As an involuntary shiver rocked her core, Kagome pulled the fur-lined cloak tighter around her body. His amber eyes narrowed as he took in the pitiful state of her body. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, nervous under his gaze.

"Come here." He ordered as he stepped close to her and pulled her against him.

"Sesshou-" Kagome yelped as he effortlessly picked her up in his arms.

"Rest. I will take care of you." He promised.

Kagome tried to swallow past the large lump that suddenly formed in her throat. Her eyes filled with tears at his tender actions. She didn't have it in her to insist on walking herself. Sesshoumaru was concerned for her and wanted to take care of her. The way his attention lingered on her neck gave him away. His love is what she needed right now. She placed her arm around the back of his neck resting her head against his shoulder. Just past him, she could see the little waterfall she had been meditating under. No sign of anything unusual. She couldn't sense anyone other than herself and Sesshoumaru.

Did I imagine the voice?

Her hand on his chest clutched his robes tightly.

Was she being haunted by Inuyasha? A deep unnerving weight settled on her chest at the thought. Kagome closed her eyes tight as if to will away the terrible thought. She was just tired. Hallucinations from exhaustion were not uncommon.

Kagome opened her eyes when she felt Sesshoumaru come to a stop. Nestled between two large trees sat a small wooden hut with a thatched roof. Off to the right of the hut sat a small lean-to stable, presumably for horses. Moss and ivy had grown up around the sides of the building, peppering small green patches along the roof. The forest grass had been worn down with regular use, making it easy to see footpaths leading up to the door.

Sesshoumaru set her down gently. Kagome swayed on her feet watching as Sesshoumaru slid open the door to the cabin and gave a small sniff. It was small inside, and despite outside appearances, surprisingly clean. It appeared to have been used not too long ago and there was still firewood stacked up against the wall. The floorboards creaked as they both explored the tiny dwelling. A sunken hearth sat in the middle of the room with a suspended hook for a cooking pot. Kagome eyed the large pot with interest. "I'll have to see what I can make for dinner. I think I can scrounge up enough leftovers for some stew?"

Sesshoumaru didn't answer her, but together they moved back outside to Ah-Un and pulled the packs of supplies off of him. Kagome looked up at the darkening sky. "Do you think it will storm tonight?" She asked him.

He nodded. "It will. I can smell it."

"Well then, I am extra thankful for this cabin." She said softly. She gathered her supplies and moved back into the cabin.

Sesshoumaru watched her leave with a growing feeling of concern. If he didn't know better, he would have thought she had just lost a battle. It was obvious that she was hurting. He gave a rare appreciative pat to Ah-Un and moved them to the small stable.

When Sesshoumaru slid open the door, he found Kagome pouring clean water into the large pot hanging over the fire pit. He moved to help her by bringing firewood over and starting a fire while she put in the dried vegetables, leftover deer meat, and soup stock into the water.

Kagome sat back on her knees and watched as Sesshoumaru fanned the small embers into a fire.

She took a shaky deep breath. There was a weight on her chest that she couldn't quite seem to shake. Her hand moved to her bruised neck, touching it mindlessly. How were they going to take back the mountain? Asahito seemed too belligerent to be any use. The Tengu leader infuriated her but she couldn't just let the Tengu suffer. She refused to ignore the women and children held hostage by the snake yokai.

Are they being tortured? How can we fix this? Should we storm the mountain? Can I get past the barrier? How many enemies await us? Do I even have the energy to save everyone?

It hurt to turn her head. It hurt to swallow. It hurt to breathe-

"Kagome. Look at me." Sesshoumaru appeared in her vision. Her eyes focused on his face.

Sesshoumaru placed his hands on her shoulders. "Tell me. What's wrong?"

Her mouth opened as if to speak but no words came out. Tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.

Sesshoumaru's heart sank. She was not well. At a loss of what to do, he did the only thing he could think of.

Kagome gasped as he pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. She didn't hesitate and threw her arms around his neck and sobbed into his shoulder. It was strange how something so simple as an embrace could be so reassuring.

