quarters.

Kagome lay on her back on her bed wearing a midnight blue silk yukata, Sesshomaru, his beast very much present, lying half on top of her kissing her with all the passion of the Inu that he was. Her yukata was loose and her arms were around his neck, her hands in his hair as he stroked her and caressed her, squeezing here and there.

Sesshomaru moved his lips to her neck, kissing and gently sucking the skin there as his hand moved beneath the edge of her yukata and stroked her warm thigh. Magenta lined eyelids opened to reveal blood red eyes as his hand moved higher beneath her yukata and boldly stroked the curls covering his miko's secret place.

He smirked slightly when he heard her breath hitch as he moved his long fingers beyond the curls and stroked moist heated skin.

Kagome began to pant for breath as she felt his warm fingers gently yet firmly moving along her most intimate area. It was the first time he had touched her there, but she didn't mind at all. She was an adult and if she were being honest she had begun to crave his touch there.

His fingers moved along her, going from side to side, up and down as if he were memorizing her shape and the feel of her. She shifted her legs apart to provide him more room, and one finger seemed to unerringly find the bundle of nerves that had been hidden before. He stroked it, moving back and forth, and circled the sensitive bundle before moving down to stroke the source of her wetness.

Kagome moaned softly and pulled Sesshomaru's face back to hers, seeking his lips. She caught sight of glowing red eyes before his lips found hers. Her tongue danced with his as her hips began to move of their own volition.

He added the rest of his fingers, cupping and rubbing her as her hips moved with his fingers. He moved them faster and harder, rubbing and pushing against that nerve bundle that brought sighs and moans from her lips.

Kagome tightened her fingers in his silky hair and moaned into his mouth as her pleasure began to overwhelm her, her body arching against his.

END FLASHBACK

Kagome sighed, stretching her power around her in a barrier. There was no denying it, she thrived on the care, affection and the intimacy Sesshomaru showed her. She needed it in her life and aside from that it showed her that he cared since he wasn't very vocal.

Of course she knew he wouldn't have bothered courting her or even thought of mating her if he didn't care. Still, she was glad for his constant displays, and in return for his courting efforts she tried to court him in a way to make him feel the same caring and affection he showed her.

She had thought on how she would court him. She considered how she knew women treated their men in this era and realized she had been doing that during the shard hunt. She had been cooking for them, cleaning, and making sure everyone had what they needed. Including that ungrateful half demon.

Kagome knew she couldn't translate that towards courting Sesshomaru, so she had to think of something else. She considered what she knew of him and what she had seen of his daily life since she had been with him. Sometimes he was stressed and he thankfully liked to spend as much time with her as he could.

So she decided that he could use a daily massage and she thought he would enjoy her brushing his hair or at least running her fingers through it. That was something she would enjoy since she had always wanted to touch his hair.

She also thought he would enjoy taking baths with her. His beast had mentioned mates grooming each other, so she thought she would invite him to join her in that way. It would help get her used to his body and get her used to being naked in front of him at the same time.

As far as she could tell her courting efforts were working. He seemed less stressed and he had begun asking her to groom his hair. He and his beast definitely seemed to enjoy bathing with her. At the time for some reason she hadn't thought they would be touching each other, but his beast quickly disabused her of that notion. He began washing her hair and body as if he had been doing it for years.

There was no concern with her shyness. He seemed to be of the opinion that she would get used to it, and quicker if he didn't call attention to her embarrassment.

Beyond that she knew she had no worries about the life they would live together in terms of partnership. Sesshomaru had yet to stop reading her important things he was working on or happenings in his lands to get her opinion. Even further than that he had started giving her those things to read on her own. She was definitely happy about that. It let her know he wanted a partner in their mating and not a powerful accessory.

A few months had passed since Kagome began her attempts at courting Sesshomaru. Things were going very well, much better than she could have imagined. She continued to regain her strength, she was eating better, and Sesshomaru began helping her learn how to use her reiki.

