“I don’t understand why it has to be you Kags! Why can’t the bastard send his stupid frog to come get her?” Inuyasha bellowed from from their hut. Kagome sighs deeply.

“Inuyasha I told you that I’m not only bringing Rin over for a visit but that I was invited for tea. You should be happy that Sesshomaru is becoming more friendly towards us.”

“But why did he have to invite YOU to tea? He could’ve invited anyone!”

“Maybe because I don’t curse his name and make a fuss we everytime I see him? Or maybe because I’m not afraid to talk to him in the first place?”

“You should be. You never know what that bastard’s thinking.”

“Have you ever tried asking him Inuyasha?”

“Knowing him he probably wouldn’t even tell me. C’mon Kags don’t tell me you’re really going?”

“Yes Inuyasha, I’m going. Geez, you make it sound like I’ll be gone for weeks. It’ll only be a few hours. We’ll be taking Kirara. Don’t pout too much and I’ll see you soon.” Kagome kisses him gently to help calm him down. Inuyasha kisses her back and relaxes his tense frame before pulling away.

“Alright. Just promise you’ll be careful.”

“I promise.” Kagome says as she finishes packing the rice balls and slinging her bow and arrows over her shoulder.

She heads outside the hut and instantly climbs on Kirara’s back. “Sorry for the wait guys!” Kagome says, looking at Kirara and Rin.
Kirara growls soothingly and Rin smiles. “It’s alright Kagome-Sama! Rin is just happy to see Sesshomaru-Sama!”

They fly over the beautiful Azure sky until the come upon the Western Fortress. Kirara sets them down and they dismount her, she changes her shape to sit on Kagome’s shoulder. Kagome looks up at the big gates at the front of the Fortress and before she can call out they open.

A beautiful woman with deep purple hair and onyx eyes looks at them both before saying, “Welcome to the Western Fortress, Lady Kagome and Lady Rin. Please follow me.” They’re lead to a room by the gardens and a nice round low table with cushions.

“Milord will be with you in a moment please make yourselves comfortable.” The demoness excuses herself and leaves.
“Kagome-Sama! These cushions are so soft! It’s like sitting on a cloud!”

Kagome takes a seat on a cushion after propping her quiver and bow against a wall. “You’re right Rin. They’re very comfy!” At that moment the door slides open and a servant says, “Lord Sesshomaru-Sama enters!”

Rin instant runs over to him and smiles brightly. “Sesshomaru-Sama Rin is so very happy to see you!” Rin hugs onto his leg before she begins to drag him further into the room. The room is automatically closed behind him.

“Sesshomaru,” Kagome says and bows politely, “It’s good to see you again.” Sesshomaru nods before replying, “Likewise.” Tea is served and Rin takes most of the time to talk and tell Sesshomaru what he’s missed in the last month before promptly falling asleep on her cushion. The warm soothing tea and pleasant atmosphere having lulled her into a peaceful slumber. Kagone absently runs her fingers through Rin’s hair before she speaks.

“So, how’ve you been?”

“Hn. Busy.”

“I can tell it wasn’t a good kind of busy. How bad is it?”

“Part of the North wish to have a share in the spoils we recieved for defeating Naraku because their Prince housed a shard in his leg for so long. They’re threatening to force a political marriage if I don’t.”

“That’s difficult. As I recall, I received most of the gifts anyway. Shouldn’t they be talking to me?”

“You did, however you’re of the West. They believe me to be the person to rob someone of their earned gifts, just because you are human.”

“They clearly don’t know you very well. I can talk to Kouga and Ayame and we could possibly work something out about my gifts. Do you think that’ll help?”

“This Sesshomaru does not need you to help, though it would be appreciated.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll talk to them and get the Northern wolf tribes off your back. Besides, Ayame is dead set on marrying Kouga. She tried to fight me for the right to mate with him. However, when she found out that I was just defending myself from her attacks and that I didn’t want to be with Kouga we became fast friends.”

“You have quite the connections. How are things with you and the half-breed?”

“The usual. He comes back, we're newlyweds again and then later we go right back to arguing. He didn’t even want me to come here today.”

“This arrangement pleases you?”

“Not by a long shot. But, that’s married life.”

“I’ve never understood your tendency to sacrifice yourself. Especially now, when there is no one for you to protect.”

“I am protecting someone.”

“You might see it that way, though I am inclined to believe you are in denial.”

“Then I guess you’re seeing something that I’m missing.”

“Hn. This Sesshomaru needs to continue his work. Please, continue to enjoy your tea until you take your leave.” With that, he got up and left. Leaving Kagome with her thoughts, a sleeping Rin, and Jasmine tea.