Tender Rebel 5

Tender Rebel

By: Aurora Collins

Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters associated with it. I'm only borrowing the characters to amuse myself and hopefully others. ^__^

Ch.5 Bubbles are Fun


Sesshomaru was already out of bed for most of the morning and checking on his people to make sure that they were begining to work. He looked at the papers that needed his attention immediately and had a quick walk around the castle halls. He already had a busy morning and wanted a bath. Sesshomaru wanted to relax before the day truly got started for the occupants in the castle, and he already knew that Kagome would probably still be asleep in her bed. That would mean that he could bathe and be off before she noticed him near, but he didn't know why he was trying to avoid her. Nevertheless, he had this feeling of being guilty, but he did everything within his power to correct the situation. He apologized to her and even gave her a bottle of ointment so she would heal faster. If she didn't forgive him by now then maybe he would just put some sense into her thick head. Sometimes, he mused, that women could be a nuisance, but for him it was more like a pain in the groin.
Sesshomaru groaned to himself when he thought of her in that way and continued to feel more sexually frustrated as he stripped himself of his armor and kimono. He grabbed his towel, tucked it around his waist, and stepped into the bathroom to see that there was steam in there, and he heard something splash. Sesshomaru wondered who could be in his bath but then he remembered that Kagome would have access to it whenever she needed it. Maybe this was all an illusion because he has been thinking of her all morning to the point of insane distraction. When the steam cleared, his assumptions were right but he still thought that his mind was playing games on him again. He saw Kagome in the tub, with bubbles covering what he would have liked to see most. Her hair was full of lathered shampoo and it smelled like it was his, which pleased him.
He wanted to make sure that this nymph of an illusion was real so he took a step forward to the one woman that he desired most, but when he saw that look on her face, he knew that she was real. Her face showed the true definition of shock but in just a split second, it turned to anger and he knew he was in for a tongue-lashing.
Kagome quickly screamed and ducked in the water further with a splash. She grabbed the nearest thing and chucked it at the intruder's face. The rag flew across the room and it hit Sesshomaru right over the eyes. "You PERVERT!!" Kagome yelled out, as she was getting ready for the next weapon. Sesshomaru took the rag from his face and tossed it to the side "Now Ka..." The soap dish came flying at him and it hit him in the head. Sesshomaru growled and said, "Kagome I...." He saw the bar of soap come at him and he dodged it with ease. "Kagome!! Would you stop for the love of Kami!?" Sesshomaru barked out before she could grab the glass jar full of bathing oils. Kagome held still and said in a stern voice, "Stop!? What are you doing in here!? Get out! OUT!!" Sesshomaru smirked and said, "No matter what you throw at me and no matter how loud you scream, I won't be leaving. This is my tub that you're occupying and I would like a bath before my day gets busy."
"B-B-But that's not..." Kagome stuttered. "Decent?" Sesshomaru finished. Kagome sighed, "I wish you would stop finishing my sentences. It's..." "Annoying?" Sesshomaru said with a smile. Kagome growled, "Just get out." Sesshomaru just shook his head and took the towel from his body. Kagome squealed and quickly hid her face in her hands. She heard a little splash and she was terrified to look and see if he was in the tub with her. Kagome was feeling for her towel and she rapidly got it over her body. She turned around and got out of the tub in a rush. She didn't even think to rinse out her hair but at this point, she really didn't care. "Kagome you have soap in your hair," Sesshomaru stated as he saw her leave the tub. Kagome was still covering her eyes while trying to make a dash for the door, without looking at her lord. "I don't caaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!" Kagome screamed out as she stepped on the bar of soap that she threw at Sesshomaru.
She slid backwards and to her dismay, instead of laying on her back, she landed in the tub, right on top of Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru heard her yelp and before he could respond, he got this rump in his face and than a large splash that went all over the bathroom floor. When he opened his eyes, he saw Kagome right in his lap and with that little towel just between their naked bodies. With the towel so wet it clung to her body and showed him what her assets really were. Her nipples peaked beneath the material and the curve of her hips were so inviting. Before he could examine her more he heard a moan. Kagome put her hand to her head and groaned from the pain and then she felt something on her bottom that she wasn't suppose to feel. It was hard, and when she looked to her side, she saw herself sitting on Sesshomaru's lap. Her face turned a crimson color and she knew she was as red as a beet. She couldn't say anything because whenever she tried her words got caught in her throat.
Kagome couldn't move because her body wouldn't allow her. All she heard was herself breathing with a shudder and her heart pounding in her chest. She started to feel light headed and her body just wouldn't respond to her commands. Sesshomaru saw her staring at him with that shocked expression and she didn't seem to move. She didn't even blink and all he saw was a blush so deep that he didn't know if it would ever fade away. That is when Sesshomaru had the brilliant idea of maybe getting a kiss in on her lips. He could try it again and show her that he could be gentle with her if given the chance. He extended his hands to her face and Kagome saw that, and that is when she was able to regain her strength "NO!!!" She yelled out as she slapped his hands away. She got up and slipped again, but the second time she got her footing firm and left the tub in a huff. Kagome didn't look back as she stomped out of the room, her hair now clean of the suds she accumulated with the shampoo.
She got to her room and slammed the door loud enough for her to be heard. She locked both her doors and sat on her bed fuming with humiliation and anger. When she was able to calm herself down enough, she realized that she left her belongings in the bathroom, with Sesshomaru. Kagome would get dressed in one of her other kimonos and grab her stuff later. That is if she could get the nerve. She still felt the blush upon her cheeks and she knew it would be a while before it would go away. Kagome never knew she could be that embarrassed or shocked in all her life. She never felt anything like it before and it infuriated her on how her body could do that to her. The only reason why she snapped out of it is when she saw his face coming closer to hers and she was not ready to have him kiss her again. Especially in the situation that they were in not that long ago.
She decided to get dressed in another outfit, instead of the one she chose, which was still in Sesshomaru's bathing room. Kagome didn't know if she could ever face him again or go into his room to make use of his facilities. She knew now that this arrangement wouldn't work and would never work. She sighed as she put more of the ointment on her lip and could already feel that the wound was almost gone. The stuff really worked but now she felt that it didn't mean anything to Sesshomaru in the first place because of the way he just treated her. He was about to take advantage of her being so still in his lap, but it was also her fault for not moving sooner. Kagome didn't know what to do with that but she knew that more than enough time has passed for her to get her things out of his room. She could only hope that he wasn't even in his room. When Kagome unlocked the door and peeked in, she knew that her prayers were answered to her at least once because the room and bathroom were completely empty and now very much clean.

