Lullaby by johi

Lullaby

So! Here is my new old story! It's taken me nearly a year to write it, I'm not completely happy with it, but I'm sick of looking at it, so I figured I may as well just post it!

I was inspired by the song Lullaby by Josh Groban while writing this and have incorporated it into the story. I posted the lyrics in bold and italics and strongly suggest listening to the song at that point in the story. SUCH an amazing song. On with the fiction!

Title: Lullaby

Description: One-Shot. Alternate Universe.

Summary: In the end, Love is the ultimate sacrifice.

Disclaimer. I own nothing pertaining to Inuyasha. I just enjoy making the puppets dance.

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It was a terribly stormy night. Thunder clapped loudly and lightning illuminated the whole sky in its brilliance. You were very lucky to have someplace warm and safe to shield yourself from the whether, and even more so to have someone to share your refuge with. Which is why Kagome found herself not afraid by the force of nature, but comforted as she lie in the arms of her sworn protector.

Sesshoumaru and Kagome lay together in bed, her in red cotton boy shorts and a black tank top and him in simple black pajama pants. The covers were folded back neatly at the foot of the bed with her lying on her stomach at his right side with her arms folded over his chest. "I love you." She said, resting her cheek on her folded hands and looking up towards his face.

He responded with the same endearment and lazily ran his fingers through her hair.

Kagome sighed contently. These were the moments she loved. Sex wasn't always the intimacy they desired. There were times like these where they just talked; sometimes about important matters, some nights were just random conversations. She also enjoyed it when he read to her or when they would just lay in silence, enjoying each others company.

"Tell me," Sesshoumaru began, capturing her attention. "What is your fondest memory of us?" His left hand was behind his head while his right stroked his companion's hair. The time he spent with Kagome was the most relaxing for him. There was no stress in 'their time', and because it was 'their time' – no one else mattered.

Kagome jumped at a particularly loud crack of thunder and smiled to herself. "All of them."

Sesshoumaru deliberately stiffened and glared at her. "Woman, I asked you a question. I demand an explanation."

Kagome glared back and pressed her right elbow into his lower abdomen, making him grunt. "Well you'll be waiting a long time; especially with that tone of voice."

He flashed one of his true smiles at her. He didn't do it very often, but when he did it was a sight to behold. "Really, do tell me."

Kagome closed her eyes in thought and smirked. "When you took me to that pizza place downtown."

It took some searching, but after a moment the memory surfaced. Ah, Pizza Plaza was the place she was referring to. He remembered that the 'a' on the end of 'pizza' had fallen off, making it Pizz Plaza. Sesshoumaru made a face. "You mean that rundown old place. Why?"

"Because it was then that I knew." She said with a far off look telling she was reliving that night.

"Knew what?" Sesshoumaru prodded.

"That you would be mine... even if I had to chain you to a wall in my attic and pass you stale bread and water through a small hole."

His stomach flip-flopped, and not in a good way. "That is an absolutely horrifying thought."

"Oh I'm just kidding," Kagome yawned. "I already knew by then that you wouldn't be into the whole bondage thing." She laughed as his face took on a look of disgust and a small hint of curiosity. "So what's yours?"

Sesshoumaru turned up his nose. "I don't think I want to tell you anymore."

Kagome pressed on his stomach again, forcing the same grunt. "Tell me or I'll bite you."

Sesshoumaru smirked. "I've still got the bruise from last time. Your outward caring nature belies the animalistic traits you take on in privacy."

"Sesshoumaru!"

He sighed in consent and Kagome saw that familiar pensive look. "Do you remember when we first met?"

Kagome thought for a moment before nodding. She and Inuyasha – Sesshoumaru's younger brother – and some other friends were all at his house and they met one of those times.

He shook his head with a knowing look-. "No, I know your thinking of that time at my house when I walked in on your and Sango. But I mean the night that we really met. It was then, as you put it, that I knew."

Kagome frowned. What on earth was he talking about, 'when they really met'? Was seeing her naked when she was seventeen not real enough for him?

Sesshoumaru noticed her confusion and eased her by retelling the night...

Sesshoumaru stood in a large ballroom amongst the company of over five-hundred people. Why was he suffering through this? Ah yes, Inuyasha had invited all these people here under the pretense of... some extravagant occasion. In reality he was throwing a party for himself. Sesshoumaru really hadn't cared to find out the primary motive but he was guessing Inuyasha had managed to dress himself in the morning and put his shoes on the correct feet. He almost smiled at the memory of his younger brother just the other week reciting 'around the tree and down the rabbit hole' while tying his shoes. When Sesshoumaru, in all seriousness, inquired about his brothers' health, Inuyasha merely said it was habit.

No, this event was probably due to some kind of promotion at his fathers company which Inuyasha worked for. He personally thought his father was crazy, hiring Inuyasha to handle anything remotely important. Sesshoumaru had never been promoted, mainly because he had never been hired; and not for lack of trying on his fathers part, either. The day Sesshoumaru received his Masters in Business his father had approached him asking if he would accept some prestigious position that would allow the company to be his the day his father deemed it so. Sesshoumaru had declined, saying he wanted to build his own company; he never was one for hand-me-downs. Speaking of the old coot, Sesshoumaru had a few important matters to discuss with him...