Of course Sesshomaru continued to court her, giving her useful gifts; hair ornaments and a new bow and arrows. She had been starting to feel like she was ready to begin their mated life when Shippo showed up, completely surprising her. She hadn't realized his school break had arrived and Sesshomaru had had him retrieved. Their reunion had been joyous and full of laughs and smiles.

"I'm so happy you're doing and looking so much better, and I'm definitely pleased with Lord Sesshomaru and the fact that he's courting you." Shippo said with a grin. "You're clearly happy and I appreciate that he's doing things properly by courting you and not just leaving you to guess and hope."

They both paused as they vividly remembered the years before with her feelings for Inuyasha and his endless passive aggressive behavior, indecision, and degradation of her.

"I didn't like watching what happened between you two, but Inuyasha's behavior at least showed me how not to treat a female I love or care for." He said as he leaned against her.

"At least the experience taught us both a lesson we won't ever forget." Kagome said simply as she wrapped an arm around him.

"Are you really doing better?" Shippo asked just to be sure.

"I am. I really am." She answered. "I'm not completely better, but I'm much better than I was." She added honestly, and Shippo nodded.

"Have you seen the others since Sesshomaru rescued you?" He asked curiously.

"No, and I have no plans to." She answered firmly.

She was happy where she was and didn't care to look back.

Kagome reclined in the heated water of her bath as she relaxed after bathing. She was alone, which was rare since she had begun to reciprocate the courting with Sesshomaru, but it couldn't be helped. He was unfortunately away, and had been for a few days meeting with another lord.

She missed him. It was the first time he had been away since he had brought her to his home, and she was learning just how attached to him she had become. She missed his presence, she missed his voice, and she missed his hands on behavior.

He just needed to hurry back so she wouldn't miss him anymore, so she could talk to him and snuggle against his heated body. So she could kiss him and feel his hands on her. He just needed to come back to her.

She sighed as she got out of the water and dried off. She put on her sleeping yukata and tied it loosely as she returned to her room through the connecting door. She paused in surprise to find Sesshomaru lying on her bed, his legs hanging over the end. He was barefoot and wore only a pair of black hakama and a loose navy blue haori.

"Hi!" She greeted him happily as she walked toward him, noting his slightly red eyes, letting her know his beast was close to the surface and participating.

Sesshomaru's only greeting was to sit up and wrap his arms around her as she stood in front of him.

"How was your meeting?" She asked.

"Tedious and irritating." Sesshomaru replied.

"Well, it's a good thing you're back then, and no longer have to deal with them." She said positively. "I'm glad you're back. I missed you."

"I missed you as well." He said as he pulled her on to his lap. He buried his nose against her neck and breathed in her scent, which was more potent since she had recently bathed.

Kagome wrapped her arms loosely around his neck and wasn't at all surprised to feel his lips replace his nose. She felt him brush his lips across her skin, then kiss before suckling her skin. His hands moved up and down her back before one rested at the back of her neck, holding her as his lips found hers.

As their kissed steadily intensified she slowly ran her fingers through his silky hair and felt the hand on her back slid around to her leg where he stroked up and down her thigh before making his way beneath her yukata, pulling it up with the movement. She cupped his face and gently stroked his stripes high on his cheeks as his other hand joined the other in stroking her other thigh. Her breath hitched as she felt his hands moving higher up her thighs, his claws lightly touching her hips.

Sesshomaru gripped his miko's hips before sliding his hands around to briefly cup her soft cheeks. He slowly untied the sash keeping her yukata closed and pushed the two sides open. He broke the kiss as he opened his eyes and looked at her exposed skin. She wore nothing beneath her yukata, giving him his first look at her full chest and the nest of dark curls between her legs.

He practically purred at the sight. She had gained her weight back and he intended to enjoy her softness. He was also pleased that she didn't shy away from his gaze. He was sure had this been before her decline and near death, she would have covered herself up, shielding herself from his gaze.

He brushed the yukata from her shoulders before moving his hands to cup her breasts. He watched her close her eyes with a sigh before he captured her lips with his.

