The Older Brother

chapter 3 The Banquet

Rin was ecstatic almost forgetting to hug Sesshomaru at the edge of the forrest.

"Why have you been dragging around the extra brat." Inuyasha said annoyed with Kagomes fondness for the girl, well not necessarily the girl but anything to do with his brother. Shippo was thrilled he loved to play with Rin. The two ran off chasing each other.

"Inuyasha her name is Rin. And she doesn't have a family so we should be good to her." Kagome scolded. The half demon just rolled his eyes.

Sango and Kagome talked the whole way there giggling at how energetic the kids were. The banquet was amazing. Kagome stepped outside after attempting to get Inuyasha to eat nicely, and failing.

Kagome left the party for some fresh air as she walked around she noticed Inuyasha following a soul collector. For some reason she didn't mind as much a sigh escaped her lips.

"Sesshomaru why not come down form there." She said

Sesshomaru stepped down from the tree he had been in keeping an eye on things . "He's an idiot leaving you behind like that." Sesshomaru said blunt as ever.

Kagome smiled. "I don't really mind anymore." She said looking up at the stars. They sat in silence for quite some time. "Mmm I better get back ." Kagome said she turned but caught her sandle on a fallen branch. Before she could fall more then an inch Sesshomaru hand wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her against his chest. Kagomes breath hitched. Taking a steady step she pulled away after a moment. "Thank you." She said almost out of breath.

She made her way back quite happily. Hours later Inuyasha returned he didn't once look Kagome in the eye. I knew it he did see kikyo. She thought to her self more mad that he though she was dumb enough to not know. The kids had fallen asleep and the party was mostly over Kagome had almost fallen asleep when Shippo flopped over hitting her I'm the face. She decided to walk around the estate and enjoy the fresh air.

"Kagome." Sesshomaru was suddenly behind her taking her hand in his.

"Oh Sesshomaru? I didn't think you would be here." Kagome smiled sweetly surprise to see the demon so far in human territory.

"I have to go for a few days could you keep an eye on Rin for me, Jakin will be around but he can be careless" he said with a calm expressionless face. Kagome was confused but agreed. He placed a small kiss on her hand. Just like that he was gone.

Inuyasha came around the corner. "Where is he."

"Where is who" Kagome asked honestly not sure what he was going on about.

Inuyasha sniffed the air a few times stepping closer as he did. "Sesshomaru where is he! And don't act like he isnt, I know he was here! I can smell him all over you just like at the banquet!" Inuyasha growled.

"He left" Kagome Said plainly.

"What he just could keep away from you." Inuyasha snapped with a disgusted look.

"What! He was checking in on Rin!" Kagome was getting annoyed.

"Ya and to do that he had to touch all over you making you reek of his sent!" He accused angrily.

"What does it even matter to you! You were with Kikyo half the night! Arhhh Inuyasha I can't do this anymore, I won't be your second choice!" Kagome now yelled.

"I I wasn't, that's not" he grabbed Kagomes wrist with a silent plee. Kagome turned to leave.

"Inuyasha let go of me." Kagome said firmly. He dropped her wrist and Kagome walked away. Her walked turned into a run as tears streamed down her face. She had loved him but being second wasn't ok he had always and would always love Kikyo.

Kagome ran and run until she tripped catching herself with her hands. It burned, her palms were on fire and .. and wet. She had cut her palms on the rocks. With in minutes Sesshomaru was knelt down beside her. "Are you ok."

Kagome nodded holding out her hands. "I fe-sniff-fell" she choked back tears.

Sesshomaru stiffened "what happened."

Inuyasha had smelled the
blood and come to check it out worrying about Kagome. He was about to attack Seshomaru when he froze what was happening.

"I tripped" sniff "and fell" Kagome said.

"Your upset, and it's not just the fall" Sesshomaru said raising an eyebrow. Kagome shook her head signaling she didn't want to talk about it so Sesshomaru let it go taking her cut hand in his. Slowly bring it to his lips he licked the cut.

Did - Did he just lick her Inuyasha was freaking out what was going on.

Kagomes eye looked up meating Sesshomarus as a blush spread access her cheeks. Sesshomarus used his free hand to brush Kagomes cheek his eye didn't leave here. In a second his lips were on hers for a kiss that lasted only a second. Kagome blushed a deep red and Sesshomaru ripped the sleeve of her kimono to wrap her hand gently.

DID HE JUST KISS HER! Inuyasha was furious Sesshomaru had never liked humans before let alone taken an interest in one!

"I thought you were going somewhere." Kagome mumbled softly.

Seshomaru gave a nod. "I was leaving when I smelt your blood" Sesshomaru squeeze his eye shut tight similar to pain but not exactly the same.

Kagome put an hand on his arm. "Are you ok?" She asked.

"I need rest. That's why I need to go." Sesshomaru said with a slight grown.

Kagome looked into his eyes "would you take me with you." He thought for a moment then Sesshomaru gave a sharp nod picking her up bridal style and taking to the sky.

Inuyasha watched unable to move. When had Kagome and Sesshomaru become so close. When did he and Kagome drift!?

Kagome and Sesshomaru glided across the night sky for hours before reaching a castle. "Where are we?" She asked curiosity taking over.

My father was the ruler of the western lands. This was his, and now it's mine. He walked though the gates servents on each side bowed. "Thorne room everyone now!" Sesshomaru voice was absolute his authority was clean in his voice. Without putting Kagome down he walked straight in went down a hall and rounded a corner. Two big double doors 10ft tall were closed Sesshomaru had kicked them open effortlessly. It was a big empty room with a throne in the back it was huge.

Sesshomaru walked back setting Kagome in the chair. She squeaked so much was going on what was all this. Kagome knew there father was a legend but she didn't expect this. Within moments the room was filled with what she could only assume we're servents. There were whispers though out the room but when Sesshomaru stepped forward and it silenced. "This human is my guest. Anyone to touch her will die an unspeakable death." He motioned to Kagome. "Dismissed."

Everyone left quickly and quitly. Kagome was in aw of the whole thing. Sesshomaru let out a sigh and Kagome walked over to him. "Can I help you with anything?"

Sesshomaru smiled at her. He actually smiled! He them scooped her up again walking down several halls until reaching a huge room. It was an indoor oasis, like a bath house.