Once Kagome slapped his hands away and left the bathing room, in a rush, he might add, she seemed more than upset with him again. He wondered if she knew what she was doing to him on a daily basis. He concluded that she must know because he let her know on more than one occasion on how he needed her. Yet she denied him, but this time she had that excuse of him being too rough with her. That is when it dawned on him that she never complained about him touching her, or lusting after her but she just complained how rough he was. Kagome wanted him just as much as he wanted her. She just kept denying them both and it frustrated him to no end. On that thought, he hurried with his bath, more than eager to work on other things to get his mind set somewhere else. His people were already gathered there and more were still coming. He had more than enough work to last him today and the next few weeks.
Once he was done, he got himself dressed in a simple kimono that was light in weight. He knew it was going to be a hot day and he didn't want all his armor and layers on to distract him. When he was done, he went down the hall to his study and decided to finish the last paper that were sent to him by the council and that is when Jaken came. "My Lord Sesshomaru! Lord Sesshomaru," Jaken squawked out. Sesshomaru's eyebrow twitched when his study door was slammed open and that annoying voice intruded upon him. "What is it Jaken?" Sesshomaru asked, not taking his eyes from the papers on his desk. "My Lord there is dire news that just came in. The scouts have their latest report right here," Jaken said as he handed the scroll to his Lord. Sesshomaru scanned over it and he stood up from his chair, pushing it backwards to where it fell. "Jaken arrange my Army to be ready by dawn! Get my Generals together in the meeting room immediately, and go into the store room to retrieve my battle armor!"
Jaken was never one to question his master, but this time he could see actual worry on his master's face. "Lord Sesshomaru what is the matter?" Jaken asked in a shaky tone. Sesshomaru's eyebrows slanted and said, "The Gates of Hell are within my territory and I need to arrange an attack! Now get moving or I'll throw you out this window!" Jaken paled and scampered out of the room in a hurry. It would be a little while before all the arrangements were done, but now it was the time for action. In the morning, he would march out to where the infestation was taking place and demolish the threat before it reached his people. Sesshomaru couldn't wait for word from the other three dog demon lords.
He hasn't heard from them in awhile, but he did recall sending a messenger out just about a week ago. If they were to get any kind of contact, it would be another week before they could get the rest of the armies together. The threat was here now and he had to do something about it.  He would not allow his people or lands to be destroyed without at least a good fight from his end and that was a promise. For the rest of the day he was going around the castle getting things ready for when he would be away for the next few days. He has already chosen whom he would leave in charge when he was gone, because he was planning to take Jaken with him to this battle.
The person he chose was more than capable of leading and making sure that things were in order and he knew he could trust this person enough not to screw up. When he defeats the Army he knew that he would come home to everything as it was before and with working on all the mishaps for these past few months, things were starting to get back to normal. He made sure to leave some soldiers behind to brigade the gates and make sure that just in case the worst were to happen, then his people would be safe with the guards and barriers that were put into place. Sesshomaru could only hope that this threat would go away as swiftly as it came. With those last thoughts in mind, he continued on his tasks for the immanent end. When he was going over the hallways he happened to cross paths with Kujo, and he got an idea. The person he chose would need some help and he couldn't thrust so much responsibility onto one person.
"Kujo!" Sesshomaru bellowed out. Kujo almost lost a step when he heard his name called from down the hall. Kujo hesitantly went up to Sesshomaru and said, "Yes?" "Come to my study with me. I need to speak with you," Sesshomaru said as he was already walking to the study in question. Kujo didn't know what this was about but he knew it was important enough for the dog to talk to him. He thought for sure he would be dead from the way his name was called out. Sesshomaru was probably still mad at him but the dog deserved every word that he dished out. Once they were to their destination Kujo shut, the door because he knew this would be a private conversation. "I'm leaving on the morrow and I'm entrusting all my estates and land to Kagome. While I'm gone she will be in charge, but what I need from you is to help her out. I know it is a lot of work, but I know you're the closest person to her and I know you have some leadership skills."
"Some leadership skills?" Kujo said sarcastically as he took a seat. Sesshomaru grunted, "Some skills, but the point is that you WILL be helping her and if you won't then I can find a more comfortable room for you in the dungeons." "I'll help her. Don't you worry about that," Kujo remarked. "On another side note, if you so much as touch her or look at her in a way that could be deemed inappropriate then I'll have your hide. I will castrate you into oblivion and banish you to where you could never see your precious Kagome again. Understood?" Sesshomaru said with pique to his voice.  Kujo couldn't help but laugh at that point. He laughed so hard that he almost fell out of his seat. Sesshomaru jerked his head to Kujo and said, "What pray tell is so funny?" Kujo wiped away the tears that streamed from his face from the laughter, "Sorry dog but I won't be doing anything to OUR precious Kagome."
Sesshomaru got a confused look on his face and Kujo had to merely explain, "Sesshomaru I'm not even interested in Kagome. I could never be for the plain fact that I'm a homosexual! Hahahaha! So hilarious!" "A blasted catamite in my castle! You're... You're...a, "Sesshomaru just didn't know what else to say. The man was gay and that could mean only one thing; disaster. "Don't worry I'm not diseased and I certainly have no attraction to you. Although your body is nice, but your personality sucks," Kujo decided to say since Sesshomaru had such a loss of words at that moment. Sesshomaru stiffened "You impudent fag! If Kagome didn't need you so badly I would send you across the seas to the west where not even you would survive! You flea bitten human!" Kujo smirked "Well thank my lucky stars, but if that is all my LORD then I bid you goodnight."
Kujo got up from his seat and before he left the room he pointed out, "You might want that seat sanitized because I just sat my gay ass in it, and the door handle from my hand, and maybe get Kagome sanitized too because she hugged me, also..." Kujo ducked because a book was thrown right for his head. Kujo got out of the room quickly because he knew he angered the dog and he also knew that he had to stay more then far away from Sesshomaru now. Kujo's little secret was out and it would be a lot harder, but in the end he had to. He had to reassure Sesshomaru that he wouldn't even harm a hair on Kagome in any way, shape, or form. He loved Kagome, yes, but not in a way, a man and woman would be. What he would like more than anything would be to get one of those masculine soldiers out in the yard. He would see them workout and it would bring him to such a lustful state. Kujo didn't need a dog like their lord to fulfill his needs. He had to wonder how Kagome would take this news.
Once Kujo left, Sesshomaru picked up the book and put it back on his desk where it was before. He rubbed his temples and gave out a long belated sigh. "This might have been a bad idea."