Kagome freed her arms from her yukata sleeves and shoved her fingers in Sesshomaru's hair, satisfying her want to feel his soft hair. Soon he was breaking the kiss once again and before she could protest he moved one hand from her breast and replaced it with his mouth. As he squeezed her other breast she felt him move his free hand around her back and pull the yukata free and tossed it to the floor.

His hands seemed to be everywhere after that, touching every inch of skin he could reach while his slightly rough tongue swirled around her breast. She closed her eyes to focus more on the sensations when suddenly she was on her back, the softness of her bed beneath her and the heat of Sesshomaru's body above her. She gasped belatedly as she opened her eyes but his mouth covered hers and took her breath away.

Sesshomaru shifted and moved a hand between his miko's thighs. He could smell her arousal but he wanted to be absolutely sure she was ready for him. He was a patient demon but when it came to finally obtaining his life-mate, he found he no longer had any patience. He couldn't wait anymore, especially after having to deal with the females in his counterparts' court.

They pushed themselves on him, making it known they weren't mated and weren't opposed to gaining the status, with him. None of them knew he was currently courting a female. None outside his own court knew, and those within knew better than to speak of it. Others would find out after he was mated. Eventually.

For now he had his future mate right where he wanted her. He was positive she was ready to become his mate after their months of courtship. She was also healthy so there was nothing to stop them except maybe her own nervousness.

Kagome moaned slightly through their kiss as Sesshomaru stroked her, her body weeping for him before he suddenly broke their kiss.

"I will not stop." Sesshomaru let her know. "It is time."

Kagome nodded since she was fine with that. She was ready, aside from a little nervousness at the unknown, and at this point she didn't want him to stop.

His weight disappeared from her and she opened her eyes to see him stripping off his clothes. He was back on top of her, warming her before she could become embarrassed with either of their nude bodies.

Sesshomaru shifted to the side, his mouth latching on to her neck, as his hand returned between her legs. He stroked her a few times before he carefully slipped first one finger inside her then another. He used a claw to carefully and quickly cut her barrier before letting a single drop of his poison loose inside her to offset any pain she would feel from the cut or his impending entry.

If she felt it she didn't react so he continued with his actions, moving his fingers in and out of her, the palm of his hand hitting and grinding against her bundle of nerves. He listened to her moan lightly and begin to pant, and felt her hands moving along his back and up and down his arm.

He couldn't stop the shiver that raced down his spine.

Kagome spread a leg and helplessly began to move her hips in time with Sesshomaru's thrusting fingers. In and out his fingers slid, in and out, in and out, his palm always hitting against her bundle of nerves, exciting her more and more. He moved at a steady slow pace that began to drive her mad. Even still, she didn't want him to stop. In fact she couldn't decide if she wanted him to keep his pace or increase it.

Adding to the pleasure he was already giving her was the ever present feel of his aroused length pressed against her pinned leg, hot and hard against her skin. Half her mind was focused on the pleasure and the other was busy imagining what that hot, hard length would feel like moving inside her.

She never knew she could be so bold, even if it was only in her thoughts.

Sesshomaru kept up his steady pace for a while, enjoying his miko's increasingly frantic movements. But he wanted more and so did his beast, so he pulled his fingers from her, listening to her protest.

He sat up and turned her on her stomach, arranging her body so she was on her hands and knees. He moved behind her and caged her body with his before he began to rub himself against her. He enjoyed the feel of her against him, and the fact that he was being coated in the scent of her arousal.

Kagome moaned her pleasure, somehow even more turned on by the new position. She had heard about it in her time from her friends and gossiped about among others, but she had never thought she would experience it. It just wasn't something she saw herself doing, and beyond that she had thought she was going to be tied to a shy half demon.

When Sesshomaru made his intentions known and even with the little intimacy they had shared, it just never occurred to her to think of it. But now it all made sense that he would use the position. He was a dog demon, and a passionate one at that.