And speak of the Devil. Just then Inuyasha was walking, if it could be called that, towards him with a glass of some alcoholic beverage in his hand and slurring greetings to people as he passed. "Fluffy!" He hollered, neglecting the fact that they stood a whopping distance of five feet apart. "This is some shin-dig, huh?" He gestured with the hand holding his drink and swung his other arm heavily around his taller, older brother's shoulders, putting them both in a rather awkward position.

"Yes," Sesshoumaru said while delicately trying to shrug the offensive appendage off his person. "Very few people can throw congratulatory parties for themselves and not look like complete idiots."

Inuyasha guffawed obnoxiously. "No kiddin' hey? I'm one of a kind!"

'Thank God for that. I don't believe I, no less the world, could handle two Inuyashas. One is already one too many.' When he returned from his musings, he found that Inuyasha was speaking to him.

"You have to come meet this girl, she is amazing!" He slurred while starting to walk in the opposite direction with Sesshoumaru in tow.

'God help me. Not another one.' Sesshoumaru was aware of the type of women that caught his brother's eye. Short with artificial blonde hair and expensive, artificial large breasts where, in the case of a car accident, they would have no need for air bags. He mentally groaned as just ahead there was a group of about four of these creatures all looking his way, giggling and winking in - what he assumed they thought to be - a flirtatious manner.

Inuyasha surprised him when they didn't stop at this group but he merely winked back and told them he would be back later. Sesshoumaru mentally shuddered.

"There she is, the one talking with Kouga." Inuyasha pointed straight ahead.

Sesshoumaru looked ahead and found Kouga standing by the refreshment table with three other people. There was Bankotsu, Hiten and a woman whom he was unable to identify because she had her back to him. But no bimbo?

As they approached, Kouga finished speaking animatedly and the three in company burst into laughter. "Hey Kagome, look who I found!"

The woman, Kagome, turned around with a lasting smile from Kouga's joke and waved delicately. "Hello, Inuyasha."

Sesshoumaru was mildly surprised. She looked nothing like he imagined. He blinked out of his musings when she held out her hand for him to shake; he noticed the mischievous look in her eyes. He took her hand and was surprised when she shook his just like any other man would, though more delicately. This woman was no bimbo, the best analogy he could think of was a butterfly; delicate, sensitive, graceful, yet so full of mischief.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," She said, taking her hand back and nodding her head once. "I've heard many kind things about you."

'Doubtful.' Sesshoumaru smirked. "The pleasure is mine. Though I do find it hard to believe my brother would speak of me at all, no less in a kind manner."

Kagome laughed again. "Then I must confess, the things he has said about you have not been the most flattering."

Sesshoumaru nodded once. "Ah, so you lie then."

Her eyebrows rose. "I apologize if I've offended you. I just always thought it polite when meeting new people to offer them praise."

"Respectable manners, I will accept that."

When he smirked, Kagome mock curtsied. "Thank you for your tolerance, Lord Sesshou-" Inuyasha interrupted them from his conversation with Kouga, Hiten and Bankotsu.

"Kagome? Respectable manners?!" He laughed obnoxiously. "Those words don't fit in the same sentence, unless you put 'does not have any' in between." He laughed again. "C'mon. She's just another beer guzzling, pizza scarfing, belching guy like the rest of us, right Kags?" He clapped her on the back making her stumble forward slightly.

Present company stood in stunned silence while Inuyasha guffawed.

Kagome's eyes widened for a moment as she regained her balance when from neck up her skin turned a deep shade of red. She recovered quickly with a vacant smile and handed her wine glass to Kouga who looked like he wanted to say something desperately. "If you will all excuse me, I need to use the ladies room. It was a pleasure to meet you Sesshoumaru." She immediately turned and walked away, scraping together whatever dignity she had left.

Sesshoumaru watched her walk away before turning to his brother who was captivated by the food before him. He was mildly surprised at his brothers' audacity but then mentally slapped himself, remembering who his brother was. "Do you have any idea what you've just done?"

"I know," Inuyasha sounded completely disheartened. "I just had this cleaned." He turned around and was wiping some kind of sauce off the breast pocket of his suit.

Sesshoumaru cast one more look of disgust at his brother before walking off. After sauntering through the crowd without obvious purpose for some time, Sesshoumaru noticed that the door from the ball room to the terrace was ajar. He looked onto the stone balcony to see a few couples slow dancing to the string quartet playing inside, some people were just talking, and one woman was by herself. She was leaning her forearms on the stone rail and had her head bowed.

"Excuse me," Sesshoumaru said standing behind her. "But to my educated knowledge, the ladies room is not out here."

Startled, Kagome stood up quickly and spun around bracing her hands on the banister. "Sesshoumaru, what are you doing out here?" She sniffed and quickly wiped under her eyes.

Sesshoumaru looked around for a moment before going to stand beside her. "I myself was looking for the rest room and thought this might be just as good a place to check as any other."

Kagome laughed and wiped under her eyes again and turned to face the world.

They stood together for a few moments just looking at the scenery when Sesshoumaru asked, "How long have you known my brother?"

Kagome smirked humorlessly. "Too long."

Sesshoumaru 'hmm'ed. "Something we have in common."

Kagome laughed again and looked at him to see him still staring expectantly at her, waiting for an answer. "You really don't remember me do you?"

He frowned, trying to remember if he had ever met her before. The name was familiar, but he couldn't remember exactly where from. He shook his head.