Sesshoumaru was at a loss. Kagome had had plenty of near-death experiences. What made the debacle with Asahito any different?

"I'm..." Kagome swallowed thickly." I'm sorry."

Sesshoumaru wasn't sure what to do to make her feel better, but he had recognized the panic in her face. She had sat staring into the fire, her breathing becoming quick and erratic. As a child, Rin had had a similar reaction after running into some wild wolves. He had only stared at her in bewilderment as Jaken waived his staff around and yelled at her. Thankfully, now he was a little more experienced with handling humans. Touch was key.

He ran his hand up and down her back in a manner that he had seen mothers do. His claws threaded through the wet ends of her hair. He felt her take a deep breath.

Kagome sank into his embrace, willing her body to relax. Her heartbeat still pounded in her ears, but the panic was subsiding. It was hard to feel anything but comfort in Sesshoumaru's strong, reassuring embrace.

Sesshoumaru remained silent as she did her best to stop her tears. His soft touches gently brought her mind back to the present.

Kagome pulled away to wipe her face with her sleeve. His amber eyes searched hers as if he could divine answers from looks alone.

"I don't know what came over me." She murmured.

Sesshoumaru tilted his head to the side. "Something has upset you. Was it Asahito?"

Kagome placed her hand against her forehead, pushing her hair out of her face. How do I tell him I feel like I've seen a ghost? "Yes. I just...I think I over exerted myself today. Between being strangled by Asahito and healing all those soldiers...my body...I need to rest."

Sesshoumaru curled a wet lock of her hair around his finger. "That is not all."

Kagome felt her heart drop to her stomach. She turned her gaze away from him. "My mind started racing, thinking about how we were going to save the Tengus being held hostage on the mountain. Doubts started to consume me, I admit."

Sesshoumaru tilted her chin up, drawing her attention back to him. "We will handle it. There will be many times in the future where we will have to make decisions concerning our kingdom, but we will make them together. I will always do what I can to support you. You are not alone. I am here with you."

Kagome trembled in his grasp, a eased sigh escaping her mouth in relief. Sesshoumaru is here. I'm not alone. I'm not alone.

It was exactly what she needed to hear. Her hallucination of Inuyasha had brought back thoughts of isolation and hopelessness; feelings she had thought were long gone.

Kagome leaned forward again wrapping her arms around his neck. "Thank you, Sesshoumaru. I really needed to hear that." She kissed him, feeling the warmth of his love and kindness surround her.

Sesshoumaru pulled her tighter against him as he reveled in the softness of her lips. He wanted to make her understand the depth of his feelings.

"Kagome, allow me to care for you." He asked against her cheek, smoothing his fingers through her hair and away from her face.

She gave a tired smile, and with a nod, she said. "Alright."

Sesshoumaru rose from their position near the fire and began preparing the room. Kagome's eyes followed him as he laid out their sleeping pallets and furs, preparing the area for when they were going to sleep.

Next, he moved to her and helped her to stand. Her mouth opened to speak but the words died on her lips. Sesshoumaru untied the cloak from around her shoulders and set it aside. His fingers moved to her middle where he untied her hakama, letting it fall to the floor.

Her heart pounded in her chest. Goosebumps covered her body from the cold or from his actions, she couldn't tell.

He leaned down and kissed her sweetly. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck deepening the kiss. Sesshomaru pulled her tight against him, reveling in the feeling of her body pressing against him. His hands ran down the shape of her back, enjoying the curve. She smelled of the forest, clean water and faintly, he could still smell lavender soap she used to clean her hair.

Sesshoumaru broke the kiss and lead her to the makeshift futon. He guided her to sit before him. He gathered a large fluffy blanket and threw it over her legs. He nudged her backward till she laid back and looked up at him.