Her thought was derailed as she felt one of his hands grasp one of her breasts. She shivered and pressed back against his heated body.

Sesshomaru groaned at the action and pushed back against her.

She is strong. Healthy. She can handle our mating. His beast reminded him in that moment.

Sesshomaru realized then that he had been holding back, worried that she couldn't handle his intensity after how malnourished she had been. His beast was right. It was time he stop holding back and properly make her his mate.

His eyes glowed a bloody red and his youki shifted as his beast merged with him. They released a low rumbling growl before they thrust into her with the perfect precision they did everything with. They listened as she cried out but that didn't stop them.

Kagome tensed in shock and pain at his abrupt entry. She had thought she would get some kind of warning first. She breathed through her mouth and forced herself to relax as she realized that his shifting youki probably was his warning.

It was only moments later that her relaxed state and his continued thrusts brought her pleasure back to the surface. She moaned and dropped her head as she grasped the bedding beneath her as her body jerked with each thrust he made. The hand grasping her breast squeezed tighter and tighter, his claws pricking her skin, but it only added to her pleasure. In and out he moved, faster and faster, each thrust as hard and deep as the previous, his silky hair tickling her skin and stimulating her body even more.

Sesshomaru and his beast paused briefly to shift their position before continuing their movements, and listened as their miko suddenly cried out, her body gripping them from the inside. Still, they didn't stop their movements, prolonging her pleasure high. Her arms seemed to give out and her upper body collapsed but they continued on toward their own release as their pleasure climbed higher and higher.

They moved their hands until they were gripping her hips, holding them in place as they moved their hips faster and faster. They listened to their miko scream her release, her body once again clinging to them, and they suddenly roared as their release claimed them.

They leaned down, their hips still thrusting as they sank their fangs into Kagome's neck, injecting their youki into her. They then surrounded her with their aura, coaxing hers out and tied her lifeline to theirs.

Once they had accomplished their goal Sesshomaru's beast retreated and he collapsed on his miko before rolling them onto their sides as their bodies and breathing calmed.

It wouldn't be until morning that either of them saw the crescent moon on Kagome's forehead, signifying that she was now the lady of the west, nor the one on her neck to show her mated status to the western lord.

It had been nearly a month since their mating and the new lady of the west was riding Ah-Un next to her lord as he walked through the forest, her quiver of arrows on her back and her bow on her shoulder. They were currently patrolling the western lands and planned to end it by picking up Shippo for his school break. She was sure he would like the surprise.

Kagome glanced over to her mate and, unable to help herself and not caring to, reached over and ran her fingers through his long silky hair with a sigh. She couldn't help but be reminded of all the times she had clinched her fists around the moonlight locks in the heat of passion.

Sesshomaru shot her a look that clearly conveyed he knew exactly where her thoughts were, and she returned his look with a smile and a light laugh.

She looked around at the beautiful view around them and took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air and quiet sounds of nature. She loved it. It was so peaceful. It was exactly what she had pictured herself doing when she came back through the well. Being able to use her powers and enjoying nature with her loved one.

The only difference between her imagination and the reality was that she was with Sesshomaru and dressing much nicer.

She looked down and smoothed a hand over her beautiful green and silver kimono. She had decided to dress in the elaborate silk garment today since she had been in the mood and both Sesshomaru and his beast liked seeing her in them.

In addition to the elaborate kimonos he had also had thin legged hakama and short kimonos made for her, as well as traditional priestess clothes in colors other than red and white. She appreciated the variety of clothes and thoughtfulness, and showed it by wearing them all.

She was pulled from her thoughts as Sesshomaru stopped, causing Ah-Un to stop as well, and tipped his head back ever so slightly, his nose quivering minutely. He growled suddenly and she watched his eyes redden abruptly, indicating that his beast had come forth and was now in charge.

He had been doing that a lot since their mating, he and his beast switching places. It had disconcerted and frightened the household, but she hadn't minded one bit since she loved all of him. Had in fact enjoyed it since it allowed her to interact with both parts of him equally.