Kagome looked away from him, opting for the late night show of the moon and stars. "I suppose you wouldn't. We've only met once, and briefly." She remembered the day as if it were yesterday. "Inuyasha and I were still in high school, but you were home from your first semester of University at Christmas. Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango and I had had a snow fight outside your house. It was unintentional so none of us were properly dressed. We were all soaking wet when we went inside, and Inuyasha offered to lend us some clothes. He told us to go upstairs into the spare room and take whatever would fit Sango and me. It happened to be that the spare room was your room." She made a face. "Now that I think about it, I bet he did that on purpose."

Sesshoumaru smirked. He remembered now, but he wanted to hear her side of the story.

"Anyways, we went into the so-called spare room and started digging in one of the drawers and found some sweat pants and hoodies. They were obviously huge, but were the only things with a drawstring waist."

Sesshoumaru mentally made a face at her emphasis on the word 'huge' but did not interrupt her; especially when she was so close to the part where he walked in on the two females while they were changing after he'd taken a shower.

He noticed the look in her eye and the pink tint to her cheeks and decided she was thinking of the exact same thing.

"Anyways," She cleared her throat. "You weren't very pleased when you found two strangers in your room dressed in your clothing."

'Partially dressed...' Sesshoumaru smirked. "Yes, I remember that day now."

Kagome grinned in response. "I don't think I'll ever forget it."

"That is understandable. After all, one as young as you were would have a lasting impression after seeing someone as attractive as I clad in nothing but a towel about my waist. I can only hope I didn't disappoint you." He raised one eyebrow then turned to face the midnight horizon.

Kagome did a lovely imitation of a tomato. "What? No! Well, I mean yes- no you didn't but... ahh-" She stopped speaking and put her face in her hands. "Would anyone care if I just threw myself over the edge?" She glanced through her fingers and looked over the balcony.

Sesshoumaru chuckled. "I personally would be mildly put out if you were to do such a thing. And don't worry; you did not disappoint me either." He said the last part just loud enough for her to hear and to make her blush ferociously again.

Sesshoumaru studied her for a few moments. She really was a charming creature. Petite, yet not skinny like society calls for now a'days. She looked healthy. She was dressed appropriately as well. She wore a modest burgundy, strapless gown with simple jewelry to accent. Her hair was swept up in an elegant French roll with a few curls framing her face. He also appreciated that her make-up was done mildly, nothing like some of the clowns inside. And nice, smooth skin- natural too. None of this Fake Tanner girls gravitate towards to make them selves more attractive- or so they think. She also was perfume free, or if she was wearing one, it was very subtle.

"Ahem..."

He blinked and looked at her directly.

She had her hands on her hips and had that mischievous look in her eyes that she gave him when they met in the ballroom. "Do you always space out when people are speaking to you?"

He stared at her, unaware that she had said anything. "My apologies; continue please."

"I asked why you came out here."

"I find it mentally taxing to be in the mere presence of Inuyasha, let alone engaged in his attempts at conversation."

Kagome smirked. It was no secret that Inuyasha spoke without thinking on occasion. This habit worsened ten fold when he consumed any small amount of liquor. Judging by his behavior tonight, it was no small amount which he had consumed. "Oh he's not always terrible. He has his good moments."

Sesshoumaru was interested as to why she would defend his honor after such crude remarks. "I'm surprised you defend the moron after he embarrassed you in front of company."

"Well I don't think it's fair to pass judgment so quickly-"

Sesshoumaru stopped himself from rolling his eyes. "I've lived with the fool his entire life. It's not as thought that was the fist time I'd seen him behave so barbarically."

"Perhaps not, but I still don't think-"

"What a pity." Sesshoumaru felt disappointment. Here he had begun to think that this woman had potential intelligence, and she goes and defends Inuyasha. It's not her loyalty he was disappointed with, but more with who she allied it to.

Kagome looked at her companion in disbelief. "Tell me, at what point did this conversation lose its civility, and turn into a series of insults?"

Sesshoumaru remained in his position, looking outward, "Right about the time that I lost whatever minimal respect I had for you."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing; did she miss some big pivotal point in their conversation? A few minutes ago she was thinking Inuyasha had made up all those terrible things he'd said about his brother, but now she had to wonder... Any possible interest she had been feeling for this man was now out the window and on its way to another country. "What is wrong with you? If I have said or done something to offend you, please let me know so that I have a chance to rectify this apparent injustice which you have suffered!"

"You lied to me."

"I beg your pardon?" Well that's something she wasn't expecting.

"You led me to assume you were intelligent. You lied."

"Beyond the fact that you've just called me stupid and a liar, I would like to hear your reasoning."

Sesshoumaru stared at her. This girl truly was dense. At first, something about her seemed different from many other women he had met in his life, but she really was the same. Her loyalty to Inuyasha, for example: The way he spoke to her back in the ballroom led him to believe that it wasn't the first time he'd said such a thing to or about her. Sesshoumaru had no time for women, or people in general, who constantly stayed in abusive relationships – no matter what type.

Kagome rolled her eyes. He was blowing this way out of proportion. Inuyasha was not abusive. Yeah, he was kind of a jerk sometimes, but he didn't do it on purpose. He was just one of those guys who acted on impulse. "And we're not in a relationship."

