A/N - Can you believe it's the final chapter? It's weird to think it's been a year since I started posting this fic. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, responded, and genuinely enjoyed this story. Y'all are wonderful and definitely the reason I keep writing!

Her lips were still tingling when she returned to the shiro, along with a few other places, and she had to keep herself from skipping down the hallway, constantly reminding herself of the rules to be adhered to.

Kagome would have spent all day reminiscing about the feel of Sesshoumaru's mouth on hers, of how he'd pulled her close every time she came up for air, golden eyes darkening with each whispered word. It was a testament to his control that he hadn't succumbed to his instincts in the privacy of the waterfall.

Especially when she'd practically begged him to.

But even as fangs scraped against skin, he'd kept his composure, citing how the council would accuse her of breaking protocol. Even if she'd been a competitor, his selection had to be official, made in front of spectators and witnesses alike.

Which was why she was currently roaming the halls looking for his mother.

The rest of the females were busy getting ready; the final presentation was later that afternoon, and for some reason, it took them that long to dress themselves—even with help. Kagome only hoped it didn't involve the ornate headdresses and jewellery from before. It would only mean more time spent taking everything off when Inukimi's champion was brought forth to challenge the council's selection.

And there would be a challenge.

She turned a corner and nearly ran into someone, immediately perking up at the sight of auburn hair. "Kaguya-san! Just the person I was looking for."

Her friend raised an eyebrow, her lavender gaze automatically going to Kagome's neck, and she adjusted her collar. "I had hoped you might be indisposed this morning."

Kagome flushed but kept her chin up. "That's actually why I'm here."

"Oh?" Kaguya's arm wrapped around her waist, dragging Kagome into the nearest room. "Do tell."

Kagome couldn't help but smile—she'd felt the ripple of a barrier when the door closed, so she knew their conversation would remain between them, but the eagerness on her friend's face reminded her of Rin when she read a new word.

"Has anyone ever chosen a mate outside those directly competing for the title?"

Kaguya's brows disappeared behind her bangs, eyes widening in shock, and Kagome bit the inside of her cheek—maybe she hadn't been as obvious as she'd thought. "There have been a few instances of this happening," she said once she'd composed herself.

"Perfect! How do I—"

"It requires the backing of a parent."

The bubble of hope that had been holding her up popped, a weight settling onto her shoulders and into her limbs. "I thought that was just for the final test."

"That is for the council's choice to prove their worth. But if anyone were allowed to challenge it, it would give others a means to skip the competition outright." It made sense, of course; why would anyone put themselves through rigorous trials if they could just save all their energy for the end?

"So, in order for me to put my name in the running—"

"You would have to speak to my mistress," Kaguya confirmed. "And convince her to place her trust in you."

Her resolve never wavered, shoulders never slumped, sapphire eyes turning stormy as she looked at her friend. "Where is your mistress now?" She clenched her hands into fists to keep her power from breaking through, to keep herself from coming apart at the seams. She'd never wanted anything so badly in her entire life, and if all it took was a conversation with his mother, she'd do it.

Sesshoumaru deserved better than the silk-covered vipers swarming his feet.

"She will want to know the reason behind the appeal."

The heat returned to Kagome's face, and she unconsciously rubbed her neck. "None of the women competing are good enough for him," she hedged.

"And?" Kaguya asked.

"And the West would suffer under their rule," she said, still avoiding the subject.

"And?"

Kagome finally met her gaze, the truth clear in her eyes before her mouth formed the words. "And I love him."

Kaguya's lips curved up into a knowing smirk. "And therein lies the most important piece of information, Kagome-san."

"I'm glad you think so," she mumbled, hands finally relaxing as she leaned against the nearest wall. "No one else seems to value emotional ties. The competitors probably see it as a weakness."

Kaguya's smirk remained. "Just another aspect that separates you from the likes of them. It is something to be proud of."

"Can I get that in writing?" Kagome joked, biting her bottom lip. She wasn't second-guessing herself, but each minute between Sesshoumaru's heated farewell and presenting her case to his mother was another minute spent keeping the self-doubt at bay.

"Does the young lord not share the same sentiment?"

Kagome hoped Kaguya's nose wasn't akin to that of an inuyoukai, unable to quell the scent of desire as memories of whispered words and desperate touches filled her mind, nodding her head as she sucked in a deep breath.

"And are you willing to risk it, even if he does not?"

Sapphire turned to indigo, making Kaguya aware of the storm brewing within. "Yes."