Sesshoumaru did not consider himself a vain man. Intelligence was something he always put first, but it was hard not to admire Kagome's beauty. Her damp, black hair fanned around the futon like spilled ink. The color of her light peach skin, peppered with freckles and scars from her many battles. Her soulful blue eyes growing dark with desire. Her hands reached up and slid up the hard plains of his chest before dipping between his robes to reach his skin. Her reiki danced warmly across his skin, leaving tingling bites as she splayed her fingers. He moved his mouth from her reddened lips down her neck.

His hand slid gently along center of her chest, resting between her breasts before he pulled open her juban. Kagome's chest was wrapped for ease of movement. He tugged at the tie on her side and freed her of her bindings. Kagome closed her eyes in a feeling of vulnerability and relief. Softly he pressed her juban off her shoulders.

"Sesshou-" Kagome paused as his warm hand found her breast. His youki curled around her possessively. Their energy swirled together; youki and reiki, hot and cold, fighting at first like it always did before it mingled seamlessly into a lukewarm rush against her skin. A gasp escaped her mouth and Sesshoumaru hummed appreciatively against her neck. The sensation was fulfilling; as if he had suddenly found his true purpose in life, and that it was to be connected to her in this way. He marveled at her. Her body had changed so much since she came to live with him. Almost a year ago, she had been thin and sickly. Now, her skin glowed with life. She had gained weight and looked strong and healthy. He was so unbelievably proud of her. His advisor, Tortuga, had once said that Kagome was a gift to him. He had been absolutely right. Sesshoumaru planned to worship her; tonight, and many more times in their future.

He gently placed his hands on either side her neck, like he had attempted to do earlier in Asahito's tent. This time, he easily pulled on their energy and turned it back on her. Kagome's mouth opened with a soft moan. His power warmed the skin of her throat, sending tingling sensations as her flesh healed. The dark purple reminders of Asahito's violent hand faded until they were nothing but a bad memory.

He trailed his clawed fingers down her arms his youki sending warm, soothing waves of pleasure along with that hint of pain from his nails. Everywhere he touched, Kagome could feel her skin tingle, her thighs parting instinctively as it turned to arousal. Just as Sesshoumaru couldn't help but admire her, Kagome couldn't help but admire him. She enjoyed how he always seemed to look regal; a princely aura always emanating out of him. It could have been because of his strong youki, but he carried himself with such confidence and purpose. It amazed her how he could be so strong, but also gentle. He looked too ethereal to touch at times. I have to make sure this is real. This is real, isn't it? She ran her hands over his chest, she could feel the muscles bunch and tense with energy. The anticipation grew between them, similar to striking a match over and over, eagerly awaiting that flame...

Sesshoumaru leaned over her, kissing a path down her neck, making his way down to her chest. His warm mouth sucked on a nipple. She gave a delighted sigh, her hands clutched his haori as her hips lifted slightly. She pressed herself against him just as he squeezed her soft breast. His sharp fangs dragged against her sensitive skin. As his attention moved to her other breast, he noticed Kagome's breathing became heavy.

"Sesshoumaru...please." She pleaded airily. She didn't even know what she was asking for, but she simply wanted more. She didn't want his attentions to stop.

His mouth moved from her chest kissing down to her belly; his hand slid down her abdomen, dipping underneath the band of her fundoshi.

"Ah!" Her hips instinctively arched to his hand, his touch against her swollen bud sparking a cry. He smirked, pleased, as he removed his hand and untied the knot that held them against her hips. Now she was naked before him. Her beauty caught him off guard. This body had seen battles, hardships, sacrifice, and yet...something about her seemed magical and untouched.

Sesshoumaru kissed her again, his fingers sliding down once more, dipping between her folds. She was already wet for him. The thought of that made his own heart beat faster as he found her swollen bud and passed his fingertips over that tender flesh, teasing her. She gasped, one hand staying attached to his haori, the other clutching the makeshift bed

He gave a growl of approval at her reactions to his touch. Sesshoumaru's fingers dipped into her wet warmth and she gave a low whine.

It had been so long since she had been with someone intimately; it all felt new again. She felt nervous and giddy as if all these sensations were brand new. Truthfully, they were new to them, at least. She had more confidence knowing that it this was also new to Sesshoumaru.