Sesshoumaru nodded disbelievingly. "Of course not. But may I ask, by his choice or yours?"

Kagome's face hardened. She may have some lingering feelings for Inuyasha from when she was younger, but now they were strictly friends. Good friends. Great friends, in fact.

"As I am sure all great friends treat each other with such blatant lack of respect."

Kagome fumed. "Listen here you... big jerk! You have no right to speak of him that way- or anyone, for that matter."

Sesshoumaru smirked.

"You preach about loyalty, yet you have none yourself! Inuyasha is your brother whether you like it or not. How dare you insult him?" Kagome began pacing to vent out the frustration.

Sesshoumaru dismissed the eavesdropping eyes on the balcony. If she wanted to squawk and draw a crowd far be it from him to stop her.

"You know, Inuyasha isn't the only one saying that you're... more than a difficult person." Kagome thought for a moment. Why was she sugar coating what she was trying to say? No reason. "I've heard people downright call you an asshole! I admit I was shocked to hear such things; I figured they obviously didn't know you very well..."

Sesshoumaru smirked. "But they were right on the button, weren't they?"

"Darn right they were!"

"This may be going out on a limb, but did you ever stop to think that perhaps I am on a higher intelligence plane and therefore can't be bothered to direct niceties to your kind of people?"

Kagome scoffed. That's it. The proverbial gloves were so off. "What a load of bullshit."

See now, she just proved his point. Upper classmen such as him had no use for such foul language. It also made him wonder why she acted so hurt by his half-brothers words. Obviously they weren't complete lies. "Come now. That fact that you are beneath me is no secret, but I would appreciate a little more effort on your part into using a higher level of educated verbal communication."

Kagome's hands went to her hips. She had to do something with them because they were just itching to slap that swollen head right of its perch. "Educated? How's this for educated verbal communication-"

Kagome gasped. "I did not say that!!"

Sesshoumaru chuckled when she shot up indignantly and slapped his bare arm. "You most certainly did. I have dozens of witnesses, should you require proof."

Kagome was breathing heavily after her tirade and enjoying Sesshoumaru's stunned expression a little too much. She too was slightly surprised at the language that came out of her mouth, but he deserved it! Just as she caught her breath and was about to start in on him again, she noticed a rolling thunder from behind her along with some high pitched whistles.

Sesshoumaru noticed the crowd gathering some time ago; it didn't bother him, though. If she was still unaware that she was being loud enough to draw an audience, then he didn't either. She was only embarrassing herself anyways.

What he wasn't expecting though was the explosion of applause once she finished. People were watching through all the large windows by the glass balcony doors as well as from the ground below. There were well over a hundred sets of eyes on them. Standing in the doorway right in front center of the ballroom crowd was his mother, father and half-brother, Inuyasha.

His mother had a smile on her face. She looked truly sympathetic but was grinning no less. He heard his fathers barking laugh when he nudged Inuyasha in the arm saying "I like that girl!" Inuyasha sniggered as well and whistled sharply through his teeth. He yelled some kind of encouragement or praise in her direction but it was lost among the others who were clapping and cheering.

Kagome's face was a deep shade of red. She turned her back on the gathering again and was faced with Sesshoumaru. His body was stiff and his eyes burning. "Sesshoumaru, I-" His eyes darted to her and she found herself unable to speak. This wasn't supposed to happen. She meant every word she said, but it wasn't supposed to be a public speech.

His eyes locked with hers and he nodded slightly and turned his glance once more to everyone else before exiting the balcony by a staircase just behind him. At the bottom of the marble stairs were dozens more people. Some he recognized, some he didn't. All looked at him with identical smirks and sneers.

At his glare they readily parted for him to walk through. He pursued across the grounds and to his vehicle. He drove home in silence with one thought filling his mind. This particular thought was 5'3 with blue eyes, a snappy wit and in sore need of an attitude adjustment.

Sesshoumaru was now sitting up in bed, propped up against the headboard. Kagome was laying beside him with her feet on the pillows and her head at the foot of the bed. He noticed that she was shaking.

Kagome inhaled deeply and hid her face in her hands. She was laughing so hard that no sound came out at all. She definitely remembered that night. She still didn't remember saying such crude things, but then she was known for her spontaneous outbursts.

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes. "Are you quite finished, or do I have time to fly to china and back?"

Kagome waved her hand and got the last of her giggles out. She sat up and looked at her husband endearingly while still putting effort to calm herself. He had changed so much since those few years ago. His parents both agreed that she was the best thing that came into his life. Kagome simply said if she hadn't been around to smack him into shape, someone else would have. "Why that one?"

"Hm?"

Kagome crawled up the sheets and straddled his lap facing him. "Why that memory?"

Sesshoumaru thought for a moment. "I suppose you reminded me of my mother. There was no other woman that had dared put me in my place like that. I respected that."

Kagome sniggered. She felt proud of her accomplishment- taming the lion. "So I remind you of her?"

He nodded slightly. "Yes."

"Always?"

Where was she going with this? Shrug "Well not every waking moment, but yes, I suppose there is something about you two that is similar."

"Even when we...?" Kagome touched her nose to his and raised one eyebrow. Well, technically she raised both of them. She never was able to master the single lift, but Sesshoumaru never said anything. The insinuation was still the same.