The demoness chuckled, patting her arm with her fan. "Good. I cannot say I would be worried either. You can likely destroy them with your eyes closed," she added.

Kagome's emotions bubbled over in the form of laughter. "That too."

"I will relay the request to her," Kaguya said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Kagome gave her a grateful smile, thoroughly tempted to hug her. "I appreciate that, but I'd rather do it myself."

Kaguya surprised her by laughing. "I have always enjoyed your tenacity, Kagome-san. It has proven frightfully entertaining during a time I would otherwise have been bored to tears."

"I'm pretty sure I'd have pulled my hair out if you hadn't been here, too," Kagome agreed.

"I will speak with Inukimi-sama, though I cannot guarantee you will be able to do the same before the final event," she said, heading back towards the door.

"I can come with you now—"

She shook her head. "You are needed with Rin, as well as the other competitors. I will send word as soon as my mistress is able to step away."

Kagome opened her mouth to argue again but slowly closed it, releasing a resigned sigh. "Make sure she knows I didn't send you as a messenger on purpose. I don't want her to think I'm a coward."

Kaguya's smirk widened into a genuine smile. "There is no chance of that."

Inukimi didn't bother knocking before flouncing into her son's room, twin pigtails swaying in time with plum silk. "What a magnificent day it is turning out to be," she said, standing beside the large looking glass Sesshoumaru was using.

"Only you would think so, Mother," he retorted, having just finished tying his obi. If given the choice, he would've shown up in his armour, but tradition dictated he wear something more fitting for a groom. His obi was meant to match his mother's kimono, but he'd chosen a blue one instead—whether she would comment on the shade wouldn't matter. She would know where he stood on the matter of this farce.

The ends of his sleeves were adorned with silver hexagons and plum blossoms, the mark of his clan standing out against dark silk. As he ran his claws through his hair, he caught a whiff of spiced lemon and was instantly transported back to the falls, instincts screaming to locate the miko.

She would be his.

His mother's fan pressed into the crescent moon on his brow, bringing him back to reality with a growl. "Focus, pup. It will do you no good to let your mind wander."

"Perhaps it would not happen so often if I was not forced to participate in a circus such as this," he said, turning away from her.

"Ah, but if given the chance, would you stop it from happening this year?" she asked, leading him towards a chair, claws already twisting and braiding his hair. Grooming was standard for inuyoukai, but it was the responsibility of the parents to prepare their children on days such as this. And fight as he might, she knew Sesshoumaru secretly enjoyed it.

The scowl he gave her at her question was all the confirmation she needed.

"Have you already made your decision?" She pulled one side of his hair back, pinning up various pieces as they were woven together.

"There is no decision to be made, Mother. None of the vultures are worthy of the title of Lady of the West."

"And what about those outside of the competition?" Sesshoumaru's head jerked to the side, but she kept him in place with a sharp tug on his hair. "Cease your movements, pup. I will not have you arriving looking like an unkept frog."

"Mother—"

Inukimi clicked her tongue. "It seems you were able to apologize to that little miko of yours. She is making blatant claims this morning."

He had apologized, profusely, to the point where Kagome had silenced him with more kisses, but he refused to give into his mother's bait. "She is not mine."

"But you wish her to be." Pride silenced his tongue, not wishing to give in but unable to dispute her words all the same. Usually, the scrape of his mother's claws against his scalp was soothing, but his nerves were on edge—there was much riding on this conversation, and they both knew it.

"You cannot go against the will of the council," she said, clipping another lock in place. "But perhaps the miko would agree to being your—"

"I will not dishonour her by making her a second choice," he snapped, teeth grinding. Kagome deserved nothing less than his whole heart. "I am not my father."

"I have never called you such." Inukimi released his hair, hands settling on his shoulders. "Your father neglected his duties, deserting his family in the process, and paid the price. The fact that you accept your brother so openly proves you have surpassed him."

Sesshoumaru was taken aback by his mother's honesty. She'd barely taken the time to grieve the general's death, more so when she'd learned the reason behind his sudden disappearance. Keeping her emotions hidden allowed her to climb the council's ranks, cementing her place at the top.

He knew of no other warrior stronger than she.

"You know just as well as I do the consequences of deliberately opposing the council," she said after a moment, returning to his hair. "If you wish to change things, you must be smart about it."

Sesshoumaru knew that tone, and he turned around, eyes narrowing. "What are you planning?"