"Mmm," Kagome moaned and bit her lip as Sesshoumaru kept his rhythm as his gentle thumb found her clit, rubbing slowly and teasingly. Her hips moved in time to his ministrations.

"Please..." She whispered, her tongue flicking across her lips to wet them. His slow, deliberate movements were driving her mad.

Kagome's heart stuttered as he pulled her legs towards him. His mouth found her, spreading her as he dragged his tongue through her sopping folds and up to her clit. He sucked and nibbled there till Kagome could no longer stay still. Her fists clenched the furs. Her hips tried desperately to rock against his face to alleviate the building pressure.

"Please Sesshoumaru, I'm so...close..." Kagome panted. He circled her clit with his tongue, pressing harder against her. His fingers moved down and dipped into her wetness.

"Ah!" She cried out. He pumped his fingers in and out as he feasted on her clit. She writhed under him until her body tensed. Her toes curled, her thighs shook.

She shouted his name as she came around him. He growled against her with appreciation, committing her sounds and movements to memory before he kissed her inner thighs and squeezed her hips with his hands.

Kagome lay underneath him panting, her heartbeat pounding against her chest, the rhythm beating against her skull as she tried to recover. Kagome's body felt weightless and relaxed. She let out a long shuddering breath. As if suddenly hearing again, she realized that it was raining outside. In the distance, thunder rumbled faintly. As her senses returned, she couldn't help but blush now that the moment of intimacy had passed and she was still naked and vulnerable in front of him. She found herself unable to look away.

His golden eyes held hers, his normally stoic face showing the hints of a he said, "You are so incredibly beautiful."

Kagome felt overwhelmed with love. No one else got to hear that from him. No one could care for her as he did. She tugged at him to come closer. He climbed up her body to lean over her. Her hands came up to cradle his face. He dipped down and kissed her sweetly. She hummed against his mouth, tasting herself against his lips.

She tugged him to lay down beside her. He pulled her close, gazing deeply into her eyes. "I..."He trailed off uncertain of his words. "I have never in my life felt for another that I feel for you."

Kagome smiled and kissed him softly. "I love you too."

They rested in each other's arms as a storm rolled over the small cabin. Rain pelted the earth outside, but inside, the two hardly noticed. Kagome nuzzled Sesshoumaru's chin with her nose lazily like a cat, and he stroked her hair. Soon, the two of them dozed off.

At some point, Kagome stirred, leaning forward to rub her eyes. The cabin smelled of stew, and her stomach quickly reminded her that she hadn't eaten since they had broken their fast that morning. She sat up and began to pull away when Sesshoumaru stopped her.

"I said I would care for you." Without another word, he stood and walked to the hearth. Kagome's heart filled with warmth and contentment and she couldn't help but smile. Who would have thought that I'd see the mighty Lord Sesshoumaru stirring stew over a cauldron. He brought her a bowl and together they sat and ate in silence, Kagome having two bowls before she finally settled back against the bed, pulling the furs around her nakedness, watching Sesshoumaru set the cups aside and pull the cauldron off the fire. She didn't remember falling asleep, but she came to when a crack of lightning, followed by the loud rumble of thunder as the storm began to roll in. Her heart pounded with adrenaline, waking her up.

Sesshoumaru's hand slid across her thigh, letting her know he was still there. His bright glowing yellow eyes in the fire light gazed at her, and she could only heave a relieved sigh as she lay back down beside him, curling her finger into his silver hair, his youki surrounding her like a security blanket as her reiki danced back. She closed her eyes and smiled as he kissed her.

xxxxxxx

Sesshoumaru woke just as birds began to chirp;the rest of the woods waking with the sun. The warmth of dawn chased the shadows of the night away, the storms far off and gone now. Kagome lay curled into his side, warm under their shared blanket. The gentle rise and fall of her chest told him that her sleep remained undisturbed. He was thankful that she was resting. Her soft black hair surrounded her face, and he resisted the urge to touch her. He badly wanted to run his fingers through her hair, to reiterate the promises whispered in the dark last night. Instead, he lay still with his arms around her. Kagome was amazingly strong and resilient, but...she had a limits. He had lived a long time and had witnessed many battles and losses of life. Kagome, being a human, had only lived a fraction of that time. She was not naive, though, and had experienced a great amount of war and conflict.