A look of sheer disgust came over Sesshoumaru's face. She actually related herself to his mother when they were making- Disgusting. "I shall never be intimate with you again." Kagome giggled when after pouting for a few seconds Sesshoumaru pushed her flat on the bed and lay on top of her with his weight on his elbows. He growled while nipping at the skin on her neck and shoulder quieting her laughter immediately. She was just getting into it with a quiet gasp and roll of her hips when he stopped suddenly. "Wh- what's wrong?" She noted the frown on his face and followed his gaze to their bedroom door.

"The Security Alarm light is red." He said as he slowly stood from the bed and walked over to it. It was mounted high on the wall beside their door. He knew he had set the alarm before they went to bed; it should be green.

Kagome sat up. "Maybe the storm disrupted the signals?" She picked up the phone beside their bed and switched the lamp on and off but neither worked.

Sesshoumaru put his hand on the doorknob and twisted it. He may as well go to the basement and check the breaker. The door was kicked open suddenly and he was knocked backwards. Kagome yelped at the sudden commotion and darted to her husband but was yanked back by a sudden death grip on her arm. "Sesshoumaru-"

Four men charged in the room all at once. Three of them focused their attention on keeping Sesshoumaru on the floor by gunpoint while the other struggled to keep a hold on Kagome. When one of the men hit Sesshoumaru across the face Kagome kicked her feet against the bed to send her and her captor sailing back into the dresser. They both painfully fell to the floor and Kagome scrambled to get away. "Stop hitting him!" She was grabbed around one of her ankles by the same guy as he dragged her back to him. He positioned himself on top of her and pinned her to the floor.

"Then stop struggling!" This man who appeared to be the leader demanded as he walked in while she was roughly hauled to her feet. He was tall, probably around Sesshoumaru's height, with long dark hair and a nasty sneer on his face. He looked at Kagome in a way that made her feel increasingly nervous. He appeared to contemplate something as he looked her up and down; he smirked before turning his attention to Sesshoumaru. "Sesshoumaru Taisho, how are you- I mean, you know... besides the obvious?" He giggled.

Sesshoumaru, who was forced to his knees with both arms behind his back, glared and jerked in the grasp of the two men holding him. "Get out." This action earned him a kick to the ribs by the third guy holding the gun. He grunted and coughed. Sesshoumaru remembered this bastard. He had come to Sesshoumaru offering a mergence of companies, Onigumo being in some kind of scientific medical research. He wanted Sesshoumaru's company, which specialized in military weapons, to merge with his to create a mega-weapon. Sesshoumaru said there were too many risks in the plan and denied.

"Now, now. No need to be aggressive; it was only a question. Imagine how you'll react when your darling princess is on the receiving end..." He groaned and shuddered as he made his way over to Kagome who was being held around her shoulders and waist. She pressed back into the guy that was holding her and turned her head away. "Don't be shy- Bankotsu, release her."

He let her go slowly, waiting for her to lash out again; when she didn't he stepped back.

Feeling completely naked Kagome held her arms around her tightly as he circled her like a hawk. She could feel his burning gaze all over her body and felt violently sick to her stomach. She stopped breathing when he ran one finger around the low elastic waist band of her boy shorts. He snapped it lightly on her front hip as he admired her attire. "You certainly know how to dress for a man - Comfortably casual, yet sensual and erotic." Naraku eyed Sesshoumaru as he stood behind her. "You don't mind if I... check the merchandise, do you?"

Sesshoumaru jerked and thrashed more violently than before, earning a spin kick to the head that left him swaying on his knees.

Kagome's eyes stayed trained on Sesshoumaru's face as this monster's hands roved over her body. He held both her hands in behind her in his left as his right traveled around her hip just under the hem of her top. "Quality product..." He murmured. Onigumo nudged his cheek against the side of Kagome's head in what would be an affectionate manner as he knelt at her right side.

Kagome's heart was pounding and her stomach was turning in such ferocious knots that she felt sick. She resisted the urge to faint but swayed slightly. Her knees buckled and a large tear escaped her eye when she felt something wet on the upper inside of her thigh.

Onigumo licked up her inner thigh then rubbed his cheek against her hip bone. He breathed deeply through his nose and smiled unkindly. He stood and presented her to Sesshoumaru who looked utterly helpless. He thought it was rather lovely how her body arched in the awkward position he held her in. "Sesshoumaru, you are a truly lucky man."

Sesshoumaru was allowed to stand at Onigumo's gesture. His eyes never left Kagome's the entire time and he was reading her plea for help more than clearly. He had been wondering what to do since these intruders got here, but five against one weren't inspiring odds.

Onigumo roughly shoved Kagome aside onto the bed. She crawled up and leaned against the headboard with her knees to her chest and pulled the duvet cover to her chin. He smirked. "Shy, isn't she, Sesshoumaru? Though I'm sure you gotten her to loosen up. You'll have to tell me your secrets-" Onigumo cut his sentence short with a frown. He heard a crash from outside. He pointed to Bankotsu who was leering at Kagome. "Go see what that was."

Sesshoumaru shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "What is it you want, Onigumo?"

He turned on Sesshoumaru and backhanded him just as a clap of thunder echoed. "My name... is Naraku." He was breathing heavily. "Onigumo was weak and stupid. I, Naraku, am strong and powerful."