Inukimi's head tilted to the side, eyes wide with innocence. "My dear son, what makes you think I am planning anything?"

Kagome couldn't stand still. The final event was about to start, and she hadn't been able to find Kaguya anywhere. Her eyes kept shifting to the royal pair, nearly swooning when Sesshoumaru entered the room. He was dashing in his white hakimono but utterly devastating in the dark formalwear.

Maybe it was a good thing he'd yet to meet her gaze.

She'd attempted to get Inukimi's attention, assuming she'd be at her usual place to pour their tea, but Jaken had squawked about her place being amongst the commoners, like the rest of the spectators. She'd have used her reiki, but with the number of people currently in the ballroom, she was likely to incite a riot before the demoness realized whom the power belonged to.

"Don't worry," Rin said, squeezing her hand. "Wisteria-sama won't let Sesshoumaru-sama choose anyone bad." Kagome forced herself to smile and squeezed back. If she could only—

Her thoughts were cut off as the council stepped forward, presenting each female before reminding their hosts of their feats. Kagura was mentioned more than once, cheeks tinted as Inukimi acknowledged her praise.

Kagome leaned forward; if Kagura won, maybe she could figure out a way to convince the council she'd be better suited for Inukimi instead of Sesshoumaru. Kaguya had seemed to think there was interest there, and Kagome knew Kagura only had eyes for the demoness. Was there a rule about Inukimi stealing her son's betrothed?

But all hopes were dashed as Tsubaki was brought forward more and more. More than she should've. Kagome's eyes narrowed as she zeroed in on the council members, noticing the glazed look in their eyes—and the paper charms in their pockets.

The dark miko had thought to solidify her win by bewitching the judges. Surely Sesshoumaru would see through—

"If it pleases you, my lord, we present the Lady Tsubaki as the collective winner of this year's competition." A ripple went through the crowd, some of shock, but most of trepidation, old prejudices resurfacing in the wake of the announcement. Kagome would've snorted, but her eyes were on Sesshoumaru, seeing the tightening of his jaw as he straightened in his seat.

"If it pleases me? This entire—"

Inukimi lay a hand on his shoulder, quickly silencing his tirade as she rose to her feet. The council members whispered amongst themselves, then bowed. "With all due respect, my lady, even you cannot deny tradition."

She flipped her hair over her shoulder. "I would never think of doing so," she said coolly, her hand tightening on her son's shoulder to keep him in place.

"Then you are not opposed to the selection?" The council member's tone was hopeful, as was the tittering from the rest of the group. The resentment from the competitors was growing in volume, each one dismayed that she'd lost to Tsubaki, the miko smirking in her self-made spotlight.

"I did not say that."

Another ripple, conversations halting midsentence as the council visibly winced. Tsubaki's grin faltered, and she stepped forward. "My lady, I assure you I am fully capable of—"

Inukimi pinned her with an icy stare. "I have not permitted you to speak. And I will remind you that you have no say until your title says otherwise."

Kagome almost felt pity for Tsubaki.

Almost.

"You have proven your worth against your fellow competitors," the demoness said, tapping her fan against her cheek as she returned to her seat, almost spitting the words out to rid herself of the flagrant lie. "But I wonder how you will fair against my champion?"

The council murmured amongst themselves before the spokesman stepped forward. "I take it you have someone in mind, my lady?" Even Sesshoumaru seemed curious. Was it not the same person as before? Kagome had assumed this was Kaguya's role, though perhaps she wasn't as much of a physical fighter as she thought.

Inukimi spread her arms wide, addressing the crowd. "Honoured guests, I thank you for joining us on this festive occasion, but as you know, the title of Lady of the West is not to be taken lightly. She must be graceful on and off the battlefield—a rose to those under her protection ready to use her thorns when threatened."

The spectators nodded their approval, and Kagome couldn't help but smile. She knew she'd been right about his mother's hidden motives. There was no way Inukimi would let Tsubaki anywhere near Sesshoumaru—she was no fool.

"And above all else," Inukimi continued, "her intentions must be honourable." Her golden gaze slid from Tsubaki to Kagome, and Kagome felt a flair of power in her direction. She couldn't possibly mean—

"I name the miko Kagome as my champion." She felt Rin tug on her hand, heard her exuberant cheer, but her eyes never left Inukimi, trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind her words. Muffled questions about whether or not miko could harm each other echoed around her, quickly dissipating with a wave of Inukimi's hand. "Do you accept the nomination?"