"The half-breed is heading toward us. He most likely caught your scent." Sesshomaru's beast informed her as he turned to her, and she grimaced and sighed.

"I'm sorry." Kagome said quietly.

"Your apology is unnecessary since I did not want you to mask your scent. I enjoy it, especially now that my scent is weaved with yours." He replied and she nodded.

"It's probably good that we're coming across him now. This will allow me to deal with what happened, and help me move on and continue to get better." She said thoughtfully.

Kagome was better, much better, but she hadn't fooled herself into thinking she had let what happened to her go.

Sometimes she unconsciously lapsed back into old behavior. Not caring about what was happening around her, doing nothing and staying in bed for days as if she thought she would be forbidden from going anywhere or doing anything. Luckily for her Sesshomaru was able to help her through those times, catching them earlier and earlier to quickly put a stop to them.

Sesshomaru's beast nodded approvingly. Now that she mentioned it he too hoped this encounter helped her.

They waited silently and it was only a few minutes before Kagome heard the sounds of rustling tree branches and bushes.

"Kagome!" She heard Inuyasha scream before he ran out of the trees into her view and skidded to a stop.

"Sesshomaru! You bastard! What the hell are you doing here?!" Inuyasha cursed before he stopped and focused on Kagome.

"I've been looking for you ever since the bastard stole you from me." He said. "You look better, much better, healthier than you did the last time I saw you." He continued as he looked her over.

"I missed you." He admitted. "Sango and Miroku miss you as well and are worried about you. They would've been looking for you as well if they didn't have their brats to look after."

Kagome listened in silence and felt nothing but indifference and a bit of lingering hurt. Inuyasha claimed he had missed her and that she looked healthier, and yet he seemed to have failed to notice the change in her scent and the new markings she had gained.

It was just another show of his brand of care, which wasn't really care at all. He saw and noticed what he wanted and nothing more unless it was pointed out to him or of use to him. It also hadn't escaped her notice that he hadn't mentioned Shippo at all.

As for Sango and Miroku, she couldn't care less what they thought. She had wasted years caring about the three of them and all of them had shown how little they really cared about her.

She took in a slow breath as she looked at Inuyasha. She had already decided that she didn't want to see any of them, but now after seeing him and listening to him she decided that she never wanted to see any of them ever again.

Sango, Miroku, and even Keade had proven that she wasn't really important in their lives, and didn't have her best interests in mind. Inuyasha had lied to her and used her, and she wasn't going to waste anymore of her life on any of them.

"Now that I've finally found you, you can come back with me. Everyone misses you and the village just isn't the same without you. I'm not the same without you." Inuyasha finished bashfully, despite his half-brothers presence. "We can finally get married, especially now that you're better." He added.

Kagome blinked. Married, not mated. She now knew the difference since her mating with Sesshomaru. Married meant just a human lifespan, and mated meant the demon lifespan. With Inuyasha being a half demon she would have taken on his lifespan, but apparently he didn't want that.

She was now jaded enough to think his words now were nothing but show. If she agreed he most likely planned to give some excuse of why they couldn't marry yet once he had her back in the village. Luckily she didn't have to deal with him anymore.

"I'm not going anywhere with you. In fact, I never wish to see you again." She stated bluntly.

Inuyasha's eyes widened and he gasped in surprise. "What the fuck?" He said.

"I'm now mated to Sesshomaru, and very happy with where my life is and where it's headed." She added.

"What the hell!" Inuyasha exclaimed. "What the fuck do you mean you're mated to that bastard?" He asked.

Kagome swept her now long bangs aside, giving him a clear view of the crescent moon on her forehead. Sesshomaru's beast then reached over and loosened the neckline of her kimono slightly, and pulled it aside so the crescent moon on her neck was visible as well.

Inuyasha couldn't believe his eyes and growled angrily at Kagome.

"How could you betray me? And with Sesshomaru of all people?!" He shouted at her.