Sesshoumaru spit out blood from biting his cheek. "You were weak then and you are now. Nothing has changed." He heard the noise a few minutes ago as well. He had an idea as to what it was and decided to stall until he knew for sure.

"See that is where you're wrong, Sesshoumaru. Because right now I am in control, I am in power, and I am going to make you pay." Naraku pulled out his own gun and pointed it at Kagome. How easy it would be to just pull the trigger... Too easy. Sesshoumaru deserved to suffer for all he put him through. After denying Naraku's brilliant idea, Sesshoumaru went to the police and told them of his plan. Completely unnecessary. It wasn't as if Naraku wanted to unleash this weapon on the world. No body ever wants to do that sort of thing. It all comes down to duty – who will take a hit for the team. Naraku would have willingly taken that hit, had it meant ridding the world of all that was impure. He had thought for sure Sesshoumaru would be one to understand - that's why he went to him!

To make a short story even shorter, Naraku – or Onigumo at the time – was taken in by the police under the guise of him being an insane, dangerous criminal. He sneered. People these days, always judging those with different opinions; afraid of what they don't understand. No one ever understood! So he was going to make them.

There was a loud thump when the lifeless body of Bankotsu fell to the floor. Everyone turned their heads to see two very wet men standing in the doorway dripping water on the hardwood floor. Inuyasha held a baseball bat and had a bruise forming under his left eye and Miroku's knuckles were covered in blood, though no cuts were visible. "I didn't realize you were having a party." Both Inuyasha and Miroku recognized Naraku.

"Inuyasha." Naraku greeted. "Your presence is unexpected, though not unwelcome."

Inuyasha glared. "Yeah, too bad I can't say the same for you. What are you doing here?" When Miroku moved to stand by Kagome the man in front of Sesshoumaru cocked the gun while the two holding him yanked his head back by his hair. "Don't!" Inuyasha yelled and raised the bat, ready to smash Naraku's head like a summer watermelon.

Naraku glared at Sesshoumaru then told the man, Hiten, to lower the gun.

Miroku took Kagome's hand and lead her out of the room with her slightly behind him, shielding her from view. She resisted for a moment when she looked at Sesshoumaru, but finally left the room with Miroku.

Naraku shook his head. "Inuyasha, what is it you plan to do? You are outnumbered two to one and you have no fire arms."

Inuyasha swore in his head. Having Miroku leave was a downside for him and Sessh, but they had to get Kagome out of here. Maybe he could stall until he got back? No, that would take too long, what if- While his focus had been darting around the room his and Sesshoumaru's eyes met. The look in his brothers eyes clearly stated, "I don't care what you do, but do it now."

Inuyasha looked at the unwelcome men who were fidgeting in the silence. Guns. He glanced back to his brother who nodded undetectably.

Not a moment after the silent communication did Sesshoumaru kick unsuspecting Hiten's arm, sending the gun to the other side of the room.

Inuyasha swung the bat and was shocked when Naraku caught it in his right hand. He yanked it out of the single palmed grip and swung again as Sesshoumaru elbowed both guys behind him in the face.

Kagome did her best to keep up with Miroku as they ran across the yard to Inuyasha's jacked up truck. Her bare feet slipped in the wet grass and little pebbles bit into her flesh. She pulled Sesshoumaru's leather jacket that Miroku snatched on the way out over her shoulder and squinted through the rain that was pouring down on them.

"Get in!" Miroku opened the passenger door and nearly tossed her inside. He handed her the keys and yelled over the noise from outside the cab. "Drive to Yash's and call the police, your lines are dead!"

Kagome's hands were shaking as she took the keys. "I can't! I can't leave him!" She half sobbed when Miroku yelled at her again. She fumbled to get the keys in the starter when Miroku was hit from behind. She screamed when she saw it was Hiten. He must have come after them shortly after they left.

He stood on the step-up and reached in to grab Kagome who kicked him in the face. Miroku grabbed the back of his shirt and hauled him out of the truck. She watched in horrified fascination as Miroku dealt punch after punch, the wet, meaty sound of flesh hitting flesh made her feel sick. Everything went silent and she hesitated before peeking out the open door.

Miroku was holding a hand to his injured head and staggered, trying to get off the ground. Where was the other guy? The passenger side door whipped open and Hiten reached in to grab her. He got hold of her wrist and pulled her towards him. With another sharp kick Kagome got free. He reached for her again but only managed to grab the sleeve of her coat. She cried out as she struggled to pull her wet arms out of the sleeves. Finally free, she stumbled out of the truck and broke into a full run back to the house.

She was only running for a few seconds before she was tackled to the muddy ground. "Get off me!" She screamed. She kicked and struggled with all her strength as he straddled her hips and pinned her wrists to the ground and struck her sharply across the face. She screamed as loud and high as she could, hoping it would do something. It did.

He immediately brought his hands to his ears and leaned off to the side slightly. That's all Kagome needed to bring her knee up and jerk it into his most vulnerable spot. As soon as he was off her she staggered to her feet was up and running again. Her heart jumped when she heard footsteps right behind her again. Resorting to what she'd seen in the movies she whipped around and smacked the guys' nose with the palm of her hand.

"Agh, Kagome!" Miroku groaned as he stumbled back and doubled over with his hand on his face.

"I'm sorry! I thought-" Kagome cried out and looked around Miroku to see Hiten laying face down on the ground.