For the rest of the day Kagome made sure to not go around anywhere that Sesshomaru would be. She had been thoroughly embarrassed to last her more then that day and some. Kagome just wanted some peace and quiet for at least a little bit and perhaps time to recuperate from the ordeal she recently was sent through. When Kagome decided to just stay in her room, she noticed that there was a lot of activity outside and noises from within the castle. She looked outside her window to see the soldiers running around and the generals screaming out orders. She wondered if it was just a routine because that sort of thing happened every once in a while. As for the noises in the castle, she concluded that another party came to the premises and that the servants were bustling about trying to make accommodations. Kagome sighed and thought that is was better if she just stayed out of the way.
Kagome figured she would just cause more trouble anyway with the current state of mind she was in. She wondered if she could even talk to anyone right now because she knew her cheeks were still tinged pink. To think that she could feel this feeling for this long and she had to wonder if she could face the lord again. She knew she would have to because she was still contracted with him and would still have to do his bidding, to a certain degree of course. She smiled at that thought because of how she would disagree with him. With those last thoughts in her mind she kept herself busy with reading and catching up on some personal things that she wanted to get done for some time. She found it hard because of the plain fact that her mind kept drifting.

The new rising of the sun cast over the hilltops that surrounded the valley and the clouds laid low over the meadows. The feeling of danger was imminent in the air and that is what caused Kagome to wake up. She jerked awake in her bed with her breath falling short from her mouth. She gripped her chest and she felt the sweat drip from her brow. It wasn't a dream that woke her or a nightmare for that matter but just a feeling that caught her off guard. In fact, she couldn't recall a dream with Sesshomaru for quiet sometime but then she wondered why she felt this way now... a feeling of foreboding. She took the covers from her body and ruffled her fingers through her hair with a sigh. She put on her robe and looked outside to see that it was barely cresting dawn and the clouds covering the ground made it hard to see. Kagome did see the army gathering outside and she wondered why they would be up so early.
They never got up that early unless... her head snapped up and she was going to go to Sesshomaru to see if what she thought was true. She was about to open the door to Sesshomaru's room until it opened itself up. There in the doorway was Sesshomaru himself and he had all his armor on, along with his katanas strapped to his side. Kagome hugged her robe tighter to herself as she kept silent. She didn't know what to say but she still had that lingering question, and by the looks of it, her assumptions were right. They were going to war, but then why wasn't she woken up sooner. Sesshomaru was hiding something from her because of that look on his face. Kagome could tell.
"I know what you're thinking Kagome and your thoughts are correct. The Gates of Hell are here in my territory and now I must go and stop them," Sesshomaru said this as he stepped into her room. Kagome stepped back and said, "Then why didn't you wake me up and let me know so that I could go with you?" Sesshomaru looked down at her and his face softened from what it was before. She actually sounded concerned about him and it made it to where he wanted to take her with him but he did have other plans for her. "I need you here," was all he said. "B-But I could help. You know I could and I wouldn't get in the way. This threat is not just against you but everyone," She said in a straightforward tone. "I have plans for you to stay here and look over my estates while I'm gone. I know you're a good leader and this is my way of letting you know that I trust you with everything I own. I know you won't disappoint me and not to mention Rin needs someone to watch over her."
"Sesshomaru you can find someone else to do this for you. I want to fight with you and everyone else," Kagome said. Sesshomaru smirked "You already fight with me." "I didn't mean that," She growled out. "I know. I was merely teasing." "This is no time for teasing! I want to go!" Kagome almost yelled out. "Understand that this is what I need you to do as my vassal. Not to mention this is my way of letting you know of how sorry I really am. I will protect you this time," Sesshomaru had a hard time saying sorry but he had to say it to let her know that he cared for her. Kagome looked down at this point and nodded with subservience. Kagome really did want to go and help but if he needed her here and with how adamant he was about it, she had no choice but to obey. Not to mention what he said just then tore at her heartstrings. Here she thought she could never face him again after that incident yesterday but now she didn't find it so hard.