Sesshomaru's beast snarled so viciously in response that Inuyasha stepped back and held his breath, his hand on the hilt of Tetsusaiga as he warily eyed his half-brother.

"I didn't betray you, because you are nothing to me." Kagome said as she rested a hand on her mates arm. "You lied about loving me and you actively prevented me from getting exercise, learning how to use my powers, and learning anything in general. It resulted in my weakening and falling into a depression that nearly killed me." She continued flatly.

"Sesshomaru didn't steal me; he rescued me, kept me alive, gave me a reason to live, healed my body and mind, and showed me the affection and care I had been starving for." She continued.

"That's why you mated him, because he showed you a bit of affection? As if that bastard is actually capable of showing affection. He just mated you for power, and you were stupid enough to fall for it!" Inuyasha snapped angrily.

Kagome tilted her head and stared at him as she felt Sesshomaru's beast tense beneath her hand. She was not about to waste her time justifying her mating to someone who had treated her so poorly for so many years.

She didn't have to, and he didn't deserve it. He was no one to her. Not a potential lover, and not even a friend. It was time she release the last of her hurt feelings and close that chapter of her life.

"I realize you never cared enough about me to really learn about me, but if you know nothing else about me you should know that I would never tie my life to someone I didn't love." She said quietly. "I clearly made an error in judgment spending so many years loving you, but the experience taught me how I never wanted to be treated by the one I love."

"I'm now with a male I never expected to be with, but one I'm very happy I am with. He's not afraid or nervous to show me affection or make it clear to all how he feels about me. He doesn't keep me from the things I want to do. In fact, he helps me do those things. And most importantly, I was his first choice. He doesn't see someone else when he looks at me, and he isn't trying to hold on to his past through me."

"You're a complete idiot if you think Sesshomaru would mate anyone for power alone. Power isn't reason enough to tie oneself to someone you can't stand to be around let alone care nothing for." She continued in her quiet tone.

"You can be angry all you want. I don't care. My life is not attached to yours and never will be. Our paths will never cross again if I have anything to say about it." She stated firmly. "You can take this bit of information back with you to Sango, Miroku, and even Keade, and if they don't like it then they should've thought of that before they treated me the way they did."

Kagome looked to her mate who had calmed during her little speech before she returned her gaze to Inuyasha.

"I hope you have better luck with the next female who finds herself loving you, but I doubt you will." She said. "Since I never intend on seeing you again you should be careful of my mate from now on since I will no longer interfere in your encounters." She added. "In other words if Sesshomaru wants you dead then I will not be around to stop him nor would I care." She said bluntly before she briefly squeezed her mates arm and let go.

"Can you take me away from him?" She asked Ah-Un. "My mate can find me when he is finished with the present company."

"Do as your lady asked." Sesshomaru's beast added when the two headed dragon looked to him. He then stepped away and watched as they took to the sky.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha shouted and moved to follow her, but Sesshomaru's beast wrapped his acid whip around his neck and yanked him back.

"Shit!" He cursed as he got up. "I'm not done talking to her, so you better stay out of my way if you know what's good for you."

"You are done, and you will never see my mate again." Sesshomaru's beast rumbled before he cracked his knuckles. "Also, it is unwise to threaten me." He added maliciously as he stepped toward the half-breed.

~~~~*W*~~~~

A few minutes later Sesshomaru caught up to his mate on his youki cloud, an additional sword resting against his hip.

"Did you actually kill him?" Kagome asked indifferently as she noticed the sword.

"Not this time. I want the half-breed to take your words back to your former pack members." He answered. "I took Tetsusaiga because the whelp does not deserve it, and it did not react negatively toward me. In the future one of our future pups can wield the blade when they are old enough or perhaps you can if you wish since your training is going well."

"However, next time I see the whelp will be a different matter. Perhaps it will depend on my mood whether he lives or not." He added.

Kagome nodded and returned her gaze to the beautiful view as they continued on their patrol of their lands, happy now that she closed that part of her past she could continue flourishing in her life.