The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Confession

Chapter 65 - The Confession *Victorious* (Skye's Weekly Challenges)

Everyone else had settled into their chosen bedrooms, leaving just Kagome and Sesshoumaru in the main room. Though she was tired, she was enjoying the privacy. She felt as though she could ask him things that she wouldn't otherwise, with no one around to overhear. Finally, she worked up the nerve to ask the question she had been dying to for days.

"So," she said slowly, worried that she might offend him with her inquiry. "What happened to you? I mean, you're so different than I remember you." When his eyes widened slightly before he managed to get control of his expression once more, she backtracked. "I mean, you don't have to answer. I just... You seem warmer, more caring and open. Sure, I didn't know you well before, but still, it seems like you've changed."

Sesshoumaru was silent for a long time, making Kagome mentally panic. When he opened his mouth, only to close it again, she realized that she hit a nerve.

"It's okay. It's not important. I mean, it is important. I like you better this way. You're nicer, more approachable. But you don't have to tell me. It really is none of my business."

"No," the taiyoukai said slowly. "I wish I could tell you everything, but I cannot. Something did, indeed, happen to me. It changed my view of life and of the world. I realized that the differences between humans and demons do not matter. Worth is measured by the individual, not by a species as a whole. I learned that I took my life far too seriously, that I was lonely, and that I wanted friends."

Kagome smiled. "I'd like to be your friend."

Sesshoumaru smiled warmly. Though it wasn't quite what he wanted, it was definite proof of progress. "I could not find a better person to befriend," he replied.

"So, was it a near death experience? I've read that almost dying can change everything, and I kind of get it. I don't know how many times I thought I was going to die since we started collecting the jewel shards. Each time only makes me appreciate my life that much more. It might not be what I'd always imagined, but I wouldn't change it for anything."

"Near death?" he repeated. His mind was moving a mile a minute as he attempted to think of a way to answer her question. "Yes, you could call it that."

"Well, I'm glad," Kagome started before realizing how it sounded. "I mean, I'm not glad you almost died. I'm glad you didn't. But mostly, I'm glad you changed your views. Otherwise, I wouldn't have such an interesting new friend. I could listen to you talk all night."

The taiyoukai couldn't help but smirk. "And I could talk to you all night, but you need to rest."

Kagome sighed dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. Work to do, spell bags to find, barriers to bring down," she said jokingly. "You sure you're not just tired of me?"

Sesshoumaru locked eyes with her, feeling like he could see right into her soul. "Never."

The miko smiled before breaking into a yawn. "Good to know."

"There is still one room available," he said. He hated to be apart from her, but it was obvious she was exhausted. He doubted he could get away with holding her all night like he had the night before. The cabin was warm, so she would not need him for body heat, and it was unlikely that she would simply desire to be held. Even if she did, she probably wouldn't say so, and he was wary of offering and scaring her off. They were doing so well that he didn't dare try to move too fast and destroy his progress.

"No," Kagome said, fighting off another yawn. "Why don't you take it? I'm going to lay down with Inuyasha, just in case he wakes up in pain." Sesshoumaru couldn't keep the frown off his face, which made the miko giggle. "Don't tell me you're jealous too. He's been such a baby lately, like if I make a new friend I won't have room or time for him."

"Not jealous, exactly," he lied. He was, in fact, incredibly jealous of the hanyou. He already had her friendship, her love, her never-ending loyalty and devotion, and now he was going to get to sleep beside her as well? The hanyou wasn't even conscious!

"Then what?"

"Will you be able to sleep in the same room as him? I can hear his snoring from here."

Kagome laughed again. "Actually, it's nice to hear that sound. He doesn't sleep very often, and I know he gets exhausted. He's just so worried about making sure we're safe all the time. Are you going to sleep?"

"Probably not," he confessed. "Someone should keep watch, though attacking a cabin owned by the Northern Lord would be incredibly foolish.

"Especially if they sensed you in here."

Sesshoumaru smirked. He was thrilled to have Kagome acknowledge his strength. She knew that he would be a good protector.

"You can still sleep though. You'd wake up if you sensed something, wouldn't you?"

The taiyoukai's smirk widened. She was worried about him, while simultaneously complimenting his senses. This night was getting better and better, even if she did climb into bed with his brother.

"Maybe I should stay out here and make sure you get some rest, too. You seem to be just as stubborn as Inuyasha is."

"Why stay out here when there is a comfortable bed awaiting you?" he asked, concerned for her comfort. He brought her somewhere where she could rest in relative luxury, and she wanted to sleep on the floor?

"Fine, I'll sleep in the empty room," she said with a grin, feeling rather naughty for what she was about to suggest. "But only if you come with me. Even all-powerful taiyoukai's need sleep."

"Are you suggesting we sleep together?" he asked, wanting to make sure she was certain.

"I think maybe I am," Kagome answered playfully, "but only if you can promise not to channel Miroku."

"Agreed," he said with a nod. He felt better at that moment than he had after every successful battle combined. She trusted him, cared about him, and though he knew nothing was going to happen but sleep, she had just invited him into her bed.