This whole time she was fighting him about everything and wasn't the least bit sorry for what she has done to him because she knew she put him through a lot. Now he was going to war and he could very well... She didn't want to think of him falling in battle. He was too strong for that and after defeating Naraku, he had to be strong. Kagome jerked her head up and she realized right then that he was not apologizing for her lips or what he did to her thus far, but for what he didn't do for her village, for Inuyasha. He was protecting them now and he meant to fulfill his side of the contract and his obligations to them. Nevertheless, she had to wonder if he mainly did it for her and that got her to think that maybe he did hold some feelings for her other than lust.
"There is a list of things that I left for you on my desk in my study. I'm trusting you with this and I know you will do a great job. I must leave soon but I would like to kiss you one last time before I go. It could very well be the last chance I have to show you that I'm not some inexperienced pup," Sesshomaru said as he stepped closer to her. Kagome didn't respond but just stood there, wondering why he would say that to her. Did he actually think that this threat was that dangerous? She should trust him to be a strong capable leader and she should trust him with her as well, but didn't she dislike him? If she disliked him, than why would she want him to kiss her? No, she didn't dislike him; hate him or anything like that. Even after what he put her through. She liked him...
Kagome blushed deeply but she took a step to him instead and bent her head up so that she could look at him, her lips now fully healed from their previous endeavor. Sesshomaru put his hands on her shoulders and he bent down so that he was directly in front of her face. He wondered why she was complying, why she was allowing him to get close to her? Just yesterday, she seemed very upset but maybe his apology was the thing she wanted from him, and his protection that he promised. Kagome was thanking him in her own special way and he would take this gift with him to battle and maybe have something to look forward to when he got home. But before he bent down to kiss her, he thought about how he felt about her as a person. Yes, he still lusted after her but if that was it then he would have been done with it by now. He couldn't place the feeling but he knew it was something a little bit more, something that he could describe as special.
With his mind done racing away, he finished the distance between them and their lips parted as they met with compliance. His kiss was tender and his lips full of what emotions he possessed at that moment. Kagome was at first hesitant because of what happened before but once his lips parted over hers she just allowed her body to respond. His kiss was the most precious thing she could of imagined and before the kiss could deepen he detached himself from her. Kagome wanted more but she knew he was holding back for her sake and modesty as well. He was actually trying to be a gentlemen and at that moment, she didn't want him to go, but Kagome also knew that this was like a goodbye kiss. She would also fathom that she would miss him while he was away, but she would never tell him that because that would give him the upper hand. Kagome blushed as he kept staring at her with those yellow eyes of his, as if he was trying to read her soul. He then bent low before her and said "Until next time, Kagome," He then kissed her hand in farewell and left without another word.
Kagome was still in shock from this whole thing and she had to ask if he did all that to make amends because he knew he wouldn't be coming back. She couldn't think of that. She had to trust that he would come back and be the ruler and lord that she knew he was. When Kagome finally snapped out of it, he was already on his way down the hall and around the corner to his army. There was nothing more she could do but follow his orders and pray for his safe return to his people, and to her. But she also had to wonder why she cared so much for his welfare. She knew why, it was because she liked him now and could no longer hold hate in her heart for him. Yes, he messed up before but now he was rectifying the situation and making it to where he was doing his duty. The duty of a lord and leader to all four corners of the dog demon territories was a hard job and she should have known that. Now she felt horrible forever doubting him, forever arguing with him. But she had to admit that their arguments were rather funny, once you looked back on it. Although some were just as brutal, but it all led up to now.
She looked out her window once more and she saw him mount his warhorse, and he and his army headed out. Just the sheer numbers alone seemed like it was an ocean and it went on forever. There were thousands of them that went out the gates and when the last ones left, the gates were closed tightly. They were safe for the moment but if their attack proved to be useless than they would have to retreat somewhere else. That is if the barrier didn't hold. She would have to make evacuation plans if that were to happen. She would have to devise anything that could happen to protect Sesshomaru's people. He would want her to do that and because he left her in charge...  she was the new lord? The title and power he gave her must mean something, but he did say he trusted her with the care of his estates and people. So maybe she did something to warrant this honor. With a sigh, she began to get dressed to get ready for the day.