Rin pushed her forward, separating her from the crown, and Kagome flashed her a fleeting smile over her shoulder before turning back to their host. "Of course, my lady." She approached the royal pair, keeping her breathing steady as she bowed low. "Your trust in me will not be taken for granted."

"See that it does not. Though you have nothing to prove to me. I have witnessed your talents many times over." Inukimi reached forward, placing something in Kagome's hand as her mouth brushed her ear. "Kagome-san."

Kagome's head jerked up, Inukimi offering her a small smile before returning to her seat. "Feel free to keep that bauble as a memento of your time here." At a loss for words, Kagome stared at the item in her hand, her heart rate picking up the longer she stared at it.

Kaguya's hairpin.

No wonder she hadn't been able to discern which type of youkai Kaguya was—or why she'd never seen her at any of the main events.

Their initial conversation came to mind, along with the one about her threatening Sesshoumaru after their fight and their most recent one, heat colouring her cheeks. "My lady, please forgive—"

"If you apologize, I will put you under Jaken's command for the remainder of your stay," Inukimi said, eyes narrowing. "Focus your energy on the task at hand. And remember why you oppose this union."

Still reeling, Kagome gave her a curt nod, only pausing when Sesshoumaru's youki brushed against the back of her neck. She closed her eyes for a moment, revelling in the manifestation of his support, then turned to her adversary, chuckling at Tsubaki's complete lack of concern.

"You can't be serious," the dark miko said, looking between her apprentice and the demoness.

"Are you questioning my choice?" Inukimi asked, laying back in her seat, her posture much more relaxed than Sesshoumaru's.

Tsubaki bristled, then bowed slightly. "Not at all, my lady. I look forward to confirming the council's choice."

"Don't bet on it," Kagome said, the lid on her reiki rattling as she slid Kaguya's hairpin above her ear.

"There will be no weapons," Inukimi stated, resting her chin on the back of her knuckles. "The fight will end when one of you concedes. Or dies."

"I will enjoy putting you in your place," Tsubaki hissed, power surrounding her in dark flames. Kagome didn't take the bait, unmoving as she waited for Tsubaki to approach her. The crowd was abuzz with activity, some trying to decide which was more powerful, others hoping for the destruction of both.

The rest of the contestants were ushered away, Kagura mouthing 'Kick her ass' before catching Inukimi's gaze, blushing as she followed the rest of the group.

"It seems you have the support of many, little miko," she chuckled. "It would be a shame if you let them down."

Kagome knew she meant it to bolster her confidence, but it came out as more of a threat, even Sesshoumaru chastising her. Kagome ignored all of it, keeping her eyes on Tsubaki as she paced in front of her.

"Let's not draw this out, shall we?"

"By all means," Kagome said, motioning for her to start. Tsubaki's eyes narrowed at the lack of fear, the flames increasing before she lashed out, rays of purple shooting out of her hands.

Kagome's hands twitched, raising a barrier around herself, the other miko's power disintegrating on contact. "Is that all you've got?" she taunted. Flames shot out again, blocking her vision, and Kagome had to strain to feel Tsubaki's aura.

She'd splintered herself on purpose, trying to throw her off, and Kagome knew Tsubaki would try every underhanded tactic in order to give herself an advantage—it was only a question of which one she'd use first. Sending out a wave of reiki, Kagome cleared the smoke, still safe behind her barrier.

Come on, she thought, make your move. I know it's more than just— There was another blast of violet fire, but it was the shift towards the crowd that had Kagome moving out of the protection of her barrier, dark reiki slithering in the opposite direction.

Rin.

She knew it was a ploy, a way to distract her by playing off her emotions, but she didn't care, darting towards her charge as the snakes bared their fangs. Most were oblivious, but the girl took after her father, her powers of observation keen and alert. However, trained or not, she was still a child, and though she saw the threat, she stood frozen in fear as they prepared to strike.

There wasn't enough time to cry out a warning, Kagome jumping between them at the same time Inuyasha yanked Rin out of the way. One snake was grabbed by the tail, dissolving in an array of pink sparks, but the other made its mark, sinking its fangs into Kagome's arm. She hissed, venom quickly spreading through her, and Inuyasha bent down to help her to her feet, but she pulled away.

"Look after Rin," she said, ignoring the cheer of the crowd at the first landed hit.

"If ya say so. Just hurry it up. I don't think the bastard can take much more." To anyone else, Sesshoumaru hadn't moved, but Kagome could see the white of his knuckles as he leaned back in his chair.