It was easy for him to assume that she would be as unaffected as him. He was beginning to realize that he was wrong. Constant battles and threats against her life wore on her. Now more than ever, he felt the gnawing need to end this war.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensations around him. Kagome's gentle breathing, the ride of fall of her chest. Her warm body against his. Kagome needed the sleep and he was in no hurry to help the Tengus.

Instead, he allowed himself to do what he rarely did: daydream. Youkai by nature tended to stay focused on the present, and he was no different. It was strange for him to realize that he longed for a prosperous future. He craved recreating this very moment in their own bed at the castle. It would be wonderful to have her in his bed every night. It was odd even thinking about such things. He never gave much thought to having a wife; It was easy to imagine what it would be like with Kagome, given that she had been living in his quarters and having a hand in his affairs for quite some time now. Life without the war would become stable. Her health and power would improve. Katsurou would grow up to become a great leader, that is if he still wanted the position after they had children. His heart pounded in his chest at the thought. Children? I'm thinking of children?

Having children of his own was something he gave very little thought to. It was always a "someday" thought. A "necessity" thought. However, if he took a wife that would be inevitable and expected. His chest grew warm at the thought of Kagome mothering their children. What would they look like? Would they look more like Katsurou or closer to himself? Regardless, he knew would be very powerful...

His train of thought was interrupted by the sound of approaching youkai. His nose twitched. The Tengus.

Sesshoumaru caught himself before he snarled out loud. With slow methodical movements, he extracted himself from Kagome's sleepy grip. He pulled his hakama and kimono on and tied them with no care. He slid open the rough door, careful to not wake Kagome. His eyes lingered on her sleeping form a moment longer before he stepped outside.

The tengu leaders emerged from the tree line. The youngest tengu in the lead and to Sesshoumaru's disgust, Asahito trailed behind his sons.

"What do you want?" Sesshoumaru demanded, his youki crackling at his fingertips like static.

The band of tengus froze at the question. Yuuto stepped forward with a deep bow.

"My Lord, we wish to formally request your assistance with taking back our mountain. Per your request, our father has relinquished his leadership temporarily to his brother for the good of our people."

Sesshoumaru turned his nose up at them. "My Lady requires rest. Return tonight at sundown. We will begin talks of strategy."

Asahito clenched his fists and seemed ready to argue, but Yuuto spoke. "I understand my lord. However, time is of the essence. Our families are being held hostage..."

"Rearrange your priorities then." Sesshoumaru said turning his back to them. The Tengus bowed respectfully, even though it was clear they were unhappy with Sesshoumaru's decision.

Sesshoumaru slid open the door to the cabin to find Kagome just to the side of it. Only her juban covered her body. "Eavesdropping I see."

Kagome frowned. "No...well, yes I was. Sesshoumaru, I am fine. We can press forward."

His mouth turned down disapprovingly. He brushed a messy strand of hair out of her face. "You keep pushing your body too far. We will take this time to rest. I have not done a good job of making you do as such before. In the meantime, we will think of strategies to bring to the discussion this evening."

Kagome gave him a side glance. "So, I don't have to sleep all day?"

"No. But you must take it easy. Your body needs more than a night's sleep to recover." He said drawing her back to their makeshift bed.

Kagome knelt down and crawled into bed. Sesshoumaru's eyes lingered on where her juban ended. He closed his eyes for several moments.

Her cheery voice called to him. "Will you prepare breakfast too?"

He settled his gaze on her again. She lay completed hidden by the thick fur blankets. A rare smile slide across his face.

"Of course. I promised to take care of you."

Author's note:

Thank you for your patience. The next chapter should be up soon. Please review, because it makes my day :D