When Sesshomaru got on his horse, he held fast onto the reins. He didn't want to look back at the window, where he knew Kagome was watching. He wouldn't be able to leave if he did, because he feared for her safety now, along with Rin and the rest of the occupants on his land. He had to push that fear away because he was their lord and liege, and they counted on him to protect them. He would not let them down and die if he had to. The sacrifice would be worth it, but with his huge militia, he knew that they had an equal chance at winning. He was not one to fault himself and he would not stop now. Sesshomaru kicked the horse on the side and let out a yell to push forward.
After that, they were off and once they were some distance, away he slightly looked over his shoulder and he could still see that woman looking down from it. She gave out a sigh and her face tore at him for some odd reason. She looked sad and he knew than that she cared for him, but not for than the people that they now both protected. He put a heavy burden on her but he couldn't trust anyone else and he wouldn't leave Jaken behind because he needed the toad with him. With that last glance, he moved forward until the castle was out of his site and he was on his way to battle where the beginning or the end would be there....

Kagome went down the hallway as she did so many times before and when she got to the study, she saw Kujo. She slightly smiled and nodded towards him to go into the study with her. Once they were inside and the door was closed Kagome sat behind Sesshomaru's desk. Her hands slid over it and then her eyes came to rest on her vassal, her advisor, and her friend.

"Sesshomaru left me with the task to take over his estates while I'm gone."
"I know my lady."
"How do you know?"
"He spoke with me about it last night."
"Oh, then why was I the last one to know about it?"
"He was probably scared to tell you."
"Him scared? But why would he be?"
"Because he didn't want to say goodbye."