She didn't have time to react, dodging the snake again before she could dispose of it, Tsubaki cackling from the centre of the room. "My my, you're looking a little slow. Perhaps you need to rest." A wave of dark reiki washed over her, sizzling her skin as one knee hit the ground.

Kagome took a steadying breath, placing a hand on the floor as she sent out her own wave, her power easily pushing Tsubaki's away. "I could beat you in my sleep."

Incensed at the lack of panic, Tsubaki took a step backwards, regrouping as more snakes coiled around her arms. Something was off about her movements; it was like her attention was fractured, and Kagome frowned, trying to anticipate her motives.

She knew she was after the jewel—she'd all but announced it with each place they'd visited, conveniently showing up after whispers of the illustrious power made their way through various villages. Kagome had thought it was a coincidence, but by the third pass, following rumours purposely spread by Inuyasha, she'd known exactly what Tsubaki was after.

But why here? Why put herself in the spotlight? It made more sense to stick to the shadows if she planned on—

Tsubaki's eyes flickered toward her left, shifting her weight in the same direction. Kagome's hands glowed as she formed a bow out of reiki, shooting a barrage of arrows in Tsubaki's direction. The snakes snapped their jaws, swallowing most of the projectiles, the dark miko able to deflect the rest.

And still, she shifted closer.

Kagome had wanted it to end quickly, to have put her former mistress in her place without revealing herself, but as Tsubaki shifted again, Kagome knew there was no choice. Muttering an apology under her breath, she spun on the floor, racing to keep another out of harm's way.

A third serpent emerged from between Tsubaki's shoulders, hissing as it launched itself in Inukimi's direction at the same time the ones on her arms flew towards Kagome, intent on immobilizing her.

The lid came off.

Pale light encased her, and cries of "She'll kill us all!" and "I knew they couldn't be trusted!" echoed around them. Tsubaki was focused on her prey, realizing too late that her apprentice was still mobile. Kagome scrambled in front of Inukimi, reaching her full height before spinning around, reiki exploding as the luminescent bow in her hand hit the serpent's head and hurled it back to its master.

Tsubaki screamed as it made contact, the snake disappearing into her eye before she was engulfed in flames. Kagome refused to let her guard down, dark hair lifting off her shoulders as she placed a barrier around her foe, ensuring she couldn't attack anyone else.

The dark miko writhed on the floor, clutching her eye as her hair turned grey. "You wretch! You have no idea what you've done! She has the jewel—"

"There is no jewel," Kagome said, reiki spilling out behind her like butterfly wings. The iridescent glow drew the eyes of the crowd, silencing their indignation. "And even if there was, the likes of you would never be able to handle its power."

Tsubaki glared, free hand balling into a fist, but Kagome's eyes narrowed, and the barrier shrunk, her former mistress forced to curl up on herself when it burned her feet. Kagome was tempted to further impress upon her the consequences of her actions, but soldiers quickly swarmed them, spears pointed in Tsubaki's direction.

Inukimi placed a hand on Kagome's shoulder, telling her to stand down, and she released the barrier, the amazons passing for guards hauling Tsubaki to her feet.

"It seems you have misplaced your loyalty," Inukimi said, giving the council a pointed look. "Perhaps you will choose a more successful candidate next time."

"There will be no next time." Sesshoumaru got to his feet, exceedingly more relaxed than he had been a moment ago.

His mother let out a sigh. "My son, I have told you before, tradition dictates—"

"That the one who bests all others will be my intended," he finished. "I am aware of the rules, Mother. And there is one who has shown all of the qualities you seek." As gold met sapphire, Kagome felt her cheeks warm, but she didn't cower or flinch, stepping towards him when he offered his hand.

"I bestow that title upon the Miko Kagome." Her chest lurched as he pulled her closer, voice lowering. "If she will have me."

The brilliance of her power was nothing to that of her smile, and she gave him a single nod.

Inukimi clicked her fan open. "I see no issue with this. I only choose the finest warriors as my champion." She cast the council a look over her shoulder. "Anyone opposed?"

A few opened their mouths but were quickly silenced, those who had escaped Tsubaki's influence reminding the others that they'd already offered up someone of holy power.

And none questioned Kagome's ability to protect the West.

Tsubaki's mouth was agape as she was dragged off, sputtering nonsense about Kagome being a servant and going behind her back. She was quickly gagged, the tallest soldier already reciting all of her crimes of treason against Inukimi and the household. Kagome never looked back, her eyes fixated on Sesshoumaru as he brought her hand to his lips.