"Don't worry about it, c'mon." He spat out some blood and took her wrist again. She saw something in his other hand, but it was too dark to tell what it was.

When they got upstairs Miroku motioned for her to keep quiet. They crept towards the bedroom where fighting could be heard. He peeked in and saw the chaos; things had been knocked off the dresser, paintings were knocked off the walls and the bed sheets were torn apart. Sesshoumaru and Naraku were breathing heavily and barely standing on their feet with blood running down their faces and onto their chests. Sesshoumaru threw another punch and both stumbled from the impact.

By the window Inuyasha threw his head back into the face of the guy who was holding his arms from behind. Blood poured out of his nose as the bone jammed up into his brain, killing him instantly. Inuyasha then kicked the guy who had been previously punching him in the stomach and head while he was being held. He grabbed the front of the guy's shirt and pulled him back to him, holding him tightly in the ready position to snap his neck at a moments notice.

Naraku, while ducking another punch from Sesshoumaru, picked up his fallen gun from earlier and pointed it at Sesshoumaru's head. "Inuyasha, I don't advise you do that-"

"Naraku!" Miroku stepped in the room and pointed a gun at him - at the last minute he grabbed it from the center console in Inuyasha's truck. When Miroku happened to see it in there for the first time he told Inuyasha how stupid it was to carry around such a thing so casually; now it didn't seem like such a bad idea.

Sesshoumaru swayed slightly. He had taken numerous blows to the head and the entire room was spinning. "Where is she?" He blinked hard to steady himself. He refused to pass out, not while there was still a threat to what was his.

Miroku avoided looking at Kagome who was just in the hallway. "She's safe." His eyes were watering slightly from the throbbing in his nose. She smacked him a good one with her palm and it was more than likely broken. He spit out the blood that was still running from his nose and into his mouth in a slow steady stream. The front of his shirt was turning a purple-ish black with the wet mixture of blood, mud, grass and rain.

Naraku chuckled and cocked the gun, still pointing it at Sesshoumaru. "Well, now we're in a pickle!" If the situation weren't so grave, the stupidity of that statement would have been humorous. But the fact that it was true kept the solemn awareness unforgotten.

Miroku did the same with his gun, his hand slightly shaking. "You're outnumbered Naraku."

Naraku looked from Miroku to Sesshoumaru. In truth, this wasn't going how he planned. He really couldn't care less if Inuyasha killed Jakotsu; the fag was more of a pain in the ass than anything – he mentally puked at the unintended pun -. But he was leverage, and at the moment that was crucial. That guy with the broken nose wasn't going to shoot him anyways, not without reason. He still had the upper hand.

Sirens of police cars could be heard in the near distance. Inuyasha smirked, glad he had called them before coming over. "So what are you going to do?"

Naraku narrowed his eyes; he was going to get what he came for. Death was a guarantee for Sesshoumaru and he was going to make him beg for it. "On your knees."

Sesshoumaru didn't budge. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Kagome just outside the door. She gripped the door frame with dependent fingers that were holding her up and those big blue eyes were overflowing with tears for him. He had failed her; as a man, husband, and sworn protector. He couldn't leave her like this.

"On your knees!" Naraku yelled and fired a warning shot into the ground at Sesshoumaru's feet.

"NO, SESSOUMARU!" Kagome screamed and burst into the room. Startled by her shout, everyone reacted. All at once one neck was broken, two triggers were pulled and three bodies fell to the floor.

Police cars sped onto the property, the deafening silence inside hanging dominant over the piercing wail of their sirens.

Hush now baby don't you cry

Rest your wings my butterfly

Peace will come to you in time

And I will sing this lullaby

Know though I must leave, my child

That I would stay here by your side

And if you wake before I'm gone

Remember this sweet lullaby

And all love through darkness

Don't you ever stop believing

With love forlorn

With love you'll find your way

My love

The world has turned the day to dark

I leave this night with heavy heart

When I return to dry your eyes

I will sing this lullaby

Kagome lifted her summer skirt above her knees and knelt on the damp morning grass, her hands folded in her lap. "I told you I wouldn't forget." The whispered promise was carried by the wind to private listening ears. She stood a small picture frame on he ground in front of her with a photo of herself and Sesshoumaru standing under a large cherry blossom tree. They had their back to the camera and were holding hands. "Happy birthday."

She smiled with dear fondness in her eyes for a moment before her lips quivered and a small sob burst from within. She covered her mouth with one hand and grazed her other lovingly across the name carved into the large tombstone. "I miss you so- so much." Her hair shielded her face as she bent forward and cried.

Inuyasha stood just outside the back door and was joined by Miroku who sighed heavily. "How is she?"

Inuyasha cleared his throat. "She's good–better. I mean she's okay to talk about it, sometimes anyways." He sounded assuring and calm but on the inside he was dying. The sun was shining beautifully on this summer day with not a cloud in the sky, the grass was green and the trees were vibrant with their colorful leaves. Still he couldn't feel any emotion beyond disgust for the world and the people in it, with the exception of a select few.

Miroku rubbed his face and clapped his friend on the back. "So... how are you holding up?" He felt his friend's pain. They'd been friends since they were just young boys; Sesshoumaru was just as much his brother as Inuyasha's.

Inuyasha smirked humorlessly and leaned back against the house. "My brother is dead and my sister is dying inside... I'm doing surprisingly well for the circumstances."