Kagome sighed once more. "He shouldn't be scared to say goodbye to me. He'll be back," Kagome's lips quivered and it looked like she was about to cry. "It's alright my lady," Kujo consoled her. Kagome stared at him and asked, "Also why would he even want to talk to you anyway?" "Well he knows how close I am with you and he came to the conclusion that I would be there for you as your faithful vassal. Of course the way he went about it was a little harsh and not at all lord like," Kujo said as he took a seat, where Kagome usually sat at. "What!?" Kagome shot out.
Kujo merely smiled, "His exact words were that you would be taking charge and I would be here to help you, but if I so much as touched you or looked at you in a way that could be deemed inappropriate than he would have my hide. Not to mention castrate me into oblivion and banished to where I could never see you again. But I did reassure the dog that I would be nothing but your vassal and friend. Although my lady is pretty, I know my place." "You didn't mention...?" Kagome started. "I did," Kujo said with a smile. "So now he knows you're a homosexual so it shouldn't be so bad right?" Kagome asked with hope. Kujo shook his head "Maybe a little worse but at least he knows that I won't do anything to you."
Kagome groaned, "I swear that demon is jealous. Why doesn't he admit it?" "Pride my lady. We all have some of it, but he has just more of it than most. Kind of like you," Kujo stated. Kagome jerked her head at Kujo, "I don't have that much pride!" Kujo laughed, "Hahaha, yes you do my lady. You're almost as bad as he is, but you can at least admit most things." "Yes, most things but not all" Kagome said. Kujo leaned back in the chair and said, "I think my lady, and this might be a little out of line, but I think you like him, maybe even love? With the way you always defend him and now you worry about him." Kagome stood up at that moment and said, "I don't love him! I like him is all." "A confession? I wasn't expecting that. So maybe your pride has waned a bit I think" Kujo said. "I think you think too much and I suggest you stop now Kujo. Now onto the business at hand shall we?"
Kujo nodded, knowing that she wanted to change the subject because she was too confused with her own feelings. Kujo knew that she cared for her lord deeply, she just didn't know it yet. Perhaps he would give her a push in the right direction if he needed to. He only wanted to his lady happy. "Alright so I have the list right here on what we need to do," Kagome said as she picked up the paper. She scanned it over, saw just how much there was to do, and she almost paled. She didn't know how Sesshomaru did it but he did all these tasks and more every day. She wished he could trust someone to help him out so he didn't have so much to do in one day. She wondered if he ever became tired from all the tasks he had to do. He did after all have a big territory to defend, not to mention all the damage he had to fix from that last fiasco. Kagome sighed as she set the paper back down. Kagome rubbed her temples and groaned from all the work that would keep her busy.
Something struck her, she figured that Sesshomaru wouldn't want her to worry so he made sure she would be kept busy. She would be but she still knew that her mind would wonder into the abyss of things. Kujo took the list from her and eyed it and he became engrossed in all the activities he could do. He was actually excited about doing something worthwhile. "Well my lady, since this is your first day in charge. And everyone knows you are, I think we should divvy up this list to everyone. I'm sure they would be more then happy to help out." Kagome shook her head and said, "He wants me to do these tasks and so I will with your help as he instructed. I won't disappoint him; not in this." "Being a little serious eh?" Kujo asked. Kagome looked at him with a stern look and said, "Of course I'm serious on this. His last advisor did horribly and he trusted me with this. Besides I'm more than a capable enough leader and I can't screw up no matter what." "You'll be tired." "I know that but the pain will be more then worth it when he sees what I can do and then I can shove it in his face," Kagome said triumphantly.
Kujo sweat dropped and said, "And here I thought you wanted to do it because you cared about him." Kagome's eyes twitched and replied, "Well I want to help yes but that dog has had more then enough leverage over me so it's time for payback." "Uh huh," Kujo said as he finished reading the paper. Kagome shrank back in her chair and gave another sigh. She was just teasing but she did want to do a good job for him to show him that there were people out there that he could trust with his estate and lands. Sesshomaru's people would be happy and she was sure that if the people were happy than he would be too. With that last thought, Kagome rolled up her sleeves and was preparing for the day.