"I told you I could handle it," she muttered, shivering as he pushed her sleeve away, tongue dragging over the snake bite on her arm.

"Would you make me wait another century in order to compete?" he asked, healing the wound. Her reiki had neutralized the venom, but the fangs had still left a mark.

"Of course not! But I wanted to talk to your mother myself—"

Inukimi chuckled, tapping the crescent moon clipped to Kagome's hair. "You made your claim quite clear, little miko. Perhaps my son will be less irritable regarding public events now that you will be accompanying him."

The scowl on his face told them exactly how he felt about that.

Inuyasha sidled up next to them, Rin practically leaping out of his arms. "You saved me! Again!"

Breathing a sigh of relief that she was unharmed, Kagome pressed their foreheads together. "How could I not? You're my favourite person here."

Rin's eyes widened, and she looked between her and Sesshoumaru, leaning close to whisper loudly. "Really?"

Kagome grinned. "Absolutely. But don't tell your father that," she whispered back, knowing full well that Sesshoumaru could hear every word. Rin giggled but nodded, hugging her tightly.

"I get to call you Kagome-sama in public now, right?"

After the formalities had been concluded, and the ballroom emptied, Inukimi wrapped her arms around Inuyasha and Rin, claiming they were needed elsewhere. Inuyasha had rolled his eyes, making sure his brother knew exactly what would happen if Kagome was hurt in any way.

It had been Rin who'd tugged on his hair and told him he had nothing to worry about.

"Well, if the squirt says so, I ain't gonna waste energy on it," he said, tucking his hands into his sleeves. "K'gome would probably kick yer ass better than me anyway."

"Indeed."

Kagome blushed at the praise, giving the trio a slight wave. It didn't take long for Rin to coax her uncle into a game of tag, leaving Inukimi free to approach the demoness hesitating near the south door.

The rest of the competitors had left, not wanting to linger in the shadow of their defeat, but Kagura had never been intent on the main prize—she would return home with her honour still intact, along with that of her sister.

If she returned at all.

And judging by the blush on her face and Inukimi's offered arm, Kagome was betting on the latter. Especially with the way Inukimi's hand closed over hers as they exited the room.

"You lied."

Kagome jumped, turning to face Sesshoumaru. "About what?"

"Your sister being the jewel's guardian," he said, referring to their conversation in the mountains.

"Technically, she is," Kagome argued, clasping her hands behind her back. "Older sisters are supposed to take care of their younger siblings." Their mother had been the one to come up with using a physical gem to defer everyone's attention off Kagome and her growing powers. The rest of the villagers had quickly built a shrine, and anytime the bauble had been stolen, Kikyou would claim they'd grabbed a fake, and a new one would appear on the pedestal.

"I am glad you have so many people looking out for you," he said, brushing the back of his fingers along her jaw before cupping her cheek.

"You said that before," she murmured, leaning into the touch.

"Hnn. I will require their help to keep you from getting into trouble." Her yelp of indignation was quickly stifled, his hand sliding to the back of her neck as he pulled her up to claim her mouth. The heat was the same as before, but there was a delicate anticipation to it now that nothing stood in their way.

Kagome would've argued more, but the taste of him was too delicious to pass up, and she buried her hands in his hair, careful not to dislodge the complicated hairdo and multitude of clips holding it in place. "Your mother isn't going to insist on a bunch of banquets and official meetings, is she?" she asked when she finally came up for air.

"It is likely." He chuckled at her pout, chasing it away with another round of kisses. "But she will give time to adjust to the new role first."

"Meaning we could travel for a bit?"

A pale eyebrow rose. "You wish to leave the comforts of the shiro?"

"It's not that," she said, chewing on her bottom lip as a blush stained her cheeks. "Your home is lovely, we've just been stuck here for the whole competition, and I thought we could spend some time together." The part about there being too many people demanding their time was left unsaid, Sesshoumaru placing another kiss on her brow.

"You are my heart, Kagome. I will follow you anywhere."

"Even if I get myself into trouble?"

"Especially then."

She'd never dreamed her life would end up this way, especially with the power contained within her, but perhaps now that she had something to protect, someone to protect, it would be less of a burden and more of a blessing.

And with the way Sesshoumaru looked at her, how his fingers curled around hers as his promises for the future ruffled her hair, she knew it was nothing short of a gift.