Kagome wiped under her eyes and lay on the grass with a sniffle. "I wish I could just talk to you-" She smirked and closed her eyes. "I mean really talk with you instead of ramble on like I do. I can still see you roll your eyes but still listen to everything I said." She was quiet for a few minutes as she picked at the glass beneath her before she laughed. "Do you remember our wedding? We planned that beautiful outdoor ceremony with the string quartet, and wouldn't you know it, that was the only day of the entire month that it rained." A happy tear fell from her eye. "And your father... he was so generous. He-"

"Offered to fly our entire wedding party and immediate family to Hawaii,"

Kagome's eyes snapped open and she sat straight up.

"He figured there would be guaranteed good weather there."

Kagome's face showed strong disbelief as she slowly stood up. The bright morning sun was glaring right in her eyes, but she knew that silhouette anywhere; at least she thought she did. "But... how?" She reached a hand up towards the face. Her knees buckled and she cried out when he took her hand in his and pressed it to his cheek.

Sesshoumaru bent and wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up. Kagome was still trying to convince herself that her mind was playing tricks on her. But her reasoning was losing the battle with her heart as all the air left her lungs in a whoosh. She held on for all she was worth around his neck and gripped her legs around his waist. She did her best to hang on to her composure but was dangling by a thread. With the whispered reassurance of his loving tone her self-control was shattered and she allowed herself to cry as hard as she needed.

He whispered gently in her ear and pressed his nose in her hair, breathing in deeply. "I'm here, it's alright. I'm not going anywhere..." Sesshoumaru repeated this phrase in the same soothing tone for as long as it took for her to become tranquil.

He lowered himself to the ground leaning his back against a solid object and settled her between his legs with her back to his chest. "I've missed you so much."

Kagome told him the same and sunk into his warm embrace. She was silent for a long while before the obvious question needed to be asked. "How is this possible? You being here with me..."

Sesshoumaru was quiet. He observed the birds chirping happily in the trees; nests with newly hatched younglings with an honest curiosity. There were small crickets hopping to and fro in the grass and mischievous squirrels darting from branch to branch with their playmates. Life was everywhere. He ran his fingers through his loves hair and closed his eyes. "You fell asleep while talking to me."

In some small area her heart broke a little more but at the same time a tiny section was pieced back together. "You heard me?"

"I always hear you." She closed her eyes at the rumble from his chest that she felt through her back and into her own breast. The thought that because she was dreaming, he might only be saying what she wants to hear nudged its way into her mind, but she promptly kicked it out. Dwelling on the logic of the situation wasn't necessary at the moment. All that mattered was that he was here and they were together, if only for a short time.

"I don't have much time to stay-"

"Why not?" Kagome turned around to be face to face with him. "Why do you have to leave me so soon... again?"

He chuckled tightly and kissed her palms. "I wish I didn't have to." When a heavy tear escaped his own eye Kagome threw herself into his chest and hugged him tightly.

"You don't have to go! Please- please just stay here with me-" He cut her off by pressing his lips to hers tightly. His heart ached with her desperate plea and he was unable to hold back the onslaught of emotions. He couldn't bear to hear this pitiful woman he loved so much beg him for the one thing he couldn't do – stay with her. Years ago he made a promise to her with dozens of witnesses to protect and love her, and he'd broken that promise. He would leave her with one last gift.

They broke from the kiss reluctantly and stared at each others tear stained face. "Kagome, I have something for you. I want you to keep it forever..." She nodded and sniffed.

He placed a chaste kiss on her lips again before taking her left hand in his. He removed the wide gold wedding band from his finger and placed it on her thumb; the ring was still too big.

Kagome looked at the two rings on her left hand and hugged him tightly again. "I'll never take it off, never."

He sniffed and studied her face, remembering every angle and curve; the arc of her eyebrow and the softness of her long, dark lashes. "I love you Kagome," He whispered. "I love you so much."

"I love you too... Don't leave me. Sesshoumaru I love you, please don't leave... me." They kissed one last time with all the passion and love in their hearts.

"I'll never leave you."

Kagome's eyes fluttered open and she sat up quickly. The side she had been laying on was damp from the grass and her eyes were tight from crying. She really had fallen asleep. That recollection didn't give her the urge to cry, but to smile. They had said goodbye now and though she wasn't okay, she knew she would be. She put her hand on his tombstone to stand up but stopped when a glitter caught her eye.

On her left ring finger was the delicate stone signifying his true love for her. The rays of the late morning sun bounced off the diamond and cast a rainbow of colors on her face. Inuyasha had told her it was maybe time to take off her ring. He told her she was living in the past and she needed to move on. Kagome didn't get angry when he said that. She didn't get defensive or cry and she didn't sink into a dark depression. Though somewhere in her heart she was flustered that in his mind three months was enough time to recuperate; she just smiled. She smiled vacantly and said she wasn't ready. He looked disheartened but let it go.

Kagome had been mortified at the loss of his ring. After the coroner informed her it had not been with the – with his body, she and Inuyasha had turned their house upside down trying to find it.

She tenderly removed it to look it over and found something written on the inside of the band; she didn't remember him getting it engraved. In small delicate hand-writing, "I'll never leave you"

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And that's it! I hope you enjoyed it. If you found any obvious, rediculous errors, just let me know and I'll jump on it! Let me know what you think!