Several days passed and with each day, Kagome became more and more worried over her lord. Yes, she kept herself busy but it wasn't enough. She did well in her tasks and everyone followed her directions with ease, but she did keep most of the work to herself. Keeping herself up late at night and getting up early in the morning. In fact, she went two days without sleeping because of all the work and not to mention her damned mind playing tricks on her. Sometimes she thought she saw Sesshomaru but when she shook her head the image would be gone and she would be by herself again as usual.
Perhaps it was the lack of sleep or maybe something more. Kagome also found a little time each day to devote to Rin. She discovered so many new things from that little girl. Rin was actually a joy to be around, but whenever Rin did talk, it was always about Lord Sesshomaru. That didn't help her mind in the least but it was worth talking to the little girl. This morning she was in the study going over some papers about education. She wondered if she could make those kinds of decisions without him around but she knew that the documents had to be answered and sent out as soon as she could make the choice. She knew Sesshomaru's coffers had enough money to support any decision she made but it was still hard.
In her frustration, she hit the desk, which made the walls shake and a very beautiful vase to fall and break. "Damnit!" She yelled out. Once all the commotion was ended, the door to the study slammed open and Kujo was there in less than a second. "What's wrong Kagome?" Kujo asked as he checked to make sure she was all right. He saw the left over essence of her Miko powers fading away. Kagome stood up from her desk and walked away from him. "It's nothing. I just need a break I think." "You've been working very hard my lady. Maybe you should rest while I pick this up. You must have been pretty frustrated," Kujo said as he went to pick up the pieces to the vase. "No I'll pick it up since I was the one to break it. Another thing he can add to my list of debts," Kagome said as she bent down next to Kujo to help him. "Like to break things huh? I never knew you had such a bad temper," Kujo added with a smile. "I used to have a bad temper when Inuyasha was alive but ever since I began living here it has reawakened. He just gets me so angry all the time then I lose it, but the fights we had were also quite funny sometimes," Kagome mentioned as she stifled a giggle. "Oh really? That does sound rather..." "Interesting?" Kagome finished. "Exactly. You seem good at finishing sentences," Kujo remarked.
Kagome finished picking up the shards from the vase and said, "I had a lot of practice." Once the mess was cleaned up, she managed to get back to her desk and try to finish the document. She signed it absent absentmindedly and put it away. Kujo sat down where he usually did and waited for her to be done and once he was he leaned forward on the desk. "Are you alright now?" He asked. Kagome nodded, "Yes I was just having a tough time is all. So much work to be done and not enough time. Not to mention..." She trailed off. "You're still worried about him and you miss him?" Kujo inquired. Kagome nodded once more "I suppose I do. There has been no word of him or his army so I have no idea what's going on." "I can understand that but I'm sure there will be word of him soon," Just as Kujo was about to finish someone came into the study, since the door was still open. It was Kagome's servant Lucia, who had been taking care of her things since she had been there. "My lady! My lady! You must come at once please!" She sounded frantic.
Kagome walked up to the girl and said, "What's going on?" Lucia's eyes looked like they were about to pour out tears, "Please my lady just come with me!" Before Kagome could ask anymore, she was dragged out of the study. Lucia let go of Kagome when she was sure she would follow. They ran down the hallways until they came to the front doors to the castle. The double doors were already opened and when Kagome looked outside, she saw that the clouds were dark and it threatened rain. She heard the clap of thunder reverberate throughout the valley and the strike of lightning nearby brought her attention forward. There before her on a raised pallet, being carried by wounded soldiers was Sesshomaru and he looked broken. Kagome out of instinct ran to him urgently and the color drained from her face to where she was completely white. What she saw was more then she could bear. She gulped down as she saw the blood caked on her lords skin and she could of sworn that she would cry right there. Before she got to that point, she straightened up and said loudly, "Get him to his chamber now! Grab me warm water, and clean linens! Send up the medical kit as well, and for kami's sake hurry up!"
Once she yelled out her orders, they hurried faster then what she thought was possible. She followed in haste but before she entered the doors, she looked back and saw the trail of wounded warriors filing into the gates. Kagome saw the servants get frantic and she brought them to attention. "While I'm attending Sesshomaru I want you to take care of these soldiers! Find them warm pallets and if you have to bunk them in the hall! Get your asses moving now and stop gawking or I swear there will be hell to pay!" When the second set of orders were called out, they snapped to work and started to tend to the men that came home. She would be damned if things weren't done immediately. Kagome turned back and followed Sesshomaru to his room where he was already set down. His blood had already begun to stain his white sheets. Her items that she requested were brought up to her and she was ready to use them. She tied up her sleeves and said, "Get his clothes off!" "But my lady," One soldier started. "Do it now or so help me! I need to see where his wounds are and get him cleaned up! Now hurry or we could lose him!" Kagome yelled out as the men snapped to it and got Sesshomaru quickly undressed. Kagome looked away and had a linen put over his torso before she continued.
When that was done she turned to the men and said, "Go now and tend to yourselves, and someone get Kujo!" She then turned to her task and assessed the situation. She saw that he had a head wound, which was where most of the blood came from, it looked like he had some broken ribs and his leg seemed very bruised. It was probably fractured, if not broken. The worst wound she saw was right across his chest and it was deep. If he were a human, it would have killed him instantly but since he was a demon, he might survive. Kagome got the hot water and linens and began to work on the chest wound first. Right when she got the thread and needle ready, Kujo entered the room. "My lady, I set the servants to their duties. They got a tad bit scared from what happened. Will you need my assistance?" He tried to say this calmly so that maybe Kagome would be calm as well. He knew before he even looked at Kagome that she was scared and upset. He also knew that if she didn't care that much than she would of sent the maids to care for him instead of herself, but she felt inclined to do this herself.

Kagome looked past the bed to the door and said, "Thank you Kujo. I'm going to need clean linens brought in and the old ones taken out constantly. Also hot water needs to be supplied at all costs and..." "The tonic, and herbs, and clean sheets and maybe," Kujo was abruptly stopped when he saw the look that Kagome was giving him. If looks could kill, he would be dead right there on the spot. "Don't mock me Kujo. Now do as I say before I really lose myself with you and have you horsewhipped." Kujo knew she really wouldn't order something like that on him but he could also understand the circumstances put on her. "Forgive me my lady. I will do as you bid at once and without further delay." With that, he bowed to her and left the room to get the supplies she needed, even if she didn't say what she wanted. He has seen enough pain and death to know what to do. Once he left, she brought her full attention to the task at hand, which she knew would be a vigorous one. She cleaned his chest wound up and stitched it as best she could. Kagome was able to bandage his head and splint up his leg. She also attended his other small wounds and scrapes that he received. She added some herbal remedies to his wounds so that they would heal faster.
With the help of Kujo she was able to do, everything that she thought at first would be impossible, but he helped her out so much. He gave her the clean cloths and hot water that she requested and he never said a word. Nothing came from his lips and it was just as if her wasn't even there. Kagome sensed Kujo though and she was more than thankful to him. With the last bit she had, she made a tonic for Sesshomaru and forced him to swallow it. With a few weak coughs, he was able to digest it and she knew that he would be asleep for a while. It would give him time to rest and heal a bit before he decided to get up. Not that she would allow that considering that she would make sure he was bedridden for a month if she had her way about it. She already knew how to run the estate and how to do all the documents required of the job. She would take care of him, even if it meant giving up her life for him.
Her head snapped up when that thought went through her head and she wondered why she would even think that. She knew that he was her lord and that she should want to do that anyway but she felt more than just his vassal. Kagome felt like he was more to her than just the lord. Kujo sat beside her by the bedside and he noticed that she looked more than tired and her clothes were so stained with blood and grime that he figured she would like a bath. But he knew better than that. He knew that she wouldn't leave Sesshomaru's beside until she was ready. Kujo wouldn't even ask her to leave Sesshomaru but he did want to comfort her and make sure that she would be all right. When he looked from Kagome to the lord in question, he saw that his breathing was labored and there still was a possibility of him dying, but he wouldn't tell Kagome that. It would make her even more upset than what she already was now.

"Is there anything else you need my lady?" Kujo asked. Kagome shook her head and said, "No thank you Kujo. Tonight you have been more of a friend to me than an advisor, a vassal, or a servant. You helped me more then you could ever know, but I still feel..." "Scared?" Kujo finished. Kagome looked at him and said, "Yes, I am. I don't want him to die." "Don't say that Kagome. He will live. I promise he will. With your healing touch, I just know it," Kujo consoled her. He saw that she was about to cry but he had to comfort her. "Remember that conversation we had a little while ago? The one about your feelings about him? I think it's about time you dove into your heart and decide what you feel. What you think is right, and how it should be. One way or the other you have to come to terms with yourself because I know you must feel something for him, or you wouldn't be this distressed. I'm going to go now my lady and allow you to attend to the dog," Kujo said as he stood up. Kagome grabbed his sleeved and said, "He's not a dog damnit! Stop calling him that!" "My point exactly, but of course only you can call him 'dog'." Kujo said with a smile.
Kagome dropped her hand and before she could say something Kujo left with the last of the dirty linens. Kagome turned back to Sesshomaru and she was recalling the conversation she had with Kujo and all the mixed emotions she had been feeling these past couple of months.

Kujo leaned back in the chair and said, "I think my lady, and this might be a little out of line, but I think you like him, maybe even love? With the way you always defend him and now you worry about him."

She recalled quiet vividly and with the last words Kujo spoke she had only one thing left to do with herself and that was to confess her feelings. Maybe not to him because she didn't know how he felt or how he would take her confession, but she loved him. It was plain, as day now and she had to wonder how long she had been in love with him. How did it come to be? How did her heart become this way? She couldn't really question how it came to be but she knew now how she felt and she realized that without a little push from Kujo, she may have never come to terms with herself. Kagome leaned on the bed and rested her head on her arms. She would stay with him and make sure that she would be there when he woke up. Kagome wanted to make sure he would recover and she wanted him to know in her own way that she did care. Maybe he would figure it out on his own and make his confessions to her first. But she could wait a lifetime to hear those words thrust upon her, but until than she would wait for him. She knew that now she wouldn't be able to move onto someone else once this was all over.
Would he need her? Want her, after all this time? After all the memories they made? Although most of the memories were fighting it was still slightly funny and she wanted to remember those times forever. With all that she felt, she wanted to be strong but she was at her breaking point. She almost cried before and now she knew she could cry because her heart belonged to him now. With that thought, she did cry at his bedside with him so near and he wouldn't hear her at all. But she hoped he could feel her feelings and convey them when he awoke. Kagome cried so much and so hard for him that she put her last strength into it and fell asleep from the exhaustion that hit her.